5 Rappers Who Dominate Power Book III: Raising Kanan (And The Shocking Season 4 Twist)

The line between hip-hop royalty and TV drama has never been thinner than in the Starz hit series, Power Book III: Raising Kanan. This prequel to the original Power series is not just a gritty origin story for Kanan Stark, but a powerful platform for some of the biggest names in rap to prove their acting chops. As of December 10, 2025, the buzz is all about the explosive updates for Season 4, particularly the shocking transformation of a fan-favorite character played by a critically acclaimed Brooklyn rapper. This article dives deep into the biographies, roles, and latest news surrounding the rappers who are defining the narrative of the '90s-era South Jamaica, Queens.

The success of the Power Universe, executive produced by Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson, has created a clear pipeline from the recording studio to the television screen. While 50 Cent himself originated the role of Kanan Stark, the prequel has introduced a new generation of actor-rappers, with Joey Bada$$ and the newest addition, Pardison Fontaine, leading the charge. Their involvement not only brings authenticity to the show's hip-hop backdrop but also adds a layer of star power that keeps fans engaged.

The Rap Moguls Turned Actors: Complete Biography Profiles

The transition from a high-energy stage performance to a nuanced dramatic role is a challenge few can master. The following rappers have not only managed the shift but have become foundational pillars of the Raising Kanan storyline.

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• Joey Bada$$ (Unique)
  • Birth Name: Jo-Vaughn Virginie Scott
  • Born: January 20, 1995
  • Birth Place: Brooklyn, New York City, New York, United States
  • Career Highlights (Music): Founding member of the hip-hop collective Pro Era. Critically acclaimed mixtapes like 1999 and albums like B4.DA.$$.
  • Career Highlights (Acting): Portrays Unique in Power Book III: Raising Kanan. Also appeared in Mr. Robot, Wu-Tang: An American Saga, and the Oscar-winning short film Two Distant Strangers.
  • Role in Raising Kanan: Vernon "Unique" Thomas, a charismatic, calculated, and powerful drug kingpin and rival to Raq Thomas.
• Pardison Fontaine (B-Rilla)
  • Birth Name: Jorden Kyle Lanier Thorpe
  • Born: December 29, 1989
  • Birth Place: Newburgh, New York
  • Career Highlights (Music): Known primarily as an elite rapper and songwriter, having penned hits for major artists including Cardi B and Kanye West.
  • Career Highlights (Acting): Joined the cast of Power Book III: Raising Kanan in Season 4.
  • Role in Raising Kanan: B-Rilla, described as a "raw, volatile, and incredibly talented young rapper" who is serving a prison sentence for armed robbery and is connected to Lou-Lou’s music ambitions.
• 50 Cent (Executive Producer / Original Kanan Stark)
  • Role in Raising Kanan: Executive Producer and the original actor for the character Kanan Stark in the flagship Power series. He narrates the prequel.
• Method Man (Davis MacLean)
  • Role in Power Universe: Although his main role as the high-powered lawyer Davis MacLean is in the original Power and Power Book II: Ghost, his presence as a legendary rapper-turned-actor sets a high standard for the entire universe.

The Shocking Season 4 Twist: Unique’s Unhinged Return

The biggest and freshest news concerning a rapper on Raising Kanan revolves entirely around Joey Bada$$’s character, Unique. Following the dramatic events of Season 3, where Unique's fate was left ambiguous after a brutal attack, fans were relieved to learn of his survival. However, his return in the confirmed Season 4 is anything but a calm comeback.

Joey Bada$$ himself has given exclusive insights into the character's transformation, stating that the new version of Unique is "a little more unhinged" and "way more prone to flying off the handle." The Unique Thomas that fans knew—the calm, charismatic, and well-calculated fly dude—is gone. The near-death experience, coupled with the loss of his empire to Raq Thomas and her family, has caused him to spiral into what the actor describes as a "crash-and-burn" type of mentality.

This character arc is a gift for Joey Bada$$ the actor, allowing him to explore a raw, volatile side of the drug kingpin that contrasts sharply with his previous measured demeanor. The performance is expected to be a highlight of Season 4, as Unique seeks revenge and attempts to reclaim his territory in South Jamaica, Queens, potentially clashing with Kanan Stark, Raq, and Lou-Lou.

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Pardison Fontaine: The New Rapper-Actor on the Block

Adding to the show’s star-studded hip-hop cast, rapper and songwriter Pardison Fontaine has officially joined Raising Kanan in Season 4 as the character B-Rilla. This casting choice reinforces the Power Universe’s commitment to integrating authentic hip-hop talent into its dramatic narratives.

Fontaine, who is perhaps best known for his pen game and collaborations with artists like Cardi B and Kanye West, is stepping into a role that mirrors the show's focus on the music industry. His character, B-Rilla, is a young rapper who is currently incarcerated. This plotline is likely to intersect with Lou-Lou's (Malcolm Mays) ongoing efforts to build a legitimate music business, which has been a recurring subplot in the series.

Pardi has expressed his happiness to be a part of the show, and his background as a high-energy performer and skilled writer is expected to bring a unique, raw intensity to B-Rilla. His involvement is a testament to the show's ability to attract diverse talent from the music world, broadening the scope of the narrative beyond just the drug trade to explore the burgeoning hip-hop scene of the era.

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The Power Universe Strategy: Why Rappers Are The Perfect Cast

The casting of rappers in the Power Universe—from 50 Cent and Method Man to Joey Bada$$ and Pardison Fontaine—is a deliberate and highly successful strategy. This trend has seen other music figures like Mary J. Blige, Kendrick Lamar, Freddie Gibbs, and Rotimi also appear across the various Power spin-offs.

The primary reason for this strategic casting is authenticity and audience connection. The show’s core themes of street life, ambition, and the pursuit of power resonate deeply with the narratives often explored in hip-hop. Rappers, particularly those from New York like Joey Bada$$ and Pardison Fontaine, bring a genuine understanding of the culture, the language, and the gritty reality that the show aims to portray in South Jamaica, Queens.

Moreover, 50 Cent, as the executive producer, understands the crossover appeal. Casting established musical artists instantly draws in their massive fanbases, ensuring high viewership for Starz. While some show creators hesitate to cast rappers who "all wanna play gangsters," Power's success lies in choosing artists who can portray complex, layered characters, like Joey Bada$$’s Unique, who is more than just a street thug—he is a calculated rival, a businessman, and now, a man in a vengeful spiral.

The characters played by these rappers, such as Unique and B-Rilla, are crucial entities in the show’s tapestry. They serve as antagonists, allies, and reflections of Kanan Stark's journey into the criminal underworld. As Raising Kanan gears up for its latest season, the performances of its hip-hop cast members are set to be the most talked-about elements, proving that the microphone and the camera can be two sides of the same compelling coin.