Polyamory and Cultural Perspectives

Pandora jewelry brings the sparkle to your summer, now with even better prices. Enjoy up to fifty percent off select styles, from personalized pieces to must have favorites made for the summer. Timeless designs that shine with you through every moment. whereerever the summer takes you. Sop in store or online. Now through july sixth. Terms and addditition apply. Visit pandora. net for details This summer, serve up the cookout classics, Oscar Meyer Hot doogs and Heinz mustard. Grill up a dog, add classic yellow mustard, or load it Chicago style We all know it's not a cookout without Oscar Meyer and Heinz You believe in polyamory. So then Aon, can you say, how many wives do you have I'm serious. I, Yo, because I like you and you are my brother Not only are you a musician, artist, but also a businessman. I just wanted to be rich. But the problem is popularity comes with a cost Like Michael Jackson is my boy, but I just feel like there's a lot of holes on the explanation of his death. So as your power and influence grows, do you ever fear a threat against your life? Our goal was to get richard die trying literally. It was stealing cars. Yeah, and now I'm in jail. That's what inspired me to do this, man,'s 'cause I feel like this is' to the life I wantna live When I was in there, I would just write on strengy. So now, every time a guard would walk past, we would sing the song out together. locked up, they won't let me out They won't let me out li. That's when I realized, okay, music is just a vehicle for me to do what I need to do. All right, so I didn't know we would get into this topic. Right. But we gota I mean, we're here. We're here. You need to talk. I'm giving you my word today, You'll be the one I give the exccusive to Hey there, beforefore we begin the episode, I just want to say Thank you for choosing We need to talk Doing this podcast is one of the greatest joys of my life And I want to continue to share it with you. So Hit follow and the bell icon. It takes just a second and it helps us to continue to grow this podcast you know what I think the First thing that I heard about UNO on tour was I saw clips. U, you know what I saw clips of? Oh, yeah, me and the pastor bar You You'd not been doing that since two thousand eight. No, I didn't know it. I've been doing it since two thousand eight, man. But back then there was no social media That was none of that. You know what I mean? Yeah. And it was interesting because it really got famous when I did it in Africa Okay because for the first time I was able to perform in the stadiums in Africa And I was like, what, this is the perfect? Be before I would just crowdurf, I'd jump off the top speaker right into the audience and they'd catch me throw me around. But then you know, that was just too risky, people would get hurt So then I got sued a few times, well more than a few times. Every time I did a show I was down there buying somebody a house. I gotta fuck I got to figure something else out. Okay And that's how that came about. I said, okay, this is way where I can go into the crowd.' manad safe and it's an attraction. Yes. But is it safe though? Yeah, super, super safe. Is it Because honestly, when I see it, you look like ro I'm I'm like a little kid, like literally likeike I'm literally in a plastic ball. that that that surrounding is far as I go. I don't go farther. so Even if they was to drop me on the floor, I'm on my feet Or if I'm not, the ball will hit the ground first, and then I'm right behind it. You know what I'm saying? So it's like the distance from me into the floor is like You know, less than a foot. And I guess for the fans, they get opportunities' amazing. clos they can ever get Yeah. They get a nice little photo in the process and in the mix of all the fun and the craziness Yes it's really dope. It's really dope. So then tour because you've been on tour many times throughout your career Now What are the songs that you most like to perform I mean, I like I love all my songs When I wrote them, they was all experience based songs. So they all mean something different. It's not like a favorite. It's all like a meaning You know what I mean? Like every song has a specific feeling that it gives you a specific place in your heart that actually, you know, You could say reside it's like It's hard to say, okay, which is my favorite song. Okay. I makes sense. All So then let me hit you with with a tougher question then is Which song carries almost the most pain Oh a lot of those the first albums all pain. Was it? I mean, outside of Bonanza? That was every whole album was pained. but I mean, when you look at locked up That was a wake up moment. I think that recck is what saved my life in general because hadn' not gotten locked up, I would' have never wrote You know,, Missal Loneoney, a lot of pain in that. Trouble nobody. Yeah a lot of them is mainly earlier songs, to be honest, the first album. You know what I mean? Yeah. Be yeah, when you start going into all of those records, Ghetto I just all pay, you know what I mean? Okay. And when you perform it, do you go back to that moment Do you put yourself in that same place No, not actually in that place But it actually It reminds me how far I come Like what's crazy is my first show in Dublin on this tour I literally started I I had my glasses on, the audience didn't see them but when I was saying Ghetto, I was literally crying behind my glasses. because it was just surreal for me 'Cause I was like, damn, I'm like, damn, like you think twenty years later I'm here not only singing this song But I had all these white folks feeling my pain herearing and understanding it from a perspective in which they came from that I may not even understand. But it's still the same vibe of what we go through as a people to struggle through certain things to get there. Yes. You know what I mean? So it just it was wild because I remember when I wrote the song I didn't know where my life was heading. I didn't know which direction I was going. I just wanted to be rich. I didn't know how. and I didn't care. It was like that was the focus. That was the focus. get Rich die trying literally. You know what I'm saying? It was like, man. so I knew what it was. I felt under man. It seemed like everything hit me that like hit me. And it happens a lot of time when I perform records like Freedom. Yes, or Ghetto or Mama Africa, like really records that's culture you know, I choke up literally on stage, but I play it off like anything'm going on I see, I didn't realize that you tried on stage or that you owe that you You do cry on stage, you feel these Yeah, song some songs I'd be dead crying but I'd be sweating so hard. You don't even on know if it's tear or if it's see fluid. You just see youre like, man, that b's sweating. Oh yeah, it happens a lot Yeah. Yeah, it happens a lot so then Sharare the stage with Nia You talked about how you two, you knew you had to be on tour together. Right But how special is it to you to share the stage with you? No, that's amazing because we kind of realize just how different our paths are Like a lot of times you actually think that you're Everybody shaare the same pain. paths are very similar And when I say path, I mean musically, right? Okay. So Neo has a different set list of mine Mine is, you know, stems from likeike reality His is almost like There's reality at it, but it's more Love it Romance Mine is like reality pain struggle. So it was like two opposites Wors, But then when we get to overcoming of what our lives are You can hear the difference in the music because the music gets more uptempo, it gets more dance driven, it gets more Celebratory. Yes. You know what I'm saying? Yes. He starts off making love. I start off talking about pain You know what I' say? You know, he ends up partying and I end up fiesting. You know what I mean? So it's like, But they both, you could tell like they it feels like life and you can Both sides can feel. The feells understand the women understand, the elders understand the kids are enjoying. So it's like It's literally this from seven to seventy that that deimo. You know what I mean? Yeah. it's not only seven to seventy, but you were talking about in Dublin, you saw you know, mostly white audience. Yeah it spans. No race in a city Potty see My shows, which is crazy, the only time I actually see black people in my audience is what I'm in African Are you ser? Not even in the states. Atlanta is sound peepper. DC. It don't matter where I go, really, whether I'm in America. Europe Like even in the Middle East, it's It's just like it's all Caucasians If I do see a few Africas in the building They make sure I see them because they had the flags up. And I can't miss them because there's another white people there. You know You do what, you know That Do does shock Yeah You know, because I was I was talking to my wife about you coming in. And I was saying, you know, I think that likeike we were debating What has made you so iconic Right? And I think a lot of people point to your voice. they talk about the moment you hear like you know that ownly You know what I'm saying? Yeah. A lot of people talk, I think about your ability to create hooks Like I think you're onene of the most masterful people ever you know in terms of a hook But I also think what you've done that not a lot of people talk about is is you've been able to take pain You've been able to take a story that traditionally is centered in bllack culture and make it accessible to everybody. R And that to me, I think is your special st. No, it is because that's always been my focus Oh I was like, okay, how can I tell this story in a way to where every nationality, no matter where you're from, you could understand it. because one thing I do know is that we're all going through something, right? we're all going through the same thing, you're in different directions? and is it being translated differently? or culturally, it feels like you're going through something different, but this is the exact same thing You understand what I'm saying? Right? Like it's no different no matter how you see it because pain, you're going feel it regardless of how it's translated to you That's the one thing that we all have in common. We know how it feels. Yes.. But then you know, but though to not have say more black representation in your audience. R How does it feel? And let me even throw this out is So I don't know if you've heard of Neille Garreick. That name sounds really familiar He was he was Bob Marley's creative director. And so Neville is someone I was able to meet. He passed away unfortunately a few years ago. Of cancer, right? Yeah. He was living in DR. Yeah. hung out with him? Oh, did you? Yeah. Yes. I know exactly what you're talking about. Neville he changed my life. I'm bad with names, by the way, but faces, I'd never forget. But when you said that, I knowew exactly who to fit me. We spent like two weeks together.. Incredible. know, unbelievable. Unbelievable, right. And I remember talking to him about he would tell me about Bob Marley shows. Right. And he said same thing. Same thing. S thing. And I said, how do Bob feel about that? He said, he felt like Bob felt a certain way about it how do you because he wanted to see more of, you know, his community represented at his shows. Right, right, right, right. So how do you feel not having more black representation. Oh, I felt I made it. And I think as you me All right, tellell me how you really feel it. No, that's how I really feel 'use you gota thing Black people don't want to hear the same story that they're actually going through right now. Like they're actually living the story I'm telling So it's a difference. So Me the more O a group of people or a group of a culture that I felt haven't experienced what we're experiencing is what I want to see out there because I need that story to be told. I need them to understand the position that we hold The reason why it's so much trauma, the reason why it's so much anger, the reason why it's so much divide likeike We we as black people, we have a certain level of No our characteristics and mindset It' flawed to other cultures and they don't understand why. We understand it, so it's not flawed to us But when you compare it to other cultures mindset It's completely flawed because they understand, okay, why they can't come together do anything? Why every time they a group of them come together, something has to go on Or why is it that when we do something it's discrimination when they're not at it or they're not involved or not mentioned. like because Our whole life, we've been You can say Oh God lefteft out, okay? If you