Kendrick Lamar’s Cameo Appearance on ‘Power’ Was Excellent

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Kendrick Lamar is now the most-awarded rapper in Grammy history, with a total of 27 wins. He’s also uniquely recognized with a Pulitzer Prize for Music – the first time this honor has been given to a musician outside of classical or jazz. It seems there’s nothing he can’t do! Beyond music, Lamar showed his acting ability with a brief appearance on the Starz show Power eight years ago, despite not seeming particularly focused on an acting career.

Created by Curtis Jackson (50 Cent) and Courtney A. Kemp, the show Power centers on James St. Patrick (Omari Hardwick), a New York City drug dealer who hides his criminal activity behind a successful nightclub. Similar to Yellowstone, Power has grown into a large franchise, currently with three spin-off shows and another one planned. In Season 5, Episode 5, titled “Happy Birthday,” Kendrick Lamar makes an appearance as Laces, a quick-witted character struggling with addiction and homelessness.

Kendrick Lamar and 50 Cent Have a Magnificent On-Screen Collab on ‘Power’


Starz

Kendrick Lamar and 50 Cent made music together back in 2013 with the song “We Up,” but most people didn’t expect to see them acting together on TV. It recently happened, and it felt natural and genuine, creating a truly impactful moment. This wasn’t a simple appearance; much like their musical collaborations, it was a dynamic and energetic scene, with Lamar clearly excited to demonstrate his acting abilities.

Early in the “Happy Birthday” scene, Kanan, a gangster from New York, is outside a corner store when a man named Laces tries to sell him discounted gift cards and a bike. Kanan isn’t interested at first, but he pays attention when Laces brings up the Tainos, a group Kanan has a conflict with.

I was really intrigued when Kanan saw a way to make a deal – he traded the bike for Laces’ help finding the Tainos. It was cool to see them start to bond, and honestly, it was a sweet moment because Kanan was totally on his own after his falling out with everyone. Laces even kind of stepped in as his confidant, which was unexpected! I almost laughed when Laces straight-up asked him, “You don’t have any friends, do you?” but it was said with genuine concern, which made it even better.

Lamar’s unexpected and energetic appearance on the show was a real standout moment that viewers haven’t forgotten. It wasn’t just a publicity stunt, either. As a longtime fan of Power, Lamar actually approached the creators about being involved while talking with 50 Cent. Courtney Kemp shared that he specifically asked to play a unique and memorable character, not just a cameo of himself.

Lamar’s ‘Power’ Character Isn’t a Stereotypical Addict


Starz

The TV crime drama’s ‘Happy Birthday’ episode is a surprisingly light and fun break from the show’s usual, more serious themes. It doesn’t reach the heights of the show’s best episodes, but it’s still very enjoyable to watch.

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Kendrick Lamar’s guest role is already being called one of the best TV cameos of all time. This is due to both his acting and the depth of the character he played. While his portrayal of a man struggling with addiction might initially seem like a simple imitation, it quickly reveals itself as surprisingly thoughtful and complex. His character, Laces, isn’t a typical depiction of someone battling addiction; he delivers compelling speeches on a range of serious issues, including crime, racism, healthcare, and even veganism, and seamlessly switches between English and Spanish.

Kendrick Lamar truly shines in his scene with 50 Cent – his acting and expressions are captivating. The Power episode, “Happy Birthday,” is a rollercoaster of emotions, leaving you both thrilled and saddened. Lamar is so talented in this role, it’s a shame we don’t see him in more movies and TV shows. Kendrick, please keep acting – it’s amazing!

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2026-02-05 02:04