July 9 [10:00 EDT] -- Hip-hop pioneers Grandmaster Flash and Melle Mel are about to be immortalized in a film biography.

The film is to be made by producers-directors Steve James and Peter Gilbert, two of the three makers of the widely acclaimed documentary "Hoop Dreams."

Back in the late 70's, with The Furious Five, Flash was among the first great turntable artists. And Melle Mel was the lead rapper on The Furious Five's classic "The Message."

The filmmakers have gotten the rights to that and other Furious Five tracks, as well as the official cooperation of Flash and Melle Mel. No word yet on when casting, or shooting, will begin.