We took a stroll with Cuba Gooding Jr., a few days before the Emmys and had a lively conversation with the Academy-winning actor. We also learned a few life lessons -first, don’t run up on Cuba because he might think you’re after some money he owes you.

Second, he’s “in it to win it like Bennet” when it comes to his recent appearance in the popular television series “American Horror Story.”

Third, “black don’t crack” when it comes to Angela Bassett’s ability to play his mom in “Boyz In The Hood” almost 20 years ago and then play his sister in “American Horror Story.”

And Fourthly, Cuba has a lot of respect for our men and women in the armed forces and those that help us “in the street.”