Recently, Dame Dash celebrated a big milestone with his gritty film Honor Up airing on BET. Released in 2018 and executive-produced by Kanye West, the film is all about loyalty, betrayal, and redemption-onto the harsh canvas of street life.
BET’s airing premiered on December 7, 2024, at 9 PM and proved to be one of those proud moments for Dash and his team. Speaking about the premiere, he said, “This film is more than just a story, but a reflection of real life in which loyalty will be put under serious tests, and honor is going to be the main prize.”.
Honor Up tells the story of OG, an ex-enforcer looking to uphold his honor with a balance between family life and loyalty with the crew. Toting an A-Plus lineup consisting of Smoke DZA and Cam’ron, Honor Up showcases a gritty, down-and-dirty life out on the streets. Dash also helms the film in a starring role as OG. He adds depth and gravitas to the performance.
With independent filmmaking, Dash insisted on his solitary rights to full artistic control of the project. He wanted to tell a story that reflected his experiences and those of his community. “I wanted to make a film that’s honest and true to what I’ve learned through my life,” said Dash. “It’s about depicting street life as it is and how loyalty and honor play their parts.”
The film is a dense derivation from Dash’s own childhood in Harlem and displays, with no holds barred, the dynamics of loyalty in the pressure cooker of a crew. Critics praise the film for its gritty realism and emotional resonance, noting how such a film can speak effectively to an audience through raw storytelling.
What really sets Honor Up apart from your average street drama is a blend between authenticity and thematic depth. It treads in the area of moral judgments between loyalty and betrayal, showing how such principles lead to the alteration of relationships and decisions within closer communities. Dash was so passionate to tell a story with meanings that he sought creative control and kept the movie true to his vision.
Kanye West executive produced the film, adding an artistic element to the project. Dash wasn’t going to let the opportunity pass him by without giving great praise to the opportunity to work with Kanye once again: “It was great reconnecting with Kanye and being able to bring our vision into reality together. His involvement really added that unique layer to the film, specifically for the music and tone.”.
This headlined and delighted many fans and critics alike when the movie premiered on BET. Dash was excited to have such an opportunity to showcase in this way and reach an audience that the movie otherwise would not have targeted, using this platform for greater exposure and influence. “I’m excited to share this story with more people, and show that independent films can make a big impact, ” he said.
From music mogul to filmmaker, the growth and commitment to authenticity are reflective of that transition Dash has affected. He consistently used his platform to amplify those stories that resonate with him and his community. It is a really inspiring story about persistence and creative vision that gives hope to emerging filmmakers.
As Dash is celebrating the success of Honor Up on BET, the movie has become a testament to his commitment to crafting authentic, impactful stories. Boasting a strong narrative, great performances, and universal themes around honor and loyalty, Honor Up is one of those films that will have a lasting impression on your mind, a memento to Dash’s legacy as a storyteller who speaks truth to power.
