Williams: You know what I’m sayin’? That’s one of the other points. Avon’s story, Wood Harris did an excellent job in portraying it and we don’t have a problem with that, you know what I’m sayin’? Not all of it is lies, not all of it is truth. But they kind of enhanced the truth a little bit and they lessened it where they wanted to. So basically (his documentary) is just giving it to you raw. This is the era in time of reality TV and that’s all it is. And this is the reality of what millions of fans watched every week faithfully. If you’re a fan of that, then you should be a fan of this.
TSS: There have been multiple attempts on your life, many at point blank range. You survived them all. There’s no doubt that you’re here for a higher purpose. Have you ever thought what that higher purpose may be? Is it something that you’ve even considered?
Barksdale: Yes. I have considered just that. And I agree, I do think I’m here for a higher purpose. First things first, the first higher purpose is to get my story out there. Just like you saw it, I want everybody, as many people as possible, to see it and make their own judgment. It’s entertaining also but I want to do that first. And then second, inside of that, I want to show somebody a different way or so somebody can see that our lives are a lot similar. Like, you know, some kid in West Philly. In his life he’s right where I was at one time. Hopefully, he won’t make the same decisions. In some cases, he may make the exact same decisions so that he survives. My film can be a “how-to” or “how-not-to.” For parents, how not to raise the next Avon Barksdale. And for aspiring young hustlers, this could be the how-to. It’s all in how you take it. But I’m glad you enjoyed it. First, the higher purpose is I want to get it out there until it’s a household word, so to speak.
TSS: A lot of rappers use real gangster’s names like 50 Cent and Rick Ross. What if a rapper came along and took your name? How would you feel about that?
Barksdale: Well, it depends on the rapper (and) if he was good at it or not. Y’know? Right now if Jay-Z wanted to change his name and use my name, I might pay him (Laughs). Alright? ‘Cause I hear his stuff all the time and I like it. I do, I like it. It depends on whether or not he’s good and he’s representing me. I don’t want it to be somebody who ended up sending a bunch of people to jail or a child molester or nothing like that to use my name (Laughs). Y’know? But if it helps somebody that looks like me or if it helps somebody in their career, why not, y’know? Exercise some fundamental payments, though. Kick me back. I wouldn’t mind that.
TSS: They got to kick back bread and pay homage.
Barksdale: Yeah, don’t just do it in words.
TSS: Are you familiar with Omar Little on The Wire?
Barksdale: Yeah.
TSS: Back in the day, where there any Omars runnin’ around doing what he was doing?
Barksdale: I imagine so. There was a few guys that was homosexuals that also had a propensity for violence. But ain’t none of ‘em fuck me with me. I ain’t never had that problem. It wasn’t no Omar fuckin’ with me, not like how they did it on (The Wire). Nah…I didn’t have that problem. Do I look like a guy that some sissy is gonna take some money from? (Laughs)
TSS: Can you talk about the “Sunday truce” that was shown on The Wire and where that came from?
Barksdale: Well, it was mostly bullshit, actually. ‘Cause there wasn’t no Sunday truce with me and my friends. Well, we gave away free dope on Sundays. But you got to go and see the joint. You got to go and cop it and it’ll explain all of that. Well, actually, that wasn’t all bullshit because it was a Sunday truce with me and another group but they way they did it on “The Wire”, they made it a citywide thing and they involved the cops in it and all that so that part was bullshit. They added as much bullshit as real stuff, that’s why it comes across as gritty and the realism. But at the same time, you have to question, “Damn, is it really like that?” You have to question it because it ain’t like that all of the time. It’s something questionable there.
TSS: That’s the reason folks got to go and get the DVD. Don’t believe the propaganda.
Barksdale: Don’t believe the hype… I know that’s old (Laughs). But go and get it.
TSS: Any parting shots for The Smoking Section readers out there?
Barksdale: If you like The Wire, you’re going to love this. Khalid can speak for it, you’re gonna love this. The Wire was just a long commercial for this. That was just the police and the court reporter’s point of view. They were outsiders, they weren’t part of my community. You’re getting it right from the guy. You’re getting it from the real nigga, the accused, the defendant. So you gotta go out and get this. For one, this was a project with all of my years and all of my pain culminated into this DVD. Go get it.
Or I might be forced to turn back to crime (Laughs).
