Video After The Jump
In this episode of People's Party, Talib Kweli and Jasmin Leigh sit down with actor and rapper Rick Gonzalez. This compelling interview commences with Rick speaking to his experience playing the role of the vigilante superhero Wild Dog in the hit series "Arrow." He also delves into his youth growing up in the Bushwick area of Brooklyn and being fully immersed in all the elements of hip-hop. He goes on to speak about the Puerto Rican and Dominican dynamic during that time, and learning his craft of acting at LaGuardia High School of music and arts.
Later they discuss his experiences performing in films such as "Coach Carter," "War Of The Worlds," and "Old School" as well as working with acclaimed directors and actors like Steven Spielberg, John Singleton, Tom Cruise, and Will Farrell. Rick is asked who he feels is the best rapper/actor, he explains why he chose to quit rapping after 13 years, they talk about his friendship with the late great Sean Price, and in closing Rick illustrates the roles that he's taken the most from in helping him grow as an actor and a man.
TIME STAMPS:
2:55 -- Rick speaks to how much fun he's been having playing the role of the character Wild Dog in the television series 'Arrow', explaining the vigilante anti-hero as the D.C. Universe's Punisher. He reflects on growing up reading mostly Marvel comic books, and having to do his research on the backstory of the character. They also discuss the Flash/Arrow overlap.
7:01 -- Rick is asked about his youth growing up in the Bushwick area of Brooklyn, NY in the late 80's and early 90's. They discuss him buying the early Tony Touch mixtapes, Rick being immersed in all the elements of hip hop including breakdancing, and talks about all the fun he had despite the danger lurking on certain streets that he knew to steer clear of.
10:15 -- Rick talks about his Dominican/Puerto Rican heritage, and his parent's marriage being an anomaly during that time in NYC with a history of friction between the two nationalities. He expands on that, they discuss how white supremacy plays into it, he speaks on his feeling of kinship with the black community, which then leads to a discussion of Latinos and use of the N-word in relation to where they grew up.
18:26 -- Rick goes into his experience attending LaGuardia High School of Music & Art and Performing Arts, where he learned his love of acting. He speaks on how effective the school was in setting the foundation for someone serious about pursuing a career as an actor. Jasmin asks Rick how he made his way to LA so early on, and they also talk about Talib's friendship with Michael Rappaport.
24:05 -- Talib brings up Rick's prominent role in 'Coach Carter', and asks Rick if he has any interesting stories from working on that film. Rick talks about arguing with the director during his audition, explains why he was so drawn to the real-life character of Timo Cruz, but not having anyone to teach him a bay-area accent, Talib speaks to his interpretation of LA before he moved there from NYC, and they discuss the responsibility of Hollywood casting actors in finding those that best embody the role of the character they portray, and not just focusing on how they look or sound.
30:31 -- Rick touches on his role in the movie 'Roll Bounce', acting alongside Bow Wow, and having to learn how to roller skate. They also talk about his appearance in the Spielberg film 'War Of The Worlds', he outlines the scene and running through his lines with the iconic director, who told him not to say thank you for giving him the role. He also mentions his interactions with Tom Cruise.
37:27 -- Rick speaks on his role as 'Spanish' from the hit comedy 'Old School'. They discuss director Todd Phillips' road from directing one of the biggest comedies of all-time to 'Joker' one of the most acclaimed psychological thrillers of all-time. Rick speaks on working with Will Farrell, and Talib asks Rick about the hazing scene with cinder blocks, and working with old man Blue.
42:52 -- Rick outlines his experiences working with the legendary John Singleton in the film 'Illegal Tender'. He speaks to his filmmaking genius as a true visionary, his willingness to share knowledge, and strong ability to understand how to make movies successful.
45:52 -- Talib brings up Rick's love for hip hop, and mentions the fact that they collaborated on a song together. Kweli asks Rick who he thinks is the best rapper/actor, Talib tells Rick how he feels about his rapping ability, and Rick illustrates why he's chosen not to rap anymore after 13 years of pursuing a career as an emcee.
52:35 -- Rick talks about knowing and working with the legendary Sean Price. Talib recalls getting a shout-out from Sean in his last album before his passing, and both Rick and Talib reminisce over their friendship with Sean and how he pushed them both to step up as artists.
56:19 -- In closing Talib asks Rick: "Out of all the roles that you've played, what is the one that really taught you something, brought you joy, and/or helped you evolve as a man."
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