LD Interviews: Rotimi–The New Face Of Akoo Clothing
We got the opportunity to chop it up with the very talented Rotimi at Akoo’s headquarters in midtown. Rotimi has more than a few accolades under his belt to be proud of, particularly a complete season of Boss, a Starz Original series, but he has no intentions of stopping there. His most recent venture came in the form as an Opportunity to be the new face of T.I.’s clothing line Akoo.
AKOO Clothing is pleased to announce Rotimi as their 2012 brand ambassador. The breakout talent of “BOSS,” a STARZ original series, channels the mysterious allure and boyish charm of his on-screen alter ego to depict AKOO’s Spring/Summer theme of "effortless cool." Named by Rolling Out Magazine as“Hollywood’s Next Triple Threat," the actor, singer/song writer and model is leading a new era of game changers.
We had a few questions for Rotimi regarding not only his personally achievements and direction in his career, but also his thoughts on Akoo as well. Listen in below.
You’ve been referred to as "Hollywood’s Next Triple Threat" and "The Jack of all Trades" how does that make you feel?
It’s a blessing! To be noticed for what you love to do, and for people to see what you’ve been trying to prove to them for years, it’s a beautiful thing. Hard work is starting to pay off, I pride myself as trying to be a renaissance man, so having that title already, so early is a blessing.
There is actually one person who already has that title, that’s Ne-Yo, is that the direction you would want to take you career?
I definitely respect Ne-Yo for what he has done, but I’m different! I think that’s what makes it all so cool, in music, you’re able to have space for so much versatility. I watch and study what he has done, in his movies and his music, I’m a humongous fan, and I take from it what I can and add it to my skill set.
When did you know you wanted to become an actor?
Last year, Boss was my first audition. I knew I wanted to just try it out and see if I could do it, and it just came natural. Also having mentors like Jamie Foxx. He helps me a lot, teaching me how to handle myself as a professional, also showing me how to under what is and isn’t important.
How does being on tour and opening for big names like Jennifer Hudson and T.I. compare to being on set and working with Kelsey Grammer an even bigger star?
They’re two completely different businesses, but it’s the same overall feeling. When you’re working with the best in whatever, you step up. Being on set with Kelsey, im watching, im learning, it’s a very humbling experience. But then being on a show with someone like Jennifer Hudson, it’s the same humbling feeling, just a bit different. But its all the same at the end of the day.
What would be your dream role?
What ever movie Denzel Washington does, I’d like to be the equal in that. That’s my short term, I want to do that before I even accomplish my own thing. Both Denzel and Jamie, those are my two.
Has the stardom settled in yet, do you feel like a star or do some things still surprise you?
I’m taking back by it, humbled by it, but not surprised. You do this because you want to get to this level, so you know god willing, it could be inevitable. As far as it setting in being my mentality, no. I still have to work like I’m not doing anything, stay hungry. When you hit that level where its starting to set in, that’s when you start losing.
What made you say yes to being the new face of AKOO?
First and for most, my relationship with T.I., we met up about six months ago for dinner and we were kind of feeling each other out. He expressed some ideas on where he wanted to go with the Akoo line. I feel like it’s the same journey that I’m on right now. Its showing versatility, the motto is “A King Of Oneself,” so when you have that on top and before anything that just speaks for itself. I wanted to attach myself to that, I think it’s a beautiful, classy and simple movement. They focus on details, that’s also how I am as a person and a musician, it was just a perfect fit!
What is your favorite AKOO piece so far?
Definitely the cammo vest I’m wearing right now! You can wear this with anything. I also like the jeans I’m wearing now, the stitching on them is real smooth. They’re both in the upcoming collection.
You mentioned T.I. and Jamie Fox have been a role models of sorts to you, can you give us an example of how they helped you move forward as an individual and a brand?
With T.I., it was more so keeping things authentic, keeping everything real. He is one of those people you learn from watching, how professionally he is and so on. Now that he’s on the show, how he handles people, those things are priceless to absorb. Its pretty much the same with Jamie, being around them and capturing that essence of success, it rubs off on you. They pretty much tell me to stay focused, and not let things like women be your vice.
How do you balance being an actor and a musician?
It takes discipline and a lot of sacrifice. I can’t go out and party as much as I would like too. I’m literally going from the set to the studio. Lets say you’re shooting a TV show, you work 2-3 days a week, you’re making good money, and if that’s all you’re doing you’ll have time to party and have fun. But with my music career as well, now I’ve got to be in the studio another 5 days of the week. It just takes sacrifice and always keeping in mind what is important.
Which passion do you love more music or acting?
Music! Music is my passion! I’ve been singing most of my life, I’ve been studying music most of my life. Acting is something I’ve been learning for the last year, and I’ve learned a lot, but I still do it all because of my music.
How would you define yourself and your career, at this moment?
I’d say I’m hungry. I’m in motion and just really really hungry!
What’s next for you? What projects are you working on for the future?
We’re shooting,season two of Boss. T.I. and Sanaa Lathan joined the cast, that comes out mid-august. I’m also recording right now, working on my EP, I also have a couple projects coming out in terms of videos and shows. Just staying busy!
You mentioned Denzel in terms of working with him on set, what about your musical career? Is there an artist you would like to work with musically?
The Dream. I like the dream, I like his writing style. I think he just makes hits, you don’t even need a feature, the record will speak for itself.
Lastly, as an actor, singer and songwriter what do you want your legacy to be?
I want to be the voice of my generation, I want people to understand you can go to school, graduate and still live your dream. I want people to understand there really is no limit to what you can do. I’m not saying acting came out of no where, but if you work hard, you can do anything you want to do, even as clichéd as it sounds.
Being the new face of Akoo Clothing isn’t just a title, check out Rotimi showcasing Akoo’s latest spring/summer lookbook titled “Effortless Cool.”
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You can Find any and all things Rotimi at www.rotimimusic.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/rotimi1
Twitter: www.twitter.com/rotimi
Also be sure to check out Akoo Clothing at www.akooclothingbrand.com/
Facebook: www.facebook.com/akooclothing
Twitter: www.twitter.com/akooclothing
We would like to thank Both Akoo Clothing and Rotimi for their time, we wish you plenty of success in the future!
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About the Author
Ramon Trotman Editor in Chief, self proclaimed technologist, hardcore gamer and all things in between!
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[...] April 6, 2012 at 13:20 LD Interviews: Rotimi–The New Face Of Akoo Clothing [...]
[...] we stop by Akoo’s headquarters to interview Rotimi and have a look at their new Spring/Summer line, they were nice enough to give us a parting swag [...]