IN CONVERSATION WITH ASANTE BLACKK
interview by JANA LETONJA
Asante Blackk has built one of the most impressive careers of his generation by choosing roles that leave a lasting impact. From his Emmy-nominated breakout performance as Kevin Richardson in Ava DuVernay’s When They See Us to acclaimed turns in This Is Us, Story Ave and Landscape with Invisible Hand, the young actor has consistently gravitated toward emotionally rich, socially resonant stories. This fall, he enters a new chapter with The Drop: A Snowfall Saga, Hulu and FX’s highly anticipated continuation of the Snowfall universe. Set against the backdrop of 1990s Los Angeles and the explosive rise of West Coast hip-hop, the series explores a pivotal moment in American culture through fresh characters and perspectives.
photography by CRAIG MULCAHY
The Drop: A Snowfall Saga expands one of television’s most celebrated crime dramas. What was your first reaction when you were offered a role in the Snowfall universe?
I felt prepared. I had just finished a year-long study period in Los Angeles with former Yale Drama teacher Gregory Berger that emphasized preparation and creating characters that come from a deep place within you, but ultimately are not you. The character of Lamar felt like the perfect opportunity to continue showcasing who I am as an actor in a way that gets outside of Asante Blackk and into the true artistry and work of acting that I’ve always wanted to do my entire life.
The series is set during the rise of West Coast hip-hop in the 1990s. How important was it to understand the music and culture of that era before stepping onto set?
The 90s feels like a completely different era because it was. OJ’s infamous car chase on TV, Britney Spears being on top of the world. It’s one of those periods that’s been memorialized through the great artists of that time, and so understanding the conditions that create artists like them, along with Ice Cube, Tupac, Snoop Dogg and Dr Dre was crucial. There was no get up, get on your laptop and make a demo tape. You had to tell your stories by any means. You had to risk something to be heard, and you can feel that all over The Drop.
What can you tell us about your character, and what drew you to him?
He’s quirky, he’s smart as hell, and he’s determined to get what he wants. He’s a music lover first and foremost, but secondly, he’s a hustler. Leaning into the physical quirks of Lamar and exploring his speech patterns was the most fun for me to work on as an actor.
Snowfall built an incredibly loyal fanbase. Did you feel any pressure joining such a beloved franchise?
The most pressure comes from the pressure that I put on myself to be who I know I can be. John Singleton laid a groundwork of excellence that Malcolm Spellman was able to build upon. My job was to make sure I showed up every day with that understanding and give the best version of myself I knew how.
Beyond the action, The Drop: A Snowfall Saga explores ambition, identity and survival. Which of those themes resonated most with you personally?
Identity and survival are linked for me. I’ve found a lot of music artists create personas that are larger than life because life told them otherwise. Who are you supposed to be when the world has decided who you are before you’ve had a chance to speak for yourself?
You’ve often chosen projects rooted in powerful social and cultural conversations. Is that a conscious decision when reading scripts?
I’d have to say me and those projects met somewhere on a long walk in the woods while thinking about nothing. I come from a very contemplative family which is why this project was so refreshing. As Lamar, I was able to just make music and take risks. The cultural conversation still somehow snuck its way in there.
When They See Us was a career-defining performance that earned you an Emmy nomination. Looking back now, how did that experience shape the actor you’ve become?
It taught me that none of this is a given and not to take any moment as an actor for granted. Ava DuVernay set up an environment that made sure we as young artists could excel. At 17, it felt like the whole world was mine. Now at 24, I’m realizing there’s much more to explore and learn, whether that’s behind the camera or from a different part of the world.
Every project teaches an actor something new. What did making The Drop: A Snowfall Saga teach you about yourself?
There’s no right way. Trust yourself, trust your people, and you can’t lose.
You’ve worked with filmmakers like Ava DuVernay and alongside extraordinary casts throughout your career. Who has had the biggest influence on your artistic growth?
There’s so many. From Luis Guzman to Sterling K. Brown, Mandy Moore to Cory Finley. All of these people know themselves and aren’t afraid to be that. They approach their work with a steady calm, curiosity, and goofiness that I strive for. And honestly, the first person I got that from was my mom. She doesn’t take anything too serious but she’s quick to cuss you out. Shout out mom for real.
Success arrived early for you, but you’ve remained remarkably selective. How do you define success today?
I define success as being able to tell the stories you know that you were meant to at a high level. Creating to be able to understand yourself and the people you love a little bit better. Holding the door open for the man or woman behind you. And going parasailing when needed.
Outside of acting, what inspires your creativity and keeps you grounded?
Travel is major for me right now. Seeing the world outside of the scope of where I’m from is so important to me. Other than that I’d say family, music, LeBron James.
Is there a genre or type of role you’ve yet to explore that excites you?
Sci fi is my jam. The Matrix is an all time classic. Used to watch that one with my dad all the time.
How do you hope your work contributes to the next generation of storytellers?
I hope that it empowers them to be fearless and get what their heart deserves. Fear will pop up, because we’re human, but never let it run the show. Especially in your art. Create a new world and tell a new story. Get after it baby.