Talib Kweli & Omari Hardwick On 'Power,' 50 Cent, Fitness, 'Army Of The Dead' | People's Party Full

[@uproxx]

TIME STAMPS: 7:15 -- Omari explores what a huge moment performing his one man show, 'HerO: A Work in Progress' was. His family and fellow cast members all showing up to witness the unique blend of storytelling, poetry, rap, photographs, and video that he put together and presented at Brooklyn's Billie Holiday Theatre. They go on to discuss how the show was something of a testimony about growing up black and being close to his father among other things and Omari also notes some of the artists he got to know doing poetry before being known in the acting world. 10:42 -- Omari is asked about his Decatur, Georgia upbringing. He speaks on moments growing up feeling out of place but also at times feeling like a true authentic ATLien. They discuss the huge migration of black folks moving to Atlanta during the 80's for better opportunities and New Yorkers competing in the ATL and telling Atlanta kids they were wack even if they were originally from NY. They also get into how Reaganomics affected the community and Omari talks about how being heavily influenced by New York culture was inevitable in Atlanta. 15:02 -- Talib brings up hearing Omari at one point calling himself an "artsy fartsy athlete". Omari talks about the chain of events that led him to potentially being drafted by the Chargers following his minoring in Theater. He gets into his aspirations to do more poetry outside of his theater studies and wanting to inspire his fellow athletes to consider exploring the arts, live outside the box and embrace some weirdness. They also discuss the "greater sexy" of confidence in being who you want to be and hip hop's inclusiveness as well as it being an umbrella for all the free thinkers of the world. 20:40 -- Omari speaks on the intriguing dynamic of the characters in 'Power'. They discuss the drama of Team Tasha vs. Team Angela, who's the "ride or die" vs. the "ride or fly" and how both women being black brought a level playing field to the argument. Omari's Men's Health workouts is brought up and he explains why he feels that it would be blasphemous if he didn't take care of his body as well as how working out has long been an integral part of him living out his dream. They also get into Omari's casting in the 2004 crime drama 'Sucker Free City' and what Spike Lee told Omari that got him heavy into cardio. 29:24 -- Omari is asked about his days of being homeless and living in his car before finally making it in industry. They discuss his being inspired after reading an article about a young Lawrence Fishburn almost giving up on his dream of becoming an actor and Omari's working with director Benny Boom on the film 'Next Day Air' alongside Mike Epps and Mos Def. He also talks about his brother being murdered in Las Vegas not long before he made the film, and how the part he landed in the comedy was a true game changer for Omari in so many ways. 37:14 -- Talib talks about his finally having the downtime to binge on 'Power' and they go on to discuss Omari's convo with Cee-Lo about the series. They get into how Dave Chappelle gave Talib a huge lift early in her career and how he has always used his platform to show love. They also speak on Omari and 50 Cent's collab on '50+O=500', compare similarities of 'Game Of Thrones' vs. 'Power', 50 Cent encompassing the story of boy meets a dysfunctional world, bring up notable lyrics from 50's 'Many Men' and Omari expresses his feeling forever indebted to 50 for changing his life as well as so many others. 44:51 -- 50 Cent's online trolling is brought up with his recent history of taking it upon himself to pit the series 'Power' against 'Empire'. Omari speaks of his friendship with actress Loretta Devine, her calling him upset about things 50 had said and Omari tells how he approached 50 about the situation, giving some grace and mercy for the pain that 50 has endured in life. They also discuss how people rarely change after a certain age, 50 being known for giving people permission to be who they are and how today's world views pettiness as a virtue. 51:37 -- Talib speaks on how he thought the characters of Ghost and Angela relate to Romeo and Juliet and Omari illustrates an alternate ending for 'Power' he had made up years before the series finale that catered to the bromance between Ghost and Tommy. The conflicting dynamic of Ghost being a cold blooded drug dealer who remains the moral fabric of the series is discussed as well as Omari seeing the show differently through the audience's lense and his asking writer Courtney Kemp if his character is a sociopath. 1:00:18 -- Omari speaks on his most important job of portraying the character of Ghost in making sure he is believable. They discuss Omari's making of a list about the good and bad of Ghost as well as his own list for Omari, actors not being too far removed from the characters they play and how Omari navigates juggling multiple roles at any given time. They also get into hip hop being the prime example of life imitating art and how 'Power' has been able to draw viewers in with relatable characters and experiences. 1:07:13 -- Omari is asked how the crew of 'Power' handled safety onset. They discuss how the 'Rust' accidental shooting has changed how the film world approaches things, Alec Baldin looking the wiser with his push for higher safety standards, Omari having a long history of dealing with guns on set and how Brandon Lee's death should have had a bigger impact on the industry. They also explore Omari's starring in rapper/director Boots Riley's 'Sorry To Bother You'. They get into Talib not recognizing Omari on the first viewing and the genius of Boots Riley in how he approaches his revolutionary themes. 1:15:44 -- Omari's album '2540 Daze' is brought up. He illustrates how he came up with the title after having Treyvon Martin's family on his 'Poetic's Podcast'. They go on to debate why LL Cool J has been such a criminally underrated emcee when discussing the GOATS and Omari talks about getting his first gig through LL when he got casted as an extra on 'In The House'. Talib goes on to tell Omari why he reminds him of an LL meets Killah Priest, Omari goes on to recite some powerful bars of his own and they discuss the great Gil Scott-Heron finally being inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. 1:28:19 -- Talib brings up being a huge fan of director Zack Snyder and his films. They go on to discuss Omari working with Zach on the movie 'Army Of The Dead' and that experience being a huge moment of pride post 'Power'. Omari talks about how much he enjoyed having the chance to show people he was much more than just Ghost and he praises Zach Snyder as a genius as he shares a line from Snoop saying 'I want to be the least gifted in the room and I'm really gifted'. They also discuss the greatness of 'American Skin' and how underrated a film it is.

