Rapper Kendrick Lamar impressed fans with his guest appearance in television drama Power.
Kendrick’s scene-stealing cameo allowed the rapper to showcase his acting skills and ability to transform into a character far away from his own persona. This appearance marks the Compton born rapper’s big screen debut. Kendrick plays Laces, a vibrant Spanish speaking crackhead who assists 50 Cent’s character Kanan with getting rid of rival drug dealers.
Kanan uses Laces as a diversion to distract members of a local Latino gang who Kanan then kills. In his multiple scenes, Kendrick’s character goes on colourful rants about race, racism, medication and the quality of chicken. Viewers praised Kendrick’s performance on social media and 50 Cent claimed on Instagram that the rapper’s cameo will increase ratings.
The praise adds to a successful year for Kendrick which saw him win a Pulitzer prize for critically acclaimed fourth album DAMN. Lamar made history as the first non-jazz or classical artist to win the coveted Pulitzer prize. Kendrick also acted as executive producer of the soundtrack to the Box Office smash Black Panther and he embarked on the second leg of his hugely successful DAMN tour where he toured Europe, Australasia and later Korea. DAMN saw the release of a string of successful singles including “Humble”, “DNA” and “Loyalty” featuring Rihanna.
Power is an American US drama executively produced by 50 Cent starring Omari Hardwick as a drug dealer turned nightclub owner in New York. The series follows the protagonist Ghost as he tries to balance his legal and illegal activities with his family life. Co-Stars include Naturi Naughton, La La Anthony and R&B singer Rotimi.
The show is currently in its fifth season which shows the characters attempt to resolve the tragic deaths, betrayals and feuds from the fourth season. UK fans can watch Power on Netflix in weekly releases.