CeeLo Green on Kanye West, Future, André 3000, The Voice, OutKast, Tupac & Atlanta

Usher and Chris Brown. I never thought. I'd see this. >> I seen somebody wife getting tonged in. the mouth. >> Oh man, you Oh, Chris Brown. If he point. towards you, you shake your head. No, >> I ain't going. [laughter]. >> You say you not going, but she goes with. her girlfriend and all of a sudden you. know he slip put a little tongue in her. mouth. Oh, [laughter]. >> so now what? I ain't going. [laughter]. But if that happen, I'm coming. All my life been grinding all my life.

Sacrifice, [music]. hustle, paid the price. Want a slice. Got to roll the dice. That's why. All my. life I've been grinding all my life. All. my life been grinding [music] all my. life. Sacrifice. Hustle. Paid the price. Want a slice. [music] Got to roll dice. That's why all my life I' been grinding. all my life. >> We would like to thank Loki for hosting. us today with this episode of Club Shay. If you're in Atlanta West, Midtown area, you have to come experience the city's. hottest restaurant. Low key, they're.

serving up the best Asian fusion in the. A. Now, let's get to today's episode. Hello, welcome to another episode of. Club Shay. I am your host, Shannon. Sharp. I'm also the propri of Club Shay. Stopping by for conversation on the. drink today is one of the most. recognizable voices in music. He's a. five-time Grammy award-winning singer, a. world-renowned songwriter, a. multiplatinum selling rapper. He's a. pioneer of the southern rap scene. He's. a founding member of Goody Mo. He's part. of the Dungeon family and the other half. of Nars Barkley, a creator of anthem.

that sold bill had billions of streams, a celebrated pop culture and fashion. icon. He's one of the original coaches. on NBC The Voice. A global mega star, a. worldwide hit maker, a legendary. musician, a genre busting genius, and. ATL's own born and raised here. He is. ladies and gentlemen, CEO Green. Hey, brother. >> How you doing, bro? [applause]. >> I'm good, King. I'm good, >> man. When you hear all that, I mean, like, bro, you like, what do you what do. you think? When you when you hear. somebody, and I don't know if you've. heard it quite like that, but to to run.

down a just a small sample of what. you've been able to accomplish in your. music career, what do you think? >> I think it's amazing. Um, I'm humbled to. know that that's my acumen, you know. what I mean? And, uh, I can't believe. it. I I've done so much in such a short. amount of time. I still like I feel like. my career is still young, you know? I. mean, like, we only been doing it about. 30 years. Uh, we were just having this. conversation the other day cuz we were. talking about Outcast being inducted. into the Hall of Fame and there are some. rock bands from the 60s that haven't.

even gotten into the Hall of Fame. You. know what I mean? So, so them to have. done it in 30 years or so, you know, roughly, uh, is an amazing feat. You. know what I mean? It's incomparable. And. so, even just reading that list, I'm. like, I can't believe that that belongs. to me because I'm still hungry. I'm. still humble. And I'm still going, >> right, man? You know what? I know you. don't normally partake, but I just I. mean to get you on here to get my. homeboy on here because I last time you. and I had a conversation. I met uh you. were in Target. >> Yes. >> And uh you took a picture. My daughter's. like, "Man, daddy, I see low." I was.

like, "Babe, I want to like Dad, I want. to get a pitch." I This was some years. ago. >> It was many years ago. She was still in. the high school as a matter of fact. And. I was like, "All right." I came up to. you and say, "Man, no problem." No, no. problem, big homie. So, I really. appreciate that. Congratulations on. everything that you've done. >> Thanks, man. And and to you as well. Appreciate it. >> And look, I got I gota I got to mock it. like. >> Oh yeah, that's some good KNC boy. [laughter]. >> I can't drink right now, but we were. talking about it all day. We. >> talking about I don't mind talking about. that. >> You say you had you and I talking say.

that's part of one thing that's getting. old and you say that's the thing that I. thought gout. Say you have a problem. with gout and obviously they give you a. list of things that you probably to keep. it from flaring up. Yes. um spicy foods, anything that has high uh acidity. because it builds up the uric acid in. your body and man it's painful. >> It's excruciatingly painful. I've never. experienced something so enabling in my. entire life and it's I just got stricken. with it all of a sudden. I guess maybe. the body just had buil so much. inflammation. >> Absolutely. And it just hit me one day.

and I thought it was probably because I. had been um you know how you lean your. foot off the bed just let let it get get. just sit out there in the AC all night. So I said, "Damn, but I couldn't walk.". And it hurt me so bad. And when I. figured out what it was, I was like, "Oh. my god, I thought you had to be 70 years. old to go through some [ __ ] like this.". But. >> there be some young people that suffer. for me, too. Especially if it runs in. the family. >> Absolutely. >> NASA Artemis 2, >> they would play a working class hero in. space. When you recorded that song, did. you ever could you have ever imagined.

that that song would be played in space? >> No. [laughter] No. And and that was one. of um my favorite songs of that time for. that project. a project called uh Heart. Bunch. >> Okay. >> I thought it was odd and peculiar that. they would use it, but I was so amazed. I'm like I'm like look at God's timing. because I was having quite the week last. week. You know what I mean? Um I I went. back on The Voice for a couple of. different episodes which was great for. me. But we filmed that about a year ago. that um also Kanye West's well yay to.

you all. his new album comes out, Bully, and we recorded that about a year ago. And so everything just fell in. alignment, you know, for all last week. And then the the astronaut, I mean, excuse me, uh, Atimus, how do you say. it? >> Artemis. >> Artemis, I'm saying it wrong. Okay. Yeah. So to see that, I'm like, come on. now. This got to be a joke. >> Yeah, >> it's got to be a joke. [laughter]. I'm thinking action country going to pop. out. >> You got your phone. [laughter]. >> Would Would you ever go to space? >> I thought about it, man. I I thought. about it and uh cuz cuz who was doing it.

at one time? >> Elon Musk was saying no no Jeff Bezos. taking people up in space. >> Yeah, I thought about that. I said, man, if I if I had the money to waste, I. think I would I would give it a shot. I. think I But. I want to say that I could be brave. enough to do it, >> right? >> Um. >> but cuz once you're up there, you up. there. You up there. >> You stuck for Exactly. So that's the. afterthought that makes me feel like I. don't know if I care. cuz we kind of like going somewhere. like, you know, it's kind of like. >> when you go to an event, I like to drive.

myself cuz if I'm ready to go, I'm ready. to go. I don't want to be waiting. No, man. Man, you know I Man, I ain't Hey, man. You ready to go already? >> Yeah, I'm ready to leave and I'm going. to leave cuz I got my own ride. >> And what do they call it? The Irish. goodbye or something like that. Like I. don't ever say goodbye to nobody. I just. >> smooth out the back and I always look. for all of the different exits. We. sitting close to one, the closest one in. my proximity, man, I'm out. >> I just ease up out of there. cuz I cuz I. don't like to make people feel like they. got to get up and from enjoying. themselves. You don't have to stop. partying because I'm ready to go. You do. your thing. I'm out of here. I.

>> And that normally how it go in this low. like what you notice like you be at a. party and then once per one person. starting leaving it's almost like. somebody was waiting for that one person. leave and then make it okay for them to. leave and then another person another. person like damn what happens. So I just. learned it to go about it the other way. >> Right. >> Do you believe in aliens? >> I do. I do because I believe that we're. aliens. Okay. >> To some degree, I think um I made this. analogy on The Voice, too. I said, "Man, you remember that scene from Star Wars. where they walk into the club and the.

band is all the little different little. um um. alien [clears throat] life forms." I. think that everybody is unique in their. own special way, right? >> You know what I mean? So, we are alien. >> of each other, you know? I mean, um, some other species is looking upon us. from afar and finding us to be as. equally as interesting. You know what. I'm saying? So, >> I I believe in and just the the the the. the wonders of God that you can go down. into the depths of the ocean and. discover new uh new life forms, fish,

and all of these unique exotic shapes. and colors and innate abilities. I just. I think it's magical. Um God's mind and. and uh imagination is is beyond words. >> If an alien came, if two aliens came. down to Atlanta, they like see low, we. from wherever. Where were you taking. them? How you how you how you going to let. them know what they what they got. cooking? >> I got to take them through the hood. first. [laughter].

I got to take them through the. neighborhood first. I got to go Let's go. to Let's go to Campbell Road. Okay. Let's go to Cascade. Let's go to MLK. Let's go to Yas from National. Look at. those a fish sandwich. >> Yeah. Okay. >> Have y'all ever eaten fish on your own. planet before? Yeah. That's [laughter]. you. You ain't had no fish like this. >> So, you know, I I they have fun with me, >> right? >> Yeah. >> If I were to ask you, who are your top. four aliens. in Atlanta from Atlanta on the music. scene?

>> Okay, let me think. Let me think. Let me. let me let me think. Who's an alien. around here? I know. Um, most people. would probably agree when I say 100,000. is somewhat of an. >> three stacks. >> Yeah. And then people would call me one. >> Yes. >> So I maybe Yeah. Do what? Do I exempt. myself? >> No, you could. Hey, no, no, no. You. can't exempt yourself. >> So I would say me, Dre. Oh, that's a good question. I don't. know. I'll come back to. >> Okay.

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pick out. You born and raised here in. Atlanta. What was it like? Because you. and I were talking off camera like, man, Atlanta has changed so much. I came here. in the mid 90s. You were here hell late. 70s and 80s. And to see the change that. Atlanta's gone through. What was it like. for you growing up in Atlanta? >> Atlanta was. okay. As a kid, my most unfunded memory are the Atlanta. missing and murdered children. Y. >> [clears throat]. >> uh when that episode was happening,

>> um it was quite a still time. >> Um. s t i l. Let me get everything felt. still. It felt quiet. It felt like. suspended animation. And um. [clears throat] I remember the song that. was just kind of um dissipating in the. in the in the atmosphere was uh Jesus's. Love by the Commodores. Okay. >> And I would hear that song all of the. time. Father, help your children.

[clears throat]. You know what I'm saying? >> Yes. So, it's such a beautiful sad song. and it just reminds me of the beautiful. struggle, you know, growing up in a. household with a grandmother, a great-g. grandandmother, two aunts, my mom's, my. sister, uh my aunt's two two uh kids, my. my cousins, >> uh just just a a growing up around a lot. of love. >> um. >> and a lot of music because my auntie was. a singer, uh my uncle was a DJ. So, one.

of my hobbies as a kid was to just kind. of go through his album collection and. just, you know, uh check out the artwork. and read the liner notes in the credits. and stuff like that. So, I was really. into music uh from as long as I can. remember. >> But then on a on a musical and on a um. um an industry level, um I remember. Atlanta when we were a close-knit. community. Everybody was really close. US, TLC, Dallas Austin, Organized Noise, uh Long Live Rico Wade, you know, Jermaine Dri to name a few. Those all of.

the usual suspects from Atlanta who. really built the city um the right way, >> right? >> Yeah. >> And we were close. We we just we we got. out and we supported each other. We did. everything together, right? >> Yeah. >> We're going to get to that in a little. bit. Both of your parents were. ministers, right? >> Yes. >> And so what what was it what was it like. growing up in a household with with. ministers? Normally we ministers we. think very strict. Okay, you go out but. you be in at this time. You ain't going. to drink. You ain't going to be doing. all this other stuff bringing bringing. girls back home in the house. That was.

that was I don't know how it was but in. the where I grew up that wasn't. happening. Right. That wasn't happening. You hey you you sitting in the living. room on the couch was no going back in. no back room. It wasn't turning off no. lights. It was none of that going on. >> Not at all. So [laughter]. okay. So my father he unfortunately. passed when I was 2 years old. >> Okay. Um, so I had just heard of his. legacy. >> Okay. >> You know, and. I guess the way I behaved as a kid, you. know, it was just kind of like a whisper. of, you know, that's that's your.

father's son right there. So when I was. a kid. >> and then in Atlanta, Georgia, hair was. always a thing, too. Yeah. So, believe. it or not, I used to have long hair. [laughter]. >> I had what they call a cold wave. >> Okay. you know, going to the Broner. Brothers hair show. Okay. >> Got my co waved and I had fingerings, all kind of crazy stuff. But anyway, I. wore three-piece suits. >> and my father uh had left behind an. ivory pipe. I didn't smoke, but I.

carried it right and my little pocket. Bible, the little red one, you know what. I'm saying? Um, >> and I acted and behaved like a preacher, you know, innately, you know what I. mean? Like as my my father, but he. wasn't around. He had already passed. [clears throat] on. And then my mother, my mother was like um. she was I like to call her the female. forest gump because she did so many. wonderfully unique things. My mother was. one of the first African-Amean. firefighters here in Atlanta. >> As a woman, yes.

>> Um she was an ordained Baptist minister. Uh she was an entrepreneur. She owned um. a store called Elegant Bridal which was. a one-stop bridal shop in Greenbar Mall. You know, if you know Atlanta history, you know about Greenbar Mall. So, I. spent a great deal of my life in there. uh and being mischievous and a juvenile. delinqua. Even though my mother was in. the in the mall, I'm at the other end of. the mall snapping shoes, tearing up, [laughter]. you know what I mean? >> Um so, no, but my mother was a fantastic. woman. So, she accomplished so much and.

you know, she ended up uh also. transitioning too around um when I was. 16. >> But she was she was in a car accident. first, right? Car accident. >> Do do you do how was she when she had a. car accident? And do you remember where. you were. >> when you got the call? >> I remember I was home and um a friend of. hers was was living with us. She was. displaced and living with us. Her name. was Mary. >> Okay. >> And she had gotten a call and she was. like, "Oh my god." You know what I'm. saying? She said someone said that they, you know, found your mom, you know what.

