Young M.A On Health Scare, Alcohol Battle, Relationships, Brother’s Death, God, Brooklyn & Music

What about when the fan recorded you in. the wheelchair at the grocery store. without your consent? >> Yeah, that was weird. And it's crazy. because we were seeing her. and she was acting like she was on the. phone. And the whole time she was recording. You're oblivious to your surroundings. >> What if What if I just ain't want to. walk? >> [laughter]. >> You were lazy that day, huh? I was lazy. I was tired. Let me tell you cuz I. thought that you stealing the motor. right, you going to motor drive, you. going to ride the grocery store on the. scooter. >> do that now. >> [laughter].

[music]. [music]. [music]. >> Hello, welcome to another episode of. Club Shay Shay. I am your host, Shannon. Sharpe. I'm also the proprietor of Club.

Shay Shay. Stopping by for conversation. today is one of the most celebrated. names in hip hop, one of rap's most. successful independent artists with over. 3 billion streams. She's gone quadruple. platinum, a blockbuster rapper, a viral. hitmaker, a talented songwriter, a. groundbreaking entertainer, global. chart-topping lyricist, a household. name, and a cultural sensation, and an. entrepreneur. She's relatable voice of. the people and a defining voice of New. York. She's received a proclamation from. the city from BK, New York, Brooklyn. that is. She's a queen with a K because. she's also a king, too. Here she is,

Young M.A. My boy. >> [laughter]. >> I hooked you up. I did you right. I like. that. I like that. That was fire. I. appreciate your time. Appreciate it. If. you don't mind, I'd like to start here. You had You had been dealing with some. health issues, and if you don't mind, cuz maybe someone's going to watch this. and and and and they'll they'll receive. and and do what you did and take take a. course of action and and become better. So, what what happened to the best of. your estimation? As like just the situation I had. >> Yeah, yeah. Um.

the lifestyle, you know what I mean? Um. just, you know, a lot moving fast, dealing with personal things, you know. what I mean? The music on top. everything, the fame. Um and then, you know, you got, you. know, situations in your life that kind. of like, you know, tarnish you, like. losing, you know, somebody close to me. Right. And um. you know, just a lot of stuff just start. to kick, you know, catch up to you. Um. and you know, I I got, you know, stuck. at a at a dead end Right. at one point. in my life, so.

Yeah. Did this, you said uh the lifestyle, was. this before you had started and it kind. of accelerated because of the fame and. cuz now all of a sudden you have money? Uh did it accelerate once you became. famous or was something that started. once you became famous? Um. I mean, you know, it was it was always. there, you know what I mean? It was. always there. It was always, you know, some we we did turning up, but it got to. a point where it became a consumption. You know, um.

and it was uncontrollable Right. >> point, you know what I mean? And I. didn't see that coming. Right. You know. what I mean? It kind of scared me, kind. of threw me off track a little bit, and. I didn't know how to handle it. So, you. know, before it was just like a. occasional thing, a turn up thing, you. know, you hanging with the bros, and. then it became. a um We turning up all the time. Yeah. When do It was like, when do we If we. keep turning up, when do WE TURN DOWN? >> [laughter]. >> YOU KNOW WHAT I mean? Got to that point, but um. Yeah, basically that, when do we turn.

down? Right. How how hard was it for you. to change those habits? Because. sometimes we get into a situation where. we do something over and over and over. and again, and people don't realize how. hard it is to change a habit, be it good. or bad. A lot of times when you're a. hard worker, it works because you're a. hard worker, you do the same thing over. and over, and you're good. Also, but. when you have bad habits, those are also. hard to change and they might be even. harder to change than the good habits. >> Right. I think it kind of stem from. slowing down. >> Okay.

You know what I mean? Everything start. to slow down and now the the consumption. is is kind of in your view. Right. You. know that as busy, you know what I mean? Your mind is dwelling on things more. Right. And um you know, it came to that. point and basically getting over it was. um. It wasn't really a struggle to get over. it. >> Okay. Cuz it wasn't nothing that I. really wanted to do. Right. You know, it. wasn't something like like I got to You. know what I mean? I got to do this. It. was just like a. uh a hill I was trying to get over at.

that point in my life. And I knew I was. going to get over it. >> Okay. You know, that was that was what I. knew I was going to do. You know what. I'm saying? And um when I did, you know, I ain't look back, basically. With the. situation cuz a [clears throat] lot of. time we. if we have bad habits, sometimes it's a. situation that we make sure we don't put. ourselves in that situation where the. bad habits can arise. Sometimes it's the. people that we're hanging around. Sometimes we have to cut people off. because. there are reasons some of the bad habits. keep occurring and we have to look like,

"Damn, I sure hate to do this, but I've. been around this person and every time. I'm around him or her, something bad. goes wrong.". >> Yeah. And that's and that's definitely a. situation I was I think I was around, but I don't like to blame Right. >> others. You know what I mean? It's it's. really on me. You know what I mean? I'm. grown enough to make my decisions, so I. can't really stem on that because I was. the one making those choices. You. understand? But um. yeah, man, just basically, you know, just getting past that situation and. really focusing on you know, what you.

know, what I do best. >> Right. You know what I mean? It just got. to that point. I had to get over the. Like I was too consumed in my personal. life. >> Yes. And. I'm that type of person, too, at the. same time where I do separate the two. Okay. You You what I mean? Like even on. the on the internet, I don't bring. nothing personal. A lot of people don't. know a lot about me. Right. You know. what I mean? When it come to music, it's. just music. And that's what I try to. keep it as, you know what I mean? And. I got to a point where I kind of got. pulled into the personal a little more. than the music because the music was at.

a at a standstill. So, you know what I mean? But like far as. the drinking in itself, it really caught up to me unexpectedly. Um because I was I it was a normal thing. at first and then. too much consumption caught up to me and. then I didn't realize what I was really. doing to my body. Right. Like it it like people don't understand. that. Like you when you used to. something normally, like it's just a. normal thing cuz it never was like a. habit. >> Right. It wasn't like I But when it.

turned into that, >> [clears throat]. >> it became scary. Right. >> And I didn't know that part. You know. what I'm saying? So, that's why I said. getting over it was something I wanted. to do because it was like like what is I. ain't used to this part, you know what I. mean? Well, who is that person? And I. don't know, maybe you looked in the. mirror and did a self-reflection or a. self-check, but who is the person that. pulled you aside and say, "This ain't it." God. Wow. God. Because I'm the type of person. I don't really seek help from people.

Like I'm a. I'm a self-healer. Okay. I got myself into this. I'mma get myself. out of it. >> out. Like I kind of block the world out. >> Okay. Okay. >> And that's exactly why you didn't see me. so active in music cuz I knew I had to. handle this before they see that. >> Right. You know what I mean? So, yeah, basically that. You know, sometimes. is that. it's the battles that people don't see. that are the toughest for us to. overcome. >> Mhm. Because, you know, cuz a lot of. times if someone sees that you're going.

through something, they're going to. cheer you on. Because, you know, you. would go to a football game and. everybody cheering and everybody get. right. You go to a sporting event and. everybody cheering and everybody get. amped. >> [clears throat]. >> But you're you're suffering. You're. dealing with this on your own. No one. really knows what you're going through. And sometimes we get in our own head and. the toughest battle to overcome is the. one that we Yes. Yes. Yes, that we tell. ourselves. Absolutely. And um. Yeah, God. Mhm. I mean, ain't really. nothing else to, you know, explain about. that. It was just something that, you. know, I had to acknowledge and once I.

acknowledge that, that was it for me. You acknowledge you deal with you dealt. with it. um and it's probably going to be. something you'll have to deal with every. every single day you wake up and have to. make a conscious decision. Well, I want. to be the best version of me. Mhm. Uh. how has your life improved since you. made that decision say, you know what, the old that ain't going to cut it. moving forward? >> Yeah, facts. Um. health. Yeah. Health is wealth. Health. is wealth, man. You know what I mean? Fitness. Mhm.

Um and just the the relationship with. God. >> Okay. You know, people a lot of people. don't know the difference. It's like you. can believe in God, >> Mhm. but do you know how to have a. relationship with him? Mhm. You know. what I'm saying? >> Mhm. And I think that was like my. crossover. It's like I believed in God. Right. I always put God first. >> Correct. But I after this after this. situation, I created a relationship. >> Oh, man. You know what I'm saying? I. It's. It's a different feeling. It's a. different energy, motivation. You know.

what I'm saying? And um it it led me into, you know, just. see even seeing like my mom's, for example, just you know, we already. lost you know, she already lost a child. Right. >> Right. So just imagine what that was for her. You know what I mean? >> Right. And that was [clears throat] also. a reality check for me. It's like I. don't want to do this to my mom. Right. And and and so you like, okay, I'm I. made this decision. You said, were you. religious growing up? Were you brought. up in the church? Uh because you said, I. believed in God and you know, hey, I.

prayed for things, but I didn't have a. relationship with God. And if you don't. mind, equate Uh, can you explain to our. viewers and listeners out there the. difference between knowing who God is. and not cultivating a relationship with. God? Yes, because. I think it's when you go through. something. Yeah. That's how that's that's that's I think. that's how that's created because you. can grow up going to church. Mhm. >> what I mean? You got your your. grandmother or your your mother or. somebody just taking you because it's. just a traditional thing.

And you just know the surface of it. Yeah. But when you go through something. like. I don't know how to explain it. It's. like you you have to go through. something. >> You do. You know, you can't explain that. to somebody that that never went through. something. >> Right. >> Cuz it's still going to lay on the. surface. >> Right. It's a situation. a lot of times. we have success. and and we're like, oh, thank you God. for this. But. when you go through something and you. have to say, Lord, have mercy. Yeah.

Boy, it'll open your eyes, won't it? >> Yes. Because a lot of times when we have. success, we really think it's us. Yeah. We really think it's us. But he said, you know what? I'll make you I'll make. you call on me. And that's another. thing. You know what's crazy is that I. always put God first. Like I I never was. this cocky artist. >> Okay. I've been humble my whole entire. life, career, everything. You know what. I mean? Like my fans even know that. And I always put God first. But like now. is like. that part is easy to say God did it. because everything's good and gold and.

glitter. But when you at a low point and God pull. you out of it. >> Mhm. That's where you see. the difference in, oh yeah, God did. that. >> Yeah. Yeah, he did that. Like God did. that. You know what [clears throat] I'm. saying? >> That's the that's the difference right. there. But. The regular season is a wrap in 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. bucket, every dime, every win means more. when you're playing on PrizePicks. So.

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eyes. And he caught some criticism. Yeah. When you saw that, were you upset with him? Because you did. a you said, "I don't like to bring my. personal to the social to the internet. I don't want A, if I'm going to go. through something, I'm going to go. through something. My music is one. thing. You have access to that. Take. have at it. But what I'm going through. personal, Mhm. I don't want nobody to. see that." And when you saw that, how. did that make you feel? >> All right, so let me explain that. situation. Basically, when I did go.

there, he asked me was he able to. [clears throat] record me. >> Okay. At that time, when I first This was like. around the time I first got out the. hospital, probably a week after. I was my mind See, that's the difference. is. I can really go deep into this because I. never talked about this. But the day I. got out the hospital, um I was already my mind was ahead of I. didn't even look back. Like it wasn't. like I dwelled on what I was going. through. My mind was I got to get back. to doing what I need to do. >> Okay. Cuz that's where I was at the.

whole time. I didn't think I was going. to die. I wasn't scared. I wasn't. afraid. Nothing. My mind already knew I. was going to get out of it. You know. what I'm saying? So, in my mind is get. back to the normal schedule programming. Let me go get a cut. It's been a month. >> Yeah. You know what I'm saying? I went to the barber like I always do. Went to the barber. Mind you, in my mind. I don't think I look like that. All you see is you. You're like, "Hey, I'm good.". >> I see the future. I see what I'm about. to do again. I didn't see me. I didn't. see how I looked at that time. I'mma.

keep I look I feel like I look like. myself. It's almost scary to know, but I felt. like maybe that happened for a reason. Like maybe it needed to be posted. Cuz I. would have kept it to myself. But. don't you think that's kind of foul? He. saw how you. >> No. I Listen, when he posted it he asked. me could he post it. That's why I reposted it. But why would. he even ask you that? Think about it. If you if. your man came in here. You know he had. gone through something. You see that he. doesn't look the same. You know what he.

looked like before he that happened to. him. You wouldn't go to him and ask him, "Bro, you mind if I post this?". Because he's not thinking. You weren't. thinking because like you said, you can. see we're the last to see. We're the last to see. what we actually what the shell looks. like outside. You know something was. going on inside. Maybe they didn't. But. the surface level, they can see. Right. And for him Look. That's your boy and I. ain't trying to cause no thing. But for. me, ain't no way in good conscience I.

could have done that knowing cuz I see. like, "Damn." Yeah, your mind is like. >> No. Hell no. I don't want nobody to see my. man like this. But you forgave him. You said we all good over here. Yeah, man. I ain't even look at it like that. My. mind was. You know You know Like even now it's. like it was meant. Wow. You know, this ain't my my day one mans. You know what I Okay, okay. Yeah. >> [laughter]. >> You know what I mean? Like nah, this.

ain't one of my day one mans. Right, right. Casually going to. But that's. what I'm that's what I'm saying. >> Yeah. Oh, so that explains it. Because I. don't think your day one would have done. that. Would have put you in that. situation. But what about when the fan. recorded you in the wheelchair at the. grocery store without your consent? >> Yeah, that was weird. That was weird. And it's crazy because we were seeing. her. And she was acting like she was on the. phone. And the whole time she was recording. That's what gets you in it. Yeah, man. It's cuz you know what it is too. Like. I'm I'm such a I'll be I'll be out. You.

ain't paid hey, I'm I'm going here for. X. >> No, I'm going to get some food. >> Yeah, I'm doing this what I'm doing. You're oblivious to your surroundings. What if what if I just ain't want to. walk? >> [laughter]. >> You were lazy that day, huh? I was lazy. I WAS OUTSIDE. LET ME CUZ I THOUGHT THAT. YOU STEALING the motor right the motor. right you going to ride the grocery. store and not get the school though. I. do that now. >> [laughter]. >> But I mean, you know, at the end of the. day I mean, everything yeah, like I said.

bro, these things were supposed to be. seen. I don't think it was meant to be. hidden. And that's how I look at life. Like you. know what I mean? Right. Uh. And then someone that you were seeing at. the time unfortunately posted an old. video of you actually in the hospital. The yellow eyes, the IVs. That that that. had to that had to hurt because like I. said, that that's a different situation. That's someone that you believed in that. y'all confided in that y'all shared a. lot of personal things. And for her to. do that. >> Yeah. You can't you had to feel some. type of way.

