Michael Rainey Jr is an American actor and rapper known for playing Tariq St. Patrick in the Starz series Power and Power Book II: Ghost. He began acting as a child in the Italian film Un Altro Mondo and later appeared in Orange Is the New Black, Barbershop: The Next Cut, Amateur and 211. He has also worked as a music producer and creative entrepreneur.
Early life and education
Michael Rainey Jr was born in Louisville, Kentucky, and was raised in Staten Island, New York, from the age of one. He is the son of Michael Rainey Sr and Shauna Small, and his mother is Jamaican by birth. His mother homeschooled him during his youth.
Before establishing himself as an actor, Rainey appeared in print and television commercials, music videos and on Sesame Street. He also learned Italian for his first major film role and lived abroad for a year while making the film.
Career
Rainey began his screen career in Un Altro Mondo (2010), playing Charlie under the direction of Silvio Muccino. He made his American film debut as Woody in LUV (2012), appearing alongside Common, Danny Glover, Charles Dutton and Meagan Good. He then played Cecil Gaines in Lee Daniels's The Butler (2013), followed by Michael Burset in Orange Is the New Black and Lawrence in Second Chance Christmas.
His film work also includes Jalen in Barbershop: The Next Cut, Terron Forte in Amateur and Kenny Rastell in 211. In Barbershop: The Next Cut, he acted opposite Ice Cube, Cedric the Entertainer and Nicki Minaj, while 211 featured Nicolas Cage.
Rainey's best-known role is Tariq St. Patrick in Power. He began as a recurring performer before becoming a main cast member, and reprised the role as the lead of Power Book II: Ghost. He also appeared as Tariq in the season finale of Power Book IV: Force, and is attached to Power: Legacy in the same role.
Beyond acting
In March 2022, Rainey and his Power co-star Gianni Paolo launched Twenty Two Entertainment. The company's first project was The Crew Has It, a self-hosted podcast on which Rainey also served as an executive producer. Twenty Two Entertainment was funded by Artists For Artists, an organization launched by Kenan Thompson and John Ryan Jr.
Rainey works as a music producer and rapper under the name Whereis22. He writes his own music and plays the piano and guitar. His other interests include mixed martial arts, basketball and video games.
He served as a Tommy Hilfiger North America brand ambassador in 2024 and 2025 and collaborated on the Boho Man Capsule Collection. He has also taken part in college panels, keynote engagements and youth-focused discussions about discipline, creativity and early success.
Charity work and hobbies
Rainey supports Find and Feed, an Indiana organization that provides food and clothing to people experiencing homelessness. He has also participated in philanthropic partnerships supporting homeless and underserved communities.
His charitable activities have included support connected with the Jamaica National Children's Home and a basketball game benefiting veterans. He has additionally been involved in youth programs and efforts focused on mental health awareness.
Quick facts
- Rainey learned to speak Italian for his role as Charlie in Un Altro Mondo and lived abroad for a year during the production.
- He began his screen career in Un Altro Mondo before making his American film debut in LUV.
- Rainey's role as Tariq St. Patrick in Power developed from a recurring part into a main role.
- He became the lead actor of the Power spinoff Power Book II: Ghost.
- Rainey and Gianni Paolo launched Twenty Two Entertainment in March 2022.
- Twenty Two Entertainment's first project was the podcast The Crew Has It, on which Rainey served as an executive producer.
- He performs as a rapper under the name Whereis22.
- Rainey played Cecil Gaines in Lee Daniels's The Butler and Jalen in Barbershop: The Next Cut.
- He supports Find and Feed, an organization serving people experiencing homelessness in Indiana.
- He won the 2024 Rising Star Award from the Black Cinema & Television awards.
- He won the 2025 Image Award for Outstanding Actor in a Drama Series.
- Rainey has appeared on Sesame Street and began his early career in commercials, print work and music videos.
FAQs about Michael Rainey Jr
Who is Michael Rainey Jr.'s biological father?
Michael Rainey Sr is identified as Michael Rainey Jr's father. His mother is Shauna Small.
How old is Michael Rainey Jr. in Power?
He was 13 when he began playing Tariq St. Patrick in Power in 2014.
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