Denzel Washington as Bleek Gilliam

Spike Lee as Giant

Wesley Snipes as Shadow Henderson (Sax)

Giancarlo Esposito as Left Hand Lacey (Piano)

Robin Harris as Butterbean Jones

Joie Lee as Indigo

Bill Nunn as Bottom Hammer

John Turturro as Moe Flatbush

Dick Anthony Williams as Big Stop Williams

Cynda Williams as Clarke Bentancourt

Nicholas Turturro as Josh Flatbush

Samuel L. Jackson as Madlock

Leonard L. Thomas as Rod

Charlie Murphy as Eggy

Rubén Blades as Petey

Abbey Lincoln as Lillian Gilliam

Linda Hawkins as Jeanne

Coati Mundi as Roberto

Flavor Flav as Impatient Movie Patron

Diahann Carroll as Jazz Club Singer (uncredited)

Jeff "Tain" Watts as Rhythm Jones (Drums)

Steve White as Born Knowledge

Raye Dowell as Rita

Angela Hall as Cora

Zakee Howze as Young Bleek / Miles (as Zakee L. Howze)

Deon Richmond as Tyrone

Raymond Anthony Thomas as Joe (as Raymond Thomas)

Sheldon Turnipseed as Benny

Christopher Skeffrey as Louis

Terrence Williams as Sam

Leon Addison Brown as Smith

Scot Anthony Robinson as Cooley

Bill Lee as Father of the Bride

Branford Marsalis as Party Guest

Doug E. Doug as Jimmy the Busboy (as Douglas Bourne)

Tracy Camilla Johns as Club Patron

John Canada Terrell as Club Patron

Joe Seneca as Big Stop's Friend

Darryl M. Wonge Jr. as Miles at Birth

Jelani Asar Snipes as Miles, Age 1

Glenn Williams III as Miles, Age 3

Arnold Cromer as Miles, Age 5

Herbert Daughtery as Minister

Monty Ross as Club Patron

Carol M. Wiggins as Club Patron

Isabella as Club Patron

Mamie Louise Anderson as Club Patron

John Sobestanovich as Taxi Driver

David Droge as Night Club Patron (uncredited)

Anaysha Figueroa as Shanika (uncredited)

Curt Hayward as Jazz Club Patron (uncredited)

Candace Kirkpatrick as Club Patron (uncredited)

Stephen Vause as Club Patron (uncredited)