Nick Cannon on Mariah Carey, Jamie Foxx, Dave Chappelle, Eddie Murphy, Bow Wow & Wild 'n Out

The tattoo, you still got the tattoo? Or. you covered it up? It's still back there. Come on, you. can't do that. It's Jesus is on the top. of it now. Jesus is hanging on to the M and the. eight. Have you ever had a relationship. where they say, "Nick, you got you got. to get you got to get rid of that, bro.". >> Oh, well, you can't necessarily you have. to look real close and ain't nobody. behind me. Mariah can still still see that it say. Mariah. If I got to tell her, "It's. still back there.".

>> Hello, welcome to another episode of. Club Shay Shay. I am your host, Shannon. Sharpe. I'm also the proprietor of Club. Shay Shay. We would first like to thank. Double Barrel and The Whiskey Shelf for.

having us today's episode of Club Shay. Shay. If you're in Beverly Hills, come. by for a drink in this elegant lounge. Now, on to today's episode. Stopping by. for conversation and a drink today, he's. a cultural icon, a phenom, and a true. pioneer. He's a media mogul that's built. an empire. He's the youngest chairman in. TV history. He's the youngest staff. writer in TV history. He's been in the. spotlight for almost 30 years. A. renowned superstar in all areas of show. business. A jack of all trades, a man of. multiple talents, a highly successful. performer, prolific host, a talented.

producer, an actor, musician, songwriter, screenwriter, rapper, DJ, director, presenter, comedian, creator, singer, radio and TV personality, and an. author. He's an active and a. philanthropist, a creative genius with. an entrepreneurial force. He's helped so. many entertainers and creators become. household names. A proud father, here he. is, Mr. Incredible, Nick Cannon. >> Wow. The treat was all mine, it's me, man. Thank you. >> got to toast that. We got to toast With. the Lord's tonic.

>> Bro, thanks for stopping by. We really. appreciate your time. >> It's long overdue, man. We was. >> Uh, let's let's let's go all all the way. back. >> Let's do it. >> Your upbringing. >> Yeah. >> Raised by your grandparents. >> Yeah, yeah. >> Um, normally when that happens, parents. get divorced or parents were became. young parents. >> Yeah. >> So, your case. >> is the latter. My parents were teenagers. when they had me. >> Wow. >> Yeah, yeah. I saw my I went to my dad's. high school graduation. >> What? >> Yeah, yeah, yeah. We got pictures and.

everything. Like, um, but I mean, it was. a beautiful upbringing because not take. anything away from my parents cuz they. were definitely involved. >> kids themselves. >> Yeah, but I was saying. my grandmother raised us all. You know. what I mean? It was my father's mother. So, he went off to, you know, become a minister in North Carolina. But, he was kind of living the street. life and got his life together gave it. to the Lord. And then. >> So, you know, his his I guess their. deal, my father and his mother were like,

"Look, you go get your education, get. out, you know, Southern California, San. Diego, California." And was like, "And. I'll take care. you know, >> your child and his mother." And my mom. was, you know, hustling working hard. herself. Night school, nursing jobs, all of that. So, then they. were teenagers. So, we kind of all grew. up together. They were 17 years old. while and I was a baby. >> She didn't They didn't She didn't They. didn't drop out of school. They. graduated, but they had to get the. hustle because now they brought a life.

in and you got to take care of that. Even though your grandma was going to. handle it. Y'all take care of what y'all. need to take care of. >> And my dad was kind of like, you know, he had his own success story as well to. go from the street life and getting. arrested doing God knows what during. that time and to be able to, you know, give his life to the Lord and then go. graduate from college, you know, so we. were all proud of him even though we. weren't, you know, close in proximity. It was still a close-knit family. >> You had a song called Can I Live that's. dedicated to your mom. When she heard.

that song for the very first time, what. was her reaction? >> Man, tears. She still can't listen to. it. You know what I mean? Like it's. still one of those things if you watch. the music video, it's like that was the. only time I could convince her to kind. of I was like, "Ma, you got to be in. this scene with me. It's about you." And. just the whole set was just full of. tears. You know what I mean? Like when. you think of that, just the the power of. a woman, you know, sacrificing so much, especially at such a young age when. everyone around you is telling you you. shouldn't have this child. Like you're a. kid, what are you doing? And then for.

her to be me, man, I was like, I'll be. forever in debt to my mother. >> So she did Well, she wasn't thinking. about it, but they tried to convince her. because she was so young to terminate. the pregnancy. >> Yeah, especially back then. You know, it. it had to be, you know, >> Child out of wedlock with you know, black community. Boy, they they frowned. upon that. >> Yeah, and then even like my dad had just. really give it, you know, be became a. born-again Christian and changed his. life. And he was like, "Yo, I I I can't. have a baby." Like everybody in the. church looking bad at me. I'm supposed. to be a youth leader in the church and.

then I'm still outside. So not, you. know, I The it's funny cuz the story, you know, it varies now. They want to be. like, "No, that was your mama.". Like Like but I'm sure at that time. where there's a teenage girl who's. pregnant, everybody was like, "Yo, this. is not a good idea.". >> Yeah, especially Yeah. >> Yeah, so I I'm, you know, so grateful. more than anything to both of my. parents, but mainly my mother for. saying, you know, I had a voice inside me and I. listened to it. And you know, like in. the video, it's dramatic cuz I, you.

know, Tatyana Ali was playing my mom and. you know, I had her just. run out of the, you know, the the clinic. and open up and just see the light. I. don't think it was that dramatic. But my mom says that like that voice. spoke to her and she just had to get out. of there. And then once, you know, rest. is history. >> So, what was your What was your. relationship with your mom like? Although, you know, she was she was not. although, but she was she was 17, a. teenager at the time, so basically a kid. still herself, and having a child. So,

what was your relationship? Cuz. obviously, you knew who your mom was. with your with your your. paternal grandmother. raised you and took took you in. So, what was that type of relationship? >> It was a great relationship. I. think in the past I would always kind of. tell the story as like if it was my. grandmother who solely raised me, but. like my mother was in the house as well. Yeah, yeah, and like, you know, once she. got her own spot, you know, I would be. with her on the weekends and go back to. school to be with my grand. So, like we. were all family. It was never really. like a debate and I never want to take.

anything away from like all that my. mother had to do. She was just being. mothered by my grandmother as well. And. like, you know, obviously, my dad was. out of state. So, we were all just connected. They they. kind of brought me up together, but my. grandmother has been and always will be. the matriarch. >> Right. >> Yeah. >> Did that have any impact on. up Because it's interesting. How did How. did your mom that situation Do you think. that had any impact on how you are now. as a man? >> 100%. I mean, I would even give it more. to my grandmother in that sense. I think.

I have a old soul because of my. grandmother and kind of as always you. know, like when when you got them them. old school big mama them, it's like you. just stuck in they ways because you. doing stuff. >> you know. >> That's all you know, you know what I. mean? We doing country stuff living in. California, you know, eating canned. sardines You know what I mean? Like. that's not So, I I kind of picked up. like her old school ways, uh but then also understanding that my. mother was more like you know, uh my. sibling, all right? Say like me and my.

dad grew up there that's like my my big. brother, but I give them all the respect. as my parents. But, I just was raised by. a. a older elk of of people. Like. >> Do you call your mom and dad mom and dad. or do you call them by your first name? Because a lot of times. >> Yeah, yeah, that's that new age stuff. >> Yeah, okay. Okay, you know I. >> I just got a few mamas. I got, you know, I got, you know, my mama who's my dad's. mom and I call, you know, my mom mother. Like it's just like it's it's one of. those things and obviously my dad got. remarried. So So I I always just had a.

lot of love around me, but I always It. was the utmost respect at all times. I. bet not call them by their first name. >> Cuz cuz I I found that always that. people would call their mom call them by. their first name because a lot of times. when they have you have young parents, that's what you hear everybody else call. them. >> Yeah, yeah, yeah. >> And so you're like and they ended up. calling you end up calling their mom mom. and dad. >> Yeah, yeah, yeah. >> Well, calling people cuz like like dang. Cuz my I got a. first cousin and she grew up around us. and we called her mom Mary Nell and. that's what she called her Mary Nell.

>> Right, right. And she called called. granny, she would call granny mama cuz. that's what she called her mom. >> Exactly. Everybody got that like I have. a. 107-year-old. grandmother out of Kannapolis, North. Carolina. Still She She on Facebook, everything. She. She run the little old old spot like but. everybody calls her, you know, mama or. grandma Irene because but she's. literally my great grandmother. My kids'. great great grandmother, so. >> And she's still still very active, still.

gets around. >> Yeah, like her son who was my. grandfather, they all call him by his. first name. You know what I mean? It's. like I bet not Well, his street name was. Lonesome. I literally have it tattooed. on my neck. But that was one of those. things where it's like everybody had two. or three different names because of how. the family structure was going. >> The regular season is wrapped and the. NBA playoffs are finally here and. there's no better way to cash in on the. high-flying hoops action than. PrizePicks, a preferred partner of the. NBA. Every basket, every dime, every win. means more when you're playing on.

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Your dad became a minister. How was it. because you hear stories about uh bad, you know, kids uh their parents okay. Yeah. Man, pastor's kid, man, you know, they'd. be some kind of. >> It is you is I definitely had an. interesting upbringing with that because. I live, you know, part-time with my mom. and part-time with his mom with yeah. And then when I finally got a chance to. live with him in North Carolina, I was. like I was already set in my ways. It. was literally like the boys in the hood. story. Like my mom and them was like I.

can't we can't do nothing with them and. I was you know, the '90s with gang. violence and every everybody just wanted. to be, you know, from the turf and all. that. So, they was like we got to get. them out of here. So, I you know, the. same way just that that Trey pulled up. to Lawrence Fishburne house. Like that that was me and he's like, "Yo, we got to get some stuff straight.". So, he was extremely strict. >> Oh. >> When, you know, it was a it was a. biblical house. Everything had to be, you know, by the word and I wasn't. feeling that because I was like, "This.

ain't this ain't what our family is. >> got me a little earlier. You set my ways up right. >> I'm already in my khakis and all of that. stuff. So, I mean, but the one thing I. always respected is that he treated me. like a man. Like he didn't baby me. So, we created this relationship in my, you. know, adolescence that I was like, oh, okay, I. can get down with this. He's going He's. going to reason with me. He's going to. talk. It's not going to be threatened. with belts and all of that stuff. He's. going to treat me like a man and that I. think cultivate cultivated, you know,

ultimately who I became between just. having such an unorthodox upbringing. made me I didn't have the typical. traditional family structure, but I was. still surrounded with love. So, I was. never judgmental to however things were. moving whether my mom had somebody, my. dad had somebody, my grandparents were. who they were. So, I just embraced it all and just. appreciated the love. >> Did you feel like you had to be perfect. because he is a he is a pastor and. everybody's looking at the pastor's kid.

that you live that you're not running. the street. And so, it's like, damn, I. can't do nothing. >> Yeah, I I did, but I didn't. I mean, I. think it was more than not trying to be. perfect. I I felt like I probably wasn't. cool. That was the first time I let go. of trying to be cool because. ultimately I'm understanding my. relationship with God and saying it. don't get no cooler than that. But. everybody outside is like, ah, you got. to go to church every day. You can't. wear this. You can't listen to this.

>> Right. >> So, then again, through my relationship. with my father, he was like, I've been. outside. I've been in these streets. I. know what it's like out there. You don't. want that. You know what I mean? Like. you want what's, you know, the the. ultimate reward. And so, once I. understood that at like 12 or 13, we had our struggles. I remember like he. uh. he uh. broke and burned my my Snoop Dogg tape. The first album, he's like, there's. demons on there, son. We got to. We got to cast these demons out. But,

other than now, you know, we all. friends. Like, he knows Snoop Dogg. personally. So, it's But, it's it's. funny that, you know, some of that, you. know, mentality. I think he was ultimately just trying to. protect me. But, uh he gave me an. alternative to be like, "Look, you can. do all of that stuff, but you just can't. have the negativity in it." So, I Even though my friends was doing what. they was doing, I. I was I was still a knucklehead, but I. knew I had boundaries. I had. >> Yeah. Yeah, you know how far to push it. >> Yeah, yeah, yeah. So, like and I I think. that's where the comedy leaned in where.

I was like, I knew I could make. everybody laugh. I knew And I was still. getting trouble and stuff like that, but. I wasn't doing what everybody else was. doing. And I feel like I appreciated my. dad for saving me from that life because. a lot of the people that were my peers. just aren't around anymore. >> Were there certain things that you could. watch on television, you couldn't watch. on television, what you could listen to. on the radio, what you could and. couldn't wear? >> Yeah, the crazy thing I couldn't do. anything. And it's funny. >> He wouldn't let you watch any TV? >> No, well, like we We had to watch like. Bruce Lee movies all the.

Like, that was our only thing. We had. VHSs and like mad kung fu movies and. stuff like that. But, but yeah, we didn't have cable. We. didn't It was just It was It was either. that or, you know, the Lord's content. You know what I. mean? It was, you know, we had all the. animated Bible stories and all that. stuff. But, interestingly enough, and I actually. shared this with Arsenio Hall when we. first got together is that my dad I used. to sneak up and watch the, you know, late at night cuz my dad would be at. work.

>> Mhm. >> watch Arsenio Hall. >> Okay. >> You know what I mean? And that's kind of. was like, "Ooh, I want to do that." And. then one night he caught me watching. Arsenio Hall, and he was I thought I was. in trouble. Well, I was in trouble, but. he was like, my punishment was like. somewhere he had heard that Arsenio Hall. had to write. used to write 100 questions for all the. interviews that he would do so he could. always be sharp. And he was I want you. to write 100 questions and we're going. to go around the neighborhood. interviewing people. And I was kind of. like my intro and so you want to do. that, I'm going to show you how to do.

it. >> Wow. >> And I was literally on the word. processor. I had to type them out. And. he I mean that kind of sparked something. in me way back then. And you know, cuz I. had I never got a chance to watch. Martin. You know what I mean? Like I. would hear people at, you know, school. talking about don't you know no good. I. had no idea what they were talking. about. You know, I was like. >> So Martin, Living Color, all the good. stuff that. >> Couldn't watch until. >> None of that. So until I went back to my. mom's like whether it was the summertime. >> Oh, okay. >> then I could kind of. >> You catch up on it. >> Yeah. >> You binge watch.

>> Exactly. So like even, you know, obviously everybody knows all the lyrics. to all the latest rap song and. it was a culture shock cuz I went from. my mom who let me kind of do whatever I. wanted and kind of move free and, you. know, like I always tell people like my. mom at the time like she was a married. to one of the biggest D-boys in the. hood. Like so. >> We had money and like it was. >> It was and then soon as it switched it. was just a culture shock more than. anything and I was like, man, I can't. can't get my hair cut a certain way. I. can't listen to the radio. But it was.

refreshing, man. I mean, I think I was. mature enough at that age. to see that this was all going to. benefit me later. So I mean, as much as. I wanted to to kind of be outside, you. know, I'm I'm grateful that my dad kind. of protected. >> When did When did you start noticing the. ladies? >> Uh. >> What? >> I'm being serious. COME ON, MAN. >> OUT THE WOMB. NAH, I mean, I was I was always a kid. that was just attracted to women and. wanted to be around women. I think part.

of it was being raised by my. grandmother, you know, uh and and in a. household full of women that I was just. drawn to them in a way that, you know, I. think the attraction stuff I I was. writing like little love poems and R&B. songs. >> You write love letters. You write love. letters. All of that. I was I remember. my first song I wrote was called "Hey. Miss Fine". I was 8 years old. Fine and. wine. You're so fine. Like I was like. what? But it was like the fact that this. 8-year-old was like serenading everybody.

in the neighborhood and stuff. It's like. I was just, you know, always a little. lover boy and and knew that was the type. of attention that, you know, I just. loved. >> Right. >> So, I mean it was it was very young. It. was definitely about 8. I could say it. was a solid, you know, I thought I had. my first girlfriend at 8. And she was 10. Cuz you know I like them. older. >> Uh is it true you lost your virginity at. a church lock-in? What's a lock-in? What's a church lock-in? >> So, yeah. I mean, this is so far I. actually wrote a movie about it. That. movie School Dance. Uh it was where it.

when you live in a bad neighborhood to. protect the kids and normally it would. be at a church or something like that. They would take all the kids from the. neighborhood and lock them in on like. Friday night into Saturday. >> Okay. >> And so and it was just like a. free-for-all. It just became like cuz it was all of. these kids. It was probably like two or. three chaperones and of course we was at. the, you know, the church. So, everybody. that you would see, you know, at. Wednesday night service or on Sunday. mornings, this was the time that you. kind of got to be casual.

>> Right. Right. >> And and our neighborhood. So, I. remember, man, it was. it was a church lock-in and it was my my. homeboy's cousin that she would kind of. like she would she was from another side. of town. >> Okay. >> But we would see her every once in a. while. He's like, "Yo, I think my cousin. like you." And then you know, you got to. do the bravado. I was like, "Yo, tonight. at the lock-in she want to give you. some." I was like, "Oh, okay." He's like. he's like, "Yeah." And then he's like, >> It called the signal cousin up. >> Yeah. And then but then it was like cuz. it was that cuz he was a little older, too. He's like, "Oh, you know, you you.

done it before, right?" I was like, "YEAH, YEAH. MAN, I'LL BE DOING IT ALL THE TIME. DOING IT SO MUCH I GOT to turn it down.". And it had no clue what I was doing. >> In the church though? You got to say, "Nah, hey, we got to wait till we get. >> Well, I mean, cuz I was in church EVERY. DAY, SHANNON. LIKE, SO IT WASN'T like. definitely going to be at the house. So, that was all It couldn't be at the. school, so I mean, that was an. opportunity where young people were and. you got to sneak and figure it out. >> Yeah. >> And it was It was probably one of the. most traumatizing experiences of my.

life, though, because it was like, one, you're technically in public, you know, everybody's sleeping bags and finding. their local You're in the Lord's house. >> THAT'S. FORGET THE PUBLIC, THE LORD. >> HE WAS IT WASN'T LIKE WE WAS IN THE. SANCTUARY, THOUGH. It was like a It was. a gymnasium that was still But it was. still the church. >> Yes, okay. >> And then, you know, and then I got this. the pressure. I got my my homeboy and. and we doing whatever we doing, man. I. just It didn't last long. It was. It was a hot minute I was in there.

And I just remember her saying, "Get off. me." And I was like, "What?" Like, she. was like And then she just started. cracking up laughing and went over to. where the girls were and like get said. Literally, I think she said, "He do it. like a virgin." And I was. >> Oh. >> Oh. >> Crushed. >> Oh. >> Crushed. I felt like I let my homies. down. I let her down, obviously. Let the. Lord down. I'm in his house. I let everybody down. >> I guess that's where you said that it.

They'll never speak like that. >> NEVER HAPPENED AGAIN. THAT'S I'LL TELL. YOU THAT is my. my origin story. That's when the cannon. was born. I started doing. pump push-ups and everything. I was. trying to figure it out because I was. like, that was That really hurt. And I. but from that point on, I was like, look, I got to if Next time, and it was. a while, but it was some years later, but I was like, I'm I'm going to make. sure that I'm doing everything. >> Hey, what's up, y'all? This is your. favorite uncle, proud partner of Rose. Sports. You ever had one of them nights. where the energy is hitting just right?

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>> The televangelist, yeah. >> Is that kind of when you're like, you. know what? I think I think I can do TV. mate not like him, but be in the. television. >> And I think that was cuz he was he never. had like his own full-time congregation. except for the televangelist show. So, even within that, I was watching my dad. live out his dreams, and that's kind of. what I was drawn to because his you. know, he always said like his. congregation was bigger than just the. pulpit. You know what I mean? So, and so. I learned. through cable access, you know, that was.

the public access process on cable TV. I. was his crew, so I had to learn. everything. I had to learn lighting, I. had to learn, you know, audio, staging. I was working the cameras a lot of time, and this is early '90s. So, and you. know, like at 11 years old, you have to. go through like the. the training program and process to get. certified to be able to do all of this. stuff. So, I took the classes with my. dad, and so once he was the main talent, I was kind of controlling everything,

and that's kind of what opened my eyes. to being a producer and working behind. the scenes. And that's really all I. really wanted to do. I love the behind. the scenes of entertainment, but then as. a reward, he would give me free time on. on set because, you know, we're in a. facility, and that's when I would do. like little comedy. >> your own gig. >> Yeah, I was doing little rap videos and. comedy sketches, and they would actually. air on TV in in Charlotte, North. Carolina. So, people would be like, "I've seen that kid before." And like I. became like the, you know, the little.

entertainment kid around town that would. interview celebrities when they came in, and. um. you know, perform at the Black Expos and. the. local talent shows for the Apollo and. all that stuff. So, that kind of that. definitely sparked something in me. And. when I was trying to. be about the streets, my dad shifted it. with that energy, and that's kind of who. I became, and that was my identity of. just wanting to be an entertainer. >> The televangelists, and they get they. catch a lot of flack now because they're. on TV, you know, and they say, "The Lord. said give me $10,000 in the next 5.

minutes, and you'll receive a blessing, or you. >> He did pop off in there. >> I'm like, "Oh, but no, no, no." I said, "He ain't. tell me that. I prayed last night. He He. ain't mention nothing about coming up. $10,000, so I'mma wait. I'mma hold on.". Um And it's I guess kind of always been. like this. If you go back and look at. the televangelists, they've always been. like the you know, asking for money, but. I don't know if that's. the pros- they say it's prosperity I. guess. Prosperity ministry. Yeah. So, I mean, was your dad Did your dad run. one of those?

