Q-NICE, plays the role of Devon Lincoln. Q-Nice is a Cleveland native and premier entertainer, poet and actor. In 1994 Q-Nice four other students at Cleveland State University founded the Black Poetic Society. He is the founder of Chief Rocka Entertainment, an entertainment organization geared at bringing poetry to life for the masses. When Q-Nice is not on the big screen he performs and emcees hip-hop shows, cultural events and poetry battles in various parts of the country. You can find out the latest information on Q-Nice and Chief Rocka at www.chiefrockaentertainment.com.


DANIELLE GREEN (aka Ripley Peele), is Devon’s loving and supportive girlfriend Jessica. Ripley has held lead and supporting roles in five Velocity Films. She was the finalist/winner of the First Annual National WB open casting call in Akron, OH in 2000. Ripley is also a poet and has a spoken word piece featured on the HipHop for Life soundtrack, titled “Ode to Devon”. Her skills as a poetess won the attention of the National Poetry Guild; for which her poetry was featured in their annual poetry anthology, Dreams Gone By. Ripley has been featured in the Cleveland Life Magazine and has appeared on FOX8 and WB55. In the spring of 2002 Ripley looks forward to working on several WB television shows. Currently Ripley is completing a poetry anthology and her first novel.


GEORGE BAYNARD, JR., is Terrence. Terrence is the unreliable, nonchalant marijuana smoking childhood friend of Devon. George was able to bring not only believability, but also personality to this role especially when it comes to Terrence’s imaginary friend Toke. George is not only a budding actor, but and aspiring rapier and hip-hop artist.


D’EPITOME,plays the lady’s love of the movie Roger. D’epitome is seen as the gun toting voice of reason among his roommates that enjoys the company of a different woman in every scene of the film. D’Epitome is the president of T-Sax Entertainment, an entertainment group that is grooming some of Cleveland’s finest hip hop rappers.


BLACK NILE (the Don Wookie Loo), is John the victim of some “accident”, that in the eyes of his friends, has left him a bit mentally unstable and unpredictable. Black Nile is a Cleveland native and aspiring rap artist. He is one of the feature artists on MP3. Black Nile’s new rap CD singles and fan club information can be accessed at www.mp3.com/wookieloo.


DA BOOGIE MAN, is Devon’s motivating, heavy breathing mentor, Kenny. Da Boogie Man is no stranger to performing. He was member of the Black Poetic Society and the Oppressed Poets, in Cleveland, Ohio. Boogie is a four time winner of the ShowTime at the Apollo Amateur Night competition. It was his performance on the Apollo that captured the attention of singer/songwriter Lionel Richie. Boogie has recorded with Richie and is currently working on his first spoken word album. Boogie also has a published collection of poems titled in addition to his own website, www.Daboogieman216.com.


SUAVE GOTTI, is the dark and dastardly nemesis Smoke. Although this was Suave’s first role in a film he definitely has a history as a performer. Since the early eighties Suave has perform across the country on the underground Hip Hop circuit. He possesses a unique and ingenious style that has captured the attention and respect of many. Inspired by the battle scenes of HipHop for Life, Suave has started a “rapper’s bootcamp” called Spitboxin. This “bootcamp” is a series of 32 chambers and tasks geared at perfecting the skills and techniques of young rap artists. The mass appeal and success of Suave’s Spitboxin was featured in the December, 2001 addition of Cleveland Life Magazine.


EBONYFAITH, portrays the tempestuous ex-girlfriend Rochelle. Rochelle’s carefree and ambitious attitude is not a far stretch from Ebonyfaith herself. Ebonyfaith is an outgoing, up and coming actress. Currently she has had lead and supporting roles in several Karamu House stage plays. In 2001 Ebonyfaith won the Budweiser Girl title. In January, 2002 Ebonyfaith was featured in the stage play “Black Nativity.” Ebonyfaith is also an outstanding dancer and choreographer. She has toured across the country with Nitro, a hip hop dance ensemble.

JABAZZ SNIPES, plays the role of club emcee Hydro. Jabazz is a “real life” emcee. He is up and coming on the hip hop circuit and a rising poet. Jabazz is the host of Vibe Session sponsored by Chief Rocka Entertainment. He is also the Vice President of Sales for Velocity Productions.


KEM MACHETE, is the underhanded racketeer promoter Mackie. Kem is one of Cleveland hottest underground rappers. He the President and founder of his own records label Machete Crew. Under his label he has released his first CD titled, “The Price of Glory”. This album was ranked #1 Underground CD/Album 2001 in Cleveland. Kem’s first music video “Please Listen” will be released in the spring 2002 (directed by Velocity Productions).

MICHAEL BELL, SR, is the overprotective and pessimistic father Mr. Lincoln. Mike Bell was also one of the producers of HipHop for Life. In December, 2001 Bell also produced the film “A Word Before Dying” written by Gwen Wright. Bell is also the owner of Legacy Entertainment. Under his entertainment company Mike Bell has worked with hip hop artists MB, Lady Daye and a host of others.


CASSANDRA HINES, is Terrence’s emotionally unstable and attention seeking girlfriend Anita. Cassandra is a blooming stage actress. She has appeared in several stage plays at the Karamu House in Cleveland, Ohio. Cassandra is also a 2000 Budweiser Girl for the state of Ohio .


CARMEN M. HENLEY, cinematographer. Carmen is currently a senior at Kent State University and has a host of credentials under her belt. In addition to being lead cinematographer for HipHop for Life Carmen has filmed several music videos. During the summer of 2001 alone, Carmen filmed videos for rap artists Strict 9ine and Rising Sun. Carmen made her directorial debut in her film short “Drama”, release date not yet slated.