The Rookie Actor Titus Makin Talks Juggling Acting Along With A Promising Career In Music
Tell me your whole inception into entertainment — When did you first become interested in it? And, how did it actually all begin for Butterfly Ali [née Titus Makin]?
I started just in dance and music. My sister, Natasha Makin, was the actress in the family. My senior year of high school I realized I was not only interested in music, but acting as well. I ended being accepted into the New York Conservatory for Dramatic Arts for two years, then moved to L.A.. The rest is kind of history. Been pursuing music and acting ever since.
Now where exactly do you hail from? So growing up there, who all did / do you consider to be your strongest musical influences?
I grew up a Military kid, so we relocated almost every 2 (to) 4 years for a while. But the majority of my heart and family is in Georgia. I grew up with a southern upbringing, and heavily influenced by oldies. I would say my strongest musical influences are Marvin Gaye, Andre 3000, Pharrell Williams and CeeLo Green.
At what point in time, specifically, did you even opt to pursue entertainment on a professional basis?
Once I first fell in love with (The) Fresh Prince of Bel-Air at a young age, I knew it was something I wanted to pursue on a professional level, I just had no idea how to get there.
From an acting standpoint, when did you actually catch your first “big break?”
I will technically say my first big break was when I had the opportunity to audition for / book Glee as David “The Warbler.”
Of course, the majority of the masses first became familiar with you through Fox’s Glee, the hit series where you appeared as David — How was that entire experience for you?
It was a fantastic experience that taught me so much, and opened me up to all sides of the entertainment industry; good and bad.
Your latest role is that of Jackson West on ABC’s current The Rookie — Tell me about this particular character…
Jackson is a rookie officer, and son of the Commander of Internal Affairs. So while everyone thinks that he’s had his job handed to him, he’s eager to prove that he belongs as a cop to everyone, with or without his dad’s position.
Since you both act and sing, do you have a preference? Or, do the two pretty much go hand in hand for you?
I’d say hand and hand. Music is a major outlet for me to speak for myself, and acting is an outlet to play pretend and tell someone else’s story.
For the latter, where does your moniker, Butterfly Ali, originally derive from?
I wrote a song a while ago titled “Butterfly Ali,” then realized how much I like the meaning of it. I pulled it from a Muhammad Ali quote, “Float like a butterfly sting like a bee.” I loved the beauty and strength of a butterfly and how humble and fearless it could be, along with the strength of Muhammad Ali, and felt like it represented my personality well. So I put the two together; Butterfly and Ali.
With that being said, how do you classify your overall sound and/or style?
Soul / Funk
In having said that, when you sit down to pen your lyrics where do you draw your inspiration(s) from?
Relationships, life and sometimes just an energy / emotion.
Your latest single / video is entitled “Righteous” — Tell me about this particular composition; how did it come to fruition?
I wanted to write a song for the underdog; the people who feel like others look down on them just because they’re not as “in line” with any specific community or grouping. Don’t allow others to make you feel like less because they don’t view you as perfect in their eyes.
It follows right on the heels of “Rose” — Talk about this song for me…
I wrote “Rose” after a break up, and wanted to share with my listeners the truth of my heart and how I felt like I let somebody good walk out of my life.
Both tracks come courtesy of your highly anticipated – still untitled – official debut solo LP — What all specific details; i.e. title, favorite selections, producer credits, cameo appearances, etcetera, can you reveal and / or divulge about upcoming premiere set at this point in time?
The project is produced by a group called The Fund, and I’ve been able to write with Aaron Kellim and Jordyn Dodd Waddington [J Dodd]. There’s some really funky fun tunes, and some extremely heartfelt soulful tunes. Excited for everybody to get in the vibe.
Switching gears here, what exactly do you want people to get from your music?
Just an element of relatability. Constantly want people to know that they’re not alone in certain views and understandings. That I’m out here struggling, and trying (to) figure it all out along with them.
If you could collaborate with any one artist, living or dead, who would it be and why?
Marvin Gaye for sure. He’s the ultimate soul brother. He could teach me so much about melodies and music.
If you could play any venue in the world, which one would you choose and why?
(The) Hollywood Bowl. It’s such a beautiful vibe-y venue. Just an amazing location…and acoustics!
In terms of longevity, what do you feel it is that will continue to sustain you in this grueling industry?
God, my family and just sharing real stories in my music. Relating to people with where I am at each new phase of my life.
Do you have any other outside / additional future aspirations, maybe even completely away from entertainment?
I don’t know if this would be considered outside of entertainment, but I aspire to start a magazine and men’s clothing line of my own one day.
To date, what has been your biggest career moment(s), at least thus far anyway?
Going on Glee Live! World Tour was a rather monumental moment for my growth and career.
Looking ahead, say five or maybe even ten years from now, where do you see yourself?
Hopefully married with children, and a few GRAMMYs would be nice! *Makin Jr. chuckles*
As for the immediate, what’s next for you, Titus?
Just continue to film The Rookie, and make more music.
Is there anything I left out, or just plain forgot to mention?
Not that I know of…
Any “closing” thought(s) for our readers?
Love you all!
Connect w/Titus Makin Online:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/titusmakin/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/titusmakin?
ABC Television: https://abc.com/shows/the-rookie/cast/titus-makin
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