can use that word, I don't know if that's the right analogy, but we just believe that we contribute so much that we don't get credit for. We contribute so much that we're not invited when the celebration Like we've invented countless amount of technology. We've contributed to countless amount of culture, sports, fashion storytelling like you name it history We as people, we've never took the time because of a mindset of how history of pattern just continued moving forward that we never had a chance to fix to come together to maximize on it We're so busy like still dwelling on the pain. Not celebrating it, but complaining about it versus, okay, how do we fix it? Okay. How do we bring it together and actually maximize it to where we're all benefiting from it? Well, so I didn't know we would get into this topic. Right. But we got it, I mean, we're here. We're here. So let's a conversation. Yeah You need to talk. Right. We pick S. We need to bring them in D just hold the sign up. All right. so my question on this is I hear you in terms of mindset for some. Right. But the way I always look at it is I look at it as systems U especially systems in the West se systems in say, Africa.ight, know, especially subub Saharan Africa So Do you think And we don't have to go too deep in it, but I'm just curious is how much of it you think is mindset versus system. It's our mindset because the mindset is what creates the system Right if you come with a flawed mindset, your system's going to be flawed. If you come with a struggling mindset, your system's going to struggle You know, if you come with a weak mindset, your system is going to be weak So ultimately, because our mindset hasn't been mature enough to understand that unity is the power. and is the strength and the muscle that we need to create a successful system. Until we come together, that system will never exist. Beause think about it, in order for a system to work, there's so many different departments All them departments have to see eye to ey They all have to connect. They all have to unite for it to be a strong system. Yes. But you got your system I got my system homey goted system, my sister goted system You know Dg, Uncle Doug got his system, Couso got his system R. but none of them systems is talking to each other. They're all competing with each other And because of the mindset of it and ultimately because of how the systems were created against us And we became a part of that system not understanding it to create our own We said, no, how do I benefit and maximize the system that I am in becausecause I can't change the system Because we've been taught that we can't change the system When we really can. Yes. Is this why you I feel like there' a ten year period where you stepped outside of the states You went to West Africa, one hundred percent. That's why you went. okay. one thousand percent. Okay. Because Africa had this black market system of music. We got all this talent. Nobody knows about it but the locals At what point are we going to inject ourselves into a system? That allows our music to be spread globally Right? So and like I love using my j as a perfect example because Nigeria had unlimited talent Unlimited population. Yes. Yes. and unlimited like Man, the Nigerians are the smartest people on the planet. I mean, nextext to the Jamaicans? No, I mean, y, Jamaic. No, no. no, No, no, yeah. If you trace any Jamaican Nigeria. It's going back to Nigeria., it's a safe thing. They They goes right back to Nigeria. don't know, African ain't got to Nigerian DNA somewhere lacked them, you know, like sure. But just the way they man, they're so brilliant Mentally But it's because it's so much a competition within that system itself No one took the time to say, okay, well Let me create an opportunity for who you may even Deem your competitor open the door for them because they may open the door for you. Like, I was in a position where I wasn't looking to compete with my brothers and sisters. I needed them to be where I was at because I'm tired of being there by myself And I know that there's people out there that sings and run circles around. They exist infrica My tone is just the one you heard But there's more like me. Yes. You know what I mean? Yes. And that was my goal. My goal was to make sure that everybody understood that I'm just one of almost two billion Africans that actually have some kind of talent that could be showcased to the rest of the world. Whatever opportunity, whatever platform I had to actually open the door for the rest of my brothers and sisters to get notice, I gave it Yeah You know, I mean and you did. I think that, I mean, in terms of record sales global impact I mean, Whis kid has to be percent Oh one hundred percent in that And as a kid, he was that he was crazy. He was a kid. How old Was he when you met him? I wnder I would want to say that Wiz like fourteen, maybe? fourteen. Wow. okay. He was a kid. No, he was a kid. Yeah. Like that's why they called him Wiz kid. He was a wizard literally at that age. Like he was writing Other artists including Bank and W. You know, the kid was a he's brilliant. Yeah. Yeah. And so you Do you I mean, are you I mean with humbly R. Do you believe that You were one of the key players to unlocking. Afrobeetss to the world I think everybody plays their role Right? I think Oftentimes when a question like that is asked is really Only the people can asker that for you I know I've played a huge contribution is to helping to showcase African talent You know, whether it's Afrobeat or I'm a piano. or after house like Th anything that's culturally like I think has value. I want to be able to maximize it too because I'm a businessman at the end the day, right. it don't just help me, it helps everybody involved, right? I think when we have a specific ideal of how much or whether you're the one to be crowned the goat or the reason for something to happen. I just believe that God gave all of us roles And I just try to play mine I don't count, noobody's money. I don't do anything expecting anything back in return. Every African artist that you mention None of them can tell you that I've ever enforce a contract came after them for any money or even presented them What a deal It's a not even whiskid Wiz, the only reason why me and Wiz had a contract was because it was with Banky W And think you had him. But me and Wiz directly, we never had a contract. It was with bank's company that was signing with us and we wanted to empower Bankies company And Wiz was a part of that because we was like, okay, you could be the first Joint venture that we do in Nigeria and all the artists under your label can utilize this platform to push out And that's how Wiz was able to be able to get that opportunity. Okay. All right, fair. fair. So because on this point, because you I mean, not only are you a musician, artist, but also a manager. R, Right of talent And then a collaborator, right of talent. But you just said something that I find really interesting. you say, I'm a businessman. Right. So I've interviewed lots of, I say exceptional musicians And not all musicians qualify themselves as a business person R The one thing that I was doing in my research that I said, I was like, Noah, ACon iss a businessman is when I saw or when you realized how much money you were making on ring tones. right To me, that was fascinating. Could you talk about how that influenced Y music Well I would probably say that kind of gave me an understanding of where music was going businessusiness wise. Okay. I already saw it going digital. like That's why I always retain my duty to rights because I saw Then Okay Technology is changing and music is a part of that change, right We were selling singles at the time for a dollar ninety nineents songs that was like at length four minutes, some five, even seven minutes at that time. It was no timeline for how long a song was. todayod, two minutes. Two minutes. Yeah, right And those was like a dollar ninety nineents Then Ring tones came up And those are five ninety nineents for fifteen seconds.. If that That was the longest a song was was finiteine S see where he would are Some may add up, or maybe it needs to add up fififteen seconds for four ninety nine, which is five bucks One and ninety nine for four five minutes It just made complete business s to me. I said, I need to be focusing on ringtone Every song that I make has to be ring toned freely I'm not releasing it because I'm to utilize not only the ring tones to promote myself because every time the song rings Guess what Somebody's hearing a song. Oh what song is that? And they go buy it Yes. So you got walking billboards all over the globe, which your ringer on their phones every time it rings and that could happen five, ten, maybe fifty times a day You know what I'm saying? I don't need radio no moreore. I got ringed tones See And then on top radio Yeah. Oh forget about it. So when you're writing music, right. you're thinking. I'm thinking completely ringtone. Ringtone. Yep. I'm thinking ring tone. okay, which part of this is Are we going to push out for the actual song? So always start about the chorus? When when I wrote the chorus, I said, okay, this chorus has to be at work on a ring time That's incredible. Yeah 's incredible. ye. Yeah. I mean, I could see that like I didn't realize how much How many albums you've sold Not even to doing this research. Everything seemed like after withith the drop of your first album, Everything just went platinum. Yeah, it was it was man, I was blessed to be honest, you know I think it was, but believe it or not Africans was the ones that supported the most, like especially the first album You can walk Harlem what I hear at Achon. Sengales was that Who said down? You know what I said? And then from there I went to the West Indians because I was doing a lot of dg plates So between the Africas and the West Indians It became like they became like my mouthpiece, like my promotional ools like they they their word of the mouth is really what got me even noticed to be honest. Okay. But and then from there There was the crosssover. Then it crossed over. When I got to Mr. Lonelely Everything changed. Okay Overnight Overnight. That's what it felt like, at least. And how did it change for you Well, for me, I started noticing that I was traveling internationally Because before then I was performing locked up, I trouble nobody Ghetto. domestically. And then I was getting a lot of dates in Africa. It work was huge over there. and then I had a mixtape called the illegal alien where I had Senegal and I had all the hottest beats at the time and I took those and freestyle over them. So the mix tape was just as popular as the album the singles. So with that, I was all over Africa What Ewhere in Africa And then When we dropp Mr. Loneley Then I was like Okay, this is different 'use now' I'm getting called on pop stages it was crazy was the pop audience knew Urban records. Yes. They knew the locked up records, They knew the ghettos, they knew I was like, w This is different. Then we go to places in Europe like Germany You know, Netherlands You go to a place like Germany where nobody spoke English But they sing the song from top to bottom That's when things got Really interesting I wouldn't say weird, but it's funny because I would think that after I got off stage, I could have a regular English conversation with you. understand nothing. I'm like, how are you sing songs from top to bottom? and we can't speak English together. Right? So that weirded me out for a minute. I was like, wow, this is different. That's when I realized, okay God is special Right. And you're blessed. Yeah. And you're blessed. one hundred percent. When you think about your career What was the moment where you just looked at it and said, this is surreal. I can't believe I'm doing this I would probably say when the first time it actually happened Well I actually had that moment L because I kind of expected it in certain places. home in Senegal, I expected it. But it was mania, almost like Michael Jackson status That's when I almostught it. I was like, I'm a sonnyon. They're supped support me this way And when you say almost Michael Jackson stat, you'reking about? No, like I couldn't I couldn't go nowhere. Like literally, I couldn't walk down the street. I couldn't go to a local store always be Thousands of people wait outside. Thousands, like thousands. But when I went to Zimbabwe It was like L from the airport We couldn't leave the airport.. Like we couldn't literally leave the airport Like we couldn'tave the airport. The people would not leave until I showed my space So they had a sunroof up there pop