>> I think that's what my dad actually. that's what he battled cuz he didn't. want to be a part of that, but we were. in. you know, he would be He was a lot more. of the evangelist or the preacher that. they would invite to come to those type. of churches. He would leave his message. and then he would go on because they. would see him on TV and you know that. and he would you know, he he kind of. sparked a fire, get everybody excited. and all the different revivals. So, he. knew it as well and that's why even me. that's why I kind of fell back from the. church cuz the church is a business. And.

and it's unfortunate that you got to mix. business and spirituality because if. you're legitimately just trying to help. people and save souls, but it you know, I think ultimately they should just have. a general admission price. So, like you know what you you going to. pay to get in and then you ain't they. ain't asking for nothing else because. you got to keep the lights on. You got. to pay for the air conditioner. You got. like it is a business. But if you feel like you swindling. people with the word, I think that's. where people get uncomfortable. So, if.

they're I think again, legitimately if. they did something like it was church. and state where it's like look. yeah, it cost to get in because it cost. to run this building, right? But we not. going to charge you for no blessings. >> Because that's what they selling. But. it's always been like that. You remember. they used to have the prayer cloth. >> That's what I said Peter Popoff in them. and the dude on late night OF BET IS. GOD. THAT DUDE LIKE LIKE ALL OF THAT. stuff. and this is where again, cuz you know, I've I studied this, grew up in this. I under There are actual principles.

within you know, different you know, spiritual beliefs and religions that the. tithing purpose of giving 10% of showing. that money is not your God and what you. reap is what you sow and give on and. it'll be given unto you, you know, press. down, shaking together, runneth over. All of that stuff is real. You know what. I mean? But you don't have to give it to. an individual or a space. It's just. showing the the humbleness of that you. would never let money be your God.

>> Right. And even like you go back into. the, you know, the Old Testament, it was. like it it's all about the sacrifice, you know? And that's why they would. sacrifice animals because this that. those animals was their money. >> value. That was value. >> what I mean? So I'm going to I'm going. to give you this because I love you more. than I love this item. So. I understand those principles of like, yo, I'm I'm going to give 10%. >> Right. >> everything that I make. And I'm going to. see it come back. >> mean to the church though, right?

Because I can go I can there's another. charity out there I can give. >> 100%. >> But they make it seem like you got to. give 10% to this. >> Well, it's almost like where you're. being fed is where you're supposed to. feed. And but. again, it gets a it it's all in. perception, too, you know, from my. opinion because you know, that's why one. of the reason I could never be a. minister cuz I like flash it too much. You know what I mean? Cuz that's where. if you see if the the pastor got on a. better suit than you do, he driving a. >> It seem like they like fly stuff, too. >> Yeah, yeah, but that's what I'm saying. like that in itself.

>> private jets and Bentleys and. Rolls-Royces. They living better than. >> Yeah, so that's that's where it gets a. little murky just for me personally. And. you know what I mean? As a PK, I kind of. grew up with, you know, some church. trauma as they call it. So I despise. being in that place so much. So every. time I would see such and such talking. to such and such wife or, you know, all. I was like, see you just as bad as. everybody else, you know what I mean? Because they're putting up a a. presentation. that, you know, isn't. >> I'm this way, but actually I would be. >> Yeah, so where, you know, I got to that. space where it was like, yo, if we can.

just function and, you know, we all got. trauma, we all trying to figure it out. And if we could handle each other with. love and care, that's to me what church. should be about. But then when it. becomes there's a status. >> Yes. >> you know, like hierarchy within the. church, I I just couldn't rock with it. >> And then they they asking you to see. your your W-2 and all kind of stuff. Come on now, you're doing too much. That. That ain't I don't know they I don't. think that was. That ain't what they meant. >> They asking for W-2s in THE CHURCH NOW? MAN. >> I MEAN, HEY. You got to. >> Close the doors. They about, "Hey, hey,

we locked the door. How God going to get. in?". >> See, that's the See, I when I saw that. and when I see other things like that, it's like there's a there's a. infrastructure within the church that. church folk understand. And like I said, it all is rooted in like, "Yo, we got to. keep our house together." Yes. So, we. got to feed into the house. But then. when you start to to mix that element. into like, "Well, you not going to be. blessed if you don't.". >> Yes. >> That's that's when it gets a little too. heavy. And then But But other than that, I understand the process in which they.

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to connect with the top talent ready to. help your business grow. That's u p w o. r k dot com slash shayshay. upwork.com/shayshay. >> So when did when did it click for you. like, you know what? You see your dad on. television and you weren't necessarily. going that route, but you wanted to be. on television. >> Yeah. >> You knew at a very young age you wanted. to be on television. >> Yeah. >> And it seemed like stand-up got your. attention. How did you get into stand-up. and and and who kind of brought you to. that light? >> Yeah, I was just opening up for the. preacher man. That's what it was. Like.

wherever my dad would go, he would put. me on first. And at first it was kind of. like a cute little gimmick like I would. do like the, you know, little. baby preacher, you know what I mean? Have my little sermons about Shadrach, Meshach, and the big black negro. >> so you so. So you had a little bob you had a little. kid bob. >> All of that. I was in the suit, me and. my dad be matching, all of that stuff. But um I just knew that wasn't the way. I was doing too much sinning to ever be. I couldn't be in that life. Right. So. but I loved the attention. I loved being.

able to make people emote, whether it. was laugh or clap or cheer. So I was. like, oh, there's something here. So and. it was my dad. So he was like, look, cuz. I want you know Ultimately, once I got. to that age it was like, oh, I want to. be a rapper. And I was really skilled at. like freestyling. He would put me on the. spot, but I had to I could only. freestyle about biblical characters. Like, go ahead, give him ONE ABOUT NOAH. AND IT WOULD JUST BE but it was. entertaining and I knew I wasn't going. to be like a Christian rapper or. something like that. So my dad was. >> So you were about to be Lecrae before.

Lecrae. >> Yeah, yeah, yeah. Me and Lecrae Yeah, absolutely. But And then I think my dad. saw that I was, you know, silly and. could do impressions and stuff. So, he. was like, "Yo, every kid in these. projects want to be a rapper." He's. like, "You got to think outside the box. Do something different." He was like, "You know, you funny. Why don't you get. up there and and tell some jokes? Like. do what you do when you around the house. and do you" I was doing my impressions. of, you know, Eddie Murphy and Michael. Jackson and stuff that I would catch. glimpses of on, you know, Arsenio or.

Living Color and I would just do it. >> Right. >> And it worked, you know what I mean? Cuz. he was a 1,000% right. We was When I. would enter the talent competitions and. talent shows in the city, the rap thing would go pretty good. They. would but then when they saw me doing. stand-up, they was like, "I've never. seen this before." And that's when it. just took off and I was winning every. talent show and. >> Wow. >> that's the stand-up thing just I was the. only one and literally all the way. throughout my entire career. I'd be in. the Comedy Store or wherever the Improv. and I'd just be the only kid there with.

everybody from Dave Chappelle to Damon. Wayans to Eddie Griffin and like I would. and I was living my dream, you. >> Right. >> know what I mean? Like oh my goodness, I'm a kid and I'm the only kid here and. you know, they about to go to the after. spot. I got to get back on the road cuz. I got school in the morning, you know? Like so it's that was always that was. the one thing I truly valued that my dad. taught me is to think outside the box. and not go every other way that every. other kid was going. >> Because you got started around a lot of. the the prodigy age I think Chappelle. started like around 14, 15. Murphy.

started at 14, 15. Jim Carrey. So, you. kind of like that. >> seasoned by then cuz I I got I started. at 11. I was doing because that was like. churches and stuff. Started traveling. the road around like 12, 13. By the time. I was 15, I was a regular at the Comedy. Store, the Improv. I had moved back to. California. >> Okay. >> So, I was a legitimate comedian. I had. you know, at that time cuz I wasn't that. I had about like 30 minutes of solid. material. >> Right. >> Um but even you know, some guys ain't.

even got that now, you know what I mean? So, at 13 to 15, I had a strong set. >> So, you already had a set? >> Yeah, and it was stuff like it was. during those days of like Comic View and. Def Jam, but they wouldn't let me do it. cuz I was so young. They were like, "We. we can't have him on set." And even in. the comedy clubs, they used to have to. keep me in the kitchen. And they called. they called me the chicken finger comic. cuz it was like they could only bring me. out when I I had to go straight from the. kitchen to the stage and then right back. out. So, it was a lot of rules during. that time. It was great to stand out and.

be the only kid, but it was a lot of. opportunities I didn't get because I was. a kid. >> Coming up, who were like some of the top. comedians the top five comedians that. you met and said, "You know what? I can. you know, I kind of like their style, but I'm on my own style, but I kind of. like the way he work a crowd or I like. the way he tells a story or I like the. way he does X, Y, and Z.". >> I mean, we all we we was all trying to. imitate, you know, Eddie and Pryor. You. know what I mean? And I you know, I. obviously got to meet them later on in. life. But, the people that I that were.

my peers that are were around me that I. really admired, I mean, Chappelle was. definitely one of those guys. And just I. think he and I even kind of connected. when I was young because he remembered. being a young kid in the in the comedy. club. So, he always had like he'd be. outside the improv smoking a cigarette. or whatever and be like, "Man, let me. tell you." You like and I I just soak up. the game at like 15. And then the other. person probably would be Jamie Fox who. kind of did the same thing for me as. well. So much so, man, like he would. look out for me cuz he knew I was from. out of town. So, I'd be sleeping in my.

car and stuff. He'd be like, "Man, if. you don't pull up to the crib." He He. had a a younger sister that I had a. crush on. And like so, she would low-key. be like my my babysitter while they'd be. off, you know, doing grown folk, you. know, partying at the club and all of. that. Jamie would. make her stay at the crib and watch me. I was like, "All right." He'd be like, "All right.". I was happy. But, um but even to be in. Jamie Fox's house, you know, hanging. with his sister like as a kid like I was. living a dream, man. I was like as a for.

a 15-year-old, that was a dream come. true. >> That's a you know what, if you hear. there are a lot of stories. It's almost. like it's a right of passage that when. you come to California or you try to. achieve your goal. the process, you got to live in the car. You got to have some hard times. There. has to be a struggle. >> Yeah. And I think for me, it happened at. a very young age, so it was a struggle, but it wasn't. Like all I was focused on. was gas money. >> Right. >> I sleep anywhere. I didn't And it was it. was only from like 15 to like 17 at the.

most. By 17, I was doing things where I. could provide for myself, but that time. just shows you how bad you want it. You. know, and like my mom did not approve of. it. She wanted me She made me get a job. at Wienerschnitzel back. back in San She's like, "You're going to. have some kind of job." So, I had to. finish school. I finished school early, graduated when I was 16, still keep a. job to help contribute with my mom, and. then I could drive three three hours to. uh to LA to kind of stand in line to see. if I'm going to get on stage. >> Wow. >> Yeah.

>> You met So, how did you meet Jamie? So, you was at a comedy club one night? >> Comedy club vibes. Yeah, like I mean, obviously, he's Jamie Fox. Jamie Fox. Show is on, you know, and he. Jamie's probably one of the coolest, most humble, most entertaining. individuals. Like he is he the dude that. walk in the room and just "Hey, everybody." And like he just drawn to. him. So, he saw a kid in the comedy club. like, "Nigga, what you doing here?" And. then like from that energy um he just. said, "I'm going to I'm going to look. out for you." You know what I mean? And. I was I was the only kid at his house,

the only kid in the comedy club, so I. kind of stood out, and so it was all. like, "Yo, let's protect Nick. Let's. make sure he all right." And you know, from there, he gave me so many. opportunities. One, you know, his comedy. festival he used to have uh back in the. day called Laffapalooza. He used to do. it in the That's really where I got one. of my first big deals, my chance to get. on stage. and. so it was always OG's like that that. were just looking out for me cuz they. was just good people. >> So is that what kind of what led to the. Nickelodeon where you finally got your.

break to get on to get on like real. television? >> Yeah, I mean it all happened at the same. time really like it was round anywhere. between like 15 and 17. Um. >> I remember. and it's funny cuz. my manager's still here to this day 30. >> Still same manager? >> Same one and my only one. >> Wow. >> Um but he also at the time you know. manage. Keenan Thompson which he still does and. I that's who I was looking up to. He was. the only other young person in the club. so I would and he was a star. You know.

what I mean? Like he had a like nice. little white Lexus and I was like yo I. want to do I would go I want to do what. you doing. How do I get on? And he was. humble and gracious enough to be like. man you know just keep doing your thing. I'll see him all the time and one time. he brought his manager to the Improv one. night and I don't know who they were. coming to see uh but you know I got on. stage and Monday night the Monday night. it was like the rawest night this black. night Mo Better Monday. And I got up there and start telling my. jokes and rocked the crowd and you know. after that you know he introduced.

himself or Keenan and made sure that we. all connected and from there you know. because they produce shows for. Nickelodeon obviously Keenan and Kel all. that. Um. they brought me aboard but not. necessarily as talent just yet cuz it. don't work like that. So I was so. inspired by what was going on I was like. yo I just want a job in here and I. became the audience warm up. >> Yes. >> And so I was the the kid that was. entertaining the. >> audience warm up. >> while they were moving the cameras and. stuff around and really on my feet for.

like four to five hours. >> Yes. >> you know just cracking jokes rapping. singing dancing with everybody and then. at times you're like I remember I'd be. doing my thing and it was like all right. time to go back to shooting and all. these people like aw you know what I. mean? Like they were. >> You were like how did you just get. started? >> were more entertained by me than what. they came to see So, I think the the. producers and my manager everybody kind. of noticed that and they were like, "Yo, this kid is talented. We're going to. keep cultivating them." And by that time. I started writing. And and Kenan was. like Kenan had started he just cuz he. saw me sleeping in my car. He was like,

"Man, I got an extra room, you know, in. in my apartment." And so he literally. became my big brother and looked out for. me. And so in the in the late nights. we'd be writing jokes and scripts and. stuff. And I was like, "Yo, this is your. show. You let's let's write some. episodes." And he gave me that. opportunity too. So, the first. television um. show or episode so that I was able to. write was the episode of Kenan & Kel. >> Wow. >> Yeah. >> Y'all know I'm a man who appreciate the. finer things in life. A good pour, tailor fit, and underwear that won't.

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with code Shay Shay. Yeah, you heard. that right. One of the biggest sales. we've ever had. Don't play around and. miss it. It seems like everything is happening so. fast. And from the outside looking in. people are like, "Well, man, look at. man, look how big you like boom boom. boom boom." But in actual in real time. it's moving slow as hell in. >> Nah, when you think about it like I was. first time I was on stage and had those. dreams was 11 and 12 and I really didn't. get on till 16. So, even and you know, life happening and moving back and forth.

from North Carolina to California like. all of that was going on. >> Right. >> And you know, my it was always my dream. to to be, you know, whether was in. another bad creation or the boys or you. know, the next Bobby Brown like I was. inspired by all of that. And then even. once the comedy bug hit after after that. I was like, "Yo, I want to be like I had. that mark like woo Eddie started at 15. I want to be here at 15." Like so my. grind was like the clock was ticking. >> Yes. >> at all times. And even so but it that.

sounds crazy, you know what I mean? I'm. still a teenager in these spaces that, you know, really didn't have no business. being in but it was great opportunities. So, um I appreciate looking back now. like I appreciate the time that it took. It. sounds cliche but the journey was the. best part. >> Mhm. >> So, in that, you know, it it wasn't. overnight and to be honest with you. Shannon like I don't even feel like now. like I don't I don't walk like oh I've. made it. >> Mhm. >> or I've accomplished all of this stuff. And I think that's probably why my my.

list of accolades is so long because I'm. always grinding because I've never had. that opportunity like ah finally. >> Right. >> I'm here. I've made it or I'm I'm a. star. Like it was always like nah, it's. one job to the next, one hustle to the. next and. >> Because you didn't. >> I still feel like it's going. I still. don't feel like I made it. >> Because you don't have a destination. You're still on this journey. >> Exactly. Exactly. Exactly. >> So, when you when you on a journey, you. don't realize how far you've gone or how. fast you're going. You just know I'm. going in the right direction.

>> Absolutely. >> And then one day you'll sit back and. like and like I when I was reading off. all your accolades you're like like. damn. >> Yeah. >> It's a lot of Yeah. >> Did that. >> But still, I can see there's still a. passion, there's a burning desire inside. of you because you feel that there's. still so much for you to accomplish more. for you to accomplish. >> And I think on so many different levels, like. if I'm being real and living in the. moment, like I'm a kid that just just. from the projects. So, that aspect, I.

remember that was my goal. Just that. everybody in the hood knew my name. So, that I accomplished that pretty early. But I never really had a destination or. a dream of where I wanted to go. >> Right. >> So, yeah, I'm I'm trying to figure out. what that next thing is. And as they. say, you got to keep cooking while the. pot is hot. >> Right. >> You know, and and in that. it was. I don't know. I just I enjoy the journey. so much. I enjoy that, you know, >> to. >> I get to wake up and be creative. That. I'm blessed enough that I could provide.

for my family from what's in. You know. what I mean? Like I don't have to go out. and Like to me, like, "Oh man, you. always working. You grinding." Like nah, my grandfather was grinding when he was. building on the shipyard. You know, my. my my pops and them when they was on the. block, you know, risking their life. Like that's a different grind. Like to. me, I just get to be creative and try to. share a light. Like I'mma do that. I pay. to do that. >> Right. >> Yeah. >> What is it about and we've had these. stories of a lot of kids that become. successful early and then all of a. sudden struggle later in life. And you.

didn't seem to have that problem. And. what what can we what can I don't know. if it's the parent thing, I don't know. if it's the industry thing can do to. better protect these young men and. women? >> Um it definitely starts with the. parenting. Uh but I believe what happens. is probably what happens to all teens. and adolescents is when you try to find. yourself and you're seeking identity. And. you act out and go against what people. think you're supposed to be. So, when. you have the whole world thinking you're. this kid on this TV show and you're so. precocious and like and you never been.

through nothing, you want to show the. world I have been through something. It's that same mentality as like a PK. where like oh if you're the preacher's. kid you got to be good. It's like nah, I'mma show I'mma do double bad just. to to show you I'm rocking with y'all. So it's that same mentality where like. oh you but you know people even say that. to me oh man you was born with a silver. spoon in your mouth. What you know about. that? And it's like oh I'll show you. what I know about it. And so that's a. lot of times when we see some of these. young kids act out and dealing with. substance abuse cuz they're all they're. trying to find themselves and get away. from what they've been portraying for so.

long. And that's I think the way I dealt. with it it was probably it. it was the healthiest way I could deal. with it cuz I could have went a bunch of. different ways like I never touched. drugs, never was trying to be something. that I wasn't, but my love for women. Like I was like oh okay, you think I'm. corny? Well I'mma show you corny. Bring bring your girl around me. Like like but and I think that's. probably if if I had to you know once I. every time I sit with my therapist we. try to go back and and figure out what.

it is. >> all start from? >> And I think a lot of that improving. myself because I've always looked young. and I always was the youngest person in. the room. So I've always had to want. prove my masculinity, prove my. intelligence. And so I would try to show. people how grown I was. I would try to. show women. I would try and and I think. looking back now and doing the work is. like oh that's where that started. That. was that was you trying to prove. yourself because you were always the. smallest dude in the room or the. youngest dude in the room. And or the.

one they wouldn't allow to talk. So you. know when you got to talk you know you I. became loquacious. You know I was I was. out there pontificating, you know. So. and that became you know me just. constantly trying to be on and and but. luckily I chose that direction opposed. to like you know. you know there's a lot of our young guys. that literally got went back to the. street life after they was on TV and. stuff like that because they they were. seeking identity. >> Um another child actor that you ended up. having to respond to with Orlando Brown.