>> Yeah, absolutely. I did it. It threw me. off. It definitely did throw me off. But. um. you know, we [snorts] did talk about. that situation. You know, behind the scenes. Um she apologized. Um we talked about it. It's something. that really want to get too deep into. because, you know You moved on, you good. with that situation. >> I'm moved on. Right. Yeah. Okay. I I can. I I can feel you with that. But I think. sometimes. we want to tell our own story. Mhm. Whatever Whatever be it good, bad, or.

indifferent. >> Yeah. Allow me. I don't need anybody to. try to write this down for me because. only I know what I went through. >> Exactly. And it's something I speak. about in the music, too, as well. So, you know, um. like for instance, Open Scars. Mhm. You. know, I speak about that on the album. Even in the video, I kind of show Right. brief uh images of of me in the. hospital. But, um yeah. It is definitely something where, you. know, this is this is why I'm sitting. here now. You know what I mean? You're. the first one to even have this this.

side. >> Right. Um but, yeah. Given everything that you've gone. through. up until now, this battle. does it make it more selective of who. you trust? Because a lot of times we can. we we really don't know a person because. we might think we know a person really, really well, and they've never shown a. side that would cause you to believe. that this person would do something like. this. And then all of a sudden, you're. like, "Damn, how did I miss the sign. that there was a potential that you.

could do something like this?". So, have you become more selective in. who you trust and who you deal with? Yeah. Cuz I've always been like that. So, that's why it definitely threw me. off because I've always been attentive. to those type of things. You know what I. mean? And, um but, yeah, absolutely. Like 10 times worse. You know what I. mean? It's 10 times my radar. You know. what I mean? The rehab You going to rehab in the. past. How do. So, let me ask you a question. >> Nah. I didn't go. You didn't go? >> No. That was Somebody put that out. there, huh? >> Yeah, I mean, I was I was attempting to,

but I never did. Okay. Yeah. >> [snorts]. >> So. do you. So, you like to say I like to I like to. self-heal. I like to do things on my own. because So, I'm going to tell you that. story. Okay. So, I I went there. Okay. I. dropped off there. >> Yeah. And then I looked around. Cuz in my mind, I didn't feel like rehab. was what I needed because I didn't have. an addiction. >> Okay. You know what I'm saying? Like it wasn't. no addiction for me. It was like.

something else is I need to heal from. something else, you know, is wrong that. I need to change. >> Okay. It's not the addiction. >> Okay. So, when I'm when I'm when I first. get there. and I go inside and, you know, basically. sign up. I wasn't in there for no not even 20. minutes. Damn. Yeah. I went in there. >> [laughter]. >> Hey, you should have You should have. told him to just wait outside cuz I'll. be right back out. Listen. Damn there. So, I went inside. Okay. I did meet this.

this young lady. Um she was a fan. Okay. And she was. like, "What you doing in here?" I said, "I don't know." That's a good question. Right. And she was telling me her. situation. And I was like, "Damn.". Like you you know, you Yeah, yeah, you. you needed to be there. Yeah, you needed. to be there. You know what I'm saying? And then I'm And then she. she's like basically like there's. there's more people and I look around I. see like people that's like they're not. even like.

knowledgeable or aware of their. surroundings. Like they Wow. Yeah, it's. like you can tell they're drugged up or. something. >> Yeah. And I seen that and I'm like, "Oh, yeah, I don't belong here." Right. So, I. went to the front desk and told the lady. I said, "I'm leaving. Like I'm leaving.". She's like, "Oh, you have to do do do.". I said, "I don't have to do nothing.". So, I called my peoples. I'm like, "Y'all come back and get me." Damn. I'm. staying here. And I got up out of there. and went bowling after that. [clears throat]. >> [laughter]. >> Yeah, man. That was crazy. Yeah, that. was it. That was it? Yeah, that was it.

That was it. But you thought and then. you got to ride and look and y'all think. you So, you saw some of the people that. were in there, and you like, "I'm. nothing like them.". >> Man. I But I knew that, too. I just did it. for my for for like my moms. >> Okay. You know what I mean? She She. didn't really know what to do. >> Right. And it was really for that. But when I. went in there, man, I said, "Let me Let. me heal myself. Let me get it together.". But you know, it's unfortunate that uh. it took me.

going to the hospital. >> Mhm. to really uh change, you know, that situation for me. It. wasn't going to be rehab. You know what I mean? Rehab but it was. it was almost like they. they threw a rug over the dirt. Mhm. They didn't clean it up. >> They didn't clean it up. When I went to. the hospital, I had nurses that was West. Indian. Mhm. And, you know, it was. praying for me. Wow. >> Yeah, it was different. >> Yeah. You know, it was it was different. with the hospital. Mhm. You know,

um very supportive black women. Like it was. >> That's what you needed. Yes. Yes. And of course, I had my mother. Right. >> But yeah. Now, y'all know we're in the time of. year. Mornings got a little chill to. them. By the afternoon, man, it's hot. It's weather like this which is up on. you out of nowhere. And you see, I love. hot. I love my cars hot. I love my. sneakers hot. I love my suits tailored, fitted, clean, hot. But let me tell you. something, my underwear, nah. That's. where I got to draw the line. I need it.

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short me now. You got to say it twice. In Open Scars, you said without the. henny, I see everything clear now. >> Mhm. So, alcohol is was was. was You say you don't like to use the. term addiction, but that was that was. your your coping mechanism. >> Yeah, man. That was my kryptonite. >> [laughter]. >> Um yeah, and there was a lot of a lot of. people who was coming up with other. drugs and stuff. I ain't never did no. other drugs in my life. It was alcohol. and and a vaping. Right. [laughter].

You know what I mean? I never even. smoked a cigarette. Yeah. And some weed. I smoked some weed. >> weed. >> Yeah, but all other stuff they was Yeah, I wanted to clear that, too. I don't I. don't I'm scared of drugs. So, they. Yeah, man. They crazy. But, um Go ahead. I'm going No, I want you to finish this. your Um I don't even remember what we. just Okay. >> [laughter]. >> Because you said up there you know, alcohol was. what you used to cope and to deal with a. lot of things. So, how often were you. drinking? Did you get up first thing in. the morning and with before breakfast or. during breakfast? So, how often during.

the course of a day would you say you. drank? It got to a point where it got. bad. Before it was just. turning up occasionally. It was It was. the vibes. It was we lit. And yeah, I. mean, we we did drink a lot, but it got. to a point where it was. every morning. Yeah. All day. Well, I mean, was it a pint? Was it a a fifth? Was it a half? Was it. a gallon? I mean, how much do would you. It was a bottle. A day. It got to that point though. A half a. gallon?

No, no, no. It was a bottle. Yeah, it. was a bottle. Okay, so so 750? Yeah, 750. Yeah, 750. By yourself? Yeah. It got to a point. It wasn't the whole. time. It just got to a point. You know. what it was? >> What there? It was the withdrawals I was. scared of. The withdrawals were scary. I didn't. know how to handle that. I didn't know. what that was. So, when I drunk. it calmed me down. Right. I didn't know. what that was. >> But you do realize you was throwing dirt. over that you was throwing that dirt.

that you was talking about earlier. >> Absolutely. Absolutely. So. was it something you were dealing with. personal? Yes. >> That you didn't really understand how I. need to. attack this. head-on that you was trying to mask. What were you running from? Um. Was it relationship, was it something in. your personal life as far as family, was. it the music? What were you going. through that said, "Man, It was a little. bit of all. It was It was, you know,

family. It was kind of me and my mother's. relationship, relationships, friendships, and the music, of course. You know what. I mean? I just felt I felt disconnected. I felt like, you know, ever since. uh. you know, like 2020 hit, COVID time. >> Right. everything kind of just. uh just went off track. It was like uh. I don't know. I I and I never been. And I I didn't live where I like I moved. I moved from my house I didn't move but.

I like left my house and got another. crib somewhere but I still had my house. in Jersey. >> Right. And then I moved to Georgia. And. >> So you in the A? Yeah. Okay. >> [laughter]. >> So I moved to Georgia but I was still. back and forth but. I was I had got a crib out there in. Georgia and it was kind of like the gang. crib. Yeah. And that's was one of my. first mistakes. Were you. Did Did you think like, hold on.

[ __ ] I'm from Brooklyn. I'm in Jersey. That ain't nothing but a short commute. I'm going way to Atlanta. No, cuz I was. in Atlanta a lot. Okay. >> I was always in Atlanta. >> Atlanta. So, it was like, all right, I. need to get a place here. Okay. >> I'm here too much. I'm Airbnb-ing. >> Yeah. Yeah. Wasting money. >> Okay. So, and at that time, New York. wasn't as productive. You know, Atlanta. was more open and it was more. opportunity in Atlanta. >> Yeah. Okay. So, you know, I took my my. my my my ways to. Atlanta. Mhm. And um.

It was just I went in the wrong way. Mhm. I went in with that demon mindset. mindset. >> You know what I'm saying? And I never. did nothing like that. When I was When I. had my house in Jersey, I I I came with. a different aura, energy, peace, more, you know, in control. That's my house. But when I moved to Atlanta, I got like a little, you know, a little. condo spot. >> Yeah. The bros come stay with me. >> Yeah. We about to turn this [ __ ] up. I I came with a different mindset.

>> Right. Came in with the drinking. And. then um. You know, another thing, too, I wind up. uh. getting into business with a liquor. brand. So, that really. >> [laughter]. >> I think that was definitely uh. part of the reason why I really. spiraled. Right. >> Because it became. the uh because music ain't as. >> Mhm. happening. So, now I'm jumping into a. liquor brand.

And now that becomes the main attention. for me. Mhm. Yeah. You from Brooklyn. Yeah. Give me some of your favorite memories. of growing up in Brooklyn. Um. Jeez, man. Um. You don't have any good memories of. Brooklyn? >> Nah, there's a lot of good memories of. Brooklyn. Um [ __ ] I was outside. I mean. >> [laughter]. >> Uh being at the park. Uh Lincoln Terrace Park with my cousins.

This is when I was a kid? >> Yeah. Yeah, as a kid uh summer camp, the park. on the block, um. manhunt. red light, green light, coin store. I. mean, like. >> as a as a kid, what do you want to be? So when you grow So as a kid you ate and. >> Well, I also lived in Virginia, too. Really? Yes. I'm surprised you don't got. that on the Yeah, I lived in Virginia. for a minute. I grew up a lot in. Virginia. So what was what did you want. to be when you were growing up? Be it in. Brooklyn or Virginia, what did you want.

to be? What did you see for I mean. I mean, I always wanted to be a rapper. >> Always? I was a tomboy, though. I was. playing football. That's all right. >> Yeah. Yeah. I was the only girl on the. football team. I got a picture, too. >> Yeah. So so girly wasn't it for you? No, hell. >> [laughter]. >> I don't know. I didn't even think about. I would listen, man. It's something I like this something. that stemmed in me. so young that I didn't even understand. it. >> Right. You know what I mean? I thought. it was weird.

>> Right. So you always been one of the. bros. No, for real. For real. Yes, always. You. So So you So you you a girl y'all didn't. have You didn't have You didn't want no. dolls. You didn't want You didn't want. no Easy Bake Oven. When my moms When my. moms got me dolls, I used to cut the hair off and I used to. try to make it to a a boy, like some of. them a boy. >> So they gave you a Barbie, you turned. him into a Ken. Yeah, man, cuz she ain't. never give me the Kens. [laughter] You. know what I mean? She ain't never give. me like boy toys, but I understand, you. know, she was her daughter. But No, but.

I wasn't really in the house. Like I was. always outside. I was playing football, I'm playing basketball, I'm So you. playing with the guys. You weren't. playing with You weren't playing with. the guys. >> I was with the bros, for sure. Yes, since a kid, since a little mini me. Yes. Your mom was Jamaican and you said. uh at at one point half. >> Half. Oh, she part Jamaican. She is part. Jamaican and Black. She black. Yeah, my. mom is black. >> [laughter]. >> And and so growing up, what was your. relationship like with your mom? Oh, I love my moms. >> Okay. Yeah, that's my everything. You.

know what I mean? Growing up, my mom was. thorough. My mom is My mom is real. Brooklyn. Yeah. You know what I'm. saying? Everybody know my mom for real. You know what I'm saying? Was she tough. on you? My mom was like one of those parents. where she wasn't She was strict. >> Yeah. but she was lenient at the same. time. It was like she got us what we. want, you know, but she still made sure. we was punished when. >> Right. When you think you go back Yeah. >> You know what I mean? But no, my moms. was like I had the best childhood. >> Right. Yes, absolutely. Your dad was.

Puerto Rican. >> Yeah, my dad Puerto Rican, yes. Are Puerto Ricans black? Yeah. Yeah. Cuz I mean Where I'm from in New York. Yeah. Puerto Ricans is black. We all. black. Okay. Yeah. Dominicans. [clears throat]. are like yeah, I don't. Yeah. Unfortunately, your father is. incarcerated. Do you still maintain a. relationship with your father? He's. incarcerated. Not now. Not Yeah, but I'm. saying When he was. >> Yeah. Um my mom would take us to go see him. every now and then when she could. >> Mhm. But that's kind of all it was. You.

know what I mean? He wasn't never like a. father that was like I don't want my. child. >> Right. You know what I mean? He just. couldn't be there cuz he was locked up. for so many years. And um you know, when. he did finally come out, you know, he. tried to but it wasn't. it wasn't like, you know, like fully. full on. >> Yeah, right. >> had to adjust. So, I don't take blame. Like I never was against my father. You. know what I mean? It's just like I knew. my father had uh situations that, you. know, unfortunately How How were you.

when he went in? Was he How Did you Do. you remember him though? >> in? Yes. I think I was like almost one. Okay. Yeah, I was real I was a baby. >> you grew up he with him being. incarcerated. >> Yeah. Yeah. Oh, okay. >> Yeah. Did you understand what that. meant? Did your mom break it down to you. and say unfortunately your father is not. here your father's incarcerated? Yeah, we knew what it was. We was I mean I'm a. 90s baby [clears throat] so that was. like a normal thing back then like. daddy's somewhere da da da but now my.

mom The only thing I could say about my. mom she was like she never put his name. down he told the circumstances they went. through she never down them she you know. she always acknowledge us that he was. our father. I mean he was my father. Do you guys have currently have a. relationship? >> Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah, I talked to my. pops. That's awesome. Yeah. You don't you. don't you don't hold that against him. that he was incarcerated and you didn't. really like grow up with him in your. life and. >> Right. I used to like when I was a kid. sometimes I didn't understand.

like when he did come out I didn't. understand. like what was his duty like as a father. like are you really supposed to be for. but I was so used to my mom playing both. roles. >> doing everything. >> that it didn't really affect me. It just. was like you know yeah I know you my dad. but we didn't have a relationship. Now. you know I'm older so it's kind of like. you know that's pops you know what I. mean? Yeah. You mentioned earlier you played tackle. football with like with help with actual. helmet and shoulder pads. >> Yeah. Yeah, equipment. For sure.

