Boyz n the Hood (1991)

Before shooting Poetic Justice (1993), Shaft (2000), Baby Boy (2001) and 2 Fast 2 Furious (2003), filmmaker John Singleton made his feature-length directorial debut with Boyz n the Hood (1991). In addition to showcasing the talents of Angela Bassett, Laurence Fishburne and Regina King before they were stars, the movie became Mr. Singleton’s calling card since he scored Academy Award nominations for Best Original Screenplay and Best Director. The latter feat makes him the youngest person and the first African American to be recognized in that coveted category! Set in a dangerous area of Los Angeles, this coming of age flick follows the trials and tribulations of three Black kids played by Young Artist Award winners: Donovan McCrary as Ricky Baker, Baha Jackson as Darrin “Doughboy” Baker and Desi Arnez Hines II as Tre Styles. Although the trio of friends share similar upbringings, each chooses a different path to follow in life. Once they reach their late teens, Tre (Morris Chestnut) tries to get into college; Doughboy (Ice Cube) becomes a drug-pushing gangbanger; and athletic Ricky (Cuba Gooding Jr.) lands a football scholarship to USC. While each of the young men seek to better themselves by rising above the hood, fate steps in with other plans. In other words, not everyone makes it out alive. But at least, Cuba makes it out of his clothing! The ebony hunk bares his buns while banging his babe 42 minutes into the movie. Then, he flashes his panties while running from her granny. Nice fanny!