Actor Daniel Augustin chatted about being a part of the comedy series “Rap Sh!t” on HBO Max, which was created by Issa Rae
‘Rap Sh!t’ series
The synopsis is: Two estranged high school friends from outside Miami reunite to form an all-female rap group, hoping to make it in the music industry.
On being a part of this comedy series, he said, “My experience working on ‘Rap Sh!t’ has been life-changing for my career and belief in big magic. In season one, we filmed at a hotel in Miami, Florida.”
Augustin continued, “My parents first met in Miami, FL, when they came to the States from Haiti, and they worked at hotels as immigrants; my mom worked at one of the Marriott hotels, and my dad worked at the Fontainebleau.”
“My parents worked there for well over ten years, so it was a massive part of their discussions with my siblings and me growing up, and I mention all of that because filming this show allowed me to revisit that. All of that went into why this experience has been so unique to me,” he elaborated.
Playing Maurice in the series
Augustin opened up about what he liked the most about his character Maurice. “Being able to represent a Haitian character is extremely special to me. Yes, Maurice is fashionable, but the fact that he can speak another language is very diverse, exotic, and engaging. We can all tell an exciting recounting of our lives, but being from another country gives you a different kind of story to tell,” he said.
Working with creator Issa Rae
On working with Issa Rae, he said, “It was very cool yet very interestingly professional, even at the parties. I would hope to work with her for years to come. So, I don’t like half-stepping around her. I remember meeting Diddy at the 2014 Revolt Music Conference in Miami. Stoic and intentional. That’s what it feels like when she’s in the room.”
Hilary Duff
Augustin recalled working with Hilary Duff in “How I Met Your Father.” “Hilary is very kind to me and personal with me,” he said. “It feels like we were friends the moment we met. She’s a professional and a joy to be around because her energy is transparent and vibrant.”
“I wish I worked with her more; I feel like I’d know a ton more about L.A. Anytime we talk, she introduces me to a new ice cream or lunch spot; I’ve been obsessed with the pancakes at Jones on Third since Season One of the show. Dope cast mates share dope food spots,” he said.
The digital age
On being an actor in the digital age, now with streaming and technology being so prevalent, Augustin said, “Sometimes, I feel like a blip. T.V. feels so massive right now, like a multi-verse of some kind, that I’m minding my business on my timeline. The rise of shows and streaming was right on time as it pertains to me and my career.”
“Now, we’re in the yang phase from all the recent ying-ing; the industry was doing with all that streaming business. At the same time that it feels so massive and whatnot, it also feels like there’s more opportunity because of it. There are more jumpers to take, more at-bats,” he explained.
Dream acting partners
On his dream acting partners, he shared, “I would love to do a rom-com opposite Natasha Rothwell, a sports comedy with Deon Cole and Amanda Seales, and anything with Kyla Pratt.”
Success
On his definition of the word success, Augustin said, “Doing what I set out to despite the results. Success is more like a lifestyle, I think. If I figure out how to be successful at work, but I haven’t done that personally, then am I succeeding? If I can’t figure out my life at home and in my head, will I even be able to sustain that success at work? Probably not.”
Closing thoughts on ‘Rap Sh!t’
Augustin concluded about his new comedy series, “Watch it. There’s probably a version of you in that world. It’s intelligent, sexy, and dangerous.”
To learn more about actor Daniel Augustin, follow him on Instagram and Twitter.