>> So you got down like that huh? Yes. What. position you play? I was running back I. was second string running back and um. wide receiver. What? Yeah. Number 86. You catch a. touchdown? Yeah. Come on man. >> [laughter]. >> What about do you play. >> only thing is too I was it was my first. year so they I didn't start okay and I. was a girl. They was real skeptical. about me even being on the team but like. all my bros and stuff was like telling. the coach like no coach she can really. play. You know what I mean? So it got to. that point but I only played one year. I.

wish I was able to play too, but yeah. Did you you play so you were on offense? Did you play defense? Did you want to. tackle somebody? >> too. I was I think I was better kind of. on defense. I'm not going to lie cuz I. used to play around the neighborhood. >> Okay. And. you know, we ain't play with no. equipment when you playing in the. neighborhood. It's no equipment. >> On concrete. You know what I mean? Right. there. Right there. Pow. So, no I was I ain't going to lie. I hate to. like really say what I was cuz I was. really nice. Like for a female I was. nice. Not like I was nice. Like I would. be the first person they pick on the.

team. Damn. You like that? >> No, they'll tell you. For real. So, you like so if if I would. describe you you on defense you like. yeah, that's one. You like Ray Lewis Ed. Reed. I mean you that type of defender? >> BETTER. YOU WHAT? >> [laughter]. >> THEY GOT NOTHING ON ME. YOU SEE NOW THEY DO HAVE A women's. league where they had where they you. know, they tackling and things like. that. If they'd have had that when you. growing up would you have played? Yeah.

Yeah. I think I would have been into. sports. Either basketball basketball was. like my second favorite, but football. was like my go-to. Yeah. >> Was it because the bros played football? That's why you wanted to play football? I thought I was a boy. >> [laughter]. >> Like I really thought I was a boy. It. wasn't even I wouldn't care about the. bros. In my mind I was the bro. >> [laughter]. >> Yeah, it was just in me. My brother I. got you know, my older brother. >> yes. And you said you wanted to be just. like him. >> to be like my brother. Right. You [laughter]. and so.

with the situation because your father. was incarcerated he was there. Did you. look at him as a father figure? My. brother? Yes. Um. Kind of no cuz he used to get on my. nerves. >> [laughter]. >> My brother was bad. Oh, he was a big. brother for sure, but he was. Me and my brother like we would fight. Right. Yeah. Fight. Yeah, you supposed. to physical fight. >> Yeah, that you supposed to fight. I mean. they who I'm trying to figure a. situation where somebody was sibling and. they didn't fight. >> Yeah. That's a that's a right of passage. You.

got to fight. How much older is it than. you? Uh three and a half. >> Yeah, see. I'm three My brother's three. years older than me. My sister's eight. years older than me. I tried to fight. them. Yeah. I couldn't understand why I. couldn't beat them though. Cuz it didn't. dawn on me, bro, he three years older. than you. Your sister's eight years. older than you. It [laughter] didn't. dawn on me that I wasn't supposed to. beat them. Right. I look at you my. brother sister we got to scrap we got to. do it. >> should live. You used to go at it. >> Yes. Yes. But yeah.

Obviously you knew you were a young lady. growing up. How long did you like man I. don't really have nothing in common with. no chick. I ain't got nothing in common. I I I'm forever. My whole life. >> Really? Yeah, because even when I used. to like be around my cousins and stuff, I wasn't I was always the boyish cousin. The boyish female. You know what I'm. saying? I was the more the aggressive. female. I used to always kind of be. mean. I was kind of a mean kid. Damn. Yeah. I was I was a little mean. Like I. was a little I used to fight my cousins.

and beat them up sometimes. I was a. little mean. Like right. You know what. I'm saying? I used to beat up boys in. the neighborhood too. Damn. YOU YOU. ROCKING LIKE THAT? >> YEAH, IT WAS YOU KNOW WHAT I'm saying? But. I mean you know you're a kid so you you. don't know no better. But no, I never I. never I don't know. I just never did. I. didn't know what it was to be a girlyish. girl. I got tried when I got older. I. tried but That was too it was too far. Couldn't do it. What would What did your. mom say? Because did your mom know early. on that you know what. she different. I I I don't really see.

anything that makes me think that she. wants to be. a young lady. Right. Um the way because. like you said you play tackle football. which really wasn't common. Um you know. you hanging out probably hanging out. with the guys which and you like you got. Well, why don't you go hang out Why. don't you hang out with with Susan and. and Jasmine and you like I don't want to. hang out with them. >> My mom ain't never do that. She didn't. My mom never even try to control. my preference in anything. I never told. her, you know, what I.

prefer to date, be be with, yeah. Uh for. a long time because I was scared. I. didn't understand what. >> But don't you think she knew? I think my. mom knew. I think my mom knew. I think my mom just. was waiting for me Waiting for you to. tell. Mhm. Yeah. [clears throat]. You said uh uh uh uh. your brother was your like grew up being. a father figure and. and say you date the same type of women. your older brother? You looked at him like, "Yeah, I do.". I'm trying to think. I ain't going to. lie, my brother was wild, man. He was.

with Sometimes he was with anything. >> of you. Man, my brother was with. anything, man. If I could tell him. today, I'd be like, "You had SOME DIRT, BRO. YOU HAD SOME DIRT, MAN. WORD, SON. But um. >> [laughter]. >> Yeah, man. Nah, me and my brother, we do. not got the same taste, man. I wish I. was I wish he was here to tell him that, man. I wish he was here to tell him. that. >> [laughter]. >> Yeah, nah. >> So how do you. Unfortunately, your brother was stabbed. to death Yeah. by a former friend. Yeah.

How did that change you? Because you say you guys were even. though you fought as youngsters, you. guys were were close. Because that's. that's what you You don't realize it. You and your Me and my brother fought, but he wouldn't let nobody else do. nothing to me. Right. >> Not talk sideways to me and you. definitely wouldn't going to bully me. Now, when he was around and if he did if. you did something when he wasn't around, I'm telling you. I fought somebody for. my brother. You fought a I fought this. girl. I'm going to tell you the story. real quick. >> [laughter].

>> We was at the basketball court. Okay. And um. I don't know if she liked him. She. probably had a crush on him. Right. Or. whatever. Mind you, she's the same age. as me. Okay. So he's noticing her kind of like, you. know, I guess she was You know how girls. will bother you, but they like you? >> Right, right. So it was kind of in that. sense. And I'm just you know I'm. bouncing a ball and I'm hearing what's. going on behind me. It's like a few of. us. It's like a good 10 kids. We. outside, just outside in the. neighborhood. So um I hear her.

and it's like she's saying little stuff, but she keep coming at him with it. And. he like, "Yo, hey girl, leave me alone. before I get my sister on you." "Leave. you alone?" I mean leave me alone before. I get my sister on me. So I'm hearing. it. But she like I'm calm. I'm not like. a rowdy rowdy when I was fighting. Like. I was I would calmly beat you up. You. know what I mean? >> [laughter]. >> So. it was like I'm I'm playing the. basketball, but I hear but I'm I'm just. observing. Cuz I already know I'm going to have to. So that's already in my mind. So I'm. just bouncing the ball. I'm just waiting. for for my time. That's it. I'm shooting. the ball and then she just kept doing.

like 5 minutes later. He like, "Yo.". He say my name, "Come handle my light. work.". I just dropped the ball, walk up, push. her. You know back then it was a push. game. What you going to do? Yeah, touch your. energy. Push. You know what I mean? She. fake pushed me back. And that was it. Rocked her. Grabbed [laughter]. her, threw her in the headlock, slammed. her on the ground, start rocking her. like this. She balled up in a little. fetal position. She tried to kick me. Me and every spot all the kids running. in like, "Hit her! Hit her! Hit her!" They. telling her hit her for me. Cuz she was.

like one of them girls that used to. Yeah, she did a lot of that. So like. even her own people was telling me to. hit her. It was like that. Yeah, it was. like that's the type of relationship me. and my brother had. We fought, but I'll. you know I'll somebody up for you. You. know what I mean? So. >> [laughter]. >> yeah, but that was a little you know. what I mean? So did you have any more contact with. that you had no more problem with or he. didn't have any more problem or you had. any more problem? Yeah, it was over for. I remember she she tried to come to the. bus stop. and like I guess she had a black eye. So. she tried to come to the bus stop and.

you know what I mean? Like fake kind of. act like she was still tough, but I just. ain't paying no mind. You know what I. mean? Cuz I'm like you. I got some if you want it. Yeah, man. But that you know that was that was. kids, [laughter] man. Yeah. Like I said, unfortunately, your brother. lost his life. How did that change you? What did that do? >> Um. Man, it's it's literally like. like a uh.

literally like a a separation of. innocence. to real life. Yeah. Like that very. moment when I heard those words, like my. whole. outlook. spirit, everything just felt life all at. once. Like, I really knew what life was. at that very moment. Like, now life is. this is real. Yes. Like that little innocent girl. who thought life was, you know, and see. my brother forever, funny games, everybody I never felt that before.

Like, you know, like I my mom. we lost like my my grandmother's. husband, which was like a grandpa to me. You know what I'm saying? Like, we lost. somebody like that. Of course, that. bothered me as a kid. But, I'm 17 at this time. So, I'm I'm aware of what life You know. what I'm saying? Yeah, still understand. what's going on. >> So, it was just like. like. What? You for Like, y'all for real? Like, this is real. Was it Was it at.

night? Was it during the day? No, it was. so When it happened, it was we hours. It. was it was at the party or something. But, when I found out. It's crazy cuz that night. that night was so strange for me. And um I remember I was with my father. I was with my father. I was going to the. Bronx. And that's where he was staying at the. time. We was going to the Bronx. And I. remember for some reason that night felt. so. I don't know, like fake. Mhm. That. particular night I felt so fake. Me and.

him driving and I remember the Jay-Z. song playing um. Um they live forever. Forever. Forever. young." That song that Jay-Z, I think he. re- re-sampled it or remade it. And I. remember that song playing. This before. I even found out anything. And I was so. into that song. >> Right. At that moment. I never was, but. for some reason that night it just felt. so. I don't know. And we get back to the crib and I. remember um.

my pops let me sleep in his room. He. slept on the couch. And I remember I'm sleep. That's that my. sleep was off. >> Mhm. Around probably the round the same time. the situation must have been happening. cuz like we hours of the day out of the. night. And I remember my my father's. phone kept going off cuz his phone was. in the room. And I kept hearing it. vibrate and I seen it and I see the name. and I see my mother calling. So in my mind I'm like, "Why is she. calling him 3:00 hours in the morning?". >> Right. And I'm not paying it no mind. So go.

back to sleep. And I was still hearing it, but I just. went back into a sleep. Got up the next. morning. He like, "Yo, um my pops coming here.". He like kind of wake me up. He like, "Yeah, your mother. just left a moi- a message on my phone. saying uh hurry up and you know, just. come back to the house." They don't you. know, they don't really want to get the. bad news over the phone. Correct. >> So he like, "Just come to the house. They said something with your brother.". So. >> So at that time you don't know anything. You just something going on with your. brother. >> You just feel. >> I knew. Yes. That that very moment he.

when he said that. I knew cuz my then my great-grandmother. called me like not too long after he. said that. She called and was like she. was so emotional. This she was throwing. me off too cuz she was like, "Your. uncle." Then she was like, "No, your. brother." She was in confusion. You know. what I'm saying? And my. great-grandmother don't do that. You know what I mean? Like my. great-grandmother don't call me like. with that energy. Like this is that's. how I knew it was real. He ain't just. hurt. Right. So she like, "Come back to the house. Just come back.". I already knew what's up. So So whole.

time we in the car. that same feeling. That was daytime. though. But your father doesn't know. anything either. He just He just coming. back. Something's going on with his son. >> me back to Brooklyn. Okay. Taking me. back to Brooklyn to to my grandmother's. house, to my mother's house, where I was. staying. And um. we getting there. My mom and my. grandmother is gone. He died in PA, Pennsylvania. Okay. They already left to Go get him. >> you know what I mean? My great. grandmother is at the house with my. little sister at Right, okay. You know. what I mean? And I come inside.

and she's coming out the room and she's. like, "Come come in here. Come in the kitchen.". I'm doing I tell you that was like the. the longest walk to the kitchen. And [clears throat] I don't even want to. say it. It's just I cuz it's it's going. it's going to me, but. that's what she told me. She She hugged. me and. or she just said. um. He's gone. >> He's gone. And.

I didn't even I don't I don't even know. >> really remember a whole lot after that, huh? I was just angry. I just I just. went in the room. I remember going in the room. and I punched the wall. once. But I wanted to break the wall. So I kept punching it, punching it, punching it. And um what stopped me is my little. sister. that came in the room and you know, was. seeing me and my great grandmother went. to go grab But that's what made me kind.

of stop cuz. my. my little sister, man, she kind of. she's so innocent cuz she's little at. the time. She's a baby damn near. And she's like. "Catora, I want to get on the computer.". >> [laughter]. >> I'm like. I'm like, "Get out of my face." Like I. wild like I tweaked out on her. And. I just went and sat on top of the step. And just I called my cousin. That's the. first cuz I couldn't call my mother. My.

mother wasn't picking up. >> Right. It was in the midst of of that. And I called my cousin. And um I know. she's like my she's like a sibling to. me. >> Mhm. I called her and basically told her. the news and. she lived she didn't live too far from. me. So I knew like at that situation I. couldn't stay where I was at like at my. house. I couldn't stay there. I had to. go somewhere with somebody that I knew. would understand you know what I'm you. know what I'm going through. I called her and then I told her I said. I'm about to hop in the cab and come to. your house.