my head out the sunroof, I felt like I was in three stadiums in one It was so many people for as long as you can see people. And I literally had to ride all the way to the airport on the roof ' that was the only way I had to be that, you know, I just tell people like tell people move out. It was like a sea of people. It was unbelievable But mean, how does it feel have that response to music that you create That was another thing that was surreal. likeike you likeked him Like my music is affecting this many people like this. That's when I realize, okay, I got a maor purpose. It's those moments that make you realize that, okay Everyone in life has a purpose. and your purpose is always going to be intangible with your gift. Whatever your gift is that God gave you That's what's going to be what's going to take you or walk you through the trail that you need to walk through to get to your purpose. That's when I realize, okay Music is just a vehicle for me to do what I need to do And I'm almost positive that Africa is where I need to be doing it interestnteresting. So What did you believe you needed to do? if it wasn't the music. The music was At the time I didn't know. Okay. I just knew I need to be in Africa doing something because the support here is overwhelming There's got to be something, I'm supposed to be doing. And I don't think it's just to get rich You didn'tin about money no more, right? You know what I mean? Like God push you through those stages where, you want money okay here's money. You want popularity here is popularity. Now it wass like, okay, you got the popularity, you got the money Gather, Sck Okay, what are you supposed to do with that? You don't just brag about it like I know it's something more. right? You got to know it's something more. Like you can't think that the blesses is just here for you to walk around and just say I got. I got I got, like me it just didn't make sense. And that's when we got into, you know the charitable stuff when I started confonidence Foundation, we started rebuilding schools remodeling, giv computers and stuff like that. but it felt like it's still something that needed to be bigger. And it seemed like the more I got into those things, more things were introduced And that's when we got into the electricity because I started going through those rural areas Realizing there was not even no lights and how I even got there, I was in Sira Leone doinguring a concert. This is how crazy, you know music walks you to your purpose, right We got the Hughes stadium Sly I' been waiting for this concert for I don't know how long We finally get there. The place is so packed that outside the stadium, there's another fourteen, fifteen thousand people that couldn't get in. And I was like, We can't get in why They but they can't afford the tickets That's okay. So all the tickets are sold out Okay, we still have place Because they did, they sold out all the seats. Okay But the fld still had space But the stage was in the center of the field me being who I am I need everybody that couldn't afford the tickets. putut them on the fie So now the field is flooded with people. The seas is flooded with people Everybody's happy, we start rocking Boom, getet into the third song which is Ghetto Right as we say in Ghetto Lights go out That was a sign. That's a sign. That was a sign. But what was crazy worse, the light never came back on No generator. No generator It was the stadium electricity well the country It all went out to the point where everybody got rowdy, We end up having to redo the show, but when I realize, okay What happened like happened? they said, Power this all the time. Like every night is at a certain time. We't know when but we know it' going to happen. Is that the what is it the power load, the sharing? Yeah, it's something like that. It was something but them, they just didn't have enough. They just didn't have enough. So ultimately, I was like, okay we got to figure this out I want to be going other countes and we're having the same problem. That's when I started getting interested in energy. I said I got to figure how we can ix to energy problem in Afra St starting in certainly on. So that was it. Yeah and that's what opened the door. Yeah, look at that. lookook at that. Yeah, you could see where music has guided you. Yeah So what Do you believe your purpose is today to develop Africa I know for sure that's what it because anything that I've ever done that went towards the development of Africa I never got no pushback Everything went smooth sailing, like I'll find the right partners, right investors. everythingverything is rolling And then when I realize, okay, development is coming on under abundance onn a level that Africa will never need anybody again You start getting, you start seeing, okay? Y. It now I understand This is definitely my role. Somebody gott to play it. Yes. So you're willing to step up. one hundred percent to that resistance. Yeah. Because if I don't, I don't think nobody else will. Yeah Hello My name is Holly. and I'm asking a certain someone, my friend, my dear friend, who knows who they are to pick up the phone so that we can connect I always feel refreshed once we've had a conversation It's almost like we go back in time to how we used to be. We reminisce, we talk about the fun days. I can't really tell how you are. through text And you' laugh, I can't hear your laugh over messages. And then when we do get together every two or three months, it's like a huge mammoth catch up of everything. And I feel like maybe some calls between those meet upps would just help us even if it's fifteen, to twenty minutes, just to like touch base with each other. I would really like that This may shock you One of my best friends that I've had for the last eight years I believe I've only picked up He's phone call about four or five times in the eight years Why I hate to say this, but it's efficiency. For me. So why is that bad Help me understand that I think we're choosing convenience over cononnection. If somebody wrongg me and said, Hey Holly, I'm just calling you to see how you are, I'd be like, oh wow Really Yeah, it makes you feel Wanted and appreciated Yeah and important to somebody And I do believe if I called My best friend truly feel Yeah. Like I thought he was important to me Yeah. We're in partnership with IDMobile and Mental Health UK. We want you to ditch The text My conversation here with Holly, I've realized I am not making my friends feel important And when you make it a call your friends feel Y importance I have to show you this Tell me what's happening in this photo and who are you with H Bro, this is this is my most proudest photo, bro. Isn it This product? Yes. Now Mike, I'm a full blown celebrity. Y. att this point. You're big. What? But you're not that big enough. Man, listen, I'm a child compared to this man. Yeah. I was so happy. I couldn't man, listen because I grew up my whole life looking up to Mike, Mike. You know, He's like everybody's idol. Nobody can tell me that Mike didn't have some kind of impact He was my favorite growing up. Oh my goodness. Yeah It was like growing up in New York it was Prince us Michael. Right. I love Prince. I' never lik Prince Michael I know Mike.' say it No, that's not like that. But I'm just saying, if had to choose one, Y Mike is my boy. Yeah. it was always that rivalry. L I would feel guilty listening to Even though I love his mus especially this purple rain album. But I could only play it once a month because the rest of the day' gott to go to Mike. Yes Yes. I was a Dihard Mike fan. As much as I loved Princez, I couldn't support him openly because I Yes. so with Michael, I mean, Michael Jackson, the way that I hear the story is that he He wanted to work with you. Yeah. you know, That must be not out of the top crowning moments, for sure. Yeah without a question. Be like when I was locked up, I had this ten year plan I said, Okay, this is what I want to be able accomplish with now in the next ten years from the moment I get out of' starting hitting it running, startarting over here Mike was at the top of the list on the things that I would want to achieve. And you normally at the top of your list, it's always the things that you may deem impossible, but you say, you know what? If I don't try, I won't never go. But if I can reach half that, I'm successful. Right. So so you say you had Michael Jacks on the vision board O the vision board My goal is to work with Mike before all this is over I need to work with mine. Once I work with him, I know I made it It happened in five years And that onlyt t take care. So I was already like blown away It was unbelievable. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. And so you work with them now. I have to ask, right? because I'm fresh off of Cia Michael in the theater, right And First is, what was it like working with Mike What was your biggest surprise working with him First of all, it was a surreal. Unbelievable moment electrifying a work a mic in the studio Biggest surprise. Working with him E easier was to work Whato himem made me understand why he's as big as he is. because he had no eagle Literally no ego He would do any and everything or even tried if I asked him to do it. He didn't care. He was like, listen I called you in there because I believe in what you do And I want I need that rub off of what I'm doing. I need to do something that I wouldn't think of doing If I would have ask Mark to bark on the record, he would have did it just because I asked him to do it And he would also want to see what it sounded like He's not even like, me I ain't a dog. I ain't barking that b on that record. He would' have did that He would have been like, woof, woof How do that sound? What do you think Now he gives you one hundred percent trust When you how should do some Hes like, it's your ship. You tell me I'm do you know Whatever you need to do, I'm doing it That's how much trust he has in it Yeah. Not too many artists have that in either a producer or songwriter or someone that curates their sound or someone iss already known for a specific syound You know what I'm saying? Yeah It was like to see that? I was like, wow, I remember working with artists That went wood't a hood Like ain't had to say so no records. and you think you're working with someone like a Mike because of how they they moving. And I'm like, but Mike was like It was like Yeah so much passion for the art He never questioned it. Like he already knew that the combination of us was going to be Like he didn't he didn't had to think about it. So he just trusted it. Yeah. he just trusted the process. And then after you two would create, would he then give opinion or he just trusted you? No, that's exactly. He he would just trust. he You just trust. And me, because I trust the same way, I'd be like Mike, well just doatever you fail. We go keep us good. We go to keep us that My name's Mael Jacks. Yeah Everything ain't always good though That's another thing that was surprised me. Some things was weren't as good as I'm like, dad, it's Mike. But I realized even with me everything ain't always the record you ain't never going here. ever go here. Right. You know what I'm saying? The stuff that I really, really believe in, boom. like those times where I thought Mike couldn't hit a bad note You know, But I realized Mike was human like we all was. R But he was a perfectionist. He wasn't letting go unless it was perfect That's for sure. I mean and I have to ask not to be on the controversial side. But just the more and more people that I talk to in the industry R R. I read once that you say he was the healthiest person that you knew. Yeah. He's from from what I've known, super super super, super help. good don Like he had a schedule for his food. Like he was just very organized How do truly, how do you believe he died I just believe that I mean, what I believe is what I believe I just don't feel like I just feel like there's a lot of holes Like, it's not a solid canvas on explanation of his death. I just honestly believe that There should be a lot more investigating need to be done. Wout a question. So do you I fear that, right? And the reason why I bring this up is truly not It's not conspiracy theories, but because I now understand more about power, right And the threat that comes that comes with it, right? That comes with it,. So Do you fear that as your power and influence grows especially with projects in Africa.? Do you ever have the fear of a threat against your life Not really. like That's the one thing I've never been afraid of is diet ' I just feel like God's disciples are meant to come back Death is promise. question is And once