Showtime’s The Chi is greater than a sequence; it provides a uncooked, heartfelt tribute to Chicago. Forward of right now’s season finale, actor Cortez Smith advised BOSSIP that enjoying Nuck—a quiet however commanding Windy Metropolis determine who transforms from a feared avenue boss right into a conflicted father—feels deeply private for him as a hometown heavyweight.
“Being from Chicago and portraying a personality that’s a Chicago native is a full circle second for me,” mentioned Smith. “I really feel like D. Rose when he acquired drafted to Chicago.”
It’s a sentiment that hits deep once you understand the streets Nuck walks on display screen are the identical ones Smith grew up on in actual life.
Smith didn’t simply act the position; he constructed Nuck from expertise.
“A number of the fellows I grew up round, I took a little bit little bit of character from all of them and created one man,” he shared. “It was difficult as a result of I labored so exhausting to not be a avenue man… simply to play one on display screen.”
His character’s growth turned much more private when fatherhood entered the storyline.
“That was a trophy second for me,” mentioned Smith, reflecting on Season 7’s emotional shift. “Nuck began exhibiting worry, remorse, a conscience. I all the time hoped we’d see why he was the best way he was—and we lastly acquired that.”
Chicago Slang, Soundtracks & Staying Actual
As somebody born and bred within the metropolis, Smith is fast to say The Chi will get it proper; not simply in storylines, however within the smallest particulars.
“Even little issues—like saying ‘on foe nem’—these are actual. That’s us,” mentioned Smith. “We’re curating tradition each episode.”
However for him, the music curation takes it excessive.
“I haven’t seen a present drop tracks like this because the ’90s. We’re giving individuals one thing to really feel.”
That connection is felt throughout social media, the place followers continuously ask for songs featured within the present. For Smith, it’s a reminder that The Chi isn’t simply leisure, it’s affect.
“I had a second in New Orleans on the Essence Fest. I had a woman run up on me… she was simply saying that—oh he killed her household [laughs]… However after that, it was simply wonderful to see like, they was like, ‘Man, we acquired to fulfill one among our favourite characters.
Eros Christian: Fashion with Substance
Past the display screen, Cortez Smith is carving out house in style together with his model, Eros Christian.
Eros Christian’s aesthetic blends daring construction and saturation. Suppose standout denim jackets, outsized pants, and artistically lower and color-blocked outerwear—excellent transitional items as we shift into cooler climate.
The model leans into elevated simplicity—clear strains, dynamic coloration mixtures, and graphic sensibility that say each luxurious and avenue rebel. Understated items that really feel each elevated and wearable.
“I’m an artist. I like artwork and I like garments. That’s one other means I specific my character,” mentioned Smith.
What began as a inventive outlet has change into one thing extra intentional. Smith taught himself easy methods to design and started constructing out appears to be like that mirrored his style and standpoint.
“I began making my very own garments. It was a problem at first, however as soon as I acquired the system proper and folks resonated with it, I knew I needed to take it extra severely.”
Eros Christian pulls inspiration from each streetwear and excessive style with out forcing both. The items really feel like an trustworthy reflection of Smith’s world—structured, assured, and deeply private.
“Once I’m round garments or at a style present, nothing else exists. Time stops.”
Inside Scoop: What’s Subsequent For Nuck—and Cortez Smith
Whereas followers nonetheless cease him within the streets from Chicago to Essence Fest, Smith stays grounded in his goal.
“Anyone advised me I used to be on their Chicago guidelines,” he mentioned, grinning. “You come for the meals, the skyline… and to fulfill Nuck?”
Now, Smith is taking that very same vitality to the style world. In a BOSSIP unique, he confirmed he’s headed to New York Style Week in September and can debut new Eros Christian items throughout Chicago Style Week in October, together with curating a possible pop-up store.
“I’m engaged on a full season’s value of designs,” he shared. “I can see myself in Paris at some point. I’m simply placing the work in.”
To maintain up together with his newest drops and behind-the-scenes strikes, observe him on Instagram at @cortez_smith and store his designs at shoperoschristian.com. Whether or not it’s in a scene or on a seam, Smith is proving he’s not simply a part of the tradition, he’s shaping it.
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