>> he I knew I knew who we was talking. about. >> Why was it important for you to take the. high road? >> Man, first of all, I got love for that. dude um. from from my core. And to be honest, and. if you ain't heard it now, it's an. invitation. I'm putting him on Wild 'N. Out. That dude is genius. >> Wow. >> Genius level. Now, when you dealing with. genius, you also there's there's a. balance, you know, when we're we're. dealing with our mental health. And you. want to have Artists need a a great. support system. And when you come up as.

a kid and you're an artist and you got. genius in you, then people don't handle. you with the. the delicate energy that you may need. >> Okay. >> So, you can go off and veer and like now. you're just seeking attention. And. you'll say whatever what just to get. attention. And especially somebody. giving you a couple thousand dollars to. to say it. And oh, I'mma say some old. like that, you know, like every. single time. So, I it's I see him I see. uh. a wounded.

genius. You know what I mean? And like. if you just clean it And I've done this. before with people that I've met who was. like, "Ooh, you just clean this kid up a. little bit." Yeah, and I and also you. see him seeking. You see him constantly. going back to the church. You see him. trying to be uh a good father. You see. like the dude is a a brilliant dude, but. he also knows how to play this internet. game. And if he say somebody name here. he do this and and then when he see you. he like, "Ah, what's up, hey?" You know. what I mean? Like but you So, I could. never get mad at somebody like that. Now, who I got mad at was and I'm always.

I got mad at the system. You know what I. mean? That that a headline like that. could go viral. Cuz I mean, I think this. is his And it was hilarious. Like he was. like in the in a Target or a Kmart or. something. And he's on the phone and. he's like, "Nick Cannon? Yeah, Nick Nick. be sucking dick.". And he just. >> I don't know if I could have took the. high road and not have messed Nick. >> It was hilarious. But the the. unfortunate thing is because there is. such a seriousness in this industry and. in the world with things like.

adults and people in power taking. advantage of young kids. >> correct. >> So we want to believe everything that he. says, whether he's joking, whether he's. doing it for the clicks. You want to. respect anybody that says something like. that. But then after the 80th time and. he's talking about Bow Wow got bombed. and all that. That's when I was like, all right, he he wilding out. >> And a little bit. But. >> there's some truth into the world in. which he's talking about. So when he's. talking about adults taking advantage of. children for opportunities, when he I. mean, look at the world that we living.

in now to where it's going all over the. place to where you don't know what to. believe. >> Correct. >> So you got to give him the respect as a. young man who since he was 5, 6 years. old on sets. carrying himself, but then you also see. what he's doing and see how he maneuvers. and I feel like it at the core is just. mental health and I think the media has. a responsibility to handle people with. mental health or mental health issues. Um. in a specific way. You know what I mean? And so that's where I went to. I was. like, man, I got love for this dude. I. don't really know him like that. You.

know, we we crossed paths and all that. But whatever I got to do and I feel like. a platform like Wild 'N Out is perfect. for somebody. Clearly the brother can is. hilarious. He can sing, he can act. He's. been doing it, you know, >> Basically his whole life. >> his whole life. It's just like, all. right, how do we shape this and give. him, you know, the the tools that he. needs to succeed in this space and not. just be on such a low frequency. >> I think the thing is Nick is that people. look like, man, yeah, I understand that. he might be going through something. But. the people of Bow Wow probably said, well, why you got to use my name?

And it's something some people like, whoa, whoa, how. I get thrown in it? >> Yeah, that I mean, to me like that's. what I I've never It didn't bother me. I. thought it was I'm a comedian first. So. if you say something funny, I'm going to. laugh. Now like, they've said way worse. on Wild 'N Out. You know what I. mean? So but the fact that I think. people really want to believe him and. because of all of these conspiracies. that are going on, they're like, it got. to be some truth to that. But, I think I. think there's there's levels to it. I. think, you know, he has some great.

wisdom. He's been through some real. in life and he's being entertaining with. it. Right. So, then like, all right, well, what what is true and what is. entertainment? >> Yes. >> But, for me, when I know my truth, I. ain't got no problem you saying whatever. it is because it's not affecting my life. none. You know what I mean? So, if. anything, I I just. >> of fact, I'm about to have another kid. since you said that. >> GO AHEAD ON. AND DO WHAT YOU DO. YEAH, I ain't going. to stop you.

>> How you end up meeting Will Smith? How. did you meet Will? >> That was that same vibe. So, in the. where I was talking about the Laugh Out. Loud Fest, so that was Jamie's festival. in Atlanta. Um had a great set. >> Okay. >> Uh some people from his company. Overbrook were there and present and. they were like, yo, you got to meet. Will. Like, you and I was like, shoot. He was like, when we get back to LA, um. I I think they filmed the set, too, and. I think they showed it to Will. >> Um and I remember going in there, taking. a general meeting with his executives. and he just walked in the room and he.

was like, yo, you hilarious. And then I. started I was like, yo, and I was like, I've always looked up to you. My first. cassette was He's the DJ, I'm the. Rapper. Like, kind of just fanning out. And then I took advantage of the. opportunity. I was like, man, Fresh. Prince was my favorite show. So much so, I wrote a show just like it. And then. boom, pulled out a script and said, >> You came prepared. >> It was the Loose Cannon. It was pretty. much me in a military school. And I had. wrote it all out and it was very kind of. similar to like a a Fresh Prince vibe. And they bought it right there on the. spot. And I just remember like, he gave.

me a TV deal, uh record deal, and put me. in my first movie, man. Like, and he. just looked out for me. Just I guess, you know, just one artist looking out. for another and he saw I was a young. dude that had talent. I remember we shot. our the pilot. Um. and I remember him, Quincy Jones was. there. Like I was I was living a dream. Um our showrunner was also, you know, the showrunner who uh. created the Jamie Foxx Show. So, it was. like full circle. We was talking like. Bentley Kyle Evans was was looking out.

for me and I'm like, "Man, this the the. way it was supposed to be slated cuz it. was when the WB was popping. My show cuz. the Jamie Foxx Show was kind of ending. So, my show was going to kind of come on. after the Jamie Foxx Show and then. ultimately take that slot.". >> Right. >> And then the whole company shifted and. they went from not doing so much black. content to like the WB and the CW that. we know today. >> Wow. >> But that that was like that was my. closest step to I've made it. And then. when that didn't happen, that's when I.

was like, "I don't care about making it. no more." And I was like, "I'd rather. enjoy the journey." Cuz I was so. heartbroken that that. >> Right. Cuz you were so close. >> Yeah, I was 18, 19 years old and like. I'm like I'm I'm the next one. You know. what I mean? I'm the next Chris Tucker. and Eddie Murphy. Like I'm that guy. And. then when they snatched that from you. just as fast as they gave it to you, it. crushes you. And I didn't really have. nothing to relate it to other than the. people that, you know, had gone through. it before. So, I was like, "I'll just. stay focused keep my head straight.". >> Did it ever bother you that you were.

compared to a a Will Smith earlier in. your career? >> Uh. ignorantly. Yeah, you you know what I. mean? Like I was cuz I wanted to be my. Like I think I even like. uh I was like, "I don't want to be the. next Will Smith. I want to be the first. Nick Cannon." Like that I would. constantly say that as a as a young man. But it was an honor to have that. like superstar energy as your mentor. You know, so I was around, you know, all. during the heyday of like the Men in. Black and the uh like just the biggest.

movie when he was it was yeah, Independence Day Big Willie uh weekend. was like Fourth of July. He was the. biggest star in the world and he kind of. just took me along for the ride and. allowed me to see, you know, he's. selling 10 million records and 100. million box office. I had never seen. anything like it. So, I was like if. there's somebody to say to to emulate, that's who you want to emulate. >> the first rapper He's the first rapper. to win a Grammy. >> Yeah. People don't know that. Yeah. And they. boycotted it cuz he. they disrespected hip-hop in general.

Like I mean, super solid. Always been. solid. I had nothing but. great words to say about that man. >> Let me know what you think about this. I. think I I think and I thought people. really really loved Will Smith. until the incident happened with Chris. Rock. And then that was really the first. time that a lot of people had a lot of. negative things to say about it. And and. then his his wife doesn't make it a. whole lot better. So, I don't know if. it's him or if it's her. >> I think we still love him. I think. that's the beauty of our community.

We we going to let you fall on your. face. We might laugh at you when you're. on the ground, but we going to pick you. back up and get. >> Yep. >> come home. And then that that comeback. story is even more amazing. Um I think the things that people may. so-called dislike. about Will would be what we all dislike. about this industry. >> Okay. >> I think, you know, a lot of it is. self-serving. A lot of it you can get so. big that you get disconnected. Um and. one thing about Will, he always kept the.

same individuals around him. So, he kept. them solid. Whether it's from Charlie. Mack, Omar, like all of these guys that. would just. >> that grew up with him. >> Yeah, straight from Philly. Like that's. how you can always see how solid. somebody is if they got people rocking. with them from the beginning. If they. still with them. >> Right. >> Um and so I think the things and I I. I've dealt with it too where sometimes. whether it's friends, family members, a. thing, if they ain't heard from you in a while, ain't seen you, "Oh, he went Hollywood. Oh, that's some Hollywood stuff." And. then you have this term Hollywood that.

has been. >> It's negative. >> demonized as well. So, when someone gets. larger than life, then the person that. used to be your partner gets. disconnected and now they got negative. things to say. They're all in your. business. They're all in your life like. that, but at the if anything at the core. cuz we all go through stuff, but I think. the world knows and anybody who's ever. seen any of his content knows that Will. Smith is a a beautiful spirit, man. Like. so it's he's brought more joy to the. world than he has negativity.

>> Jada's back in the news. She's. >> I was like, is that new content? Is she. still talking about you? I was like, every time I see that scroll across my. feed it was like, is she still talking. about you? >> Well, now she's saying um they were when. when the interview. >> Did she got a new BOOK OUT OR SOMETHING? >> I WAS THINKING THE SAME thing cuz that's. normally when people get, you know, start talking again. >> Yeah, cuz I read her first, but it was. it was intense. >> Because she was like, well, Will and I. weren't together when he did what he did.

to Chris Rock and we don't sleep. together and he couldn't make me happy. So, I that's why I did I'm like, I understand you're a public figure and. it's going to be a they're going to be. enough. consumption of you because you are, but. I don't know if. me personally, I don't know how you. feel, Nick, but I don't really need to. hear that. I don't need to hear about. your relationship. If you don't love. him, you don't love him, but you you. keep that to yourself. >> That's what I was I'm interested in what. the the purpose is. Like I'm I'm a a. frequency dude all day long and I know. the majority of our output is low.

frequency. They say 80% is low. frequency, 20% is high frequency. So, it just seems like if you continue to. feed the low frequency, >> Yeah. >> if that's what you getting in like cuz. Jada's brilliant as well. I know she she. understands it. So, I'm like, trying to. like, what are you getting out of. continuing to feed the low frequency of. information that we don't need when I. know you to be a high frequency. individual. So, I was like, I. I'm trying to understand the greater. purpose when something is like you ain't. we haven't really heard any new.

information. It's just like again it's. more fiber for the fire to feed the low. frequency. And I think even at this point the low. freaks is we don't hear about that. no more. >> But you know what you said something. very interesting. I think now it makes. Will even look more sympathetic like man. oh Will how you putting UP WITH THIS. MAN? YOU DESERVE SO MUCH BETTER. Go get YOU. ANOTHER QUEEN. >> I HAVE HEARD THAT. I have heard it. >> And and and and you're right because a. lot of times when we when our community. somebody that that was high as Will. Smith and we fall yeah we like okay.

he's suffered enough. Now let's lift him. back up. >> And that's the thing like I always. that's how that's the beauty of black. people man. I love them so much because. we so forgiving we so forgiving but we. going we going call you out though. We. going forgive you but you going you. going to have to get this work before we. forgive you. Like we we ain't just going. to be easy on you because that's the. type of we've all gone through. something. And so that can either become relatable. or it can become that can make me. separate cuz you oh you think you better. than me. Yes. So I'mma let you know.

you're not better than me but then when. I when you realize that we all the same. I'mma give you a big hug and we going to. keep rocking. >> Drumline. >> Yeah. >> Um I had T.I. on the on the show. T.I. said he turned down Drumline because he. couldn't. >> Everybody said that myth bleek said that. like anybody who was around at that TIME. >> HE WAS ON THE SHOW AND SAID HEY. WHO SO WHO ELSE SOMEBODY. >> EVERYBODY SAY THAT. >> RAY J said. >> Ray J said it. He Ray J said a lot of. but. that part cuz I believe it was probably. think about it that was probably that.

was a major motion picture yes. >> at the beginning of the 2000s. >> Yes. >> and that was when black entertainment. was hot. >> Yes. >> So everybody and their mama auditioned. for that role to be the next young black. star in a movie. I mean I I still I went. in for like eight different times. >> Wow. >> You know what I mean and I've never. really been an audition dude. You know. what I mean like I can show and prove. and as as I got older I understood the. process a little bit more. But I was. just trying to go in there and win off a. smile or they seen me doing stand up. But then once I realized like oh, I.

could really do this acting thing and as. being a musician, knowing how to play. drums and all that stuff, it kind of. gave me a leg up a little bit. >> So you knew how to play the drums before. you. >> Not not core style, you know, just a. standard set, but. also growing up in the south and. understanding the marching band culture. and everything, but it was more I. believe is like the the. the chemistry and the performance. I. mean, shout-outs out to Zoe Saldana. Now. they were like I remember there was a. groups of actors that they had put. together and I got uh paired with her.

and I was like shorty bad, you know what. I mean? So I was just trying to do I wasn't. acting. I was trying to go. >> Hey, you was really ABOUT THAT CULTURE. >> THAT SCREEN test was real. And but so in. that process, I think that's you know, that kind of helped both of us get the. role cuz we were really really. comfortable, you know, having getting to. know each other, you know, for those few. hours before we went in cuz that's what. they do on a screen test. They And they. make they make deals with everybody.

before they have like three groups that. they're thinking about getting and I. think that's how they can make the best. deal cuz like all right, they do it. afterwards then you can negotiate cuz. you don't they say you the one. >> But if it's like well, we don't know if. you the one. You're like, well. give me $5 and a chicken sandwich. I'm. going to take it. >> Yeah, but the fact is we were it was the. day before and I remember I was on a um. a music video. Ironically enough, I was. on a a remake of Parents Just Don't. Understand for Nickelodeon. And my. manager Goldman was like, we getting out. of this We about to go. Like like he snatched me literally from.

the set to go meet with Charles Stone, a. director, to make sure, you know, the. screen test was going to operate the way. it was supposed to operate. So I was. already kind of on edge cuz like yo, this is probably one of the biggest. opportunities of my life. And then to. know that there other actors doing it. and I remember like Disney. >> know any Did you know any anybody had. Did you see anybody uh. >> It was two other actors there. And I I. don't think I mean like one one uh. gentleman um. uh Lee God rest his soul. He's he's no. longer with us, but he was like a big.

star on Disney at the time. And. um. he It was him and then it was like. another new face individual that they. were kind of thinking about. And I. remember Disney had even put in a call. to, you know, Fox at the time was the. studio. And like I mean the funny thing, I don't know if it was Charles Somebody. said, "Yo, Independence Day Will's biggest movie. was at Fox. Like. get Will to call Disney call for this. kid." And I remember I was like, "Man, I. don't want to call Will to ask him to He. had already done me so many favors in.

life." Called him, picked up. He was. like, "No problem. I got you." Made the. call to the head of the studio, and he. was like, "Yo, this kid is real. Like He. was like, "I know you got some other. kids, but this this dude is the real. deal." And I don't know if that got me. the job, but he definitely put in a good. word. It definitely didn't hurt. And so. when that screen test went off, you. know, the rest is history. >> Wow. So, how long did you have to. practice to get that I mean because. >> The drumming? >> Yeah. >> Yeah, we went to Atlanta uh about 3. months earlier. Uh and I think we was training like.

16-hour days. Just. just different cadences. You know what I. mean? It was Luckily we only had to. learn the cadences in the movie. So I. kind of understood, you know, how it all went with the rudiments and. the musicianship of it all. And it was. just like just getting used to marching. and actually cuz Do you know they had. hired a double for me, but I ended up I. was like, "I'mma turn my double into my. drum teacher." So we just would be. everywhere like from from the campus to. the drumline stuff. >> I wanted to learn to play those 16.

cadences. You know what I mean? Cuz I. was I was a cocky, you know, individual. I was like, "I can't I can't I can't be. talking up here and then you cut to. the like like if somebody else doing. it." I was like, "Yo, I want those wide. shots." And then if you watch them like, you know, I'm I think it's mostly me. drumming visually. uh throughout the entire movie." Now, of. course, the magic is they go back when. post and they put the the syncopation on. it and make it look like I'm the nicest. snare drummer ever. But, like long as I. had all of the movement and the sticking. and all of that stuff, it And I think.

about cuz people ask me I just hosted. the the HBCU Aware Fest in Atlanta this. and they had a Clark Atlanta's uh. marching band come out. I was like, "What do YOU GOT IT?" LIKE, THAT. was 25 years ago. I don't know anybody. who can do the same thing from 25 years. ago. But, um but yeah, man, it's part of. who I am now. It's in my DNA. >> A a movie that didn't didn't have the. biggest budget, but had so much success. and it's still people talk about. Drumline today. Are you still surpr- uh. surprised Are you surprised, not still.

surprised, but are you surprised about. that it's still a fan favorite? >> Yeah, man, I think it's just it was a. solid story. I mean, it was a. coming-of-age story. It's about an. underdog. It's about a fish out of. water. Like all the things that we love. when it comes to cinema. Um and then I mean, if you look at it, it's it's Top Gun with drumsticks. >> Yeah. >> Like, it's the same story. You know what. I mean? Like, there's this. Maverick, this dude that just wanted to. come in and um show he got what it. takes. >> Right. >> And the fact that it was rooted in a.

subculture that the rest of the world. didn't know about, but we knew about. You know what I mean? We felt like we. was introducing the world to a little. bit more of. >> HBCU. >> Yeah, yeah. You know, talk about it. >> Talk. >> Talk about it. But, now, that's even. just black culture in general, too. Just. And it inspired so many kids to go to. HBCUs. And I mean, I was just talking to. Will Packer about this, you know, the. other day because obviously he did Stomp. the Yard, we did Drumline. Like, there's. hasn't been like the numbers actually. increased substantially from uh HBCU.

enrollment after those films came out. And it's just because we gave them what. this experience. >> Yes. >> at a high frequency could be like. You. know what I mean? Like you made. education fun. You made being around. your people. >> Yeah. >> amazing. So, you know, it to be a part. of that like I I think the only show. that or only content that did that. before Drumline was A Different World. >> Yeah. >> You know, and to be able to just say you. were a part of something that actually. made people want to go to school.

>> Can't be mad at that. >> And see the thing is that because the. bands are big at HBCUs. Stomp the Yard, the frats and the sorors are big at. HBCUs. And they're in the yard and. they're doing their thing and they have. the step shows and it's like. >> I want to be here. >> Yeah, I would if it really like Yeah, it's really like that. >> That's what my my 15-year-old now, man. I'm I'm getting him I'm trying to get. him to go to Howard and then he like, "Man, is it really like that?" I was. like, "Yeah, it's like that." Like it's. a different type of experience. >> Yes. >> um.

than anything else, you know, than going. to a PWI or going to or not going to a. PWI. >> on a PWI. >> Yeah. >> But y'all don't get down like we get. down. >> Yeah, it's it's You have fun and you. like you actually even going to Howard, you know, even later in life, I learned. more about myself. >> Yes. >> and who a the black man is. >> Yeah, yes, absolutely. One time I'm. like, "Damn, we did all that? >> Yeah. >> We invented that? >> Yeah. >> We went here? >> You walk out of there with a whole. different level of pride. >> You absolutely do. >> Yeah, real talk. >> Uh the ATL movie. >> Yeah. >> You returned the favor to T.I. You. turned that down to T.I.

>> Well, that cuz interestingly enough, what people don't know, both Drumline. and ATL were produced by Dallas Austin. and they're both about his life. >> Wow. >> So, yeah, and it's a it's a it's it gets. deep. I mean, I'm for sure maybe you get. him on the couch and he'll he'll get to. talk about like how Drumline was really. dedicated to his older brother that had. had a passed away. And in that sense. where like he was just nice with the. sticks and Dallas was the same way and. you know, he's living in his older.

brother's shadow and he didn't know how. to read music. Like, one of the greatest. producers of all time still didn't know. how to read music like that at his. origin. And then, you know, um. it was just so dope that he was able to. put on for Atlanta in two different. ways. So, Drumline was his marching band. high school experience going into. college, and then ATL was based off of. this um. skating rink that all of him and his. like T-Boz from TLC, like they all grew. up together going to the spot called. Jelly Beans. And that's what the script.

was originally called because it was. named after that spot, and then it. eventually became ATL. But at the time, the reason why I didn't do, you know, at. the time was Jelly Beans that turned. into ATL uh cuz I got another offer for. a roller skate movie that was shooting. in Chicago called Roll Bounce. >> Right. >> And but then, cuz as when you get when. you get hot, like you kind of get you. pick and choose of which movie you want. to do. >> So, I didn't want to do either, really,

cuz I was trying to become a man, and I. was like, "All of these movies about. young dudes, I want to Give me a gun. I. want to be a police officer." Like, I. was like, I was on that. And but, you. know, Roll Bounce was another Fox movie, and they they gave me an offer I. couldn't refuse. >> Yeah, yeah, yeah. Okay. >> So, I turned down like the main roles. and, you know, a few other roles, and I. was like, "Is there a way I could just. pop in?" And they were like, "All right, we can come in and let you create a. part, and you can do whatever you want.". Shout-out to Malcolm Lee, who brilliant. director, allowed me to kind of just. freestyle and do my thing.

