Waka Flocka Flame might have stopped making music full time, but he hasn't left the entertainment industry altogether. He's shifted his focus to acting, recently making his big screen debut in the new flick "Mollywood."
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Directed by Chicago-native Morocco Vaughn, the psychological thriller centers on a serial killer who disguises himself as a drug dealer to lure his victims.
Although the filmmaking process was new to the Atlanta rapper, he was accustomed to working with Vaughn, who’s directed several of his music videos.
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution recently chatted with the two to discuss their friendship; their new movie, available on demand and digital now and their future collaborations.
AJC: Morocco, tell me about “Mollywood.” How’d the script come across your desk?
Vaughn: “Mollywood” was written by my good friend Ken Hoyd back in Chicago. He loved my music videos back in the day — a few videos I did with Waka. He made a promise to me. He said, “If I ever get a budget, you’re going to direct my first movie.” We did a handshake deal, and nine years later, he called.
AJC: Why’d you think Waka would be a good fit for the project?
Vaughn: I called up Waka, like, “Ay, we did our first big video together. Let’s do this movie together, and he was all for it.” And it was more so the movie than the role. The movie itself was in the same vein of our music videos. Waka was doing a lot of rave concerts and other EDM music. This was an EDM-genre movie, and his character, Bijou, was closest to Waka’s personality. It was seamless for Waka, and he did a great job.
AJC: Waka, what were your first thoughts when you read about your character?
Flame: When I read it, I saw my character was Bijou. He’s a crime boss. I was like, “That’s not the best name. That doesn’t sound cool.” As it grew on me, I was like, “Alright, I am Bijou.” The person who presented it to me was Morocco. He was one of the first people who shot my music video. He took me to the next level, so he was just a genius in the beginning of my career. So I was like this is the same guy that’s going to kick off my acting career.
AJC: What was the difference between working on a music video versus a film with Morocco?
Flame: He definitely held my hand through it. He definitely pampered me through the experience. He stuck with me, and he made it easy. When it’s your friend, they know you. It was perfect.
AJC: What’s next for you two?
Vaughn: I got a joint called “Outside Looking In” and another one called “Crackers.” Those are my two scripts that I’m trying to work right now, and of course I’m going to continue to work with Waka.
Flame: I like drama. I like sports. I like romance. I would like to play a president -- Waka for president. I definitely want something that challenges the mind though. I want a thinking-outside-the box kind of role.
