UG Digital: Thank you so
much for your time. It’s
really amazing to see how
much things are booming
for you. Obviously the role
you played in Straight Outta Compton was a huge
deal. You originally went
out for the role of Dre
though, right?
Marlon Yates, Jr.: Yea,
that’s how it went down.
I went out for Dre, and it
didn’t work out. I later got
a call from the studio and
they wanted me to come
in for the character of The
D.O.C.. I did my research
and realized he was a huge
force behind NWA. I went
in for the character, and
history was made.
UG Digital: How familiar
were you with him before
that point?
Marlon Yates, Jr.: I wasn’t. I
learned about him before I
went in, but beforehand, I
wasn’t really aware.
UG Digital: I think I expected it to be good, but for me,
it was so much better than
my expectations. What
were your expectations?
Marlon Yates, Jr.: To be
honest, I had no idea it
would be this big of a success either. We had a great
director and team, but
sometimes there’s just this
thing in Hollywood against
black films. The fact that
it’s been perceived well
and the critics love it, it’s
amazing to see a black film
do this good.
potential to do well, but would sit there that long
just never seem to do as though.
good. I feel like in that respect, I was blown away for Marlon Yates, Jr.: Exactly.
this.
UG Digital: I do think peoMarlon Yates, Jr.: For sure. ple would have liked to see
it’s unbelievable.
more about The D.O.C. and
DJ Yella.
UG Digital: I would imagine. People obviously saw Marlon Yates, Jr.: Right!
you also in Will to Love a You could only put so much
few months ago, so this had in there. It was a true blessto be aweing though,
some
for
to be able to
your career
work on that
in terms of
for
three
progresmonths.
sion.
UG Digital:
Marlon
Were
you
Yates, Jr.:
able to get
Definitely.
help
from
I’ve been
The D.O.C.
getting
a
at all in your
few
calls
portrayal?
since this
film,
and
M a r l o n
I’m excited to see what’s in Yates, Jr.: He didn’t really
store.
give major input, but he
was there everyday.
UG Digital: As far as with
Straight Outta Compton, UG Digital: That’s cool
what do you feel like you though. You see a lot of
were able to get out there movies where the people
with your portrayal that being portrayed aren’t inpeople weren’t aware of? volved in any way.
Surely, he was a huge part,
but the movie focuses a lot Marlon Yates, Jr.: That’s
more on Dre, Cube, and true. I don’t really think
Eazy.
you actually need the person to be there though.
Marlon Yates, Jr.: It’s Hol- Dre and Cube was there
lywood too, so you have to everyday, but they didn’t
build it around these guys. walk up with every scene
These guys were huge suc- and make suggestions.
cesses and icons. A lot of
people were saying that UG Digital: It has to have
certain parts weren’t really that entertainment factor
shown, but it’s Hollywood. as well, so it won’t all necThe director was saying if essarily be on point in that
he could, he would have aspect.
made it 4 hours. They cut
out a lot of scenes.
Marlon Yates, Jr.: Exactly.
“Right.
You’re
only as
good as
your resources.”
UG Digital: I think that our
movies get heavily stereotyped as is, and when they
come out, they have that UG Digital: But nobody UG Digital: What new
things are on the horizons
now?
Marlon Yates, Jr.: I can’t
speak on it right now, but
I’m reading scripts and
waiting for calls.
UG Digital: It’s really huge
what this has done for
you, and I see a lot more
coming. You’ve got a lot of
things bubbling now, but
where would you like to
see things go?
Marlon Yates, Jr.: I spoke
with my reps recently, and
I have to be very decisive
about what I do. Coming
off Straight Outta Compton, it has to be something
on the same level or better.
I’m being selective. I trust
my representatives, and I
know they will put me in
the right hands and take
care of me. I’m excited to
see the next step.
UG Digital: That’s the good
thing with having good
reps.
Marlon Yates, Jr.: Right.
You’re only as good as your
resources.
UG Digital: Are there any
final comments at all at this
point?
Marlon Yates, Jr.: Just to
let everybody know to
enjoy life, and chase your
dreams.
UG Digital: We are definitely checking for everything
man. You did an awesome
job. I’m gratify for the opportunity to chat today. +