In one weekend, Shameik Moore’s life changed drastically. He recorded an audition for a starring role in the film Dope, sent it to the director on a Friday, and by Tuesday, he was flying to Los Angeles for a second audition. He nailed that audition, too, of course, as the 20-year old Moore starred in the coming-of-age film that was released in June and is available now on DVD.
The film, which is narrated by Academy Award winner Forest Whitaker, also stars Kiersey Clemons, Chanel Iman, Zoe Kravitz, Tony Revolori, and A$AP Rocky.
“Kiersey, we’re best friends. Tony was the funny dude. Rocky is like my big brother now; he be looking out. Chanel and I are really good friends, too. Zoe, she’s beautiful, she’s extremely talented, and in real life we’re all good friends. I still talk to everyone,” he said. “I hear it’s not that way with all projects.”
Moore also talked about meeting Whitaker, who also produced the film.
“He was very involved and he always had wise words for me. I really got to meet a cool, wise, humble man,” he said, adding that he met Whitaker’s family, as well. “He brought his daughters around when we were recording the music; they were mad cool.”
Like fellow cast members Zoe Kravitz and ASAP Rocky, Shameik is also a talented musician. He worked with Grammy Award winner Pharrell on four tracks for the film’s soundtrack. Moore recalled wise words that Pharrell, who he called “a wise man,” gave him at the Cannes Film Festival: “He just basically let me know that I am on the right path and to stay humble and continue to move forward, stay focused and out of trouble.”
Moore shared a story of meeting a celebrity that left an impression. “Chris Brown inspired me growing up and meeting him was pretty cool for me,” he said, noting that he isn’t one to get star struck, but meeting Brown was special. “When I met him, I was happy I finally got to meet him. He inspired me with his music.”
What can we expect in the near future from the talented Moore? He stars in the Netflix original series “The Get Down” about the origins of hip-hop and also has a mixtape titled 30058 that is available on his website http://www.shameikmoore.com/. “I plan to change the game with that” he said.
