Terrence Howard
Why the actor-turned-singer won't let his kids listen to hip-hop.
by Tammy La Gorce
October 28, 2008
You didn't want to sing "It's Hard Out Here for a Pimp" from Hustle & Flow at the 2006 Academy Awards. Was that because of its language and content? Were you thinking of your kids when you made that decision?
Well, it's one thing to play that character (DJay, a pimp-turned-rapper). That's who I was. But when the show was over the character was over, so the idea of still doing the song became no fun. It wasn't about trying to be a role model.
Do you monitor the music your kids listen to?
Yes. I try to keep them from most hip-hop, because you know what? It's harder to get an idea out of your head than it is to keep it from going in there in the first place. Some music can be corrupting — if it's not building you up it's tearing you down. My children's brains are forming, I would like to protect them from explicit references. Later they can fill their souls up with junk food if they want. But junk food is something I'm determined not to allow. For now. "Where else would I live? Hollywood? I don't think those people even like me."
You've said that being a storyteller is important to you in your music. What kinds of stories do you tell your kids?
I tell them my life stories. I've always enjoyed taking a story and putting it in a way that's not only informative but tasty. You know, you use metaphor and simile to carry them places. But you know that book, Oh, the Places You'll Go? The title makes it seem like it's for a child, but the information in that book is about an adult's life. Sometimes I take a cue off that book, and sometimes I take cues off the Bible when I'm telling stories. I like stories with truth in them.
You live in Lafayette Hill, a suburb of Philadelphia, two blocks away from your ex. Why do you choose to live in the suburbs? Is it good for the kids?
Where else would I live? Hollywood? I don't think those people even like me. Why would I want to be around that? I'm where I am because that's where my kids are. Things didn't work out with my wife so I had no choice but to be home, near them. I spend most of my time within a five-minute radius of home.
©2008 Tammy La Gorce and Nerve Media
About the Author
|
|
Related Articles
|
|
Tammy La Gorce is a freelance entertainment writer living in New Jersey with her son and daughter. Her work regularly appears in The New York Times, GRAMMY and other magazines. |
|
|
-
by Sarah Hepola
On why his son won't eat meat or be a child actor.
-
by Aaron Burgess
The rock icon and dad on his newest baby: Kidzapalooza.
-
by Justin Clark
"I don't have a mental manual of how I'm raising my kids."
|
