Last week, Michael Rainey Jr sat down with cassiuslife.com, to discuss a variety of topics including if has picked up any tips and techniques from some of his co-stars from the Power Universe.
“Oh yeah, definitely, 100%. Being on set for such a long time, eight or nine years with so many greats as Omari Hardwick, Joseph Sikora, 50 Cent, damn near everybody on the Power show. Larenz Tate, Shane Johnson, I learned a lot from everybody,” said Rainey Jr.
“Even if it wasn’t spoken, even if they didn’t tell me, like, “No, this is what you got to do,” I just kind of observed everything on set, and I just saw what they do and saw how they operate. And especially with Omari, he was number one on Power, so we would always be following his lead, and I would always see how he would operate. So I would just try to observe and pick up everything, just absorb everything. Be a sponge, and just learn as I’m working with these greats, taking advantage of the opportunity that’s given to me.”
He added, “So, obviously not just taking advantage of being on a platform and stuff like that, but taking advantage of being around such greats, being able to pick up things and work with them and pick their brains and stuff like that, so definitely.”
Everyone knows how talented Hardwick is and the fact that he is still the face of the Power Universe even after his departure. He recently shared in an interview with Jon Bernthal that once he knew he was gifted, that’s when everything changed.
“I believe the day that I came off like I knew how gifted I was everything changed [and] not always for the better.
No longer was I in control of the faculty of that which they put me in control of when they asked me to play quarterback. So if you ask me to play quarterback, then you have to allow me to sometimes call the plays,” said Hardwick.
“If you ask me to play quarterback, not producer just quarterback, I don’t think I was a producer. I tried to get that credit I wasn’t allowed it. Even that blew the mind of many of me’s. On a show not far over, you have people playing Olivia Pope, who are dear friends of mine on Scandal, Kerry Washington’s, to be specific—blown away that I was never offered an opportunity to direct. I realized, Bernthal that our industry includes so many people, if not the majority, you’re going to smile. They are insecure.”
Power Book II: Ghost season three premieres next month.
About the Author
Landon Buford is an accomplished sports and entertainment journalist based in Richardson, Texas, with over a decade of experience covering the NBA, WNBA, NFL, WWE, MLB, and the entertainment industry. Known for delivering high-impact stories and headline-making interviews, Buford has earned a global audience through content that blends insider access with compelling storytelling.
He previously served as director of editorial and brand communications at PlayersTV, where he helped shape the platform’s editorial voice and brand identity. He is also the founder and editor-in-chief of LandonBuford.com—an independent outlet with more than 1.6 million views and syndication from major platforms including Bleacher Report, Sports Illustrated and Yahoo Sports. Buford’s interviews with stars like Gary Payton, Kevin Durant, Mark Cuban and Chris Paul showcase his talent for meaningful, in-depth conversations.
His bylines have appeared in Sports Illustrated, Forbes, Heavy.com, Meta’s Bulletin and One37pm, where he has contributed exclusive interviews, breaking news and cultural insights. At Heavy.com, his work drew more than a million views in just eight months, and at One37pm, it contributed to record-breaking traffic numbers.
His work highlights the intersection of sports, fashion, music, and entrepreneurship—showcasing how athletes and entertainers use their platforms to inspire change, influence trends, and shape culture beyond the game. Landon has interviewed a wide range of figures from the NBA, NFL, and entertainment industries, consistently bringing authentic voices and untold stories to the forefront.
In addition to his journalism, Buford is an entrepreneur and content creator, dedicated to amplifying diverse narratives and driving meaningful conversations across media platforms. His passion for storytelling, culture, and innovation continues to make him a respected voice in the evolving landscape of sports and entertainment media.