And um that's what I did. Went to the. house and I remember like that whole day. I still ain't talked to my mom for for. that whole day. Damn. Yeah, they was. I didn't even I didn't even know what. what to. talk to my mom about. >> Mhm. You know what I mean? I had I was too in. my zone and I knew she was in her zone. And it was like if we talk we going to. explode. >> You know what I mean? So. I went to my cousin house and.

it was just so strange like even I. couldn't sleep. My dreams was like. like super vivid but like I wasn't. sleeping I was. I don't know how to explain it. I It was. for a long like a good. couple weeks cuz I was I had I had just. started school. I had just started my. senior year. >> [clears throat]. >> My brother died September 26th. I just. started school September. My senior year. Just started school. And when it. happened I had to be out of school for.

that whole October for the whole month. And um. and I went back to school. Um. I I don't I don't It was everything was. a blur. That whole year the rest of that. year. I don't I don't even remember cuz. Christmas and Thanksgiving all that came. up and I don't even remember what I did. those days. Damn. But yeah, that definitely uh changed my. life yeah, forever. I don't I don't even remember the. innocence of my life anymore since that.

day. >> do you remember the young man that took. his life? It was It was a former friend. What was it What was it about? To this day, I still don't think I fully. know. You know, people had their stories. and theories, and you never know if you. not he not here to say it, and I'm you. know, I wasn't there to witness it. People say, you know, it was a a. argument they had and that he was. probably low-key jealous of him. My. brother was a big guy for his age. My brother was only 20 at the time when. he died,

but he looked like he was damn near 30. You know what I mean? He had a beard. You know what I mean? He was big, tall. You know, my brother was He was big for. for his age. All my life my brother was. a big kid, you know, um. So, he he you know, he used to tell. people he was older than the age he was. Yeah, so he you know, he was he was very uh. He was um intimidating sometimes. >> Mhm. You know, and I. um. I think I don't know if it was out of. fear or if it was out of personal uh. you know, like Right. Yeah. Cuz they Cuz. they You know, they say that when you.

stab someone, that's personal because. you got to get up close to them. >> Yeah, you got to get up. >> sometimes when you you use a firearm, I'm at a distance. I don't It's not. personal. Yeah. But the the walk up to. be up on somebody. >> Yeah. to actually be really really close. >> Yeah. And to and and to. >> That's why I said I don't I don't really. even know what transpired [snorts] for. real. Right. >> lot of stories, but I really don't know. If you had an opportunity. to talk to the person that took your. brother's life, what would you ask him?

Or you don't wish to have that. conversation. I couldn't even tell you, man. Back then, I would it wouldn't have been. nothing to ask. I would. I would have. You want to do something to him. Yeah, absolutely. No, absolutely. Absolutely. >> Is he still incarcerated? I believe so. It's It's been a while. since I got a update. My My brother's. father's side of the family kind of is. more involved with that part because it.

happened where they stay at. >> Okay. And um But um from I mean, I. haven't been told he was released. You. know, my mom would know when You know, they automatically supposed to know. But from what I know, I'm not sure. >> Okay. Your brother's passing, is that when you. like got into rap to deal with the pain, to deal with the emotion of it? When did. you start rapping? No, way before. [laughter] my. >> You was what? Rapping way before that? >> Yeah, way before my brother. Yeah, I've. been I've been writing I've been with. that pen.

since I was 9, 10. Really? >> Yeah. Yeah. Wow. Yeah, my Yeah, I was My. brother was trying to rap, too, but he. couldn't [ __ ] with me. >> [laughter]. >> You like, "Nah, bro. You just You just. chill me out. Chill me out. I GOT THIS.". WE DID We did like as as kids, we did. two songs together, man. Yeah, I wish I. had it on my MySpace and everything, but. >> Yeah. Yeah. His verse Is his verse what? Like. >> Nah, he Nah, chill. My brother uh He. wasn't lyrical like me. I was real more. detailed when it came to that, even as a.

kid. My brother was like. He was just like you know, he he could. he could make a song like he was good on. the hooks. That's what I said, we was. like definitely Okay, y'all could have. did Y'all could have did something. Yeah, y'all okay. Okay. Like we could. have did something. He He didn't care to. be too lyrical. You know what I mean? So, yeah. Your Your hit song 474 million views on. YouTube? Yeah. Damn. Yeah. Trying to get that half a bill. >> [laughter]. >> Hey, the more YouTube change hit pretty. good with all with all them views.

>> Yeah, man. >> [laughter]. >> Absolutely. Oh. >> [laughter]. >> Uh is that so the uh Is that the reason. why you never. sign with a label because you saw like. hold on. I don't need to sign with no. label y'all taking half my money taking. all this. I can just do this on my own. and keep all my bread. Um I wasn't. always I wasn't like against the labels. It wasn't never like against it all like. for that matter. I just wanted to see.

um. what what what would they do after. the song over. >> Mhm. Okay. You know what I'm saying? >> Yeah. Cuz that's easy. >> Right. >> It's already the. >> Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah. But I need to know what's the. follow up for me. Where's where's the. where's the the the the power the. machine going to be after the you know. after the song. >> Right. And uh. >> So Go ahead. Go ahead. >> Yeah, so um you know once I wasn't. delivered that. >> Mhm. then I said I well I I got to do. this on my own then. >> Right. That was it. >> And you were okay with that. Yeah. I.

wasn't it wasn't to me I it wasn't about. money cuz that's really what was the. conversation mostly about was you know. money and and radio and stuff like that. but I was already Right. >> you know I was already kind of getting. my little money from shows and stuff and. already kind of had you know radio. um relationships with people at the. radio. So I was kind of building you. know underground. >> Right. And this record was just like my. golden ticket. It was like okay bet like. I'm I'm going to continue on this train.

Because you already shown them proof of. concept. >> Yeah. Y'all see what I Y'all Y'all see. this record. >> do. Right. Exactly. >> what what are we discussing? What are we. talking about? Well, we don't know what. you can do. We don't know if the people. going to be relate you going to be. relatable. Bro, do y'all You hear the. song? Here, put this up. Hey, my man put. that song on. Yeah. This is it right. here. >> Yeah. So what we talking about? >> Yeah, man. Come on now. Make the money. right. >> just I I think too another thing with me. is that I think I was kind of. comfortable with the control I had. >> Yes. Okay. Okay. I see.

>> You know what I'm saying? So. So looking back. if you could go back, would you would. you stay independent or would you have. signed with a label? >> independent. You stay independent. >> Yeah. I've been independent forever. >> Right. So. >> That's all you know. >> That's all I know. Okay. >> You know what I mean? And I remember now. it seem to be a thing. Mhm. It's. becoming a thing now. But I was on this. Wait, wait. >> way before. You know what I mean? So I'm. glad to see. people, you know, having that.

that um. that understanding. of the the opportunities that's. available and accessible in 2026. You. know what I mean? Just off the social. media itself. Do you believe you've made you you've. made more money being independent or. would you have had that machine? Because. I hear a lot of you know, I had a lot of. artists on here and they say that. machine. >> I'm about to say, if I think if I had. the machine and of course played it. smart and made sure the contract was. solidified the way it should be. Um I.

probably would have made more money. >> Right. You know what I mean? But it. would have had to be the contract had to. make sense. You know what I mean? But um. yeah. Uh yeah. I I I don't I don't doubt that. You know what I mean? But it it wasn't. about how much money for me. It's how. long Right. that money is coming in. >> Right. Mhm. See, you say see, I own all. this. I own 100% of this. Not 20% of. this. >> Exactly. So the money start coming in. Mhm. What's your best What was the first. thing you got when that you know, they. they that check came on in and you like,

"Ooh, damn.". >> A house. A house for sure. Yeah. Bought my house. out. Yeah. Yeah. House and car. That was it. What you get? A Rolls? No, I got an Audi A7. >> Okay. That You know what's crazy? I. manifested that car. I used to always. speak about that car in my music. >> Right. And I got it. >> Right. >> Yeah. Audi A7. [laughter] I'm not a big. car person though. >> Okay. I'm not like I don't have 100. cars. >> Yeah, yeah. It [clears throat] seem like. you're a big jewelry person though. Not. even. I just What you mean, not even? >> [laughter]. >> This is my logo. The whole grill Look at.

the grill. >> It's my logo. This is something that's. These are my trophies. This is something. that signifies, you know, my success. >> Yeah. So, I wear it like a trophy. I. don't I'm not You know what I mean? I. calm rolling. I'm just like I'm a subtle. person. I don't like I don't like the. attention. So, would you let me ask you a question? When people see you for the very first. time, tell me what you think they think. They think They think they think calm. Yeah. And I don't think they think that. >> People think I'm humble. Cuz they I be humble when I when I speak.

to them. Yeah. I don't think none of my my supporters. know like I'm not that rapper. Man, I see that big old chain. I see. that big old Cuban that's iced out. This is my trophy, man. >> Yeah, I know. This is a trophy. >> [laughter]. >> Yeah. You wear the trophy. They they. they they call. Normally trophies I wear. my brand. I wear my brand. It's my. brand. It's like Ain't this your brand? >> my brand. >> not on your neck. >> Yeah. Yeah. That's my point. See, my. trophies normally they ON THE MANTLE. >> [laughter].

>> I DON'T WEAR MY. I DON'T wear my trophy. And then you got these big You got this. in? I mean, this is this is forever. Grills Grills and and my earrings is. that. That's just like makeup. Would you do anything different if you. could go back and do What is What are. some of the things It It maybe you don't. even want to do anything different, but. if you could, what would you go back and. do different? In my career? Yeah. Um. >> [snorts]. >> Um.

Probably Probably slow down on the. drinking. Uh-huh. Yeah. I think the drinking became a. lifestyle. >> Okay. because Henny was so attached to. my name. >> Mhm. Cuz that's how I came out. >> Right. talking about Hennessy. >> Right. You know what I mean? I kind of. influenced that. >> Right. vibe. Did they break bread with. you? No. That's what I regret. >> [laughter]. >> So, you gave You gave them a lot of free. advertising. >> Man, I did. For sure. And we we made. that initiative to, you know, set. something up, but it just You know,

material wise. No. It's kind of hard, um, and that's what I learned about the. business. It's kind of hard, um, to do something for let's just say you. want to promote a soft drink or you want. to promote a car. Mhm. It's kind of hard. to get them after you've already gotten. a million clicks and views because. they're like, "Well, you did it for. free. Why would we pay you?". >> Right. Exactly. >> And that's how they think. >> Yeah. And that's understandable. >> Yes. That's And and and and so that's. what I tell people. Why would you do. something for free when someone will pay. you for it?

>> Exactly. I could That's how they think. >> Right. That's why I was just like I I you know, I had to take that on the chin. It was. nothing I could do about that, you know. what I mean? But you have advertised. Google Pixel, Beats by Dre, Pandora, Adidas, Fashion Nova. What do you What. do you learn most like doing doing deals. now doing. in the space that you're in? What do you. learn about advertising and marketing. yourself? Um, I learned a lot with marketing. Mhm. Uh,

just knowing how even with controversy, knowing how to uh, promote. um, and also like. like with me like. I still had this. innocence. that I still have to protect. Like I. don't be all sloppy. Like there's. there's deals that came to me about weed. packs and stuff like that. >> You know, I don't smoke weed often. >> So I'm not going to just jump at any. brand that don't signifies.

what I really do. You know what I'm. saying? >> So, um, You like to promote products. that you actually use. >> actually use. Cuz then it's then it's. easy. >> Right. You don't feel like I don't. really need a whole script. You know. what I mean? >> I can't I can't fake it. >> Right. You know what I mean? So, yeah. 50 Cent did a. a remix to Uuui. Mhm. He is the official. remix. He didn't do the remix. He is the. remix. Yeah. It's a lot of remixes, but. that is the only official remix. Everything else was just people who just. decided to do. Right. Yeah. You you you.

you you like, "Hold on. I'm going to. need that check though." Yeah. For 50. No. Not for 50. I'm sure 50 broke you. off. I'm talking about everybody else. that keep doing it. It was It was crazy cuz everybody did. it. It was a big viral thing. It was uh. a lot of big artists that did Nicki. Minaj do one. Um I think even Meek Mill and The Game. when they was beefing, he was using my. beat to go back at [laughter] each. other. I'm like, "Wow. Oh, this is crazy.". Beyoncé did did a birthday post to. yourself. >> a birthday post. >> And let you you Yeah. Damn.

>> Yeah. That was big. So, when you got the. So, when you got the call and BP. uh uh when her people reached out and. said, "Hey, you know, XYZ. We like what. you So, what were you What were you. thinking?". I mean, at that time everything was. coming, you know, coming my way. So, it. was it was definitely like, you know, like, "Oh, okay. We we going. Like, this. this is big." Like, but it's crazy cuz. at that time when I did go to open. everything was a rush cuz I had I had. another show right after. So, I didn't. even have time to linger around and even.

get to meet her. Damn. >> I met Jay-Z though. Right. I met I met. her. Hey. Hey. Hey. Hey. Hey. Hold on. What's up? Let me talk to Let. me talk to your girl right quick, lady. Yeah. I met Hov. So, that's you know, that's a blessing in itself. >> Absolutely. Yeah. Yeah. You like, "I ain't even get a. chance. >> I ain't even get a chance to holler at. her.". >> a chance to meet Beyoncé, man. Hello. Kehlani. Mhm. You shot your shot? Nah. You said, "I like them tatted." Me. too, though. You know what I'm saying? Yeah. Hey, Kehlani. Everybody think that that was like me. trying to shoot my shot. Nah, I'm just a. witty rapper. Right. You know what I.

mean? I throw little bars in there and. you know, the first person I thought of. that's a female that's super tatted was. Kehlani and then went with the. punchline. So. Damn. Nah, I never shot. my shot. She cool though. We cool. Like, Kehlani is sturdy. Like, we even. supposed to did a couple songs together. But nah, I never shot my shot. >> But do you find it now that like anytime. someone see you talking to a female, let's just say for the sake of argument, like, "Hey, how you doing, girl? Good to. see you." People automatically try to. put two and two together and say, "Oh, yeah, they Yeah, they did. A lot. It's a. lot of false information out there. You're like, "Well, damn, I mean, I.

might have been trying to shoot a shot, but y'all done blew the thing. Y'all. Y'all done. >> [laughter]. >> Hooked me up, man. It's over. I got to. move on, man. Nah, they was doing that a lot, man. They was doing that. Every Every female. I came next to, if if they definitely if. they had like a name, they try to throw I don't know something. in there, and then I'll be like, "Ah, man." Damn. Cuz you It was like that. with with Halle Berry. You. You gave Halle a hug, and it was like, "Well, damn." Halle Berry. That's a good-looking woman. A lot of.

people don't understand. Like, that's a. different level of a woman. You know what I mean? Like, that was I. don't know. I don't know if y'all ever seen this. woman in person. Yeah, she's beautiful. But, camera a TV move don't do her. justice. Absolutely. Don't do her. justice. Yes, and spirit is beautiful. >> You know what I mean? So, when I met. her, um connection off rip, she just had such. a good spirit, good energy, and yeah, beautiful beautiful beautiful person. Do. you have a celebrity crush? No. No.