>> Uh but they still put my face on the box. like I was the star of the movie. It was. really Bow Wow. It was like me and Bow. Wow, and I think Meagan Good at the. time. But it was like they were just. feeding off of that. So, I was like, I. turned down the other movie cuz I knew I. didn't have to work as much, and I. probably got a bigger paycheck doing. this over here, so the little inside. Hollywood type of stuff. But that's. That's why I wish I mean, granted, I. T.I. killed it. That role was for him. It was about, you know, ATL and all of. that, but just, you know, what Dallas.

and I had set out to do. He was like, "Yo, we going to do Drumline first, and. we're going to do Jelly Beans next." And. then, but it happened the way it was supposed. to happen. >> Right. You mentioned that when you get. hot, then you have opportunities. Is. there some roles that you probably. turned down? Because it's hot like ATL. because but you had Roll Bounce. So, you. know, no harm, no foul. Were there some other. roles like, "Damn, man, >> There's a bunch of. There's Oscar Award-winning film that I. turned down at the time cuz I was like, "Man, it got too much cussing in it.".

You know, and I didn't even like at the. time I wasn't It was an independent. film. It was the film Crash. And. >> But hey, that was Oh my god. That's what. With Terrence How- With Terrence Howard. with. >> Terrence Howard, Laurence Tate, and. Luda. Like I was I I don't remember. which role between. Luda and and Laurence. >> That was unbelievable. >> Phenomenal movie, and I had to watch the. Oscars from the house. >> Was Sandra Bullock in that, too? I. think. >> Yeah, I mean, was it Sandra Bullock? Was. Yeah. I I mean, it was a star-studded. cast. It was one of those movies where.

they were telling the same story at a. different time. Yeah, but like that was just one of. them, but I mean, you know, we'd be here. all night talking about all the movie. roles I I turned down or things that was. almost supposed to be and then that So, you know, that's where again, you got to. enjoy the journey. You know what I mean? Because it What's for me is for me. And even like to this day, as much as I. do and the success and all that stuff, to my core, man, I I love nothing more. than being a character and acting. And. and every time, no matter how big the.

role, how small the role, I'm going to. dive into that because that's the best. being in me that just like I love to. act. >> Biops, you were supposed to play Richard. Pryor. I also had Mike Epps, and Mike. Epps said like he was like He's like, "Man, I was this I'm this close to doing. that role." And as a matter of fact, you. know, you see him dressed He kind of. looks like Richard Pryor. And he He talk. like. >> It was It was me, Mike and Marlon. >> Yes, but uh at the moment wait for. yourself. >> Screen test we did the deals and I. remember to play I don't remember who.

the third. um. woman was, but obviously at the same. time that the screen test was with. Richard and his wife. Those were all the. scenes. And I remember it was Kate. Hudson uh and Anne Hathaway and I can't. remember who the other lady was like but. and we just all had to switch off on. different times and different chemistry. And um. it was funny like I mean cuz Lee Daniels. was the director so we all doing our. scenes and it was just a great. opportunity to be in the same building.

>> Mhm. >> acting with phenomenal talent and. uh I remember cuz you know Lee Daniels. is a close friend and I was like Lee I. was like. >> Mhm. >> What what happened? And he was like he. was like look Nick, you're a phenomenal. actor but you ain't never smoked crack. You goddamn right. >> Well. >> Not to say any of the mother ones have. But I'm just saying like I was probably.

you know my my youthful exuberance that. that didn't get me all the way to where. I was supposed to because I remember I. remember killing those scenes. Um. >> You think they're going to make the. movie? >> That's a heavy one man. Like there's so. much involved. I mean at the time I had. talked you know with his daughters uh. his his wife at the time like um. It's a heavy story man. And I I if they. do make it I hope they do it justice. I. remember early on that you know Eddie. was going to do it. You know what I. mean? And I was like oh that would have. been amazing. And then I think first of.

all I definitely think Mike should have. got it. Shout out to Marlon who's also. phenomenal. But Mike embodied that. Like. and. >> And he he got a little I mean. with a little makeup he definitely going. to be looking like Rich. >> But um I mean whoever gets it man like. it's uh it's I've been attached to you. know a lot of those different biopics. and. you know, it's those are those are. tricky. You know what I mean? Because. you have the admiration and the love. from the fans and if you don't do it. right, it can it can. >> you off. >> Yeah, and and you want to create your.

own identity, too, cuz there's some. people who play roles so well that. that's all they become, you know, so. again, I I would step up to the. opportunity if it if it makes sense and. if it's aligned correctly. But um I I. just love a great role and a great. character and that would have definitely. been one of them. >> You were also in Love Don't Cost a Thing. with Christina Milian and Steve Harvey. How was that experience? >> Super fun. You know, again, that was one. of those things where I was always. focused on my pen and, you know, I was. like the only way I'll do this movie is.

I get to do, you know, my draft and do. the I saw a lot of that so I I named the. movie Love Don't Cost a Thing cuz I was. at the time when Jennifer Lopez had that. hit song and it was based off of a movie. from the '80s called Can't Buy Me Love, which is also a Beatles song. So I was. like, "Yo, we got to find a hot song. today that kind of says the same thing.". So like stuff like that I was real. intricate in kind of moving it around. and I had no idea it was going to be, you know, this this cult classic fan.

favorite to this, you know, generation. or the generation previous. Uh because. we were just like, "Oh, this is I'm. going to be honest." Like I did that. movie for the check and that's one of. those things like. that was probably the last time I did. something for a check because it was. like, "All right, I could go do this. independent film, Crash, >> Right. >> or I could go buy my mom a house, you. know, and I kind of did it for that, but. I the also they gave me the creativity. and that's the space that I was on. I. was all about writing, directing, and. producing so I got to cut my teeth on.

that and it ultimately just came out to. be like a. cute little sweetheart movie that people. grew up on and grew up loving. >> Little and figured it, huh? You ended up. >> Oh, absolutely. You know me, I'm I'm on. my leading lady. That's why I'm I'm just. doing MY JOB, SHAY. >> DO THAT THOUGH. >> NO, YOU ARE. IF YOU. IF YOU ARE A GOOD ACTOR, ask Sean Penn. Like you supposed to You supposed to. dive into the character. You supposed to. fall in love. >> on camera. >> Oh, and off, too. You That's That's a sign of a great. That's That's one of them Hollywood.

secrets that people do not talk about is. that people will go do a movie. >> Yeah. >> with and whoever that chemistry, they. make it real. >> Yeah. >> Like they cuz they and they and they get. a pass cuz I was just in I was in. character. >> Well, Brad Pitt. >> in them drawers is what you was in. >> Well, we saw that with Brad Pitt and. Angelina Jolie. >> They do That's what they do, man. Like. and and it's the best of them and it. gets to a space where. if you really want that chemistry to. work, you got to figure out where that.

chemistry is. >> happens when they break up? >> On to the next movie. >> What did you DID YOU WRITE A SONG ABOUT. YOU MAKE A SONG ABOUT YOU? >> That was so long ago, but yeah, I would. I mean that was It was a lot, you know, I was focused on being a gigolo and. being a ladies man, so I wasn't trying. to be kind out here. I was I was I was a. sniper in these streets and it was I was. young. I would do things differently. Um. with many broken hearts, I apologize, but that was definitely probably one of.

the louder ones at I wish, you know, hindsight sitting back in my 40s. >> should have left well enough alone. Just. kept it on screen and then keep it. moving. >> No, but it was a great time. We had an. amazing young romance. >> If I would ask her that, you think she'd. say that? >> I would be so interested to know. what she thought because first of all, we were young. She had worse. relationships after me since then. >> Yeah, okay. >> So, I'm I think I probably fit and I. believe she's married now, so I think I. was probably one of the good ones. I. would land on the good guy side with. her, but you know, I was I was out.

outside a little bit. >> We talked about Chappelle a little bit. earlier, but how you get your name in. the Chappelle Show skit? >> Funny enough, again, I we knew each. other. I he was big bro and when I would. see him outside of the comedy club. So, he kind of always recognized my success. and was really proud of me cuz he's. like, "Yo, I remember you was just a kid. like I was." Uh but randomly we got a. call when they respectfully, you know. what I mean? Cuz every Chappelle Show. was hot, you know, this was So, he was. filming the second season and he was.

like, "Yo, I'mma do this skit about you. stealing all my movie roles." And I was. like, "Huh?" And he's like, "And my. son's going to be your biggest fan and. I'm just letting you know at the end of. the skit I'mma say Nick Cannon.". And I was like, "That sounds. hilarious." And then it kind of became a. ongoing skit. I think we did it like two. or three times a season. Ultimately, I. think on the season finale and I mean, you know, art imitating life. >> Right. >> or the other way around because that. episode was about him saying I'm leaving. the industry and all that stuff and then.

he's walking down the street. I'm walking with his son. And he's like, "It's my new dad now.". And like but that actually happened. during the time where he was thinking. about. >> actually leaving the. >> actually leaving the show and it's funny. because he allowed me to go on the road. and open up with him or open up for him. So, I was out there with him for, you. know, a couple of months where he was I. saw him, you know, >> He was wrestling with the idea. >> Yeah, man. And it it inspired me to see.

how he stood 10 toes down for who he was. and wasn't going to, you know, cuz there. was people that was close to him that he. was like, "Yo, wait. Are y'all laughing. with me or you laughing at me?". >> Right. >> Um and I got to see him work through. that and be next to my brother and and. like I said, it inspired me even in the. decisions that I made with my career. uh with, you know, holding on to. integrity and stuff. So, I salute him. for that opportunity all the way to just. being a a great example of to this day. >> Well, I heard that uh he had a. conversation where he's uh uh saluted.

Eddie Murphy received a lifetime. achievement award or something and he. said he's thinking about bringing the. Chappelle show back. >> I heard that. That'd be fire. >> It would. You think you could you think. he could replicate it? Because man. >> I only think like you always say you. don't want to touch greatness. You know. what I mean? But I think he if he's he's. not going to do it the same way. >> Right, okay. >> I mean even in the time when we dealing. with you know, I think it's still that. that spirit is still like obviously he's. he's goated beyond belief. He's he's at. a different stage than he was there. >> Cuz now you talk about the greatest.

comedians of all time. Now you know, he. I mean before you would just probably. just say oh Pryor or Murphy. Now I think. you have to have a serious conversation. Dave Chappelle is somewhere around that. top three and I'm not so sure he's. three. >> Absolutely. Yeah, now when you think. about it, I mean that's the thing like. to your point it's almost like where. people asking Eddie to come back and do. stand-up. >> Yeah. >> It's like I just I just want to watch. Raw and Delirious. You know what I mean? That's what And it's like Chappelle Show. was so great. >> It was. >> And it was at a different time and he's. become the greatest stand-up of all.

time. So it's like all right, you kind. of just got to be like it was what it. was and I'll do something new or. different. Uh but the fact that I mean. the fact that he's considering even. playing in that space and then because. we have you know, brilliant minds like. Druski and all that stuff who are really. just paying homage to what they they. seen Dave do in certain spaces. >> Key and Peele came behind and did what. they did. But only I mean you go back. and think about sequels. only the Godfather sequel was better. than the. >> That's the only one.

>> To go back and. >> Beverly Hills Cop 2 might have been. Them might have been the only two. sequels that was better than the. original. >> Funny that you said that you asked about. you said Druski. What do you think about. Druski? He's caught a lot of criticism. for he did like. they said it was a. a mocking he was mocking Erica Kirk. He. did another one but the about the. minister. He's done a country guy with. overalls on and the white face. >> Yes. >> What what what where are you? I mean. you're a comedian. >> Yeah. I mean so you understand the. space. >> when he did it. I mean, I was because.

being a character actor as well, I. remember when I when he first did it, I. sent him. uh. a screenshot. I was like, "Be careful. I. got canceled doing this before." It was. me as Connor Smallnut. I did this whole. thing where I did like they I I had to. go on Good Morning America and explain. what whiteface was. I was like, "Whiteface are some mountains in New. York.". Like that like blackface is a whole. different and I remember having to go. through everything that he, you know, is. currently going through. And you know, people get sensitive, man. People get.

really sensitive. Uh but as a comedian, that's your purpose. It's to hold that. mirror up into society and say, "Look, this is what y'all do. This is what. y'all about." And that's that's when you. know brilliance is operating when. somebody can make people uncomfortable. but still make them laugh. >> I think that there are the time that. probably wouldn't even got a passing. thought in people would I mean, the. comedians like like you grew up. listening to and that you grew up loving. and what I grew up with in the '80s and. '90s. And it's kind of coming back to. that because for a long time, it would.

you get canceled, you couldn't say like. roast. You remember how the roast was. with Dean Martin had those roast and. they had Lucille Ball and they had even. even our sitcoms. Man, what Archie Bunker would say on. those sitcoms? Crazy. >> what George Jefferson and George. Jefferson and Archie Bunker were saying. in primetime TV? >> With the two with the two with the two. G's? >> Yeah. It wasn't It wasn't no G G A. IT WAS E R. >> AND THEY WOULD JUST SAY IT LIKE it was. it was nothing on TV. And it's. interesting that that we say that.

because again, it just speaks to how. people want to elevate and become. better, which I have no problem with. But sometimes when. like just because you're more sensitive. doesn't mean you're actually going in. the right direction. So I think people. Somebody told me this brilliant. statement. It was like, "People are only. sensitive about the truth." And if you. if it's a lie or something like that, it'll just go by, but if it hits. something inside you, like, "Ooh, it's. ringing some truth in there." So, therefore, that's what makes it It's. that It's that one It's that one It's.

that one tooth that hurt and that air. hit it. >> Yeah. >> Yep. >> Like it's that that is That's why you're. sensitive because it They're really. hitting hitting on something that's. poignant. So, I welcome it. That's our. job as comedians. And like I said, I went through that. fire a couple times. Obviously, you. know, I've been canceled so many times, but I remember I was doing. whiteface on Nickelodeon. >> Right. >> Like if you go back and look at the Nick. Cannon show, I got a character called. Dirty Larry where I was a old white like.

just from the bottoms. >> Right. >> trash. like worker type of dude. >> And nobody said Me and Keenan was We was. You know, all they get the. you know, comedians in dresses thing, but we was doing that as teenagers, but. we were having fun. >> Right. >> Like we were making children's. television being characters. We weren't. thinking about politics or stereotypes. or anything like that. We were just. having fun. And I think that's the root. of comedy. You should be able to have as. much fun and come from a place of. innocence as long as you're not doing it. with any malice. I think that's where we.

get caught up in it because if we look. There's a long history of people be you. know, portraying different races in. entertainment. And we we've seen it from. you know, Dan Aykroyd in Trading Places with Eddie. Murphy to. >> Oh, what's. >> Jimmy Kimmel, Jimmy Fallon. They all did it, but. nobody got mad at it. >> What's the guy that was in Iron Man? >> Oh, Robert Downey Jr. in Tropic Thunder. >> Like he was brilliant. >> I didn't. >> they they made that, which was smart for.

Ben Stiller and the director. It's like, that's what they made his conflict and. his storyline about is that he was this. brilliant Australian actor that wanted. to go deep. And so, he just. just straight method became a ni-. like the whole time. >> Is is is is Druski some of the skits. that he's doing, is that kind of the new. Chappelle show? >> I think it is. That's what I think. that's kind of what I was getting at to. where like the the platforms and the.

landscape is so different that like. that's the way you got to do it. Like. cuz you know, TV is not what it used to. be. We used to literally turn on the TV, set our timers, set our TiVos for to. record all the Chappelle shows. >> Yep. >> Now, that's in our pocket. >> Yep. >> So, I think if you're not doing it the. way this generation is doing it, it's. not going to hit the same. >> No. >> Because that was that was controversial. That was news. That was like, "Oh, did. you see what he said?" Like you got to.

be on these phones to be able to do that. and you. >> is where it's headed. >> Yeah, you got to be able to move like. that. You know, like I said, Dave on the. mountain, you know, this bought a. whole city. >> He did. >> Like so, but I I I know the creativity. to what he wants to do is going to be. there and we're going to be able to see. He's going to do it in a different way. That's how I feel. >> Writing for Kanye. >> Yeah. >> How how did how did how did you meet. Kanye and how did that how did that come. about? >> Again, young dude. I knew Kanye there. Remember we used to have them two-way.

pagers? >> Yeah. >> Like the whole and you would make the. the ringtones. >> Yep. >> Before Kanye had one hit record, he had. hits on the two-way. He would produce. the beats for the two-way. Um and it was just something fun to do. Like and you would be like, "Oh, you got. that? Oh, Kanye made this." And like. that's how he was building up his name. >> Mhm. >> Um while also like, you know, I would. see Kanye in different studios from like. So So Def in Atlanta. This was like. like '90s, you know what I mean? Early. 2000s. So, we just knew of one another. >> Right. >> Um and I remember I had dropped I don't.

remember what like he had dropped Slow. Jamz and I think I had dropped Jiggle. and I remember we were in Chicago doing. radio promo and we just start kicking. it. Like he was just a homie and it. became um. just that's my friend. Like once he. moved to LA and we would be in the. studio together and. um and the way he works cuz I would. never say I wrote for Kanye. The way. Kanye works, which is dope, he just. invites everybody in the room and he he. has so much confidence in who he is, he.

making me like, "Yo, what you think I. should do right here? What you think I. should say right here?" And then he kind. of interestingly enough, he would do the. same for me. So the song "Can't I Live", >> Yeah. >> he also mixed and engineered that. He. also like he might have gave me a couple. of couple of lines. I think the first. line is is he gave me that and you know, I originally the cuz I made that beat, he was like, "Yo, I might want that for. me." And I was like, "You can have it.". You know what I mean? Like I remember we. were going back and forth with the it. was a Yolanda Adams sample. Um so it was. more of like a collaboration. So.

everything that I did contribute to to. his projects, um. it was never like, "Oh, let me get. credit." And I was like, "We were just. kicking it." And stuff like that. So I. think one of his coldest lines that was. my line, uh originally he said, um he's. like, "I don't need to stunt. Uh I make. black history every day. I don't need a. month." And then he was like, and I. remember we laugh last few times we saw. each other, he's like, "I remember you. wrote that, huh?" And I was like, "Man, we was all vibing." But it was like the. fact that even 20 years later, he still.

remembers it. It's like, you know, we. would just be in the studio coming up. with stuff and even some stuff on Gold. Digger, I remember his second verse of. Gold Digger was actually a poem that he. did on Def Poetry Jam. And I was like, "Yo dog, this song is about that. subject. You should just do that poem. that you did on Def Jam as a second. verse." He's like, "That's right." And then like that. literally is the second verse on that. song. So it's like stuff like that we. would just be kicking it. Um but stuff that I I don't know if he. remembers or stuff that I forgot and.

stuff like that because we were together. so much, you know, in our earlier years. And ultimately, and it's probably when I. think about my music career, which I. always be like, there's so many mistakes. that I made in different choices that I. should have stood my ground on because I. never took being an artist seriously. I. was so focused on being a comedian and a. and an actor. I'm I just did music cuz I. could, and it was fun, but um. I remember I was I was going to sign. with G.O.O.D. Music before anybody else. was on I remember he was telling me. about it and stuff. And I was so much in.

my ego was like, "Nah, I got my own. I. got Incredible Records." And I remember, you know, at the time uh Barry Weiss, who was running Jive, we were all on a. call with Kanye, and he was like, uh. "So, Kanye, you're going to" He's like, "I'll produce the music and bring him on. and good and everything." He's like, "Nick, you good?" And I was like, "Uh I. got to think about it." And I I'm. wasting Kanye's time. Like, he's Kanye. at this point, and. um. hindsight, I probably should have just. rocked along and went with my friend's.

label and try to think I could have my. own label. >> Are there any other artists you've. written for people might be surprised. about? >> Uh I mean, obviously a lot of the artists that have. come up under me that were signed to me, I kind of did. But I think if anybody. would be surprised, and I always I. purposely kept this a secret because I. didn't want people to, you know, feel away about it. But it's like I. definitely And it just it went viral. again, so I can to say it's like a hit. several times. It's a record for Mariah.

that I'm going to say I I produced it, and we wrote it together. >> Okay. >> Uh the it's a rap record, you know, that. everybody was doing a little viral stuff. to, and I remember I was just in our. studio and downstairs just messing. around trying to come up with like an. escape, you know, uh type of old school vibe that. something that like JD would sample. It. was like, "Who can I run to?" type of. vibe. I was searching through all these. old records, and then Mariah came in and. was like, "What's that?" And I was like, "Just something I was looping up on the. drum machine." And then we just.

literally were having fun. Like, it took. us from the studio all the way to like. the kitchen table like joking like line. for line like. you know like stuff like I should crack. you in your forehead. The song was. literally about a dude coming home too. late cheating and the woman kicking him. out saying it's a rap. So, you know, it. was it was one of those things like I. was literally writing my own obituary. Like but it was in a sense it was like. the woman got fed up and. I was I was just amazed one that me and.

my wife were having fun, you know, not. even thinking about it then it actually. turns into a song that she places on her. album. Then it becomes a hit record and. I was like wow. Like I didn't It was so. much so I didn't want any credit or. anything like that that. I produced it under like a alias. And. it's like if you look on the record it's. called. damn what was it called? Uh. The Heat Miser. Like and I was just like it was that's. me. So, like and I used that on a bunch.

of different records from that point cuz. I didn't want people thinking that he. going to marry Mariah now he think he. could produce it right away. It was like. so but it was just a opportunity of like. you know, family fun more than anything. We were just at in in the house being. silly and it actually turned into a hit. record. >> One of your biggest songs uh. with R. Kelly is called Gigolo. How was. that experience? How did you meet How. did you meet. >> We were signed to the same label but he. also had I think Drumline had just came. out so he was a huge fan of that. And we. were signed both signed to Jive. And you.

know, like at the time you know, besides the controversy and all that R. Kelly even outside being an artist was. one of the hottest producers and writers. in the industry. Like now there's. there's hit records that we all know. that people really like don't want to. say R. Kelly did it because of what it. is but. he was just I mean he he wrote You Are. Not Alone with Michael Jackson. You know. what I mean? Like stuff like that. So, yeah like so. I went to Chicago and like the way R. Kelly would work, he would make you he. was like you got to work for these hits.

like and so he would he didn't care who. you were what celebrity or he would make. you wait two three days just in the. studio doing nothing while he God knows. what he was doing. But like it was like. he would and then he would I remember. this story too. I told this to Charlie. Wilson. He would play. midnight basketball or basketball at. 2:00 a.m. and make everybody from the. studio everybody he had this whole. private you know who and like everybody. had to pass him the ball. Like he had to be Michael Jordan.

