The screenwriter behind the classic films “New Jack City,” "Sugar Hill," and "Above the Rim" died this week in Baltimore.

Cooper wrote for newspapers like 'The Village Voice' before transitioning to screenwriting and filmmaking with 1991's 'New Jack City'

Barry Michael Cooper, an investigative reporter-turned-screenwriter known for the films "New Jack City," "Above the Rim" and "Sugar Hill," has died. Cooper died Tuesday, a spokesperson for the Maryland Office of the Chief Medical Examiner confirmed to The Times.

Barry Michael Cooper, the writer and director was behind the films New Jack City, Above the Rim and Sugar Hill, died Wednesday at 66.

Barry Michael Cooper, a pioneer of Black cinema in the 1990s, passed away on Tuesday in Baltimore, Maryland. He was 66. Cooper’s death was confirmed by a representative for Spike Lee, who worked with the acclaimed writer and producer on Netflix’s adaptation of She’s Gotta Have It.