You're not into celebrity, huh? I used. to. You You want a regular You want to. dial a regular everyday young lady. I'm. in a relationship. Oh, you're in a. relationship? Is she She normal? Yeah. Yeah. She ain't no famous girl. I don't know. >> [clears throat]. >> But you know what come them same them. famous There's a lot of that internet a. lot of staying come with that. Yeah, the. internet I mean, I've I've dealt with. you know, most of the girls I've dealt. with wasn't so so famous. >> Yeah. You know what I mean? Like, I. don't have a preference to. >> that Is that by choice? Is that.

deliberate? Yeah, that's what I'm. saying. It's not It wasn't a preference. for me to have to be with a girl that's. famous or not famous. It's just what I'm. attracted to, like, what comes across. I. don't care what you got going on. sometimes. >> But you did say you're tight, brown. skin, Of course. >> pretty brown eyes, >> Hello. slim waist, >> Hello. but her hips are wide, >> Hello. big thighs, Yes, sir. She's about. 5'5", 5'6". >> [laughter]. >> Pretty You know, pretty They're all just. sitting sitting high, tight. Legs crossed, what you say? So, you you. want a lady lady.

Uh sh- So, what they say, you know, they. want you want it like that right there. Yeah. God damn. Now, you know what's crazy? Yeah. But I like I like them a little. thug, too, though. You got to You got to. be sturdy with it. You know what I mean? Like you got to be able to fight with. me. All right. Okay, well, I'm saying we. ain't going to never do it cuz I don't I. don't want that. >> I don't like them females that's too. like ditzy and Too girly girly. You. don't want that girly girly. Yeah, cuz. you going to get on my nerves. Okay. I'm. too aggressive and you might be. too timid for me. Like definitely with. with the how I move, you know what I. mean? I need one thorough like me. It It.

It's It's so in other words, it's going. to take a special It's going to take a. special type of woman to deal with you. Every Everybody can't handle you. My girl right now is from Compton. Well, damn. Yeah, so that's it. That works. That works. Brooklyn and. Compton. >> Compton, Brooklyn. >> Yeah, see? You know what. >> Okay, yeah, yeah. I'm feeling. I [laughter] got it. You know what I mean? So, so. So, how So, how did you guys meet?

Um through a friend of mine. >> Okay. Through a friend of mine, the natural. way. Like in person. >> Right. You know what I mean? Yeah. >> Ain't no more Cuz you know, uh they say. What was I reading that? Um there's like. 80% of the people. uh eight guys have never asked a young. lady out on a date. I would assume it's. pretty the same for a young lady because. you know, back in the day, you actually. meet somebody like, "Hey, how you. doing?" You meet them at the whether be. at the gym or wherever you meet somebody. at. You would ask them. Now, you got. social social media. You slide. "Hey,

what's up?" You know, you got "Hey." You. put the emoji the looking eye or you. put, you know, "Hey. Hey, how you do? Never in the DMs. You ain't slid? You. ain't never slid? Never. Never slid in no girl DMs in Baghdad. like that. Never. So, you still. >> in mine. So, you still So, you still old. school. You go, "Hey, you go do it the. old-fashioned way. You go like, "What's. up?". >> Yeah, if I happen to run into you, or. you hit me first. You got to hit me. first. >> So, what if So, would they slid in your. DM? Yeah, they slid in my DM. Okay. You. Okay. So, you I was under the impression.

ain't nobody been in nobody DM, but they. been in yours. Yeah. And and I'm. >> You respond? Absolutely. And that's that's when we meet. >> [laughter]. >> And I go from there. But no, I never. slid in nobody DMs. What's What's your favorite part of a. woman? Is it the eyes? Is it the butt? >> Physical? Yes. Eyes. Eyes, because you see you see their. soul. Window pane to the soul. >> Yeah.

Yeah, the eyes is is catching me. Of. course, you got to be still a beautiful. woman that got yourself together, but. the eyes is what what pulls you in pulls. me in first. Yeah, but then if I want. people to stop Oh, it's the personality. You don't know a person a personality. until you get to meet them. You got to. be physically attracted to the person. And then, okay, hey, how you doing? I. get an opportunity to sit down and talk. to you and chat and carry on. >> why I say it's the eyes? Cuz that's how. I would know if a girl is attracted to. me. Cuz most women I've dated. >> Yeah. was straight. Yeah. You know what.

I'm saying? You flipped them? I mean, I wouldn't say flipped. See, that A lot of people get that. misconstrued. >> Help me out. Help me out. Women that I. end up dating don't mean they fully they. just gay now. Right. No, they still like. men. They just have a They just. attracted to me. And that's it. And. after me, they move back on to men. Damn. That's it. You know what I mean? So, a lot of. people get that misconstrued. Yeah, like. But that's how I know, cuz the eyes. I. got to I got to see it in your eyes if. you're attracted to me. But it's not a. thing. where.

do you know. before you actually say anything? >> The eyes. >> Yeah. So, it's not a It's not a situation. where you got to be. They need to be gay or they need to be. straight X Y and Z. >> No, I don't. I prefer straight. WHOA, WHOA, WHOA, WHOA, WHOA. >> [laughter]. >> BUT, YOU SAID YOU WERE GOING FOR THAT. YOU JUST SAID YOU WERE TRYING TO FLIP. NOBODY. I'M NOT FLIPPING THEM. YOU FLIP IT. IF. THEY STRAIGHT Hold on. If they straight, they never been with a woman. >> type of person, though. I'm not I'm not.

like gay rappers. Like, you know, I'm. I'm just me. Yeah. Just me that loves. women. Yeah, but happen to be gay. >> [laughter]. >> Yeah, y'all that All that is true. Everything you said is absolute truth. So, I ain't flipping them, though. I'm. not flipping. >> doing? That's That's me. That's something here. Are. Are [laughter]. you Are you cool if a lady have BBL? You. cool with that? Um. Uh.

It depends how it's. constructed. Yeah, yeah. Like, if it. look natural, then I don't care. Right. But, if it's too much, no. Yeah. I look. >> So, you saying you don't want to look. like an ant, huh? I don't know. No. I'm I'm not too impressed with body, neither. >> Yeah, okay. Like, you can You know, don't be too flat back there. Don't be. SpongeBob back there. >> [laughter]. >> You know what I mean? Have a little. bubble. I don't need the exaggeration of. a ass. You know what I mean? You know, nice little plump breasts. Nice little.

shape. Keep yourself, you know, tight. Pretty face. So, you like them You guys. about to be the same height. So, you. like 5'5"? >> Yeah, you got to be shorter than me or. my height. >> You okay. Cannot be taller than. >> [laughter]. >> Oh my god. I don't even look your way. But, what What What if she got them. eyes? She got them nice brown brown eyes. She. got them ta-ha ha-ha. I'll pass it to the bro. >> [laughter]. >> Hey, is my bro right here tall? Damn, that [ __ ] No, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, I ain't. feeling him, bro. feeling you.

I'm your girl. Now what you trying to. do? I ain't going to lie. I'm going to. dub them. I'm going to dub them. I'm good. I'll tell her no. I'll tell. the girl no, man. Really? Yeah, man. I'll tell you if I ain't jacking you, they know. My brothers know I'm mean. Like I don't be hearing too much like. how a few you know dudes be you know the. brothers they better not mean if I ain't. like if I ain't feeling you, I ain't. feeling you. If I ain't feeling you, I. you. That's it. I ain't about to you. know what I mean sugarcoat nothing. I.

ain't going to waste my time. I ain't. going to waste yours. Go over there. That's it. They like okay, you got to you I look. here. I'm but you got a you got a you. got a homegirl little little smaller. than you. >> [laughter]. >> I'm trying to get it to homegirl. That's. about 5'3 5'4. At least the same height. You know what. I mean? But yeah. What's the message you trying to convey. in the new song. tip the surgeon? Um see that one right there. So that's. basically one of those If you see the.

video. is me showing women on the table. but they not actually getting no no work. done. Uh. It's like a. it's almost like a. sculpting type of vibe and makeup done. It's like a makeover right type of vibe. but I I. basically gave that perception. that they was on the table if you look. at the video. [clears throat]. You know I got the needle gun and all. that but that never happens. The doctors. that come in they come in with makeup. brushes.

and get the girls glammed up and that. was it. Are you saying look, you don't have to have surgery. You. don't got to get cut on to be beautiful. So it's it's more of a metaphor. I knew. tip the surgeon was going to you know. draw people in but it's basically a. reverse type of statement. >> [snorts]. >> Have you ever been with a man? No. Never been with a man, but as a kid I. had like little boyfriends. But been. with a man, no.

So you know So at what age did you like, you know what? I'm not interested in you, I'm. interested in her. Since I was in. kindergarten, since I was little. Damn, at that age? >> Yes. Yes. I had my first attraction for. this girl in my school when I was in. kindergarten, and that's when I knew. like It was the first time I think I. ever seen a pretty girl my age. I still. remember this day vividly, and it. changed me from that moment because I. didn't know what I was feeling. I had. like that when I went home, I was scared.

cuz I didn't know what I was feeling to. my moms and all that. Like I ain't I was. like I didn't know what the. gay was or you know, like another. female. I'm just this innocent little. kid. And I just felt this way one day, and. since then it carried on. I was, you. know, you know what I mean? It's like. Yeah. [clears throat]. >> You never told anybody that you had. these feelings. No, for a long time. Who was the first person that you came. out to? Uh like friends and my girlfriend at the. time.

Yeah, cuz I um You know what's crazy is. that I had like little situations with. girls where we had like a little fling. like as a kid, but nobody else knew. It would just be. like little like I don't know if you. remember like this little game back in. the day like kids used to like open up. the gate, who do you hate? And you point. to them and like that's your date. Yeah. I used to do you know, it was like. little [ __ ] like that with females, and. then we play house, and in house I'm the. daddy. Right. It's like little, you. know, signs like that, but never came.

out and said anything until I got a. little older. Was the first person that you were with. uh. was she straight or was. was she. >> No, she was she was lesbian. >> Okay. Yeah, she was lesbian. From what I. knew, she was you know what I'm saying? Yeah. Um. yeah. >> [laughter]. >> So, let me ask you this. This is This is. what I Do you feel How do you feel like. you said like earlier that yeah, I date. and they normally straight and then they. go back They might go back to a Does.

that make you feel some type of way? If. they've been with you and then they all. of a sudden they turn around and like, "I'm going back to a guy." No, cuz they. was with a guy before me. Now, if they was with women Yeah. and. then got with me. >> Yeah. and then went to dudes and I'm the. last one? >> Yeah. They going to say you ruined it. They say young man ruined it. Exactly. >> We had a good thing over here and she. ruined it and then they back. No, I mean. no, no, no. I never I don't feel no way. about anybody that I'm not dealing with. no more. Really? Yeah, no. You ain't. never spun the block? No.

Damn. It must be like that then. You ain't. spun the block. You got to spin the. block at least once. >> I mean. I can't I wouldn't say it's really spun. the block. It was like. it was like still kind of fresh the. breakup and then we got back. Yeah. Yeah, but like to be broken up, move on. and then come back? >> No, no, no. Too much time has passed for that. >> Yeah, I move on fast, too. Yeah, I be on. >> Do you? Yeah, man. Yeah, I'm an Aries, bro. Yeah, I'm Y'all be on some bull jive.

Yeah, we do. Well, you don't see the body language. You would know it. You would know y'all. >> I know I'll be honest I honestly know, man. I got to admit it. >> [laughter]. >> You ever been heartbroken? In a relationship? >> Yeah. Yeah. Yeah, I can admit that. But then I move on fast. That's why it's. like, yo, was I ever really heartbroken? Yeah. Cuz I move [snorts] on. Did you. hear uh Victoria Monét?

She's like, "Man, I date women, but they. be doing me so bad.". Mhm. >> [clears throat]. >> She said they be doing. >> Is she a like. >> She said it's worse than dating them. Her exact I think her quote was like. here. Uh dating women has been worse. than dating men. Girls do do do me so. dirty often more dirty than men. And that women only approach her for. sexual relations. Yeah, I don't know what she got going. on. I'll be [laughter] That sound like she. got something to. Hey, you need to holler out and tell her.

what you know. Hey, so so what's going. on? Tell me how when like when you when. they approach you or when you approach. them. >> I'm hollering at her. I'm hurt HER, TOO. OH, WE DON'T WANT NO SHE DON'T WANT NO. NOTHING OVER HERE. I'm a problem. You. supposed to be helping. I'm going to. make it worse. Oh, lord have Do not. talk. Do not ask me any advice. She. ain't got nothing for you. They got. nothing. So, you know what? You know the saying. is like women are more toxic. I'm. starting to see that now.

As I sit across from you. >> is more toxic. Damn. >> You going to hear it over there songs. over here. Hello. You toxic? Yes. >> [laughter]. >> Not no more though. Not no more. Are you. >> more. Not any less either though. >> [laughter]. >> You talking about not no more. NOT ANY. LESS EITHER. >> NO, not no more. I think I think I'm. still I'm still. thorough. I'm thorough. You know what I mean? But. like toxic toxic is when you like I'm.

like like my energy I'm older now so. like my energy for stuff ain't like I. can't deal with it. Like it's just like. I'm more like chill before. I shout turn up. You know what I mean? Like it's like. I'm over here with it and I go back. there with it. Like yeah, you good. Like. that that's too much to be doing now. Like I'm so That ain't you no more. Nah, nah, nah, nah. I'm settled. I'm settled. settled in my ways. >> [laughter]. >> Yeah, I'm settled. Apologize.

and Karma cries you said I just want to. call your phone and apologize but my. pride got me colder than some hot dogs. I can't cry. But you know it's tears behind my eyes. and honestly I had a lot of truth behind. them lies. Yeah. Is it hard to apologize? Mhm, no. Definitely if I know I'm wrong. I I always take accountability. I've. never been afraid of accountability. >> Yeah, so you you you a guy. Women don't. be wanting to take no accountability.

>> [laughter]. >> That's true. Women don't. The women I've dealt with. don't. Even my mama don't. >> [laughter]. >> I love you, ma. But um yes, that's true. What So what. Why is it so hard for. women to apologize? Is just say I I was. wrong. Cuz a lot of times guys will apologize. even if we're not wrong just to keep the. peace and to keep it moving because you. ain't going to you not going to stop. So.

I just you know what, you right. You right, I shouldn't have said that. I. was well within my right to say it. I. was absolutely right. But you know what, you right. Cuz we be over it. Women can't get over it. Well, normal woman. But I don't be. feeling like it. >> [laughter]. >> I don't I'll be over it, man. I feel. like come on. I I'm sorry. Like we let's move on. But you know that. it sting women. You know what I mean? It. sting them and it's like. that when they it's it's almost like. a woman feel like if she if she.

apologizes it's like she feel like you. got one over. It's like she it's some. type of But it's okay to admit you. wrong. It is okay. I don't know. I can't I don't know cuz I take. accountability. You know what I mean? So. I can't I can't I can't say what that. woman feels Right. to even I don't know. She feel like she right? Yeah. Even if. you did. >> [laughter]. >> even though you dead ass. Basically. I guess.