I mean? And it turns out it was it's a a. brother of mine. His name was Tony. Phillips. We still keep in contact. He. was the big homeboy in the neighborhood. And at this point, we had moved a little. whiles away. If you from Atlanta, we're. from Cascade. Cascade Road, >> you know, and then we moved on out uh. toward Camp Creek Parkway and Welcome. Road and all that kind of stuff. >> And so that's about 15 20 minutes away, but when you're young, it seems like. you're just, you know, an hour or two. >> But anyway, >> some miraculous way he just happened to.

be coming past, I don't know what he was. doing on that side of town, right? Just. happened to be coming past a scene of an. accident, >> right? and recognized my mom, you know, and got the call to the family and. that's how we found out that she had. been hurt in an accident, injured in an. accident. accident. Yeah. [clears throat and snorts]. You said your mom was like far as grump. because she was the first to do a lot of. things. So that she's full of energy, always outgoing, and then to see your. mom in this what what did that what did. that do to you? Because it's one thing. if your mom had never had always been in.

this situation. That's all you knew your. mom as. But you knew your mom as being. vibrant. You knew your mom as being. outgoing, just always on the go, just. full of life. And now all of a sudden to. see her in this situation, >> jovial, life of the party, uh, used car. salesman, that's that's [laughter] her. that's her vibe. You know what I mean? Like just always talking, always got. something going on. >> So I know her to be very lively, energetic, you know, authorative, strong. lady, u, charismatic, >> right? >> Uh, enigmatic. Um, so to see her in this.

condition was um, disheartening uh, and. deflating because I'm like I know her. and um, >> you know, just. >> damn, you know, I I just think to. myself, I'm like, well, I don't think. that she would want to live on in this. condition. >> So, it's not a conversation that we. would have that we had directly. I think. I was maybe I wasn't mature enough to.

receive it in that way. But I think that. was a truth that she was trying to tell. us by her later kind of like decisions. that she made. She decided not to um not. to eat, not to take medicine and just I. mean like and I felt like she was you. know. >> that was her way of saying I I don't. want to live in this condition. I don't. >> but but I understood it. You mean like. me knowing her personality. >> and I'll tell you something man and it's. kind of brings back some some um some. emotion but um I remember laying in the. bed once and I was just trying to lay.

there and you know pretend as if I was. paralyzed because she was quadripollegic. you know I mean meaning paralyzed from. the neck down. >> and uh I laid there pretended as if I. couldn't move and I just it's. unfathomable you can't you can't you we. don't nobody you don't want to know how. to feel what I'm saying like so Um but. yeah, with that I was just like, "Yeah, man." Um. >> she uh she definitely didn't want to. live in that condition. >> And I understood. I I don't think I. would have wanted to either, right? You. know what I mean? Um and like I said,

when I'm saying female Forest Gump, I'm. saying all of these many unique things. that she uh vested herself into and they. worked for her, you know, I mean, like, you know, it's like from one end of the. spectrum to the other. So just a a a. range of um miscellaneous things that. she just you know sought interest in and. and succeeded in those fields. Um so. yeah, no by the time she was ready to. let go, >> I was you at peace with it. >> I was at peace with it. >> I made peace with it really early on.

>> Right. >> And I remember we did a show here in. Atlanta at the a um uh ACU uh um. am I saying it wrong? I'm not Is AU. >> AU Center? >> Yeah. At the AU. Yeah. Hey, I'm I'm. sorry I'm losing my words, but at the. AU, we were doing a show there. That's. Goodie Mob. >> Mhm. >> And I remember this night, this is a. cool story, too. Um, real high stage. platform and I'm acting bad. I'm. throwing water on the crowd. Let's go. You know, and then somebody um threw the.

water bottle back. Bow and hit my man. Teemo in the face. And. >> I snapped. You know what I'm saying? like, >> yeah, >> just took a running leap and. jumped down in the crowd, parted like. the Red Sea. [laughter]. I landed on my chest in my palms, slid. for a second, then I got up on my feet, but I had knocked the wind, you know, you knocked the wind out yourself, >> then I looked around, the homies was. right there with me to hold me down, but. nobody wanted to uh to claim claim that.

whoever did, >> but we were serious about it. But. anyway, uh that that's a memorable. night. A memorable night for us because. that's the night that I got the call. You know what I'm saying? Um. >> that your mom let go. >> Yeah. >> Lost your father too. You don't really. have any a memory of him. Lost your mom. who was so outgoing, so joyou life of. the party. So now you are a kid. Did you. feel Did you feel alone? Did you feel. alienated? Uh uh what what was next for. you? I mean did you go live with.

in-laws, your your aunts, family? What. happened? Well, you were grown at the. time when your mom let go, right? >> Yeah. Yeah. I was I was 16. >> Okay. >> So, during that time, um I was living uh. with different friends and extended. family and stuff like that and working. odd jobs. I was working with um a. company called Talent Tree, which was a. temporary agency. So, you know, I could. just be home, you know, on any random. morning or early afternoon and be like, "Hey, uh Thomas, you know what I'm. saying? Would you like to uh come work. at this warehouse or this that and the.

third?" I'm like, "All right, yeah, sure.". So, um, yeah. So, I was living with my man, um, Pretty Ken, um, who's a character. I just saw him do an. interview, too. Uh, [clears throat] and. we were, he was talking about it. But, yeah. So, something I felt really. strongly um was saying to go home around. this time. So, you know how black. families are. My my grandmother had been.

a nurse for all my life and all of her. life as long as I remember. And then my. sister went to school uh and got her. nursing license so we could take care of. my mother at home. And we bought a van. like um what do they call it? Um. disabled van. >> Oh yeah. >> For her. And so we took care of her at. home for those three years after the. accident before she did finally succumb. to uh complications and all of that, you. know. But yeah. Were you alienated as a.

kid? Were you a loner? Have you all Cuz. the situation, you don't have any. brothers, right? You have a sister. Yeah. Just So after your mom, so were. were you alone? Did you I mean, you went. end up going to a military academy. Why. Why was the reason that you would end up. going to the military academy? >> You did your homework, huh? [laughter]. >> Well, I uh I was kind of a loner because my. mom made it that way. My mom would move. out uh to the the boonies or the sticks, whatever you want to call it. >> And uh she was that was her way of. trying to spare my life cuz I was really.

into it. You know what I mean? Um. >> I was alone but I weren't really lonely, you know what I mean? I do. >> Um. >> so I had those imaginary friends. Um my. imagination was was a playground. Um, I love music and I always saw those old. soul singers, those voices, those um, those [clears throat] vibrations, those. sentiments, you know, I saw those guys. as surrogate fathers, you know. So, I.

really leaned into voices like Jackie. Wilson and Bobby Wmack and Al Green and. and maybe that's kind of why my, you. know, tone or stylistically I come. across that way, uh, older than my age a. little bit. I've always had um a. pinchant for uh older music, older cars, older women, you know what I'm saying? Like, you know, that's just my that's. just my taste, right? >> Fine kgs, [laughter]. >> you know. >> But going to that military school, did. that what did that do for you? What did.

that do? Because had you not gone there, do you see your life like, man, I'm not. I'm not I'm not the man that you see. that you're sitting here talking to. today. I could have easily gone could. have easily gone left or right. >> Definitely, man. I I uh I try not to. talk about it and glorify it too much, man. But I was like the polar opposite. And plus, I'm a Gemini, so that you. know, [laughter] so I I was living as a. >> You got two sides, huh? >> I was definitely I was definitely into. it, man. Um.

people have described it um as, you. know, when you're young and you're. dealing with, you know, um delinquency. It's like some of us are just artists. without the outlet, without the. construct. >> Okay. I didn't really have a outlet yet. and I didn't really have a voice. I. didn't really know exactly what it was. that I wanted to do. I knew that I was a. fan. Uh I didn't know that I could sing. I knew that that I could sing along, right? >> You know what I'm saying? >> Um. >> so. with all of that with that idol time and.

you know how they say that idol mind is. the devil's playground. I was just. mischievous and I was just getting into. trouble and. >> just what you name it. You name it, I I. did it. You know what I mean? Um, so. the military school story is because I. got put out of the Atlanta public school. system. >> Damn. Feeling that bad? >> I was getting in a lot of trouble. I. [laughter] was getting a lot I mean, believe it or not. Believe it or not, man. You know, I'm I'm a good guy, but. like I needed some guidance, man. Like. during that time, like [laughter]. um but you know what it was? I felt like.

um all of that energy, it felt like a. power, too. Okay. So, I thought that. being troublesome or being a. temperament, I thought those were my. talents when I when I was young, okay? >> Because I could just power up and haul. off and slap the [ __ ] out of somebody. You know what I'm [laughter] saying? Like like and or believe it or not, is. it too hard to believe? Like when I was. young, I was like Debo from Friday. >> Damn. >> I was like, >> you just firing off on people like that. You. >> firing off on people making up. I heard.

you say something about my mama. Like, huh? No, that was me. Yeah, that was. you. [laughter]. Now, see, that's that's a terrible. story. I don't even I don't want y'all. to know that. I'm I'm I'm telling you, I'm a changed man. >> Yeah. >> Um, so, but no, I I was into taking. starter jackets and taking shoes and I. was robbing people and all kind of. stuff. Damn, it's crazy. >> So, so kind of like the But here, if you. think about it, look what what you was. doing back then. But and to look at.

Atlanta now, man, CEO, what what. happened to the city that we love? It. wasn't always like this. Not everywhere. It seemed like now you can't go no. damnwhere and you got to watch your six. >> I'm like, I look at a lot of stuff. that's going on and I'm almost like, wow. Like, what did they get? Where did we go. wrong? I'm saying like how did how did. we not give the right example, the right. balances, the right information, the. right exposure? I kind of don't know. what it is, you know what I mean? And um.

>> I understand it because I once was that. saying, you know, um. >> and I've always tried to do music with a. redeeming kind of quality to it. As a. matter of fact, just to kind of cap off. what we were talking about, um, music. for me, when I got the opportunity, uh, to go over and be with organized noise. at the dungeon, I said, and but I've. always been a a praying man, okay? You. know, >> and I said, you know, in prayer that if.

God would, you know, spare my life with. this opportunity, I would denounce every. evil deed and dumb, you know, thing I. had ever done. you know, I mean, I would. just try to give glory to God, you know, I mean, um, to the best of my ability. and that's what I would like to believe. that I've been doing. You know what I'm. saying? Um, so yeah, I'm and I just be. wanting to be the the counterbalance. because I know that it's it's real it's. real life happening out there. >> Yes. And um they've taken the music or.

excuse me, they taken the message out of. the music and it's just that that. negative vibration, that low vibration. that's being perpetuated. You know what. I mean? Like and we have a. >> it's just too much, man. You know what. I'm saying? Like it's too much. >> It used to be we heard about this. happening in other cities. >> Yeah. >> This wasn't Atlanta. I mean, like I. said, there were there were always. certain places that, you know, hey, we. don't don't don't fool around over. there, but now it seems like it can.

touch you anywhere. It's. >> Oh, for sure. >> That wasn't always cuz I like I said, I. came here in the in the early mid '90s. >> You've been here your whole life. So, you've seen Atlanta this full. transformation from what it was in the. beginning to what it what it became. after the Olympics came. Cuz after 96, >> crazy. >> It's like somebody dropped a growth bomb. here and it just exploded. I wish I could explain because there was. a time when you know the city and the. culture here was again a a more closer.

community and we were all emulating the. process you know um. >> of elimination. You mean like you know. um and trying to basically utilize those. that that tool tillage um that we were. giving as the first responders you know. like who put the south on the map. Okay, y'all can go about it this way, right? And then we had always thought that all. right so many of our famed civil civil. rights leaders come from Atlanta. We.

want to carry on as some of that. tradition. We wanted to do music that we. could age gracefully with. You know what. I mean? like um so yeah there was a time. when. that was the inspiration and people were. kind of following those guidelines but. you know capitalism how that go you know. other things come in and then you got to. look at it like this man like um. ignorance or what what have you like. it's like a a junk bond or it's like a. cheaper commodity it's like you know you. it don't it don't cost nothing to be.

ignorant. >> you know like it's just like how a. proper Education costs more. I don't. mean to go to an Ivy League school. I. mean, like, you know, >> so. >> it should cost more to be ignorant. It's. kind of like eating healthy. You know. what? Think about it. If it cost you. more to eat healthy than it does to eat. bad. >> Exactly. >> Should it be cheaper to eat eat healthy. than it does bad? >> Exactly. It's like it ain't worth. nothing, but you thinking you get a. deal, you getting a deal at 99 cent.

They still You still charge got charge a. dollar for nothing. So, no. I mean, I I. don't I don't I don't know what to say. about the youth, man. Like, I just have. empathy, you know? Like, and I hope. that, >> you know, I could be an example or serve. as a counterbalance, you know what I. mean? Like, um the spectrum um of of. what. black life, black entertainment, black. excellence is all about. You know what I. mean? Like, but we be doing doing so. much to the point where people don't. even always consider what I'm doing,

black music. I'm like, you know, I I. have disdain for that, but I get it. You. know what I'm saying? Yeah. >> When did you realize you could sing? When did you realize that you had a. voice? Did you did you sing in the. church? I mean, did you was it talent. shows? When did you realize that? You. know what? And somebody said, "Man, boy, you can sing.". >> My auntie, my auntie, my aunt or she was. a singer. She was the singer in the. family. And I lived with her a lot of my. life. >> Okay. Um, she was the one that overheard.

me singing in the shower and said, "You. got a great voice." And, uh, whenever I. was into trouble or into it with my mom. and my mom was like a, you know, her. approach was. stern. She was almost like a father. She. was like. >> she. >> she felt she had to be that cuz your. father was gone now. So, she had to be. extra. >> Absolutely. So, she she'll cut me off in. a second and hey, get get out. Do. whatever you got to do. You know what I. mean? [laughter]. I appreciate it now, >> right?

>> Uh but my auntie always gave me. someplace to land, right? >> And uh she said, "Let me let me let me. see about him." Right? >> So I lived with her a great deal of my. life. And um. >> it was that support that gave me the the. springboard, you mean like uh and. propelled me um to this point. And I got. to always be able to acknowledge her. So. Audrey, I love you. Thank you for. everything you've ever done for me. um. an invaluable um. person and personality and and. you know I'm failing your dad.

>> Yeah. >> Did you ever have a conversation before. your mom passed? Did you ever have a. conversation with your mom and ask why. you so hard mom? Why you so hard on me? >> Why you seem to be so unrelenting, so. unforgiving that that I'm unredeemable? >> My mom was just she was tough. She was. tough. And maybe maybe. No. So, let me ask you a question. No, I. didn't. I I never asked. My mom loves me. in a different kind of way. Like, I.

remember. you got me talking, man. I feel like. [laughter]. I'm going to tell y'all some stories I. never told nobody, but one time uh I was. into it with a stepfather. >> Okay. >> And um. he gave me a good smack one day. you. know, I ain't feel like I deserve it. And uh. I was like, I'mma kill him. [laughter]. So.

>> we should be laughing over like I mean. you like, hey. Yeah, we going to kill. it. >> That's for sure. So. >> who is we? It's only you. >> No, I'm you. I'm telling some of the. homeboys about it. I'm like, hey man, [laughter] because he got into it one of. my my close homeboys around that time. >> Damn. >> He got it. He was crazy. Um, so one of my dudes gave me a gun, uh, 38 special with the tape around the. handle. >> Damn. >> You know, it was Yeah. >> So that thing say nice and deep. Your. pocket they go.

>> So I'm going to tell y'all something, man. Like if I I hope people don't look. at me differently, man. But um, one one. night I stood over him with the pistol. and um, I ain't kill him. know what I'm. saying? Like I just thought about doing. it then I just said nah, you know, I. can't do it or whatever I said to. myself. But I ended up giving the the. gun to my mom and I told her about what. I had done. >> So she was a G in that kind of way. So. it was just like the um the um the scene.

from Baby Boy with Tyrese. Yeah. >> You know, >> she got it from me. It was no words. spoken. >> and she was just like, damn. You know, so. I remember overhearing her have a. conversation with one of her home girls. cuz he eventually left. >> Yeah. >> He said, "Well, if it's that bad, then. we I I I just I'll leave.". >> Right. >> So, >> what took you so long? >> Yeah. [laughter]. So, he left and she and I just She loves. me.