you die How will you be remembered? What have you accomplished before then? or what was your purpose fulfilled before you died? Like death was never an issue for me, like Even that's why I was probably so successful in the street because I didn't always feel like God was protecting me at every moment, like So Even with stuff like this, that's why I said I welcome it. because I know it's coming And I know that what I'm doing is something that was worth doing. That's why I'm getting the resistance. Yes. You know what I'm saying? Yes. But death can't be if you are a man of faith Death can't ever be something that you fear Be then you really questestion your own faith and question yourself The the moment you're afraid to die Now you have to ask yourself like You're supposed to be welcoming in that to be honest, like If your faith is as true as if you say it is. okay. You know what I mean? And has your faith always been that level of strength? When I was younger, you no I was scared because I didn't know what to face. I didn't know what I was going face like Okay what happens when you die? Yeah ask all them questions. like, you go in hell you go to hey like Yeah, what does it look like? Is' it black? Is's it dark. Yeah. you go Are you incarcinated into a tree, a cup? You don't know. Like it's all these questions But then when you realize some things ain't meant to be explained and it's some things that our mind capacity will never be able to stand You know what I mean? L That's just a part of the faith. the same way we've never met God, but we know He exists. Okay, okay. Well, whatever higher being it is that you worship. You worship. canan we unpack that piece? Right? Because in looking at interviews and research around you, the one part I have a question mark on like a curious piece on is How you grew up Oh man. and the circumstances because even to hear you talk about Senegogal And you talked about how you lived with different religion and how there wasn't conflict. I think a lot of people think Africa, conflict conflict, I'm with you Senegal was one of the few places where there was no significant conflict, rightight. And I think that that does shape No, it does. Y shake. Yeah. So when you back you were born though, in the states. In St. Louis. Yeahah. Okay. Born in Staint. Louis What do you remember about So when you think earliest memory of childhood What was that like for you Well, it was my earliest memories, I kind of wanted to go back to Senegogue Okay. because okay, Luke. So when we were born, my dad was a forward thinker. L I think I got that from him always trying to vision the future Every time one of us is born He was flly my mom to the states She would have us And he has s send us back to Africa. So we all came to the States to be born for our U. S. citizenship. And he was sent his back You know, we but to school there until We were old enough to come to the States to finish school. So all of us came like around seven or eight between all of my brothers. then Our earlier years we were in synague. That's why we all still speak well of You know, we all accustomed to our native tongue and everything else, culture and everything. Okay. So and even on that is and so how many because is it is it nineteen of your Yeah, my dad, yeah, my dad is yeah. Literally. Literally. Yeah. So you had nineteen siblings or eighteen siblings inng. It' something like that. Okay. So so you don't even know the numers. I don't. It don't even matter no more. like Really? I swear don't Okay.'s because my dad, like my pops is like eightighty nine now. And I had man your brother. So he had a child of eighty Which that means the genes are that strong, I don't have to worry about it. I know at eighty, I must still be pumping our babies. Okay. Whatere are you though? I don't know. we'll see you know, if I reach eighty, God, if you know, willing So then born for the U. S. citizenship in the States. R. But then you go back. So Growing up in Senegue How did that How do you think that shaped No, that shaped me, period. Like I think those earlier years gave me like, you know they say You want to teach the child as much as you possibly can when they're at that sponge years That was the one thing that my pop did nothing else right in his life. He did that right Be he made sure while we were young We learn multiple languages We learned our culture, we knew where we came from. and that mindset that came from The idea of treating everybody the same, no matter what your faith was, and just understanding life from a family perspective That came with me. Because all my friends, I couldn't understand when I got to the US how none of them had their fathers around Like, where's your dad, D bro You know, or where's your big brother You know, or where's your mom for that matter? You had single fathers raising. It was a lot of a single parent way of life in America, I couldn't understand like how this was possible Well how my friends would be spending weeks at a time in my house And his parents don't call a check on them whereere they at. So I understood that there was a huge displacement and family values in America And I came with that. So I invited everybody Even now, like, My brother Babs would tell me, yo, bro, you're too nice. Like you give everybody a chance. You know what I mean? Yes. But I don't know how to not give them Like I'm the kind of person that give you a one hundred percent trust from the moment we meet until you you pull those layers off and don't trust you noore. Right. But I'm not going to meet you not trusting you It's the other way around. I would you. So then You were in the States because your father was a musician, so he's traic And so Where was it new work much of the time. Yeah, when I got to New Jersey? Yeah, I was Jersey City. Jery. It' was Jersey City. but I used to work in New Yark. Okay. So I was back and forth between Jersey City and New Yark, which was like the two Craziest Sad You for queens, you already know how. I'm not going to say it say You get in trouble. I'm not gonna to say, you Dirty Jersey, with But on the real for all of us that know is it's a rough spot. Yeah, it's a rough, rough spot. But what I think will help me in Jersey. was the fact that when I was in St. Louis, I lived in East St. Louis Yeah. So East Stain. Louis is equivalent to what I think E Stain. Louis is probably of the reason why Chicago is what it is today. Because at that time in that area, it was so bad Police went on strike for thirty days Now I don't know an area that could be that bad with a cop school strike It was just I don't it was unbelievable. But when I got to Jersey It wasn't as bad from how everyone seen it to be because I already came from a culture in Africa where I al You know, experience extreme poverty. from a level of living out in the rural areas, you know, drinking well water Electricity was literally candles and kerosene lamps. We didn't have the luxury that I got in estate. so everything in the states to me was luxury. Interesting You know what I? That's interesting. It was different like. whileile they're complaining about it, I'm like, man, this is what? This is? We got lice on. we got switches, clean water on the faucet, like y'all tripping. Yeah. You know? So it was definitely different. And so in the states, were you because at a certain point, you it was just what you and your brother. Yeah, just me and my brother Muhammed. Yeah, my older brother. So so this is in Jersey inersey City So we had a three three we had a three story house in Jersey D, Kenny Bouv And my dad had an opportunity to go to Atlanta, Clark Atanta. on a cultural exchange program as a professor there So he's like, listen Mo, you only got one year left. Ali, which is me. you got two years left. You decide if y'all want to stay You know, because Mo is responsible. So if your brother's going to stay then you guys could stay at the next year. You graduate and you can come meet me in Atlanta. This is in high school. This was in high school. Okay. So me and my older brother Mohammed stayed the house where my mom and my pop went off to Atlanta with my other brothers. Wow, so you were how old, like sixteen I was in high school. fifteen, sixteen. I was older than that because when I came from Africa, I didn't speak no English I't graduate High school til I was like twenty twenty twenty. Really? Yeah. Okay. Yeah, that's older. I was older. Yeah. That's interesting. Yeah. So a lot of people was like, how are your parents gonna to leave you I was actually you were a. But I was still in high school though. You know what I mean? Wow I didn't realize that. Yeah, so you were an older high school student. I was an older high school. And it was because you didn't speak Engl because I had to learn how to speaknglish Yeah, Okay. So that makes sense. They leave, but you're still twenty. Yeah, practically You know, but you then grow up with your brother. Yeah And you're a new word. Yeah. It was a hustle because now becausecause we're a little I wouldn't want to say older, but because Pops gave us that opportunity to be mature have the own space We didn't want at least I didn't want to be calling my dad for no money callall them to pay the rent. I'm like us here with the house Like we should let them know that we got this Wow. So that's when I get to hustling becauseuse I a't want popped even though Now we' taking care of the bills. The last thing I want to do is call my dad for electricity or for phone or water bill For nothing. I want him to say, okay, my boy's got this. You know what I mean So it was my pride really killing and kicking in. But then that's when I got hustling and in Newark At that time, it was like the car theft capital of the world So stealing cars was like the thing And I love cars. So that's what I got into So I would drive to school in like the most high end vehicles. Wow. And all the girls thought that, you know, I was rich So I would tell them all I was a prince in Africa I come to school to a different car every week, like, yo, here prez Well, but I mean, Hey, it worked, You know what I' saying? Yeah you gott to get it how you live. I see it, I see it.. So it was it was stealing cars. That was really becausecause I always felt drug dealing was G's gotta been the dumbest Hsu Because it didn't make sense, especially for the risk that came with it Anymore of you get stuck up G shot Kill You got to constantly watch a bag. and you get caught with it I mean, for a Bick, you're doing twenty five to life, Layer And the profit on is only twenty thousand five hundred bucks five thousand if you're lucky. You know what I mean? And you got to sell it on the bulk to get it Now you said, one, you may get close toified if anybody' supplying it If you unless you're doing some major heavyweight at twenty five hundred a piece, you ain't seeing no money. For the risk that come with, it just makes sense. So how much Do you make Selling cars. Cars, man For every car I got rid of, I' make it like fifteen, twenty grand. And if I got the key to it and I get locked up. That's joy ride charge is' a misdemeor goes right off your recckord fifteen to twenty thousand. thinkink about it. And you get the perks driving through in the ride looking nice, Ride nice. Shorty's looking at you. should you get the perks of the beautiful women on top of that. ain't no risk And if I get Jack, M you could had it, I'm gonna go pick up another one You know? Yeah. Okay. It was a different level of thinking at that time. How much Did you make you think stealing cars?, it was very successful for me ' when I left New Jersey and went to Atlanta with my dad, It was Clean slate ina. They didn't know they didn't They were slow on that husle So by the time I set up shopping was in Atlanta, I was making like two hundred, maybe two hundred fifty thousandars a week It was un at that time, by yourself. Yeah to the point where I had to bring in some help whichich was that was the biggest mistake I should have ever made because I should have just kept it by myself. but I was making in so much money Th I had to figure out how I would launderry it, like move it around. R. And that's what I thought about it 'cause stududios, Music Studios was a cash business So I was like, you know what? me build a few music studios? A few, a few 'use I had three recording studios at Atlanta So that became how I justified how I made my money So I would let everybody use it just to keep it busy for free, then didn't have to pay no money And I think too, people need to understand Atlanta. this is what you're in Atlanta. I would say from the moment I got there like around late ninety Three to ninety eight That was my window. That was a window