You want to get married? Yeah. But you got. >> But not on papers. You do realize you're. going to have to soften your stance, right? What you mean? You know. >> [clears throat]. >> that that shell, that exterior that you. have, you'll have to soften that up. Mhm. And you do realize that in a. relationship. you know, every day you go to bed one. person, you wake up as another.

Mhm. You go to bed as a person, wake up as. somebody else. She goes to bed as. somebody else, wake up as someone else. Mhm. Are you all guys willing to change. and adapt together? Or you say it cuz you get this all the. time. You ain't the same person that I. met. Bro, I that I was 5 years ago. That was. 10 years ago. Hell no, nobody should be. the exact same person 5 years, 10 years, 15 years as they were then. If you are, Mhm.

I would say. I'm when I'm ready, I will. When I'm ready, but I'm not rushing it. Well, I mean, what you waiting on? I don't know. Wait, so. you hear this a lot. I date with intent. My intent is to be with this forever. person. Oh, you smiling. Nah, see.

I've learned a lot. with uh. relationships. >> Okay. And you know why I say that? Because I'm in a relationship. uh with some with the same person. that put that you know, that video out. Really? >> Yes. And. the conversation we had um. was needed. Mhm. Um when we first got together,

I was. at a real. bad state. Mhm. You know what I mean? Um. I really didn't have nobody. >> Right. And when she came into my life, she pretty much. took care of me. Wow. You know what I mean? Um So this. was the fan that shot you in the. The fan? Uh um in the hospital. Yeah. That's the one that did you that you're. with, correct? Okay. Okay. Okay. >> um a lot of people, you know,

you know, wasn't around. to [clears throat] see what was going on. with me because I kind of secluded. myself. >> Okay. And I was [clears throat] at a. real low state because of the alcohol. >> Mhm. I was real sick. Mhm. And I didn't. really know this girl for it. We met. probably. a couple weeks before before I really. got bad. Okay. And you know, she stayed. around. >> Mhm. You know, she didn't really know. me. Um.

she would drive 30 minutes from where. she was staying at her house to my house. and stay with me the whole day. And she would have to take her son to. school that morning and then come right. back to me. Mhm. Uh she [clears throat]. was cooking for me. She was really nurturing me. And I mean, I didn't I was like that was somebody I. was. confined in. Right. You know what I. mean? And. um but she, you know, was she was. telling me a lot like you need to stop. drinking, like you know what I mean? Like it's getting scary. You know, she.

tried to stop me, but you know, when you. you know, when you when you When you're. in it, it's hard. >> hard. You know what I mean? And um so. when that situation transpired and how. it happened, a lot of people don't know. you know, what led into. that situation. We had a, you know, I. don't really like to go too much in. detail because it's it's really like a. lot of a lot of stuff people really go. through this. >> Yes. >> It's just not. advertised. >> It's not public.

>> Mhm. You know what I mean? So, >> [clears throat]. >> you know, this is somebody I love and I. knew she loved me and um you know, since. that situation when we really broke down. and and we talked and cried and. apologized and talked about the. situation cuz it's a lot that came like. a lot people just don't know like even. with certain people that. kind of stung the situation. Cuz you don't my my relationship is. never public. So, nobody knows. So, when. they seen that, it's like. >> Right. What the Yeah.

>> Oh, this [ __ ] da da da. And. you know, of course that threw me off. that she put it out. >> Mhm. Even though I was already going to. kind of show that. But you wanted to do. it on your timeline. >> it on my time. You know what I mean? And that's what. bothered me. It's like, damn, you did. that out of spite. That's not You know what I mean? Like. since when was that, you know, your. character? Mhm. You know what I mean? So, anyway, um you know, we sat down with. each other personally.

and um you know, it was a lot of tears, a lot of. you know, things said. that was needed. And um you know, we we. kind of casually worked it out and. you know, casually dated throughout that. time just to see. And um. because before that like she's you know, she's really been there for me. >> Right. You know what I mean? Like she's. been a good girl. She don't go out. >> you know, cheating in all the niggers'. face all day. You know what I mean? She's really a good girl. You know what.

I mean? She take care of her kid, take. care of her mom. >> You know what I mean? So, I always held that part Right. >> you know, of her. And um. yeah, so it just got to a point where. you know, I'm older now and I try to. like forgive. >> Mhm. You know what I mean? Like like I. said that having that relationship with. God changed how I see people sometimes. You know what I mean? And um. when we when we got through it and I. prayed so much, I just felt like God was. just showing me a lot.

um with who needs to be in my life and. who don't. And I think this situation. right here woke us both up. Because since then we've been actually. closer. Wow. >> Um we don't argue. Mhm. We we barely did. then. Right. >> But we don't argue. We don't fight. We. don't I mean like it's I don't know. Like it's just she supports me. She she. nurtures me. She cooks. She cleans. You. know what I mean? And. that was just the balance I needed in my.

life at the time. But it was also a situation that you. know, it did with me when when that was. exposed. You know, and it's something I do got to. see often, but I've just gotten to a. point in my life where I've moved on. from that. And um I don't really see no. other woman. being that woman for me. You know what I. mean? Like you know, from from that even. from that situation like it's just how. the generation is now. It's like all. right, with this girl it's like it's.

good. Like we we talked about it. She. admitted like she. >> I was I was wrong. Yes. Super wrong. You. know what I mean? So long as I got that. from her, I was able to move on. COVID. You remember COVID? A lot of. people got together with COVID. [laughter]. because they didn't want to be alone. Did you ever sit back and think, say you. know what? Do I really love this person. or. because she did what she did, I kind of.

feel obligated to stay now. Nah. I never felt obligated to stay. Cuz. like I said, I would leave. >> [laughter]. [laughter]. [laughter]. >> Yo. No, for real, man. No, I'm I'm too. honest. And that's how I know when I you. know genuinely love somebody. You know.

what I mean? Is that Um cuz no, I would. leave. Because you know that that. happens sometimes. Peop- people feel an. obligation. Like, man, how's this going. to look? When I was at my lowest, when I. really couldn't do for myself, this. person was in my life and did all this. And now I'm better, I'm on my feet, and. now I give this person my butt to kiss. And we've seen that happen. And. especially with COVID, man, how many. relationships people get Oh, man, this. is my person. Now, you just can't go. nowhere else and this this person is. available. And as soon as COVID.

you look at them like, "That how you was. in COVID?". It wasn't even necessarily COVID, though. This was kind of after COVID cuz. we didn't get together until 2022. Okay. Yeah. Yeah. So, this was in the state of. me and and the the liquor. >> Yeah. You know what I mean? I was losing. control. Right. And she was my balance. at the time. And um she didn't have to. be. So, but and at the time I liked her. >> Mhm. You know, I was liking her. You. know what I mean? And um. just for that extra. uh energy she put into me, just made me.

feel like. this is why I know this is why I like. her. So, how did you How did you uh You. said you had only known her for like 2. weeks. How did you guys meet? Through a friend. Through a friend. Okay. >> Through a friend. Uh. it was crazy cuz. it was like um the friend wanted to her. friend wanted to hang out or whatever. the case and my bro was already coming. towards my way. And. basically it was like a double date. thing. Okay. Yeah. Yeah. >> Yeah, it was like a double date. situation. He came pulled up on me with.

both of them. And um cuz they had met He. was out and about and had met them. Okay. Or whatever the case. And then he. was telling them like, "You know, I'm. about to pull up on my peoples. He. didn't say it was me. He just said I'm. about to pull up on my peoples which I. do. They was like, "Well, we want to go. with you." or whatever the case and then. well, the friend wind up, you know, finding out it was me but they ain't. believe it. Right. So, whatever the case. so then he pulled up. Um yeah. And the friend wanted me. But um. So, the one that he was trying to holler.

at wanted you or. >> He wasn't really trying to holler at. her. Yeah. You know, he wasn't trying to. holler at her. It was just like But he. would have cracked if it was an. opportunity. >> probably would have. >> [laughter]. >> But um. Yeah, but anyway, long story short. um. she wasn't on my body neither. Like when. we first linked, it was it was just like. everybody was just linking. We was just chilling. Yeah, just vibing. and the eyes. Yeah. You saw the eyes. You saw her look at you. You're like, "Oh, yeah. Oh, yeah." I tell her that.

all the time. I'll be like. >> I got her. GOT HER. GOT HER. TELL HER THAT ALL THE TIME. IT'S SO FUNNY. IT'S IT'S it's a long. story but yeah. You mentioned that she has has a kid. Do. you want kids? Yeah. How many? One, two? One for now. One for. now? Yeah. Okay. Yeah, we already kind of planning. that situation. Okay. But it will be her. carrying. my. >> my egg. Yeah. Yeah. Lot of people don't know like that.

that's a thing. [clears throat]. Oh, yeah, for sure. Yeah, so. Yeah, I want a son. Okay, sometimes I've seen. heard I haven't seen that women like, okay, they go get in vitro and okay, you have. this one and the next one I have. But you say it's going to be your egg. and she's going to She's going to carry. Yeah. Okay. Yeah. That's the plans. What type of pop are you going to be? I'm going to be a good daddy.

>> [laughter]. >> Hey, you Hey, you going to teach him how. to play football? You going to say, "Hey, you say this is what your old This. is what your old man used to do.". >> Yeah, man. >> [laughter]. >> DO WHAT YOUR OLD MAN USED TO. YO, I LOVE THIS, MAN. [laughter]. GANGSTER. OH, MAN. YEAH, for sure. Yeah. How would you. >> [laughter]. >> Hey, how would you explain someone that. that had the feelings like you said very. very early on you knew Mhm. that the.

feelings that you had they weren't like, "I'm not really attracted to guys. I'm. attracted to to women.". Someone that's in a very similar. situation. There are people out there. right now that's going to watch this. that are in a very similar situation. as you were. What advice would you give. them? Um. be free. You don't owe nobody nothing. Be free. >> Mhm. >> [clears throat]. >> Live a long die alone. Yeah.

Ain't really too much to. explain because. you know, once you free. all that don't even matter no more. You. know, what you held on to. Cuz once I. was free, I look back. But I think the. thing is with what what what happened. with you is that a lot of times it's the. the the outside, mom, dad, grandparents, family, friends, loved ones that put. that pressure. You never succumbed to. You They didn't do that. They let you be. you. >> Mhm. So, you never really experienced. what it was like to like know you can't.

be that. Yeah, yeah. Yeah, um. See, yeah, that's why I really can't too. much speak on. >> Right. Yeah, because I I I wouldn't. understand. But, um. I mean, it's. it's going to hurt you more. holding it. Yeah, living that lie. >> Living that lie. That's what I be. saying. So, you you pick you pick your. uh your pain. Basically. At what age. did you Were you.

Did you ever wear dresses? At what age. did you start wearing dresses or you you. start doing your hair like a like a. young lady and just like nah, this is. not. >> So, when I was young my mom used to, you. know, pick out my clothes for school. And but my mom never made me a girly. girl. She, you know, she still kept a. balance with me. I had sneakers. I had. every pair of Jordans as a kid. You know. what I mean? A jumper, jean jumper. My mom had a dip. ass kid, you know what I mean? My mom. had her You know, she was getting her. bread. You know what I mean? You know. what I'm saying? [laughter] How? But you.

know, mommy had us sturdy. So, um yeah, my mom always dressed me and my brother. almost the same. And um but she, you. know, my mom. Yeah, she It was never like girly girl. My mom She You know, barrettes here and. there as a kid, you know, but she It was. like she knew. my preference I guess. Until I got a. little older where I could pick out my. own clothes. Then she had noticed the. difference in [clears throat] what I'm. picking out. And She like, "Damn, you. ain't going to put no dresses, no mini. skirts, no All you got is jeans.".

>> had me in dresses neither. Anyway, so. you know what I mean? So, I barely was. Yeah, even when she got me a jersey, she. got me a jersey dress, but she got me. the jersey dress instead of a That was. like, "Yeah, she used to give me a. jersey dress." You know what I mean? Mom. dukes, you know what I mean? But like of. course if it was occasion, some type of. occasion I had to wear a dress for. certain things and stuff like that, but. still wasn't too crazy. But. I did wear I wore one for my uh our. graduation uh my 12th grade graduation. Um I had wore a dress. Um.

>> You wore heels? Nah, it was like a. little wedge. >> [laughter]. >> I can't do all that, man. I couldn't no. nails done. None of that, man. You know. what I mean? So, um but I did it cuz it. was like my grandparents and stuff like. that. >> yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah. You know, so it was kind of. like that, but that was it. I wasn't no. dress wearer. I wasn't getting my nails. done. You know what I mean? No makeup. >> No. You ain't never cared about girls? Hell no. No. Damn. Oh man, never. I was. never like.

>> [laughter]. >> It was just it. Like I It was It was a time where I. I tried to be like tomboyish feminine. >> Yeah. Yeah. Tomboyish feminine, if that. makes sense. >> Yeah. Yeah. Okay. >> But it was it was really just to see if. you know, to make my mom happy. When I. first came out to my mom's, I told her I. was bisexual. >> Right. I didn't want her to know I was. fully Yeah. Yeah. that. >> a hand with no bi. Yeah. I'm on. [laughter] it. I'm on it. You know what I mean? So I. tried to make it I tried to play a. little innocence in it where it was. like, "I ain't fully there, you know, I. still" But I was lying.

>> You right. You know what I mean? But. then that went out the window cuz I. couldn't I couldn't do it no more. Once. I got a girlfriend and all that, it was. just like, "Hey listen, this I'm I'm. here." This is what it is. This is what. it is. And that was it. >> [laughter]. >> I'm exhausted. Hold up. Did you see Druski skit? Which one? The one he that he he had sex. with you on Kai's. stream. You talking about when Kai Cenat said. something back? >> Yeah. He said who did the hitting. Yeah. Yeah, he said it was it was the other. way around.

They never said no [ __ ] like that. >> [laughter]. >> You like, "Hey man, no." You said, "I. don't be with no dude." I don't know. Druski be the comedian, man. No, that's. my son though. We we cool, you know what. I mean? We under the same team and all. that. Same management. But yeah. Yeah, hold on. He also said. that you don't like being called a stud. Yeah, no. I don't I don't like being. called nothing else besides Young M.A. Okay. my name. >> So So I hold on. Um. When did this I mean, help me help me. out. When did this stud thing come. about? What you mean? I mean I cuz I mean when.

