While Amazon has solidified itself as a pretty strong contender in the market of online original TV shows, it still hasn't ventured into the movie business... until now. The company announced today that it will premiere Spike Lee's upcoming film, Chi-Raq, as its first-ever original movie.

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According to the press release issued by Amazon Studios, the film, which is a musical comedy about the violence in Chicago, features an all-star cast including Nick Cannon, Wesley Snipes, Jennifer Hudson, Angela Bassett, John Cusack and Samuel L. Jackson.

Chi-Raq is directed by Lee, who wrote the screenplay with Kevin Willmott. Lee released a statement about his excitement for his partnership with Amazon and the project's release: "I'm honored to be part of the film that will launch Amazon Studios and to tell a story that is so important," he said. "Please don't be fooled by the title of Chi-Raq. This new Spike Lee joint will be something very special."

The film does not have a solid release date as of yet.

Check out Spike Lee's message to Hollywood in the BET exclusive clip below:

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(Photo: Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images)