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DRE’S GOT THE POWER!

INTERVIEW BY CYNTHIA HORNER

Q:  You play such a bad character, but people are mesmerized by your performances. How did you  first land a part on  the series?

ROTIMI AKINOSHO: I auditioned and sent my tape later and then I got to meet the director. I remember coming in and I brought props with me. I brought a bottle, a cigarette; I just took the character to another level and I knew that it would separate me. They knew I was serious. I didn’t want to miss out on being on a classic series, so I brought my A-game. That was it. I was as authentic as possible.

 

 

Q: Your character expanded into a certified villain. What is Dre like?

ROTIMI: Dre is trying to prove himself but ultimately he’s a Baby Ghost and Baby Kanan mixed into one and he’s thrown into this world of Power.

 

Q: How would you describe the on-set atmosphere?

ROTIMI: People think everything is intense but all we do is make jokes; we’re silly. Everyone gets along. No one is like the character that they play. 50 is nothing like Kanan and Omari Hardwick is nothing like Ghost. It’s cool to see how talented everyone is.

Q: Were you surprised about the popularity of the show? It has just gotten bigger and better.

ROTIMI: I realized it when I all my friends called and said, “your life is going to change. This is the best show since ‘The Wire.’” I didn’t watch the show before I got on, but after I booked it, my phone started blowing up. (And it hasn’t stopped!)

 

Q: You’ve gone from “Boss” to “Power” which are two good shows. What’s your secret?

ROTIMI: There are so many people who can do the same thing. 95 percent is what the director and the executive producers want. It could be the walk, the sound; it’s not just the actor. They already have an idea of what they want, so there’s competition, but we’re in their hands. But competition is good; it makes people better.

 

NO LOYALTY! DRE DROPPED KANAN A WHILE BACK! CREDIT: STARZ

BREAKING VIDEOS TO WATCH

 

Q:  How old were you when you became interested in music?
ROTIMI: I had been recording since I was 13.

 

Q:  In addition to having played in some of the “Power” episodes alongside 50  (although that soon changed), you have been an artist on his label, G-Unit. Which came first?

ROTIMI: When I got on “Power”  he (50)  found out I did music, too. But my stuff was sent to G-Unit separately. I didn’t want to come to him and ask him for help on the set. Every extra was coming up to him, so I let it happen organically.

FLASHBACK IN STYLISH STREET WEAR! CREDIT: STARZ

Q:  I  once told 50 I have the dialogue memorized. Do you find yourself repeating the lines?
ROTIMI: I get caught up in it, too, and I want to see how I can do better. It has been addictive!

 

EDITOR’S NOTE:  DO YOU THINK DRE WILL DIE OR DO YOU THINK HIS CHARACTER WILL CONTINUE TO THRIVE? TWEET @RIGHTONDIGITAL1