[@godlee4779]

CAN YALL PLEASE GET EARL SWEATSHIRT ON YOUR SHOW !!! I NEED THAT IN MY LIFE

[@ivan363]

Every single time I think I’ve seen my favorite episode of People’s party from Capone to Mos Def to this current episode you always manage to surpass yourself thank you 💪🏾

[@GHOST91141]

James St. Patrick aka Ghost is one of the best TV characters in the last 10 years

[@brianmurphy2096]

Of all time

[@meelegantdiva2]

For sure. I miss him so much on Power.

[@Ro1Up]

EVER

[@Mrpoweruniverse]

Fuck 10 years lol ghost is one of the greatest characters ever

[@LovelyTee2323]

Agreed!!!!

[@RamsonOpoku]

Omari is an awesome guy, love how he remembers everyone that helped him become the actor he is now

[@sylviafinley1368]

Omari shows his awesome intelligence as a man and an artist who continues to explore his inner self and just soars like an Eagle!

[@premiumdre5228]

Omari is a really cool and well rounded dude. I really like his story of approaching the arts as an athlete.

[@ivanbrown4564]

DAMN OMARI! You broke down DMX perfectly. "He was a PASTOR in the role of an EMCEE."

[@lyfagamble9697]

Omari is a dope human being being flat out..plus shout out to him to rockin Translee's merch..Solid.

[@kaibutcher5177]

Quality thought provoking interview with Omari Hardwick. Worth watching at 3am.

[@SRFitzpatrick]

This interview was one of my all time favorites…absolutely amazing!!!!

[@JasminLeigh]

🔥🔥

[@cajokolo]

I found myself "rewinding" several times, the poetry and the pearls and the vibes were just amazing...

[@ahmedics82]

This brother is beautiful inside and out! Pause and blessing to him

[@SergMilli]

This dude is cool to listen to. Great conversationalist.

[@webmedia3748]

‘Spell’ is a outstanding movie not mentioned enough. A bit of sleeper classic with ‘quotable’ lines. Kudos for that performance Mr. Omari 👍

[@davidhaygood1958]

Ghost should have never been taken off the show by Tariq. Omari bodied that character. I have never seen a more fitting character played by anyone in the last decade. Ghost needs to be brought back some how

[@fullmetalpatr10t]

Omari's spiritual approach to working out is fascinating.

