At just 23 years old, Michael Rainey Jr. has achieved what many can only dream of. Best known for his role as Tariq St. Patrick on the hit TV show Power, Rainey Jr. has amassed an impressive portfolio of on-screen experience, learning from some of the biggest names in US television. Despite his fame, Rainey Jr. remains grounded, finding solace in his other passions and hobbies. His love for music, sparked by early memories of his mom playing classical compositions by Beethoven, has become a significant part of his life.
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Rainey Jr.’s interest in music began at a young age, and he now enjoys playing the piano and producing music in his spare time. He often retreats to the studio for a creative release when filming becomes too intense. This passion for music serves as a mental escape, allowing him to rejuvenate and think beyond his acting career. Recently, in a campaign with Tommy Hilfiger produced by Hypebeast, Rainey Jr. shares an intimate look at his treasured downtime, set against the tranquil backdrop of Connecticut, a place he frequently escapes to.
The visuals of the campaign showcase Rainey Jr. in a preppy mix of shirts, denim jackets, shorts, and loafers. As Tommy Hilfiger’s ambassador since 2022, Rainey Jr. has embraced fashion as a means to reflect his professional evolution. He introduces refined silhouettes while staying true to his New York-centric street style. Similar to music, fashion is an outlet for him to express his identity, background, and passions. In a conversation with Hypebeast, Rainey Jr. discusses the importance of taking breaks from his busy schedule to explore his interests and reset mentally.
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When asked about the necessity of taking breaks, Rainey Jr. emphasizes that breaks are essential in maintaining happiness and preventing burnout, no matter the profession. He believes that having fun is crucial to enjoying one’s work. During his breaks, he balances relaxation with career reflection, watching his old work, critiquing his performances, reading scripts, and planning for future projects. However, he stresses the importance of treating oneself as a human and not constantly obsessing over work-related thoughts.
Reflecting on his role in Power, Rainey Jr. acknowledges the significant impact it has had on his career and personal growth. Joining the show at the age of 12 and now nearing 24, he literally grew up on set, learning from seasoned actors like Omari Hardwick and 50 Cent. These experiences accelerated his development, teaching him valuable lessons about loyalty, principles, and maturity. Rainey Jr. notes that playing Tariq St. Patrick has been his most substantial role to date, shaping his life and career trajectory.
Discussing his journey on Power, Rainey Jr. reveals that he never anticipated his character becoming so central to the storyline. Initially, Tariq was not a pivotal character, but during a hiatus between seasons two and three, Rainey Jr. starred in the movie Barbershop. The producers of Power, impressed by his performance, saw his potential and transformed his character into a more critical figure in the show.
Outside of acting, Rainey Jr. has also been nurturing his music career. Producing music since the age of 12, he has always found solace in creating beats after long days on set. While music started as a fun hobby, he is now taking it more seriously, venturing into the business side of the industry. His recent project includes executive producing every track on Wolface Joeyy’s mixtape, which received significant acclaim.
Fashion also plays a crucial role in Rainey Jr.’s life. He credits Frank Fleming, the wardrobe coordinator for Power, with sparking his interest in fashion. Exposure to various designers and outfits during fittings influenced Rainey Jr. to elevate his style. He no longer relies on others for fashion advice but actively seeks to discover new trends and designers.
Growing up in New York has profoundly influenced Rainey Jr.’s fashion sense. He believes that the city’s culture is ingrained in him, inspiring everything from his style to his work ethic. He reminisces about the preppy fashion seen in old music videos and TV shows, noting that Tommy Hilfiger was a prominent brand even in his father’s closet. Rainey Jr. believes that Tommy Hilfiger’s impact on New York fashion endures because the brand stays in tune with contemporary culture.
Remaining true to himself is a principle that Rainey Jr. holds dear. He argues that authenticity is crucial in the entertainment industry, where different personalities and pressures abound. Trying to imitate others is exhausting and unsustainable. Instead, staying true to one’s principles and beliefs establishes respect and prevents others from taking advantage. Rainey Jr. aims to inspire aspiring actors and music producers by emphasizing dedication, resilience, and authenticity.
In conclusion, Michael Rainey Jr. is not only a talented actor but also a passionate musician and fashion enthusiast. His journey to success is a testament to the power of hard work, dedication, and staying true to oneself. Through his roles on-screen, his music production, and his fashion ventures, Rainey Jr. continues to inspire others, proving that there’s no straight path to success, but rather a fulfilling journey shaped by diverse passions and unwavering principles.
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