Laila Odom – Here I Go Again

Words + Interview By Tyrone Davis

Laila Odom is an actress and producer known for “The Bobby DeBarge Story”, “Phantom Halo” and “Undercover Brother 2”. Most recently, the New Jersey native stars as Sandra ‘Pepa’ Denton in the upcoming Lifetime TV Mini-Series “Salt-N-Pepa” alongside actress GG Townson. Laila and I spoke about her experience working on the series, the group itself and their significance to Hip-Hop, past roles and more. “Salt-N-Pepa” will air January 23, 2021 at 8pm ET on Lifetime.

Tell us about the TV Mini-Series, “Salt-N-Pepa” and your starring role as Sandra ‘Pepa’ Denton. What can we expect?
Salt-N-Pepa is going to be a 2-night event on Lifetime on January 23, 2021. Viewers can expect to see remakes of some of the group’s iconic music videos and performances but also it looks at the friendship between Cheryl and Sandy.

How did you prepare for the role? Have you had a chance to meet Pepa?
I watched everything I could find on the group and that hip-hop era – I studied Pepa’s mannerisms and attitude. I definitely got the opportunity to spend time with Pepa on and offset. I also met her son and daughter (Tyran and Egypt).

Did you know GG Townson who plays ‘Salt’ prior to filming this project? What type of chemistry did you guys have on and off screen?
I definitely knew GG before “Salt-N-Pepa”! We actually were both doing sketches at All Def Digital and worked together before! We had great chemistry! I couldn’t imagine doing this project with anyone else.

You two look good in character. What was the casting process like for you?
My favorite casting director Leah Daniels-Butler cast GG and me. We did a chemistry read then we were asked to do an impromptu Push It performance later that day. The rest is history!

Acting is one thing but performing music is another. How did you feel about performing those classic records and what was that process like?
Performing Push It was so iconic. We prepared and rehearsed for months with our choreographer (Christian Vincent) in LA and Toronto.

What is your favorite Salt-N-Pepa record and why?
Push It (of course), Shoop and None of your Business were my favorites. I think having dancers like the group really made the experience feel so real.

I noticed that there are a few of my favorite entertainers in this series that were part of the group’s story. Without naming them all, I will say I can’t wait to see how actor Jermel Howard brings Treach to life. What did you think of his performances as well as seeing everyone else in character throughout the series?
Jermel Howard definitely brought Treach to life! Director Mario Van Peeples recreated Treach and Pepa’s wedding picture and it looked very close to the real image. Also, actor Cleveland Berto played “Hurby” and did a wonderful job too!

My first trip to NYC (2010), I ran into DJ Spinderella in the lobby of the hotel I was staying in. That trip was memorable not only because I was a first timer but also because I was there to attend an award show and got to see and meet so many of NYC’s entertainment pioneers. It felt great. What did you learn about DJ Spinderella’s involvement with the group that you may not have known prior to working on this project?
I learned there were actually 2 Spinderella’s. We definitely get into that in the film.

Name 3 memorable moments while filming this series.
1) Pep was on set and it was the first day of working with the young actor who plays her son, Tyran. I remember after the first take, Pep walked over to me like, “You can’t just leave like that. That’s your son”.

2) I did my own stunts…You have to watch and see!!

3) We shot the mud performance scene of None of your Business at the end of a long day at 3 am…in the mud! Great time, but it was cold and messy!

In what ways do you believe you did the group’s legacy justice? Also, what do you think the legacy means to Hip Hop?
We did the group’s legacy justice by honoring these women and recreating some of their monumental impacts and achievements in hip-hop music. Salt-N-Pepa is the first lady of Hip-Hop, Queens.

“Salt-N-Pepa” isn’t your first biopic. What was your experience like working on “The Bobby DeBarge Story” as Teri DeBarge?
Very different. Teri DeBarge was married to Bobby DeBarge so there wasn’t any performance element. I was able to meet Teri and learn the backstory of their relationship since there wasn’t any footage for me to see. But Teri was a difficult role because it was very dramatic in each scene.

What are your “Top 5” favorite biopics of all time?
1) Malcolm X

2) 42

3) What’s Love Got to Do with It

4) New Edition

5) Miles Ahead

Tell us about “For the Love of Jason” and your role as Lacy.
It’s a really fun show about a group of friends in their 30’s, dating in LA. It’s from Jason’s perspective. Lacey is an actress dating and trying to figure things out. She’s super petty and opinionated.

What is your dream role and why?
I would love to do an action film! I’m fit and athletic! I would love to do my own stunts.

When was the last time you laughed hysterically and what was the reason?
OMG, I laugh a lot! I laugh at the most random things and I love to see people trip. So funny!

I’m going to throw a few names out there. Say whatever comes to mind.
1) Chief Honey
Gary Owens and Affion Crockett! I love comedy and it was such an honor working with them!

2) Tulum
My favorite place in Mexico!

3) Kevin Hart
I would love to do a comedy film with Kevin Hart!

With everything that had occurred in 2020, what have you learned about the world and yourself?
I’m learning to be more patient, finding joy in the little things we do each day.

Tell us something about yourself that most don’t know.
I wanted to go to the Olympics for gymnastics.

Lastly, how can people find you via social media?
Everyone can follow me @LailaOdom.

Photo:
Emily Malan

Stylist:
Shahirah Ahmed 

White Robe: 
Ganni

Hair:
J Michael

Makeup:
Ashley Donovan

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About The Author

Twenty4Seven Magazine Twenty4Seven Magazine is a monthly digital and quarterly print publication founded in 2009. Though we cover a little bit of everything, our primary focus is urban entertainment and lifestyle.

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