The real issues were in constant evolution too, so we would address them as they came about.
ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY: Can you talk a little bit about how you got involved in the movie?
But then what really got me was when I read the script.
Credit: Adela Loconte/WireImage
It had a heart that I really love.
I love when movies make you feel emotional, and then you leave feeling good.
Did the script have to evolve while you were shooting to reflect the news as it happened?
It was truly a work in progress.
And I think we had to keep it relevant and keep updating what was going on.
That happened that week and we just put that in.
Was there any struggle to balance those elements with the more serious stuff?
At times I would say to Malcolm, Is my character being too preachy, too message-y?
You know, that guy has always got tomessage.
[Laughs] I didnt want my character to have only that dimension.
Look, there were over a 100 murders this year [in Chicago].
Do you see that message crossing over to other demographics?
The characters just resonate.
And its not self-righteous or we only talk about ourselves in a good way, its a real discussion.
NWA wasnt a group that was only speaking to black people.
I know kids from all walks of life that love those records.
I thinkBarbershopcan do that too, if theyre exposed to it.
On another note, how rough was it to have your character being fought over by Eve and Nicki?
I mean… Thats a dream job right there [laughs].
These two beautiful powerful women.
I love women that have a sense of self like that and it was just a lot of fun.
And I got paid for that!
What more can I ask?
Its a good life.
You better start working on that Tony.
You know I am Ill be in theaters at some point soon.