>> so he Jordan now. >> Yeah, that's like and it was like he. had concession stands like a DJ at. 2:00 a.m. And you would literally see. artists sitting in the bleachers. waiting. I'm here I saw this old black. dude in a trench coat and a hat with. these two ladies next to him. I was like. is that Charlie Wilson AT THE. MIDNIGHT BASKETBALL GAME? AND HE WAS. like I would he's like I'm just waiting. for my hit. >> Like. >> He literally would just make people just. sit around and and wait while he playing.

you know fake Jordan up and down the. court. But I he was like everybody who. was hot. So I got I got my turn and it's. funny the way Jiggolo even happened. I. was stuck me in the studio waiting all. day and I had to get back to New York. and I was like I I had the beat but I'm. waiting for him to you know do the hook. or whatever. I was like man I'mma just. come freestyle these verses real quick. and I'm out. And I kind of left. disappointed and then like two weeks. later the head of the label call me like. man that song Jiggolo is amazing. What.

the are you talking about? Like I. ain't make no song called Jiggolo. And. then he played it for me and R Kelly had. put the hook on. I was like yo that. is crazy and then that's the way it. worked. >> We've done this with other people. Other people have had transgressions. >> Mhm. >> But have done great but contributed. great things to society. >> Yeah. >> And we've been able to say they. contributed great things to society, but they did some horrible deeds. >> Yeah. >> Why is it that R. Kelly can't get that?

>> Um. I think he played in people's face one. too many times. >> Okay. >> Because if you notice, originally, like even during that time, people kind. of feel like even before that, everybody knew about Aaliyah. Aaliyah's. album was called Age Ain't Nothing But a. Number. All produced by R. Kelly, and she was. 15. We the world heard about all of the. they're married and all that stuff, and. we was like, all right, you know, we. going we we going to turn and look this. way, you know.

>> Then, the tape. Now they got hardcore. evidence. >> Yes. >> And you like, I like you I ain't watch the tape. I. ain't see it. It ain't happen. Now I. Believe I Can Fly. Then he came with. Ignition, Step in the Name of Love, and. our hearts forgave and just focused on. the music. And then, he came back out. again after people have overlooked those. two things. Like, come on, man, you. can't keep like just just women in. general. Like and that was his core.

audience. >> Yes. >> To be like, you keep disrespecting in. our face. Like and we don't see any. empathy. We don't see any atonement. We. don't see any change. You're still out. here in the club and like. and even if you analyze the the actual, you know, crime and punishment, I feel like that. was just year and even I feel like that. with Puff as well. Like you was on trial. for what happened. >> You wasn't on trial for what actually.

just happened. Like it's that's that's. that thing where. so much time like you could have. repented. You could have atoned. You. could have made it right. But you chose. to play in people's faces. I think and I. probably would think, you know, hindsight, they would probably like I. would have handled that differently. because. you there's a way to be like, "Oh, I'm. sorry. I apologize." Or not even but but. to actually truly atone, like that's a. process that I've learned. It's like, when you got to be sincere in saying, "Man, I didn't. >> I was wrong. >> Yeah, I was wrong sincere and I I'm not.

I'm I'm not admitting that I was wrong. because you caught me. >> Right. >> I just sincerely wish I would have made. better decisions or. >> Yes. >> or there was real growth there. So, I. don't think we saw any growth. >> Right. >> I think if we would have saw a growth in. in in that process, then we might be a little bit more. forgiving. But, I think what people have. learned to do is separate the art from. the man. >> That's it. That's That's That's it. >> Yeah. >> So, to say that, "Oh, now his music is. trash because he was a because of the. horrible things that he did.".

>> got to throw the whole music industry. away. >> Yeah. >> You got to throw. >> For sure. >> You got to and start with rock and roll. >> Yeah. >> It's like. >> I mean, the founding our founding. fathers had some transgressions had some. had some issues going on. >> I'm saying. >> I mean, shoot, James Brown wrote the first diss record. where he got the big payback. He was I. was over He went and shot up a club. himself. It's like, "You're messing with my. girlfriend.". Like so, we know if we do if we sit down. right now and look back about what James.

Brown did or Jerry Lee Lewis or all of. these people that I ain't going to say. their name cuz then they're going to be. sending me cease and desist. But, if you. look just do your history, the entire. music industry is flawed. And then that. takes me to that space where it's all. about spiritual warfare at the end of. the day because we know that you know, there's a when when artists and all that. start allowing those spirits in and that. that self-absorption that you know, egomaniacal energy starts to play out. when you got nothing but yes men and you.

don't think you can And we we see it. play out time and time again with with. our entertainers. So, it says we got to. wrap our arms around them before they. get to a space where it's too late. >> You got a lot of backlash when you put. Chris Brown in your basketball movie. shoot She She bought. How. satisfying is it to see him bounce back. from something that happened 20 years. ago? And it seems like the industry will. not let this man move on with his life. They keep holding him and it seems like. she's moved on. She's happily.

married or with with. her her situation. Three beautiful kids. He's been doing great music, but it. seems like he's finally starting to. bounce back. Hopefully they let him get. on the stage at the Grammys and. eventually maybe he can do the Super. Bowl. >> That's my brother, man. I'm so proud of. that dude. Not because of any accolades. Like I've known this gentleman since he. was 15 years old. So I'm I know the. person. >> Yes. >> And like we just been talking, man. Like. you get into spaces sometimes and. you can. like this the energy can just overtake.

you in a way that you find yourself like. how did we get here? >> Yes. >> You know, like and and you know, I've. obviously I've spoke on this many times, but I can't throw nobody away. You know. what I mean? And like it's the same. thing with any of my blood brothers. Anybody like I'm I can disagree with how. you move for what you said, what you. did, but I'm never going disown you. You. know what I mean? Like so the fact that. you know, and I think that I'm hoping, you know, but that that canceling energy.

and that's why I created the the. platform is like it's not about cancel. culture, it's about counsel culture. It's in times of need is it when we need. to counsel one another and bring. everybody in. But for whatever reason. it's it's more self-satisfying. to. the majority lower frequency to come in. and say, "Oh, you over. Oh, we going to. get rid of you or you did Now, granted. it's it's as just as much of it's about. counseling, it's about accountability, too. So whatever you did, you got to own. up to it. You got to own it.

>> to own it. But what if you don't atone. in that process, then of course you're. going to do it again. >> Yes. >> So the fact that we can continue to. watch this young man rise and watch this. young man win and the talent is next. level. >> yeah. We we're not denying that. >> Yeah, yeah. So, the fact that I I don't. know, man. I just hope we that we're. moving towards a a place in society that. we can embrace each other with love and. sincere compassion opposed to like, you. know, anger and fear and and, you know,

detriment to someone's career because. of whatever they've gone through. And I. I think if you approach things, and. that's what I've been doing a lot of. work, obviously, in the in the mental. wellness space. If you approach it from. like someone. is. I don't want to use the word sick, but. if it if someone is. working through something in that way, you you handle people who have an. illness. with more compassion and care than you.

do with someone that you see as a. villain. >> Right. >> So, when they start to villainize people. and call people monsters and want to. throw them away and do away with them. and you start seeing all this vitriol. and venom in in the comments, you're. like, man, is that who we really are as. a people? Because we're all one. So, is. that is that how we handle one another? Because we all going to fall at some. point doing something. So, the fact that. the few phoenixes that can rise and. change and continue to make the world a. better place through whether it's.

through their music or through their art. or I I commend those people. >> Right. >> Like, you got to you got to rock with. people that have made it through the. fire and actually are on the other side. and want to do better and can admit. those spaces that they've been wrong. Like, that's why I always say like two. of my favorite people on this planet. are Bobby Brown and Mike Tyson. Because. we've seen them at the lowest of the low. and you see them now today such a calm. demeanor, such peaceful individuals,

such full of love, and have redefined. what they want out of life. >> Right. >> You know what I mean? So So I I kind of. look at Chris in that same way to where. like, man, not every decision was the greatest. decision, but if you know this brother's. heart and you seen the growth from where. he used to be, man, it's a it's a it's a. phenomenal journey, and I think he. deserves everything all the all the. accolades and everything that gets and. everybody who don't want to give it to. him, them. >> You know what I think, Nick? I think in. my almost 58 years of. living, I think the one thing that we.

ask. for us that we're not willing to give. others, forgiveness, compassion, and empathy. >> Man. >> We'll ask for those things, >> Yeah. >> but we're so unwilling. to give them to someone. >> Man, that's gospel right there. I mean, that's that's really what it is. And I. think a lot of that has to do going back. to what I said, I I love us as a people. because we have been through so much. >> Yes. >> We've been through more than anybody. else. But so we hold each other as such.

a high regard. cuz it's like it's kings talking to. kings. It's queens talking to queens. So. in that energy like we're going to hold. you accountable, but. I got to see me and you and you got to. see myself. Like. it has to be something to where. I'm I'm not just going to let it slide, but. I know who you are and you deserve the. same empathy that I deserve. You deserve. the same care and compassion that I. deserve.

>> Usher, Chris Brown got a concert. You taking. your people? >> All right. Hey, go. Enjoy yourself. >> No, YOU YOU GOING WITH HIM. YOU GOT TO. GO. >> BUT FIRST OF ALL, all my all my PEOPLE KNOW THEM. SO THEY KNOW they know they ain't no. action going on. Like I think the. entertainment, man, them two brothers. >> It's going to be amazing. >> It's going Everybody girl going to get. took. It's It's It's happening. But uh yeah, man, that's that's family. Like both of. those individuals and like to see them.

at that highest level. You got to. respect and honor anybody that has that. can operate at a high level in anything. And both of And then to see them come. together. is dope. >> Man, you been around so long, man. Bro, you was in the Lil's video. You been in. 50 video, bro. You You been in it for a. minute. >> I mean, I've been out here since the. '90s, so. >> Yeah, so you you got to When I say three. decades, you really been in this thing. for three decades. >> Yeah, man. Yeah, I've been doing. stand-up over 30 years at this point.

Professionally. Like almost It's going. to be 40 just in if we count count back, you know, when I was really rocking with. my dad and stuff. >> You are a really forgiving person. Have. you always been like this or did you. have to learn how to become forgiving? >> Nah, I've always been that way. I mean, I I think that comes from my grandmother. and like, you know, even. just how she raised us and how we move. Like I don't hold grudges. You know what I mean? It's like that.

that old uh. uh. Mark Twain quote. He's like, "Anger is. the acid. that uh does more damage and more harm. to the vessel in which it holds than the. one that it stores." So, it's like in. that sense like I don't let negative. energy sit inside me. Like I I can. acknowledge it in the moment, but then. I'm off it. Like I just. I don't rock with it like that. >> You made a. a hit song with Future and Migos. Is Is Is Is music because you like, "You.

know what? I wish I would have given. music a more of a chance, but I was. really into this TV space. I was really. into this stand-up space, and I don't. think I gave I don't think I gave music. the chance that I should have.". >> I did it. I mean, the interesting. enough, I never wanted to be a music. artist. Like even I actually. looked up to, you know, people like. Kanye and even Pharrell specifically. >> Yeah, yeah, yeah, okay. >> I wanted to be a music producer. I. wanted to have artists and do like my. whole goal was being the guy behind the. scenes. It just so happened that, you.

know, TV opportunities and all that. stuff kind of. >> Presented themself, yeah. >> presented themself and I took it and. then I kind of got. pegged as like, "Oh, it's the kid from. Nickelodeon." Or "Oh, it's the kid from. Drumline." Or "Oh, it's the next Will. Smith." Like so I never really as an. artist as a creative, I never really got. a chance to dive into my musicianship. But if you notice all of the stuff that. I am a part of or that wins is musically. inclined in that sense of like whether. it's Drumline, whether it's Wild 'N Out, whether it's America's Got Talent,

whether it's The Mask Singer. Like all. my successes are musical. So I was like, "This is God still blessing me through. the music without having to actually be. an artist." Right. But um that artist. grind is a different grind. You got to. really dedicate your life to being that. And I I never had that in me because I. was winning in so many other spaces. >> Right. >> that cuz you got to get people to come. along with you. for that journey for life. And there's. some there's such a magic in music that. you got to you got to live that that. frequency. That um.

and people can sniff it out when it. ain't real. So I think people kind of. notice like, "He ain't really doing. this." You know what I mean? Like he's. just he's just playing with it. And. that's kind of like. hindsight maybe, you know what I mean? Cuz I'm not complaining where I'm at. right now. >> Right. >> But if I would have took being an artist. seriously, I probably, you know, like I. said, I was in all of the circles. I was. you know. >> You know all the right people. >> Yeah, I just just didn't ever I was more. focused on being a movie star and best. comedian I could be. And then ultimately. the best businessman and entrepreneur.

and you know, being able to provide. platforms for others, which still gives. me the opportunity to be involved in in. all of those spaces. >> Uh Kehlani. >> That's right. We on the same vibes. I I. was about to say it and you said it. >> So you you moved her to LA after she. graduated, paid her rent, food, studio. time. >> Yeah. You just you discovered her. >> I wouldn't say I discovered her, but. yeah, so cuz what happened as hosting. America's Got Talent. >> Yes. >> Um she was in a group called Poplife. >> Okay.

>> Um and. >> And the Prince saw her perform. >> Yeah, yeah, yeah. They were amazing. They was a full kid band and she was the. lead singer. >> Right. >> Uh and I remember Piers Morgan literally. on their first audition was like you're. amazing, you should leave all those. other guys and said on national TV. >> Wow. >> and she was like, I'll never leave my. brothers. And. like everybody else voted yes and Piers. like voted no. >> Right. >> And like but they went all the way to. the finale of America's Got Talent and. performed with Stevie Wonder as Poplife.

And then so I remember like the next. season, maybe not even a year later. somebody called me who interestingly. enough the person who called me is the. artist her her father cuz we all kind of. we. >> Wow. >> Yeah, so they all grew up like her, Kehlani and Zendaya all grew up. together. Like a lot of people don't. know that. Like in the Bay, yeah. So, I. I kind of grew up or in the same. neighborhood that her's pops did. So, he. called me one day and was like, "Yo, you. know that artist that you had on uh. uh America's Got Talent from that. Poplife group? She's homeless right. now." I was like, "What?" Uh he's like,

"Yeah, man, she in a bad you might want. to call and check on her or something.". I was like I was like, "Absolutely." I. was like, "Give me her number, let me. talk to her guardian or parents. whoever." And got in contact with her. and talked to her family and everything. and I was like, "Yo, this. young lady has so much talent, has such. an amazing heart. Um we all go in different directions cuz. she wasn't super down bad. She was still. a teenager, but she just was in a rough. environment at a rough time. She stopped. going to school and stuff. So, I was. like, "Look, let's make a deal. I promise you if you.

finish school. I will fly you to LA and sponsor your. career. Whatever you need you know, apartment, car, studio time, whatever it. is that you could desire and. >> You saw that much in her? >> Yeah, man. And it was like at the time I. had a vision for a bunch of young kids. I had. like signed, you know, all these young. kids that were pretty much. delinquents, like doing bad, you know. what I mean? And I was like I just want. to create give my studio to these kids. who don't have the opportunity to make.

as much of themselves as they could and. they, you know, they they rose to the. occasion and, you know, went on tour and. stuff, but then there was something. about Kehlani that I saw was like you. deserve even more you need to be. elevated even more. Like you're not part. of a group. Like you're you. >> Right. >> And she saw that. She was like I can do. this. I'm rocking with this, but she's. like I have a whole different vision for. myself and I remember like introducing. her to Wyclef and like all the like all. these different producers from like. Music Soulchild's producers when she was. just a kid. I was like she the next one. She got it.

And. I she she made me. she made me prophetic. >> I mean the mere fact that, you know, in. a group now because you remember way. back, I mean you might start off in a. group, but everybody looking to be a. lead singer. You look at Jeffrey. Osborne, he left L T D. Lionel Richie left the Commodores. Peter. Gabriel, he left Genesis. And so you you. when you look at it and you think about. it like well damn, they probably like. and everybody in everybody in New. Edition left and became their own. success. >> That's why they're the greatest group. ever because they. >> Trans band, Bobby Brown, Bell, the.

Michael, all of them. >> All of them went off, did their thing, came back together again. >> And still doing it. >> Killing it. There's no there's no group. bigger than New Edition. >> You mentioned. you mentioned her. >> Yeah. >> They're from that set. So did you. you didn't know anything about her, but. you know they're from the same they're. from the same area. >> Well, I knew I knew Gabby first which. was her. Yeah, and then her like I said her and. her her pops kind of, you know, got. similar people from the we're all from.

Southeast San Diego. So even it was. interesting she was another one of those. like child prodigies 7 years old playing. this giant bass. And I was like what we. going to do with this?" So, I put her um. I put her in a Nickelodeon movie. And. it's funny, I created this movie on. Nickelodeon when I was kind of producing. a lot of stuff over there. And. she played Angie Stone's daughter. Which. is like she was this little girl with. this apple, but I put I put it was her, Justin Bieber, and Soulja Boy all in. their first movie. Like and it was like. a little kid Nickelodeon musical.

Um so, I kind of always just had like an. eye for. talent and young people having it and. I wouldn't necessarily know what to do. with them, but whatever they desired, I. would try to open up those doors. And. so, I was like, "Oh, you got it. If you. got vision, then then let's rock. But, you know, I always I always try to focus. more on people who not only just have. vision, but they also got a plan. >> Right. >> And that and for themselves cuz I you. know, they say a vision without a plan. is just a hallucination. So,

so in that when you see young kids. >> Mhm. >> actually it just reminded me of myself. The same way Jamie Foxx and Will Porter. did to me. Like I had a vision and a. plan. So, when I see that in other young. people like um you know, this is what. I'm supposed to do. This is other people. did it for me, so I got to do it for the. next person. >> Wild 'N Out. How do you come up with. that concept? And did you think here we. are 20 plus years later it would still. be going strong? >> Before I answer that, I'm glad you. brought that up cuz you know you got to.

come on the show now. >> Oh, no. >> Next season. Come on. Come on. Come on, man. You got. >> No, if. >> You know how to joke snap roast? >> I don't want Logan's Valentine at all. Come. >> Bet. Say less. Say less. How many times. I was like, "Yo, you I will come do any. of your shows. I just need you on Wild. 'N Out and I need you on We Playing. Spades cuz I know you spades.". >> Oh, yeah. For sure. Straight up. Yeah. >> back to Wild 'N Out. I had no idea. I. had no idea. I was literally same vibes. just trying to provide jobs for my.

friends. >> Right. was in that space. I was the one. kid that kind of jumped out the gate. first and when, you know, Kevin Harts. and. >> Yeah. >> D Rays, like and I had, you know, I was. doing movies. I had a deal at MTV. They. wanted me to do a Punk'd type show. I. was like, "I don't do that shit.". >> Right. >> You know what I mean? But that was day. one at the moment. I was like, "Yo, I. want to do like uh. uh I could bring all my rapper friends. and all my comedian friends together and. we could do like this improv thing." And. they didn't understand it. They didn't. get it. So, I was like, "Bet." I had a. little I was making a little bit of. money and I was going crazy. So, I.

rented a bunch of cameras, rented a a. comedy club, called Kevin and everybody. like the time that was just around, just. my friends, Chris Spencer, all of these. people. And I was like, "Yo, let's just. make this show. I want to shoot this. tape so I could show MTV.". Uh. we shot it. Uh and now I had a whole. you know, IP in my hand. >> concept. >> So, we went back to MTV when they said. they didn't get it. They was like, "We. love it." And I was like, "I'm glad. y'all love it cuz I own it.".

