In a partnership we didn’t know we needed but are absolutely thrilled to have, horror maestro Eli Roth and hip-hop royalty Nas are officially joining forces.
Roth’s genre banner, The Horror Section, has entered into a strategic partnership with Mass Appeal, a company founded by the Grammy-winning rapper. As part of the deal, Mass Appeal is making a direct investment in Roth’s company. The two powerhouses will now co-develop a slate of film and television projects. While the exact financial details remain in the shadows, the creative potential is massive.
First Up: A Dark Twist on the Ice Cream Truck
The alliance is kicking off immediately, with Nas and Mass Appeal CEO Peter Bittenbender stepping on board as Executive Producers for Roth’s upcoming feature, Ice Cream Man. This is the flagship film for The Horror Section, which Roth launched in March 2025.
Set in a sleepy summer town, it descends into absolute madness when a local ice cream man begins serving the neighborhood kids sweet treats with deeply horrifying results. Suddenly, lactose intolerance doesn’t seem so bad.
Leading the ensemble of Ice Cream Man is Ari Millen (“Orphan Black “) as the unsettling titular character. Benjamin Byron Davis, Karen Cliche, Dylan Hawco, and Sarah Abbott will star. Roth himself will round out the cast in an undisclosed role.
Who is Nas?
Known as Nas, the rapper’s real name is Nasir bin Olu Dara Jones. He is considered one of the most influential rappers and lyricists of all time. In 1994, at just 20 years old, Nas released his debut album, Illmatic. It is universally regarded as one of the most important albums in hip-hop history. It set a new standard for street poetry, complex rhyme schemes, and cinematic storytelling.
In 2013, Nas and CEO Peter Bittenbender took over Mass Appeal. They turned it into a juggernaut, producing music and music videos. It has since become a driving force for documentaries, and now it has set its sights on film. And who better to guide them through the horror genre than the director of Hostel and Thanksgiving?
Here’s an interesting fact: This isn’t the first time Eli Roth has worked with a rapper. He is currently working with Snoop Dogg on the upcoming horror film Don’t Go in That House, Bitch!. Snoop will contribute to the film’s soundtrack.
