An aspiring rapper and father to Malik. He struggles to balance music ambitions with bills and family responsibilities, learns to write truthfully, takes responsibility for steady work and family, loses the competition, and later earns an independent-label opportunity through persistence and authenticity.

Martin’s loud, funny and crazy best friend and delivery partner who wants respect and independence. He gradually builds a delivery business, becomes a more thoughtful employer, and hires former coworkers including Ruby as a driver by the end.

A capable office employee who challenges Ray’s posturing. Her relationship develops with Ray and she becomes part of his company’s team.She's also Rudy's niece.

One of Ruby’s enforcers whose pursuit escalates conflict but later acknowledges their behavior.

One of Rudy’s enforcers whose pursuit escalates conflict but later acknowledges their behavior.

Friend of Martin and Ray who runs a smoke shop, offers advice and helps avoid confrontation during the pursuit by Cece and Johnny D who is Rudy's goons/muscle.

Martin’s partner and Malik’s mother. She works to keep the household stable, demands more reliability from Martin, and becomes collaborative as their relationship evolves.

Rudy's flunky and location manager. Everything Rudy says and does Q follows. Until he learns to find his own voice.

A veteran rapper whose conversation helps connect Martin’s musical aspirations to authenticity and professional possibility.

A polished competing performer who wins the $2,500 competition prize.