Tyrese Gibson reveals the remarkable story of how late director John Singleton poached him for a film role originally intended for 2Pac. During an interview with the Million Dollaz Worth of Game podcast, Gibson shared an anecdote about his classic movie “Baby Boy,” which later became an internet sensation.
The R&B singer and actor recalled the emotional moments spent with the legendary director, comparing Gibson to the “California Love” rapper himself. Gibson explains how that came about by talking about his upbringing on the tough streets of Watts and his real connection to the hood.
“I was born and raised at Martin Luther King Hospital,” Gibson began. “I’m not super lame and bloody here. I didn’t sell any drugs. The rest of you here paint a different picture. I’m a real asshole who can make your life hell with just one phone call.” .
He said it was this raw, unfiltered energy that caught Singleton’s attention and made the connection. Tyrese Gibson continued, recalling the moment Singleton boldly compared him to the late West Coast rap legend, who he remembers everyone copying at the time.
“John Singleton said, ‘You’re the only person who reminds me of Pac,'” he said. “‘Everyone here wants to be Pac. They get tattoos trying to be Pac. They’re here trying to rap and sound like Pac. They’re trying to be super thugs like Pac, they give Pac tattoos, they do everything.
Gibson revealed that someone close to 2Pac – his mother Afeni Shakur – also expressed the same sentiment. In the process, he explains how deep his connection with Afeni has grown over time.
“Who else said that?” he asked. “Pac’s mom, at the time, became my daughter’s godmother,” he added, emphasizing his deep connection to the late rapper’s legacy.
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Tyrese Gibson’s big break is widely considered to be his starring role in Singleton’s 2001 classic Baby Boy. His portrayal of the title character “Judy” won acclaim from fans and critics alike, and the film, in turn, catapulted him to stardom.
The film was a huge box office success, grossing over $29 million worldwide. Although it didn’t win a major award, “Baby Boy” remained beloved, cementing Singleton and Gibson’s place in black film history. The film’s enduring legacy only adds to the illustrious film history of Singleton, who also created “The Boyz” and several other classics. Not to mention the comparisons to 2Pac add an important layer to Tyrese Gibson’s already storied career.
Check out the excerpt from the interview below.
