Kendrick Lamar's Cameo on Power Praised by Movieweb
Movieweb highlights Kendrick Lamar's cameo on the Starz crime drama Power as one of the greatest TV cameos, noting his appearance in Season 5, Episode 5, "Happy Birthday," as Laces, a fast-talking, unhoused addict.
Movieweb describes the scene in which Laces approaches 50 Cent’s recurring character Kanan selling gift cards and a bike, then mentions the Tainos, prompting Kanan to use Laces as a guide and an unexpected companion and confidant.
The article reports that Lamar, a longtime fan of Power, pitched himself to 50 Cent and, per Courtney Kemp, requested to play something "extraordinary" rather than a version of himself. Movieweb characterizes his turn as incisive and layered, noting monologues on crime, racism, medication and veganism and switches between English and Spanish.
Movieweb calls the cameo memorable and expresses that Lamar's strong performance makes his infrequent acting appearances notable.