Although he's still often associated with his role as Michael from 'The Wire,' Tristan Wilds has generated legitimate buzz as singer Mack Wilds in his debut EP, 'New York: A Love Story.' The buzz led him to 'The Arsenio Hall Show' stage on Tuesday (Dec. 11) to perform 'Own It.'

Wilds' breakout single is successful because of its interpretation of '90s New York City through a catchy, new school R&B song. The 24-year-old sounds confident on the track, and he transfers that feeling during this performance. At one point, he travels into the audience and puts his arm around a woman's shoulder's as he sings.

Before his set, Wilds spoke with Hall about his recent Grammy nomination. He told the host he found out about his nomination for Best Urban Contemporary Album while he was in a hotel room in Richmond, Va.

So who will Wilds take with him to the 2014 Grammy Awards? "The guys who have influenced me the most. I'm going to take my dad and my grandfather," he says. Wilds also touches on the brotherly relationship he has with Jay Z. The rap star gave him some sound advice. "Never ask for no handouts. Prove what you can do, and the people who can give you handouts will be more willing to."

Watch Mack Wilds' Interview With Arsenio Hall

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