Urban Thought Collective

When I received the call to go out to LA and interview Spike Lee for my TV show nCONTRAST, I heard the words press folks always hear: “It’s an exclusive.” Right. But, this time, it was true. Spike was being honored for his body of work, and a star-studded red carpet was going to be laid out.

After a great flight (even though I slept most of the way), I arrived to the spot on time, only to find out that “his people” had a sent a car to pick me up. Oh well, my loss. At least it’s always a nice treat to stay at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel. It’s even better when the weather is perfect.

Thought I’d suit up, since I figured Spike wouldn’t have time to change before the special event. After all, he’s the main attraction. Wrong. I’m geared up in the D&G, set to impress, and the man walks in rolling hard in jeans, tee, and baseball cap. True Spike form. It definitely proves that it pays to do your own thing, no matter what.

This was my third visit with Spike. I had a chance to interview him after the “Inside Man” flick, and the re-release of “Malcolm X” (Thanks, A). He never ceases to say the unexpected, like: “I didn’t know what the movie was going to be about, but I knew the title….Do the Right Thing.”

Following the interview, I barely had time to do my stand-ups from the stage, and get some footage of the event before the crowd came in. This meant I could have some play time afterwards. This is good. Spike and I shared a moment about “Malcolm X” and the line that makes me shake every time, “Too much power for one man to have!”

Among many things, Spike spoke on his struggles to bring his next project, “Miracle of St. Anna” to the screen. It’s the story of four black American soldiers who get trapped during WW II, due out in October. His eyes and his posture took on a surreal intensity, making me realize that for him, it really is about the passion.

Check out me and Spike on nCONTRAST:

On to the carpet. His celebrity friends gathered, giving kind words and smiles. There were those who just wanted some face time for the cameras, and those who really appreciated what Spike had done for them. Honestly, when you give honor to who honor is due; your light will shine too!

Oh, and my play time….let’s just say since there are no known collaborators, it’s a beautiful memory…

Shout out to super Hollywood attorney Gordon Bobb for his time and interview (coming soon)! Also, next time you pass through LA, stop by the incredible Peponi Spa in Venice… you must experience it for yourself!

Keep the Faith!

Chuck Faush has been interviewing celebrities and notables for more than a decade. Faush is host and executive producer of nContrast, the ultimate urban entertainment news show, which airs on BET J every Wednesday and Sunday in primetime. He blogs about his fabulous exploits in Hollywood exclusively for Urban Thought Collective.