LOS ANGELES, CA — The Drop returns with two main characters from the epic series ‘Snowfall’ as Gail Bean and Isaiah John, jump-start a new journey in a new era with higher stakes and the chance for greater rewards. John returns as Leon Simmons, showcased after the Franklin Saint (Damson Idris) era as a man on his own, navigating righteousness and street life while still supporting his ex-wife, Wanda Bell (Gail Bean), up close and from afar.
Viewers will now get to see Leon’s depth and decision-making process throughout the series.
“The beauty about art is, for me, my process with this character kind of mimics a lot of myself,” John told Nitecast Media. “With my self-growth, I learned a lot in my personal life that I’m able to pour into this character. Where Leon is today versus where we left him in ‘Snowfall’. It’s a different space, and he’s battling with a lot of things, being in that society, you know what I mean, in ’91. So it was very fun.”
The highlight of this saga is the growth of the West Coast Rap scene, but also the behind-the-scenes work that made it all possible. John wants to assure viewers that it’s about the main thing: the music and the aura of street sounds.
“I‘m going to say music because, honestly, that’s the huge theme of this series. So I’ll say music.“
Since the series is set in the ’90s West Coast era, John shared his musical memories from that time. Was he a Bad Boy or Death Row supporter growing up?
“I’m from Atlanta, right? So I’m really Southside, right? I have family from New York. My mom is from New York, and I have this character and this role I’m a part of that’s so L.A., you know what I mean? I’m enjoying all the music.“
The authenticity of this project is crucial to the show’s success and to reaching audiences on various stages, with Rance Dopson (1500 or Nothin’) ensuring the quality of the music, along with Problem and Glasses Malone. These two West Coast staples bring an incredible wealth of knowledge and sound energy to a project that would make Angelinos proud to view. John reflected on having those two assisting behind the scenes with him and other actors while filming.
“It’s amazing. It helps a lot,” John explained. “It’s so funny, we all hang out outside the set, play spades and kick it with each other. It was super helpful, you know what I mean, to have this era of music being around because, you know, before, in ‘Snowfall,’ we had WC and other L.A. legends, so to have the other generation with us, it was, of course, very valuable.“
“Man, I have no idea [if he would appear],” John said about a possible Idris guest appearance as Franklin Saint.
John would be excited to have his co-star and friend return to the screen with him in the future. “You know, of course, I always love to work with my bro. But I don’t know.“
One thing that can’t be denied, besides the fantastic directing and great acting, is the memories and vibes of a golden era that will never be replaced or duplicated, as this series is truly a love letter to the city of Angels and surrounding communities.
The Drop airs Tuesdays at 9PM ET/ 6PM PT on FX, and the next day on Hulu.