Having won Best Docudrama at NY International Independent Film & Video Festival, The Avon Barksdale Story: Legends Of The Unwired reveals the raw truth about death, drugs, and violence in the streets of Baltimore, MD, chronicled by the real Nathan Avon “Bodie” Barksdale. The DVD is set to release to retailers on March 10, 2010 via E1 Music.
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I might have to cop this DVD. Sidenote, this dude looks hella freaky in his “press” pix.
Man I hope the documentary and that craptastic movie are TWO separate purchases. “Just dont have me snitching or rating….And I wont have to kill your ass” He said it so matter of factly lol.
There was a few guys that was homosexuals that also had a propensity for violence. But ain’t none of ‘em fuck me with me.
^that makes me laugh to no end
dude contradicted himself – or maybe he didnt realize that the writers of the wire ALSO WROTE the corner?
May be a case of not being aware moreso than contradicting himself. The Corner didn’t get a sliver of the attention that The Wire does.
I read his interview in FEDS or Don Diva. His story is intense to say the least.
I’ve watched “The Wire” and I still don’t see what all the hype is about. I’d rather hear the real story from this dude though.
@Gotty, you’re right, it didn’t, but to say that was b/c of Roc directing is kind of silly IMO, and to be honest, the stories and talent on The Corner were dope, but the wire had the full monty.
I’ve watched “The Wire” and I still don’t see what all the hype is about.
================
Hmm…not sure if I can explain it.
you’re right, it didn’t, but to say that was b/c of Roc directing is kind of silly IMO
===============
No disrespect but I disagree. When the series first hit the air, my homegirl and her mother (who are from the DMV) were all “there’s this new hbo mini-series with Rock on it.” At the time, he was heavy into directing and producing so it was perceived as his project yunno. Added a level of authenticity to it.
Personally, The Corner, the book > the miniseries.
what about prop joe, marlo, stringer those characters were more intriguing as far as the streets. i actually prefer the political dynamics on how the violence effects the facilities of the media, schools, and political climate.
@ Gotty: I’m not saying that “The Wire” sucks, but after all of the acclaim and constant nudging from friends to check out the show, I wasn’t entirely overwhelmed. Still, it was one of the better shows on TV; a LOT of garbage out there now.
I had the show pumped up to me also and it didn’t disapoint at all. been wanting to watch it again as a matter of fact
I think its disgusting that this guy is trying to cash in on his crimes.
I think its disgusting that this guy is trying to cash in on his crimes.
^
In one form or another it’s an American tradition, isn’t it?
damn, the ‘real’ avon barksdale sure as hell looks a lot more like bubs than he does avon bhahahaha
@duncanK – well played, i lol’d.
i saw the trailer for this movie, and it just looks like a god damned mess. i’d rather watch BELLY on repeat for 2 days than sit through a ‘film’ of historically shitty proportions.
in any case, props to TSS for landing this interview. i can imagine how intimidating it is to sit in front of THE avon barksdale. incredible.
Yeh, I don’t think the wire was intended to be a documentary about the real Avon Barksdale.
I thought The Corner was dope. It was a smaller scope and in some ways more humane than The Wire.
But I do have to agree that despite Simon and Burns writing for The Corner, TC was still seen as a “black-helmed” production, accurately or not.
I mean now that Simon has national acclaim, whenever The Corner comes up Dutton is never even mentioned. every TC reference you see in the press is about SImon’s involvement as if that was all his ting. You wouldn’t even know anyone black was behind the scenes at all.
I think that’s what Williams and Barksdale were getting at when they talk about who tells certain stories.
That’s not to belittle Simon’s role at all. He’s a dope writer and has vision. But his being white definitely didn’t hurt the show’s path to success. And to Simon’s credit he’s repeatedly acknowledged that while pointing out Hollywood’s hypocrisy on issues of race in TV.
As for AB, I hope this doc’s good. So many indie biopic docs are so bad, particularly the ones involving criminals, “urban/hood celebs” etc. Hope they got the vision they wanted on film.
I’d hate to see one of these bootleg lookin, dude sitting at the kitchen table or in a part with crappy handycam work for 43 minutes with some no-name rapper spitting generic bars at the end.
“I’d hate to see one of these bootleg lookin, dude sitting at the kitchen table or in a part with crappy handycam work for 43 minutes with some no-name rapper spitting generic bars at the end.”
