Denzel Washington

Bleek Gilliam

Spike Lee

Giant

Wesley Snipes

Shadow Henderson (Sax)

Giancarlo Esposito

Left Hand Lacey (Piano)

Robin Harris

Butterbean Jones

Joie Lee

Indigo

Bill Nunn

Bottom Hammer

John Turturro

Moe Flatbush

Dick Anthony Williams

Big Stop Williams

Cynda Williams

Clarke Bentancourt

Nicholas Turturro

Josh Flatbush

Samuel L. Jackson

Madlock

Leonard L. Thomas

Rod

Charlie Murphy

Eggy

Rubén Blades

Petey

Abbey Lincoln

Lillian Gilliam

Linda Hawkins

Jeanne

Coati Mundi

Roberto

Flavor Flav

Impatient Movie Patron

Diahann Carroll

Jazz Club Singer (uncredited)

Jeff "Tain" Watts

Rhythm Jones (Drums)

Steve White

Born Knowledge

Raye Dowell

Rita

Angela Hall

Cora

Zakee Howze

Young Bleek / Miles (as Zakee L. Howze)

Deon Richmond

Tyrone

Raymond Anthony Thomas

Joe (as Raymond Thomas)

Sheldon Turnipseed

Benny

Christopher Skeffrey

Louis

Terrence Williams

Sam

Leon Addison Brown

Smith

Scot Anthony Robinson

Cooley

Bill Lee

Father of the Bride

Branford Marsalis

Party Guest

Doug E. Doug

Jimmy the Busboy (as Douglas Bourne)

Tracy Camilla Johns

Club Patron

John Canada Terrell

Club Patron

Joe Seneca

Big Stop's Friend

Darryl M. Wonge Jr.

Miles at Birth

Jelani Asar Snipes

Miles, Age 1

Glenn Williams III

Miles, Age 3

Arnold Cromer

Miles, Age 5

Herbert Daughtery

Minister

Monty Ross

Club Patron

Carol M. Wiggins

Club Patron

Isabella

Club Patron

Mamie Louise Anderson

Club Patron

John Sobestanovich

Taxi Driver

David Droge

Night Club Patron (uncredited)

Anaysha Figueroa

Shanika (uncredited)

Curt Hayward

Jazz Club Patron (uncredited)

Candace Kirkpatrick

Club Patron (uncredited)

Stephen Vause

Club Patron (uncredited)