5 Shocking Facts About Taraji P. Henson's 'Streetwise' Debut Movie That Launched Her Career

The name 'Streetwise' has been trending again, but not for a new blockbuster. As of December 15, 2025, a deep dive into the archives reveals that the 'Streetwise movie' is, in fact, the 1998 crime drama that marked the uncredited, yet powerful, feature film debut of the Academy Award-nominated actress, Taraji P. Henson. This low-budget, D.C.-based film, also known by the title *24/7*, is a fascinating and often overlooked cornerstone of her illustrious career, providing a raw glimpse into the talent that would later define roles like Cookie Lyon and Katherine Johnson.

The film's resurgence in conversation highlights the actress's enduring legacy, prompting fans to revisit her earliest work to understand the foundational grit and intensity she brought to the screen. Far from the polished, high-budget productions of her later career, *Streetwise* is a crucial piece of cinema history that showcases Henson's initial foray into the industry, a journey that began long before her breakthrough roles in *Baby Boy* or *Hustle & Flow*.

Taraji P. Henson: Full Biography and Profile

Taraji Penda Henson is one of the most versatile and celebrated American actresses, producers, and mental health advocates of her generation. Her career spans decades, moving seamlessly between critically acclaimed dramas, blockbuster comedies, and iconic television roles. Below is a comprehensive profile of the star:

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• Full Name: Taraji Penda Henson
• Date of Birth: September 11, 1970
• Birth Place: Washington, District of Columbia, U.S.
• Profession: Actress, Producer, Director, Singer, Mental Health Advocate
• Education: Howard University (B.F.A. in Theater Arts)
• Feature Film Debut: Streetwise (1998)
• Breakthrough Film Roles: Yvette in Baby Boy (2001), Shug in Hustle & Flow (2005)
• Iconic Television Role: Cookie Lyon in Empire (2015–2020)
• Key Accolades:
  • Golden Globe Award (Best Actress – Television Series Drama for Empire)
  • Academy Award Nomination (Best Supporting Actress for The Curious Case of Benjamin Button)
  • Six Primetime Emmy Award Nominations
  • Screen Actors Guild Award (Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture for Hidden Figures)
• Notable Entities: Boris Lawrence Henson Foundation (Mental health advocacy), Mary J. Blige, Tyler Perry, John Singleton, Katherine Johnson.

The Untold Story of the 1998 'Streetwise' Movie

The film *Streetwise*, released on June 12, 1998, is a gritty, independent crime film directed by Bruce Brown. It stands as a powerful testament to the D.C. filmmaking scene and, more importantly, a time capsule of Taraji P. Henson's earliest work. While often overshadowed by her later, more famous projects, this film laid the groundwork for her dramatic capabilities.

Fact 1: It Was Her Official Feature Film Debut

After graduating from Howard University and working various office and background roles to get her union card, *Streetwise* was the first feature film to showcase Taraji P. Henson’s raw talent. It was a crucial step in her career, proving her ability to handle complex, street-level drama before she became a household name. This early experience in independent cinema is often cited as the source of the authentic, grounded performances she delivers even in major studio films.

Fact 2: The Film Was Also Known as '24/7'

The 1998 movie has a dual identity, often being referred to as *24/7*. This title change or alternate name is common in independent filmmaking and distribution, but it has led to some confusion over the years when fans search for her filmography. The film is deeply rooted in the culture of Washington, D.C., and is notable for its incorporation of the local Go-Go music scene, a distinct genre of funk music that originated in the capital.

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Fact 3: The Plot Followed Three Brothers in a Drug-Infested Neighborhood

The central narrative of *Streetwise* focuses on the lives of three brothers navigating the challenges of a drug-infested neighborhood in their pursuit of success. Each brother chooses a different path, illustrating the difficult choices and moral compromises faced by young men trying to escape poverty and violence. This narrative structure gave Henson a dramatic backdrop against which to launch her career.

Fact 4: Henson Played a Role as a Prostitute

In one of the most frequently cited details about her debut, Taraji P. Henson's role in *Streetwise* was that of a prostitute. This early portrayal of a vulnerable, streetwise character showcased her ability to tackle sensitive and challenging roles with authenticity, a trait that would later earn her critical acclaim in films like *Hustle & Flow*, where she played the prostitute and singer Shug. This early experience set a precedent for the fearless choices she would make throughout her career.

Fact 5: The Ensemble Cast Included Other D.C. Local Talent

The film features a cast of actors, many of whom were part of the local D.C. scene, alongside Henson. The ensemble included names such as Sid Burston, James Crews, Jerry Cummings, Henri Edmonds, Tony Fisher, James Funk, Sheila Hayes, DJ Kool, Paco Lopez, and Kurt Matthews. This collective of talent, guided by director Bruce Brown, ensured the film had an authentic, regional feel that resonated with local audiences and provided a supportive environment for Henson's first major role.

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The Lasting Legacy of Taraji P. Henson’s Debut

While *Streetwise* may not have achieved the widespread commercial success of her later projects, its importance to Taraji P. Henson’s career trajectory cannot be overstated. It was the crucial first step that demonstrated her readiness for the big screen. The film's low-budget, high-stakes drama provided the perfect training ground for the dramatic intensity she would later bring to Oscar-nominated performances.

The grit and resilience required to succeed in independent, regional cinema directly informed her ability to portray complex, powerful women. Her subsequent roles, such as the single mother Yvette in John Singleton’s *Baby Boy* and the ambitious, loving Shug in *Hustle & Flow*, cemented her reputation as an actress capable of immense emotional depth and authenticity.

Today, as a producer, mental health advocate through the Boris Lawrence Henson Foundation, and a perennial Hollywood powerhouse, Taraji P. Henson’s debut in *Streetwise* serves as a powerful reminder of her humble beginnings. It underscores the journey from a D.C.-based crime drama to the global stage, making the 1998 film a vital piece of cinematic history for any true fan to explore. The film itself is a testament to the fact that every iconic career starts with a single, often challenging, but ultimately defining first role.