Big Shel Bailey Interview: "Peace King," Nemesis Return & Son Solo's Rising Hollywood Career

Sheldon "Big Shel" Bailey has spent the better part of two decades proving he can't be boxed into one lane. A former professional basketball player turned actor, recording artist, and producer, Bailey has built a career on range — the same word he uses to describe what his son, Solo Bailey, is now showing the industry. From guest spots and film credits to a recurring role on Netflix's "Nemesis," Bailey has carved out a steady presence in Hollywood while never fully stepping away from the booth. His latest single, "Peace King," is proof of that dual identity: a record built on collaboration, hometown pride, and a mantra he hopes listeners carry with them long after the song ends.

For LandonBuford.com, Bailey opened up about the making of "Peace King," a track that bridges Los Angeles and North Carolina both sonically and visually. He breaks down his creative chemistry with producer Dae One, his long-standing collaboration with singer Nasya Tamar, and what it meant to bring fellow North Carolina artist Mac Da Black Sheep into the fold. Bailey also unpacks the meaning behind the "Peace King" title itself, describing it less as a slogan and more as a personal philosophy — one built on inner confidence, self-worth, and the pursuit of peace in a chaotic industry.

Beyond the music, Bailey talks candidly about the balancing act between acting and recording, explaining how slower stretches on set often become his most productive writing windows, and how his film work helps fund the music he's most passionate about. He also addresses his status heading into a potential second season of "Nemesis" on Netflix, making a case — half-joking, half-serious — for his character Marcellus to return with a bigger role.

Much of the conversation, though, centers on family. Bailey's son, Solo, is quickly building a name of his own, landing a spot in BMW USA's global "Shape of Greatness" campaign tied to the World Cup and appearing alongside his father in the upcoming horror film "The Invite," executive produced by Bailey and longtime friend Jerry Dupree. Bailey speaks with visible pride about watching Solo navigate the same industry he came up in, describing a relationship built on guidance rather than control — Solo handles his own music, while Bailey continues to manage his acting and basketball opportunities.

Bailey closes out the conversation as only a former hooper could: with an honest, unfiltered take on the NBA's summer trade rumors. As a Florida International University product and self-described "Miami guy," he shares his hopes for aGiannis Antetokounmpo–Heat pairing and gives a candid, no-nonsense reaction to buzz around Jaylen Brown potentially landing in Philadelphia.

From the studio to the film set to the trade rumor mill, this conversation captures Bailey at a rare intersection — an artist and father watching two chapters of his career, and his son's, unfold at the same time.

On "Peace King" and the PeaceKing/BigShel Rollout

"Peace King" pulls together you, Mac Da Black Sheep, Nasya Tamar, and producer Dae One, with the project bouncing between LA and North Carolina. What did that back-and-forth do to the sound and feel of the record?

The beat came from legendary west coast producer Dae One. I instantly knew I wanted a singer on it. I've collaborated with Naysa before and I knew she'd be great on it. I've known Mac for a long time. He's been going hard lately. I love where we're from in NC. I had the idea to connect LA and NC through this song and the visual and to match. Fayetteville has a lot of talent and I wanted to display that with Mac and I together. His energy on the track is fire. He brought such a fresh and hype style to the song. It like gives it a second life because he slides way different then I do.

On Working With Dae One

What was it like in the studio with Dae One on production, and how much did the beat shape the direction of "Peace King" versus you building the concept first and finding the sound after?

The beat instantly hit me. I knew I wanted to write on it and it would be great for my style. It was originally a joint project with another artist. He threw me the lob and I did my thing with it.

On the Title Itself

"Peace King" is a bold title and hashtag to build a rollout around. What does that phrase mean to you personally, and how does it connect to where you are in your career right now?

#PeaceKing is a term of endearment and a suggestion for life. Peace is a crucial elements of life. King is inner confidence and understanding of our greatness and potential. We need more peace and more people holding themselves at a higher regard. I wish you Peace, King.

On Balancing Music and Acting

You're juggling music releases with acting work at the same time. How do you keep both crafts sharp without one pulling focus from the other?

Usually when acting is slower I'm writing more and open to other endeavors. Acting finances the other projects I do when I produce them. So sometimes I have to wait a bit to release when things align.

On Season Two of Nemesis

You're set to return for season two of Nemesis on Netflix. Without giving too much away, how does your character evolve this season, and what excited you most about coming back?

I don't know if I'm coming back for Nemesis Season 2. I hope so. I think people like to see me on there. I definitely can bring. They should definitely have "Marcellus" back and expand the role. Holler at Courtney. 😉

On Solo Bailey and the Next Generation

Solo's now got his own name attached to major work, including the BMW x World Cup sports commercial campaign. What's it been like watching him build his own brand, and how much advice do you actually give versus letting him find his own way?

It's really cool seeing my son continue on his path which is sort of the our family path. His and mine anyways. There are parallels because that's how I built it. He has autonomy to do his own thing. I do manage his acting and basketball work. He does his own thing with his music. I still guide him with ideas and art. Booking jobs is a testament to his talent and my management. We love the success. I hope he's learning well and will be able to guide himself as far as his talent can take him. Always great seeing your kid score on TV.

On "Shape of Greatness" for BMW

The BMW USA "Shape of Greatness" campaign puts Solo in front of a massive global audience around the World Cup. What did that shoot teach him, or you, about working at that level of production?

The BMW commercial was just another day on set for us. I did the paperwork and he did the job. Now working with a brand on the level of BMW is amazing. One of the best most luxury vehicle brands in the world. Even though we hadn't worked with BMW before we've worked with a lot of brands and we treat it all the same with professionalism and showing up doing the best.

On "The Invite"

Solo's also involved with the horror film "The Invite." Horror is a different lane than commercial work. What do you think that project will show people about his range as a performer?

"The Invite". I executive produced the film with my friend, writer-director Jerry Dupree from And1 and USC basketball prominence. We shot it on location in Taft, Ca and California Hot Springs. Solo and I both appear in the movie with crucial roles. Very cool making a movie with my kid and my homeboy. Moments you cherish. Can't wait for it to come out. It's in post-production right now.

On the Giannis-to-Miami and Jaylen Brown-to-Philly Trade Buzz

As a former pro hooper yourself, what's your read on the trade buzz around Giannis Antetokounmpo landing in Miami and Jaylen Brown heading to Philadelphia? Do either of those moves actually make sense to you basketball-wise?

I'm a Miami guy. FIU stand up. Rooting for the Heat. I love Giannis and how he approaches the game. I hope to see the Heat get back in the championship convo. Brown to Philly is weird. I want him to be successful. He's a guy of integrity and great ability. I just don't really care about the 6ers and I think Boston did him kind of dirty. Go Heat!