Tristan 'Mack' Wilds is a poster boy for hoods, projects, and inner cities around the world. Raised in Staten Island, New York, this gifted actor and singer got his start by making the cast on HBO's hit series "The Wire." From there, he retreated to California where he landed several film roles including the integral character, Dixon, on CW's 90210. During the run of the show, Mack began to show the world pieces of his first love…music. Fast-forward to the present, his dream has come to fruition with his debut album, New York: A Love Story, dropping via Sony. We recently caught up with Mack and he spoke to us on why this project is meaningful, how he linked with members of Wu-Tang, and more.
Growing up in New York (Staten Island): It was fun, it definitely had its dangerous points and its ups and downs, love and lost as the album is about but it was probably the most memorable experiences of my life.
Starting out on The Wire: They had an audition for the character Randy — the character that had the braids; they called him Snitch. I went out for that part, they people said that they liked it, they felt that I was a great actor, but I was too big of a kid to get beat up the way that Randy was gonna get beat up so they said let’s try him for another role…they tried me for Michael…I wound up in Baltimore.
Finally releasing his debut album, ‘New York: A Love Story’: It’s a dream come true. This is my first love before acting and everything so to see this come to fruition the way it did…it feels really good… I would trade this moment for the world.
This is my baby and plus it’s the ode to home…my introduction. Before fully bringing people into my life, I’m showing them who I am. Let me show you where I’m from, let me show you that corner store, let me show you that pizzeria I used to get my dollar slices from, let me bring you back to Stapleton where I cut my knee for the first time, kiss my first girl, fought a guy or two…let me bring you back there so you understand exactly what you’re about to get yourself into for my musical journey.
Working with Legends like Pete Rock, DJ Premier, Havoc, more: It was amazing…It was an honor because of the way we presented it.
Working with members of Wu-Tang: Knowing them since I was like four (4), I’ve known Meth (Method Man) and Rae (Raekwon) since I was a little kid. They used to come to my Dad’s barbershop to get their haircuts before they went on tour so they literally watched me grow up in the neighborhood and even outside the neighborhood while I was coming up in the business, so I would always see them around. For me to be here doing music now, bringing them into the studio and letting them hear what I’m doing…they were excited…they definitely came through and helped out.
Mack wants it to be known that there is a new kid on the block and he’s serious about this music thing.
Do you know Mack Wilds? You might recognize him from his role as Michael Lee on the iconic HBO series, The Wire. Or perhaps you’ve heard his music and been captivated by his smooth R&B sound. But there’s much more to this talented artist than meets the eye.
Mack Wilds grew up in New York City, specifically in the Bronx, where he was surrounded by a rich cultural tapestry that would later influence both his acting and music careers. In a recent interview, he opened up about how he discovered his passion for entertainment and what it took to make it in such a competitive industry.
From humble beginnings to rubbing shoulders with legends like Wu-Tang Clan, get ready to learn all about how Mack Wilds realized his dream of making it big in NYC.
From the Bronx to The Wire: Mack Wilds’ Acting Career
From hustling on the streets of the Bronx to portraying a street-wise, Baltimore teenager in The Wire, Mack Wilds’ acting career is as gritty and real as his upbringing.
As a young actor, he landed roles in various TV shows such as Cold Case and Law & Order before getting his big break in the HBO hit series. He played Michael Lee, a character who struggles with poverty and gang violence in inner-city Baltimore.
But it wasn’t just luck that got him there. Wilds worked tirelessly to hone his craft and perfect his skills. He attended performing arts schools like Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School of Music & Art and Performing Arts (the Fame school) where he studied drama. He even took classes at New York’s famed Lee Strasberg Theatre Institute to further improve his acting abilities.
Despite achieving success on screen, Wilds never forgot his roots or where he came from. In fact, he continues to use his platform to raise awareness about issues affecting inner-city communities like the one he grew up in.
Through music and advocacy work, he hopes to inspire others to pursue their dreams just as he did – with hard work, dedication, and an unwavering belief in oneself.
New York: A Love Story and AfterHours: Mack Wilds’ Music Career
You can’t help but groove to the beats of New York: A Love Story and AfterHours, taking you on a musical journey through the city that never sleeps.
Mack Wilds’ music career has been nothing short of impressive, with two albums under his belt showcasing his versatility as an artist. The Grammy-nominated album, New York: A Love Story, was released in 2013 and received critical acclaim for its fusion of R&B and hip-hop.
AfterHours followed in 2017, with Mack Wilds exploring new sounds and collaborating with artists such as Wale and Tink. The album showcased his growth as an artist while still staying true to his roots in New York City.
In an interview with Billboard, he stated that “New York is everything to me…it’s my home, it’s where I grew up, it’s where I learned how to be a man.”This love for his hometown is evident in every track he produces.
Mack Wilds’ music career shows no signs of slowing down anytime soon. With each project he releases, he continues to push boundaries and showcase his talent not only as a musician but also as a storyteller. His dedication to representing New York City through his music has earned him a place among some of the greatest artists from the city that never sleeps.
Conclusion
So there you have it, you’ve just learned about the amazing journey of Mack Wilds from growing up in the Bronx to becoming a successful actor and musician. He has definitely come a long way since his early days of wanting to be a firefighter or basketball player.
His love for his hometown and the music scene in New York inspired him to pursue his dreams and he never gave up on them. From playing Michael Lee on The Wire to releasing two albums, New York: A Love Story and AfterHours, Mack Wilds has proved that with hard work and determination, anything is possible.
His collaborations with legendary hip-hop group Wu-Tang Clan also show how much he has contributed to the music industry. So if you’re ever feeling down about your own dreams, just remember Mack Wilds’ story and keep pushing forward towards your goals.
Founder and Creator of Singersroom.com and IncredibleWork.com. Follow me on Instagram at @gary.gentles.
