The Hub’s Entertainment Watch List: “Powerbook III: Raising kanan”
The third installment within the “Power” spinoffs, “Powerbook III: Raising Kanan,” first hit television screens in July of 2021. The series provides a look into the childhood and upbringing of Kanan Stark, the character who introduced Ghost and Tommy to the drug game. Now the series is two seasons in and just as popular as the original show.
Raising Kanan is set in South Jamaica, Queens, during the 1990s. Kanan Stark (Mekai Curtis) is a 15-year-old eager to get into the family business of selling drugs. However, he quickly learns that the business goes beyond the fly clothes, nice clothes and other material assets. The series is able to take you inside the gritty street life and viewers start to connect with each of the characters.
In addition to Kanan, fans are introduced to his no-nonsense Mother, Raquel “Raq” Thomas. Raq is played by Patina Miller and her character is just as hard as they come. She will not hesitate to put a hit out on someone or in some cases she’ll do the dirty work herself. Raq is clearly the leader of the business and she lets everyone know.
Raq is supported in the business by her two brothers Lou and Marvin. Marvin Thomas is the oldest out of the trio and he is played by London Brown. While Louis “Lou-Lou” Thomas, is the youngest of the group and he is played by Malcolm Mays. Together the brothers serve as muscle for Raq and the operation. Viewers are able to see the dynamic of the family and that each character is essential to keeping the business flowing.
Kanan’s support system consists of his cousin, LaVerne “Jukebox” Thomas, who is played by Hailey Kilgore. Jukebox is Marvin’s daughter but they do not have a typical father-daughter relationship. Despite the fallouts, viewers can see that the two do have a love for each other. Kanan is also close with aspiring rapper, Shawn ‘Famous’ Figueroa, who is played by Antonio Ortiz.
The show’s creator, Sascha Penn, and the executive producer, Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson creatively take fans of the franchise into the origin story of Kanan Stark which leaves viewers wanting to know more. Powerbook III: Raising Kanan is available to watch on Starz network and season three has already been renewed.
