Indianapolis Recorder, Indianapolis, Marion County, 25 October 2002 — Page 27

^00*. \ >■ yr rj: FRIDAY, OCTOBER 25,2002

THE INDIANAPOLIS RECORDER

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Mekhi Phifer takes issue with Samuel Jackson on rappers

By KAM WILLIAMS For The Recorder Mekhi (pronounced meck-hi) Phifer (pronounced fie-fur) was bom in Harlem, N.Y., on Dec. 12, 1975. Mekhi got his start in show business by showing up at Spike Lee’s open casting call for “dockers” (1995). Though inexperienced and untrained, the aspiring actor beat out over 1,000 others to land the lead role of Strike, an inner-city

drug dealer.

Phifer’s yeoman work there led to an array of roles such as “Girl 6” MeKm pnTOr

passionate people.

Most rappers aren’t exactly Fullbright scholars. Isn’t it OK for an actor of Sam’s stature, as an Oscar-nominee, to say he wants his cast to be well-trained

in their craft?

MP: I wish he didn’t feel like that. I think he’s a clown for making the statement and that he’s shutting himself off. It’s unfortunate that I have to see him in that light, and for him to separate himself from his own people and the culture that has helped elevate so many of our people. I don’t respect him.

Master of

(1996),“SoulFood”(1997),“IStill you get to bring other people, who I wish he hadn’t said it, but it is

Know What You Did Last Sum- aren’t used to that world, into it. what it is.

mer” (1998), “Shaft” (2000) and That can be very intriguing. How would you assess “O” (2001) where he handled ev- In this movie, your co-star is Cam’ron’s work in “Paid in

. erything from action to comedy to Cam’rontherapper.You’vealso Full”?

horror to Shakespeare. done films with Eminem and MP: Cam did his thing. He was But the versatile talent gets real other hip-hop stars. Samuel L. willing to go all out and he did a and returns to his roots to play Jackson announced recently that great job. He’s from Harlem, too. another drug dealer in “Paid in he wouldn’t appear in movies Did the two of you feel any Full,” a gangsta’ ghetto verity fea- opposite rappers anymore be- particular pressures, since you ture produced by Rock-a-Fella hip- cause they’re taking work away are sort of representing your own

hop impresarios Damon Dash and from legitimate actors who have community?

Jay-Z. The movie co-stars drug paid their dues. How do you feel MP: We knew the ramifications dealer-turned-rapper Cam’ron, a about that? of doing a film like this. You have homey who was also born in MP: I think it’s an unfortunate to portray these cats to the fullest, Harlem and baptized Cameron statement he made. In one fell if you still want to go back and Giles. swoop he turned himself into a walk around on the streets of the In real life, Mekhi is married to square. Plus, it’s hypocritical and neighborhood. A lot of these guys actress Malinda(pronouncedmuh- contradictory for him to say that, are still alive. You don’t want to

linda) Williams, with whom he has How so? lose your street credibility,

a son, Omi (pronounced oh-mee). MP: He just made “Formula 51 ” Do you have any interest in Here, he shares his ideas about with Meatloaf (heavy metal rock working on the stage, where fellow actor Samuel L. Jackson, star). What’s the difference, you people can experience your in-

acting and other things. stupid duck? An artist is an artist, tensity in the flesh?

What attracted you to this lat- You know what I mean? MP: I have a hard time rehearsest role? Why don’t you explain. ing for four weeks in order to perMP: I’m from Harlem, bom and MP: Why attack rappers? It’s form in front of a packed house of raised. And 1 grew up knowing almost racist what he’s saying. So, only 100 people. I’d rather have about these cats. As an actor, you I give him no love on that. I don’t my work seen by the masses. I can always try to find things that help respect his statement. do theater, but it’s a different type bring you back to your roots, things Does that mean you prefer ofacting. It’s not as intimate. It’s a folks from your neighborhood can acting with rappers? lot of projection and talking to the

relate to. Also, at the same time, MP: No, Ijust want to work with audience. I like being real.

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