Denzel Washington as Bleek Gilliam

Spike Lee as Giant

Wesley Snipes as Shadow Henderson (Sax)

Giancarlo Esposito as Left Hand Lacey (Piano)

John Turturro as Moe Flatbush

Nicholas Turturro as Josh Flatbush

Robin Harris as Butterbean Jones

Joie Lee as Indigo

Charlie Murphy as Eggy

Cynda Williams as Clarke Bentancourt

Flavor Flav as Impatient Movie Patron

Bill Nunn as Bottom Hammer

Dick Anthony Williams as Big Stop Williams

Samuel L. Jackson as Madlock

Tracy Camilla Johns as Club Patron

Coati Mundi as Roberto

Scot Anthony Robinson as Cooley

Abbey Lincoln as Lillian Gilliam

Rubén Blades as Petey

Diahann Carroll as Jazz Club Singer (uncredited)

Leonard L. Thomas as Rod