Bad Things Happen In Philadelphia Soundtrack Features Jill Scott, Da’T.R.U.T.H., and More

Despite the challenges of gun violence, Philadelphia is a city of resilience and hope. The award-winning film, Bad Things Happen In Philadelphia directed and produced by Kyra Knox tells the stories of those affected by gun violence, especially young people, as well as the grassroots efforts that are fighting back. With NBA legend Allen Iverson along with his childhood friends Cleon Lockett and Paul Taylor, Knox’s film is a testament to the power of community and the human spirit. Advance showings of the film at several film festivals have resulted in multiple awards. The film will make its national broadcast premiere on Fox Soul and Prime Video December 2, 2023. The soundtrack album featuring such artists as Da’T.R.U.T.H., Jill Scott, Beam, Canon and YungDave67 among others, will be released by Shanachie Entertainment on December 1, 2023. The albums first two singles are available everywhere now: “Legacy,” featuring Da’ T.R.U.T.H., Jill Scott, Greg Cox and Adam Blackstone, and “Make It Out” featuring Canon. The soundtrack is executive produced by Stellar Award-Winning Producer Gabe Johnson, Cleon Lockett, Jerry Cox, Mark Mims and Naquis Brabham of Home Studios who also mixed and mastered the album.

The impetus for the film came from witnessing the impact of violence on friends, family, and neighbors by director Knox, as well as the inspiring work her cousin Garry Mills is doing through his non-profit, Shoot Basketballs Not People.

“Whenever we hear people talk about gun violence, you never hear it from a teen’s perspective,” notes Knox. “It was important for me to get their thoughts.”

Knox was connected to Grammy-nominated producer Mark Mims of Home Studios, through a friend. “Mark said to trust him and don’t crowd-source; he would get me funding,” Knox explains. Knox and Mims began a partnership and were able to garner funding.

As the project evolved, they were able to enlist NBA legend Allen Iverson to sign on as executive producer, thanks to his childhood friends Cleon Lockett and Paul Taylor.  “When I saw the opportunity to make a difference, being part of this project with friends and a city I love, I wanted in,” Iverson says, “to make a real change in our communities.”