I was. I didn't know there was a name. I just. like, "Okay, they were just lesbian.". I didn't know I didn't know there was I. didn't know there was a term for the I. mean it's like slang. It's like how you. know, you come up with a slang word. You. know what I mean? It's I guess it's. something Is that Is that a common thing. now women don't like being called studs? I mean I see I see some like being. called a stud and they I know. they. don't like being approached by no guys. like, "Hey, bro, I like women. Leave me. alone." I don't know. I know I don't. >> You don't like being called that. You. just don't know. >> that I don't like it. It's like.

no nobody really like if when people say. it. I don't care. >> Yeah. You know what I mean? But I'm not. running around like advertising. >> Yeah, exactly. That's that's not even my. body, man. [laughter]. I'm young and able, man. But you but you. know what's the thing now? What? Guys. liking studs. Yeah, I'll be saying that. But I think. it's for entertainment. I mean, I what you mean entertainment? That's a woman. What you mean? I mean if it's a guy and. it's a woman, I mean you call yourself a.

stud but you got women parts. And? But. I'm saying you talking about that's. entertainment. Ain't no entertainment. >> No, I'm saying it's entertainment for it. to be a thing. Oh, okay. I'm saying. that's entertainment. I mean, but they. be looking good. So when they be looking. good, they be looking all They do be. looking good. Yeah. They look good. I. said hey, ain't no entertainment. I said. I I mean, but what that got to do with. anything? >> Anything if they look good. But but no, but I'm saying cuz. I think they like [laughter] You got to. make me understand. As a man, let me. know. Let me know what you see. No, but if.

I think the thing is like when I was. let's say in in my 20s and 30s. I'm. about to be 58 in about a month. And I remember like when I saw two women. together, I was like, "Okay, well they. they look nice." But it never dawned on. me that I would like oh, knowing that. they're in a they're in a relationship. that I would be I would be interested in. one of them. And so what were you. interested in? The stud? No, I wasn't. interested in none of them. Cuz I just. thought, "Okay, two and I understand I. understand they're both women." But when.

I see two women together, I'm like, "Okay, that's what they like." I keep it. moving. I ain't it don't even it don't. even arouse my curiosity to see what it. was like. And to see now straight men. say, "Oh, I like the studs." And. whatever like you said, it might be. entertaining or whatever the case may. be. >> Entertaining, probably. Oh, okay. >> Or they might do. They might like it. >> saying it's it's it's it's becoming. entertaining. Right. You know what I. mean? But not to say that behind closed. doors that that type of [ __ ] don't go. on. >> Right. Yeah, I mean it's It just got. somebody letting it out the bag, huh? >> Yeah, exactly. So, it's like, you know.

what I mean? Hell, I It's like, well, damn. I. >> Well, yeah, that's I mean, that's that's. what they got going on. What about the A. What about the man trying to flip them. back? What you mean? Try to get them back. Come out A. That's the thumb, man. I. ain't got nothing. >> [laughter]. >> to do with that. I ain't got nothing to do with that. YOU. BEEN FLIPPING THEM. WHY CAN'T THEY GET. FLIPPED BACK? >> HEY, GO AHEAD. >> [laughter]. >> OKAY, THAT'S WHAT I'M SAYING. IT DON'T. GOT NOTHING TO DO WITH ME. YOU KNOW WHAT I MEAN? MAN, MAN. >> [laughter].

>> Next question. Have a man [clears throat] ever pushed. up on you seriously? Like in my face? Yeah. No. No. Cuz they already know you don't get. that. You You You You will swing on it? You like, "Look here, bro. I I Hey, it ain't I ain't on that type of time.". >> Listen. No. Never have. I said. Damn. >> [laughter]. >> I said. Uh. Hold on. Who did uh did the Photoshop of. you as your 31st uh 34th birthday.

uh holding a cake wearing a black dress? Entertainment. >> [laughter]. >> W- Why do Hold on. I Help me understand. Why is it that somebody want you to be. wear a dress and want you to be a woman. woman so bad? >> That's what I be saying. I don't know. [laughter]. They just want to see They want to see. you in a black dress and some heels so. bad. Why do you want it? What is it? I. don't know. Maybe cuz I'm so, you know, I'm young and male and I'm so known. >> Right. And I'm the first person they.

think of as the. the you know, the. What's the What's the that word I'm. looking for? Like, just a blueprint, the. base of. It's whatever whatever. Yeah. But, also, too, I think, too, I'mma say it cuz I I. I say I kind of throw a little hint I. mean a little slick Yeah. little slick. jab on on Still Free. That's on the. album. The song number two. I mean, it's. going to take more than I It's going to. take more than AI pics for me to change. Right. So, um Now, you can. >> I think I think, um I think people do. that because I don't have a lot of.

controversy. Right. >> around my name. Because this ain't the. first situation. that's been like put out there with. Photoshop. Yeah. You know what I mean? They did the little pregnant [ __ ] Damn. Yeah. They They. >> [laughter]. >> They want me to be pregnant. They want. me to be in a dress. I I don't I don't You know what I mean? So, basically, um there's no real. controversy behind my name. I don't I. don't put a lot of. you know, what I got going on for people. to talk about. >> Right. It's just the music. You know.

what I mean? And people just try to find. a narrative to run with about me because. there's none. Right. And that's all they can get. And And. then it fades. And it's like, all right, well, hello, I'm not pregnant, dummy. And I ain't in no dress, dummy. >> You right. And we back on to the music. Okay. That's it. So, have you ever like try to like. change. uh features, have a goatee, have a. mustache, anything like that? >> No. You like, nah, I'm what you see is what. you get. >> about like like a transgender type vibe?

Yeah. No. I'm happy with who you are. Yeah. >> [laughter]. >> I'm sturdy. I'm good, man. Hold on. You directed a porn for Pornhub? For. sure. Yeah, man. You trying to get a You trying to be a. director? I ain't try. I was. You want to do that again? I would, absolutely. So, Pornhub judge your Oh, okay. I don't. I I know. I mean, y'all No, I thought.

you said What you was about to say? No, I'm just saying so I hold on. How. like. >> How what? >> No, I'm like how did you like, you know. what? I want to be a director. Not for a. music video. They called you? Yeah. Yes. Yes, they know my body. >> [laughter]. >> They know I get them girls going. What you mean? >> [laughter]. >> What you mean, Cass? Yes, bro.

Oh, you late to the party, Cass. >> Yeah, real late. Yeah, y'all done had the party. >> went caught pouring up, yeah? Let me get up in there. No, well I was like well damn, y'all had. a party. Didn't tell me nothing about. it. So now I'm hearing about a week. later. No, I even got my own toy line. It's called Play Nice. Play Play N Y C E. Dildos, all that. Vibrators for the women. Yeah. Yeah. That's a whole market, bro. Yeah, I guess like like Kennedy Burrows.

got a toy got a toy line too, right? I don't know. Damn. Yeah, man. So so what was that. experience like? It was cool, man. It was um. directing. Yeah. It [clears throat] wasn't as people. think it it was. Like it. >> Well, well I'm sure I I people. >> they What is it It was all all women. standing. It is girl girl. You know what I mean? But um Yeah, it's. what you see on the screen. >> Yeah. It's going on. >> Right. Yeah, you just Well, like how. many hands right here? Yeah. That's me.

You So you tell A T M okay, get over. here, do this. Yeah. That wasn't my own. Yeah, you know what. >> Yeah, yeah, yeah, you switched it up. Yeah. Yeah. Damn. I mean, why that so hard to. believe? >> [laughter]. >> Cuz I ain't never been a porn director. I don't mess with directors I don't mess. with directors been on some some $200. >> [laughter]. >> I ain't never been with a Hey, hello. I'm here. So is that something that you.

would like do more of? I mean, would. [clears throat] you I mean, would you. direct a a boy girl, a boy girl girl, a. boy boy girl? I mean, yeah. I mean, if. it was an opportunity presented, I don't. care if it's a man. You know what I mean? Like. >> Hey. Let's get it right. >> Yeah. Yeah. >> [laughter]. >> I learned. Yeah, man. Hey, you know what? I learned. something every day, man. Yeah, man. So, now So, you don't turn into Ryan. Coogler. You Ryan Coogler Antoine Fuqua. of the porn industry. >> Hello.

>> [laughter]. >> Uh. Queen Latifah. Um. >> Mhm. Cleo in Set It Off. Uh is it true that Issa Rae approached. you about. uh reprising that role? Nah. It was definitely a thing that went. viral, but nah, never got. that call. Would you play that Would you. You like. >> Yeah. Oh, yeah. Yeah. >> [laughter]. >> I did a TV show. Right. Yeah. You want. to do I mean, you would you like to do.

TV? Do you like to do movies? >> Yeah. That's like probably the next. outlet for me. Right. >> Yeah. For sure. But uh you had an opportunity to Empire, right? Yeah. >> And you turned it down. >> Yeah. Why? Cuz at that time I wasn't. young and me fully Right. >> developed. And I knew, you know, with. that. uh type of position. that would. push Mhm. a different character in the. spotlight than kind of take away from. who I was really. You trying to be a.

You was trying to develop. >> Yes. And I knew that wasn't. >> That would that would that was a. precedent now. Exactly. They going to be. like, "Oh, she All of a sudden Empire. going to knock you out.". >> to be a rapper. Yeah. Okay. That was good That was good to. see. >> Yeah. Hell yeah. And so I know you don't. regret that. No. I dubbed it from the door. Right. >> [laughter]. >> No no no, you know, no disrespect to. them cuz it was a a good show. Right. Yeah. Uh you did the freestyle to Pooh. Shiesty's uh song FDO. Mhm. He's in a bad He's in a kind of. situation right now. Um.

like you did it independently. Mhm. And. let's just say for the sake of argument, had you not done it independently and. you went with a record label. So what. What's I think the better way of asking. it, what is some of the way an artist. can get out of a contract that he or she. has signed with a record label? Or is that even possible? It depends on. what was uh I mean you can't do the Five. Heartbeats and like Big Red try to. strong arm Red cuz Red going to hang you. out the window. >> That's what I'm saying. Depends on what.

was in the contract. I mean. I can't really speak for everybody. I. was just I was just blessed to have that. mentality and my mom raised me right to. understand. you know, a lot of situations. You know, not every situation is a good situation. >> Right. But I always had that intuition. You know what I mean? So I can't really. speak for other people's situation cuz. you just never know how they was Right. you know, could have been, you know, manipulated, anything. You just don't. know. I think the thing Terry Crews gave. gave me some great advice. I had Terry. Crews on here. He said, "Shannon,

you can't nod yes and mean no." Mhm. And we see that a lot of times. >> Mhm. Yeah, yeah, yeah. Right. In. actuality, you want to say no, but it's. so enticing because normally rappers, you come from a situation where you. don't have a whole lot of money. If. somebody going to give you quarter of a. million, half a million, million dollars. Mhm. Shh. >> [snorts]. >> Yeah. I know this ain't a good contract, but that money is so enticing. I can do. so much for my family. I can, you know,

Yeah. and it's just hard. And so in. other words, you're saying no yes, but. you really want to say no and but you. don't. Right. >> And once you put your name on the line. >> Yes. Yeah. It's a. Mhm. fame. What have you learned about. fame? It's almost uncontrollable. That's what I learned. Can't control. fame. Once you famous, you famous. forever. Right. That's it. That's all I learned. It's. It's uncontrollable. Do. >> to. adapt to fame. Do you like it?

I wouldn't call I wouldn't call it a. like a like a like or don't like. situation. I tolerate it. >> Right. But I I I try to keep my peace. and keep my fame at a level for myself. >> Mhm. Like because I don't have to be. everywhere. Right. You know what I mean? Like if I decide to say I don't want to. go out to this club today, Right. I. don't have to. You know what I mean? I. don't need myself to be seen all the. time. Right. So it's it's a it's you. know, it's how you control it. You see. the the Ice Spice fighting at. McDonald's? Yeah, I seen that.

What if somebody walk up on you like. that? >> [laughter]. >> You going to squabble? Yes, man. It is. Come on, man. So So in other words, basically, they knew Ice Spice really. really really didn't want to bang, didn't want to bump like that. But ain't. nobody going Ain't no woman I don't. think a female. Excuse me, let me take that back. I. don't think a young woman or a woman is. going to walk up on you like they did. Ice Spice. I mean, I don't See, the girl. who did it, I don't know. Wasn't she. young? That's what I said, a young a young.

woman or. >> Yeah, I think she was young. I think, you know, when you young, I think she. was like a teenager, real young. And you. know, it's kids, man. They. Ain't no telling. I don't think she was. thinking like Ice Spice ain't about that. life. I think it was just more so kid. and you see a celebrity and kind of want. that attention. >> Yeah. Yeah. But see, they they they see, "Oh, man, that's Young M.A.". They want that attention, you going to. give it to them. But that ain't the kind. of attention they want, though. Well, I mean, I don't.

>> [laughter]. >> I mean, come on, look at Ice Spice, man. You ain't think I see Ice Spice I I. mean, I probably wouldn't I mean, if I saw. them on television, it's I mean, sometimes you see people you like, "Damn, is that?" And then, you know, George like, "You know who that is, boss?" I'm like, "Oh, okay." Cuz, you. know, but if I saw I'm not thinking like. "Oh, she bought that. Let me start. something." When I see somebody then. trying to. That ain't That ain't When When did that. happen? Mhm. The internet The internet.

is robbed is is creating a monster. Because everybody everybody wants their. 15. >> That's why you got to be you got to be. cautious about where you bring your. presence. That's what I'm saying. You. can't just be anywhere. Man, I She just. tried I mean, it was the time that. McDonald's shake machine was working. You know what I'm saying? You know what. I'm saying? She I'm going to GET ME A. SHAKE. RIGHT. You know, she just sitting. there. >> wanted to be regular for a second. And they say, you know, what? "Oh, you. ain't regular. You not approachable.". She's sitting down in McDonald's. Mhm. How much How much more normal can she be. than that? All right. And then, in a.

situation like this, something pop off. like that. Right. And so, they they they wonder why a lot. of time celebs and entertainable. entertainers. don't make themselves accessible. Right. Because everybody's not happy for your. success. Everybody's not happy that you're in the. position that you're in. Or they feel. like you owe them something. "I bought. your record. I watched your movies.". >> Thank you. I appreciate that. >> Mhm. "How you doing, young man? How you. doing, ma'am?". Mhm. But they wanted to go further than.

that. >> Right. "Well, I want to have a. conversation." Bro, I I'm just You know, I'm just trying to Yeah, I'm having I'm. eating. >> Trying to eat. We know the phone When you had You had. dinner when you When you would lunch or. dinner when you were growing up and the. phone rang. "Man, who calling me at this. time?". >> Mhm. Like they don't know you eating, but they just You know, you get upset. when somebody would call and you're. having lunch or dinner. So, just imagine. you're having They see you eating Mhm. and still try to come up with a. conversation or try to shake your hand. And so, >> [clears throat].

