Damn, It Feels Good to be a Gangster

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We get lost at this level. How do you relate to the Frank Lucas character most — as a dealer, rapper or label president?
Mostly as a leader. As Denzel played him, Frank Lucas is this really laid-back person. He’s not flashy, not out in front. That’s pretty how much I carry myself. It’s hard now, obviously, I’m on TV all the time. But my persona is like that. Laid back.

When you were coming up in the game, were there other gangsters you modeled yourself after?
The biggest drug dealer in our neighborhood was a guy named Danny Dan. He was loved by the people. Like a don. I remember that he wrote his own obituary and picked the song he wanted played at his funeral: “We Got Our Own Thang” by Heavy D. He did die really young, but it was in a car crash, not anything drug-related. So it was ironic.

Why do you think Americans are so obsessed with gangsters?
Because that us-vs.-them mentality is in all of us to some extent. Whether you’re going to work and it’s your boss, in every walk of life there’s that relationship. People relate to that. But you’ve never seen a black guy ascend to that level before. In the movie, you relate to the struggle — it’s inspiring.

What about more mainstream power struggles? Do you support any of the current presidential candidates?
I have relationships with two people in the race. Hillary — well, not so much Hillary, but I have a great relationship with Bill. And I just sat down and had a conversation with Barack Obama a couple of weeks ago. I love them equally, and they’re both making history. I’m gonna go down to the last day with this one. I’m watching both of them.

What did you and Barack Obama talk about?
We talked about me a lot. He had a friend with him who had extensive knowledge of my career. We didn’t really get into anything more than that.

Now that you’re so successful, do you still experience racism?
Not openly. Money insulates you from things like that. You know, if people’s kids love you, it’s hard for them to say anything bad about you. But I’m aware of it, certainly.