^^^^Did you watch the trailer? There’s even a corny-ass narrator. This honestly looks like an embarassment. If the quality of the trailer (high-school film class project) is any indication, then dude might make some money based on his name alone, but the thing’ll be so awful he’ll just be trading in his name for money.
Haha, I was just about to say that dukes looks like Bubs on the real.
“i can imagine how intimidating it is to sit in front of THE avon barksdale.”
not at all. was it awesome? yeah.
i respect him. he lost his leg as a kid, so he basically took over west baltimore with one good leg. shit, i know mu’fuckas with 2 good legs that can’t seize an opportunity to save they life, legal or otherwise.
he been shot 21 times. when he was in the hospital niggas came to finish him off & gave him 2 to the head, point blank. he’s still here.
nobody in his crew snitched even facing football numbers. they were resigned to the consequences & took their bids like men, unlike these half-ass gangstaz you see on “first 48″ cryin & droppin dime on everybody… even they own mama… under minimal pressure. do the crime, do the time. even the cops got the blue wall of silence.
“what about prop joe, marlo, stringer those characters were more intriguing as far as the streets.”
they’re in this doc, but in much lesser roles.
“I think its disgusting that this guy is trying to cash in on his crimes.”
ditto what OED said. and on top of that, you a bitch.
Good interview.
Interesting but not surprising that the producers of the series did not involve themselves thoroughly in researching the people/characters they wanted to portray.
The Wire is a lose portrayal of what life was like in Baltimore from the 70s through the 90s although it takes place in a modern setting. I’m not mad that the writers took facts and events spinning them as they saw fit. The Wire is fiction and creative license gives the writers a right to tell the story how they see fit.
“I think its disgusting that this guy is trying to cash in on his crimes.”
ditto what OED said. and on top of that, you a bitch.
^
lol
very dope read. well done Khalid.
“The Wire is a lose portrayal of what life was like in Baltimore from the 70s through the 90s although it takes place in a modern setting. I’m not mad that the writers took facts and events spinning them as they saw fit. The Wire is fiction and creative license gives the writers a right to tell the story how they see fit.”
Agreed. The show wasn’t intended to be so much of a 100% accurate portrayal but rather to examine the causes and effects of social issues in urban cities. This show could’ve taken place in DC, New York, Cleveland, Philly, Detroit, etc. Hell, Simon has admitted that he straight made up things like the Sunday Truce; in the grand scheme of things, it doesn’t really affect the way I, someone from the DMV, looked at the show.
Since “The Wire” is being taught at Harvard University and many other tv/film courses, Avon should look into giving lectures…
Dude’s name ain’t Avon. It’s Nathan. Only been calling himself “Avon” since “The Wire” came out.
[www.citypaper.com]
Muthafucka this The Smoking SECTION not The Smoking GUN.
Were you in West Baltimore when he was growin up? His mother sat down in the interview & said she named him Avon. You callin’ his moms a liar?
And even if his name ain’t Avon, so what? He ain’t Rick Ross. It don’t change what he done. Maybe he’s just capitalizing. You took a name from a Simpsons character.
I got a better idea. Why we don’t dig up some information on YO’ ASS, if only we knew who you were you nameless, faceless, non-identity-havin’ muthafucka.
People wanting to get paid for just being, instead of doing: that’s the American Way, right? I’m not saying his mom is lying, exactly, just that it dosen’t appear that she remembered naming her son Avon until after all this HBO stuff came about. And no one ever recorded it in any public record Simon or City Paper could find. And that that’s kind of interesting, given Mr. Barksdale’s assertion that he is now telling all the “true facts.” No need for you to get all insulted and threatening about it, is there, Mr. Pacino?
I’m not insulted, I don’t even know you.
But I’m an old-school dude & this internet fucks my head up sometimes, y’know? When I can’t look people in the eye, see what their face or even contact ‘em directly… I get all crazy & shit. I just see words & links but never the actual person. You can’t punch somebody in the face online and that’s always bothered me. To quote Young Buck, “sometimes… I just get confused.”
But I shouldn’t involve you in my war against technology, fam. You ain’t do nuthin wrong, you were just bein thorough & bringin additional info to the table.
So… I’m sorry. If I met you, I’d give you a hug & a couple of noogies, just like my lil’ brother.
