By DeVaughn Douglas
As "Keisha", Taral captured audiences’ attention in the Hype Williams helmed cult classic Belly.
Taral has been steadily working on catching the audiences’ attention once again. She, like the main character in A Bronx Tale, is trying to make the right choices in a community that doesn’t see things quite the same. She sits down with AllHipHop.com to discuss why the Hollywood Community is not pushing African American actors, her new movie, and her latest work in the music industry.
Taral Hicks: Of course I really enjoyed being apart of A Bronx Tale. One reason is that I got to work with Robert Dinero. Also I was one of the only darker females on the set and I had a prominent part in a film that dealt with some serious interracial themes. I had never really done any screen work before that movie so I think I was in awe the whole shoot. It was just awesome. After that it would have to be Subway stories because I got the opportunity to sing. I still come across people that say they were touched by the scene, and that in itself is my goal in acting. In all my work I want to be able to touch people with my work. I loved Belly because Keisha was such a challenging role for me. I was so far from the character even though I grew up in the Bronx. I came from a Christian family and that character was a challenge which helped me to gain a wider audience.
AllHipHop.com: Like fans on AllHipHop.com.
Taral Hicks: Yeah like fans on AllHipHop.com [laughs].
Taral Hicks: Yes I am. I am still doing work but it’s a little different this time. I’m actually working on a gospel cd which is influenced by Hip Hop and R&B. I’m just trying to create inspirational music that I like with a positive message. I love the sound coming from artists like Mary Mary. Their song “It’s the God in Me” is how I try to live my life.
ALLHIPHOP.COM
In 1993 the film A Bronx Tale was released chronicling the life of a young Italian Boy growing up in 1960’s Brooklyn. The film finds the main character having to make choices in life despite the feelings of the community surrounding him.
Should he join the mob and live a life of violence? Should he continue an interracial relationship in the face of a community that did not approve? The film was Robert Dinero’s directorial debut and received critical acclaim. However, the director was not the only one debuting in the film. It was also the first major movie role for a young actress name Taral Hicks.
The young thespian went on to play in Just Cause with Sean Connery and Laurence Fishburne and eventually stared in a short for the HBO series Subway Stories. The short, directed by Spike Lee, featured Hick’s singing ability and eventually led to a contract with Motown Records.
Then came the role for which Taral is widely known to many in the Hip Hop community.
The young thespian went on to play in Just Cause with Sean Connery and Laurence Fishburne and eventually stared in a short for the HBO series Subway Stories. The short, directed by Spike Lee, featured Hick’s singing ability and eventually led to a contract with Motown Records.
Then came the role for which Taral is widely known to many in the Hip Hop community.
As "Keisha", Taral captured audiences’ attention in the Hype Williams helmed cult classic Belly.Taral has been steadily working on catching the audiences’ attention once again. She, like the main character in A Bronx Tale, is trying to make the right choices in a community that doesn’t see things quite the same. She sits down with AllHipHop.com to discuss why the Hollywood Community is not pushing African American actors, her new movie, and her latest work in the music industry.
INTERVIEW
AllHipHop.com: Out of all the roles that you have played in your career what is one that truly stands out to you?
AllHipHop.com: Out of all the roles that you have played in your career what is one that truly stands out to you?
Taral Hicks: Of course I really enjoyed being apart of A Bronx Tale. One reason is that I got to work with Robert Dinero. Also I was one of the only darker females on the set and I had a prominent part in a film that dealt with some serious interracial themes. I had never really done any screen work before that movie so I think I was in awe the whole shoot. It was just awesome. After that it would have to be Subway stories because I got the opportunity to sing. I still come across people that say they were touched by the scene, and that in itself is my goal in acting. In all my work I want to be able to touch people with my work. I loved Belly because Keisha was such a challenging role for me. I was so far from the character even though I grew up in the Bronx. I came from a Christian family and that character was a challenge which helped me to gain a wider audience.
AllHipHop.com: Like fans on AllHipHop.com.
Taral Hicks: Yeah like fans on AllHipHop.com [laughs]. AllHipHop.com: You mentioned Subway Stories. That short is actually what led to your recording contract with Motown. Are you still involved with any musical projects?
Taral Hicks: Yes I am. I am still doing work but it’s a little different this time. I’m actually working on a gospel cd which is influenced by Hip Hop and R&B. I’m just trying to create inspirational music that I like with a positive message. I love the sound coming from artists like Mary Mary. Their song “It’s the God in Me” is how I try to live my life.
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