Marion Cunningham 
Filed under: It’s All Reel, Entertainment
From rapping with Public Enemy to starring in several VH1 reality series, such as ‘The Surreal Life,’ ‘Strange Love’ and ‘Flavor of Love,’ Flavor Flav has reinvented himself in so many ways that it’s hard to pin down who he is. If you ask him, he would say he’s the same guy who grew up in Roosevelt, Long Island. Just older and wiser.
Now that he’s moved to LA, he’s looking to get into films, and first up for him is a role in a horror film where he’s the host/ narrator.
‘Nite Tales,’ which is directed by Deon Taylor and made its debut on BET this past Halloween, is an urban double feature that includes a pair of hair-raising horror stories that deliver the season’s most alarming and enjoyable chills and thrills. Starring in the films are Tony Todd, Sticky Fingaz, Tyrin Turner and Fredo Starr.
In speaking with Black Voices, Flavor Flav talks about his role in the film, which is now available on DVD.
The last five years have been good to you.
Flavor Flav: And hopefully the next five years will be even better.
How did you get involved with ‘Nite Tales’?
Flavor Flav: Well, my partner Deon Taylor came to me and told me, ‘Hey Flav, I have a project I’m working on, and I want you to be part of it, and it’s a horror movie.’ Well, I came out here (LA) to do movies, so come on, let me up in your movie, dog. So, he put me in the film, and I’m not going to lie, I like my part. I feel like I’m like Rod Sterling from the Hitchcock film.
Are you a fan of Alfred Hitchcock?
Flavor Flav: I’m a big fan of Hitchcock and the ‘Twilight Zone.’ What Alfred Hitchcock does, and what Rod Sterling does is something that I know I can do. I added that twist to the movie.
Did Deon tell you what part you were going to play?
Flavor Flav: He told me what part that he wanted me to play. He just wanted me to be the narrator. One day, I may take part in a full episode. Right now, I’m just opening up the show, explain what’s about to happen and then close the show.
Did you do anything special to get into character?
Flavor Flav: Nope. The other thing I did was come out and be myself. I also applied the styles of Hitchcock, Sterling, and Grandpa Munster to my character.
How happy are you that ‘Nite Tales’ got picked up as a TV series?
Flavor Flav: Hey man, I’m more than happy. This is what I moved out to California from New York for. It’s for this purpose. Things are going good now and I’m not mad.
You had the reality show, which was a big success, and now you’re venturing into films. What sort of films are you looking to do?
Flavor Flav: I’m looking to do films that make sense. I would like to do films that won’t take my character down.
What do you think ‘Nite Tales’ brings to the table that other horror films haven’t?
Flavor Flav: I think this film brings in the ‘Twilight Zone’ twist that we don’t see in other films. It has that ‘Rocky Horror’ feel to it. All of these horror films that are being made now are scary and bring in the same intensity, but this one is a little laid back. You have to use your imagination for this film. It’s also TV friendly. You don’t want to scare the kids to the point where they can’t sleep and wake up and go to school and learn. You have to keep the ball rolling, right?
You’re turning 50 years old this year. Will you be planning anything special?
Flavor Flav: Sure I am. In fact, on March 15th, we’re scheduled to have a birthday party for me at BB King’s in New York City, and my special request is to perform. At midnight, Public Enemy will get on the stage, and that’s how I will bring in my birthday. My birthday is actually on the 16th, and I want to turn 50 on stage performing with my group.
What do you think of the reality shows now?
Flavor Flav: I just want to say that I helped start a trend of a creating a TV show in a new way. Some say that I came in and changed the course of reality television, and I’m not mad if that’s true. I don’t see myself as big as everyone else does. I guess that’s what keeps me so humble.
Why should anyone pick up ‘Nite Tales’?
Flavor Flav: Honestly, it’s scary. When you use your imagination, you can be scared out of your kits. Also, some of your favorite recording artists are in the film. It’s bloody, scary and fun to watch. It’s got me in it, too.
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