I overheard her telling somebody and and. blah blah blah blah blah and my baby was. going to kill his ass. You know what I'm. saying? You feel me? So yeah, >> that was that was the pride. You know. what I'm saying? Like you know, not that. she wanted me to hurt the guy or be in. prison for the rest of my life, but. >> you know, >> that was that was how bad my um my my. situation had gotten him. Yeah. >> So. I always took it like maybe she bragged. on me elsewhere and. >> she never told you, but she told other. people how proud she would of how proud.

she was of you, but never told you that. >> Absolutely. I remember, man, we were. filming um an electronic press kit. Um. these were things that they did uh. visualizers for groups uh in the 90s. So, we were filming one and um I I wish. I could find a copy of it, but I had. this it was transposed shot of me rising. up out of her body. >> So, I remember her saying,

"Y'all done?". like, "Yeah, we almost done." Good. Get. your superstar ass out of here. [laughter]. >> I was like, "Damn, mama. I'm trying to, you know.". >> Yeah. >> Uh but before she passed, man, my sister. was taking care of her. And I And I hope. I'm not making my mom seem like a bad. person, man. She's a great a great. woman, >> right? >> But um uh she asked my sister, "Play. play the album." So, you know, we had. all of those advanced copies of Soul. Fool, Good first album.

>> Play the album. let me hear what he's. doing. And that's kind of how I knew. Uh so she. didn't ask me. So I guess my sister just. let it play for her. She's like, hm, all. right. [snorts and clears throat]. >> And so a lot of the teachings, a lot of. the um the things that were instilled in. me were um were represented in the. music, right? You know what I mean? >> And I guess she felt like, okay, he's. probably going to be okay. But you, but. back then,

black parents, they didn't, oh, I love. you. They didn't hug on you like that. They put food on the table. You had a. roof and clothes on your back. That was. love. >> No doubt. >> In in the movie Fences when Denzel. Denzel say I ain't got to love you for. sure. >> I got You got a roof on your head. You. got food on your table and you got. CLOTHES ON YOUR BACK. That's love. >> That was a real movie. That was a real. >> Yes. because that's how it not all. there's we're not monolithic this. all-encompassing but for the most part a. lot of the black uh uh they didn't do no. hugging and doing on you and I love you.

and come here and give me a hug they. were hard. >> for sure. >> they were hard on you. >> it wasn't like that like my mom she um I. remember once she gave me the ultimatum. she came in my in my room one morning. and was like look you either go to. school or you going to go to work what. you want to do I was like I'll go to. work and close my. >> [laughter]. [cough]. >> So, and I stop. People don't know this. People know this cuz my life has become. such, you know, the the opposite. But,

>> and I'm so fortunate for it. But, yeah. I I I dropped out of school in eighth. grade. >> Eighth grades. >> M. >> I went back a few times. Yeah. Yeah. >> But, see, all they do is see the. finished product. >> Yeah. >> But they don't see the start. They don't. see damn the stopping. They don't see. getting off. All they see is the. finished product. And they make it seem. like that was your life from the. beginning. >> Absolutely. >> Nah. >> Yeah. People think you just fill out the. sky singing songs. [laughter] I come I. come from the struggle. And shouts out. to everybody in Gainesville, Georgia, man. Uh at Riverside Military Academy.

>> Okay. >> Yeah. >> So you find your voice. Your auntie. helped you find your voice. But you. could sing. You mentioned you mentioned. the guys that the uh the Bobby Wmax and. the Al Greens and the Sam Cooks and all. those guys that have voice voice, but. that's not the way you went first. You. went to the rap side. Yeah. Wh why? [sighs and snorts]. Because. it was convenient. >> Yes. >> I could conveniently do it. I I I always.

like rap. I like rapping, but I love to. sing. >> Yes. >> You know, so singing was my a private. affair for me. It was um. you know how they say music kind of. soothed that savage beast. So. >> I loved Bobby Caldwell and stuff like. that. >> Uh guess you wonder where I live, you. know what I mean? >> So all that old soul, it just gave me. peace, you know what I mean? Like and I.

loved it. And um when I got the. opportunity, I wanted to share that and. give that back. Yeah. So. >> that I mean I don't I don't I don't know. the the rap thing I could always do. I. never thought I was a good rapper. I. just said this on on the interview the. other day. I thought that I was pretty. good. I thought that I was, you know, average. But there's some dudes that can. rap, you know, like like a dude like. Eminem. Like imagine having all of your. f focuses I mean, excuse me, having your. focus harnessed into through one outlet,

you know? I mean, like I got all of. these this I got I deal with. multiplicity. So I got I want to try. this and do this and that and that. [laughter] You know what I'm saying? Like and I. >> So have you thought have you thought. about say you know what if id have just. focused on rap or id just focused on. this because basically you're like. you're like prime time prime was great. you know historically great at football. was a really good baseball player Bo. Jackson. So you you're like but if I had. just just focused like you know what I'm. going to be the best singer I can. possibly be or I'm going to be the best.

rapper I can possibly be. Have did you. have you ever sat back and thought about. it like in in that term? Yeah, I have. Um, >> and. I guess I wouldn't change a thing. Okay. You know what I mean? Um, I'm glad that. I'm able to do them both. And I had. those early examples like Force MD's. You know, I've been shouting out a. couple of the legends. You know, I still. talk to Jess I mean um. um um.

one of the homies I'm about to miss his. name. I think it's Jesse. Uh, but one of. the one of the legends called me, man. Shouts out to um the Force MDs, Long. Live, uh, you know, Mercury, TCD. Um, yeah, but. they could sing um, let me love you in. the moonlight or or UTFO. Yeah. Fairy. tale lover. So, I want you and I had. relationships with them. I got a chance.

to meet a lot of those legends in my. life. But um those are the the first. examples of dudes who was rapping and. singing at the same time. Slick Rick and. you know I just I took a liking to it. and when I realized I could do them. both. I just did them both. >> But you were the first ones. I mean look. uh in this space of being able to sing. there are not a whole lot of rappers off. the top of my head you and T pay. And I. don't think it's any close with anybody. else as far as being able to No, you can. sing. CEO uh uh Payne can sing. >> He can really sing. >> but you guys can rap also. So that voice.

I mean normally in rapper and this is no. disrespect I say this respectfully. Yeah. there are guys that have voices and the. cadence is great but to be able to sing. I've heard you ac cappella. I've heard. you sing covers. I've heard pay ac. cappella. I've heard him sing covers. Ain't nobody messing with you too on. that in that aspect. I think it's more. remarkable to be able to sing. And I. think it's um. I think you can acquire, you know, rap,

you know? >> Yes. >> Um. >> rap is how they said it in the old days. It's like rap is just conversating. It's. just talking amongst each other. You. know what I mean? Like rap is like. common sense, you know what I mean? when. something is truly exceptional uh or. something is, you know, uh immensely. painful the way that some of my life's. experiences have been for me, you know, there's no better place to put it. You. mean like. >> um. >> and and give it a poetic justice. You. have to find meaning in these. experiences. And so sometimes rap.

doesn't give me that soft pallet, you. know? I mean, like, you know what I'm. saying? Because it's like a it's more. aggressive. It's more of a contact sport. or I mean like it's more external, right? You know what I mean? But when. you just dealing with affairs of the. heart, you mean like in and uh wanting. to really express yourself and um in in. in a um. in the most miraculous and beautiful. way, you know what I mean? Uh there's. nothing there's no greater way to do it. No more effective way to do it than with. a song, I think.

>> Yeah. You uh the Dungeon Family, the. good the group Goody Mob. How did that. come? Because it's you, T-Mo Gibb, Kujo. Did you guys know each other pri prior. to forming the uh uh Goody Moby? >> Yeah. So, I grew up with Teemo. Teemo. lives uh or lived uh a street over from. the house I grew up in with my. grandmother. >> Okay. >> Um so, I've known him all my life. >> Um me and Andre 3000 actually went to. elementary school together. We third. grade together. Yeah. >> Um Backbone from the Dungeon family is.

another brother that I had known for. almost all of my life. >> Okay. Um, Kujo and Gib, they were from, you know, the other side of town. Um, but I had heard about, um, Kujo and. Teimo's group, the Lumberjacks. They. were doing the local talent shows. Uh, Git was a part of another group called. the East Point Chain Gang. Okay. >> With Cool Breeze, shout out to Cool. Breeze, Cap One, Chief Oz. Um, and everybody was just doing their. things and and and and around the the.

platforms that we had then were talent. shows. Yeah. High school tent shows and. talent night and stuff like that. >> So it was it it was again it was it was. kind of like. >> you know uh primitive for that time but. it's what we had man. Um. >> and yeah so no I and then and then they. went to school with my sister. So they. graduated my with my sister class of 93. and then I'm class excuse me they're. class of 90 I'm 93. Okay. >> So when they were graduating I was.

coming in as a freshman. >> but they knew me as Shadana's little. brother who get in all the trouble and. be [laughter]. >> you know doing Yeah. >> So uh when did when did you know so you. you got this you guys get together. When. did you like okay we going hey you going. to leave your group you leave your group. I'm gonna come in. We going to do this. we going to be goody mom. And when did. you guys realize that we got something? >> Uh, so when we got over to the dungeon, I went as a solo artist and everybody.

came as themselves and there was a time. where we called the dungeon family the. goodie Mub. Everybody was in the Goodie. Mub. >> Okay. >> Um, I want to say I was there a couple of. years. Um, I actually lived over at the. house with everybody. Um, h. it was really Rico Wade in his executive. decision. You know, you know, some. people are born as themselves like he.

was meant always meant to be a leader, really strong suited, had a foresight. and a vision um [snorts] and had a. charisma uh that everybody could. subscribe to and okay, you believe you. think so. and he made everybody feel. special and seen feel seen. So he was a. great man in that way. Um I think that. it was practical of him um to say all. right we want to try to get everybody. out at the same time and.

Goody Mob just end up being you know. that place where we can kind of like. unionize and become a a and then plus. during that time people were doing um. compilation albums. So Outcast's. southern playlist of Cadillac music was. it was their album of course, but it. kind of played out, you know, I'm saying. uh as a compilation album because let's. say for example, Get Up, Get Out was my. song. >> that I offered to the group, you know. what I mean?

>> And they were they were gracious enough. to take it, you know? So I'm grateful. for that. They gave me my start, you. know? Uh so that's how I end up first on. that verse uh on that song and on the. hook. So, um, I go and and I get, um, dopest rhyme of the month in the Source. magazine, which was coveted at the time. >> I was like, "Oh, wow." You know, this my. my first rhyme, right? >> Uh, this the first song I had ever done. I had already was starting to get the. accolade. Mhm. >> And I think that, you know, there was.

Yeah, there was definitely a clear-cut. uh opportunity for me to get a solo. situation right out of the gate, >> which would have been, you know, exactly. what what we had intended because I came. as a solo artist, >> right? >> Um but it might would have uh. >> it might would have disrupted the. natural order of things because I was. new to the dungeon, >> right? you know, um, so I want to say. that it was Rico Way's heart, soul, you. know what I mean? Like, um, and and. practicality that said, you know what,

let's try it this way and everybody be a. group together, right? >> And then we'll break out in and in due. time. >> Yeah. >> You said you and uh um Dre were in third. grade together. You went to elementary. school together, so he I'm assuming that. he was he was already a part of the. Dungeon family before you got there. Correct. He was. >> well with uh and so him and big I think. him and Big Boy went to high went to. high school together, right? So they had. to kind of already form their group. >> Yes. >> So they were kind of already set and so.

now you go over there and and start your. group. And so when did you when did you. guys realize did you always know like. man. >> and he Dre stack man he he he good. He. he going he going to do something. He. going to do things. When did you guys. know that you know what, the Dungeon. family, all you guys were going to have. commercial mega success? >> Great story. I knew when me and my. cousin Floaty were working at the.

airport, >> okay, >> and we were on a lunch break, players. ball comes on the radio and I was like, "Wow, this is real.". >> Yeah. And we decided right then and. there, we're done. >> You quit the job. >> Quit the job right there. [laughter]. >> Quit the job. I'mma tell you this. And. this is it's like a movie and it might. and it should be a movie. It's it's. Oscar worthy. >> Yeah. >> You know, we left that job and rolled. out to Boss Town, which is now Stank.

Onia because Outcast bought the studio. from Bobby Brown, but when it was his, it was called Boss Time. >> Oh yeah. We went out there and um they. were producing. uh Get Up Get Out for what what ended up. becoming Get Up Get Out. >> Okay. >> And um my cousin Floaty says, "Hey yo. man, y'all going to let my cousin CEO. get on something?" They were like, "We. just looking for the right situation for. everybody, the right song for. everybody.". >> Right.

>> So I got in his ear and I just started. rapping the verse. He was like, look. back at me like. that's it. You know what I mean? >> Right. >> Uh. so that's how that came about. But I. also knew about just about Dre in. particular. I knew that he was special when um. we were shooting players ball the video. >> and Puffy.

they were kind of they were doting on. him. >> I saw him kind of getting that star. treatment really early that attention. you know uh uh on him. Do this do this. Oh boy, you look like you know you look. good [clears throat] like you know and. he did he he had all of the makings of a. star. Right. >> Yeah, for sure. >> Um, what's your favorite song Outcast. has done? >> And you did have a lot of jobs growing. up.

>> You worked at the warehouse, you worked. at the mall, you worked at the airport. Yeah. >> Quit every one of them, huh? >> Yeah, I did. >> My favorite outcast song. >> Ah, [sighs]. >> I love Ain't Nothing but a chicken wing. >> Okay. I think maybe what what people would. know I love the art of storytelling. I'm. I'm gonna say that one. I love that one. >> You need to get up, get out, and get. something. Don't spend all your time.

trying to get high. You need to get up, get out, and get something. How will you. make it if you never try? If you even. try. >> Mhm. >> How'd you come up with that? >> My auntie, those are my auntie's words. >> Those she should tell you, huh? >> Yeah, that that's me. That's me. paraphrasing. But yeah, that was that verse was. written uh stylized, you know, and and. and inspired by a conversation I'm. having with her. >> Right. Damn. What was that one of your. favorite lyrics? What's What's your.

favorite lyric that you've written? Even if it's not for you. Damn, Sam. [laughter]. favorite lyric I ever wrote or favorite. verse or. >> Yeah. lyric verse. >> I think lyrically because I I don't even. I don't even have a lot of rap solo. stuff, >> right? >> Um when I when I was doing the albums, I. I called my I I felt like it was.

renaissance. It's like I got this one. opportunity to be everything that I am, right? >> You know, let me just let me just try. and put it all in there. >> Um so this is a record called Big Old. Words. You know what I'm saying? like. you know from my first solo album um CEO. Green um and his perfect imperfections. big old words is my favorite rap song. I've ever done. >> and maybe my favorite song I've ever. done is a song called evening news from. the second album the soul machine right.

