Michael Rainey Jr. talks about the finale of “Power Book II: Ghost” and the transition from annoying teenager to kingpin

When did you realize that Tariq James St. Patrick would be the role you will forever be associated with?

Probably in season four, when Tariq saw Raina die, and of course when he started hanging out with Kanan. Fans were just like that Damn, Tariq is a badass. Everywhere I went people were like, “Why are you such a rebel?” I realized the character was starting to take on a life of his own, people were taking this shit seriously. I knew at the time that this would lead to me doing even crazier things on the show, like they were angry now, but soon they would be even angrier

What was one of your favorite scenes in Tariq?

Ray Kill Ray. That was the beginning of Tariq becoming a completely different person. That was the beginning of his true story. It was fun to film that too, it was lit.

Was there any pressure to get your own spin-off?

There were some conversations behind the scenes from supervisors wondering if I would be able to handle it. I spoke to 50 and he said, “I'll prove them wrong, but don't worry about proving them wrong, just prove me and yourself right.” I already told him you got this shit.” So I was like, No, I can't make myself and 50 look stupid. I had to lock myself away.

How would you describe Tariq's journey over the past few seasons?

In the first few seasons he struggles with becoming more of a Ghost or just a gangster. Something he didn't want to become. And now this season he's finding peace with it.

As Tariq became a bigger character, did you take inspiration from other actors or other roles when crafting your portrayal?

Someone I've seen a lot is Jon Bernthal. I learned a lot of tricks from him – like when he gets angry he does this thing with his jaw clenched and moving back and forth. I take things like this to perfect my craft.

Is there another show that is comparable? Performance?

Consequence it's coming, isn't it? sopranosbut I feel like we've created a whole new lane, like we're in our own league, so to speak. Spin-offs don't usually do well, but ours does what it's supposed to do and we had big shoes to fill.

What's it like working with legends like Method Man and Mary J Blige?

Mary is the coolest. Growing up, I listened to Mary J in bed when my mom cleaned, and now we work together. But when we first met, she was the one who said Oh shit. For example: “I love Tariq.” She was a big fan of Performance Before she intervened. Method Man, since we're both from Staten Island – he and my parents grew up in the same neighborhood – it was like a full circle moment. For example, I played football with his son a long time ago. So it's just super awesome to be able to share a screen with him now that we go back.