And and then like from that aspect, like. you look, you know, 20 plus years later, almost 25 seasons and. >> Yeah. >> you know, it's a global phenomenon. We. touring all over the world, you know, doing it, you know, we starting once. again, you know, we in LA for the. Netflix Is a Joke Festival then in. Brooklyn right after that and everywhere. in between. So, >> excited that it's still going. I'm. shocked. I didn't I didn't definitely. didn't think I'd be wilding out in my. 40s. >> Right. >> It's good, man. It's like and it's an. introduction to a whole new generation.

with these streamers and stuff. >> Yes. How much longer are you going to. let it run as long as I mean, you have. Do you see an end date? Or you just. >> man. What's crazy is cuz like people, I. mean, even I always told DC Young Fly, "When I'm done, you can host it." And. now he got his own thing. He probably. don't even want it no more. Like so, it's it's it's one of those. things where it just keeps producing. this new crop of talent, man. >> Yeah. >> And you got so many young new comedians. coming up. >> Yeah, we become this conduit. I don't. know this this new season, I don't know. what stars are going to emerge, you know.

what I mean? Like and that's the beauty. of it. We out there constantly looking. for whoever is next and I think that's. what kept its longevity because it was. never just on my back. It was me trying. to give opportunities to others. >> Man, I'm looking at it. You had Kevin. Hart, Katt Williams, Pete Davidson, Michael Blackson, Corey Holcomb, Matt. Rife, D Ray Davis and Matt Rife gave you. his praise. I mean, he paid. >> I appreciate that. >> every young comic. >> beautiful soul. >> Oh, yeah, yeah. I mean, how hard is it I mean, cuz now I think. now because it's a entity in it of.

itself, it's not hard to get people to. come on there now, is it? >> Not as much, but people still scared. 50 Cent. But it's like I think because especially. when it started, like social media has. changed everything. People were very. protective of who they are. >> Yes. >> didn't I remember the funniest thing, I. remember season 1, we tried to do. a skit. He was per- performing on it. He. didn't want to be Captain T.I. >> Right. >> was like, "Nah, man. I I really live. that life. I don't I don't joke about. nothing." And I'm like, "Nigga, NOW YOU.

DOING STAND-UP." LIKE. LIKE BUT I MEAN, close friend, but you. see the process of. how people. because of social media and because of. we've let the world into our lives, people can joke about one another and. not take themselves so seriously. And. that's what Wild 'N Out was all always. about. So, early on, I remember Fat Joe. almost slapped somebody. He might have. slapped somebody on. one of the earlier cuz it's like you. can't talk about me, but I think Wild 'N. Out has opened those doors to make. people like, "Oh, I can laugh at.

myself." And I always say Wild 'N Out is. probably one of the most culturally. diverse and like the only television. show where equal opportunity offenders. You know what I mean? So, we make fun of. everybody. Like that And it's because. there's somebody. like that across from you. We all hug it. out at the end. So, that's the only. place where you can see, you know, someone from the chan- transgender. community battle somebody who's. homophobic and then they hug it out at. the end. You know what I mean? You can.

see somebody from, you know, literally. with a yarmulke on battling, you know, somebody with, you know, a turban like. me or whatever it is and they're making. fun of those things which are like, "Ooh, you can't even say nothing about. that." You know? So, it's the it's it's. so diverse but it's so welcoming at the. same time. And so, that's that's. literally, you know, my offering to. society to be like, "Man, we can really. all get along. We can have differences. but embrace We can make fun of the. differences but then still embrace each.

other.". >> But, I've heard people say, "Look, there. people that they might come on and like, 'Nah, you can't air that. You can't air. me in this episode.'" Or you can't air. >> They do ask to take certain stuff out. But, we don't. Especially now because now in the new. digital age, I got a little bit more. freedom. Before I had to follow the. rules of like MTV and stuff like But, now with, you know, being able to launch. on multiple platforms like YouTube, Twitter, you know, all these streaming. services, it's like, "Oh, we can say we. we can cuss for real on Wild 'N Out now.

We can So, where things might have been. offensive, you know, I think people have. opened up in the space of comedy like. you were saying earlier. I think people. want to laugh again. So, and that's what. we came to do. >> Give me your Mount Rushmore. This thing. is almost two and a half decades old. Give me your Mount Rushmore of Wild 'N. Out guest performers. >> Guests? >> No, performers. We can do performers and. do guests. >> Oh, okay. Um. So, I mean, when you say performer, you're talking about like artists or. like do we call the cast performers? >> Cast performers. >> Okay, yeah, yeah. We'll go there. Well,

definitely Katt Williams. >> Okay. >> Definitely Kevin Hart. Uh. Carlos Miller. And then how many Mount Rushmore got. four people? >> Only four. >> Me, god dammit. I THINK PEOPLE FORGET I'M ON THE SHOW. I. think people forget I created this. I'm funny, too. >> But you know what what what's amazing. about what's so amazing, I find it very. amazing about you, Nick, is that. everybody come on there and hey, before. they do anything else, they going to get. their shot up on you. >> Oh, yeah, they going to get it. >> to get.

>> And I designed it that way to try to. make everybody else comfortable. >> Okay. >> So, and it seems like I go through a. scandal every season. Give them. something different, like. >> They take it off on you. >> Yeah, so it's either going to be Mariah. jokes, it's going to be baby mama jokes, it's going to be getting fired from. America's Got Talent jokes. It's going. to be something. But I do that in a way. to where. I just try to make my guests. comfortable. I'm like, "Look, they going. to say the worst stuff about me. So, they ain't going to hit you." And I'll. be like, "Look, let let me write. something that you can say it about me.". So, it least gives you the confidence. cuz that's the thing, once people get. confident, they get comfortable.

>> Yes. >> And then, so that's what we always work. on. But jokingly enough, I was playing I. wouldn't If I'm going Mount Rushmore, I'd take myself off and put DC right. there. >> Okay. >> Yeah. But I'm hoping whoever that next. Mount Rushmore is like Like you said, like Mojo about to be a beast though. >> He is, man. He is the real deal. >> He's the real deal. And then it's just. cats like people that are just like. consistent all the way around, like the. Affion Crocketts, the E Man Hubbs, the. Timothy These are supremely. multi-talented individuals who make. music and. comedy, star in movies. So, I can't that.

four is probably the most known for for. the show. But even. it'd be tough because Justina is such a. beast. You know what I mean? And she She. brought all the white people to the. show. Like she's She opened up a whole. new demographic. So, it's like it's. hard, but there's some phenomenal people. that have graced the stage, and I feel. blessed to be able to say I built a. platform that allow these people to. shine. >> What about the There've been some cast. members speaking out like when we don't. make a whole lot of money. >> THEY DON'T.

THAT'S LIKE GOING TO THE COMEDY STORE. I'm like, "I ain't making Like you know. what they pay us at comedy clubs?" They. give At the Improv, they used to pay you. in food. Like they you get a $70 Uh Like. but that's part of It's not looking. >> of you the Yeah. >> Yeah, like and and they probably don't. get into it. Yeah, your first season, you don't make a lot of money. Just like. on SNL or any show that you're on. You. show your value, you rise to the. occasion, you're going to make all the. money in the world. And it goes back to. that Bernie Mac saying, I think it was. like Bernie Mac told that to Tiffany. Haddish. She was like, "Don't worry.

about, you know, being rich. Just be. funny.". >> Right. >> You be funny, you'll make money. >> Yep. >> You know what I mean? And I think Wild. 'N Out is literally the stage for that. Because you'll get booed off in your. first episode. You You made that, you. know, $1,200. It was nice knowing you. But then there's people who come back. season after season and we can't even. afford them no more. Like, and that's. the thing, you know, it ain't that. there's no love lost. You didn't You. didn't get fired. You just start making. too much money. >> Yeah. Yeah. >> Like, you got agents and managers and.

lawyers. We love that. And when we got. that, we'll bring it back to you. Because we you got to remember when this. show was created, it was never looked at. as a success. >> Right. >> And its origin. It just lived to be. successful. But we never had big. budgets. They never promoted our show. You never saw Wild 'N Out billboards and. all that stuff. Like, it was a They was. focused on Punk'd. >> Yeah. >> Then they stole the concept and made Yo. Mama. >> Yeah. >> Like, and they was all Like, then, you. know, then they made Ridiculousness. And. we outlived all of them. But they never. gave us the budgets that they gave them.

>> Remember you had MTV Cribs, you had Pimp. My Ride. >> Yeah, like those Those are the Those are. the shows that they were spending money. on. So, the fact that, you know, we. never had a big budget. And even myself, like, it's happened season after season. that I would sacrifice, you know, my. talent fee to make sure others could get. on and eat. Cuz that's That's the thing. You kind of In that environment, you. got, you know, you eat what you kill. Like, the more shows, more episodes you. got, you were never guaranteed more than. one episode. >> Wow. >> Unless you became popular. Then in your. contract, you want your I want at least.

10 episodes or however that works at. this amount. And that That's why I was I. was I've It's been beautiful for me. because I agree with them. They should. get paid more, cuz I don't I'm not a. part of that. You know what I mean? Like. they We This our budget. Your people. negotiate, and whatever you comfortable. with, we'll see you on the show or not. So, I think even now with me kind of. having a little bit more autonomy, I. would do want to make sure that not only. do I provide, you know, the platform, but as I'm going and searching for all. these new conversations, I want to I.

want to help change your life. That's. the whole goal, you know what I mean? But you got to rise to the occasion. So, I think the people who probably, you. know, they they That's almost like they. wear that as a badge of honor. Like, "Yo, I remember I was getting $1,500 on. Wild 'N Out." And now they selling out. stadiums. Yeah, yeah, yeah, but it's like I salute that. I watched. that kid come up as literally a kid, and. I I wanted to give him a platform and a. stage, because I remember being that. kid. And he took it and ran with it and. and. far beyond, and who knows what.

stratosphere he's going to hit, because. he's he's a rock star at this point. >> 85 South is spinning off, you. as you mentioned earlier. >> Yeah. >> So, is that what you really want You. want guys like, "You know what, guys? You guys Y'all Y'all got to do your own. thing.". >> That's all I want. I remember when that. whole I tried to sell MTV on the 85. South show, cuz they were like, "We need. more Wild 'N Out. We do need more. Do. you want to do" I was like, "I don't. want to do it more, but these guys are. killing it." And they did I was like, "You better harness them now, because.

they going to do it with or without. you." And they just didn't see the. vision. And I was like And I remember. telling them, cuz they wanted They was. like, "Yo, you want to be a part of. this?" I was like, "I'll support it. however I could support it. Like, my. platform is your platform, but that's. y'all and y'all killing it. And. it's authentic." So, I mean, even the. the the business people that they have. behind them, they're all so like. connected and and share a same vision. and really aligned. So, I didn't even. want to tamper with that, other than. telling the suits, "Y'all better pay. attention to what they doing over here.". And. you know, the rest is history.

>> Carlos, did you follow Carlos at one. time? You fired Carlos. >> That's what I said. I didn't fire. Carlos. Them people who. And it was it was probably more what it. was cuz Carlos is Carlos. And Carlos is. Carlos all the time. So, whether we fit. Like he would literally say, "Nick, these mother. funny?" Like he he would be And he would. be making people uncomfortable. "WHAT. THAT WHITE MAN BEHIND THE CAMERA. ACTUALLY DOING?" LIKE HE WOULD BE saying. like that. But we cracking up. laughing, but it's literally people. getting nervous. And so there was that.

aspect of Carlos' energy, which we all. love, but it made, you know, the network. nervous. And then, just like what I said. before, we all got people. And I think. at that time when we have a cast of 20. >> Right. >> And everybody's agent wants them to make. as much money as they possibly can. So, I think whatever happened cuz I clearly. wasn't involved. I was like, "Yes, I. want Carlos here." And they were like, "Well, his agent wants this." And the. people And we played it up because the. way I feel about Wild 'N Out, no one's. ever fired. >> Right. >> You might not do this season, but you'll.

we'll get you back. That's it. You might. go off and do a movie this season. You. might be focused. Every It's a open door. policy. Like And so, we played it up. where he's like, "Ah, Nick fired me.". And I was like I was like, "Ah, yeah, I. did it." But I had nothing to do with. it. But in that sense, I damn sure made. sure that Carlos was back. And then when. we when he came back and we could afford. him and he could like however that ended. up working out. I was like, "Yo, we got. to make a big deal out of this." And we. made a whole episode where he was the. team captain and all of that. >> Because when when they do Wild 'N Out,

they have success in Wild 'N Out, guess. what? Now you'll be able to go on tour, do your own thing. You get to go to you. get to go do, you know, four or five 600. seat, you know, theaters and and make money. >> And that's it's it's literally a. a launching pad. >> Yes. Okay. >> You know, and that's. that's the blessing that it not only. will people see you successful. And. that's why cuz it's. it's no holds barred in there. It's it's. literally the gauntlet. And they feel. like, "Yo, if he can make it there, he. can make it anywhere.". >> Yes. >> And so, the industry pays attention to.

the people who shine on that platform. and more opportunities come. So, whether. it's from the network that we're. displaying on, whether it's Paramount or. Netflix or wherever that is, or and. then, like you said, the audience. recognizes. So, they want to see. >> Yeah. >> to you you created catchphrases on the. show. You created a certain persona and. vibe that now audience is going to come. and hang. >> to see 30, 45 minutes of that. >> Yeah. >> Not just not just a you going back and. forth with somebody maybe 2 minutes or. something like that.

>> They want to actually see you do a whole. set. >> 100% and that's, you know, hopefully we. can continue to do that for many more. years. >> Ownership of Wild 'N Out, you took money. out of your own pocket. >> Own pocket. >> Shot the pilot. >> Yeah. >> And went back to them. >> Yeah. >> Is there anything you would do. differently? >> No. I think that was the. There's a lot of people saying that I. shouldn't have done that, you know what. I mean? I I believed in it so much. Um I. think I was probably one of the first to. kind of have ownership in in what my IP.

was. I didn't really understand that. back then now as much as I do now. Now. everybody owns their IP. >> Yep. >> Uh so, probably. cuz I. I experienced a lot of frustration uh. throughout the journey of Wild 'N Out of. trying to do more. Like I was trying to. do the digital stuff before it was. available. I was trying to do. restaurants. I was trying to do touring. and I never got the okay to do it. It. was kind of like, "All right, you got. it's it's corporate to you got. shareholders. You got people like you. can't There's certain things that you. just can't do.

>> Right. >> without asking permission." And I'm not. uh. not good at asking permission. I ask for. forgiveness. So, I would, you know, bump my head. quite a bit. People would be like, "Man, you got to do it this way. You got to do. it that way." So, even now as being more. in a in an executive space. I've I've learned to, you know, plan. things out, you know, but still still go. with your gut, but. there's just a few things that if I if I. had planned a little bit better across. the journey, I probably have capitalized.

off of the brand even more. >> Yeah, because you own 100% of it, right? >> I wouldn't say 100%. but I still. Paramount is always going to be my. partners because like I said that's how. the business works. And I learned that. early on too like 100% of nothing is. nothing but if you got some powerful. partners that want to partner with you. and they give you the majority share. then. why not, you know? And that cuz that. what happened was I did own the the. brand 100% few seasons back and what.

happened, you know, the the executives. at the time started looking at how. successful it was becoming and some. lawyers somebody realized it was like. yo, you realize he owns that brand the. moniker the logo all of that is his and. like and they kind of gave me a offer a. very gracious offer but they're like. look we not we got to participate in. this too. We can't you can't own this. 100% and it's on our networks and all. that so um. had to break bread a little bit and it. was it was well worth it.

>> y'all a little something. How much how. much y'all want? >> And it was and and since then, you know, we've been operating on that good faith. and you know, Paramount has been. especially the the Paramount of today. has been extremely gracious and and been. great partners in you know, this next. journey that we're about to take giving. me the autonomy 100% allowing me to do. whatever I want to do with my brand but. the end of the day, you know, them. shareholders want their position and and. and their little piece too. Just to say. that's how you build, you know, that's.

how you build companies. That's how when. you have a network full of intellectual. properties it it gave it gives. value to the entire thing. >> The Mask Singer, how were you able to. not only host The Mask Singer, but also. be a producer? >> Yeah, same vibes. I mean you got you you. got to remember I was the host of. America's.

>> And We went back for months, man. They. It went from a position of like they. were angry that I said that and how and. then to like please come back and I had. already, you know, stood on principle at. that point. It's like nah, you're not. going to tell me what I can and can't. say. Especially that something has. nothing to do with your network. Like. this special was on Showtime. I was and.

I was on my pro-black, you know, standing on a soapbox moment. Uh. I kind of left the building with gusto. And like like I'm trying to go somewhere. else so I can make another hit. And then. people were like, "You'll never get. another job like America's Got Talent. and the amount of money you were making. and you That's like exactly Howard Stern. told me. Simon Cowell told me. Like all. the president of Universal Music like, "You're making a huge mistake." And I.

was like, "Oh, you guys believe that. believe in that show and you don't. believe in me. So I'mma show you that. I'm the sauce." So we went to next door. to Fox and they were pitching a bunch of. different stuff and I was like, if I'm. going to be a part of anything, it got. to feel special. It got to feel unique. I got to have fun doing it. And. turned down about like half a dozen. different concepts before The Masked. Singer came across the table and I was. like, >> That's it. >> That's it. And I It was a huge hit in. Korea already. And I was like, if I put.

my spin on it and we kind of bring it to. America, I was like, this is going to be. It's crazy. Like nobody else believed. it. They were like, "Yeah, this is Why. would you choose to do this?" And so, within the deal, not only when I chose. to do it, like I was the executive. producer as well as the host. And, you. know, we've been rocking for 15 seasons. at this point. >> Can you tell like some of the uh some of. the uh singers in the costumes? Do you. know who they are before? >> depends. Like most of it, no. I tell. them don't tell me cuz I want to play it. along and then. so.

uh but like if it's you know, Lil Wayne, like that's my man. Like how is Lil. Wayne going to get on The Masked Singer, you know what I mean? So, uh I was aware. I you know, Kevin's crazy ass. So, you. know what I mean? Like anybody that's. like my friend, like it becomes like. this fun, you know, inside circle vibe. But if um. usually anybody else I'll say I want to. play along, too. Don't tell me. So, that's that's kind of how we manage it. If I have to help book it, then I was. like, "Even if I help book it, don't. tell me what the character Let me find. out, you know, when it's going to.

happen." So, just cuz I love the game. and I love the show. I love playing. along. >> Investment. What's been some of your. Obviously, Wild 'N Out has been one of. your best investments. >> 100%. >> What about some of your your other. better investments? >> Uh probably after Wild 'N Out, um. um. I would say my kids. No, but but um. if I'm being serious on business-wise, I. had the incredible headphones for so. long. That was We did that in 2010.

And by like 2012, we had like I think. over 200 million in sales. Um and it. kind of established my incredible brand. We was in Walmart, you know, every like T-Mobile, RadioShack, like we. were like the number one selling. headphone because interesting enough, people probably don't know that I had a. I was the same people who made my. headphones also made Beats by Dre. It. was all Monster originally. Obviously, Jimmy and Dre went on to to sell their. brand for a billion dollars.