[@NP.TRU.09]

The poem at the end is fire. Really good one. Another great episode

[@tsistrun]

Omari always look like he could turn into Ghost at any moment. Lol

[@RebelKingfrom1995]

Omari turned Ghost into one of my favorite TV protags in the same vein as Tony Soprano or Jax Teller. Dope actor. He was my favorite character in that trash-ass Army of the Dead.

[@GemAlexanderTV]

Omari is a dope emcee and actor. Very humble dude with a lot of talents 💯

[@SHOTTAeastcoast]

Great interview. So intellectually spoken. Ok Ghost!

[@poeticsearthwide]

This episode was on another level. By 1:04:29 this dialogue reveals the true nature of our humanity and the poetic thread of a certain integrity that is sustained which bears fruit in great wisdom. Thank you for sharing! Peace

[@JasminLeigh]

Def on another level!! Thanks for watching

[@Yo_Kev785]

We made y’all, the best part of Mondays is here.

[@Robj007]

This is a dope interview. Thank you.

[@Ke3Productions]

This interview highlights how well verse these individuals are. This is a very stimulating profound dialog that goes beyond the surface. One of the best episodes of People's Party. Respect!

[@jamesburton9708]

Jasmine was talking in the first 11 minutes about not knowing Omari was from the South because he's such a good actor - and a PHENOMENAL actor he is indeed. But if you're from the South, you can hear his southern accent even in the character Ghost - especially when Ghost says "quesh-ton" as opposed to "question". And even "quesh-ton" is OLD Southern speech; most of the grandparents that said THAT...are gone now.

[@MrSean3kids]

I loved how he showed so much respect for Zack Snyder. You either know or don’t and he he like everyone who has worked with Zack Snyder is amazed by his genius. Can’t wait to see him in the Army of the dead sequel Planet of the Dead. ZS is goated

[@virgilbanner2269]

Always loved much of your music and dj sets Talib. But your podcast is such a great positive experience to learn about some of the cultural icons and amazing talents. You handle these interviews with an awesome ease and professionalism. Thank you for doing what you do.

[@b.e.francis1272]

Omari is so cool 😎 been trying to grow my beard like his forever. I'm tired of folks trying to get him back to Power. I respect that fact that he is moved on. I understand an artist needs to continue growing so nuff respect to the man. Love to Ghost but I'm looking fwd to his future work. I got to kinda meet him a few years ago at the Do the Right Thing block party 🥳. Again Cool Dude. 😎

[@ronaldmcconnell1564]

Omari is a tremendous talent.... The True soul of his being , shows itself up close & personal . The realness of one Study n Thyself . To Know Thyself , To Thyself Be True. Salute ! To Talib Kaweli , as well . I have followed Omari for a while . He's authentic in so many ways . Blessing to you , my brother . May you continue to enjoy your dream ... For after all once One realizes , one can play any roll one desires . Such as comedies , adventurer - super hero . The illusion of us , up close . I suspect the experience is necessary . In order to capture tge essence of consciousness . The experience can only be known from the inside... Great Content Brothers & Sister ... " Pete Roll Morpheus ."

[@TheNewYearBaby]

Im 25 and what you said blew my mind 🤯 Real love from Texas from here on out 🤞🏻🤍 both of y’all are doing amazing

[@bcole1637]

i like him even more after this interview!!! very well aware type of brotha!

[@MindTrickedX24]

This episode was one of the most thought-provoking episodes of ANYTHING I've ever watched.

[@cmc2480]

Omari should play a character that shows his intelligence first, and his physicality second, in a movie or tv series, a detective or and James Bond, Etan Hawk spy series or movie.

[@huddieentertainment9282]

he should play huey newton. before he gets too old. huey had that intelligence and aggression.

[@Jonas-nc5os]

I want to see Omari play a necessary evil type character, like colonel Carrillo.

[@MrJustind886]

Another 🔥 episode Jaz and Talib. This interview had to be the best episode I have seen on the people's party. Omari like he said on the podcast he said he felt like he was home. That's the vibe I got from the interview. I always been a fan of his Omari's work but he shown me a different side of him that you regularly don't see he's a deep brother I have even more respect for him. Great episode guys. Much respect.

[@JasminLeigh]

Thank you this is def one of my favorites!

