On this date in 2002, the Rick Famuyiwa-directed Brown Sugar was released in theaters worldwide. It told the story of two childhood friends who concurrently fell in love with hip-hop – in addition to one another – on the identical street corner in Latest York City.

Since its premiere 20 years ago, this film has turn into a classic inside Black culture, and likewise birthed a chart-topping soundtrack that featured acts similar to Mary J. Blige, Erykah Badu, Faith Evans, Jill Scott, Mos Def, and more. The love story between Brown Sugar’s central characters Sidney (Sanaa Lathan) and Dre (Taye Diggs) continues to face up to the test of time, and their on-screen chemistry produced several memorable moments.

Alongside Lathan and Diggs, this movie also stars Nicole Ari Parker, Queen Latifah, Mos Def (now referred to as Yasiin Bey), Boris Kodjoe, and Wendell Pierce. 

In celebration of the twentieth anniversary of Brown Sugar, let’s take a take a look at the film’s forged then and now.

01

Sidney ‘Sid’ Shaw

Dre’s friend and newly-appointed EIC of the music magazine XXL. Through their friendship, they’re each reminded concerning the importance of that moment where they fell in love with hip-hop some 15 years prior.

02

Sanaa Lathan

Outside of building a stellar profession in television and film, Lathan had her hand in animation as well. This entertainer starred in Alien vs. Predator, The Family That Preys, and Out of Time, alongside Denzel Washington. She also has been the voice of Donna Tubbs within the Family Guy franchise since 2009.

03

Andre Romulus ‘Dre’ Ellis

Sid’s childhood friend and A&R of Millenium Records. A fan of true hip-hop, Dre is at a crossroads in his life and profession on account of the artists that his label decides to advertise.

04

Taye Diggs

Before appearing in Brown Sugar, Diggs appeared in movies similar to How Stella Got Her Groove Back, The Wood, and The Best Man. Since 2002, the Latest Jersey-born actor has had starring roles on Grey’s Anatomy and Empire. He can now be seen in The CW’s All-American, and is about to reprise his role as Harper Stewart within the upcoming The Best Man: The Final Chapters.

05

Christopher Anton ‘Cavi’ Vichon

The cab driver and rapper who befriends Dre. Dre eventually desires to sign him on account of his talent.

06

Yasiin Bey (Formerly referred to as Mos Def)

A person of many facets, Bey is considered one of the best hip-hop acts of all-time, in addition to a nominee for each a Primetime Emmy and Golden Globe for his role in Something The Lord Made. Earlier this 12 months, he released No Fear of Time with frequent collaborator Talib Kweli under the moniker Black Star.

07

Reese Marie Wiggam

A successful attorney who later falls in love with and marries Dre. Their relationship becomes strained when Dre quits his A&R job with the intention to follow his passion.

08

Nicole Ari Parker

With a profession spanning over 30 years, Parker also appeared in Broadway with A Streetcar Named Desire. She has starred in Welcome Home, Roscoe Jenkins, All of Us, and Chicago P.D. From 2000 – 2004, Parker played the role of Teri Joseph on Soul Food, where she met her now-husband Boris Kodjoe.

09

Francine

Sid’s cousin and supporter of her potential relationship with Dre throughout the film. Cavi can also be awkwardly interested in her.

10

Queen Latifah

This actress, rapper and producer has literally done all of it. She was a pioneer in hip-hop, in addition to winning several awards across multiple types of entertainment, including: a Grammy Award, a Golden Globe Award, two Screen Actors Guild Awards, two NAACP Image Awards, a Primetime Emmy Award, and an Academy Award nomination.

11

Kelby Dawson

The NBA star who Sidney meets and begins thus far. Kelby eventually proposes to Sid, to which she accepts; further complicating the connection between her and Dre.

12

Boris Kodjoe

After the discharge of Brown Sugar, Kodjoe starred in TV shows similar to Soul Food, Real Husbands of Hollywood, and most recently, Station 19. He’s currently married to co-star Nicole Ari Parker.

13

Simon

Dre’s boss at Millenium Records.

14

Wendell Pierce

This Latest Orleans native is a highly achieved actor, and was a part of the major forged for several critically-acclaimed shows on HBO (The Wire, Treme). He also won a Tony Award in 2012 for his performance within the play Clybourne Park. Pierce is a jazz enthusiast, and plays trombone.