Congrats on both premieres of Netflix "Coffee & Kareem" and Nickelodeon's "Danger Force". Tell us more about how you may or may not relate to both characters, and prep work-seeing as though they are totally different-real life, inner city kid vs a superhero in training?
Ok, I will start with "Coffee and Kareem". My mommy definitely helped me with this because she said she grew up with boys like Kareem. She told me stories about growing up in the inner city and it was crazy and funny at the same time. I really related to Kareem because he loves his mommy and was like the man of the house. I have a dad, but he works hard as a truck driver. He is always working and telling me I'm the man of the house. He respects his mom and so do I, but I would not be crazy enough to curse like that. However, I did enjoy doing it for the movie lol!
For “Danger Force,” it was just natural for me because I am a lot like my character Miles. I'm laid back and believe the Universe is in control of my destiny. I am an only child, so I have spent lots of time pretending to be a superhero and fighting crime. Also, Miles is proud of who he is just like me. Which is why I love the black power fist on my superhero suit. It's dope.
Coffee & Kareem? What are your favorite memories working with seasoned and notable cast-mates like Taraji P. Henson in the making of Coffee & Kareem?
Oh man, that was crazy. I call her ‘Mama T’. I love her! She taught me things that I will never forget. She told me less is more and how to use facial expressions to elevate my performance. In a nut shell, she showed me how little things can be big in a scene. I will never forget it. I used to call her my TV mom before I even thought about acting. When I saw her on “Empire” I loved her. Sitting down and eating with her and just hanging out between scenes was mind-blowing. I tried to keep it cool.
As a young teen with developing style, How would you describe your everyday look/style? Any style obsessions? i.e. (sneakers, jackets, etc).
I just like to be comfortable. I love sneakers. I believe I am turning into a sneaker-head.
You rock dreadlocks, a staple natural look, do you have any products you swear by for maintenance and for those who want to achieve your look?
That’s a good question. When I first started out, my mommy was putting in all kinds of stuff to make it loc, but she said it was causing a lot of build-up so she started to keep it simple. To keep it easy and clean, my mother, she washes my locs twice a month. Starting with soaking my hair in apple cider vinegar and baking soda, followed by putting the TPH by TARJI Master Cleanse on my scalp and letting it soak for an hour. Then, she puts Mango Lime Jamaican Black Castor Oil on the scalp when it is wet so it will not get dried out. Then, I spray it every day with Maui Moisture Coconut Milk to make it shine and keep it soft and it smells so good. I tie it up with a silk scarf so it won’t get all fuzzy. I love it. I have been growing them since I was 5. I told my mommy I wanted to have power like Marshawn Lynch when he was playing for the Seattle Seahawks and she said “ok.” I thought I was Beast Mode lol and I feel powerful with my hair.
Let’s dig into your music taste, who are your favorite artists?
My mommy has me well rounded in music so I will say: Biggie, Wu-Tang, J. Cole, Migos, Da Baby, Pop Smoke, XXXTentacion and I like R&B too. Mary J. Blige, Jill Scott, Erykah Badu, Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder....I just love music!
If a fan took over your music playlist, what would they be surprised to see and hear?
"My Girl" - The Temptations, "I Want You" - Marvin Gaye, "This Could Be Love"- Lalah Hathaway, "Stars" - Kindred , "Half Time" - Amy Winehouse. I think I will stop right there lol.
We hear you are into sports, what and who are your favorites?
I love to play basketball and football. The Seahawks are still my favorite team. I do not really have a favorite basketball team. I love LeBron James though.
Have you thought about a ‘Dream Project’ yet? Who would you like to work with on your dream role?
Oh man, I would love to work with Kevin Hart, Angela Bassett, Michael B Jordan, Viola Davis, Samuel Jackson, Chadwick Boseman or 'The Rock'. I would love to do a superhero movie and do my own stunts or conquer my fear by doing a horror movie. My dream role would be with Tiffany Haddish— she is so pretty and funny. I was in her DM's like 2 years ago and she ignored me. I was asking if I could take her on a date but I really didn't have money like that. I'm going to try her back again because I’m older now.
Photographer: Caleb Shane (@imcalebshane) Stylist: Patrick Lynere (@patrick_lynere)
Groomer: Eliven Quiros (@ellyway)
Follow Terrence: @terrencelittlegardenhigh
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