>> when you guys look you guys at the. dungeon family you got a lot of. personalities I mean you got you know. you got you geo. good uh uh Kujo and you got uh Outcast, you know, uh, Stacks and, uh, Big Boy. You got a lot of guys in there. You got. a lot of personalities. Were there any. disagreements like, "Nah, bro. This this. can't go down like this. It's got to be. this. It got to be that.". >> No, there weren't. Not Not early on. Not.

early on. uh anything. uh of any kind of uh you know. disagreement or you know something. creative. I think all that stuff was. kind of hashed out pretty civily, right? >> Um because we had a production. team, a production troop. So we not only. had Rico Wei, we had CP Brown, he had. Ray Murray, you know, and they were like. the three wise men pretty much, you know. what I mean? And. >> as far as Outcast album was concerned,

they were geared and they had a specific. um. >> goal that they were trying to, you know, accomplish and they did it. I think I. think that's the best album of them all. Even though even though like Soul Food. and albums to come, they also were. heraldled as as classics as well. But. the first one to really nail it, you. know what I'm saying? like, you know, and cement uh a place that we could all.

kind of like grow from. >> Nothing better than that first album, I. believe. And I think I think it was as. good because we all were involved. We. all were involved equally. No egos, no. entitlements, just hunger and. solidarity. You know what I'm saying? like teamwork, brotherhood, family, you. know, and those things do subside with. success and space and time and priority. Um, and then ego and entitlement and. indifference, you know, um, those things.

become more and more irreconcilable, you. know, I mean, like as we become adults. and become fathers and heads. [clears throat] of households and. >> things of that nature, you know what I. mean? Like, you know, and so, but those. are just natural. >> um, developments, I think, you know, and. then then it becomes work to try to stay. together. Yes. >> You know what I mean? >> Yes. And it shouldn't be that hard. You're like, man, it shouldn't be this. hard. You're not even thinking about it. when when we're young and it's it's it's. the only option that we have. When you. when your options open up to you, it's. like you have to decide that you're. going to stay down with something. You.

know what I mean? >> Future Future was uh also in a part of. the judge family, right? >> Yes. >> Did you Did you know Future would be. Future? He got a perfect name. [laughter]. >> Well, that wasn't his name at first, was. it? >> He was meatthead. >> Yeah, he had to change that. He had to. change that. Well, he he was me head in. my childhood nickname was chicken head. [laughter]. >> I don't know why they talking. >> You got How you get chicken head? Chicken head was a was a term that they. gave to [laughter]. >> Chicken head. Oh, here come chicken.

head. Chicken chain. [laughter]. >> Clo you you you D boy. You taking chains. firing on folks for no good. >> I don't know what was wrong with me. [laughter]. >> Uh no. I I I can't say that I knew that. I I didn't see that with Future. But um. >> I'm glad that it's him, you know what I. mean? And um I think you become a. product of the environment. You know, I. think he has some great experiences. He. he experienced uh uh he had access he.

had exposure uh to a lot of driven and. talented um unique and special. individuals. I mean like and we were. really putting numbers up on the board. for the city, >> right? you know, and so, you know, probability, man, like, you know, like. now it's like it's beyond a reasonable. doubt now. It's like, you know, so now. you can really fully. >> believe in yourself like I can do it. You know what I'm saying? So, >> and then he changed his name to Future. And that's when I guess he started to. have a foresight for his own path, you. know, I mean, and plight and journey as.

a as a as an artist. And um. >> he's done a remarkable job, remarkable. for keeping the flag going. So, so has. Killer Mike. Yeah. >> You know what I mean? Uh, how many guy. at at the Dungeon family at the house? How many people stayed in the house in a. given night or at a given time? >> 13 14. >> How many bedrooms at the house? >> Two. Damn. So, we were all sleeping on the on. the floor. So, it would be me, Mo. What's up, Mo? Uh, Dre Big,

um, Sugar Bear. [laughter]. Uh, it it it just depends on whoever decided. not to go home that night. >> Uh, but it was a a a stack of dirty, funky. blankets and we just slept on the wood. floor, them dirty mattresses. Sometimes. we didn't bathe for weeks. [laughter]. I ain't going to say weeks, but maybe a. week, you know, because I still have my.

aunt's place, but you know, like if I. went over there, I just lock in. I might. just stay for the week, right? Because. you might only have access for that one. ride over there, right? >> And then you just you stuck to somebody. can come in and get you. You mean? Yeah. >> That that's kind of what it was. But we. were kids, man. You know, I was I was 17. years old, >> right? >> Yeah. >> Did you uh uh did you purchase that. house? Do you? >> Mhm. >> So, I got the second dungeon. Big Big. Boy went and repurchased the first. dungeon. And this is the one where the. 13 of us were there, right? >> Uh so he's got that and now it's an. Airbnb. People can go and visit it. It's.

it's a landmark. It it needs one of. those historic, you know, like uh you. know, titles on it like, you know, because some we definitely came. Absolutely. >> But the secondary house, uh we called it. the White House. It's on the south side. of town in my neighborhood. >> and um my sister is a realtor and we had. just kind of found that it was on the. market. >> and I was like, "Wow, you know, I had to. get it." You know what I mean? Because I. didn't want anybody else to have it. >> And at the time, I just felt like I was.

salvaging, you know, legacy. I mean, like, you know, and to be honest, that. secondary house, we didn't even do a lot. of stuff. You know, some things were. recorded there. Uh the the Dungeon. Family Second Generation, they were. there mainly because by this time, our. careers were already launched. goingies. and stuff like that. But. >> to save that house and have it. >> and u be able to present it back to Rico. Wade as a gift had been my intention. I. mean, and he he passed not long after.

that. Yeah. >> Is it true that Tupac wanted to be a. part of the Dungeon family of Goody M? It. >> is true. It's true. I think because you know if. if people are Tupac fans his earlier. narratives were positive pro black. revolutionary and that's what we was on. that's the type of time that we were on. like again when I say uh we really. wanted to make the uh the ancestors. proud you know the ancestors uh the. hierarchy of this city whether it be me. you know Andrew Jackson um you know.

Ralph David Abernati Martin Luther King. I mean like you know we were touched you. know I'm saying like by the work that. they had done you know I'm saying like. we wanted to honor it you know um um as. best we could. So yeah, he saw that in. us and when he was in jail, I think he. just kind of really needed somebody who. he felt like he could relate to and. could come to and didn't want nothing. from him but just had love and and. shelter. You mean like in family, you. know? Um so yeah, that's true. >> Wow. And the source wars you when the. social social wars when outcast got.

booed and Dre said, "Man, the South got. something to say." What went through. your mind? because this was the first. time that cuz southern rap. had arrived. >> Yeah. >> And from that point on, southern rap was. here to stay. Um, you know, like as you. mentioned, LA Reed and Baby Faith, you. had seen the Ushers, the TLC's, that R&B. style, but now this was southern rap. Yes. >> And you had a little bit Kilo Ali, you. know, you had you had a you had a little. you had a little. >> kilo. >> Yeah. Uh, but this was the first time on.

a major stage this was southern rap. This was the introduction the world to. see southern rap and all of a sudden. this is our first big moment and then. they carrying on like this. What what. what went through your mind? >> You really want to know? >> Yeah. >> Okay. So, we were there and um of course. you don't know if you're going to win or. not. Um we're just happy to be there. >> Correct. >> I I don't think we had all gone to New. York together before. maybe one other. time cuz the Outcast did a a big listing.

party for that album release. So this. all this was in that same run at the. time. Um so second time in New York. together. um nominated for the award. but they were booing. I I you can't even. really tell uh just how loud, you know. it was. It was a big boo like everybody. boo. [laughter]. I was like, damn. You know what I'm. saying? So with that, I just said this.

in another interview too, like how I. felt then with them giving me shelter. and giving me love and giving me family. and something to be a part of. I wanted. to defend it, you know. So. >> this is before I'm even I had no gauge. on uh selfworth or being my asset was to. throw myself into into harm's way for. the family. So that that's basically. what I was thinking. I I wanted to fight. cuz and we almost got to fighting. >> Damn. >> Uh but not somebody trying to attack us.

personally. It's just that when it was. uh ending, dudes was coming over the the. um the the the b uh the coming over the. aisle, the chairs just trying to get up. to the stage and somebody was put their. hand on my shoulder to balance. themselves and jumping over and I was. like, you know, get off me. And he. looked back like he wanted, you know. what I'm saying, like to fight with me. And then, you know, we almost had a. little education alteration. >> That was the same night when Suge Knight. said, "If y'all want, you know, and you. don't want somebody y'all in your. videos, Snoop Dogg said, hey, East Coast.

ain't got no love for Death Row." Damn, there's a lot going on that night. >> You see, Lo, >> but I'mma tell you, boy, who was the. deepest? Wuang. Wu Tang was the deepest. I know it was. 150 of them. [laughter]. Did nobody want no problem with Staten. Island that night for sure. And they felt like the underdogs and. they felt like the outcasts too because. you know they weren't necessarily being. counted either. >> Yes. They been formitted and they hadn't. gotten the love and respect that they. thought they deserve. >> So we kind of hit it off right away and.

we became extended family and allies. with Wuang Clan. Okay. >> Yeah. [laughter]. >> You signed LA Reed Leface Records uh. with Usher and TLC. I mean, really, Face and and and and LA, they're kind of. like the pioneers, the godfather. of bringing putting putting Atlanta on. the map. >> That's a fact. >> And you're like, you were Usher and you.

with TLC and you're like, "Okay.". What was it? What was it about that LA. saw in you that says, "You know what, bro? You could be solo. You're gonna. have to you're going to have to do this. on your own. Um. cuz had he heard you sing or just heard. you rap or had you did anything for him. to led him to believe that you know what. bro this hey he can sing R&B he can sing. sing and. >> I'm glad you asking me this question LA.

Reed and I call him godfather to this. day. >> Yeah. >> Um. I'm not going to say that he was partial. to me. He was partial to us. >> Mhm. Um, I think that he may have had. some conversation with whomever as. someone giving him context about what it. was I was, you know, aspiring to do for. going forward. >> Okay. >> You know, but um, yeah. No, this it's. his job to be able to pinpoint and.

identify with, you know what I mean? Yes. And he was like, you definitely got. something special. And I just think we. had a had something kindred uh amongst. us um because we're both Geminis, you. know. So, >> um and maybe he took a liking to me like. that. And then, you know, but LA Reed, I. got to just also thank him publicly, too, because he took great care of me. Uh when my mother passed, they they I. you know, I you know, they took care of. my my mother's, you know, um. >> funeral. >> arrangements. You know what I'm saying? When I got married, you know, I'm saying.

like they they took care of my wedding. for me, you know? um just on on love, you know. So when I. it was time for me to to to do my thing, he gave me a Prince deal, a Prince. opportunity the same way that Warner. Brothers gave it to him. So people don't. really know this, but I wrote and. produced my entire first album. Wow. So. that's Cosmic Freak and Getting Grown. and all that good stuff. You know what I. mean? So. >> yeah, >> I don't I don't I don't I don't know if. people really knew that stuff, but yeah.

So, no, he did something that was, you. know, bold and unique and and. >> um. probably. uh just just it's just a rare occasion. of of really believing in something. wholeheartedly and giving me the. opportunity. So, I I I'm always in his. debt as well, too. Thank him so much. >> R&B, what's going on with R&B? You hear. a lot of people say R&B dead. Uh and and. and you look, it's not what it used to.

be. I'm not saying it's dead. It might. be on life support, but it's not what it. used to be. We don't have the See, Lo, we don't have the voices that we once. had. And I don't know if maybe it. doesn't sell. I don't know if it's not. sexy anymore. I don't know what it is. But when I was growing up, >> I mean, I I grew up with Teddy Pinter. White and you know, Hathaway and all. those guys. So, it was it was a. plethora. I mean, we didn't just have. one or two. We just didn't have Usha, Chris Brown. We had 15 20 that you could. listen to. >> Facts. We were just talking about that.

in the car on the way over here. And I'm I'm going to admit this. publicly. I don't really like R&V. [laughter]. >> I don't consider myself to be an R&B. artist. I don't know what people think. of me. I I feel like if I classify in. any genre, I think I'm an alternative. artist. I have my these are the. interpretive arts, I like to say. You. know what I mean? So, >> um. >> but maybe maybe I mean it this way. Maybe I don't like what it's become. >> Okay. You know what I mean?

>> Um, but. >> all things could be better if just for. balance. You know what I mean? Like it's. just not it's too much of one thing. >> and not enough of another. >> Not enough variety. You know what I'm. saying? And I think that's how I end up. trying to do so much and maybe it's just. farreaching as far as my own personal. plight or or career is concerned. I'm. trying to do everything just to. represent those voids or fill those. voids, >> you know. So, no, but I'm thinking about. the OJ's and you know, we did songs.

like, you know, it was just like, you. know, family reunion, you know what I'm saying? Like, it's. just a song about. >> it's so it's so nice to see the family. come together. Yeah. >> We don't I mean, everything don't got to. be about. >> even the big bands. You look at the. OJ's, you look at the Ohio Players, you. look at uh Earthwinning and Fire, you. look at the Doobie Brothers, you look at. uh uh Atlantic Star, you look I mean, you look at all the but they sung even.

though they were big bang and had fan. song, they slowed it down and they Oh my. goodness. I always get Atlantic Star. Midnight Star mix. Yeah. Yeah. But. Atlantic Star Atlanta star for me, right? >> Send for me. Put a message in the. bottle, baby. I'm just a telephone call. away. >> Telephone call away. >> [laughter]. >> Yeah, >> that's him. Uh, Tvaris. I mean, >> uh, uh, >> yeah. >> Too late. >> Yeah. [laughter]. Uh, heaven. Heaven. >> Heaven must be Mr. Angel.

