What can you tell me about your character Lavetta?
Lavetta is Andre Young’s first baby mama in the film. This relationship is shown in Dre’s life pre fame and success, and reflects the struggle and pain in his younger years that relates to his personal experiences. Lavetta and his daughter, represent one of several conflicts in his life. He has to decide what to do with the reality and the life he’s trying to pursue. The audience gets to see some of the sacrifices each member had to make in the making of their legacy.
Did Dr Dre give you any personal notes while you were on set?
He didn’t really give me direction. We talked about personal things, but it wasn’t that I had to specifically portray Lavetta. I think Dre’s point of view was that he wanted to include her in the story, which is special, but as far as portraying a specific character, it wasn’t necessary. One of the mistakes I kept making was calling his character Dre instead of Andre. He wasn’t Dre yet! But, because I had spoken to the real Dre so many times, I kept forgetting to say Andre. We did take after take, and I just kept saying Dre and they kept stopping. It’s not my fault! He’s Dre!
What was your favourite scene to film?
A lot of scenes were cut out of the movie. I think the original cut was four hours and it had to be cut down to two. My favourite scene was when Lavetta decides to leave Dre. It was shot in a car with us and the baby. It was my favourite, as an actor, having to dive into the idea and the reality of what was taking place and giving it my all.
I usually like to ask what attracts people to a role, but I can’t imagine anyone being too quick to turn down a role in the NWA biopic.
When I initially got the audition, I was so excited because it’s NWA and, like I said, I’m a huge fan. Originally, I went in for Tomicka, who was Eazy-E’s girlfriend, but that didn’t work out because of the height difference. Jason Mitchell is like 5’5 and I’m like 5’10. They offered the role of Lavetta and I took it because there weren’t that many roles in the film for women. I thought, I just want to be a part of this story so bad, I’ll do anything.
How hands on were Dr Dre and Ice Cube, the originals, on this movie while you were filming?
It’s so beautiful because this movie was literally made with and packaged in love. Dre was on set every day. Cube was on set for the majority of the time. Ren and Yella popped in and out, but they were there. The D.O.C and Snoop visited the set to watch. It was cool to have everyone really and truly be so present during the making of the film. This was their baby, their legacy.
Were you a fan of NWA growing up?
Oh, absolutely.
Did you have a favourite member?
It’s hard, I appreciated the collective. I say that Ice Cube has to be one of my top favourite people in this world. I love him, he’s so real, he’s so raw. He just has this wonderful, great spirit. In person, he’s the same. I just appreciate him so much.
