LOS ANGELES — Just blocks away from where he sits in downtown Los Angeles, Johnell Young's image looms steps away from the Staples Center. It's a large billboard promoting season two of the hit show, "Wu-Tang: An American Saga." Next year, he hopes to be on the Emmy stage.

"I'll be nominated for an Emmy next year," Young said. "We can definitely say that."

He plays the role of GZA, a member of the legendary hip-hop group Wu-Tang Clan.

"GZA was a lyricist," Young explained. "His fans know his lyrics, know how his cadence is, how he holds his math, how he raps, so I really had to dig deep into that and do my research and really perfect it."

It's a show all about music, brotherhood and hip-hop, which was nominated for an Emmy for its music. Young said he appreciates the academy already having its work on its radar.

"For them to be able to notice us, it's a big thing," he said. "For them to actually have an eye on us, it just keeps your eyes open — keep working."

He said the show has huge things in store for season two, especially for the hardcore Wu-Tang fans.

"The music, the '36 Chambers' album, brotherhood, putting ego aside and coming together for a cause to achieve a dream."

He has dreams of holding a golden statue in his hands in the future. But right now, he can already celebrate larger-than-life success.

"It's a dream come true," he said. "I've always imagine having my own billboards and being a star in LA. People seeing my face all over the billboard."