In 1985, he landed his first leading role in the film "Rappin. He plays Rappin' John Hood, an ex-convict who attempts to save his neighborhood from developers and hoodlums. That year he also played in the comedy "Delivery Boys", was one of the central characters in the action drama "South Bronx Heroes", and acted in the dramatic TV film "Children of the Night" and one episode of the "Cosby Show". In 1986, he acted in the urban action film "3:15", the comedy "Last Resort", the TV film "D.C. Cops", four episodes of "L.A. Law", and the Clint Eastwood military film "Heartbreak Ridge" based on the United States Marine Corps. In 1987, he played in the sport film "Hotshot", the TV film "The Facts of Life Down Under", and ', the fourth installment of the "Jaws" franchise.