>> Yeah. [laughter]. >> So, but it's like it's like them dudes was. already grown. Even though they look. older, but they was like 25, 26. >> Yeah. Actually, they look like 40. [laughter] They look. >> They look 50 years old on their first. album. They did. >> They did. >> So, I don't know. It was something about. the time um the limitations on recording. like, you know, they were recording the. 2 in. >> Yeah. >> Um if you don't understand 2in tape, you.

know, everything is digital now, but. back then it would recording to tape, >> right? >> Um. >> you couldn't you couldn't just punch in, right? You had to either rehearse. um practice and have it down pat almost. perfect and run it. You know what I'm. saying? Like you know and what you. captured that that's what it was. And so. >> so you had to damn near be perfect. though. >> Be perfect. [laughter] You know what I. mean? Talk heatwave. >> Oh man. >> You know. Yes. People don't even know. >> they came out the Midwest though. If you. look at where those groups came from,

most of them came out of the Midwest. The Chicago. that area. >> Yeah. Um Yeah. I about to say Bootsie. from Cincinnati. Yeah. >> Um we got to we got to shout out. >> Ohio play Ohio players obviously from. Ohio and you had uh uh Earthwind and. Fire from Chicago. So that that was that. that was the area of which they came. from. >> Shout out to Satch and you know. Sugarfoot By. >> You know, come on. >> There were the days. >> Um. I wish I wish to go I want to be I want.

to be them grown men. Yeah. >> You know what I'm saying? That's what I. want to be the I want to represent that. You know what I'm saying? Like I'mma. grow me a big old mustache. [laughter]. >> Had the side, >> you know. I want to do that for for. music, man. Like, you know, >> but you know, back then they was trying. to seduce a woman. >> Yeah. >> It it was it was all about the ambiance. It was all about the buildup, you know, what they were going to do and how they. were going to do it. They were just. trying I mean it at the end it was the. same because they trying to get you you. know to to this place and and and and.

and be intimate with you but it was it. just sounded better. >> It just sounded [laughter]. OJ you know stairway to heaven. Yes. >> It was just that process romanticized. you know what I mean like you know it. was it was gentlely you know I mean like. it was mature you know so we lost that. wisdom with that generation. Um, and you know, everybody just want what. they want. You know what I mean? Like, so it's just it's just cut to the chase. But even women can be that way. Like.

women can be a lot more aggressive these. days as you could tell. This the whole. change of psychology is represented in. the music. >> Well, they say uh women have dirtier. thoughts than men. They just do a better. job of hiding it. >> That's a fact. And [laughter] so, you. know, if you trying to be too overly. romantic, they think you [ __ ]. >> Yeah. Yeah. I Well, you a simp. You know. what I'm saying? You. >> I'm like, damn. [laughter] I'm just. trying to be, you know what I'm saying? You know how we used to be. I'm trying. to be. >> back in the day. You know, you go, "Hey, you got this thing planned. You go pick. this person up. Now you Uber to the. location. They to the location or you.

drive they Uber." And you know, it's. it's it's a different time now. See. >> Door Dash. [laughter]. >> It's crazy, man. Um uh I I hope that you. know cuz I hear young dudes like October. London. >> Oh, yeah. Yeah. Yeah. That's loose guy, isn't it? >> Yeah. A couple of the young boys coming. up. I mean, and they got that grit in. their voice. They got that maturity. It. sounds seasoned, you know what I mean? And you know, of course, you know, the. first ingredient to being great at.

anything is having great taste, you know. what I mean? So you have to go back and. research, you know what I mean? Like you. know this music, you know what I mean? Like or the music before you and you. know implement that understanding that. that that that um that information, you. know what I mean? Like now and you know, but you have to also modernize and make. it modern in where where people can can. where it's palatable again. But you know. like I think all music should be you.

know coexisting you know and running. concurrent with each other. So you know. I mean take your pick. But but I think. also too it's with radio stations and. stuff like that like you know it's where. people go and get their music from now. You got such an a wide array of music. that that you have access to. >> You don't even know how to be a fan of. anything. You know what I'm saying? You. don't have to listen to it. >> You're so inundated with so much. >> Yeah. I think I think that's what. happened too. >> cuz you remember with uh we were growing. up see is that you go to the record.

store you get it they give it to you. listen to it you put the headset on and. you listen to it and you like yeah I. like this one or do you have them cut. you you have have them cut you you get. you know five choose five six different. album and you get two or three songs off. each one and make you make you Yes that. but that's what it was and the incense. of burning in the background I miss that. when you can go to Tile Record or Sam. goodies the little mom and pop show uh. store in I I you you missed that. you. missed it was so it was so personal. personable [snorts] back then and then.

you know you had soul train you had. American band stand you had places where. you could actually see and hear the. artist now now you just somebody come up. with an album you don't see them maybe. no more MTV you just artist just pop up. like like like a wildflower. >> it's like what do they expect what do. they expect it's like no industry. industry come on man [laughter] reinvest. in music in artists and creatives, you. know what I mean? Like, yes, >> we need it. >> We do. >> We need it.

>> Usher and Chris Brown going to hit this. I mean, I I never I never thought I'd. see this. >> I can't I mean, you got two of the most. prominent figures currently going in or. in in that genre that's going to hit the. stage together. I can just imagine what. that's going to be like. Clo, >> that's going to be crazy. >> It's going to be crazy. [laughter]. >> I ain't going. >> You ain't going? >> I If I do go Well, I ain't going to go. by myself and I ain't taking nobody. either. [laughter]. I seen somebody wife getting tonged in. the mouth. >> Oh man, you Oh, Chris Brown.

>> Yeah, I said how he let that happen. though. Alle Oh, hold on. We got to say. allegedly cuz we don't want people not. everybody allegedly he was standing. there on the rail looking up as Chris. Brown tongue of the air. She initiated it from what I saw. >> Well, first of all, you Hey, look look. look you and your lady going to show. your wife, significant other, whatever. the case may be. We got to have a. conversation. If he point towards you, you shake your head. No. >> Cuz now if you go up there, we came.

together, but we not leaving together. I'm just letting you know that. >> For sure. >> And they were talking about, well, it. wasn't too much. IT WAS WHOA. WHAT YOU. MEAN IT WASN'T TOO MUCH? THE INTERNET IN. FOREVER. >> They they had a uh they had an interview. somebody. >> Yeah. She said it was, you know, she got. a little carried away. >> a little. >> How you But that as a but as a man, how. you let your wife go do that? If you m I understand that, hey, you. know, she's her own person and I trust. my wife. I'm just saying, bro, if if if.

if the scenario is what they said, that. was his wife and she got up on that. stage and like I said, she. [laughter]. I I'm scared to even say what I'm I even. thinking about that. >> I could I but but I was saying you we we. have this discussion. Okay, you know. your lady nice looking. you know that's. probably like he go if he especially if. you close by and he's like oh okay. so they talked to him so what was his.

thing what was he saying I I know she a. Chris Brown fan that's why when he. pointed out I let her go and I mean cuz. sometimes I be wanted I be wanted to. believe that it's trolling like they. just they were transplanting. >> well you need to pull somebody else you. need to troll with somebody else girl or. wife you can't troll with mine. >> no I mean like I I didn't know if it was. real or nothing. >> I I don't that's that's a part a bit, but I'm going just say it. But I mean, the way he was just looking, he like he. was amazed, too. >> I saw it and [laughter]. >> I saw it and I was like, "Is this real?".

I don't know what's real no more. >> I don't I don't. >> I'm like, "Are they is it just to create. some controversy and or what?". >> Because we saw this when when Usher had. his residency in Vegas. Yeah. >> And we saw this a lot of times and women. like, >> like I said, I'm just we going to have. this understanding. If he looks at you. and points you and tell you to come up. there, you say no. >> Jesus. >> You gotta say no. I mean, I BE I'M JUST. KEEPING IT I'M JUST KEEPING it real. >> I mean, cuz that's that's a conversation. that you have at home.

>> Yes. Yes. Why you want to go? >> Okay, we can go. I like Usha, too. >> I ain't going. [laughter]. >> Okay. If you ain't going. But does she. Well, okay. You say you not going, but. she goes with her girlfriend and all of. a sudden, you know, you watching the car. and it's online and all of a sudden you. see your lady up there and she grinding. on him, you know, and he grinding on. her. She on the couch and they doing, you know, and all of a sudden, you know, he slip put a little tongue in her. mouth. Oh, [laughter].

>> so now what? I ain't going. [laughter] But if that. happen, I'm coming. You wait down there [laughter] now. Um I. [snorts] but I I think I understood cuz. they were just trying to say like it was. his way of just saying I'm not really. I'm confident. I'm secure in our. relationship and our love. I know she. brought. >> I'm confident too. But I don't want no. man kissing no one lady. >> That was a nasty kiss. That was a nasty kiss.

>> Hey it wasn't just one. It was a couple. You know he and it went. back for another. >> I'm seeing it in my mind right now. I'm. like, [laughter] "No, you talking about divorce papers early. in the morning." [laughter]. Like, "Let me get off that, man." That's. the thing about Q&A, man. And doing I I. get uncomfortable, man. I be I used to. be really comfortable about talking. >> I get uncomfortable, man, because some. of them was like, "You're either going. to become too comfortable with talking. too much and telling the truth or get.

comfortable with lying." It's like, either one of them could be to your. detriment. I'm like, "I don't know what. the [ __ ] you [laughter] say, man." cuz. so between me and you I tell you some. how I feel how I really feel about that. >> but I'm like no I ain't gonna tell. everybody that's my business. >> work working with TLC. >> okay. >> I mean when you got with those they were. they were at the height I mean they. burst onto the scene uh that that trio. was was amazing. >> unbelievable what was it like working. with them what was it like being in the. studio.

>> well we knew them we we we knew them um. from the neighborhood uh Chile uh. Rosanda Um she used to um she used to go. to two my high school. >> Okay. >> So very beautiful girl. Always been. beautiful my her whole life. Um. >> everybody knows her and what was so dope. is that she was talented. So when she. was brought aboard to to be the third, you know, installment, become the C in. TLC, it was like, oh [ __ ] Like this is.

happening for the hometown, for the. neighborhood. Like, you know, she's one. of ours. Um, so again, just just to make a long. story short, um, we all worked together. A lot of it was just a few of the same. studios. It was either Boss Town, Doppler, you know, um, this was even before. Patchwork. Shouts out to Patchworks, too. But, um, >> so you couldn't help but Whitfield, right? >> You couldn't help but bump into people. in Atlanta. It was a small close-knit.

community um a creative community. So, you know, my man Marquez Elridge who. wrote Waterfalls for them. >> Yes. >> Um. you know, he wrote it and he just he. asked me to demo the song. >> Yeah. >> And that you know cuz a lot of the times. man like. >> you only you know what your intention is. on something. You don't really know what. the outcome will be, right? Nobody knows. that it's just going to be bam. You know. what I mean? like um cuz if you knew.

>> and if you knew how to write that exact. effect each time, you would do it over. and over and over again. I mean, >> you know, but the industry is much like. a roller coaster ride. It's like you. wait in line, you ride a roller coaster. It's excitement and screaming and. hollering for about 2 minutes straight. It's over. >> And if you want to ride it again, you. got to get all the way in the back of. the line. That then that's how it goes. You know what I'm saying? So, >> um but anyway, >> he asked me to demo it. I I didn't think. nothing of it. I did it for him. He's my. friends, a favor for him. They cut the.

record. It's a hit record. And then they. kept some of me in in the vocals. So you. can hear me if you listen really good. Wow. But I sang the whole song. >> Really? >> Mhm. >> But you see what they went through? Obviously, you know, the bad the. contracts. What is it about the music. industry? Because it's hard to find a a. really good story in the music industry. because you know bad contracts and they. got you looked in and you think you. signed this and you signed that and they. take all of this and they take all of. that and you're like these. musicians these artists work so hard.

They get so little and the most of them. have major major success and when it all. comes down to it 10 15 years later they. don't have anything to show for it. Well, I'll say this. Um, to speak to. their um their situation, um, I know that the only writer and. publisher was Lisa Left Eye. God bless. her. >> Mhm. >> Uh, Tion and Chile did not write their. parts. You know, uh, I want to say.

Dallas wrote everything besides besides. u Left Eyes parts. So, if you don't get. any publishing, you don't get a. residual, right? Um, and I hope I'm not. speaking too inappropriately about that. because I know it's it's personal and. it's sensitive, but it's it's also. public. >> that uh you know, Tion was stricken with. sickle cell. >> Yes. >> And it affected their touring. I mean, like which would that's that is that's. where you make your money. You know what. I mean? So if you can't tour because of. those health reasons otherwise then of.

course that end result over time could. be that you know that pot not looking. like a lot. >> right. >> you come up with now you're doing your. own thing and then you come up with a I. guess an alter ego Narles Barkley. >> Yeah. >> Why and how did you come up with that? I. had done then two solo albums. >> and nothing really stuck. I had I had. [clears throat]. critically acclaimed albums. Uh my my.

first solo album was even nominated for. a Grammy. >> Mhm. >> Um which was amazing. Uh but it didn't. have the commercial appeal. >> or you know sales viability what have. you. So, at the time, I'm just thinking, all. right, well, I enjoy to write and. produce. I don't have to be famous. I. don't have to be a star. I mean, I can I. enjoy to do music. Um, I could write and. produce for other people, right? And I. had always felt as if, you know, if I.

did not do music or succeed in it, I. would in some form of fashion, >> uh, some facet of of industry. [clears throat] thrive and success, you. know. So, cuz I'm into, you know, stage. production and you name it. So, I do all. of that stuff. >> But. Nars Barkley just came from. I I met Dan Jamal as a producer. His. music was really unique and original. It.

just struck me in a in a peculiar way. Um it reminded me of some of my. thoughts, um some of my ambitions and. some of my uh some of my musical taste. cuz his his music is throwback to 60s, you know, um. >> um. like. 60s rock, you know, and stuff like that. So I'm like, "Okay, this is cool." Uh I. wrote some stuff to it. I'm I'm trying. to condense it because it's it's such a. long story, but I wrote I wrote these.

songs. Um. >> and I said to myself, "Hey, are these. the songs that you would have written if. you wrote the songs?". >> Right? >> You know, um we went in the studio. Um. had about eight days to write and and. record because we both were doing some. other things. They said, "Let's let's. get in here on our own dollar and try it. out and see what we can come up with.". So, it's basically just experimentation. Um, and I've always wanted to explain. the name Charles Barkley. It's it's just. a gag. Right. >> Right. >> Uh, >> it didn't have nothing to do with. Charles Barkley, did it?

>> No, but but see, we we went through we. went through another a couple of. different names. Like I remember he. called me. I think they were drunk. He. was with some of his homeboys. He was. like, "Yo, I got this idea. You I was. with some of my friends. We were just. talking about, you know, crazy names. We. could probably name this project." I was. like, you know, either it's going to be. Narles Barkley or Bob Gnarly or Narles. in charge, you know, like Charles in. charge, you know, just going through a. bunch of stuff. >> Um, and I just thought that it was. funny. I thought it was ridiculous. Ridiculous enough to just to not to be.

to not be overlooked. You can't It's. like It's like Leonard Skinner. >> Yeah. >> Or Oingo Boingo. Yeah. >> Or the Google Dolls. You know what I'm. saying? Like it's so absurd and. ridiculous. You can't forget it. >> Yes. >> And he said, "I can't wait until this. album works and you have producers in. the future or executives in the future. talking to other artists like, "Hey, so. I want you to kind of give me some of. that that Nars Rocky kind of kind of.

style, some of that flavor.". >> So, it was always his plan. I I uh this. is Danger Mouse, my partner, producer. Yeah. >> Uh. >> he thought it was a cool name. I I just. didn't care. You know what I like, you. know, um I was a little bit. >> and it kind of stuck, huh? >> Yeah, it just stuck, you know. Um I. wanted to call the the group Scarlet. Fever, you know, I mean, like, you know, uh. >> which is which I don't know if it would. it probably would have done did as well. >> Um how do you get the name CEO? Who came. up with the name CEO?

