Pop Culturalist Chats with Empire’s Kade Wise

Things are about to get even crazier on Empire this week when Preacher Azal makes his arrival. He’s a New York rapper with a sharp tongue, and a character created specifically for actor and musician Kade Wise. Pop Culturalist spoke with Kade about his character, what it was like joining a show he felt a deep connection, and the challenges up-and-coming actors face.

PC: You’re making your debut on Empire this week! Tell us about your character.
Kade: I’m pretty excited about it! Preacher Azal is a unique, yet very common New York rapper. I’m from Brooklyn so I was totally encouraged to tap into that energy. He’s a guy who Jamal hears about and wants to recruit. Of course, given that Preacher is a politically-driven and quite opinionated fellow, I’m sure you can imagine it won’t always be smooth sailing. Anything more will soon be discovered.

PC: Were you familiar with the series before your audition and what drew you to this project?
Kade: Absolutely familiar. Since day one of Empire, I always felt a magnetic connection to this show. As a Hip-Hop-centric musical drama with multiple seasons of success, I knew I wanted to be part of it for a long time. I began pursuing music years before I got into acting, so this was a very ideal opportunity to combine both skills.

PC: We read that it was a two-year audition process. How did you find the strength to persevere and remain positive throughout? How did you celebrate once you landed the role?
Kade: The process of coming up as a new actor is demanding because of how competitive and multi-layered it is. There’s really no room to be anything but positive and resilient. When the chance came to audition again, it was simply met with a sharper outlook and execution. I think it was just preparation meeting opportunity. As for the fiesta, I celebrated a night with my friends and one with my reps. Lived it all to the fullest! Enough said.

PC: Did you feel any extra pressure because the character was created specifically for you?
Kade: Not really. I’m finding it easier to feel more comfortable with who I am year after year. And the more I can be myself, the more I feel like I am able to truthfully embody another energy. Now that you throw in somewhat of a customized character in there, it’s kind of like the best of both worlds.

PC: How did you prepare to step into his shoes?
Kade: Well, I figured we had the same shoe size [laughs], so I took a deep breath, said grace and dove right in. I’m kidding. All love! Jokes aside, I was constantly excited and curious to unfold how my character would grow in each episode. That kept me motivated to put my best foot forward on every shoot day, and it pushed me to understand the story and his instincts in full. The homework was done.

PC: How much of Kade is in Preacher Azal?
Kade: Dare I say, acting is usually parallel to your personal spirit. I’m such an opinionated goofball with lots of energy as it is. And I’m not saying that’s what I brought on screen, yet, it did influence elements of it. There was also a flexibility to bring what I personally saw into it so it was a lot of fun!

PC: What can you tease about Preacher Azal’s story arc this season? Who will we see him interacting with the most?
Kade: My good man, Jussie Smollett. Hell of an actor and very pleasant to interact with. His character, Jamal, takes an interest in Preacher’s music so there are definitely some cool collaborations. However, given that Preacher has got a bit of a slick mouth, there’s also room for conflict. So tempted to tell you more, but I got to bite my tongue and wait till you see it for yourself.

Pop Culturalist Speed Round

PC: Guilty pleasure TV show?
Kade: Empire, duh! Okay, Entourage too.

PC: Guilty pleasure movie?
Kade: Goodfellas

PC: Favorite book?
Kade: The Alchemist

PC: Favorite social media platform?
Kade: Instagram

PC: Favorite play or musical?
Kade: Hamilton

PC: A band or artists that fans would be surprised to learn is on your playlist?
Kade: Queen

PC: Last show you binge-watched?
Kade: The Looming Tower on Hulu. Terrific!

PC: Hidden talent?
Kade: Voice impressions! Mostly accents and animations.

Check out Kade’s debut on Empire this week on Wednesday 9/8c on Fox. And follow him on Twitter and Instagram.

Photo Credit: Kyle Bri Photography