art. Yeah. I think. Paint picture because I mean, I remember Atlanta during the. Right Yeah. vis' it? Atlanta. Friednig is will got me there Okay. please because many people will not know ' because Friednig is done. Friednig is over. But what was it? Friednig was probably the It was the biggest high school No, no, bigiggest college The biggest college bring again festival I mean, the lyest the baddest chicks from everywhere in like America. Ecuse me, we're flying, driving And it was like a fest. like, but it was like A fest with no filters Girls would be twerking on top of the cars drinking I mean, like it was, I mean, you had I can understand now why they stopped it Because literally girls would be buttnecked on the hood of the car at a stop lightight just twerking Freak That's why they call it Freaknick. Yes. And there was no social media. It was no social media. Yeah. Right now if you go back, if you go on YouTube, you may see a few documentaries that was built around Freakniick, but it was all on camcordter shots that people that just happen to have camcordters But man, when I tell you that experience, when I moved out when I went to to visit my p and never went back to Jersey at the frequen. Yeah, I mean, fre Atlanta was So I mean yeah, Friednick was one thing. Yeah, but Atlanta also. Oh, and then at that time, it was like Atlanta was a huge population of just successful black people. Yes. It was the same when I visited. I'd never seen Unbelievable. I mean, they ye guys own their own high rises Everybody riding in beautiful whips. Yes. Beautiful houses out in Alfareredta. F first b I ever saw was Yeah, who was in LA. But you know who was driving it? Wh did long. Oh eight hour That should be long I got toa tell you I got to say we went to Atlanta It was for a Hawks game And I saw a Bentley Drive around Right, J the front of it. Right, Right. And then it stoped then the driver got out wasn't rainy But somebody pull out an umbrella. we used to show out. open the door. Oh my Cain comes out it's Bishop Eddie Long I was like, o, I se it all that. those who don't know birth. Yeah, for those who don't know, yeah, he was the He was the preacher at New Berth. But I will say this, shout out to Pastor Jamal Bryant. I know him. I know he's the pastor there now. Wow. And he could probably tell you some stories, hu? Oh man. story. But I will say this, Pastor Jamal Bryant was the first person ever to pay me publicly. Wow. he brought me to his church in Maryland. I'll never forget it. I had just written my book brought me to the church, paid me And then He ensured that the congregation bought my chart, bought my book. That's amazing. And it changed my life. No Atlanta was so vibrant man. And then the music. So was that Jermaine Dupri, so so deaf? So so deaf was found in Atlanta. Okay. Le Face was the biggest label that came out of. That's right. That's right. Le Fface is actually what created the opportunity All of what you see that's coming out the land of the today. All of them starting with outcs. TLC, you know, Usher Rayond I mean, you name it, man. It was like they were. They were like Goody Mob, like A it was around that time where my studios was jam packed. Yes. And you had all those artists, I would imagine. there so many artists that used to use my studios for absolute free So we fast forward four or five years later, I get clipped and I'm in jail Okay, I'm not this is never this isnin't the life I want to live. That was a turning point when I realized, okay, I know what I need to be doing and it ain't this M All now now how long where you locked up for it Three years. Okay I got out twenty no two thousand one then when I got out First thing out did was go and start recording all the songs that I wrote when I was in jail And then I realize We locked up was the first record that I wanted to release because I feel like that was the moment that I was in at that time and then Steve Riffkin, who was who I was assigned to SRC kindind of was with me, but Universal wanted to release Ponanza That became the record that they felt like was the record. But but you had the deal Already when you were locked up or no? No, You had no deal when I had no deal when I was locked up. Okay. So where does Fujis in Wireclf That was all when I was doing cars. So Okay. Yeah. so while I was in Newark doing cars Oh, that's right because Fuj's a Jersey. Yeah, it was right down, you know, on Clint Af. Like we had to book a b well, they had the book a bemet there and they welcomed all of us you know, um, Jerry Wandnder's unc wasn thet one that actually owned the house. Okay. And Jerry was a monck until this today, we'd be have to do a lot of records together But you know, we always to work basement And me at that time, music wasn't something that I took seriously 'cause I was hustling. I was like, I got it. But whenever I was like fleeing from the cops or something, I'll go straight to the studio. They won't know to find me or I finished my day just you know, going. like Clef would always look at me be like, man, you up some man, were you up to Heople see bec coming these different cars. And then one day Sv Dice, or Conan, what you up to, man. just telling your bro, whatever youre doing getting own mouths done man. Figure out what you want, you know, you're a talented writer You dope producer just come rock with us. just, you know, spend time over here with that energy that you got over there, put that energy over here. Wow And of course, I hear it twowo three days later I go out get my bread, it go through one and out the other So it was that, right? But I would always be at the basement. So they made me family. Every time that was a show concert. You know, we got a performance over here. We're going to be at such and such part. We We got a show in Brooklyn. come and I would always come to the show and every time I come to the show, Clef would always bring me on stage. Ohow and let me freestyle. Okay. You know what I mean? Like, Yeahah we got a newest member of the refugee camp. you bring me on our freestyle And at that time they knew what it was. I didn't even real So you were official? Yeah, I was an official refugee can't remember. W I just ain't take it as serious You know, but that's what it took because when I got locked up And I'm watching a television I see the fujies low went up. Killing me softly. Ready or not? G and diamond I'm sining away What am I doing here? Yeah. That was another major motivation for me too to see how well they could them Yeah. whileile I'm in jail, they up there blowing up. It changes everything. So so so now I see, you're motivated to write U And so tell me about the ten year plan though Be I think that's really interesting how you created basically a vision. had a vision. Yeah. so when I was in there, you know I would just I would just write on strength, right? And then I was wr and locked up. And as I'm writing locked up, you know, every once in a while, I just kind of like sing it to myself to make sure I got what I want. And there was this older guy named Bonie who's like my cellmate And He would sit there and be like, Y blood, man What you doing here, man All his timeent, have you put all that energy that you had in streets into your music And you be You wouldn't be here, right You'll be you know how big you could be Right, You know how big it could be and I was like, man, you know what you write And then one day we just happen to be in a um, in the pot P, uh, uh I think was plan u Bit, okay And then Boony is like, Yng Blu, Sing that song man, Sing that song for everybody you song for me last night, man. Sing that song for. Right? And I'll see I'm locked up, they won't let me up So Dan he was like, that's hard, That's y hard. Right, so now Every time a guard would walk past We would sing the song out together locked up, they won't let me out. bitit. won't let me out li. won't let me out. Bch. That's the original version, right? So then it became an anthem where every pod would sing it every time a guard would walk past. Oh wow. And Bonie was like, see what I'm saying, Look at this man Youre only saying this last week. this is just Anthemy here now. Well I'm telling you, where you got to focus, manbe you got to focus. He was older guy's like sixty seven Yous like, see, I'm telling you man, if y'all do nothing else, y'all get nothing else from here. Just remember I told you if you focus on that music boy, you're gonna that's your freedom. thoughtought about us say, you know what you write So when I incorporated my company I said, Yo, Bon, that's man I took advice. I started my company, man, what you think? He said, ye Yeah, what you named I'sic Cvic music You said, why the fuck would you do that Gic music man, that's the dumbest name I ever heard in my life Oh I mean Right? I said, but think about it, Bony. You know, that's what inspired me man to do this, man. And this music is starting for me, and I'm telling what I'm doing do and I'm showing us So I'm sing said I would put together a business plan and let me see it. put together a whole business plan that I wrote out What I want to do in the next ten years. Okay. And what was on What were some of those moments on the ten year plan? The first thing I wanted to record these songs. Okay. That was the first thing I gotta give you another studio songs. That's gonna be the first thing I do Once I get these songs, then I'm gonna go out and give me a record deal. Okay Once I get this record de, I'm get money from a record deal and I'm gonna purchasing in a legitimate studio. Okay. Okay. rightight? And then from there, I'm just going to create catalog. I'm going write for everybody that needs songs. I'm going be a writer, a composer. and if the artist stuff work, that's cool. But I know this part It's a no brand because I know I got this. And then the next thing I'm going do I'm going to take all these songs. I'm going to take it to the Fujis and I'm going to see how many these songs they want I'm just going write for them and I'm still in the role with them. and all this by the time they was so big. And then there was some friction going on within the family You know, prize he's the businessman moving. C and Lauren wasn't getting along see him out of eye. So it was a lot of little things I like, okay, that ain't that can't work They got to fix that before I could be a part of what's going on.. And you had Spider and you had all these other members. they had that stuff going on. So now we're all kind of coming together, but we can't be the nucleus without the three main members, right So then I was like, o, how don't you just focus and be you know, going that's what I r into L Yes Yes. Lil Zain used to live in M complex. And he was riding his bike, little kid. He was Ohh, so he was like he was only thirteen years old. Oh wow. So this is like before he was real L He was only thirteen years old pass and not you He came in he said, manan, I heard you produce. I said Yeahah, how do you know? He said, yeah, man, I heard you produce. He's a ra As he R Yeah, it's a rat for me He rapped for me I was like, well this little hard. You know what I'm saying? Like super hard. So then he's like, Yeahah, man, I'm signing, not I'm signing. And I'm with naughty by nature. I said, A they from Jersey?, I know them.. So he told me about Vinny and we was doing with them over there and tretching all of them and then come to find out they had a single deal with RCA So Lou Zayan then introduce me to a guy named Deivine Stevens. Okay, who was doing all of the artist development for La Face in Atlanta So even to this day when people say, well Who discovered you I'd be like, it was Little Zan, to be honest, because he was the one that put me in pocket. to meet with Divine, who later brought me to Steve Rifkin. Wow. So incredible. Yeah Yeah, that's incredible. Isn't that crazy? But also I mean, it was definitely Losene made the play, but right if you hadn't had the relationship with the Fujis. Oh yeah, eventually I think it would all came together. Yeah. But I think that route was the route that it was meant to be. 