To call Rotimi Akinosho a triple threat isn’t exactly accurate. Threats can be empty and this singer/songwriter, model and actor, better known simply as Rotimi, has made good on his intention to be a successful artist. Best known for his breakout role as Darius Morrison on the Starz original drama Boss, Rotimi has also had feature roles in the films Black Nativity (starring Jennifer Hudson) and the blockbuster Divergent, both in 2013.
“Everything is beautiful, man. Everything’s amazing,” the New Jersey native said, who is fresh off the release of “Lotto,” the first single from his forthcoming EP, Rotation, and recently wrapped filming for his recurring role on the highly anticipated second season of Power, executive produced by Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson.
Rotimi will play Dre, the quick-tempered protege to 50’s character Kanan.
BlackDoctor.org recently caught up with the multi-talented rising star to talk career moves, working with 50 and what keeps him on top of his game.
On working with 50 Cent:
“I learned how to be a hustler. I learned how to always stay busy, stay focused. There’s always money to be made, connections to be made. Just, always think outside the box. I picked up how to just continue to just be successful, financially and as a career man.”
On staying grounded and away from negativity in the industry:
“I’m so scared of failing and so scared of, like, not living up to what I’m here to do that it kinda keeps me grounded. Like, it keeps me focused. I’m so scared of doing the wrong thing or saying the wrong thing or not working hard enough ‘cuz I know somebody’s right there behind me. So, it’s like the fear of just not winning. The fear of not winning is what keeps me grounded.”
On what ‘winning’ means to him:
“Being a really respected artist; being one of the greatest actors of all time. When it’s all said and done, like, that’s what you strive to do. And, seeing my family happy. Just seeing how happy everybody is by the success I’m having, and inspire kids to want to go to college and still live their dream. It’s a lot of things, I think, just give back. And then also be financially set where generations can live off, like, ‘Rotimi was my grandfather!’ and you automatically think, ‘Yo, they are paid!’ That is kinda just what the goal is, to set that platform.”
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On managing music and acting at the same time:
“I found a way to balance it. I think for me, balancing it was very, very important because it’s my passion. Both are now my passion, so I take both very seriously…they’re a form of each other, just different types. So, when you’re just creative as long as you’re creating it’s easy just to balance anything.”
On his biggest power move in his career so far:
“The biggest power move of my career so far would be being on Power. I think this is the biggest power move – pun intended – that I’ve made so far because challenging me as a man, as a artist, just me being on the number one hottest show. That’s off the chain and I’m a fan of it. It’s just a dream come true, especially knowing that seven, eight months ago I was at home watching this like, ‘Damn, I wish I was on it,’. God is good, man..
Look for Season 2 of Power to return this summer. In the meantime, follow Rotimi on Twitter @Rotimi.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=paSzQZEC2DE&w=560&h=315]