[@BeastmodeBeats]

Give that man his flowers

[@fatimahdixon6142]

This was so so good...as a poet mc as you said... I find so many song points in this interview as well as information useful for my future acting career

[@uproxx]

Good luck!

[@huddieentertainment9282]

Great episode. Omari should play Huey Newton. He could definitely pull that off. Huey was smart and tough. He was calculating and strategic and had the women. a Alpha

[@ealmightyg]

1 of the best yet!

[@texastrina6026]

Yo! Thanks for this interview! I have a new found respect for this brother! 🎯💯

[@Shysta30]

Johnny Nash wrote I can see clearly now, Jimmy Cliff the Reggae icon sang it over, bless up.

[@Hhhhhhyyg]

Him and Tommy the only actors Ill always see as their characters. To me this ghost in the legit bizz🤣

[@King_Grizzly]

Dope as hell interview.

[@mcjcave18]

Sensational interview

[@ray1411]

I can’t lie. This episode was so deep that it was kind of scary. Lol

[@vincentsistrunk9840]

This is a acting master class

[@MontUHURU_Mimia777]

*This is going to be an unpopular comment, but I feel it's necessary: Jasmin would serve this show a lot better if she **_stuck to her production duties._** Meaning, I can't tell you the number of times my attention is focused on Talib's interview at the table, before **_Jasmin blurts out some non-sequitur which throws the conversation completely off-course--and not in a positively constructive way._** Mind you, I understand Jasmin's not a journalist, so I see why **_she doesn't understand how to smoothly transition or segue-way into a different topic._** For instance, in this interview she asks Omari about **_"work-out"_** tips before wanting to talk about how he was homeless as a younger man. Then she tells us she was homeless herself.* *Now, I understand "Uproxx" execs think this show is **_too cerebral for Black men who love Hip-Hop, so Jasmin serves as a vehicle to attract Black females to the show._** However, I'd love for the Uproxx administrators to consider how much more effective this show could be if you **_left the interviews at the table with Talib._** Examples of this would be shows like PBS's Charlie Rose and/or the Tavis Smiley show. Mind you, this isn't a jab at Jasmin's gender, I just think if you let **_Talib conduct the entire interview, this show would have double and triple the impact it's having now._*

[@shake1602]

If Jasmine was a man, this would've been addressed a long time ago 😂😂 Damn good interview, so far

[@ScottSilver1]

This is my first time watching one of these & I noticed all that you said.

[@MontUHURU_Mimia777]

@SuperPunch76 *I **_thought_** my comment was going to be **_unpopular,_** but I see there's a lot of people who **_share my sentiment. Kudos to all of you_** who not only get what I'm saying, but who have the intestinal (and testicular) fortitude to **_comment here_** and lend a thumbs up to my short thesis.*

[@MontUHURU_Mimia777]

@SuperPunch76 *You’re right in one sense-meaning, **_academia tells us this man was named “Oludah Equiano”, however, the research I’ve done recently uncovered who this man really is._** This said, I **_apologize in advance_** for this response being a bit **_long-winded,_** but like I said in my original comment, I feel it’s necessary.* *Now, on top of academics telling us this man was named Oludah Equiano, we were taught, or at least I was, how this man was **_born in Nigeria, Africa, and how he was sold into slavery twice before he purchased his freedom in 1776._** Mind you, there was also an odd rumor I read which claimed a **_white naval officer, who owned Oludah, gave him the alternate name of “Gustuvas Vassa”,_** who was a Swedish king-and I’ll get to this in a ‘sec.* *So, some months later, as I did more **_independent research,_** I came upon the historical findings of a man named Vincent Caretta. Now, Vincent’s work showed how “Oludah” **_wasn’t born in Africa at all-actually, according to “naval” and “Baptismal” records, he was born in America, around the areas of South Carolina._** Topping this off, recordings of friends and acquaintances say this man **_never used the name “Oludah Equiano”-he always went by the name “Gustuvas Vassa”._** Vincent’s work also shows how he settled in Europe and died around the areas we now know today as Westminster and Middlesex in Great Britain. Long story short, Vincent’s work showed how this man was either related to the **_Vassa line of Swedish Kings in Europe, or how he was in fact, the Swedish King he was supposedly named after._** This is why he’s painted wearing a nobleman’s attire. **_This man was an aristocrat-and never a slave._* *Now, this reminds me of a question a scholarly brotha repeatedly asks on his KZbin channel in regards to Black people, which is: **_who were we before the world told us who we were?_** This said, I implore every Black man, young or old, who reads this to do some “independent” research outside of academic circles, ‘cause **_this is how you’re going to learn about real history, not his-story._** Meaning, what we’re taught in grade, middle, high school, and colleges, is engineered to do two things, marginalize and minimize our contributions to history. **_Kind of like what Uproxx is doing to brotha Talib on this podcast._*