'cause what's the eyes of a thirteen year old kid taking me to a connect That puts me on. Yeah. Like the odds of that. Yeah. He's thirteen. Yeah. That's incredible. You know what I mean? It's incredible. and so When you look at your career, we talk it's interesting, we talked a lot about the career. But more so about the highlight of it. Right. What do you believe was the darkest moment in your I think The darkest moment is when I got locked up, to be honest. That was the darkest moment Period But then while I was in there I kind of saw the light at the end of the tunnel. It's almost like I had to sit down. Like I was I was out of control, like I needed to be locked up, to be honest. because at that time I thought I was being punished, but later I realized God was preserving me for something Because the other two guys that I was moving with with they both doing life in prison right now till this day. Are they And they got locked up while I was in jail. see. So he preserved me. You know what I mean? Yeah,'s you know. Yeah, it's that. yeah. Yeah, that's heavy The older I've gotten, the more conscious I've become about keeping a high protein diet and not in an obsessive way, but more just paying attention. Because when I'm getting enough protein, I feel it. Mentally, I'm sharper, my energy doesn't drop at three PM. And after a workout, I'm just not wiped out for the next two days. Now the hardest part has always been staying consistent. I travel constantly. Sometimes I'm on set, sometimes I'm in a studio, sometimes I'm at a desk. And the idea that I'm sitting down to a perfectly balanced protein rich meal three times a day, That'll just never be my life. So I lean on our sponsor Hule. Now their Black Edition powder is what I use when I'm at home. It's forty grams of protein and twenty six vitamins and minerals. Then one of my favorites here, the ready to drink, which is better when I'm running from place to place, same nutrition, zero prep. Last but not least, the cherry on top, we have the trifecta, which is the daily A to Z. That's vitamins, energy, and hydration all in one can. Get your Huel today at Huel d. com forward slash WNTT and use my code WNTT for ten pounds off Study and play. Come together on a Windows eleven PC. And for a limited time, college students get the best of both worlds. Get the unreal college deal, everything you need to study and play with select Windows eleven PCs. Eligible students get a year of Microsoft three hundred sixty five premium and a year of Xbox GamePass Ultimate with a custom color Xbox wireless controller Lear more at windows d. com slash student offer. Law Supplies last ends june thirtieth turns at aka. mS slash college PC Good sleep is everything That's why Alie's science backack supportpp is made with a blend of melatonin and LDianine for both kiddles and grownups So when your mind won't switch off, you've got something that can help E racing thoughts and restless nights won't stand a chance Find Ollie sleep solutions for the whole family at Ollie. com That's O L LY d. com The only thing Nhing. but I don't want to call it pain thing that bothers me That's the only thing that Think about it It makes me angry because we had potential to be so much more if we came together. Yes. and I'm with that, but just on you though, There must be moments where You where something feels heavy That's the only thing that feels heavy. That's I swear to God. That's the only thing that feel That's only thing. But I mean, what about I mean, you've got kids. Yeah, but my kids are fine. Like my kids are great Relationships are good, it's all manageable, but it's And those are the things I can control But I mean, so all right, so you know what I'm saying? I' have two boys. R and I always say and maybe this is not the right thing to say, but this is what I say is that my happiness is based on their happiness. So if they're in a situation where like I know one is sick done. I'm not in the greatest moods because because he's sick. You know, So My happiness is almost based on But as a parent, that's automatic That's father mother Like that's automatic. I don't even think you can count that because that's just what it that's your seed. they're connected to you, like, you know what I'm saying?. But when it's people that H connect the to you genologogle Genology loically, you know what I mean? genencically, whatever. Genetically. Genetically, there we go. I couldn't find a word for nothing. Right? When they when when they genetically not connected to you? But there's a spiritual connection It hits a little harder because it it's in your soul because I honestly believe somehow some way Even sometimes like I may say the dumbest thing online Be I know people are going to comment about it to create a conversation about something that's important. So you understand what I'm saying? So do you intentionally do that? one hundred percent. All right Would you put yourself as a you say you're a ragebater then? No, not not quite. It's a method Because one thing I like prime example of my earlier songs, right The one album that I can say was true to me was my first album, Trouble After the Trouble album, I realized okay, this is a business The worlding always want to hear about my problems So I'm experiencing different things that they also can relate to That's when convicted came in Convicted was sties stories of success But also stories not about me, but what other people felt and what other people saw. But there was also a lot of ignorance in that album. that I knew would draw to people that I needed to hear So I got I want to fuck you Smack that. the shit I normally wouldn't sing about But I know it's going draw an audience I need to talk to. Then I go into freedom which is a little bit different You understand what I'm saying? Yeah. But it also opened up a platform for me to talk to certain people that normally wouldn't listen. Interesting. So you're saying you strategically Dangled. charac. Oh, yeah. yeah. one hundred percent. So you talked about will you say what ignorant stuff? Right? Beuse it's gonna cre it's gonna open up the comment. Okay. And guess what happens? It's the best thing because when it does open those comments, I'm reading them And it's always somebody that asked the question Robby like Bingo And that's who I respond to. And guess what that does? It opens up a whole conversation My followers know, like they know Yes. because they they've seen the threads. of real conversations about what us as a people us as humans The challenges that we need to face to have these certain discussions. Yes, right? And of the time it's about culture building Right and tradition building because most African Americans don't have a culture that they are aware of from an educational perspective They know what they were raised around But their background is very hazy because they wasn't taught that because of the way the system was built in America to teach them black history. Yeah. And also too is your approach to this right. I mean, I can't act like, oh, I'm shocked that That's take to me because every I would say Every Uberly successful entertainer that I've ever talked to has been fully aware of the business of entertainment. right? and that the business of entertainment is to draw out emotion. one hundred percent fear, joy, happiness, sadness and then try to deliver The message one hundred percent throughout it. one hundred percent. So so I can't act like I'm shock because that makes sense. I mean, that's what it is.ike you gott to know how to like You gotta know how to manipulate algorithm. The attention span is only so small. ye average person is going to respond to something negative before they respond to something positive. Yes, Yes. Right. So then on that then Is there anything that you want to clarify I need like no, I need to need that. I need it. So then can I ask you some questions that are lingering? and you don't have to answer. So first is, this is gonna toound wild is. What is your name? What is what is your real name I'm serious. I Yo, because I like you and you are my brother. Thank you Another mother. Thank you. I will give you a hint. but I can't give you The full. Okay, okay. All right. All right. And if I give you one word, You you you if you feel my soul, you will understand. Okay. Entertertainment Why are you looking at me like that? Are you serious But are you are you serious Are you serious Oh what? I mean what say What wor say? You say entterertainment. I'm entertainment Yes,an entertain I put your name though. What about it My name is Akon. with full name Full name, you want to hear Yes I won't give you the backstory, but I can't becauseuse I'd already g you a hit But's Ali Nv al Auatai Purunak by the Akona. L your face Yeah. Okay. In ten years, I'm gonna give you the full Definition Story? Yes. where it came from, how it came from, which family member how, and how it became what it is. Okay. But in ten years. But I need people to search, research, understand '. I'm not mad at it But you're the closest to ever get me this close to explain the meaning of that name. You know, I appreciate it. I do because I have I think that there are people who have questions But then we have to understand what we were just talking about. and that is is that You have been very successful. keepeping our attention For a long period of time. Like you've been in the you've been in the game for a minute.ow. And you are still selling out Areus, right And so for you to do that From what I understand about the music business is, it's not just about the music, it's about the business. No, its the businesses, I mean, it's the music business. People forget the b the word business even is even attached to music business, right? So this generation, they kind of did a leapfrog They skipped the business and went straight to marketing before In my generation, They ran with the music and forgot the business And in this generation skkip the business and go straight to marketing. So The interesting part about it is that they're both in the same Because you got these kids that go viral every week. and wondering why their bank account is empty Not realizing that viral moment just generated millions for someone S somebody and you wouldn't a partner You know what I mean? Yeah. So the popularity will always win in human nature because everybody wants to be popular Prol's popularity comes with a cost Because now when you're popular, everybody thinks you're rich. So when you popular, with no money Mental awareness kicks in. Pression kicks in This is what all these kids are going through right now. Yeah. We just had James Sexton He's one of the most famous divorce attorneys in the world. Wow. He the same he said the same interesting thing. He said that the worst thing you could be is Popular and broke. Oh my goodness. Yes, no joke. have you been there You would never know it though We have been doing it. most Famous The most so called rich You have to go through. There's no way around it How so is how the business goes, especially if you're an investor or you're a businessm, you going to take losses That's the part of the business. You're going to take losses. The question is how do you path those losses to where you don't you're not lost long enough to lose it But you're going to hit those little potholes. like the same way the stock market goes up and down You got a padd enough to we where when the stock market drops, you got enough to hold you until I startock lift back up. And it's no different being a celebrity, a businessman, or someone to claim to be a billionaire I mean, think about Trump He'd been a billaire for many years that you've known him for all your life, right? Yes But he was a billionaire in the negative He owed billions, right That ain't a billionaire.ight Yeahah, That's true. Now he's in a positive. wayay up. Man once youce once you filed bankruptcy You don't long a billionaire But once you hold that title, Those decisions that you make can keep you there from a strategy or image perspective But liquid, man, you're working off and living off credit. Yes, Yes, yes. Can we talk If you're open to talk about this is can we talk about relationships I'm always open to talk about relations. All right. because this is my background is that I was a matchmaker W And most of this conversation this show started with relationships. Interesting And I see that talks on relationships when you talk about relationships gets a lot of attention But let's not necessarily clarify, but just get your opinion on certain things So first is you and I would imagine that You So you believe in polyamory. Yeah, polyamor, yeah. Yeah. And one thing I will say that I think there's a lot of people that's like, o Emmerory. I think we have to understand because I've research, the hell out of poly is that I've seen that eighty two to eighty five percent. of societies around the world at some point have allowed Dist poly. Right. Right. So I think we have to we have to understand that the majority of the world at some point. right society' practiced it. That's. Be polyamory is is It's natural behavior for men This is a natural behavior. Now, because of the rules that set around us, we control that behavior T. you could say P our partner because of the same