>> Uh my name is to be RO at first, believe. it or not, >> Son. Boy. My name is Valo. My name is Carlo. So CEO is an abbreviation of that. And. it was Sleepy Brown who who gave me the. name CEO Green. Okay. >> Cuz you say, "Man, your voice remind me. of Al Green, [clears throat] right?". >> So that's where that came from. Well, >> so crazy. I mean, that song is. >> I hope I'm answering everything. >> You are. You're doing a great job. >> The the song Crazy and you know it it's.

great. But when I hear you when I heard. you sing that song ac capella. to hear every note and to hear you hit. every note, I think that's what gave people a really. appreciation cuz the song is catchy. >> Yeah, >> the song is very very catchy. >> But see when you hit that thing ac. capella and you just standing on that. stage and you hear I think you're crit. bro. Did you know like I just want to. sing at one time ac cappella and I want.

people to hear. Why did you do that? [snorts]. >> And this is like the Grammy performance. in the airline office. Okay. >> We just thought that it was bold to have. people on the edge of this cuz this at. at this point that was like the song of. that year. >> Yes. >> But we had done it so much. It had been. covered so much so quickly. It was truly. a phenomenon of that time. >> You know, this song has got a Guinness. World Record. >> Yes.

>> You know, um, >> so I never in a million years would have. thought that, you know, I would have. written anything, you know what I'm. saying, like to that magnitude, you. know? Um, so we just kind of wanted to strip the. song down. >> to. give it grace, you know what I mean? And. not to overindulge. in ourselves or overexploit, I mean, the. success that we were having. As a matter. of fact, we did a couple of things like. that. Like in Europe, you know, this.

song was crazy was number one for I want. to say several weeks even before we even. signed a record deal because everything. happened independently. the song leaked. out and it went to number one in Europe. uh due to digital downloads alone and it. is we have a a Guinness record for that. as well. >> Wow. >> Um so that's never been done in history. and it almost beat um the reigning. champion uh Queen Bohemian Rap City you.

know uh I think which which was like. nine weeks or something like that at. number one. almost beat it and could. have beat it, but Dan Jas is a savvy. dude and individual. I wasn't even. concerned about that, you know. Um, but. he was right. Uh, he was like, "No, let's take it down." Cuz I mean, like, >> who we we we got one record. We We may. not ever have a record like this again. You don't want this to be the one record. that destroys a legacy. Like, come on, man. We We could never be better than. Freddy Mercury and Queen. I'm like, you're right. Don't want to be like.

wasn't even trying to compete or compare. in any kind of way. of course not. >> And that was just so bold and brazen. It. gave so much more rock credibility that. we would but it was also selfless. >> and and and um and honorable, you know. what I mean? >> Yeah. >> Um. >> cuz I don't think anybody had ever heard. your I mean they it's like but that's. him singing but to hear it like that to. hear no instrumentations over it and to. just hear your vocals. Also, also I tell.

you why I and I was just forgetting. about this. During the time, do you. remember an artist named Moby? >> Yeah, I do. Yeah. >> Okay. So, Moby was this cool white gimm. dissed him. >> Yeah. Yeah, [laughter] he did. >> Um, but he was having that hitord. >> Uh, so it was like some old sample mixed. with something modern. Um, and it was. kind of it was fantastic,

>> right, >> for that time. So, Danas had just done a. mixtape called The Gray Album, which was. a mashup of the Beatles white album and. Jay-Z's black album. Okay, so call it. the Gray album. Right. >> So, initially they thought that Crazy. was one of those type of mashups. They. thought that my vocal was an old soul. vocal from yester year. >> and he just put a beat on it. >> and there you have it. >> So I think that was an opportunity that. we just took this and said no the guy.

really sings it. >> F you. How'd you come up with that? How. did you I mean you know. >> All right. So. >> were you having one of those moments? >> All right. So yeah. Yeah. Because All. right. this we had the success of Nars Barkley. Yeah. I didn't have a solo deal, >> right? >> And they were like, "Okay, we got to get. this guy a deal, >> right?". >> So, I did this big huge deal. They were. like, "What do you want?" I was like, "I.

want to record in Miami, >> right?". >> So, I got my crew together, shipped my. cars out there, wanted to big house out. there, and set up all the equipment. We. off to Miami for a couple of months for. that summer, I think. and I recorded. maybe like 40 to 60 songs. Wow. And um I. couldn't I wasn't nailing it with with. them. Um so I end up giving that music. away uh with a a mixtape called Straight. Bullets. Well, some of it. I still got a.

lot of stuff that's just unreleased. >> And um. >> they introduced I go to I go to LA to. record. >> I got introduced to Bruno. >> Bruno Mars. >> Bruno Mars. [clears throat] So, they. were uh kind of like being introduced as. Phil and Bruno. Then it was his writing. partner, Phil Lawrence. >> Okay. >> Love both of these guys. >> and uh so funny uh so charming, but I. didn't know him, >> you know. So, it was going to be my. first time kind of like opening up and.

sharing my creative space with somebody. I didn't know, >> but it was my ANR Mike Karen. It was his. idea to say, "Man, maybe you guys would. could could come up with something. together, >> right?" And like again like he's another. genius type, you know what I mean? Megamind on the executive level. >> because he's he's around already ahead. of the curve about a lot of stuff. He. saw Bruno before anybody else did. You. mean like you know? >> So with that. uh we go in the studio and I'm like all. right. I played him some stuff I was. working with and we just have some.

general conversations and I was like I. don't know if I like the vibe. So I said. I'll be right back. I'm going to use the. restroom. And I just left and I I never. came back, which was, you know, disrespectful. Yeah. >> But I wasn't trying to be disrespectful. Um, and I didn't I didn't realize that. So, I apologized to them. Make a long. story short, we end up getting back. together again. They were gracious, but. he said, "Okay, man, but this time, can. you come over to our spot?". >> Yeah. >> And I was like, "All right." So, I went. to a spot that they had, and every time.

I'm I'm out in LA, I ride past it. because I don't know if it's there. I I. doubt he still uses that place anymore. >> Mhm. >> But um. I walk in the door and he says, "So I. got this idea now. Check it out. You. know, hear me out. I see you driving. around town with the girl I love. [ __ ]. you.". But he said, "But I don't know if I want. to say [ __ ] you. I don't know if it's. bump you, forget you, never mind you, riding around town, cruise around town.". So we was kind of going with the right. phrasing. And I I eventually said I mean.

excuse me I immediately said I love it. because to answer your question I wanted. to spite the record label. >> Mhm. >> I said if y'all don't like the music. that I'm doing then drop me. I mean like. I'm thinking I'm going to get dropped. because of this record. >> You know what I mean? So I did it to be. absurd and ridiculous and disrespectful. to the label. The whole story line with. the song is fictitious obviously, you. know, but yeah, I I thought it was to me.

it meant it represent a big chunky to. the label in in the industry. >> It was one of your biggest songs. >> and it been the biggest song. I said, "Well, god damn." And that's the truth. >> Yeah. Launching Bruno Mar's career. I. mean, like you said, I don't know if. people know. I mean, he was a I think. he's from Hawaii and he's performing. with it, you know, from performing with. his band and he hadn't had the level of. success. Obviously, he's huge. is about. to go on tour now again with Anderson. Patch. Uh, but when you. >> did you know I mean what did you know.

about Bruno Mars? Did you know anything. about Bruno Mars? >> No, they were just cuz they were they. were being he wasn't they were being. introduced to me as Field and Bruno. That's the way they were referred to. >> So. um No, they hadn't done anything. And I. think that they were just kind of. writers and producers and doing stuff. here and there and. >> moonlighting around and um. >> but had a good vibe, had some some good. ears and good instincts and. >> you know um the label thought enough of. them to introduce them to me, you know,

at the time and. >> I basically befriended them and I felt. like I was kind of I didn't know them. from anything else. So I felt like I was. taking them under my wing, you know what. I mean? um and allowing him to you know. apprentice me you know if you will. >> and so. so you know one of his earlier songs. just the way you are he wrote that for. me that was supposed to be my. >> that's what I was like and I was about. to ask you that song is 21 times. platinum. >> and he wrote it for you why did you turn.

it down. >> cuz I don't really like R&B [laughter]. >> also forel Williams wrote happy. >> for me It. >> what can I say, man? I uh. >> It just wasn't meant to be seen. >> It wasn't meant to be. Well, just the. way you I felt like it was too soft and. some other [ __ ] [laughter] like I'm like. it it ain't for me. And um he did it and. it goes on to be but it worked for him.

>> You know what I mean? Yes. And I'm I'm. I'm always willing to win, lose or draw. by my decision and integrity. You know. what I'm saying? Like, you know, I'll do. something off the wall and left field, but if I love it, you know what I'm. saying? You feel me? Like, I'm committed. to it. It is what it is. Win, lose, or. draw. And I I live to fight another day. no regrets about not not doing those. song. >> because when I look at happy I'm like. I'm trying to because you know a lot of. times we've heard a lot of a lot of like.

movie roles that such and such turned it. down and you and you try to go back and. envision and play in your head like man. could he could could that have guy could. that lady or guy done this role justice. or you hear songs well he wrote he wrote. that song for her or she wrote that song. it's hard for me to imagine after. hearing the original artist sing it even. though they wrote it for someone else. that someone else would have I don't. know how how with your voice I don't. know how it would have played obviously. you can sing. >> yeah I could have sung it and I did I.

did I did a version of it. >> um. >> but like I I didn't I didn't love it you. know what I'm saying. >> and so you got to love it because you. got to be passion. >> I got to love it and but we ended up. doing another song that I liked a lot. more called the other side so I'm the. only uh feature on that on that first. album right do wops and hooligans. >> wow Um, and then with with Farel, he he. came I was recording Lady Killer and he. came to um to the Bahamas to see me.

>> Yeah. >> And. the way that he pitched that record to. me was like, "Yo, I'm doing the. Despicable Me soundtrack and you know, here's a record idea that I have and I. want you to sing it." And so he played. it for him. I'm like, "Cool." But in my. mind, I'm thinking this child's play. I'm like, "Okay, it's for a kids movie, right?" you know, I didn't really know. how to really take it but so seriously. I'm like, "All right." So, but I'm here. to do another project, so I I'll get to. that. You know what I'm saying? Like, and we'll do it. >> U because I love Forel and I'm saying. all of these things respectfully.

>> Um, so, but when he decided to keep it for. himself and make it a single, um, he had. come to the label for clearances and I. didn't I didn't get the memo. You know. what I'm saying? If I had have known. that it was something that he felt that. strongly about, I would have done it. personally for him. For him, you know. what I'm saying? >> Um, >> but then, you know, I feel like his. generosity, you know, and selflessness. is what made that song the success that. it is, cuz he was willing to give it all.

up. >> But the catch to it is. >> he owns 100% of it, right? >> You know what I mean? So, he wrote it. and produced it. So, I I just would have. been working for him to sing the song. You know what I mean? >> Yeah. You You wouldn't have got no You. wouldn't got You got a little bread out. of it, right? >> I'm I'm sure we would have negotiated. something, but I'm I'm I'm trying to. almost like speak from a technical. logistical perspective where people can. kind of see what ends up being these. determining factors or how the esteem is. curbed, you know what I'm saying? Or the.

enthusiasm is is curbed. It's like I I. you know what can you Yeah. >> You created a song for Robin Williams. You said, "Life reminds me of Robin. Williams. We've got to laugh the pain. away. >> Yeah. So, I feel like, well, first of all, I. love Robin Williams. Uh, one of the. all-time favorite comedians, um, and all. time greats, >> one of the great actors because he has. range. People don't realize how because. they think he's just funny. He came to. life on Mor and Mindy, Happy Way. He.

started with the Happy Days and then he. got his own show Mor and Mindy and. people just think, "Oh, he's No, he had. incredible range." Oh, I I was in love. with him uh after Morgan Mindy and I for. some reason I always watched for him. >> Uh what what what's this guy up to? >> Uh and then I think the next big thing. he did behind after Mor. was Popeye. >> You remember that? >> Y. >> him and uh. >> and then what Shelley Dubal. >> Um and then there was another movie uh.

the world according to Garp. >> You know what I mean? >> Yep. Um, and I remember the the the the. commercial campaign. It was the the. music that was playing. It just reminded. me of him and it was When I'm 64 by the. Beatles, but I didn't know that that was. them. I just remember and anybody who. could you probably could go back and. find those commercials on YouTube. somewhere and you'll see it. But it. sounded that the music sounded so. whimsical like him. And I say if he's. going to be in it, it's probably going. to be good. So, you're right. uh what. dreams may come all the many things that.

he's done he's he's one of our all times. he's supreme yeah Robin Williams so when. he passed it was really hurtful for me. >> because I'm like it's like the the. laughter dies you know I mean like in so. much wisdom and so much you know um. so much color it's like everything just. goes black for a moment. >> and I'm like um the producer I was. working with on this record. he he had the idea but He kind of wrote. it and I was like, "That ain't really.

deep enough. You sound like a young kid. You got an idea." Um, I can't remember. his name. I'm sorry to be disrespectful. to him, but um I said, "You got the. right idea." I said, "But give me an. opportunity to to rewrite it for myself, >> right?". >> Uh, so I rewrote it and I personalized. it. I'm like, "Yeah, this is this is how. I feel. I feel about it.". >> And the video was amazing, too, you. know? So, a lot of people don't don't. know that record, you know, but but he. said something really great uh once. before. He said, "Man, like I laugh and. I want to make the world laugh because I.

know what it is to be in pain silently. >> And if I could, you know, help alleviate. that, you know what I'm saying? Like for. for people, then that would have been, you know what I'm saying? Like well. worth it. You know what I'm saying? >> Yes. >> And I was like, "Yeah, I can relate to. that.". >> You have a song with Offset and uh he. was recently shot. >> Where were you when you heard the news. that Offset had been shot? >> Was traveling. Um, you know, you see everything in in I. guess what seems like real time. So,

>> yeah. Yeah. No, no, no. That's my that's. my that's my baby brother. You know what. I'm saying? Like love to offset. Um, rest in peace to takeoff Quo. I love all. them boys. I mean, like because. >> um a business partner of mine, Danny. Zuk, and he was their manager. >> So, Danny Zuk is like my my my brother. as well. And when he adopted them, I. adopted them. You know what I mean? And. um and of course they had something so. special, so unmistakable. I said, "This. is to me, they were like the southern. dos effects,

>> you know, when they just ushered in a. whole new rap style and the entire, you. know, um industry had to emulate it. because it was just that dominant.". >> I mean, you you see Bruno and he made. light of the situation like, "Man, I've. been paid that debt off. You heard the. number of debt." Like, damn. And because. when it came out like ain't no way. somebody getting a hold that. for that. kind of bread and then you hear. everybody it it's funny to me and it's. not funny but it's normally when when. when somebody gets shot or something bad. happened to someone everybody send their.

wellw wishes well when offset got shot. man that I owe me $800 he owe me $1,500. he owe me 10 bands where the casino say. well he owe us $100 I was like well damn. what happened to to get well soon we. wish you well broke. >> they didn't give a damn [laughter]. they didn't give. >> I had never ever seen any seen or heard. anything like this. >> They didn't care. We care about you. though, bro. Man, get well, man. I hate. that happen to you, brother. >> Yeah. You mentioned earlier the Kanye. show and he invited you and you did some.

things and uh uh what was what was that. like to see Kanye back in his element? Cuz I look, he he said some things that. I don't necessarily agree with, but. there's no arguing. There's no denying. the talent from a from a from a a. creative side, from a producer side, from a a sing a rapper side. There's no. denying he's one of the historically. great. >> Absolutely. >> But I think I think it's kind of gotten. overshadowed by some of the things that. he said and some of the things that he's. done. And you know, and uh um Marcus.

