LOS ANGELES — As several past and present actors celebrate the milestone decade of the Power Universe, the brainchild of showrunner Courtney Kemp and Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson, which has spawned generation-defining such shows as Power and the hit spinoff, Power Book II: Ghost, Michael Rainey Jr. has been front and center portraying the enigmatic Tariq St. Patrick. Rainey Jr. experienced a rough upbringing, but his character has experienced a significant evolution since his troubled past, dealing with lies, family drama, and the harsh realities of life.
Describing the journey of Tariq, Rainey Jr. shared, “I would say it’s a lot. It’s a lot of buildup. Do you know what I’m saying? Many lies fueled his actions and much family drama fueled his actions.” This encapsulates the essence of Tariq’s character—caught in a web of chaos and confrontation.
“He ended up in a crazy position. Sent him on to jail, killing his pops, all type of crazy stuff,” Rainey Jr. continued. “So I would say it’s just been a crazy roller coaster. But he’s been able to keep himself alive through it all.“
The trials that Tariq faced have carved him into a resilient character. He has navigated the tumultuous waters of the criminal underworld while attempting to forge his own identity. Rainey Jr. admired Tariq’s survival instincts, noting, “He knows how to stay alive. He knows how to survive.“
With the conclusion of various storylines in the Power universe, fans are left wondering about potential crossovers. A standout topic is the possibility of Tariq and Brayden (Gianni Paolo) reuniting to assist Uncle Tommy (Joseph Sikora) in the upcoming final season of Power Book IV: Force.
“Man, I don’t know. I don’t know, man. It will be tough. I don’t think they want Tariq in that universe, man. I think they’re over with his storyline. I think they concluded it.” Rainey explained.
Despite the ambiguity, Rainey Jr. remains open to an upcoming collaboration on Power IV: Force.

“But as soon as they call that phone, they come to me with any ideas, I’m all for it. You know what I’m saying? I’m all for it. I’m looking forward to giving the fans whatever they want. We want to see that, man.”
Rainey Jr.’s commitment to his character and acknowledgment of the fans’ desires demonstrate his passion for the series as the Power universe progresses.
“Yo, Starz, they’re talking. The fans are talking. Listen to them,” he urges, echoing the sentiments of countless viewers who have invested in the lives and dramas of these compelling Power characters.
With the roller coaster that has been Tariq St. Patrick’s journey, fans can only anticipate what lies ahead and how Michael Rainey Jr. will continue to wonder regarding his involvement in the Power franchise.