[@kidkryptonite893]

the Zack Snyder love Was is the cherry on top of this incredible interview

[@cantbeserious9802]

He reminds me of TI with his focused of words. Lol salute to you brother for one of the greatest performances of all time.

[@aquariuscheers9191]

This was a awesome interview.

[@ElaineMolera]

Love to Omari from Manila! 💗💗💗

[@Shysta30]

Great conversation my guys

[@Marques.Marcus85]

Yea Omari is real Decatur!!!

[@raycooperjr9104]

Salute to the masters frfr 🙌 blacksmith and the crew

[@HowItIs2424]

What i always found funny about Power is how, Everyone does dirt on the show but they all look at GHOST like he should know better and do better. Yet can't take responsibility for themselves

[@biggmonie]

I love Next Day Air!!!💗💖❤

[@terryleeatkinson8312]

Ok is it me or this convo is mad deep on every level and whatever they are talking about?! Ps I’m a retired drug dealer not locked up or dead, all due to Christ thou!

[@shirleymassey3375]

Ghost only went after those who came for him or his family.I really hope you come back Suits Outstanding.Love Always You and Tommy forever real.

[@shirleymassey3375]

The movie you were in at the Police Station really made me cry at the end the last scene was not expected at all.Love Your Work and You Forever May God Bless And Keep You Safe .Miss You On "Power"'.

[@huntingtonparkway]

I hate that they didn't let him talk about being from GA. They kept talking over him. I wanted to hear about his time growing up in Decatur

[@kbrock74]

So glad, this interview happened...❤😍 just sexy, smart, artistic, intelligent, poetic, artist, etc etc etc..tha Dec✊🏾

[@amoswellington9399]

Really appreciate this brother. I am so grateful to be able to hear him speak unscripted. Cool Cat.

[@LaLatheG01]

Omari ❤️❤️❤️🥰

[@LadiesNightOutPodcast]

I’m in love

[@tiffanyjames7894]

Yo that ish is deep. Yo he’s deep.

[@Robj007]

So Omari's ending was like Sugar Hill. Wesley's character was shot thought dead and his brother whom shot him accidentally shoots himself because he couldn't live without his bro. Wow... Thankful for Omari and this podcast.

[@biglilvest2008]

#greatinterview☝🏾☝🏾☝🏾

[@marstonfobbsentertainment]

YOOO! Shout out to da Poetri Lounge!

[@djche1833]

I can see clearly now was written by Johnny Nash, re-recorded song and made popular by Jimmy Cliff not Bob Marley.

[@kincamell2]

Heavy

[@djrjboston]

I just started watching, so before it gets too deep. DAMN JASMINE!!!!! That's the outfit Omari brings out? Let me go take some acting classes.

[@RamsonOpoku]

Next Day Air made the character ghost come to life for him

[@JakeJon]

Johnny Nash wrote and sung ‘I can see clearly now’ and Jimmy Cliff re-sung it in 1993

[@KXNGY3RO]

DOPE

[@flaviusmaximus2051]

Life is a test/ many quest the universe/ and through all the ------/ I felt the joy and the hurt/

[@trishasmith3286]

I have to admit I was torn between Tasha and Angela, but I love 💗 LOVE and rooted for them ( Ghost and Angie) to escape and live happily ever after!

[@s.atkins3050]

Ghost did Tasha dirty!. She didn't start him in the drug game. Whatever moves he would've made she would've backed him. She was a rider. Black man is always taken from the BLACK WOMAN since the beginning of time. .IF he wanted Angela he should've never married Tasha and had 3 kids. There was NOT a good enough excuse for treating her like that How people rooting for infidelity is CRAZY. They have a few choice words for women who move like this. Just hate to see a black man and woman together. To much POWER I GUESS.

