Jahking Guillory - The DOPE MAG Interview

He arrived to the first exclusive cover shoot of what promises to be one of the more illustrious careers in Hollywood history with two protective power ladies in partnership, his mother and his manager, ready to work and more than willing to exchange swag notes with DOPE MAG’s creative team, essentially his crew for the day. Jahking Guillory, 15, is the fly, fearless, focussed, and fiercely talented leading man in one of this centuries most necessary urban adventure films - director Justin Tipping’s “KICKS”. A gripping tale of an apparently parent-less teen resident to what is depicted as the shots fired, drug riddled, thug invested, crime scene incubator known as Cali’s East Bay, specifically Richmond. Equal parts Hughes Brothers “Menace II Society” and Rob Reiner’s “Stand By Me” with the coming-of-age hyper-hormonal comedic seasoning of a modern day “Cooley High” and the boyhood buddy bonding of 85’s “The Breakfast Club,” KICKS’ urgency to explain today’s troubled teen - captured with the flair and brilliance of Guillory as main character Brandon - is what empowers the viewer by providing them with an earnest explanation as to why both machismo and materialism combine to define manhood, especially for men in the hood.

In the film, Guillory battles bullies throughout, first with the somber stoicism and cautious isolation of a stray puppy ever in avoidance of the bad boy’s analogous dogcatcher convoy, and later with bravery, bullets, and the self-destined drive of an inner-city David determined to topple the grittiest of ghetto Goliath’s. KICKS is a defining moment for millennials as Jahking Guillory, in cause and character, shows us why Hip Hop culture and its get money mentality coupled with good ol’ fashioned American greed are the watershed flooding the sad moods and ill-tempered attitudes inherent in today’s modern mainstream: either you have it, or you don’t. And if you don’t, you better fight to get it - and if you do, you better kill to keep it. In this introspective interview the young Hollywood heartthrob talks about growing up with his loving family in Long Beach, shares the best advice he got from Uncle Snoop, and tells us why he wants to star in a Cowboy movie.

Written by Tone Swep

Directed by Lauren “La La” Walton

Images by Melissa Castro

Styled by Rudy Flores

Shot at the Hot Rod Shop in Los Angeles

(Tone Swep: TS) In the film KICKS, you diligently and accurately portrayed the somber stoicism and internal toughness needed to become Brandon, and you made it seem effortless. How?

(Jahking Guillory: Jahking) Thank you. I understood Brandon. He’s similar to me, but also as an actor there is a lot of preparation that goes into it.

(TS) Brandon vs. Flaco: The epic battle of wills in KICKS. Do you feel that many teens in America are facing a version of that fight in real life?

(Jahking) Yes, a lot of kids get picked on for their size and the bigger guys try and take advantage of them and take their stuff. In KICKS it’s a battle. Bullying happens everyday.

(TS) Director Justin Tipping has shared in interviews that his biggest challenge was shooting with a 13-year-old in every scene. What was your biggest challenge?

(Jahking) My biggest challenge was being in school while having to be in every scene. I would run and film a scene, then run back to the teacher and take a math test. It was crazy.

(TS) Brandon’s parents were never shown in the film; mentioned, but not actually seen as actively involved or with a speaking role. What message does Brandon always being alone when at home, alone in most aspects of life really, project to the audience?

(Jahking) Unfortunately some families are like this. Parents not home, working three jobs, struggling to get by; pay the bills.

(TS) Girls, guns, and ghettos are the recurring themes you dealt with in KICKS. What does it take for a young man like yourself to move in that world - and make it out?

(Jahking) Education. They can steal your sneakers but no one can steal your education.

(TS) Share with us a little about your background. Where are you from? What was your early childhood like?

(Jahking) I was born in Moreno Valley, California, and now live in the LBC (Long Beach, California). Lots of family around, I played the major sports like football, basketball, baseball and ran track; lots of love in my family.

(TS) What initially drew you into film, what influenced you to become an actor?

(Jahking) I was six-years-old, watching the Disney Channel, and told my mom I wanted to be on TV.

(TS) Was there a specific movie or character in a film that inspired you to become an actor? Like, did you see O-Dog in Menace II Society or Frodo in Lord of The Rings and instantly decide to pursue this?

(Jahking) Man on Fire with Denzel inspired me, and so did Boobie Miles from Friday Night Lights.

(TS) You are very gifted, an extremely talented young actor. How great do you feel you can be?

(Jahking) Thank you, Tone man. I just want to work hard, keep challenging myself, and be the best I can be.

(TS) Every actor has their distinct traits they bring to the table: Denzel’s class and poise, Kev Hart’s comedic timing, Kerry Washington’s believable intensity, Will Smith’s funny charisma. What would you say are your unique screen attributes?

(Jahking) Hey, I just started in this business. Give me time to develop some (Laughs!).

(TS) Name your top three baddest girls in the game right now.

(Jahking) Rihanna, Beyoncé, and Zendaya.

(TS) Finally, what motivates you to get up and go get it every day? Are you a natural born hustler, a good guy with a ton of heart and drive?

(Jahking) Natural born hustler with a heart of gold.