Joey Bada$$ On Becoming Unique & Why Fans Should “Expect The Unexpected” On Power Book III
Joey Bada$$ says the secret behind Unique's popularity on "Power Book III: Raising Kanan" is simple: "Expect the unexpected."
Black News 
For five seasons, Joey Bada$$ has served a special duality as both one of Hip-Hop’s most respected lyricists and also one of television’s most compelling actors. His portrayal of Unique in Power Book III: Raising Kanan has become a fan favorite. The Brooklyn native has effortlessly mixed natural charisma, character unpredictability and scene-stealing performances to elevate the series.
As Raising Kanan reaches a pivotal moment, Joey talked to Ricardo A. Hazell Sr. (@rickwriterrenegade) about his journey with the character, the similarities between performing on stage and acting on camera, and what viewers can expect from Unique moving forward.
AllHipHop: First of all, you’ve grown tremendously as an actor on the show. It felt like a role that was tailor-made for you. Tell me the difference between the Joey Bada$$ who first showed up as Unique and the Joey Bada$$ we’re seeing now as the show reaches its crescendo.
Joey Bada$$: Man, it was an incredible journey. I want to say shout out to the whole production because this was definitely the best production I’ve ever been a part of.
As far as the TV and film industry is concerned, I’m always going to reference this production everywhere I go moving forward. Everybody here is like family to me. So it’s been a great journey and a great opportunity building with these people and building this character in front of people for the last five years.
It’s been amazing. I can’t complain at all. It was such a great journey that I’m very grateful for.
AllHipHop: One of the things that made you so perfect for the role is that, as an MC, you’re an MC’s MC. People from my generation love you. You’re one of our favorite lyricists to emerge in the 2000s.
Joey Bada$$: 2010s! Don’t age me! Don’t age me like that, brother. (Laughs)
AllHipHop: But there’s something about your energy that speaks us for some reason. Could you tell me how that translated into your role on Power Book III: Raising Kanan and helped make Unique such a catalyst for the story?
Joey Bada$$: I think one of my special abilities has always been my charisma.
So I think I was able to naturally take that from my artistry. This is all artistry. To take that from the rapping and music-making side of things, because it’s all performance-based too.
When we get on that stage, we channel the energy and give them that vibe. It’s the same thing when you get in front of that camera. You channel energy and give them that vibe.
That’s what’s up. Again, gratitude.
AllHipHop: I know you’ve been chatting it up all day, and I appreciate your time. But is there anything we may have neglected to ask about the arc of this character? Unique has been through a lot. He went from being the man to becoming a pariah, which was a crazy turn of events.
What can fans expect from Unique as he looks to get his get-back in Season 5?
Joey Bada$$: I think one of the great things about Unique, and what’s made his character so fire, so beloved and so attractive, is his unpredictability.
So expect the unexpected, my man.
AllHipHop: We appreciate your time and positive energy, Joey. Much blessings to you in all your endeavors.
Joey Bada$$: Word. Yes, sir.
This conversation has been lightly edited for clarity.