[@s.atkins3050]

Rooting for a BLACK MAN to leave his wife and kids to be with a Puerto Rican woman..smh Angie would've had him locked up. Almost did

[@jamesburton9708]

12 Angry Men was the first place I heard the term "bleeding hearts"

[@mateenquwi3975]

that's my new phrase what did he don't do 😂

[@andrewhebert8232]

3:42 Big fellas walks on camera and gave talib kweli a opened pocket folded sanitizer wipe like bro you couldn't unfold it for talib hilarious 😆😆😆😆😂😂😂😂 video editor your time stamps not funnier than mine 🤣✌️💙

[@SPICY_STORMS]

If you look at the specs of the triangular gimmick between Angela. James/Ghost, and Tasha. Even when Ghost asked Tasha, “What do you see us going from here…? “ Tasha replied: “We already have everything…”!!! But the same fact goes for Tasha, Shawn, Keisha. As the story progresses through out “POWER”! The story has become more complicated than what it seems.

[@robsoultrain1061]

💪🏾💪🏾💯🔥

[@djrjboston]

Also, Bob Marley did not write "I Can See Clearly Now"!! But it was covered by MANY.

[@LadiesNightOutPodcast]

He’s a fucking genius

[@redefineapparel1294]

American skin play would be fuckin epic ✊🏾❤️🖤💚

[@ALiM4Do4SelfMusic]

🕓 This is #Beauti4. #RESPECT iTHANK_YALL

[@mynameismyname5124]

Power was the black breaking bad.

[@danny-bh8wo]

power is great but tommy and his crew the jokes they have amongst being serious what makes it so real

[@damiancastronyc]

Jasmine got that glow...

[@loveonlyplease]

Young lady.... you were not homeless.....you made a choice. "Homelessness" is a real state for people in the world with no options.

[@JasminLeigh]

We all make choices but the definition of homeless is not having a home which I did not so I was homeless

[@jonsnow300]

I DIDINT KNOW SHE WAS TALKING ABOUT ‘YOU’ THE SHOW. 😂 BAD INTERVIEW MOMENT

[@ivan363]

Jas’ being too extra today 🤦🏽‍♂️

[@marlonglanton4372]

Drink with the straw extra

[@tyo484]

She came on madd loud Her panties had to be wet the entire interview 😭😭😭😭

[@TheLo31]

Life is a test, many quest the Universe And through my research I felt the joy and the hurt The first shall be last and the last shall be first The Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth!!! Kills Priest!!! B.I.B.L.E

[@raset7318]

You all need Charleston White on here for his activism

[@Jcyberchase22]

Ghost up there with Tony Montana

[@spek-27]

"Brandon Lee died in what, 86? 87? Working on The Crow? Oh yeah, I'm a movie fana-...I'm a film buff" - Kweli Nothing like being about 6 years off and in the wrong decade, and then declaring your extensive knowledge of films. LOL.

[@number3729]

What did he mean by Lupe doesn't exist without a Talib?

[@mickyfingaz]

I like Omari but he tries too hard to be a poet in everyday conversation. It's work listening to him get his points across. He's throwing in metaphors and similes and SAT words and indirect references while taking tangents to make a point. It's exhausting.

[@FoougieTV]

🤣😂🤣😂🤣

[@blizzred2143]

Being educated is exhausting apparently lmfao 💀💀💀

[@thearki-vist6050]

GHOST!!!!!!

[@scottporche]

O is a scary guy...very complex, cannot be put in a box

[@ericgreen6466]

Ghost

[@lasterford4251]

Georgia beat the breaks off Alabama,wtf is he talkin bout?

[@SyeYoung]

The Patriarch in The White Families TV Shows didn't get killed off

[@odinquincannon4237]

Forgot about it till I watched a second time but Tasha did wanna stay a drug dealer and his wife instead of a businessman an his wife. It wasn’t just the childhood sweetheart thing.. He woulda left without a new woman on deck. The way he did it….makes for tv, I guess.