Exclusive Interview: Pop Culturalist Chats with The Chi’s Michael Epps

Things are getting real on Season 3 of Showtime’s award-winning series The Chi. Created by Emmy Award winner Lena Waithe, the coming-of-age drama follows a group of residents on the South Side of Chicago who become linked by coincidence but bonded by the need for connection and redemption.

Since its premiere in 2018, the show has ridden a wave of unprecedented support and success. And a standout amongst the cast is actor-musician Michael Epps, who plays fan-favorite Jake Taylor.

We caught up with the rising star to learn more about Season 3 and whether fans can expect more music on the way.

Career

PC: How did you discover your passion for the arts?
Michael: I discovered it through my mom. My mom was originally the actress in the family. She got me a little role on this small YouTube series! She saw how well I did and how I took directions, so she came to talk to me and asked if I wanted to start acting. It was something new, so I said I’d give it a shot. The first role I ever booked was a background role in Empire, and about a year later, I got the audition for The Chi! I went in, did the audition, got the callback, did the second audition, got the role, and here I am! I’m an actor!

The Chi

PC: The third season of The Chi is airing now. What can fans expect? What can you tease about Jake’s storyline?
Michael: Fans can expect to see a lot of more real-life situations. We have more situations that happen in real life that don’t really get much light shined on them. We speak on these things throughout the entire season. With Jake, in particular, they can expect to see him wake up in Season 3.

PC: Which of Jake’s relationships has been your favorite to explore and why? Has that changed throughout the seasons?
Michael: I would probably say his relationship with Kevin and Papa because I can kind of relate to those three in real life. At first, my favorite relationship of Jake’s was the one with his brother, but it started to change as the seasons went on.

PC: This is a breakout TV role for you. What has surprised you the most about the experience? What’s been the biggest takeaway?
Michael: What’s surprised me the most is how well I’ve done for this to be my first big TV role. To never have gone to any acting classes at all and to have booked this, that surprised me. My biggest takeaways have been all the smaller and special moments.

PC: In addition to acting, you’re also a musician. Can we expect more music in 2020?
Michael: Of course! When this pandemic is over, you can most definitely expect a lot more new music!

Pop Culturalist Speed Round

PC: Guilty pleasure TV show?
Michael: The Chi

PC: Guilty pleasure movie?
Michael: Step Up 3

PC: Favorite book?
Michael: Miss Nelson Is Missing

PC: Favorite play or musical?
Michael: Annie. It’s the only one I’ve ever seen!

PC: A band or artist that fans would be surprised to learn is on your playlist?
Michael: Lil Baby

PC: Who would play you in the story of your life?
Michael: My younger brother. He would be good at it!

To keep up with Michael, follow him on Twitter and Instagram. Catch new episodes of The Chi every Sunday at 9/8c on Showtime.

Photo Credit: Robert Smith