Rayan Lawrence & his return as K-9 in the second season of BMF

Rayan Lawrence is reprising his role of “K-9” in the second season of BMF, and we are ecstatic about his return. I had the fantastic opportunity to speak with him about landing the role and returning for season two. We dived deeper into his similarities with “K-9,” from their upbringings and his love for acting.   

Some of Rayan’s recent and past credits include Malcolm D. Lee’s Barbershop: The Next Cut, Cadillac Records, CBS’ “Magnum PI,” and “Blue Bloods,” Starz’s “Power,” and WGN’s “Underground.”   

Cox: Rayan, I’m excited to have you back to talk about the return of “K-9” in season two of BMF. In season one, where did we leave off with “K-9,” and what should we expect from him in season two?  

Lawrence: In season one, you are introduced to “K-9,” letting “Big Meech” and his crew know that he sees what they are doing and if they want to level up their operations, to come to see the Brewsters [Projects]. In season two, they do make their way to the Brewsters, and you see just how grimy it is. Remember – “Terry” told them in episode four of season one, that the Brewsters are a little grimy, so, you get to see if “Meech” is really able to handle it.  

Cox: This show is becoming a Black cult classic with people. What attracted you to the show?  

Lawrence: Growing up, I heard the stories about the infamous Black Mafia Family. You would listen to how they spent thousands at clubs, wearing flashy clothes and big chains. I’m that type of guy when it comes to clothes; I like to be blinged out. But they were also about unity and family, which are significant to me well.   

Cox: Did you know “K-9” would get this big?  

Lawrence: I didn’t, because when I auditioned for the role, it was just for one scene with the possibility that it might be recurring. I’m happy and thankful to Randy Huggins and Curtis “50-Cent” Jackson for allowing me to return for season two.   

Cox: Do you and “K-9” share any similarities?   

Lawrence: We do have a lot of similarities, especially when it comes to being respected, honoring loyalty, showing love for our family, basketball, and luxury things.   

Cox: Being from New York and “K-9” being from Detroit, did you find it easier to embody him based on growing up in similar neighborhoods?  

Lawrence: I grew up around similar stuff with people experiencing these situations happening in the neighborhood. I can bring some of that first, and third-hand experience and knowledge to the character of “K-9.” Especially when it comes to the era of Adidas kicking off back in the 80s, that I wore in the 90s.   

Cox: I heard it was an exciting experience for you when auditioning for “K-9”?  

Lawrence: I did the audition at 2am when I initially got the audition. I had a 6am flight to Hawaii that day to film for “Magnum PI,” so I had to finish the audition in time to make my flight. There was so much excitement because after filming “Magnum PI,” I got word I landed the role a couple months later.   

Randy [Huggins] and the other writers didn’t see much of me in my one scene in season one. They used my acting reel to book me for season two. It’s crazy to think that if I didn’t have my reel together, I probably would have to audition, or they could have gone with a more prominent name; you just never know.   

After this, I’ve learned to always have my tools ready.   

Cox: Now that we talked about BMF season 2 and the return of “K-9,” I want to dive deeper into the actor Rayan. What’s your origin story in entertainment?  

Lawrence: It started when I was younger. People would often tell me I look like I need to get into modeling. When I was in high school, I took some pictures at Kings Plaza in Brooklyn. In the newspaper, I saw a company looking for models, so I submitted my photos to them.   

My first modeling audition was for an ESPN commercial. After that, I was like, this acting thing could be fun, so I wanted to pursue both. Between the two, I was drawn more to the excitement and fast-paced nature of acting versus being on a modeling set for hours on end, taking copious pictures in different poses.  

Cox: So, after moving into just wanting to be an actor, what is it about the craft you love?  

Lawrence: I love developing the character and investigating who they are. Like you said, I’ve been in shows like “Underground” and “Bluebloods,” and some indie films, and each experience requires me to dig deep into the role I’m playing. A fun fact – I actually graduated college with a degree in criminal justice. At one point, I thought I wanted to join the FBI.   

I love the business of acting too – especially the rehearsals, and watching everyone come together to bring the characters and stories to life. When doing this, we must pay attention to real-life people. We must take in their lives, which you know as ‘method acting.’ I love this method because it’s about calling on a memory from watching people and paying close attention to what makes them unique.   

Cox: Rayan, you have really been putting in the work in this industry. We just laughed about someone seeing you in a music video from the 90s. What has kept you going and persistent in your Hollywood dreams?  

Lawrence: For me, it’s about trusting the process. This is a business, so I keep striving, researching, networking, and putting God first. I’m always praying for every move I make. I pray with a purpose, verses praying about getting a role. I say that because I pray for the part aligned with my purpose.   

My support system continues to give me that push when I need it, too. You know, I have had downtimes in this industry, but I’ve had friends who gave me that nudge and reminded me that I can get past my temporary situation.   

There was this one time I didn’t get a part, and I was pretty down about it. But later that day, I went home and watched many old internet movies. I saw where I came from, which gave me the confidence to be like, I’ve really been climbing these steps, and this is just another hurdle I must overcome.   

I’m going to make it to the top, so I keep all these moments in the back of my head, and I also strategize after situations on how I might need to change my approach to certain things. We all get to where we want to be one day, as long as we keep thinking about it and staying confident.   

Photography Credit: Rowan Daly