And I kind of chose to be the more. affordable one. But it was pretty much. the same headphone. >> Right. >> And where they were selling in like the. Apple stores or something, we chose to. sell in like Walmart and made it a. little bit more affordable. >> Affordable. >> So, even in that process, it was such a. learning experience because it's like, "Oh, we got the same one, but y'all. y'all got a billion for yours." Like I. did all right, but you know, but it was. still in that in that sense of like. understanding business and understanding. your IP and your value. So, I would. definitely say the incredible brand cuz. not only did we have headphones, we.

ended up doing like school supplies, products, also still the name of my you. know, my my production company. You. know, we got fitness, we've opened gyms, and you know, all of that stuff. So, that brand in. itself, starting from how much success. we had with the headphones, opened up so. many other doors for the brand. >> Are you still going to produce the. the documentary, Dr. Sebi? >> Yeah, it's constantly. I mean, it's that. I get that in my comments all the time. Man, when you going to finish the doc? Like we're in processing it. I'm I'm. hoping because there's so many things.

cuz one, it was, you know, a goal and a. vision of Nipsey Hussle. >> Correct. >> that I I wanted to continue to carry on. and did. And then there's the the entire. Dr. Sebi family. So, I want to do right. by all of them. I don't want to just put. some mess out cuz we literally for over. five years did interviews all over the. world. We went to Africa, we went to. uh. uh. Costa Rica, we went to uh Honduras where. Dr. Sebi actually had his.

uh facility. We talked to every family. member. and Dr. Sebi got more kids than. me. Like he got Like he got literally at. 80 he had like a 4-year-old. Like he. really got like That's what he healthy. >> Is that your goal Is that your goal? >> Not that quite. But like he has so many. family members that we interviewed. So, you know, I just want to make sure that, you know, in big pharma, you know what I. mean? Like that's a that's a. responsibility when you got people like. that when you talk about holistic. medicine and alternative, you know, healing and curing process. People don't. want you to put that out. So, getting.

this content and the clearances and all. that stuff, it's a lot of stuff that. happens behind the scenes that can slow. it slow it up. But we're going to do it. right and we're going to get it done. >> Healing and curing is different than. treating. >> Yes. Yes. >> They treat because the the the money is. in the treatment. That's for sure. >> on the curing. If I kill you, I can't I. can't I can't get no more money from. you. Yeah. And then even like you said, the the definition between healing and. curing is actually been held Like. there's court cases about that. And. that's even really what, you know, got.

Dr. Sebi off is because he wasn't saying. he was curing people. He's saying he was. healing people. Like and healing is a. spiritual thing. So, in that sense like. it's it gets It's a lot of information. It's a lot of content. We just just. trying to focus on the truth. >> What have you learned? You've been. You've been in this Hollywood space for. almost for three decades, What. have you learned about it? >> Uh. it's not it's not the friendship. business. It's the entertainment. business. Um and if you're looking to.

find for You can be friendly with. people. >> Be friendly, but not. >> you just got Yeah, like it's it's so. cutthroat on so many levels that you. can't take anything personal. You know what I mean? Like and I'm I'm. pretty sure it's like sports, you know. what I mean? In that vibe where you're. just trying to get out there and do your. best. You're trying to win your title, your championship. So, not to say you. can't get along with the cat on the next. team or whatever, but everybody's in it. for their own journey and you can't you. got to take your personal feelings out.

of it. Just understand this is business. Uh you can still be a good person. Still stand on morals, still have. principles, but uh. don't go into this looking for friends. Like it's like I was like it's not about. friendships, it's about trendships. It's. like if you hot at the moment, everybody. want to be your friend. Everybody want. to look at you. Everybody want to call. you. Your phone won't stop ringing. Um. but you can't let that be the weight. that carries you through this whole. thing. Just know okay, it's all it's all. reciprocal. You're going to get your. your shot long as you can ride the wave, you know, through the good times and the.

bad times, you're going to get your. opportunity whenever you want it and. whenever is whenever you get your moment. again, just you know, keep cooking while. the pot is hot. Stay consistent. >> Right. Is it true you said you told uh how. Harpo beat me? You said that though, didn't you? >> I did. >> Did you mean to say that or you just you. were nervous? >> just excited. Man, I was I was married. to Mariah. I was. She was on Oprah. Uh the fact that you. just called her Harpo is hilarious.

But clearly that's not something she. wants to hear all the time. So we was. backstage at the Oprah Winfrey Show and. I had met her like briefly in places, but now I'm like, "Yo, this. >> Oh, you thought y'all were cool, huh? >> Yeah, and I was like and I and you know, that was that was one of me and Mariah's. favorite movies. I was like, "I'm I'm. going to say it. I'm going to say it.". She was like, "Don't say that.". And I was like, "You know, you told. Harpo to beat me.". Straight face. Like. >> She like. >> And and like it just I I was my my.

insides just She was. Oprah got a way she can look in your. eyes and just everything just you just. damn near on yourself. Like but. it's like that intimidating. There's so. much power and I was like soon as the. words came out of my mouth I was like, >> I shouldn't have said that. >> That was the dumbest I ever said. >> Have y'all spoke since? >> Yeah, but it's different. >> I don't think I I ain't going to be on. none of Oprah's favorite list no time. soon. >> Of all the things you could have said. >> Yeah.

>> You said, "Hey, congratulations. I mean, what your story, Oprah.". >> Yeah, I think I was low-key trying to be. funny and show off on Mariah. It was it. was a light room. >> But let me ask you a question. Does. Oprah think Does Oprah strike you as a. person that's easily amused? >> I've seen Oprah. like chilling. That's why I thought we. was in one of them environments. Like I. wouldn't have said that on the show when. she was interviewing me. But I'm. thinking we chilling, toes out. everything. You know, I'm like, all. right. >> So when you said that So what did Mariah.

say to you after you said that? >> She low-key cuz Mariah is hilarious. She. low-key was laughing. >> Yeah. >> Like in the moment cuz she was like she. Them awkward moments are like That's. where the most comedy is. So we laughed. about it on the on the jet ride home. >> But she wasn't laughing in front of. Oprah, though. >> She was Yeah, like she Yeah, she was. like, you know, she cuz she didn't think. I was going to do it. >> And I She told you not to do it. >> She told me don't do it. And I Anytime. somebody tell me don't do something,

that makes me want to do it even more. >> Especially it's it's the comedian side. of it. Cuz anytime they tell you can't. tell a joke or you can't you can't talk. about this or you can't talk about that. >> me. I'm going to say it. The loquaciousness. Talking too damn much. >> So now, are you okay being with a woman. that makes more than you? >> Absolutely. I was married to one, but. >> Yeah, but that I mean, yeah, that was I. want to know I mean I need you to give. give me some notes on how you pulled. that one off. So how do somebody How.

does someone go up to Mariah Carey, who's one of the bigger two at the time, probably one of the biggest star one of. two biggest stars in the entire world, and you walk up to her like, "I'm Nick Cannon. What's up?". >> I did I mean I played it I was being. sincere. I I being who I was. I was a. huge fan, Like Mariah's number one fan. So anytime I'd be in interviews and they. asked me who my celebrity crush was, I. would say Mariah. It got back to her. So. this take the stage was already set. So I. I just when I did get the opportunity. she was like so where where we where did.

you where you about to meet her at? I. finally met her at the Teen Choice. Awards. >> Okay. >> And I told them I would not come to that. award show unless I got to give Mariah. Carey an award. And they said, "All. right." And then they set me up and then. she was like, "I heard all those nice. things you've been saying about me.". >> Oh, you there YOU GO. >> I CAN MAKE THEM COME TRUE. AND THEN. REELED it in and then I think time had. passed obviously. That That was our. first encounter and then you know, she. was doing you know, she want she was. doing her new album and the videos and.

she wanted me to star in one of her. videos and it was like the Touch My Body. video. It was like that's where the. the dude playing the nerd like the. computer repairman. I was like, "I ain't. playing that shit." Like I'm like like. I'm trying to holler. >> Yeah. >> I was like, "I you know, kindly decline. Uh but if you have anything else, uh maybe another single. where I could be like a love interest or. something like that." I think that's. what I told her her manager at the time. Um and then she was like she was she. liked that. She was like, "All right.".

She's like, "Not only do I want you to. uh star in the video, I want you to. direct it too." Cuz she had seen like. some of the stuff I had directed. >> Okay. >> You know, we sat down at the Beverly. Hills Hotel to discuss what we was going. to do and never left after that. Uh we went off to shot the video in the. island somewhere and. >> you know, I was home. Did. I mean, you got to think about it. A kid. that grew up in in North Carolina, you know, transco you know, >> Yeah, San Diego by coastal. >> Yeah, you by coastal and you like.

you laying down in the bed you like. excuse me. Mariah Carey right there in the bed. Did. you I mean. >> I had a couple of those nights where I. woke up and like. pinching myself like this that's the one. next to me. Like that's literally the fantasy is. next to me. >> Now I'm about to swag on you. YOU WILL. NOT LET GO. >> I DID. I did. She deserved better. I think what it was with me and like you. know. clearly doing all of the therapy and and. work on myself I just wasn't my my ego.

my. my manhood I spoke a good game but I was. I didn't feel like I fit the part. >> Yes. >> You know what I mean? Like I wasn't I. wasn't man enough to to hold it down the. way that I should and my insecurities. started to kick in and before I got to. those spaces where I was doing I. wasn't supposed to I think it was just. we were both wise enough to know and. even like cuz it started a lot of it. started with like fatherhood like cuz I. wanted to be the man of my house. >> Right. >> You know her and I never had any issues.

but the world the the the system that. she's built you know all of the. different people and stuff like that. I. felt. I won't say disrespected but I felt. under appreciated in that space which. then started to seep into you know the. family values and who I wanted to be as. a father when I was like I can't be here. and be you know. toyed with in front of my my children. So I think a lot of that started to eat.

at me and then so I started you know I. started making decisions to be like look. I want this to be an equally yoked. journey and the only way that I could do. that is for me to kind of take a step. back and so that that as as complex as. it feels it's just like I just wasn't. ready. My my insecurities got the best. of me. >> If it was. you meet. this person that you are sitting across. from you today. >> Yeah. >> If you had met her then. >> Oh absolutely. Yeah yeah. I mean just.

because I'm I'm a. I'm grown. You know what I mean? Like I. said one of my biggest insecurities was. like people never treating me like I was. grown. >> Okay. >> So, I was always trying to prove. something. Like if you look at me. >> But you said it wasn't her that was her. surroundings. >> and it was just the ultimately the world. whether it's the outside voices or. people like Like if you look back at. them times with me like I was in these. big oversized suits that didn't fit like. trying to be a person that I really. wasn't. >> Right. >> You know what I mean? And that nobody.

wants to be in that environment. You can. never be happy pretending to be. something that you're not. So, I It. wasn't her. Our love was real still real. still sincere to this day. Uh but I just wasn't ready to be. that. I wasn't ready to play that role. I. wasn't ready to be that individual. because I had a lot more growing and. learning to do. And there's just so much. that comes with that that I just wasn't. prepared for. >> The tattoo, you still got the tattoo or. you covered it up? >> I guess it's still back there.

>> Come on, you can't do that. >> It's It's Jesus is on the top of it now. Jesus is hanging on to the M and the H. >> Did Have you ever had a relationship. where they say, "Nick, you got you got. to get you got to get rid of that, bro.". >> In what sense? Like. >> women that you were dealing with. >> Oh, got rid of Oh, well, you can't. necessarily You have to look real close. and ain't nobody behind me. But no, I'M SAYING BUT THEY DON'T THEY CAN'T. REALLY SEE WHAT'S back there. >> But they know But they know.

>> But it's like Like I said, it's like. it's a Jesus It's now it's a whole mural. of like, you know, >> Would they come up behind. >> "Father, forgive me this for they know. not what they do." I guess it's a whole. scene. >> So, would Would she come up behind you. and kiss you on your back and say. >> She can't see it. It's down here. It's covered up, but it's like it's. incorporated. It's still Mariah can still still see. that it's still Mariah. If I got to tell. her, "It's still back there.". But to the to the naked eye it just look. like it's a bunch of stuff.

>> Why you feel it's important for you and. and it cuz I I always asked him and I'm. like man I was telling I was telling. somebody I was going to talk to Nick. Cannon and I'm like man ask him how he. pulled that off. So do you feel it's. important for you to go ahead and be. honest with the women like look. you're not going to be the only one now. >> Honesty is the best policy. Honesty from every aspect. Like if you. get caught cuz don't this is trial by. error. I've lied a lot. and I've never won in lying. >> Right. >> You know what I mean? Lying has always.

set me back. >> Yeah. >> Um so it's like if you if you really. going to be who you are. then stick your chest out, you know, but. do it respectfully. You know what I. mean? Like that's the thing I'm never. out here trying to be bragadocious or. >> Right. >> you know, try to get people to sign up. for something they don't want to. I was. like look this is just who I am. These. are my beliefs. Um. I've lost a lot of good relationships, you know, because people didn't want to. go along with, you know, my lifestyle, but I also, you know, have no problem I. don't think I have any problems with.

anybody that I've ever dealt with. because it's like I I can handle it with. care, respect, and compassion. >> And just sometimes we just, you know, don't see eye to eye. Yeah, we disagree. on certain things, but I try to, you. know, I try to handle everyone's heart, mine included, with with as much care as. possible. >> Would you ever spin the block with any. of your. >> Uh yeah. Why not? >> What about marriage? Where does Nick. Cannon fall on that? >> not doing that. >> You're not So you're done with the. marriage? >> Yeah, I can't. >> You might have a situation where okay, this my lady.

>> I just can't I don't want the government. involved in my love life. >> Okay. >> Like that's all the like that's a that's. a business contract that you got to. uphold and legalities and all like I. don't think that that has nothing to do. with love. That's like if we really know. what the origin of marriage is all. about, you know, that was the exchange. of property back day back in the days. and building empires and kingdoms and. like that had nothing to do with love. Love and marriage didn't happen until. like, you know, two centuries ago. So, in that sense. I don't need that aspect to create a.

union or a covenant with somebody. Like, so I, you know, again, it's I know I. have an alternative way of thinking. about things that everybody can't sign. up for, but I just I just don't. go with what the masses go with and. traditionally. Just I never had. >> You had a very interesting comment. You. said I'd rather be the side dude who. knows everything as opposed to the main. dude who knows who's in the dark. >> Like, again, think about it. If I if I. could choose.

and there's somebody playing with my. emotions. >> Yeah. >> and I'm up here looking like Boo Boo the. Fool. >> Yeah. >> or. I'm manipulating the scenario. Again, that could be protecting my. insecurities cuz I don't want to get. hurt and because I have been the side. dude so many other times with people who. are oblivious to what's going on. It's. like, I don't want to be that dude. >> How did you do that? >> Do what? I mean, I'm. my younger years. >> Okay, I was going to say.

>> I ain't doing that now. >> But you knew but you knew she had. somebody. >> And as and as a young man, we take pride. in that. >> That was you did. >> Yeah. As Pac said it best. That's why I. your Like. Like when you like that was a badge of. honor to be like, yo, I stole your girl. You know the name of the game. Your. chick chose me. No, we can handle it. like some gentleman or we can get into. some gangster. Like Like that's literally the bravado. of the male ego. Like lines A lion is. coming to your pride to snatch your.

chick. >> Do you get upset when your your kids. your co-parent decides to move on and. have relationships with someone else? >> Nah. I mean, it it hits your ego. If. you're living in ego, that could that. could hurt. >> Why? >> Because again, this was. my pride at one point. This is but. through a lot of therapy, you work. through it to where like, yo, we just. got to do what's best for the children. But there has there has been times and. even in you know, my current scenario I. I genuinely feel that I want everyone to.

be their best selves. I want them to be. genuinely happy. So if you're not happy. with. >> Does that include you? >> That's what I'm saying. If it doesn't. include me, I want you to go find your. happiness. >> Okay. >> So um but it took me a minute to get to. that. Yeah, like I wasn't I want what's. mine and I want to be able to show that. I can you know, pull this off and then. when you realize that you can't and. that's you are human and that you know, you aren't God's gift to all women like. then you know, you deal with it. accordingly. But it it definitely it's a.

it's a learning and growing process. >> I mean one of your one of your co-parent. said she had a relationship with Michael. B. Jordan. Did that bother your ego? >> Nah, one because it was before me. >> Okay. >> And then I know like that's the thing. too. When you out here. you know each other for so long and. different like I'm I mean I ain't going. to blow my man's spot up but I'm sure. that's not the only person he and I. dated. Like when you're the one, you're the. one. >> Okay, I see what you. >> The phone don't stop ringing.

>> Did it bother you with Mariah had a. picture of Tupac hanging. >> In the in the kitchen? Long as if if it. was in the bathroom, I might have had a. problem with it. It was in the kitchen. So but I mean again, that's I love Pac. too. I don't love Pac like that though. Like cuz it was that one too. It's the. one with the bubbles and he butt naked. like oh man. It was luckily it was in. the downstairs kitchen. I ain't go there. that much. Being there in the middle of the night. trying to get some snacks and Pac naked. staring at you. >> Cam was on his podcast and he was having.

a conversation. He said women lower. their values the more kids that they. have. Do you agree or disagree? >> Disagree. I disagree. I love Cam but. that's um. >> It also determines who she is. >> Yeah, like but even. I on a clinical even on clinically I I. don't think that's the case because. first of all, you know, not to get on a. soapbox again, but we got to understand. the the miracle and the beauty and a. woman being able to bring a child into. this world. She can do it multiple.

times. Like that that if anything, that. increases her value. But. where do you place your value would be. my question to Cam. It's like because. every. mother every single one of my children I. hold at such a high regard and that man. there was such a blessing to me to be. able to give me this gift that I can't. give to myself. But then to see how. amazingly. just well poised and how they handle.

mothering. >> Right. >> I can never do it. You know what I mean? Like so to see a woman have multiple. children and still be able to function. and and do all the things that she wants. to do with her life but still be able to. put these children first in a way that I. could never. >> Right. >> Man, that's that's invaluable. So but I. I think if he's talking about like. >> Do you think he's Do you think he's. meaning like if you have the more kids. with different men? So like if if. somebody's married and they have three. kids, okay, that's three kids. But if. she got three kids in three different.

co-parents. >> Yeah, it depends where that where that. stage is. It depends where. she's like where he's seeking value. >> Okay. >> Like I understand what he's saying like. if you meet somebody in the club. and you know, you looking for a. the nice hot young thing and she turns. out like, "Oh, I got three different. baby daddies." You might have You might. feel differently about her because of. the setting and the stage. >> and what you and what you you you all. came together.

>> But if you met that similar or same. young lady at church, you know, you're not going to think cuz. her. the value, the thing that she does well, mothering, the thing that she's got her. family in an environment where she's. trying to grow with them, you're going. to have a completely different. perspective if you met her. >> At the club. Where do you go to get them. at though? >> I mean that's a. >> That that I don't know. >> They they they. >> I ain't been to church in a minute. though. I might have to go. >> You might want to go. They in there. They they they heading.

back. There's an exodus to the club and. they all heading into the church. >> But did you hear Deontay Wilder's crazy. story? >> I I heard pieces of it. >> I mean sometimes I mean I don't even I. don't know if the CIA with waterboarding. could have got that story out of me. >> Yeah, it was a little wild like. >> Yeah. >> Like what she did and how she kept I. don't even know is that possible? >> Don't start me to lie. >> Oh yeah, I don't even. >> Say you know she went got the syringe. because he. >> Like where would where are you just. keeping random syringes at? >> Yeah.

Maybe she had maybe it was a turkey. baster. She went upstairs in the kitchen. and got the baster and. >> Yeah, I mean. I love the champ but that's that's a. whole different battle. >> Right there. >> Eddie Murphy said I I. I don't know how to feel about Eddie but. Eddie said he got 10 kids over three. decades. You got nine kids. uh that were born between 2020 and 2023. Five within a six-month. How the dick? >> It was it it was a time. It was. post-COVID. That was a it was there was a lot of uh.

we had a lot of time on our hands. >> Damn. You hold on. You got nine kids in. a in a three basically a three four year. span. >> Yeah, I mean. >> So how many kids you got now? >> people like this. At 30 I had no kids by. 40 I had 12. >> You got five kids within six months of. each other. >> Yeah. Yeah, from. Yeah, from the end of June to December. There's five there's five kids that were.

born in that time. >> Are you done with kids or you want more? >> I would love to have more. I I. >> Who. >> to trick into doing that? >> Why I got to trick somebody, Jared? >> trick them cuz there no way they like no. you got to give me a commitment. You got. to give me a commitment. You got to be. here. >> I am a committed father. >> Hell no. They said hell no. >> No, but then this is because you never. again I don't believe I'm have any more. kids anytime soon, but even the the. current mothers of my children what if. they want to have kids again? >> Oh, so you would so you would you would.

you would go back and have more kids. with your co-parents? >> I'm just saying if that was the. conversation today it's not a. conversation, but again as the the. family man that I am I'm trying to make. sure everybody happy. >> But what if they got hold on. Are any are any of these women that. you've had that you've had that you're. co-parent with do they have guys in. their lives now? >> Not that I know of, but but maybe I mean. I would say. I don't know. I would say but definitely. there's one that's definitely in a.

relationship which. >> Well, that's out of the question for. you. >> I don't know what Mariah doing lately. >> Oh, my. goodness. There you go. Mariah say she busy. >> Hey, well hey I could be busy too. >> Is that. is that the true love? It seemed like Mariah hit different than. all the rest. >> I mean that's that was that was my wife. That was literally my dream girl and. then the fact that we still have such a. great relationship to this day. I don't. think you can't compare it to anybody. else. You know what I mean and I believe.

