Mahershala Ali Reveals How Rapper Ka Inspired His Role in Your Mother Your Mother Your Mother

Mahershala Ali found inspiration for his latest role in the music of one of Brooklyn’s most respected underground MCs.

While discussing his new film Your Mother Your Mother Your Mother at the Toronto International Film Festival, the two-time Academy Award winner revealed that the late rapper Ka and his acclaimed 2016 album Honor Killed the Samurai helped him shape his portrayal of Latif.

Ali stars as Latif, a devout Muslim, father and contract killer whose life is thrown into turmoil following the death of his wife. As he attempts to protect and care for his children, Latif must also navigate his faith, grief and the violent world surrounding him.

When asked what music his character might listen to, Ali pointed directly to Ka.

“I listened to a lot of this album called Honor Killed the Samurai, which is by an artist named Ka,” Ali said, explaining that the music captured the right tone for Latif. He described the character’s energy as “intentional, methodical” and slower-paced, qualities he found reflected in Ka’s music.

The connection is especially fitting considering Ka’s distinctive approach to storytelling. The Brownsville, Brooklyn MC, born Kaseem Ryan, built a devoted following through dense lyricism, understated production and deeply reflective examinations of street life, morality, survival and consequence.

Released in 2016, Honor Killed the Samurai became one of Ka’s most celebrated projects, using samurai imagery and themes of honor, discipline and sacrifice to examine his experiences growing up in Brooklyn.

Those same ideas of discipline and personal codes run through Ali’s character in Your Mother Your Mother Your Mother, giving Ka’s music an unexpected connection to the film’s world.

Written and directed by Bassam Tariq, the film also stars John Cho, Giancarlo Esposito, Tramell Tillman, Tiffany Boone, Adia and Jahleel Kamara. The story blends action with themes of faith, fatherhood, grief and family.

For a rapper whose work often existed outside of hip-hop’s mainstream spotlight, Ka’s influence continues to travel far beyond Brooklyn — this time helping inspire an Academy Award-winning actor’s latest character.