August 02, 2005 @ 11:56 am

Hustle & Flow's Taraji P. Henson

Baria A. Razzaq

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VIBE.COM: In Baby Boy you played a baby mama and in Hustle & Flow you play a pregnant prostitute. Do you worry about typecasting? Taraji P. Henson: I get this all of the time. Everyone needs a voice. How are we going to change society if we don’t put these images in people’s faces? If there’s a problem with what’s being seen, then I have done my job. I have ruffled your feathers. Do something about that girl that I’m representing. Period, point blank! We have to get out there and touch those girls who feel like they don’t have a reason to exist and let them know life is choice driven and you are in control! Why do you think it’s so hard for black actresses to get recognition for their roles? It’s a man made world, you know what I mean? It’s a struggle for women period. White actresses will tell you the same thing. The support for women is missing. The sad thing about it is the audiences are hungry for our voices. We just don’t get that love and support and it’s sad. What’s so special about Hustle & Flow? You have a movie with a pimp and hoes, yet there’s no nudity and no sex scenes. At the end of the day, the movie has nothing to do with pimping or even rap music. It’s a movie about an underdog with a dream and this is why the movie’s so special! It’s about humans doing what they do to get by in life. None of the characters are really young. It speaks on so many levels because it shows it is never too late to live out your dreams. You contribute vocals to the songs “Hustle & Flow” and “Hard for a Pimp.” Is singing something you aspire to do? No. I’m not going to try and get a record deal after the movie is released. If I get another role where singing is required, I would welcome it but acting is my passion. What character have you enjoyed playing the most? I love every character I’ve played, but Suge (in Hustle) was extremely special for me as an actress and in life. Although we have nothing in common, I have hopes and dreams.

In the movie she’s called a ‘bottom bitch,’ but the bottom is the foundation. She’s the element that’s holding it all together. She was the quiet in the storm. What kind of advice would you give young black actresses who want to get in the game? There is no formula. You really have to be committed and realize there’s no guidebook. Have a strong foundation and start with self. Deal with why you are doing what you’re doing and understand it! Have you seen Hustle & Flow? CLICK HERE to tell us what you think about the movie and Taraji P. Henson’s character.

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