If you only know Tray Chaney as the guy who played Malik "Poot" Carr on HBO’s The Wire, you’re basically missing the last fifteen years of a massive career pivot. Honestly, most people still shout "Poot!" when they see him on the street, and he takes it with a smile. It makes sense. He was one of the only characters to survive all five seasons of the greatest show ever made. But the reality of Tray Chaney movies and TV shows is way deeper than just the corner of West Baltimore.
He didn't just ride the coattails of that HBO success. In fact, he had to go back to the literal pavement to stay relevant.
From the Pit to the Boardroom (and Tubi)
After The Wire wrapped in 2008, the phone didn’t just ring off the hook with blockbuster offers. That’s the industry secret nobody tells you. You can be on a legendary show and still find yourself hustling. Tray actually spent years in D.C. selling his own independent films and CDs out of his trunk. That grit is why he’s now a staple on platforms like Tubi and BET+, often referred to by fans as "Mr. Tubi" because his face is everywhere on the app.
He’s built an empire with Chaney Vision Entertainment. He isn't just waiting for a casting director to call; he’s writing, producing, and starring in his own projects.
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- Saints & Sinners: This was his major TV comeback. Playing Kendrick Murphy for six seasons on Bounce TV proved he could carry a long-running drama outside the shadow of Baltimore.
- BMF (Black Mafia Family): Seeing him pop up as Bleek on Starz was a "finally" moment for long-time fans. He actually manifested this role through a song called "New Heights" where he name-dropped 50 Cent.
- We Own This City: Returning to the world of David Simon and George Pelecanos felt like a full-circle moment. He played Gordon Hawk, a narcotics task force member, showing a completely different side of the law than Poot ever did.
The Massive List of Tray Chaney Movies and TV Shows
If you’re trying to binge his work, you’ve got a long weekend ahead of you. The sheer volume of his filmography is wild. He’s done everything from high-budget HBO dramas to gritty indie shorts that he funded himself.
Notable Television Roles:
- The Wire (2002–2008) – Malik "Poot" Carr
- Saints & Sinners (2016–2022) – Kendrick Murphy
- We Own This City (2022) – Gordon Hawk
- BMF (2023) – Bleek
- Swarm (2023) – Kent
- Keyshia Cole: This Is My Story (2023) – Andre Lee
Film and Indie Projects:
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- Head of State (2003) – His first film appearance, albeit a small one.
- The Salon (2005) – Appearing alongside Vivica A. Fox.
- Streets (2011) – Starring with Meek Mill.
- 6 Hearts 1 Beat (2013) – A project he also produced.
- Secret Society (2021) – A massive hit on Amazon Prime where he played "O."
- No Such Thing as Loyalty 2 (2023) – Continuing his streak of gritty urban dramas.
What Most People Get Wrong About His Career
People think he just "stayed in his lane." They're wrong.
Tray is a musician first in many ways. He started dancing at the Apollo at age eight. His music career isn't a "celebrity side project"—it's the engine that drives his acting. He uses his music videos to showcase his acting range, and he uses his acting fame to push a positive "Dedicated Father" message through his lyrics. It's a brand. It’s why you see him in projects like Saints & Sinners: Judgment Day one day and then dropping a music video for "Go-Go Therapy" with Fat Joe the next.
Survival and the 2025 Turning Point
Life hasn't been all red carpets. In May 2025, Tray faced a literal life-and-death situation when an EF2 tornado leveled his family home. His son, Malachi, was severely injured. This event shifted a lot of his recent focus toward advocacy and "Gems by Tray Chaney," a motivational series.
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It changed the tone of his work. You can see it in his more recent indie films—there’s a gravity there that wasn't there ten years ago. He’s not just playing a character; he’s bringing real-world trauma and resilience to the screen.
How to Watch the Best of Tray Chaney
If you want the "essential" experience, start with The Wire Season 4. That’s where Poot’s humanity really shines through. Then, jump to Saints & Sinners to see his growth as a leading man. If you want the raw, independent spirit he’s known for now, search his name on Tubi. You’ll find titles like Hidden Lies and Truthless (his directorial debut).
To stay ahead of his upcoming releases, follow his "Chaney Vision" production updates. He’s currently working on a docuseries called Undeniable, which reunites several The Wire cast members to talk about their lives after the show. It’s a must-watch for anyone who wants to see the real faces behind the characters.
Actionable Next Steps:
- Check Tubi and Amazon Prime: Search "Tray Chaney" to find his latest independent films that don't always get a theatrical release.
- Watch "We Own This City": Compare his performance as a cop to his role as Poot to see his range.
- Support the Music: Look up the "Dedicated Father" series on YouTube to understand the man behind the roles.