Markuann Smith: The Creative Force Behind Godfather of Harlem

Story by Mikayla Hunt

From the vibrant streets of Harlem to the bright lights of Hollywood, Markuann Smith’s journey is a masterclass in resilience, hustle, and storytelling. As the creator and executive producer of Godfather of Harlem, Smith has made a name for himself by blending powerful narratives with realness — no fluff, just facts. But his path wasn’t smooth. It was a long grind filled with setbacks, lessons, and an unshakable belief in his own vision.

The New York Effect: Where Culture Comes Alive

For Smith, New York isn’t just home — it’s the heartbeat of his creativity. “New York is the Mecca,” Smith says. “I’ve lived in Baltimore, L.A., Harlem, and Queens — but New York? That’s where I feel most alive.”

Harlem, in particular, holds a special place in his heart. “Harlem’s iconic,” Smith explains. “It’s where legends, artists, and leaders have all crossed paths — 125th Street is like this cultural runway.”

That energy is exactly what he wanted to capture in Godfather of Harlem. The series dives into Harlem’s social and political landscape in the 1960s, bringing powerful figures like Malcolm X and Adam Clayton Powell Jr. to life. “Harlem’s not just a neighborhood,” Smith says. “It’s a vibe, a movement — and I wanted to honor that.”

A Godfather of Harlem Spinoff? Say Less.

If Smith could expand the Godfather of Harlem universe, his first pick for a spinoff would be Frank Lucas. “We’re bringing Frank Lucas into season four — and that would make a dope spinoff,” Smith reveals.

While Frank’s real-life beef with Bumpy Johnson was more complicated than what’s shown on TV, Smith and his team have crafted Lucas into a complex character that’s both an ally and rival to Bumpy. “In real life, they didn’t rock with each other like that,” Smith admits. “But for TV? That tension is gold.”

A Frank Lucas spinoff could dive deeper into Harlem’s power shifts after Bumpy’s death in 1968 — and if anyone can bring that story to life, it’s Smith.

The Hustle: From Actor to Creator

Smith’s rise to becoming a showrunner wasn’t instant — it was a grind. “I never had a Plan B,” he says. “If you’ve got a Plan B, you’re already preparing for Plan A to fail.”

That mindset carried him through some serious struggles. “Are you willing to eat tuna sandwiches every day? Sleep on someone’s floor because you can’t afford a hotel? Hustle for a buddy pass just to get to a Netflix meeting?” Smith asks.

His journey was filled with rejection. “I heard a thousand ‘nos’ before I got one ‘yes,’” he says. “But quitting wasn’t an option.”

For Smith, success meant betting on himself — just like creatives such as Issa Rae and Lena Waithe, who built their own platforms rather than waiting for an invite. “Create your own content,” Smith advises. “Don’t sit around waiting for someone else to open the door.”

On Set with Legends: Juice and Poetic Justice

Before making his mark in TV, Smith gained valuable experience working on iconic films like Juice and Poetic Justice. Those moments were life-changing.

“Man, shoutout to 2Pac,” Smith reflects. “We were just roadies, sitting on the steps of a tour bus, sipping a 40 and talking about life.”

He also credits Poetic Justice director John Singleton for guiding him early on. “Being around John and 2Pac felt like home,” Smith recalls. “They kept it real, and I knew I wanted that same authenticity in my own work.”

Growing up in Far Rockaway, Queens — an area known for its struggles — Smith found comfort in storytelling. “Far Rockaway’s the last stop on the train — one way in, one way out,” he says. “I grew up in the projects, and life wasn’t easy.”

Movies became his escape. “I’d lock my door and binge-watch films,” he recalls. “Raging Bull, Urban Cowboy, The Maltese Falcon — I studied them like textbooks.”

But it was books like Manchild in the Promised Land that really hit home. “That book felt like my life,” Smith says. “Reading about Claude Brown’s struggles made me believe I could rewrite my own story — and that’s the message I try to bring to my work.”

Leaving a Legacy Through TV

For Smith, Godfather of Harlem isn’t just a series — it’s his stamp on history. “I want to leave a fingerprint in time,” he says. “I want people to know they can overcome anything.”

His motto, “Don’t look at my glory before you hear my story,” reflects his belief that success isn’t just about wins — it’s about the grind that gets you there. “Life’s short,” he says. “Tomorrow’s not promised, so make your mark today.”

What’s Next: Big Moves on the Horizon

Smith’s creativity isn’t slowing down. He’s starring in Sin, one of the final projects featuring the late Louis Gossett Jr., and has a role in The Realtor, alongside Tommy Davidson and Jess Hilarious.

And that’s not all — Smith has two to three new projects in the works, all still under wraps. “I’ve got some surprises coming,” he teases. “Stay tuned.”

The Heart of Godfather of Harlem

Smith’s journey with Godfather of Harlem started with a promise to his godmother, Margaret Johnson — the granddaughter of Harlem’s legendary Bumpy Johnson.

“She told me magical stories about Harlem in the ’60s,” Smith says. “Seeing James Brown’s name lit up on The Apollo’s marquee, spotting Sugar Ray Robinson’s pink Cadillac outside his barbershop — it was like a movie in real life.”

But Margaret’s stories weren’t just about the glitz — they exposed the struggles Harlem faced as well. “She told me how her grandfather, Ellsworth Raymond Johnson — the world knew him as Bumpy — came to New York to become a lawyer,” Smith reveals. “But when City College denied him financial aid because he was Black, he played the hand life dealt him.”

Determined to share Bumpy’s true story, Smith spent 18 years developing Godfather of Harlem. “I promised Margaret I’d get this done,” he says. “We got turned down by three networks — but I wasn’t giving up.”

That persistence paid off. Godfather of Harlem became one of MGM Plus’ top-rated shows, earning Emmy nominations and critical acclaim. “Big shoutout to Michael Wright at MGM Plus,” Smith says. “He believed in our vision, and now we’ve created something special.”

Inspiring the Next Generation

For Smith, the goal isn’t just success — it’s about paving the way for others. “I want people to know they can build their own path,” he says. “Forget Plan B — just trust yourself, stay locked in, and keep pushing.”

Smith’s journey — from Far Rockaway to Hollywood — proves that with enough drive, no dream is out of reach.