October 2002 Paid in Full : Coming Home : An Interview with Mekhi Phifer

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Interviewed by Wilson Morales Paid in Full : Coming Home : An Interview with Mekhi Phifer It’s been less than ten years since Mekhi Phifer was first introduced in Spike Lee’s CLOCKERS and today he follows a short list of African American actors who could have the lead role in independent and commercial films. He was amazing in “O” and in “An Invited Guest”, the little seen Urbanworld Festival winner. He’s the latest doctor on the long-running TV series ER. Currently shooting the film “Honey” with Jessica Alba and Lonette McKee in Toronto, Mekhi briefly came back home to NYC to talk to blackfilm.com about his role as Rich Porter in Charles Stone III’s film PAID IN FULL. WM: What was it about this character that attracted you to the film? MP: I’m from Harlem, born and raised there. As a young man, I grew up knowing about these cats, Alpo and Rich Porter. When you become an actor, at some point you look for something that brings you back to your roots. You find something that people around your neighborhood can relate to. People that you’re close with can relate to. At the same time, you get to bring people who aren’t used that world into this world. I think my world is very intriguing. WM: How was it working with Cam’Ron, considering his lack of acting skills? MP: Cam did his thing. He’s from Harlem too. We knew the ramifications of doing a film like this since we still have to go back to the neighborhood. These guys are still alive and obviously the one I play is dead. You want to portray these ‘cats to the fullest. You don’t want to lose your street credibility. It does bring a certain amount of passion to the work. I think Cam was willing to go all out and he learned a lot. He did a great job. WM: Did you get a chance to speak to Rich Porter’s sister to get some insight on her brother? MP: I definitely spoke to his sister a couple of times. Spoke to the family, friends, cousins, and all of that. People are going to offer you their opinion anyway. I really paid attention to the family and what they had to say. WM: Have you seen the documentary GAME OVER, the story of these guys? MP: Nah, I haven’t seen it yet. WM: Why were these three guys so at large? MP: In the early 80s, it was hard to find celebrities you can identify with if you lived in the hood. There weren’t any rap videos at the time. These were the rappers of the 80s. They shined and had all the jewels, the cars, and the chicks. Those were celebrities. They were making money and making moves and traveling. When you are in an impoverished state, it’s hard not to be intrigued and look at the fun these guys are having doing the hustle. WM: Why didn’t you follow their route but became an actor instead? MP: Just like in the story, none of those ‘cats are making money. My character’s dead and another is locked up and the third is just living. You see people around your neighborhood that fall to that path or get locked up and go to jail or get killed. I got other things to do, and don’t have time to get locked up. WM: What’s the difference between shooting in Toronto and shooting in New York? MP: Toronto is like a smaller, safe New York. It was cool. I had a great time. I think with certain scenes that we did, we could do it without being distracted by the city. When we did all the stuff in Harlem, it was the right type of energy that we were looking for. It worked out perfectly. It gave us a chance to just delve into our characters. It gave Cam a chance to be away from New York and be in Toronto and be focus in on his character and what he was going to bring to the table. It is just an interesting different dynamic. WM: How do you think the people of Harlem will react when they see this film? MP: I’m hearing great things. I think it’s a story they have been dying to wait for. Everybody in Harlem knows about these ‘cats. I think all the New Yorkers will go check it out. Lots of people are intrigued by the story. They want to see if any of the stuff on screen is true based on the stories they heard over the years. WM: What about the people from Iowa? MP: I think it’s a story of intrigue. I hope it reaches Iowa and others places. It’s only going to be release on 300 screens. I’ve had ‘cats from Baltimore to Virginia to ‘Cali come up to me regarding the movie. WM: What do you think about the people who have seen the film on tape through piracy? MP: There’s nothing better than a movie going experience. The stuff that’s on the streets is more like rough-cuts. I don’t buy any bootleg tapes because it’s a terrible copy. When you watch one, you can see the theater within the film. You can hear people talking. The close-ups are horrible. The movie cuts half way into the film. The movie going experience is the best way. WM: What’s the message you want people to get once they see the film? MP: I think this film doesn’t glamorize drug dealing. It’s almost Shakespearian the way it’s tragic at the end and they way see people’s lives deteriorate so fast. It’s like a thin line between love and hate. You see these guys love what they are doing and then you see them stuck in turmoil and you hate the situation. I think people will walk away thinking, “Maybe that’s not something I should do”. WM: What’s the role you play in 8 MILE and what’s the story about? MP: It’s loosely based on Eminem growing up in a trailer park and all of us being friends. He’s trying to become who he is today. Eminem and I play best friends. I host these rap battles and I help motivate break his fear and go on stage and really make a name for himself with the music. WM: Were you a fan of his before the film? MP: I was a fan of his music. When they told me there was an Eminem movie coming up, I initially turned it down. I then read the script and thought it was dope, so I flew to meet the ‘cat. I met him and felt his passion for what he was going to do. We read together and he did his thing. It was a good experience. WM: From CLOCKERS to ER, how difficult is it for an African American actor to get to this level? MP: It’s difficult, but you have to put in the work. Nothing happens overnight. You have to really work hard. You have to make the best work possible and make the best choices possible and don’t sit around complaining. Step up to the plate and do your thing. The work will pay off. WM: Samuel L. Jackson said recently that he won’t work with rappers that are actors. I know that you have worked with Beyonce (Knowles) and Cam’Ron and now Eminem. How do you feel about his statement? MP: I think it’s an unfortunate statement he made. In one turn, he turned himself into a square. I think it’s hypocritical and contradictory for him to say that. An artist is and artist. It’s almost racist what he’s saying. I give him NO LOVE on that. I don’t respect his statement. He’s doing “Formula 51” with Meat Loaf. What’s the difference? You stupid duck! You know what I mean. I don’t see people arguing about doing movies with Harry Belafonte or Frank Sinatra. Why attack rappers? I want to work with passionate people. I think it’s unfortunate that I have to see him in that light. He’s trying to separate himself from his own people and culture that has helped so many of our people be in this business and make money. I think he’s shutting himself off and I think he’s a clown for making the statement. I wish he didn’t feel that way but it is what it is. WM: How long will you be on ER? MP: I have sign on for about 3-4 years and we’ll see from there. That too is a stepping stone.