rules that we're living by and that we're you can say agreeing upon. Does that make sense? It does when you're single It's not a problem. It's only when you are attached or you've promised someone that this is a relationship that we're supposed to hold. in the rules that you decide to hold it in it that makes sense. All right. But the only pushback out th there is then. I think I feel like Men and women have evolved as both monogamous You know? So monogamy, practicing monogamy and non ethical or no, no, let me say M poolyama. say c and creative, right? Because because the way that I see it is is that There's a lot of, you know, so pair bonding, right is is natural, right Pair bonding is you connect with one person, you feel the emotion, you feel jealous R there' with. It's all human It's all human. That's human genetics. But also we have evolved from Let's see How many people We can have it we we can genetically pass hour O Now that's different. That is different. Okay because that's careless. Okay. You don't just go out and say, okay, let me just see how many chicks I can get or how many homies I can Smash, ball players, whatever, right I think That behavior is complete Cpletely. Now. Who you are attracted to naturally? That's a feeling that you can't escape, you can't deny because it is what it is. A feeling is a real feeling You can't control who you're attracted to But you can control who you decide to approach that traction towards. Yes. You you findllow what I'm saying? Yes. That's why it said single people Oh yeah, you guys are all day can move how you want to move Whether is in secret Or it's ant open. If it's going to be open, just be completely honest. Yes. Okay. That's all I ever say. If you're gonna do it, be honest about it Yes That's it. Yes. There's nothing more. The problem is majority of the critics are hypocritical because they're saying that this ain't right, but yet they're doing it Be there's not a person I promise you to ever cr crit or critiqued anything that I've ever said that if I went and did a background check on them right now or hired a private investigator that I wouldn't find as it being real, right? So The thing is, I think as humans, sometimes we find ourselves judging others. not understanding the pathway they went through because most of the time, oftentimes when I'm talking, I'm talking relating to culture. The culture that we came up in Africa, culture that certain people came up in the Middle East and even in Asia is just totally different from how it is in American and Europe. Yeah. But then also in American Europe right now, polyamory is increasing ight No, they're just more open with it. It's always been there. Yeah. o. It's always been there. They just now just being open with it. Fair, fair. And also I think it's important me to underscore that. A To marry multiple wives or husbands is illegal in the U. S and the UK. Right. It is. however, Just yes. Yeah If if you go to Uah iss illeg is legally in Utah So so I thought it was still illegal But it' This is what I mean when I say it's hypocritical. It doesn't make sense. How this in the state of Utah It's legal because you can go through the courthouse and literally marry as many as you want. notot even At least in Islam you entitled before And four is a heavy load on a man. like you can barely deal with one, let alone four, right? So in Utah, you can marry as many as you like But it's not a conversation asked to What that is because there's no explanation for it Okay You follow them there. All. And if you do create an explanation, then it becomes racis and you don't go that route You want to keep it traditional from a cultural perspective. So it is really a matter understanding that there's different cultures in the world If you don't understand it Learn it. Find a way to understand it, or if that's not your cup of tea, it's okay That person can be able to exercise that culture without affecting you right unless you're interested in yourself and you just can't do it And this is culture that you grew up as a Muslim. as a Muslim. Right And then in Senegal in particular, right? I would imagine that. Oh yeah, our president right now, our president has two eyes. Yes, ye. Yes So now Currently, can you say how many wives do you have I just believe that's your imagination it is it more than president of S synagogue is entertainment Okay All right, so then how about this is that Have you you have recently they broken up with one of your wives? That's entertainment as well. That's entertainment. Okay. All right So then on this is And maybe this is entertainment too is in polyamorous relationships. I've seen that there's different setups. Yeah. Some of the setups are, I think and I could mispronounce this, but it's Seroral So they are like sister wives, like they know each other, get on almost as family. others, they don't know each other. Right. In your setup Do your wives know each other or no? That's definitely entertainment That's definitely entertaining. Okay, okay All right, how about this one that is Can you how many children do you have That's entertainment's entertain Okay, okay., but I got the most amazing kids. I got nine al together Okay. Seven boys and two girls. Seven boys and two girls. and the setup, that all depends on person and the understanding. So then Um with the setup. So so we had u Three on. U and she has a child with with Nick. Nick Cannon, right. Right And she was telling me about her setup And what was interesting is she was saying how it is the most healthy relationship Less she is head But my question to her was How does she deal with the communication? Be having One, having one partner. That is hard enough How do have How do you deal with the communication with multiple partners? It's communication literally. like it's literally the answer and the solution You got to be mature enough to know that if this is the situation that I'm going to park in have to communicate Okay, okay. This I like, this I don't like This I'm for, this I'm not for And this is what I'm willing to, you know, deal with and this is what I'm not willing to deal with And once y'all lay down those rules, just abide by them It's literally not simple All right, that is literally less So then in that scenario though, right Do your wives can they have multiple partners? No. So only you can have Mult man In another setup, you're fine with the wife having other partners. I mean, if that's a setup that works for them. Okay, cool. That's exactly that why I said it depends on the person becausecause I've seen Europeans where you have a girl that has two boyfriends. I've seen it, like literally in a vizza. Yeah, I've seen it. Yeah. like with my own eyes. Yeah. And I was looking at like Tibet up in the Himalayans. They have Polyandrery. Right or the woman will have multiple husbands. Right. Yeah All right, so What are the benefits then do you think to Polyammer I think that would also depend on the situation as well. And oftentimes when The families united in that way The benefit is more for the woman than it is for the man, for sure. Really? Yeah, because the man actually has to take care of all. He has to treat them all equally And Their responsibility bears on him as well. So it's not just his responsibility But all their responsibility is also his responsibility The women, they have partners in this case of unity and understanding where Okay, they can alternate because it's four of them or five of them or three of them or two. They can alternate those roulles, whether it's cooking, whether it's cleaning, whether it's taking care of the kids. One may want to take a vacation, o, cool, y go after Mommy sister or whatever. and vice versa A woman's role is really to manage the household So picture one woman managing a whole household versus multiple and they're working together The job is cut in however min wivise you may have. If it's four times and that's four times less work you have to do because you have other sisters that can work out work with you on those situations. So in this or in your structure All of the wives equal Or do you have that's any structure? No matter Oh, really it is. really It has to be. That's the only way it could work Okay, I can't work it're not equal treated or treat it equally. But but do you have a I mean, this can sound absurd, but like when I have to write when I have to fill out a form, it's like, Wh who's your emergency contact? Right. And it's my wife. Always gonna to be the first wife. No matter what. So the first wife, which was the first one that was period you were married to. Period. Okay. That's. Always because that one is the reason why you even got one two or three. She's the queen Interesting period You gott to know thatam. So does the first wife have to approve Nobody violates life number one The moment they violate out the doough Okay Hs down. If you don't understand that enttertainment Okay You know you know how I'm gonna to use this? Oh, that's all new live. I would say that's entertainment. look I'm going to tell my kids this too. Yeah pereriod. She comes first. Okay. But see, I didn't know this. Yeah, pereriod. I didn't know this Okay, so I get it. So the structure is more hierarchical. like it's she comes first. The others. Yeah, because there's levels in the end. Like she's the one that's actually sacrificing In the end You know what I mean? Because With new people a part of your family, there's going to be new attitudes, new mindsets You know, new behaviors And they got to doal with that. Only so that you can be able to do what your you need to do as a man, but more than anything It's a level of happiness that comes with that too So they got to help preserve even that happiness so they can even stay happy So yeah, they they the ququains for sure that wife lastast question on this is Do you see any downsides though especially for your wives in a dynam like this. Yeah, a dynamic like that, you got to be able to put yourself in their shoes You know, even though Women have the tolerance way more pain tolerance than men do. Yes They also have emotional tolerance more than men do.. Sometimes that you could beg to differ with that because m We're not good at emotions. That's why when we get emotional and we get violent we get Rowdy, we get we get dangerous, right? Well women, they can suppress those emotions and still be calm us we can So the one thing I would probably say in that question is that You got to be able to understand that When they're going through a level, Oh emotional distress You got to be able to ease that So you got to be the one to play the role to. try to Deonvent anything that you feel can create a problem Right You got to prethink that. likeike you gott to already, okay to be in this position, I'm already blessed to be in it thenen I'm even more blessed that these people are sacrificing for me to be in this position. So I should never put them in that situation. All right fair. Or never put them in a situation where they feel compromised, disrespected, or any kind of way they feel unvalued And doeses that make sense? It does, it does. And and the only small pushback out thow on that is I think that Men, we disproportionately have a hard time managing emotions, but we can No, we can't We're capable. We're capable. Yeah. They're just better at we're so. They're just better at that because they know how to multitask emotions. We don't. Yeah Yeah. Our motion is drawwn to one person at a time. They can love the whole family at the same time You understand what I'm saying when it comees to emotions When we're angry We go to the person we're angry at They're angry They go to everybody that that anger affects. No, no, no This is this happens. you feel This happens. They be mad at you, they mad at the kids too because the kids came from you. And they look just like just like. Yeah. but but I think what's great when I say conversations around masculinity today is that We're talking about beinging able to showcase our emotions, being able to not be impulsive I think that gets a lot of particular men in trouble all the time. because we don't stop and think about it before we react. Yeah, exactly. You know, I mean, women are planners, like they don't just react. They stop, they think about it, they plan it out, then they execute. Then they respond? U us the moment we feel it We go right in then' be like, Damn, why did I do that? damn I should have thought about that first You know what I mean? Yeah, true. ye, true.. Also in Utah poolygamy was briefly decriminalized made illegal again in twenty twenty two.. But We know it still happens. No. And I think what happens that just for the books. exactly is that you