Maestro: The Future!

Special Contributors: Gossip Girlz

With Season 4 of the Wire premiering on BET this week, I thought it would be only right to sit down and kick it with the home boy Maestro (Harrell) who played Randy (the Snitch) on the Wire (Season 4 & 5). Currently, Maestro is signed to So So Def and an accomplished actor (among other things).

Personally, Season 4 of the Wire was the best. The ‘kids’ kept your interest. So lay back, kick it, and enjoy the ride…

Yall Know What This Is: A Day With Maestro…

GG: Hi Maestro…

MH: Hi…Nice to meet you

GG: Well let’s jump right into it with some basics first….

MH: Okay…where would you like to begin?

GG: First things first…are you still in school?

MH: Yeah I attend Morgan Park Academy. It’s a school on the South Side of Chicago.

GG: How old are you?

MH: I’m 16, I’ll be 17 in July

GG: Where do you live?

MH: I live on the south side of Chicago with my mom and dad.

GG: How old were u when u got started in the business?

MH: I was about 2 years old when I got started. My parents knew they wanted me to be in entertainment and I just took to it.

GG: Exactly what do u do?

MH: I’m a overall entertainer. I act, sing, play the piano… I do it all. I’m also starting to get into song writing and production.

GG: So I heard you were signed to So So Def…how did that come about?

MH: I actually met Jermaine when I was 11 years old. He said he definitely saw something in me and that he was gonna sign me. After putting me through development and me living with him for a year and a half he signed me. That’s when he had his deal with Virgin Records. Then when he left Virgin and went to Island/ Def Jam he took me with him.

GG: Are u currently working on your album? What kind of music?

MH: Yeah, JD and I are in the studio off and on right now working on my album. Its going to be a R&B album, but its going to reach everybody so I don’t want to really put it in a “genre.”

GG: Can u give the readers a list of accomplishments thus far?

MH: So far, over the course of my career I’ve been on the Jay Leno show 6 times, I’ve had my own tv show, I’ve done the Broadway production of the Lion King, I’ve been in two movies-Ali & Barbershop, I’ve been on one of the most critically acclaimed shows (The Wire), I’ve made appearances on ER, Cold Case and I had a MTV Super Sweet 16.

GG: You mentioned MTV’s Sweet16, how real is all that?

MH: The show is definitely realistic, you just have to watch what you say because in the editing process they can make you look like a jerk if your not careful.

GG: How did the Wire come about?

MH: The Wire was actually just another show I auditioned for, and they were interested so they flew me to Baltimore to meet with me, and the rest is history.

GG: I noticed the kids were not the focus on the last season of the Wire & only saw u on 1 episode. Did u miss going to the set everyday?

MH: Yeah I had a small part in season 5, but I feel it was for the best. I never want to be type cast as one character. I want to be known as Maestro and not Randy. But it was different because we had alot of fun on set.

GG: How’s Snoop in real life?

MH: She’s really like that, shes hood…LOL…but when you know her, she’s one of the sweetest people you’ll ever meet.

GG: What have you leaned from Jermaine Dupri?

MH: I learned that you always have to be yourself and be the best at what you do.

GG: Are your parents involved in your career?

MH: Definitely, all the things I’ve done wouldn’t be possible without my parents support. They gave up their lives to give me a better life, and I’m thankful for that.

GG: What’s a typical day for Maestro?

MH: A typical day for Maestro… is school, going to chipotle, piano lessons, vocal lessons, then coming home making music and playing NBA2k8…LOL!

GG: Any advice you’d give to someone your age about getting started in the business…music or acting?

MH: I would tell them as far as both fields go; you have to stay dedicated and not to give up. It’s a numbers game; you just have to wait for your number to be called.

GG: What is the difference with your acting career and your singing career?

MH: I feel my acting career is in my hands. Its up to me to get the roles, I make or break my own career. With music, it’s not as simple, its a lot more waiting involved, and the label determines your fate. It’s not really in your hands.

GG: Is there a preference?

MH: They both have their pros and cons. With acting I have more control, but I have to fit the description their looking for. With music there is no description, but I have less control.

GG: How has everything changed since you got signed? MH: Well now I have an outlet for my music, and I get more respect in the industry by having a producer such as Jermaine who believes in me.

GG: Since you did the Wire?

MH: Since I’ve done the Wire a lot has changed. I get recognized on a day to day basis by people who love the show. It has also brought about more work for me as an actor.

GG: Out of all the things you have accomplished, which one are you most proud of?

MH: One thing I’m most proud of is my episode of Cold Case. I feel that was the strongest performance I have ever given as an actor.

GG: What’s next for Maestro?

MH: I have a movie coming out called “The Promotion” it comes out June 6th. And hopefully my album will be coming sometime this summer. So I’m just ready for the ride.

GG: Thank you so much for taking the time to sit and chat it up with me.

MH: My pleasure…

LOOK OUT FOR THIS KID…HE’S THE FUTURE!!!