Aurelius in his is uh is uh when he was. praising Julius Caesar when he's burying. Julius Caesar, he said, you know, the. good gets buried and the the evil the. bad gets to live on. And I think with. Kanye, even though how great he is, even. the bad things that he said has. outweighed, overshadowed the good that. he's done, which is unfortunate. >> Barry, >> um. [gasps]. I can't really speak in defense of his.

decisions. >> Yes. you know, um. I would like to think now. he's remorseful. >> Mhm. >> Um. because obviously the universe is still. showing him favor. >> Yeah. >> Um and I hope that we can be as. forgiving, you know, uh for someone in. their time of humanity. >> Uh maybe he was trying to make a point. Maybe there was some validity in what he.

was saying. >> Um, >> uh, we can all agree to disagree. Yes. >> Um, and there are things that, you know, >> you know, that are. meant to be politically correct or just. not spoken about at all. >> Correct. >> You know, but a political correctness is. not the whole truth, but the whole truth. ain't nobody business. Like, you know, like, you know, keep your personal. opinions to yourself. You know what I. mean? Entertained. >> because at the end of the day, uh, 50. said something very interesting. He. said, "No matter what opinion you what.

opinion you have, somebody's going to be. absolutely 1,000% opposed to it.". >> Absolutely. >> You're never going to find something you. say or something you do that's going to. make everybody happy. So, just. understand once you say it, >> somebody is going you're going to offend. or upset someone. >> Once you internally, it's your opinion. Once once it's publicized, it's your. politics. >> Yes. >> That's your politics. That's That's your. policy. >> I saw Dave Chappelle was at the show.

>> Yeah. >> He was he was with another homeboy of. mine, Ray. Okay. >> Uh from the stereotypes. What's up, Ray? >> U [laughter] he sent that clip to me. I. said, "Oh, man. He was in there uh uh. with Dave." I said, "That's cool." So, I. posted the clip that uh from from his. vantage point, right? >> But yeah, I didn't know I didn't know. who was in there, man. I didn't even. know I was going, man. He called me at. the at the spur of the moment. >> And you know, again, I tell you how that. that same the song came about. He. reached out to me uh early last year. around well yeah around this time last.

year. >> and um asked me could I um or would I be. interested to work with him like of. course. Yeah I mean. >> um and I actually put a post up on my on. my Instagram uh prior to that and I was. like yo yay I want to help you out man. like if you ever need anything from me. I'm I want to be at your service. So. anyway he called me out. I go to Japan, me and my son, uh, Lake. Uh, we go out. there and he didn't show up. >> Boy, that ain't the most Kanye thing. ever. [laughter].

>> Hello. I know that man didn't get you to. go way to Japan. >> I was so mad. >> Hold on, CEO. I know this man didn't. have you and your son get on a plane. Go. way to Japan. Well, in his defense, he called me and. said, "Yo, my wife has gotten sick or. something." This was around Grammy time. of of 2025. My wife got sick out here. >> She got sick when you landed in Japan. before. >> before. So, [laughter].

we bumped into each other cuz we were. all in LA at the Grammys. Yes. You know. what I'm saying? So, we saw each other. So, I'm going to see you later. >> All right. So, we we leave there going. to Japan. >> and we get out there. I think we were. out there a day or so. >> Yeah. and I'm think he going to pull up. He's like, "Yo, man, I'm not going to be. able to make it, man. The wife got sick. of this, that, and the third, man. I. apologize, man." And at first I was just. kind of like at a loss for words. I. didn't really know what to say cuz I'm. like, "What do I do?" And I mean, like, you know, we just going to be out there. for the week. Um, and I, you know, I'll.

admit to you, I got upset. >> Yeah, I can imagine. >> I definitely got upset. I called the. wife. I said, "Man, what should I do?" I. mean, like, what should I do? Um, and. she was like, she said, "Listen, >> just take it as an opportunity, you know. what I mean, to. >> see the culture. >> To see the culture. You You've never. gone to Japan and travel abroad with. your son. Just domestically. Use it as a. paid vacation. Go see the culture. >> And then [clears throat] also, let's not. forget, you have full access to the.

studio. >> So, with that being said, I was like, you know what? I'll do that.". >> Okay. Um, and then, um, you know, how he. works is he had a list of things that he. was kind of looking to do. >> Yeah. >> So, I probably did something to every. song on the album. >> So, it would be like, okay, this needs a. a hook right here. Oh, this needs a. lyric change or I want to add two bars. right here, but I don't really know if. you got two bars you can fill in for. that to complete that thought, right?

You know, just try something. So it was. all kind of little, >> you know, um, >> paperclip stuff of what he wanted to see. done. >> So what I did was I did everything. I. did everything he asked me. I was a. counselor professional and then some. I. did some some [ __ ] he didn't ask me to. do. >> Yeah. >> You know, and in other we just kicked at. some good food and. >> right. >> massages and what's that stuff we was. drinking? Matcha. [laughter]. [gasps]. >> You know what I'm saying? Sushi all day.

I can't eat no sushi no more. But we had. fun. >> Yeah. >> And then you never know how things work. out. A year later, >> they want to put the record out because. a version of this album came out and I. wasn't on that version so it leaked out. and whatever happened with it and I. said, "Oh, I guess that's it." You know. what I mean? Um, and I moved on from it. because I'm not really one to hold. grudges for too long. >> So. yeah, the um they called me. Hey man, I. want to thank you for for being a part.

of the record. Mhm. >> Um, and yeah, it's one of my my favorite. records, the one that the one that we. did together. >> And people don't know, we got a long. history. Kanye produced uh two records. on the um Goody Mom's album World Party. >> Really? >> But we didn't know it was him. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Wow. Cuz he was working with uh Derek. Dangelleti at the time. So we thought it. was him, but it was really some Kanye. tracks, >> right? >> So yeah. Um but that but that's it. And. so then he asked me, I said, "Look, man.

Hey, congratulations. Good to see you. back, baby. Loving it. Um, if you ever. need anything from me, man, I'm here for. you. >> Right. >> He's like, "Okay, well, you can you come to LA tomorrow?". [laughter]. >> And I was like, "He really like working. last minute, doesn't he?". >> He do. He do. I said, "I don't know." I. actually had some I had some stuff. planned, right? I had a whole event I. was about to be doing in Atlanta for 404. day. >> Yeah. So, but we talked and I was like,

the wife again, shout out to Shnie, uh, >> that's opportunity. >> She was like, it's opportunity. You know. what I mean? I said, okay. >> And we got we got it done and I left her. >> the next day. So, I was supposed to be. on both shows, >> right? >> Uh, but we didn't get there in time. enough to rehearse uh. >> and go through the exercise of the. harness and, you know, Yeah. >> they had to they had to make sure they. safeguard that situation. As you can. see, it was pretty. It was the most.

beautiful and elaborate stage that. production was unbelievable I've ever. seen. >> It's amazing. And on that, you know, it's merited. You mean like that he's. one of our most influential. >> um most unconventional, you know, man, creative geniuses, you know, and I'm I'm. I'm big enough to say that. I'm big. enough my brother. I'm big enough to do. it. I mean, like, >> yeah, >> it was great. It was phenomenal to be. asked, invited, included, you know, I. mean, like, and a part of like, I mean, I'm I'm humbled and hey, man, I just.

separate my church. I stayed on that, you know what I mean? And let the. [ __ ] blow in the breeze. >> Yeah. [clears throat]. >> I recently read that Kanye got zero. publishing royalties from through the. wire. Shaka Khan's uh David Foster, Tom. King, Cynthia Wales took 100% of the. publishing right as part of the sample. clearance. >> I can see that. >> So he So, in other words, that means he. didn't get it cleared from them. Well, what happens? He definitely got it. clear. It would have been it wouldn't it. wouldn't come out. >> No, it would have been a legal suit,

right? >> So, what happens is when you use a. master usage, a master sample, you. sample the So, the all the musicians, the writers, >> so everybody would need to have sign up. on. >> Absolutely. So, that's what happens. But. you could do it, you could do a replay. or interpolation. Am I pronouncing that. right? Interpolation. You know what I. mean? Um, so there's different. variables, you know, that come out of. that tax. You know what I'm saying? But. a master sample uh with the with the the. voice of M Shaka Khan as well. Yeah.

>> Yeah. You got to you got to pay for it. >> No doubt. >> Damn. He ain't get I mean that that song. was hot, but everybody knew it was it. was Shaka Khan through the through the. through the you know. >> Absolutely. >> He freaked it though. He did. And that's. happened a couple of times in in in. record. Uh. >> so that's common, huh? >> Yeah, it can be. Oh, >> but some but but then again sometimes. it's worth paying for. >> Yeah. >> You know, um a replay or something like. that, it might not have the same. >> spirit. You know what I mean?

>> He did it justice. >> Yeah. >> Writing. where do you like do you like writing. for other people? >> I do. >> I enjoy it more. You know, I can I can. be a like I still get nervous to do. stuff. I'm nervous now. You know what I. mean? Like, you know, like [laughter] I. just I I'm I'm just quiet and subdued. and and chill in real life, man. Like, you know, >> you know, on TV is this over-the-top, you know, my outrageous personality. And. for some reason, I'm just comfortable on. stage to do that. You know what I mean?

Like, u. >> uh I am a entertainer, you know what I'm. saying? Like, but um office hours, man. Like, when I'm when I be done with it, I'm done with it, man. I'm at the house. looking at YouTube, whatever I'm doing. >> You know what I'm saying? So, no. To. answer your question, I could just write. for people. I could just write and. produce because I really enjoy to do. that too. >> But then you don't get to do what you. you good at, which is perform. >> True. Somebody will come and get me. Somebody will come get me out the house. because like you know wearing on the. street is I put on a show a good show.

>> You put on a great show. Were you T. paying before T pay? Because I asked I. asked P. I had pain on the show. I said. bro with a voice like that bro why. didn't you just do He said ain't no. money in that. I said, "Bro, you don't. need autotunes." I said, "Your voice is. impeccable. They ain't there ain't Hey, I don't know. if they're there five men singing right. now. That voice is better than Payne's.". It's true. I He said, "Ain't no money.". He said, "I just needed a gimmick.". >> And he say, "Hey, it worked out well for. me." And it's hard to argue.

>> He kept it so real, didn't he? >> He did. Cuz I I had cuz I had Cuz prior. to me, I just thought he was a rapper. I. didn't know. I was like, "Damn, he using. autotunes." But then when he started. doing covers, I the first cover I saw. him do was Sam Cook, A Change Going. Come. And then he started doing more. I. was like, he can really effing sing. It's kind of. like what I I call um comic a comedic. approach. >> Okay? >> You know, um. >> it's like if you like it, I'm serious.

If you don't, I'm just joking with you, right? >> Can you see what I'm saying? And I think. that's the way a lot of talented. individuals have kind of soft shoo their. way in. Okay. You know, let's say Jamie. Fox and like you would put singing. inside of his comedic set stand up. Yes. >> And before you know like, oh, but you. can really sing. >> You know, he's one who could actually. really sing. >> Um Tommy Davidson, you know, from Living. Color can really sing. >> Um. >> you could tell when he's doing You.

remember Varnell from Martin? >> Yeah. Uh, Jack Black. Yeah. You know what I'm. saying? Like, you know, to say I'm. there's no cultural bias. I'm just I'm. fans of all of these people. I love Jack. Black. I love Tenacious D and stuff like. that, man. Like, he's so supremely. talented, you know? So, yeah. I I think. that's but but everybody has their their. kind of forms because like to sing is is. it's like stripping stripping down to. your soul, you know what I mean? Like, so there's a a vulnerability. >> um in doing that. You mean like because.

you're just subjected then to unpopular. opinion and and scrutinism and. everything. You know what I mean? Like. cuz again when you open up your mouth. somebody ain't going to like it. Not. everybody going to like it. That goes. along with singing too. >> Yes. >> So yeah. >> What artists are similar? Who who do you. look at today as like okay you see a. little bit of yourself in? >> Um. I definitely see some of myself in Bruno. Mars. I see some of myself in Allison. Park. Mhm. >> Um I see some of myself at Lizo. Who.

else is super duper dope? That's what. comes to mind. >> Yeah. Top my head. >> Acting. Do you want to do more acting. projects? >> I do. I do. Cuz if I can't do nothing. else, I can act like I can act. [laughter]. >> No. So, I only did one thing and I was. actually talking to my agent recently. and we were talking about it. He was. like, "Man, like, you know, maybe this. is the year for you to kind of step out. and venture more out into that, you. know, that that field and get your feet. wet more with that.".

