'This Is Somebody That I Look Up To': How Wiz Khalifa Brought a Funk Legend to the Screen

From studying vintage footage to earning the funk legend's approval, the rapper revealed how bringing the music icon to life became both a challenge and a career milestone.

In 2023, Wiz Khalifa took on one of the biggest acting opportunities of his career when he portrayed George Clinton in the film "Spinning Gold." While the rapper was already known for his music, stepping into the shoes of the Parliament-Funkadelic pioneer presented an entirely different challenge.

Fortunately for Khalifa, he ultimately earned the approval of the man he was portraying. Originally, Samuel L. Jackson had been attached to play Clinton when the project was announced in 2019.

By the time "Spinning Gold" reached theaters, however, the rapper had assumed the role, bringing the funk icon to life in writer-director Timothy Scott Bogart's dramatization of Casablanca Records founder Neil Bogart's rise in the music industry.

The research also helped when working with the costume department, allowing Khalifa to identify clothing and styling choices that reflected what Clinton actually wore during that era.

Rather than finding the role intimidating, Khalifa explained that the production team helped establish clear expectations from the beginning. Speaking during an interview with VIBE alongside Clinton, he also credited the musician's family with making the experience feel authentic.

"I wanted to make sure I did it the right way," Khalifa said. After speaking with the filmmakers, he met Clinton's loved ones, who offered personal insight into the music legend's personality and mannerisms. Those conversations, he explained, made him feel far more comfortable before filming began.

Studying George Clinton Beyond the Famous Image

Khalifa's preparation extended well beyond memorizing lines. During another joint interview, he revealed that he deliberately focused on footage of a younger Clinton rather than the instantly recognizable version that many fans associate with colorful hair, elaborate costumes, and oversized sunglasses. The rapper explained:

"I think the majority of the studying that I did was, like, older George footage. [...] I wanted to know what he looked like and moved like and acted like when he was younger."

As a result, he immersed himself in photographs, interviews, documentaries, and archival footage to better understand Clinton before his larger-than-life public image became fully established.

The research also helped when working with the costume department, allowing Khalifa to identify clothing and styling choices that reflected what Clinton actually wore during that era.

Meeting Clinton's children and grandchildren once production was underway provided another level of reassurance. "They were telling me I nailed it," Khalifa recalled.

After seeing the finished performance, Clinton offered a simple but enthusiastic endorsement.

The "Black and Yellow" rapper added that hearing positive feedback from the family gave him confidence that he had captured the musician's energy rather than simply trying to imitate him.

Still, there was one opinion that mattered most. "I was definitely a little shook, you know," Khalifa admitted. "Like, 'cause this is a legend. This is somebody that I look up to, so naturally I wanna, you know, do right by him."

George Clinton Saw More Than an Actor

Fortunately for Khalifa, Clinton had very few doubts about the casting. Long before filming began, the funk icon said his grandchildren had already introduced him to the rapper's music and business ventures.

"My grandkids have had me up on him," Clinton revealed, adding that he already believed Khalifa could pull off the role before his family confirmed it. Furthermore, watching how the hip-hop star had expanded beyond music convinced him that Khalifa understood how to build a lasting brand.

After seeing the finished performance, Clinton offered a simple but enthusiastic endorsement. "He did good," he said. "I felt it." The legendary musician also pointed to similarities between their careers that went beyond music itself.

During the VIBE interview, the funk icon said both artists understood the importance of creating an identity that extended into merchandise, lifestyle, and business. He noted:

"I've definitely found out that we were more similar. The branding of not just the music, but the lifestyle, the way you live and all the people around you. I learned that definitely he was aware of that. That was definitely something I wasn't expecting."

Khalifa agreed, saying they shared a willingness to stay true to themselves regardless of outside opinions. "I think that the main similarity is the fact that we know who we are, where we come from, and what we want to give to people," he said.

He went on to say that he respected Clinton's authenticity and fearlessness, noting that he shared the same outlook when it came to his own craft. "I love that," the Pittsburgh rapper continued.

One Unexpected Challenge on Set

Although Khalifa dedicated himself to recreating Clinton's personality and stage presence, the toughest part of the role turned out to be surprisingly physical. When asked what proved most difficult about portraying the funk pioneer, he laughed before revealing:

"Walking down those steps in those platforms. I was like, 'This man is bad.'"

The comment highlighted another layer of Clinton's unmistakable stage persona. While audiences often remember the flamboyant costumes and towering footwear, Khalifa experienced firsthand what it took to move confidently while wearing them.

Bringing Music History to the Big Screen

Described as "the greatest music story never told," "Spinning Gold" chronicled the rise of Casablanca Records through the perspective of the famous founder.

Bogart directed the film about his late father, while Evan Bogart served as executive music producer and Brad Bogart joined the project as a producer. The film assembled a cast of musicians portraying fellow music icons from Casablanca's influential roster.

Tayla Parx portrayed Donna Summer, Jason Derulo played Ronald Isley of The Isley Brothers, Pink Sweat$ appeared as Bill Withers, and Ledisi took on the role of Gladys Knight. Members of KISS were also portrayed by Sam Harris as Paul Stanley, Casey Likes as Gene Simmons, and Alex Gaskarth as Peter Criss.

For Wiz Khalifa, however, the opportunity ultimately became more than another acting credit. It gave him the chance to portray an artist he admired while earning the approval of the man himself — something that mattered just as much as the performance audiences eventually saw on screen.