mar They got TV shows up. He's like, I know right. I came out with the TV show What would happen I mean, think about it'd be well watchedough. I'll I'd be handcuffs. I'm gonna to you that right Yeah. they will implement them though No. That's why I never got married Interesting So it's not you're not married married. Entertertainment. That's See I think I think you would just I think you just answered it though. But all right now Is there anything that you want to talk about haven't yet discussed. That's important to you, this is your heart. My new album, Beautiful Day. Let's do it Yes, I dropped that I don't know when this is going to be air, but I dropped it. it's out. Okay The new album Beautiful dayay is out now And this is like my f, my fourth official bum You can definitely hear the growth from trouble to convict it to freedom beautiful day.ike you can you'll be able to see how they align with each other. Yes. and influences and the culture, even on how I even bring back some of like the African rhythms leading into it. like it just feels It makes music feel good again. because for a while music was very violent, like it was dark. Yes, You know, A lot of drill rappers was dying over these sos, but it was like I was like, man, I need something that can just remind people that spirituality actually exists because that's what we're missing right now. Yes. So I did it in a way to where it didn't sound preachy, corny. When you listen to the alm, it's going to make you reflect for sure. Yeah. That's interesting too, is that so your spirituality you believe has guided you Yeah throughout your entire career. one hundred percent. Yeah because that seems like that has been your through line, whichich I didn't realize, you know, before doing the research and having this conversation with you. Yeah, That's what's up. Yeah, yeah. so then When you were locked up You had a ten year plan. ye. You basically accomplished it all So now What's your new tenure play? Oh, it's legacy building now is' definitely legacy building. topop of my plan. I would tell you, but That's the reason why I've been say You got to give it to us. That's that's why that's why that's I feel like I feel like I'm a target right now because of that plan Wh which I would tell you soon. Okay, but I'm going to get further down into it before open up my mouth. Okay, but but so so you so youre you're building to Oh Yes. Oh yeah. The next the next plan It's gonna tomit my legacy like nothing Nothing you've seen before Becauseuse you have been in the media a lot. Yeah. So this is specifically around It has a lot of time with the turn Is there anything on that ten year plan that you can, tell us. Um, Not quite because they kind of all connected Yeah, this one is a silent plan. It's a silent plan But it's going to be probably the most impactful thing. that my generation have ever seen once it's complete And it deals with Africa for sure It's entertainment Well I tell you what though This is how I can help you with entertainment. Right is You know, we're one of the bees. od This is the reason why it has to be entertainment on your podcast. Yes, because you're too big of a podcast right now B one time that your podcast may not work for me. You might help it might fuck me up. You're too big. No, this can help you. This could be entertainment is This could be entertainment. You could drop a little hints Right. A little Easter egg. You see you think The thing about hs today. AI knows how to decipher those hints. Yeah. it's so smart Yes. It's so, so smart I know because I have an AI company so I'm telling you But I promise you, though, when it's time to announce, Yes I'm giving my word today, you'll be the one I give the exclusive to. ight M Momm. I appreciate. I appreciate it. Absolutely. hope contininue change the world. No, that's what. Be I think, you know, you are an artist that has touched everyone And it's really interesting because everybody knows you And what I've noticed about you is I've I've I've like I've dropped your name to different people And you know when you say ACon, you know what everybody does smile that's s. ower That's amazing Bea not every artist does that n that's true That's true. Every time I say ACot, people smile You know, So you gott to keep making people. That's a blessing, ye, for sure. Yeah. ye Last question then. Every guest gets this You've had some incredible conversations in your life When you think about the most impactful conversation Who was it with And what did you learn H It would definitely be my grandpa without a question because those conversations till this day I'll ride with him. tilluesday Right? because it was it was something that he told me that I was just That made me think every time like I either get in front of a platform or I get on stage He would always tell me, he got two quotes. One was a quote and one was just something he said quote was he said, life is like a hotel room We arere just passing through In that quote It basically tells me that perspective of where we stand in life This is not where it ends This is just a test Aid life It continues somehow some way spiritually, I know there's answers to whatever those questions are, whatever our m our mind just probably can't process at the moment The same way we can't process the idea of how God looks like, feel like, smell like whatever Those are things that we know exist, but we can't put a touch on it to prove it And the second thing he said, you're going to get to a point in your life when you're got to be able to speak to billions of people And you had to decide What do you say when you get there Right. So I always use that as platform for My entertainer friends. all these social media hits, all these followers. You know, Cost of people It was so interesting because this is something I always wanted to give to a very, very good friend of mine who just says whatever he wants to say, whenever he wants to say it on camera And I know when I say that you already know who that is. I know. it's Kanye No, you said that. I just say that. But Yay is in his truth. He's in whatever he feels at that moment, but If you have the chance to speak to a billion people, what You say you That's the responsibility you told me that I will always have to carry No matter what. so strategically always say something that's gonna lead to something that's going to help humanity in some form fashion of some kind of You know what I mean? Yes. Is your grandfather still with us or My pass. his pass So then Last last question is is that When he passed How do you believe that changed you. Oh, no, it it actually motivated me, believe it or not Did it? It was the funniest And I don't want to say funny, but it was the craziest thing because When he pass Most people with the relationship I had him, you would have thought I would be depressed and crying. I actually felt joy Did you? Yeah, ' it just I already knew that Whver he was going Good. like And I know that at the end of the day, I had an ally in a spirit world that' going to be looking out for me So it was a joyful thing And I also knew that my time is coming. I'm gonna be there too I didn't look at it like I lost anybody. I looked at it like I gained an ally in the spirit world Be I know half the stuff that I'd be dealing with that I can't figure out how'm go over it and get over it I know for sure that my grandpa they' making moves. Like I just feel that way You know what I mean Becauseuse when you have that kind of spiritual advisor, on Earth talking to you like that. When they no longer exist, their vice is still there. it's an instinct because sometimes and how I know it's an instinct is because when I want to make a decision And all of a sudden, my grandpa pops up, I know at that moment I'm having a conversation on which direction to go. Does that make sense? No, it does. And do you almost even do you channel your grandfather when you're making decisions or when you're in certain environment. No, but what's interesting is I don't I don't like physically channel him It just whenever I'm going through a diff difficult moment have to make a crazy decision Out of nowhere his thought he like the thought of him pops up. So it almost feels like, okay, He's he's guiding me in the direction I need to be going. Yeah If that makes sense. No It's weird, right? No, no. I don't think it's weird. You know, I talk a lot about my best friend from Brooklyn who passed away and I normally like I see him Right. And when I'm making a decision, I hear him. Right. You can just pop up. Yeah, He's like yo. That's it. Yeah you just know. Yeah. and then I know. then I lean into it. Yeah. Yeah so yeah. ye. yeah. yeah. Yeah. its deep I appreciate your time. No I appreciate you, man. Yeah. Ke keep doing your thing. Keep making people smile. No for sure. You know, most importantly and I can't wait to hear. was at the top of your ten year plan? N Youre going see it Youll hear just you' see it. You' gonna see. What's it gonna to look like K you to theertainment But yeah, thank you for coming through. hey, this this this segment of the show I think you need to call it sitertainment. Yeah, I think so. I think so. I think I'm going start that's entertainment It makes sense Like you need the entertainment. No, you need it Thank you, brother. Thank you Akon One word chararismatic He's someone who I've heard his music throughout my entire life And you know, they say, you like Don't meet the people that you've to or that you've admired from a distance. but He surpassed my expectation and also I admire his relentless focus on Africa. Um and unifying people. That's something that is is just is just super admirable because he doesn't have to. just show with his millions of dollars, you know Um But he is really dedicating his life to the empowerment. of others. One of the things that I loved about this conversation was the ability to have discourse You know, there would be something that ACon said that I might not agree with I would listen to what he had to say and then I would present My opinion. He would listen to what I would have to say and would agree or disagree with it. and then we would go back and forth and then at a certain point stop. That is what we need more of in society. conversation Great reminder. that we can have different views on things and still get along I'm still going to the concert Look up, it's Kanye and He's like, Dear God, if you are there right now, please I need him to come outside so I can say something to himim in Jesus name. And then Kanynee walked right outside and I said One of his friends actually came up with a, don't like his bagg. but my like was underneath him. And I was just like, okay, come here, young sir. And that's it. It took us, like I said, fifteen, twenty minutes to hit and I left it and went home. Will there ever be an American boy two point zero There was a lot of like, why are you even bothering? I have people who would actively say she's a waste of money and then be happ for me at the Mobos. I feel like the industry is like deaath by a thousand cuts. What was the moment where you felt like you were on the brink of losing it? Oh goodness I was performing everywhere I could any stage I could get to. It doesn't matter the crowd. I'm having a fun time. Behind the talent, they saw the passion. Were you the first person that John Lees? He literally started a label to sign me. He believed in me that much. I get off the train at Sandra Pay. It's like one in the morning. I'm on stage at two. I drink a half a bottle of vodka. My body wasn't working. everythingverything started slowing down. I get to a show where my voice don't want to sing. Is there anything that we have not yet talked to daught This episode is brought to you by Google Chrome. You think you know a browser, but Gemini and Chrome, that's new. It can help you with practically anything on the web, like restoring a vintage motorcycle from a fifty page restoration block, or finally break down that long article you've had open for weeks. Gemini and Chrome is here for it. Ready to make anything online makes sense? There's no place like Chrome. Check responssees set upp required compatibility and availability varies eighteen plus The Athletic Brewing company crafts award winning non alcoholic beers for those who want to be part of every round. With over one hundred and eighty five flavor awards, they're exceptional NA beers that fit your lifestyle and any social occasion. Summer's full of good times and athletic fits right in Go to athleticbrewing. com to have brews delivered to your door, or find them at a bar, restaurant, or store near you Near beer Athletic Brewing Company, fit for all times