I was truly in love with her and and for. will always be in love with her. >> If she say you know what Nick I think I. want another one. I want another. >> Mariah want another I'm giving HER THREE. MORE. WE going all the way in. >> Man, he just be wilding. >> Be like Why don't Cannon Curry start in. five? Let's go. >> Did she not want any more kids? >> Uh. >> At the time or you didn't want any more. y'all would just stop at. >> even talk about it. Like I think we what. we always talked about was having.

twins and our you know like like we a. boy and necessarily twins we wanted a. boy and a girl that just came as a. blessing as twins but um. I think that was like the. the traditional nuclear family like. boy and girl dog happy out like so we. were we didn't ever really talk about. more after that and we were happy just. with rock and roll. >> With 12 kids that's a lot that's a lot. bro you got to have all these jobs I was. saying there's a lot of tuition.

>> Yeah that's a lot hey you ain't you. ain't stopping any time so so how old. how young is the youngest? Uh three I. got a lot of three year olds right now. The man got five three year olds five. three year olds. how old is the oldest a rowan and robin. yeah yeah they'll be 15 on the 30th. of April. You 40 how old are you 40 45 45 and you. got a three year old yeah. Come on come on in man no no no god.

I'm about to be I'm about to be 58 ain't. no way. that it'll bring the the youthfulness. like you a little baby running around. you good. Baby and daddy can't walk both be. wearing diapers. that's enough. both of us in a stroller hilarious but. so let me ask you this this is a very. important question man I think our. listeners are going to. what type of father. are you. are you similar to your dad. or have you evolved dealing with the.

times that we're in because you know the. way your parents probably. were with you you probably can't. necessarily be because you say your your. your your your dad didn't didn't give. you the belt or didn't didn't spank you. anything right? No he did yeah I think. as as a younger kid but like once I was. we were. with each other yeah like I think I'm. I'm closer to like my father you know my. father is a fun dude like. but extremely intellectual and like just. dealt with. all his issues and specifically with.

even with family with conversation and. talking it out and. faith-based prayer. So, I got a lot of. that from him, but obviously the times. are different and then my situation is. different. So, um I would say I'm a a bit, you know, evolved. You know me, I always focus on, you know, trying to operate with. optimism and the highest frequency, do. the impossible, and encourage like my. dad was always encouraged me in the same. way that I encourage my kids, but I. think it's it's the ability is a lot.

more prevalent for my kids. They're. like, "Yo, I could do it. My dad said I. could do whatever I want.". >> Right. Like I can become whoever I want. to become, and I really try to open up. to them. Yeah, yeah, so. >> But you know you have daughters, right? >> I do. >> How many daughters you got? >> I got five. >> Okay. Well, I feel bad for you. You've had. about nine or 10. >> Yeah, yeah, now five I can manage. And I. so, I mean, again, who knows what the. future brings and all of that, but right. now, you know, >> What did they bring home to you? >> If I would if whatever you bring home, long as you safe and happy, I'm good.

>> You don't want them to bring You don't. want them to bring home somebody like. you. >> I don't want them to bring nobody like. me, but if that's what makes you happy, >> Okay. >> I'm not going to get in the way of your. happiness. And if if he's not That's the. thing, you know, I've always gotten to. that space like I just don't want to. have to kill nobody for putting their. hands on my daughter. >> Right. >> Like that's the first and foremost. As. long as you good to her, you keep your. hands to yourself, I'm I'm cool. So, when it comes to my daughters, I. ultimately think protection. Like I. always see that I just want to be able.

to keep her safe. So, you know, emotionally, you're going you. got to go through some stuff, but I hope. you find your Prince Charming the first. time out the gate, but you know, if not, you can always come home to daddy and we. going to be we going to figure it out. >> It's a different time because when you. were coming up, there was no social. media. >> Yeah. >> And social media has kind of consumed. our kids now. >> Yeah. >> Um you have 12 of them and now social. media. How do you How do you manage. that? How are you going to Cuz you like. you said, you got the the older two are. 15, so they smack dab in it right now.

So, how are you going to have manage. social media? >> We're doing it in real time. I mean, my. daughter. just recently went viral. Because and it's so funny because the. world thought the conversation was about. something that it wasn't. It was really. about 14-year-olds talking There were. There was like some a couple kids online. saying that they were my kids' siblings. >> Yes. >> Like, you know, cuz all that's my. sister, that's my brother. So, my. daughter wanted to clear it up. >> Right. >> And we were like, "Oh, I only have one.

brother like literally in her age group. All these other guys that are saying. they're my brother are not my brother.". >> Right. >> But the world took it, you know, Shade. Room and all of them took it as if that. she was saying all of my children are as. are not her siblings and she only has. one brother. >> Right. >> So, literally like the world jumped in. on like some teenage gossip conversation. and tried to turn it into something else. when and then that upset my daughter. I. So, she was like, "I didn't mean that. I. said my dad has other kids." Like I was. like, "No, no, you don't have to explain.

yourself to anybody." I was like, "But. let this be a lesson, you know, that you. got to be very careful what you say on. social media and how people will take. something very small and blow it up into. something that you don't have control. over anymore. >> Right. >> So, be very careful on what you share. and she learned a lesson and but I could. see she was physically bothered by like. cuz she had never gone viral like that. before and she was apologetic to me and. to her other siblings and, you know, they they don't know what's going on. So, it was like, "But it was a great.

lesson for my teenage daughter to learn. that we're like, 'You don't You don't. have to say everything that you feel on. social media because people going to. take it and run with it.'". >> Especially because of who you are. >> Yeah. >> When you When your your co-parents, when. they start to date, do you have to meet. the father if he's going to be I mean, the the the the the the the guy that. she's going to be with with all the. kids. >> really had to deal with that yet. Like I. still the. I we that conversation has come up. Um. but I've I've yet to meet anyone. >> You ain't met nobody? >> Nobody. I mean I met uh Mariah's little.

dancer boyfriend before. >> How you call him a little dancer. boyfriend, man? Come on, man. >> I tell you I'm still in my feelings, Shannon. I'm still in my feelings. >> You said. >> But he was always around. >> But you said you weren't ready. >> But I mean I was still I was a husband. though. I was still a good husband. I. just I was some stuff that I didn't work. through yet. >> Yes. >> Yeah, yeah. It wasn't like. >> So what she supposed to wait on you till. you. >> Nah, she wasn't. THAT WELL I MEAN I. don't know.

>> What you mean you don't know? Would you. have waited on somebody? >> No, because that's the thing when being. the fact that, you know, I kind of made. some some choices that. you know, I had to make. I That was. probably the unfair part I wish I could. do over again. I feel like there was. probably some more conversations that. her and I could have had and worked. through. Because I kind of was like I'm. out. You know what I mean? Like opposed. to like I. That was very immature of me. >> Yes. >> Yeah. >> You see Mariah the scientist say she. want a thug to get a. a tattoo like.

>> the one I had. >> Yeah. Would you get another one another lady's. tattoo a name tattoo, don't you? >> I got I got a lot of tattoos, Shannon. >> Y'all know. Y'all. know this man ain't sitting up here with. all this all his kid all his co-parents. name on his body. >> I already know. I got It's a lot going on here. >> I get it. The kids. >> word search. >> I get it. I get it. This man a walking. billboard. >> You get you get you a little pencil and. go around and see how many names you can. >> I get it. I know you ain't got I know.

you ain't got all your co-parents name. on you, >> Man, I'm a very creative guy and I. express myself through my tattoos. >> I'm just trying TO I'M JUST I'M JUST. TRYING to figure out how you pulled THAT. OFF. I DON'T HAVE none bigger than the. Mariah tattoo though. But the mere fact. so. let me guess. they're all on the on the back so they. can't see it. >> No, I mean they're they're in various. places. I was at this point you kind of let them. choose where they want their name to be. Get your real estate. What part you. want?

>> And if they happen to. a re-re say they're going to catch you. they're going to catch you. >> Oh, they're going fast. They. I see they they they they're popping. them out. >> Yeah, they got three. >> Yeah, in a short period of time. >> I don't think. >> Like I said I made it I made it all. through my 20s up to like 30. >> So basically you got you got you got 12. in a 10-year period. Yeah. You do realize that's like 1.1. a year. >> Yeah, yeah, yeah, it was happening. I.

think that you said the the craziest. statistic is five in six months. I I was like God, what what is you got a. hell of a sense of humor. Like. >> So so so let me So let me ask you this. the first one so the first one came and. said Nick. uh. I'm I'm pregnant. >> I celebrated them all. That. >> You like you like okay, okay baby. Go out and get her a bite to eat. >> Yeah. >> Hey girl, how you doing? Yeah. I'm.

pregnant. Go out celebrate. >> And how how how it work? Okay. >> That was a Tuesday. Wednesday. >> Three. >> Thursday. >> I was like y'all playing you y'all. playing at this point. Y'all. >> You like did you like. >> I thought I was being pranked. >> Hello, I told them TV MTV I wasn't doing. Punk'd. And here y'all is they recreated and. y'all got me on Punk'd. >> That was unbelievable. I couldn't I By. the time you know. >> The last. >> four and five all I could do is laugh. >> numb.

>> Yeah, I was numb. >> You was numb at that point in time. >> At this point this is I mean again it's. it's my the bed I made I got to lie in. it. >> Damn, Nick. >> Nurse in it and all of that. >> I mean I mean I understand like the you. know you got the two 15-year-olds. You. like I'm sure you're excited, but I mean. boom boom boom. >> Yeah, that was that one I didn't have. any explanation. I could I mean I was a. extremely happy about all of them, but. it was like I couldn't have seen I was. like they they my mama ain't going to.

believe this. Like that's all I was. thinking. It was like yo. >> So when you when you told So you told. your mom obviously she know about you. know the two older kids, but then all of. a sudden. they're starting to come with greater. regularity and your mom and you tell. your mom hey mom. you're going to be a grandma again. >> Yeah, yeah. I think my mom she just knew. she was telling I know somebody else is. pregnant like right when I would call. Like so it's at this point she kind of. embraced who I was and just focused like. long as you healthy and.

>> And and take care of them babies. >> Yeah, just make sure that's what you got. to do and so I think that my entire. family kind of looks at it that way. >> What made you decide to go to Howard? It's the Mecca. >> It's the it's the one. Like when you. hear I mean obviously my drum line. experience and then just growing up in. our community, you know, like you hear. about Howard University. I was like if. I'm going to go anywhere I got to go to. the Mecca and I'm I'm glad I made the. choice. >> Right. Now here you are you look at. think about what you've been able to do. basically for the last 30 years. So if I.

say Nick I want you to. put the screen up here and I want you to. project look at your life. >> Right. >> 20 years from now. >> From now? >> Yeah. What do you see? >> Ooh, what do I see 20 years from now? Lots of grandbabies. Um. >> You You definitely going to You. definitely going to have about about 25. grand kids. >> I think but even if we're talking. career-wise being able to be in a space. where now I can actually relax. um and enjoy and embrace and if I still.

want to be creative, I will. Um Um. but. you know, really just. being able to have built something that. I can continue to be proud of, which I. think I'm on that journey. Um. and then be able to say, you know, I was able to provide for others. >> Yes. >> Professionally and personally. >> Yes. >> I think that's that's ultimately what it. is for me. >> Lupus. What what is lupus? Is it. >> Autoimmune. uh diagnosis. Um.

>> Okay. >> It's a condition that where your immune. system attacks your organs. >> Okay. >> Where they're supposed to your immune. system is supposed to be protecting and. >> Yeah. So then it goes in and. um. kind of goes It's funny. I was saying. like it's built Your immune system is. built to protect you, but it. >> Anything that comes inside, we're going. to fight it off. >> Yeah, yeah. >> But now you're inside and we fight You. fight me from the inside. >> like. uh. lupus is like ice.

Like. >> Ain't y'all supposed TO BE PROTECTING. US? Y'ALL whooping our ass. Like. >> So. So but in that sense, um it's a it's a. tricky disease because. the things a lot of times that I'm. fighting are the things that my immune. system actually broke down. So my lupus. specifically attacks my kidneys. >> Oh. >> So I got more damage in my kidneys. because of what my body has done to my. kidneys. So even like people are like, "Oh, you got to get a new kidney." It's. like, "No, I got to fix my lupus because.

even if I get a new kidney. >> Lupus going to attack the new one. >> that one, too. So it's more about just. managing that and and staying locked in. and and that where you know, it's. it's a struggle that it's a unseen. struggle. A lot of people don't know. what you're going through until it's too. late. Till I'm in the hospital, until. it's like So I I kind of. battle with that quite a bit. Um. >> Is it painful? >> Super painful. Sometimes I can't even. get out of bed. Like it's and it feels. like, you know, arthritis, your hands. like lock up and stuff. Your body swells.

up, you get this stuff called edema. where you you swell up and you can't. walk and you can't like you literally. just stuck in the bed. And it was like, all right, this is. going to be one of them days where I. just I got to just rest and take the. medicine and all of that, but. >> any known. cure or treatment? >> finding them. There's a lot of stuff. There's a lot of medicines I've been. taking over the, you know, last decade or so that are, you know, they're they're doing great work. They. actually are. uh they did they did me justice and I. >> They keep the flare-ups at bay. You. don't have the flare-ups with with the.

same regularity maybe you did that you. had before these medicines came out. >> they give you like these infusions that. are like almost like chemo that like. kind of you got to They'll They'll take. you down, but when they bring you back. up, you're even stronger. So, it's just. stuff that like I've had to do a lot of. research, you know, from the medical. field to holistic ways to like, you. know, you get your diet right, certain. things, you get the proper rest and. recovery. I feel like the more Like. people are like, "Man, why are you still. in the gym and stuff?" Like I feel like. I'm at my best when I'm in my best. shape. >> Yes. >> Like I feel like the lupus is at bay.

when I'm in the gym five times a week. and, you know, so that's what keeps me. going even in that space because as soon. as I take too much time off from the gym. or start eating horribly, the flare-ups. come right away. And then you never know. when that one flare-up can do the. ultimate damage and stuff like that. So, I'm just trying to prevent as many. flare-ups as possible and then, you. know, keep the the damage that has been. done, kind of keep putting the band-aids. on that stuff. >> Is there a type of what what what foods. causes the the flare-ups? >> Processed food. >> Oh, okay. >> You know what I mean? Anything that got.

that plastic in it, those preservatives. and like all of that stuff, gluten, all. of that stuff is just stuff that They. always say, man, like 90%. of the stuff that's in the grocery store. today wasn't there 100 years ago. >> Hell, I don't believe it was there 20. years ago. >> Yeah, and it's just like the stuff that. like we're consuming plastic. And that's. that the body knows it. And so, I try to get to the space like food is. fuel. >> I'm trying to eat to live. >> Yes. >> And. >> for enjoyment. >> Yeah, and I'm not living to eat, you.

know? So, it's like if I could put only. things in my And I obviously we all. going, you know, have a little something. every. >> yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah. >> But it's like I got to put more fuel in. my body than I got to put trash in my. >> Right. You took a nar-. a narcissist test. What did the test tell you? >> That I'm a narcissist? I but this is the thing. I'mma say it. I And this. a psychiatrist, one of my personal. friends, uh is well decorated and known in this.

industry, said that the majority of people in our. industry have the same thing I do. They're narcissists, too. When you If. you operate at a high level, >> Yes. >> and you know, we we'll we'll name names. Like one of I'll I'll even take you. through. the process of and I'll I'll ask you. some questions, some of the same. questions they asked me, but if you. think about I said I'll say this. People. like. Muhammad Ali, >> Mhm. >> you know, Michael Jordan, >> Yes. >> uh Beyoncé, Oprah. I said it. You know. what I mean? These are high-functioning,

you know, high-value, self-importance, uh they always say like um being. um. loving admiration and being focused on. being successful. >> Yes. >> These are all traits of NPD and and and. these are So, every president we ever. had, every man standing in these pulpits. in front of these congregations, like. everybody that uh. are are exceptional. >> Mhm. >> All of those people could be considered. narcissists.

>> Wow. >> You have Steve Jobs. All people that. Every like all of these people who have. given us the things that we love, whether it's entertainment thing, they. they have all of these qualities. Now, where you because it's a spectrum, where. you go to that space where it becomes. unhealthy and toxic instead of tonic, is. wrath, you know what I mean? Anger, >> Yes. >> uh rage. I didn't test for any of those. I'm a. laid back dude. I don't have those. And. then it's even in that sense where. a lot of people where it becomes a. problem, which I do have this was a lack.

No, I'll say I do. I have empathy. Extreme narcissists have no empathy. And. that's where once I accepted that I was. a narcissist, the balance became is like. you can still have all these. narcissistic tendencies as long as your. empathy level is equal. As long as you. can self-evaluate. where your ego is getting to from cuz. the spectrum goes it goes from. confidence. We all love confidence. Then. it goes very confident to arrogant very. arrogant to narcissistic. So in that.

sense, I I had the self-importance. I I. believe the entitlement, you know what I. mean? I believe I'm chosen to do certain. things. I I'm I love admiration. I love. attention. Like these are the things. So. I would say if if if Shannon Sharpe were. to take the the test from the DSM, the. diagnostic and statistical manual for. mental disorders, the number five is the. DSM five right now. I believe because of. how you, you know, from all the Super.

Bowls and all the success. you would you would be a narcissist. We. it's just been weaponized and especially. in relationships because as soon as. somebody has an upper hand in a. relationship or does mistreat somebody. or manipulates you like oh you're a. narcissist. But it's like if we all come. from that sense, how can we have the. equal amount of empathy that we have. for, you know, self-importance that we. have I think some of the greatest people. in the world have had these had to. figure out that balance. >> Yeah, I agree.

The best advice you received and we're. going to get you out of here. What's the. best advice you received in your career? >> Ooh. I hear that question a lot. I could tell. you how I used to answer it and I don't. believe that anymore. I used to say the. best advice is to take no one's advice. As a young man, that sounded good. I was. you know, running rogue trying to blaze. my own trail. As I sit here in my 40s, I would say. the best advice would probably just to.

be enjoy the process. You know, don't don't worry about what. someone else is doing. You know, cuz. you know, they we know they envy is the. thief of joy. You know, um. don't put yourself on a clock. Um. just. embrace every aspect of it because we. ain't getting no younger. >> Right. >> So, I think I'm I went from like. I'm going to do my own thing I'm going. to blaze my own trail to be like I'm. going to just take my time and you know, hopefully this thing continues to to pan.

out the way that it has been. I mean, I. I do whether it's my narcissistic. nature or not, I do believe there's a. calling on my life. I do believe that I. have a purpose and I believe that. purpose is to. make people smile. It's to be able to. be a relief. and comfort for others. And. I've been able to do that, you know, so. and I I only hope to continue to do that. and enjoy the process of that. >> Before we wrap, is there anything you'd. like to promote? You got a book? You got.

a a movie? >> Man, you know, I got always got some of. that coming up, but mainly like we. talked about it, man. This is this new. journey of Wild 'N Out. Like we on the. road. Uh we we discovering new talent. You know what I mean? I hope that you. can have many more people sitting on. this couch saying that they you know, they got they they opportunity through. >> Would you say how many people come on. here and say that they. >> that's what I was like I got to go in. there and holler at my man cuz it's like. it's so much love in there. >> Everybody that you feel that you get. talked about just just about every show. Every comedian that I we brought up here.

have said something positive about Nick. Cannon. >> Yeah, no, that's a. >> About he gave me an opportunity. He. believed you know, hey, he might not can. do it but he know somebody else that can. do something for me and he appoint me in. that direction, brought me on wild'n. out, opened doors for me. So, that's a. that's a huge huge we got a. George, we got to give for it. >> Yeah. >> I had it. >> Uh you know, you know, brother. >> Yeah, we got a gift. This is a from Tommy John. Um these are women you going to thank me. for these. These are padlock underwear. So, when he's around you. >> going to say DON'T THEY MAKE DRAWERS?

>> YEAH, you got a padlock underwear so. y'all safe. Just makes you safe. When. you come we go out on a date, we go out. to eat, wear these padlock underwear. >> I'm just saying you knew the job was. dangerous when YOU TOOK IT. I'M WORKING WITH A MONSTER. >> Y'all see what it is. Big cat of guys. Thank you, brother. >> Great thing. That's hilarious. That's out the Tommy. John. >> Thank you again Double Barrel and the. Whiskey Shop in Beverly Hills for. hosting us today. With over 3,000.

different types of whiskey the Double. Barrel has everything you need and it's. a full shop lounge so you can actually. try before you buy. Family run and. operated with locations in Calabasas at. Saddle Peak Lounge and here in Beverly. Hills. The Double Barrel and Whiskey. Shop is the place for all your whiskey. needs. Thank you again to the Double. Barrel and Whiskey Shop for having us. >> All my life I've been grinding all my. life. Sacrifice, hustle pay 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 I've been grinding all my. life. Sacrifice, hustle pay the price. Want a slice, got to roll the dice. that's why. All my life I've been. grinding all my life.