One of the biggest actors of the moment didn't always have designs on being an Oscar-winning thespian.
In a new episode of the What's Good podcast with hip-hop radio luminaries Stretch Armstrong and Bobbito Garcia, Ali talked about his early career as a rapper and his love for what he calls the "blue collar" emcee.
"[They're] not going to be, in any capacity, necessarily a millionaire," said Ali. "This is their life." Following up on that thought, Ali also professed his love for artists like Mobb Deep and Brand Nubian. His upcoming project, Roxanne Roxanne, takes a hard look at one of hip-hop's pioneers and his role in the production is the hardest one of his career, according to Ali.
Check out the full interview below.