Nile Bullock Is Up Next

Nile Bullock is an entertainment phenom making a statement in the industry right now. Rooted in New Jersey, he comes from good artistic stock. He hails as a versatile actor, singer, and dancer. Creativity is interlaced in his DNA. The multi-talented artist possesses a raw passion, on-screen appeal, and off-screen swag that sets him apart. We sat down with Nile to discuss his acting and music career, motivation, self-care, and future aspirations.

Mhonaé: Tell me briefly about your background.

Bullock: I come from a family of artists. My mother is a singer-songwriter, my dad is a jazz bass player, and my little brother is also an actor and dancer. My original passion was dance. I came out of the womb dancing. My parents noticed that right away, putting me in professional classes. I trained in hip-hop predominantly and then studied at Broadway Dance Center, where I branched into jazz, ballet, tap, and contemporary. My parents realized I loved being in the spotlight and encouraged me to act. It quickly became a second passion for me. I took classes, auditioned, and did small theater productions around the area. From there, I began singing, which I picked up from my mother. I fell in love with putting the work in, and I saw that acting, singing, and dancing was what I wanted to do.

Mhonaé: So, would you say that you chose acting, or acting chose you?

Bullock: I feel like it’s a win-win situation. Initially, I would say I chose it since my parents encouraged me to do it at first, but when I finally embraced it, it felt like it was meant for me the whole time. So, the more I committed to it, I realized that it was in my DNA.

Bullock’s resume flaunts mostly television credits and is continuing to grow. He has appeared in hit shows like Ray Donovan, Law & Order: SVU, Chicago Med, and Seven Pounds. In 2021, he gained a recurring role in the critically acclaimed series Power Book III: Raising Kanan. It’s been up from there! This year his resolutions have prospered, booking roles in the Disney+ film Chang Can Dunk and the television series Cruel Summer. Bullock reflected on his life-changing opportunity as Derek “D-Wiz” Washington in the franchise. 

Mhonaé: What was the experience like working on a critically acclaimed series like Power Book III: Raising Kanan? 

Bullock: Power was such an eye-opening and surreal experience for me. It was insane! I was familiar with the Power universe and its chokehold on the industry when I stepped into that role. It had a huge cult following and was such a dope show! Portraying D-Wiz was amazing and a real challenge for me as an actor. That was one of my longest roles on a TV show, and it really pushed me. It was a step out of my comfort zone. I remember playing with character development. Creating that character was so much fun! I enjoy playing characters that are entirely left field from who I am as an individual. That was one of my first pillars; I had to work that muscle for myself. Power helped me grow as a young black male, and it’s an important story for our community.

Chang Can Dunk was another rewarding experience for Bullock. It told an impactful story surrounding Asian culture and the indiscretions of humanity. He shared his takeaways from playing the character Owen in the project. The chance to star in a Disney movie was a dream that he harbored as a child, and now he’s living it.

Mhonaé: Tell me about the film Chang Can Dunk on Disney+ and your character Owen. 

Bullock: Chang Can Dunk was a super raw and moving film to work on. That was one of my first roles on the big screen and in a Disney film. That was another full-circle moment for me. As a kid, I always wanted to be in a Disney project. In my opinion, it’s a groundbreaking film. It brought a lot of attention to the Asian American community and culture. Chang is this kid with a basketball dream. He’s also battling to fit into an American high school with discrimination and bullies. It’s a story about self-discovery and accepting people for who they are. It talks about friendship and love. I play the character Owen. This role was the opposite of who I am because he was mean. Owen is one of the bully’s sidekicks who is not super receptive to Chang. It was such a dope experience to work on the movie with an amazing cast and crew!

It is Bullock’s season! Now, just in time for summer, he is starring in the drama series Cruel Summer, which will keep viewers on the edge of their seats. In season 2, he plays the character Jeff, and it is his longest recurring role to date. It comes at a pivotal moment in his life. The highly anticipated second season premiered on June 5 on Freeform and Hulu. Bullock shared a compelling synopsis of what viewers can expect this season. He even explained his views on versatility as an actor versus being “too” intentional.  

Mhonaé: What is Cruel Summer about? 

Bullock: Cruel Summer is an anthology series. Season 2 is an entirely different setting and storyline and an all-new cast. It follows Megan and Isabella and the rise and fall of their friendship. There are love triangles, kept secrets, relationships ruined, family secrets leaked, and it will be intense. I play the role of Jeff, an aspiring filmmaker with a crush on Megan. It’s my longest role on a TV show so far. That’s all I can give on my character for now. There are a lot of juicy events in this series, and you have to watch it to find out. The writers and cast are incredible!

Mhonaé: Are you intentional in the characters that you choose to play?