>> And so, I had only done one one thing. I've done a lot of voice over work. >> Yeah. You were Trans Hotel Transylvania, Boone Dogs, American Dad. I was on. American Dad also. They killed me off. I. was killed off in like two minutes. >> That's funny, man. >> I was about I was an alien hunter. >> Oh, wow. [laughter]. >> So, I've done that boondock. Yeah. You. said boondock. Yeah, >> it was amazing. So, uh, no, ju just to. answer your question, of course I would, man. Um, I don't know what I would do, but. >> I'm sure they they'll figure out. something for me. >> You mentioned a lot, uh, about your.

wife, um, and and how she's been very. influential. Um, you went to Japan and. Kanye supposed to meet you in Japan and. he didn't show up and you like. frustrating like and she's like, "Look, take it take advantage. You got your. son. You guys have never really traveled. abroad. Enjoy the culture. Enjoy your. time there. There are other situations. you know Kanye call you at the very last. minute to say do babe go do that. Um. this is your second marriage. >> What did you learn from your first. marriage that you were able to take play. take in this marriage and says okay this.

is how I'm going to make this one. successful. >> Patience. Patience. Uh. patience and pace. You know I mean what. it say pace wins the race. >> Yeah. >> Just rock steady. You know what I mean? Um. >> we've got time. And we've got time to. grow, mature, um, become the best versions of ourselves. because of each other. >> Yes. >> You know what I mean? >> But it's definitely about being as whole. as you could possibly be coming into a. situation. And we both had been divorced.

before and um, you know, it was really. no rush, no pressure. You know what I'm. saying? Like and also the caveat of. friendship. >> Okay. >> You know what I mean? Like you got to be. able to talk and have some real talk. You know what I'm saying? Like you also. have to then that would basically. represent the church and state you know. inside of a of you know your internal. affairs you say your relationship with. that person. You got to be friends. I. mean I I I firmly believe that you. almost got to like somebody more than. you love them. >> Yes. >> Yeah. >> Because I think the thing is and uh I've.

never been married but I do know this. getting together is easy. You got to. work to stay together. >> for sure. >> You don't have to work to get together. That's that's the easy part cuz they you. know everybody send their representation. of themselves. Oh he's so fun. Oh, she's. so lovely. Oh, she likes this. She likes. that. But once you dig down and you find. out who each person is, now I got to. work to stay with you because we have. access to so much. It's easy to say just. epic now. >> Yeah. >> Our parents and grandparents, man, they. stuck that thing out.

>> Yes, they did. >> They like. >> they did. >> LIKE YOU STAY WHY YOU STAY with for this. [laughter] now? >> We out. >> You come home. What? Like like you said, you see what you said with with that. situation with Chris Brown. Oh yeah. divor divorce pay when she got there. that have been outside. >> Definitely divorce on that one. [laughter]. >> Definitely. >> I couldn't handle that one. >> But the thing is that even though you. got divorced. and I think your your first wife had. kids and you still take care of them. You still a very intricral part in their.

life. >> Yeah. Well, they were the the family that I. needed. I had just lost my mom, you know. what I mean? And um you know I felt as. if they were a divine intervention. I. mean like that um. >> and also I'm a family man you know um. >> I had included them you know in all that. I was doing through that time. Like so. my wife was in all of the first videos.

>> Yeah. >> The kids in the videos like you know so. we just doing it together like you know. um like the Partridge family. You know. what I'm saying? So, you know, I'm I'll. probably throw some old references out. there just to let you know how long. we've been around. You be like, "Yeah, I. don't even know nothing about the. Proctor family like stuff like that that. >> driving around in that bus.". >> Yeah. Yeah. You know, I all of that. stuff was cool to me as a kid. So, >> no, man. And um. >> Yeah. No. No. So, no man, it's it's the. easy part is to just be loving. You know. what I mean?

>> Yes. >> Yeah. >> Your outfits um for a lot of people say, "Man, your outfits, bro, you you you. looking demonic in them outfits, man. Come on. what what you got going on and. and hear you how in how insightful you. are and see how like you're firmly. rooted like you don't you're not in. somebody's face with your religion but. you're a man of faith. >> Absolutely. >> And so and and I think people appreciate. that. But when you hear people talk. about you're like bro it's just an. outfit. It ain't it ain't that deep. >> It is man. It it's like I [snorts] wish. there was just more inclusion. I wish I.

wish our culture really looked upon. other um expressions and art forms, you. know what I mean? Like and could be able. to identify or adopt some of the other, you know, I mean, like the things that. are done more naturally, more normally, you know what I mean? Like um. >> cuz I do, you know, I mean, like I like. rock music. >> Yes. >> I like glam. I like uh pageantry. You. know what I'm saying? Like, you know, I. see myself as an alternative artist, as.

a um a renaissance, you know what I. mean? Like, I don't just rap the same. [ __ ] over and over again. I just don't. do it. I mean, like, there's enough. people doing it. I mean, like, and it's. almost like. >> if you want me to be the same, you would. only be creating your own competition, >> right? >> Cuz then what if I want what you want as. much as you want and then I want it more. than you? You know what I'm saying? Like, >> and then I go get it, then you going to. feel some type of way about me. >> So, going to let me do something else. [laughter]. Just be glad I ain't in your way and I. ain't eat I ain't eating your food.

>> You feel me? >> Yes. Your uh your your lady uh she has a. woman gun gun club. >> Yeah. The lady the lady [clears throat]. killers. >> Yeah. That's what they call. >> Yeah. >> Let me find out. She got a drum. She got. a drum on her. [laughter]. >> Yes. >> Damn. YOU GOT A DRUM. OH, YOU TALKING. ABOUT HEY, don't say nothing now. You. know. >> So, might have what your granny used to. tell your butt up with a switch on that. thing, too. Okay, [laughter] straight. up. >> She's She's smiling over there at the.

cut. >> Spank that B. >> Why Why do you think it was so important. for her to establish, you know, establish a gun club, teach women how to. handle guns, how to uh uh uh clean a. gun, how to fire a firearm properly? >> It is um [snorts]. a skill and trade that she acquired over. time. You know, we were talking about it. because we actually live out in the. woods, so we live on a ranch. Um my son is also a range officer too. Okay. You know, so we are.

>> arms enthusiasts. I'm saying like, you. know, and that's our lifestyle beyond. industry. I mean, like, you know, we're. naturalist. >> Uh um. National Rifle. >> You hunt? Y'all hunt? >> I ain't killed none yet. [laughter]. >> But time, huh? >> But we've been talking about doing that. That was going to be something that me. me and my son went to do. >> Okay. cuz um you know I I believe uh you. know in sport to some degree but I I. don't believe in really praying on the.

week. You know what I'm saying? You feel. like now somebody got to really deserve. know I'm saying like. >> some of that being from me. >> that little dear he ain't in that to me. man. [laughter]. >> Okay like so but but no just just just. to be serious about that like I think. that it's essential I think it's. imperative for women to be educated like. in arms uh and self-defense. Y. >> um I said this is a campaign that you. could. >> get behind, you know what I mean? Um.

>> and empower others, you know what I'm. saying? Like with information and and. ability, you know, learn, trained, uh. you know, acquired knowledge, you know. what I'm saying? So, >> um she's one of those people that once. she commits herself to, you know, to a. cause, you know, she's committed to, I. mean, like to the finish. >> Yeah. And um that's one of her um. strongest traits and qualities. I can. really appreciate that about her and my. son too. They both are very committed.

people. >> Right. You know Super Bowl coming to the. A. >> Mhm. >> Uh we saw the situation in Atlanta. You. saw Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Fib M, Mary J. It was it was great. That doesn't mean. that automatically because we just saw. the Super Bowl in New Orleans and and. and uh No Limit or or Masterpiece, I. mean Cash Money, none of those guys. performed. But what would that mean if. you know Hoes reached out and wanted to. get the Dungeon Family or get uh you.

know get you guys up there to do. something cuz you you've been in the. Super Bowl. You did you performed with. Madonna. >> What was that? Because I think people. don't understand what what is that. experience like to be up there and know. you got 100 plus million people watching. you. >> A lot of the times I answer these. questions very humbly, you know, and. nonchalantly because I'm just like. >> I've been such a fan of these people, you know what I mean? >> And I've had the pleasure of being. acknowledged by so many great. individuals, iconic individuals. So for.

Miss Madonna to ask me to be a part of. her six minute set for the Super Bowl. halftime is. it's amazing. You know it's an amazing. opportunity. >> Um and I'm there to be a student saying. cuz I also believe that the secret to. success is just remaining teachable, >> right? >> So I'm going to go through that humbly. and do my part, >> right? >> Um um but to answer the question, oh I. will be down to do it. You know what I'm. saying? Like in a minute. Now we can get. Andre 3000 at the house to do it. That's.

another question. >> Don't do he don't do much not do it. >> He don't do it. He He won't do it at. all. You know I mean like. >> um but he he's reserves the right to do. whatever it feels like. I mean like and. that we all respect, >> you know. Um I I I most certainly. respect it, you know, >> cuz he said like, "Bro, I'm I'm in my. 50s or late 40s and early 50s. What I'm. rapping about? I I I don't got nothing. in common with what y'all talking about. I that ain't that ain't my life no more. >> Yeah, I heard him. I [laughter] heard.

him. But again, when I told you I'm. always in a dilemma of like, is. something a troll? You know what I mean? Like, are you going to set us up and you. just going to bust out with a full rap. album at some point? Give me three more. years, I'm going to do it. You know what. I mean? Like, but I think he's curated, you know, >> a um a cult following around just him. >> You know what I mean? Like, um not even. to mention the Outcast, right? the. outcasts included, right? Um of where if. and when he decides to do something,

anything, people will line up for it for. sure. >> They'll be and I mean like and to be. able to to do that, you mean like you. know, >> you know, you could teach classes on. that, you know, I mean, of that kind of. staying power, you know, um and. discipline. So, yeah. >> Nelly said the 2000s was the toughest. era of hip-hop because he mentioned. himself and Luda and Hoveve and DM Max. and all those guys. Do you believe that. was the toughest era of hip-hop? >> It was definitely competitive and I I. know how he meant that.

>> Um, but. I think they were they were the major. leagues. You know what I'm saying? Like. I felt like, you know, Goody Mob and. what we were doing was like the Negro. Leagues, you know what I'm [laughter]. saying? >> So our concern, our mantra was. different. I'm saying like we weren't. even in we knew I felt like we were. incomparable. Yes. >> Throughout that time like so we weren't. going for um a competitiveness. We were.

going for a coexistence cuz we just. wanted to be counted as a south. You. know what I'm saying? >> Yes. Yes. Absolutely. >> So that was it. >> We heard a lot of people over the last. I'm going to get out of here shortly. Um. couple more minutes. Your catalog. >> You sell your catalog cuz we see a lot. of people selling their catalog. Some. people like nah that's what I'm going to. pass that down to the kids. Where are. you on on selling your catalog? >> I still have it. Um, you have to pass. down the information on how to.

protect, you know, and. bring worth to bring awareness and bring. worth, you know what I mean? Like and I. think that sometimes it can work to your. disadvantage because. >> you know the industry is racketed if you. know what I mean if for for lack of a. better word I mean like so. >> you're going to hold it for when and for. who you know I mean like because if they. want to ostracize your publishing. completely I mean ain't nothing you can. do about it. >> I'm going to assume that they could you.

know what I mean? >> You mean and you sitting on something. that's really not that valuable. the. everything has to listen the difference. between something old and something. antique is the appreciation. If you. appreciate something it will appreciate. in value. So you got to work it. You. understand? And that's the difference. between product and product placement. You could just have some product you. don't own 100% of nothing but you got to. put that product where people can see. it. It's accessible to them and want to. pay a premium for it. I mean like so. those are brand synergies that you do.

with licensing and syncs and things of. that nature. And there are companies. that specify, you know, I mean, like. that is their expertise, >> right? >> Uh that's their lane. Um so I believe in. partnership, you know what I mean? Like. because. >> most people most independents. their concern is more more or less uh. splitting the reward. Never as concerned. about splitting the risk. >> Right. Yes. >> You understand what I'm saying?

>> I do. Absolutely. I do. So I believe in. having those partners that you know. would protect the whole pie for the sake. of their peace. You know what I mean? Like the piece that they own may be an. incentive may be the incentive of the. end all beall. >> to keep the value for the entirety. >> but you got to protect the whole thing. right you know I mean [clears throat]. like that's what you call insurance. >> You have a new album Nars Barkley album. out called Atlanta. >> Yes. >> What what what can we expect from this. album? What what what does this album.

entail? Well, it was the third and final album. I didn't I didn't even really know if we. would make it to three. Um, and it's been 18 years since since our. last release. >> Wow. >> It's our last final album. Um, so it was. really bittersweet. Uh maybe he doesn't. want me to say because Danger Mouse is. much more demure uh and discreet and. private than I am, but I really want to. celebrate his life right now cuz he's. having he's having uh quite a moment um.

uh in his personal life. You just having. being married for the first time, having. a child for the first time. And so. that's where his focus is. And quite. honestly, he's not a traveling musician. He's a producer. Mhm. >> Once he produces, you know what I'm. saying? Like let you know his job is. done. So. >> the. meteoric success of Narles Barkley's. first uh debut album, it took us all. over the world for like 10 years. straight. >> Wow. >> You know, and quite frankly, he didn't.

want to he didn't want to do it again, right? You know what I mean? But I'm a. road dog. You know what I'm saying? All. I do is travel. You like travel. I enjoy. to do it. You know what I mean? >> Um so I'm going to keep going. Um, and. we also wanted to uh to pay a homage to. the city of Atlanta because people don't. realize this, but Brian Burton, Danger. Mouse, he's born and raised in Atlanta, too. You know what I mean? >> Yes. >> And we wanted Atlanta to finally feel.

included and be able to claim uh Norley. as its own. Right. This this particular. venture was born here, too. >> Right. You returned to the boys for a. few episodes. What was it like going. back? >> Now, that's when I get a chance to get. everything that I enjoy all in one. Yeah. >> I get a chance to be fabulous. You know. what I'm saying? Like I can wear my my. cool little outfits and stuff. >> I get a chance to talk and mentor about. music uh and be um you know,

instrumental in the aiding and abetting. of some young talent that's got. potential. Try this, do this. So, I I. like that feeling too. I like being an. OG. >> Um, >> and. yeah. So, and then um it's great. consistent work to be that's where I. belong on network television, man. Get. money, man. You know what I'm saying? >> When when uh Snoop Dogg, do you give. Snoop Dogg any advice about how to have. that situ cuz he's on there now?

>> Snoop, you when you were just mentioning. 50 Cent earlier, I I love to hear 50. talk. He's one of the most eloquent and. profound. >> um young cats doing his thing, right? I. love it to hear what he has to say. >> Snoop is another one of those um people. I remember when Snoop first started, he. was very shy. >> Yeah. >> You know, man, but he's grown into uh. quite uh. >> bigger big personality. Absolutely. I. mean, he's doing something I mean, the. mere fact that he's doing something with. Martha Stewart. Who would have picked. those two? That duo? Yo, so a lot of. people liking his career to mine because.

he's been able to be uh in all of these. really uh unique spaces where nobody. else is allowed, you know what I mean? Like and I've been a chance to kind of. like be welcomed in those rooms, too. So, yeah, Snoop is one of my favorites. He he, you know, but I don't got no. advice for him. He's he's done great. >> Yeah, he's he's done real great. >> CEO, thanks for stopping by, bro. For. sure. CEO Green. [applause]. Be sure to come to the hottest. restaurant in Atlanta for some of the.

best Asian fusion food you'll have. Thank you again, Loki, for hosting us. for this episode of Club Shake Sh. Grinding all my life, sacrifice, hustle, [music] paid the price, want a slice, got to roll the dice. That's why all my. life I've been grinding all my life. All. my life been [music] grinding all my. life. Sacrifice, hustle, paid the price. Want a slice [music] to rolling dice. That's why all my life I've been. grinding all my life.