The kid is out to show the world that he can act. Evan Ross, son of famed singer Diana Ross and brother to actresses Rhonda Ross Kendrick and Tracey Ellis Ross, knew that if he got into the world of entertainment, he would be expected to have a leg up on his peers.

Just shy of 21, the Greenwich, Conn., native has quite a number of impressive roles in his short career. From playing a confused teenager opposite T.I. in 'ATL' to being a drug addict alongside Queen Latifah in 'Life Support,' Ross has tackled issues many can relate to.

In his latest film, 'Life is Hot in Cracktown,' Ross plays a teenager lost in the world of drugs and violence. He stars opposite Kerry Washington, rapper Rza, Brandon Routh from 'Superman,' Shannyn Sossamon and Illeana Douglas. The film is directed by Buddy Giovinazzo and is based on his novel of the same name.

In speaking with Black Voices, Ross talks about his reasons for doing the film, working with the cast and his mom's influence.

What attracted you to this gritty film?

Evan Ross: I read the novel that Buddy Giovinazzo wrote, and I was captivated by it. I felt that you don't get many opportunities to play a role like Romeo. I wanted the opportunity to dive into something like that. I had auditioned for the role on tape because I was shooting in New York, and Buddy wanted to meet me when I finished my other project. We got along when we met, and I decided I didn't want to play the typical gangster. I wanted to see if it could be done differently, show that he was vulnerable in some areas.

What did you do to get into character?

ER: Up until the day of shooting, I didn't know how I was going to play the role. I was trying to think of things that were scary to me, or the idea that someone can be pushed to a level where there's no happy ending. I wanted to take from that and from my own experience in life. Romeo starts off very small, and things change very quickly like a ticking bomb. It's almost as if he's bipolar.

You come from what many would call a privileged background, yet you often choose to take on roles that deal with troubled teenagers.

ER: I think it's stuff that I find interesting. It shows a slice of reality. I grew up with a lot of great things, and I have lived an amazing life with my family, but having the opportunity to play something I don't know much about and diving into a character that I have no frame of reference for is the whole point of acting. I've always felt that I'm connected to my emotions and I can understand people. I find that stuff interesting.

You've acted alongside Queen Latifah, T.I., and Hilary Duff and now you're working with another musician, Rza. What was that like?

ER: He's cool. He's a character in himself. When he plays a role, he really challenges it and takes it full on. When you are a rapper, there's always hesitation in taking on certain roles because of creditability, but Rza is one of those guys who doesn't worry about what people will say. He's a talented guy and can dive into anything. When I was in New York, we bumped into each other for a second, and he came up to me and gave me a hug. He's amazing.

How was working the rest of the cast?

ER: Kerry Washington is phenomenal. We didn't get to work together a lot in the film, but she's a friend of mine. I was just blown away by her performance. During shooting, I could see her dedication to the character. She's so beautiful in the film. Victor Rasuk is a good friend of mine. We've been friends for a long time, and to this day, we are still close. I've always thought he's been incredible since 'Raising Victor Vargas.' It's great to work with these people and be friends with them now. We're able to find projects together now and develop some together. We had a great time.

What's next for you?

ER: I'm writing a lot. I'm writing with Tony Kaye, who directed me in a film coming out called 'Black Water Transit' with Laurence Fishburne. Tony Kaye also did 'American History X,' and he's just an astonishing, talented, visionary director. We got together and started writing on an idea I had. I also have 'Great' with Hilary Duff coming out as well. There are a few projects in the works now. I'm working on some music. I'm just being creative now and trying to find the best way to have opportunities to find characters like this to play.

What sort of music are you looking to do?

ER: I'm working with Dallas Austin. I'm working with my mom. I'm taking some elements of Marvin Gaye and Prince. I'm not trying to push the music down as much. I'm just doing for me, and when it's the right time, I'll put it out. I'm in no hurry.

Do you use social media networks to connect with fans?

ER: I wish I could say that I have, but I haven't been. There are these fake accounts, and I actually was able to get a fake Twitter account established in my name. I want to find a way to network with people and hear about what I should be doing or what they find interesting, but I haven't got around to doing that yet.

You'll be turning 21 in almost two months. Are you planning anything special?

ER: Yeah, I might be doing a big, big birthday party. I enjoy the nightlife, so I'm sure I'll do something fun. I haven't planned it all out yet, but I'll figure it out.

Ashanti is playing Dorothy in a theater production of 'The Wiz.' Your mom played the role in the film version. Have you seen it?

ER: Of course. I've seen all of my mom's films. She's the reason why I do almost anything. Not only is she an amazing mom, but I'm a fan of her work. More recently, I've been watching some of her stuff again and am able to step back and look at it from a different point of view. I loved 'The Wiz,' and even until this day, young kids come up to me and say, "I saw your mom in 'The Wiz.'" People grew up on that film.

Why should anyone see 'Life is Hot in Cracktown?'

ER: I feel that there are a lot of reasons why people would not want to because of what it's talking about, but it's an important film. It's reality, and there's realness to it. There's truth there. There are a lot of people in this world that are like these characters in the film. There are things that you may not understand personally, but it's good to be aware. We may not to see it or be a part of it, but it's important to know that it's there.