All Eyez On Me Star Johnell Young Talks Biopic and NBA Ambitions
John Young (@JOHNELLXYOUNG ) is an up and coming Actor from New York City, who is really starting to make a name for himself on set and on the basketball court as well. Young has been fortunate to land a role on this summer’s featured Biopic film “All Eyez on Me” as Ray Luv. Young’s character “Ray Luv” is one of Tupac’s producers in the film.
Luv and Pac performed in a group called Strictly Dope, a group based in Santa Rosa, California and Luv has gone on the record that Pac gave his name. His original name was “MC Roc” during his time under Mac Dre’s label “Strictly Business“. Make sure grab your popcorn and snacks for opening night on June 16th.
As for Young has been a busy individual he playing ” Ray Luv”, in addition, he also involved with two other projects as well, Making Moves and Shot Clock ATL. In Making Movies he will be portraying a character by name of Young Blood, who he compares to Tupac character in his role Juice for the early 90s. Shot Clock ATL is a story about the NCAA taking advantage of it student-athletes and making tons of money off of their blood sweat and tears as they compete in their respective sports.
Johnell has also been preparing himself for opportunities on the hardwood as well with tryouts with the New York Knicks. In hopes that he can land a gig with a D- League team and work his way up to a main roster spot in the NBA one day.
The Hype Magazine was able to speak with the talented actor recently over the phone about his upcoming projects and where he hope his career to be in the next couple years. We were also informed that he would be auditioning for the role of Dalvin Degrate from the Jodeci. He also discussed some of the artist he is listening to and more. The full interview can be seen below.
In your own words can tell us what it was like working with Benny Boom?
It was an honor being able to work with Benny and taking direction from him on set. I appreciate Benny and L.T Hutton for allowing me to play the character “Ray Luv” in the All Eyez on Me Bio- Pic. Whether if I had scenes with Demetrius or without it was an opportunity for me to grow as an actor.
What are the personal characteristics we will see in your portrayal of “Ray Luv”?
The audience will see some of that west coast Bay Area swag during my portrayal of “Ray Luv” being that he was one of Pac’s producers they vibed off each other and the same can be said about me and Demetrius in between scenes on set.
What were some of the positive energy Demetrius Ship Jr. brought on set and to the project?
Demetrius is a “Star” I am not just saying that because he is playing Tupac. The mind that he showcased on set from his work ethic and mannerisms. He hired his own acting coach Ms. Angelina Gibbs. Shout outs to her and in between scenes he would isolated himself and get locked into the script and embracing his role to the best of his abilities.
Can you tell us about your character “Young Blood” from Making Moves?
Making Moves is one of the biggest independent projects that I have been a part of thus far. The energy was great. If you were to imagine back in the 90s Tupac character “Bishop” from Juice. Real rugged and about his money and doesn’t think twice about putting you in your place by any means necessary. We just landed a distribution deal for the project it will be available for stream and DVD purchase soon.
What’s your favorite Tupac single?
“All Eyez on Me” to be honest is my favorite song of Tupac and Pac is my favorite artist because the things he said you could really gravitate to and back then music really had substance. I feel kids really need to listen to his music and learn from it.
Who is someone that reminds you of Tupac in the game right now?
In my opinion, it is Kendrick Lamar he is the Tupac of our era.
What can we expect of from you headed into the later part of 2017?
I will be writing a lot of my own trailers and I have another project called “Shot Clock ATL”, it’s about college basketball athletes and how the NCAA tries to exploit them. The project should be making its debut around July or August. I am also campaigning for the Jodeci project as the role of Dalvin Degrate and I will be making a trailer depicting some of their life stories and I hope the casting director will like it.
Who are some of the artists you are currently listening to?
Drake, Kendrick Lamar, Lil Uzi Vert, Dave East
What do think about Joey Baddass comments on Hot 97 being behind the curve regarding new music?
I think there needs to change the younger DJs and hosts deserve an opportunity to be creative in New York City, can of like they are at Shade45 in Atlanta. They have young on-air new blood like DJ Young Fly and other upcoming hosts. Hip Hop is always evolving and change is always a good thing.
What other business ambitions do you want to pursue?
I play basketball and I will be playing in D- League or some organization of that nature. I feel like it will be this year I have already worked out for a couple teams it just all based on time at this point.
Who is your favorite team and player right now?
Cleveland and Kyrie Irving is my favorite player. That team is to stack and all their players complement each other very well Lebron, JR. Smith and Kevin Love and the comradery of that team are just great and I love it. One day I hope I will get that opportunity to compete with competitors like them. I know it won’t happen to on my time, but on god’s time and I’m just practicing and making sure I’m ready for when that time comes.
What are thoughts on Knicks and Melo?
I think Melo needs a fresh start to give him an opportunity to get a ring. No matter what the blogs and the media outlets say because they never report the good deeds that he does within the community only the negativity. We never know exactly what is happening in his personal life we are not involved in those personal interactions between him and his family.
What do you think about the D-League being able to bridge the between NCAA and the NBA?
I feel the D-League can be that hub that allows athletes the opportunity to develop their games. They are looking to raise the salary cap that will allow the young talent to stay in the states instead of going overseas to make a living. My dream is to have both platforms going at the same time to showcase my talents. It will also give the people in my neighborhood something to strive for and to follow their dreams.
Where do you see your career being in the next couple of years?
I see me having a couple leads roles under my belt and being a starting point guard on a team in the NBA. In addition, I will continue working on my writing and becoming the best person that I can be.
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About the Author
Landon Buford Washington State Graduate Past Interviews include Grammy Award Winner Kenny G, David Banner, WNBA President Lisa Borders, What's Trending's CEO Shira Lazar, Ice Cube, NBC's Chicago PD LaRoyce Hawkins, Family Matters Darius McCrary, En Vogues Maxine Jones, Team USA Track & Field Member Norris Frederick, James Kyson, WNBA Great Lauren Jackson, and more.
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