Bullock: Most of the time, it depends on the role. There is a limited amount of control for actors and actresses. You have complete control over what you want to take on and what you don’t. But you don’t have control over the roles coming your way. I don’t feel like you can explore the depths of your artistry while being super intentional about each part you get. Sometimes you need to step outside of your comfort zone. I have found a lot of relativity in the character Jeff in Cruel Summer. It had a lot of relevance in my life. Some roles may not necessarily be what I would usually play or send myself out for, but it makes sense when you start digging and developing the character.

Not only is the multi-hyphenate chasing cinematic greatness, but he also strives to conquer the music industry. Lyrically known as NBTalented, he has honed his style with a unique sound that pleases all ears. And it’s a vibe! He experiments with R&B, pop, rap, hyperpop blend, and hip-hop elements. His methods are nearly scientific. The road to heating the charts may be long and tedious, but NBTalented has sparked notoriety with his recordings, visuals, and collaborations. Lorde, Ye, Bianca Bonnie, and Akash are some artists he has been fortunate to share the booth with. He elaborated on his love for the art form and his identity as a musician. 

Mhonaé: When did you discover your passion for music?

Bullock: Music has been in my life for as long as I can remember. It was always around me. I sang as a kid and knew that I was drawn to it. I was exposed to different types of music in my household. I came up on Michael Jackson, James Brown, Prince, and Whitney Houston. The more I discovered other types of music, the more my passion grew. When I became a teenager, I got into Chris Brown, Kendrick Lamar, Ne-Yo, Juice WRLD, Travis Scott, and many more. 

Bullock (Cont.): After graduating high school, I started working with engineers and producers that went to my school. In the last four years, I had dived deep into my music, especially during the pandemic when I wasn’t working, and I was forced to sit with myself and my computer and find ways to be active and creative. I started writing more and learning how to produce. So, I have been going super heavy on it, getting visuals done, and exploring my artistry. 

Mhonaé: How would you define yourself as a musician?

Bullock: When it comes to me and my music specifically, I am an open book. I don’t have one specific sound, and I can’t stick to a particular genre no matter how hard I try. I’ve got something for every listener. I am also at a period in my life where I am experimental with what I am putting out, so I am still very much discovering my sound. I love the process of making music, how it makes me feel, and how it makes other people feel.

The young visionary is dedicated to evolving his craft in all aspects. Bullock has learned that it’s an arduous process to achieve excellence. Yet, he welcomes the challenges because they only make him further appreciate the journey. With his debut album “333” under his belt, he anticipates the release of his sophomore album “Cyclone” sometime this year. The grind continues! Bullock finds motivation in keeping his plate full. His hunger won’t allow him to become complacent or quit, nor will his sustainment of family and friends. It takes a village!

Mhonaé: What keeps you motivated and grounded in this industry?

Bullock: I am consistently finding new ways to be creative. If I’m not working on a TV show, I make beats or write music. If I’m not doing that, I attend an acting class or watch a performance. Plus, I am blessed to come from a strong, loving, and artistic family who inspires me. They consistently push me because this business can get discouraging sometimes. I am happy to say that I also have amazing creative friends who encourage me. So, I try to find art in everything that I do. I let that be my fire, and I keep treading.

We can’t knock the hustle! Bullock is passionate. Still, he knows that he must give himself grace when needed. Mental health is taboo in the entertainment business and the black community. Bullock highlighted the significance of prioritizing mental health, especially as a hard-working entertainer in a demanding industry. 

Mhonaé: As a creator, it is essential to make your mental and emotional health a priority, especially in an industry that asks so much of you. How do you tend to your self-care to be the best version of yourself every day?

Bullock: Mental health is super important, especially in the life of a creative. It can get very stressful as you become busier, so protecting your mental headspace is necessary. One of my go-to self-care tips is to take rest days and spend time with my friends and family. I also encourage everyone to reach out to a therapist or somebody they trust to talk to when they need help with whatever they may be going through.

Bullock is inspiring his generation with a grind that knows no bounds. He pursues his passion like the air he breathes. The triple threat is committed to fulfilling his dreams while carrying an expressive legacy. Bullock indulged us with his vision for the future of his career and conveyed encouraging words to aspiring actors.

Mhonaé: What more do you aspire to achieve in your career?

Bullock: I love doing TV, so I would love to do more series and films in the future. I want to take on some superhero or supernatural characters and a biopic. I am manifesting it. I would also love to do a tour at some point. I want music to take off for me and for everything to work out, and I don’t know what that means yet. I just have to wait and see how things align. I desire to make a mark, educate and inspire people, and teach the world and the next generation whatever I can through my art. I can’t wait to see what the future holds for me. 

Mhonaé: What advice do you have for aspiring actors, especially black actors?

Bullock: To be yourself. I encourage them to read a lot of black playwrights and predominantly black films, to understand our history and what we come from. I encourage all actors to continually hone their skills by taking classes and workshops. Also, use the media to your advantage. Many casting agencies will seek talent online, so showcase yourself. Lastly, remember to have fun and be fearless in your dream chasing.

Nile Bullock is up next!

Photo Credit: Tarrice Love Photography