The real Barksdale is lookin more like Bubblez lol
iN REFERENCE TO WILLIAMS AND BARKSDALE’S COMMENTS ON BLACK STORY TELLING. IT WAS MORE ABOUT BLACK PEOPLE NOT GETTING COMPENSATED PROPERLY FOR THEIR STORIES. THE POINT WAS WHEN BLACKS TELL THEIR OWN STORIES, THEY DO NOT GET THE PROPER ACCLAIM, CREDITS, OR CASH. THE FACT THAT SIMON ALSO WROTE THE CORNER IS EXACTLY WHAT WILLIAMS IS TALKING ABOUT. WHERE DO YOU THINK SIMON GOT HIS INFORMATION FROM. SIMON IS WHITE AND HE SURE AS HELL DID NOT LIVE ANY OF WHAT HE DEPICTED ON THE CORNER IN HIS BWRITINGS. HE JUST HIJACKED ANOTHER BLACK EXPERIENCE AND GOT PAID FOR IT. WHICH IS EXACTLY THE POINT. HE WAS NOT ACCUSED OF GLORIFYING A CERTAIN LIFESTYLE OR CASHING IN ON A NEGATIVE LIFESTYLE. THE BIG STUDIOS RARELY ACCEPT STORIES FROM BLACK SCREEN WRITERS OR ON BLACK EXPERIENCES. MUCH PROPS GO OUT TO TYLER PERRY WHO HAS HIS OWN SOUNDSTAGE TO CREATE AND SHOOT HIS PROJECTS. AND AS YOU SEE IT TOOK THE LEVERAGE OF BOTH TYLER PERRY AND OPRAH WINFREY TO GET PRECIOUS ON SCREEN AND ITS SUBSEQUENT OSCAR NODS. EVEN AFTER WHITE HOLLYWOOD DISTRIBUTORS LIMITED THE SCREENS IT PLAYED ON. THE POINT I THINK OF THEIR MESSAGE IS BLACKS SHOULD GET PAID FOR THEIR STORY LIKE EVERYONE ELSE. SIMON CLAIMS THESE STORIES ARE FICTIONAL CHARACTERS SO HE WONT HAVE TO PAY PEOPLE. WHILE HOLLWOOD, TV, ETC. WONT ACCEPT BLACK STORIES FROM BLACKS, AND WILL NOT GIVE MAJOR STUDIO FINANCING TO THE BLACK CREATIVE FILM MAKERS, WHICH FORCES THEM TO DO THE “CRAPPY DVD” THING BECAUSE THEY HAVE TO FINANCE THE PROJECTS THEMSELVES AND COME FAR SHORT OF THE PROPER MULTI MILLION DOLLAR BUDGETS TO COMPETE WITH THE MAJORS.
^why don’t you respect our intelligence and hit that caps lock key one more time fella..
Dutton won an Emmy for directing “The Corner”, and it won for best miniseries too. I’m just sayin.
I’ve got EXTRA DOPE stashed under the floorboards at THE SPIZZY.
Never-seen-before VIDEO FOOTAGE of the AVON BARKSDALE interview, exclusive photos and BONUS COMMENTARY from CHAZ WILLIAMS of Black Hand.
THE REAL AVON BARKSDALE-NO CUT
[spizzyblog.com]
I’ve seen the docudrama… And it was good, I’m trippin on some of the comments from people cause they r talking like they did or seen more in their lifetime than this man seen in a decade that he was doin his thing. I don’t see it as he’s trying to cash in on the bad that he has done, I see a bunch of other people cashing in on his story… And I mean Millions $$$. Y can’t he get q piece of that? It’s his life that they r make millions off of!!! If the real Avon reads this… Man keep ur head up and try to make positive moves to help the youth… They need it!!!
I watched the documentary 3 times already, I never could sit thru one episode of the wire and I always wondered why the corner wasn’t more popular than the wire. Having watched this documentary and other urban documentaries I do believe that certain facts shouldn’t be exposed to a nation of critics that don’t understand what it means to come from a urban environment. They always seem to criticize the wrong things: why would u care if the documentary was done with a hand-held camera with c-list actors, what do it matter what his mother named him or called him, also since when do it matter what the person looks like; I always thought it was about the message not the messenger.
And yes Barksdale does a wonderful job at getting his message across, I mean he took over a whole city (politicians including), survived multiple assassinations, made millions/billions of dollors, lost loved ones, served his time, and now he is letting other young black men, deprived of a chance to receive proper education, see that the streets will always be there…so make something more of your life!