>> I might be eating. And so, you know, instead of shaking somebody's hand, cuz. I don't want to go through the bathroom. and wash my hands again, I fist bump. "Oh, you don't shake hands?" Yeah. You. turns into something like that. Yeah. So, what you want to do? Shake your hand. and then go to. >> I do that a lot though. I do definitely. the the fist bump just cuz of the the. the germs and. energy people energy too. You just never. know what people carrying. So, you know, that type of connection could, you know, fall on to you. So, I think about that, too. I mean, so I just be like this, you. know, love. That's it.

Pop Smoke is. from Brooklyn like you and tragically. lost his life in a in a in a in a. robbery attempt. Yeah. Where were you. when you got the news that Pop had died. and and then how did you make that feel. know you're you're a rapper and. this was this could this could happen. Things like this unfortunately it. happened. Yeah, at the time I was um driving. uh with one of my bros and we had seen. it um on the Shade Room. Wow. Yeah, and. um. it was like.

shocked. Like it was like, "Nah, what?". But we like it's on the Shade Room, so. it's it's real. >> Yeah, and it was I don't know. I could I. ain't understand it. It didn't make. sense. It was Did you ever meet Pop? Yeah. We got a whole a picture of us together. >> Yeah. Yeah. You don't get worried about. wearing your trophy? Um. I wouldn't say worried. I just I just. keep myself on guard when I do Yeah, I'm. aware when I do wear it. Yeah, absolutely. >> Yeah.

Who are your favorite New York rapper? Give me your top five New York rappers. >> Besides me, um. Top five? >> Yeah. They can be past or present. So, you. don't have to keep it in today. >> There's no there's no order. I'll just. give you top five no order. Uh Jay-Z Okay. Biggie Yep. Um 50 Cent. >> Yep. Um. female-wise Foxy Brown. Okay. And um.

>> But somebody else I can't I can't even. register. >> Kim uh [clears throat] I did say uh Lil'. Kim uh you got. >> love Lil' Kim. Like my top five people. that I really listen to. >> Nas. Yeah, like I listen to Nas but like the. my favorites. >> Yeah, okay. Yeah, those are my favorites. the top four. um. What do New York need to do to get the. crown back number one rap city cuz you. know A-Town we got that on lock now.

Y'all can't [ __ ] with us. Who? Y'all. can't mess with us. >> Who? New York Can't [ __ ] with who? L A T L. >> Atlanta? >> Yeah, right now. I love Atlanta. Yeah, right now we got that. >> Atlanta. Future, Thug, Gunna, Savage. >> Atlanta. >> Baby Y'all ain't seeing us. I love. Atlanta. >> Y'all ain't seeing us. Not right now. I. love Atlanta. Not right now. I mean what y'all y'all. might get it back but you what y'all. need to do to get it back. >> Listen, one thing about New York, we. don't need to get nothing back. >> Y'all started it. You you did it. It's.

ours now. >> Hey. >> We got the crown. But we going to. forever be that. >> Nah, nah, nah, nah, y'all started it. We. going to forever be that. Gangster. Wait, but I hey, I'm just saying y'all had the. crown. We came and took it. We got nothing above y'all. >> think you can take New York crown. >> We got it. >> Everybody elevates from the New York. soil. >> I appreciate you elevating us. >> We the soil. >> grew strong we grew tall. >> We the soil. >> Yeah. Anybody else is just planting a. plant. >> Mhm. Y'all just y'all planting is huge. right now. >> Yeah, yeah, you yeah. Yeah, that's it.

>> Appreciate it. And I love Atlanta. Atlanta lit. We we we. >> I love Atlanta. >> Yeah. Yes. >> [laughter]. >> That's it though. You are you in Atlanta. now? You. hey, you can claim New York but you know. where you where you where your roots are. now. You pull you pull your tree up in L A. and plant it right there. >> [laughter]. >> No, I love Atlanta. What's your favorite New York slang? um. Son, like that son is like classic son.

That's all in between That's all kind of. like, you know, but son son is like yo. son. You know what I mean? That's son. That's my son. Son is forever. That don't never go out of style, you. know what I mean? Like son is forever. It never. it never got, you know what I mean? Like. outdated. Is there ever situation where you know. you don't talk in slang? You like, "Hey, how you doing?" Yeah. Only time. Definitely when them people. calling me. >> [laughter]. >> And you put on your best behavior and.

then you like, "Hey, how you doing?". >> Yes. Very educated. You know what I. mean? Oh, you give them your government name, you Yeah. No, definitely when I'm. conducting a business and all that. Like, yeah, absolutely. Yeah. Okay. >> [laughter]. >> I've never been like a a extra slangy. type talk talking person. Like I still. was always conducted with how I speak. Yeah. What's some uh the best lyric you've. written? Song? >> Yeah. That you like.

I'm in I'm in my bag with this one. That's that's a tough question. Not even. going to hold you. Cuz most of the time. I am Yeah. in that mindset. You know. what I mean? >> Yeah. I would say I would What I would say is. like eat. uh was one of those records where I. really felt the wrath of fame. >> Mhm. And that was my way of responding. to all the controversy and the stuff.

that was being put on my name. And that song was what really, you know. what I mean? Woke me up to understanding. like. okay, you know what I mean? Like this is. what we dealing with. Yeah. Yeah. Who uh. Is there anybody that you like to work. with? Um Jay-Z. Okay. Of course, the goat. Yeah. Um I don't. always just want to work with people. >> But yeah, Jay-Z. Um, and it's it's people that's not here no. longer that I wish I was able to work.

work with. Like Whitney Houston. and Aaliyah. Those is my two favorite. R&B artists. Yeah. But you did you work with Eminem, you work with Alicia Keys, you work with. Thug. So what what was it like working. with those in the business? Well, Alicia Keys, um, that was kind of different for me. because we did a live show together. And. a short amount of time I had to memorize. it live, no no vocals in the background. And when I met Alicia Keys, uh, she felt. like like a big sister.

You know what I mean? And um, she just. you know, took me yeah. Immediately. So. that was the her her vibe was off rip, uh, you know, uh, positive. And you know. what I mean? So um, and then what else you said? Oh, Eminem. Eminem. Eminem, man. Shout out to Em, man. He um, he has a very selective way. of how you. do a song with him. Like he's real, uh, how how you say this? Uh,

real private and precise with his music. So it wasn't just like send a song, record it and no, we had to listen like. his peoples had to come with the laptop. and play the song right. Like that. Like. you didn't you couldn't have access. to the song cuz. he's trying to avoid leaks. He don't He. don't want that thing to get out. But he. I didn't even know Eminem was like a a. fan of mine. You know what I mean? And that alone. is like surreal to me. Cuz you know, you.

grow up looking you know, listening to. Eminem seeing Eminem and it's like, me? Like you know what I mean? So and this. is a goat we talking about. Top dog, you. know what I mean? So and shout out to. Em, man. You uh, you went on tour with. with Savage, right? Yeah, my first tour. How was that how how's the with. It was lit. I ain't really bump into him. too much more more so my bros ran into. his bros on the tour. I be kind of more. secluded. But um no, it was cool. It was normal. Tee Grizzley was on the tour, too. Everybody was cool, no issues, nothing.

Everybody was about it. You You. mentioned the M You got M as one of the. goats. Mhm. That's one of your goats? >> Yeah. Along with Hov? Yeah. Yeah, Eminem is up there with Yeah, for. sure. Yeah, Eminem Oh, you M? Yes, definitely the old M. The Slim Shady. It's a problem. Lizzo said the algorithm. is destroying the music industry. You. agree? >> Facts. I just posted that in my close. friends literally like 2 days ago. That is absolutely right.

I said that. >> are not trying to They're not trying to. make great music, they're trying to get. into the algorithm or what What's going. on? Explain it to me. Um well, when artists like me like I. have a strong fan base. Yes. You know. what I mean? So. the engagements. um aren't as. um. rapid. >> Yeah. as it used to be um. right then and there. It's It's kind of. taking. a little more of a push.

>> Mhm. to constantly uh display something you. posted or something you're promoting. And. yeah, it's like you you almost got to. put extra effort in now then your. followers is not seeing Oh, yeah. Okay, so yeah. >> Exactly. You know what I mean? >> keep changing the algorithm and so where. it used to be. >> homepage changes every time you refresh. Yeah. And then majority of the homepage. isn't isn't even people you follow. >> Right. So, yeah, absolutely.

You know the. uh. 24 was dominated by diss. Would you diss someone if somebody came. at you? Who was dominated by diss? You. look at what Kendrick and Drake had the. thing and then Drake just dropped three. albums. Uh Kendrick. won 1,000 Grammys for his album and not. like us had the summer on lock for like. 2 years. Would you diss someone? No. I don't I. don't I won't diss nobody. I will. respond. >> Yeah. But no, I don't I never.

I don't have no reason to to diss. somebody. I got too much to do with. Young M.A. right now. You know what I. mean? You got an album coming out. What can. people expect from expect from this. album? Man, this album. I would say is is definitely one of. those ones where I pull you. into my world for a second. Um it's fun. and then it's.

dark. Mhm. You know, you kind of uh. you get. a uh uh. view of my life. You let everybody. experience Yeah. the good, the bad, the. dark. >> Yeah. And so, this is this is basically. I'm going to pull the curtain back and. I'm going to allow you to look at me. >> Yes, absolutely. Yeah. We going to have fun, but we also going. we going to get a little emotional. Yeah.

You going to learn a lot about me. >> Yeah. And then also I would say uh. my. mental level far as like, you know, me getting older. >> Yes. You know, because the more I got. older the more my supporters got older. You know what I'm saying? So, my. circumstances and situations aren't the. same. >> Yes. You know what I mean? I'm a. >> So, I can't rap I can't rap about the. same thing. >> So, you you definitely going to get that. as well. I'm talking, you know, big you. know, big talk business and stuff like. that. Um.

I noticed you got a lot of tattoos. I. see you got Brooklyn and you got a eagle. and you got a butterfly. You got the New. York. logo that you so that's your that's your. that's your that's your logo. That's. your thing. Let me Let me ask you this. Does every tattoo. >> even New York, though. This is YMA. >> MA. Oh, okay. >> Yeah. It's my my initials. Oh, see. I would. >> That's what I'm saying. Yeah. Damn. Okay, that's that's that's. Okay, now I see the A and the B. >> running around repping New York Yankees. >> Yeah. Yeah, I would think. >> [laughter]. >> No, it's definitely.

in reference because that's where I'm. from. But, yeah. I got my other chain, too, but it's in the. jewelry shop. I had to make the bail. thinner. But, I got one that's like the. New York token. That's my original logo. That was my first ever logo still to. now. But, yeah. Does every tattoo you. have have a meaning? Yeah. Yeah. Every single one. You got a back tattoo? You got a. >> Yeah. You got a sleeve? Yeah. Both my arms. >> Both your both sleeve? Yeah.

>> [snorts]. >> Yeah. This is my brother's side. >> Yeah. And this is just like involving me. and music. Right. You know what I mean? I I would. >> And you got a back tattoo? Yeah, I got a. back like up here and then like one. right here. So, you Let me ask you a question cuz. you see the thing now with the tattoos, guys are going and guys are going. men and women are going going on that. local anesthesia Mhm. and getting what. we take. >> I seen that. Is that how you do it? Cuz. I I talked to people say, "Nah, you take. the whole process away. The process but. you supposed to you supposed to feel.

that pain. It's supposed to take time.". Nah, it's been [clears throat] a minute. I'm It's been a minute I I haven't. gotten tattoos since I was. like eight 17. That was before your. first tattoo? You were about 17? >> I was 17 when I got my first one. >> How many tattoos you think you have? Now? >> Yeah. I don't know. I can't even count because. it's it's like they all. >> all blended blended together, yeah. >> blended together, yeah. But, I I knew from young I was going to. be tatted, though. That was something I. always Yeah. I first I was going to start off with. just one sleeve. >> Yeah. And then.

It don't never work like that. You know. what I mean? Yeah. >> it's addictive. It is. I need more. though. I feel like I've been lacking. You want to go come up your thigh? A. little bit. I think I'm going to come. like to here. >> Yeah. Just for the shorts, you know what. I mean? Thighs too That's too much. >> Yeah. >> Too much. Yeah. So what what is I mean. these? This one. Is this one the This the praying one? >> the praying hands. >> is praying hands. This is broken heart. I had this one first. This one is for my. brother. Yeah.

>> The praying hands was after I came out. the hospital. It's like I healed, you. know what I mean? To God. And this one. is This one I think this the queen one. >> Yes. Yeah, that's queen. And then this. is 444. That's one of my angel numbers. Oh. >> got 555 on me. Yeah, I just need 333 now. What does 333. signify? It's almost in the same meaning. as the rest of them, but just a little. a little uh little different. >> Okay. A little different. The queen the.

What is it How do you pronounce it? Queen Foundation? Queen's Foundation? Yeah. >> Yeah. What is that? Um just something. that I started. um. for just, you know, mothers that lost a. child, siblings that lost I mean kids. young men or young women that lost a. sibling. >> Mhm. And um just people that you know. just in an unfortunate situation. Just. something to give back to. Um I wanted I. always wanted to do a foundation. >> Mhm. Um. and yeah. Why was that important to you? You know, cuz I lost my brother.

>> Mhm. You know, and also I grew up with. my mom holding things down on her own. >> Mhm. So um it's just a representation of. just my life experience in itself. You ever think about if your brother was. here today how proud he would be of you. knowing that what you've become? Absolutely. I would hope. >> [laughter]. >> But um. yeah, man. Um. I I even know how my life would be if he. was still here. Right. Honestly. Yeah.

Do you think that it forced you to focus. because. you know, sometimes it sometimes and. unfortunately it takes a tragic event. for us to lock in. And you said I don't. I don't know. I don't know. if my life would have been different, it. would have been worse, it would have. been X, Y, and Z. All I know is I don't. have my brother. I miss my brother cuz. we were extremely close. And did it. force you to tap lock in? Did it force. you to focus like okay, I I got I got to. make this thing happen. Yeah, actually. forced me to to really uh.

get into a um uh. uh responsib bility mode for my mom and. my little sister because they really. Forced you to become a man. It really [ __ ] her up. You know what I. mean? It really stopped her from. working. Damn. She didn't you know, she. couldn't. >> Yeah. You know, till this day my mom. don't work. You know, of course I take. care of her. >> Right. You know, she got her own house. and stuff like that. So, my mom is good. We'll forever be good. >> Yeah. But, that definitely put me in.

that chair to be able to um. lead the way. >> Yeah. And make sure that we we taking. care of her. Did it make you make you. grow up faster than probably you would. have normally? >> Exactly cuz of course I've been wanting. to do music. Yes. Been wanting to music, but it forced me in that like oh now I. got to do this. >> Right. Man, thank you so much for coming on. Make sure you guys go check out Queen is. dropping on May 29th. That's her. Appreciate you, bro. >> You on your way? >> Appreciate you, man. Thank you. 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 [music]. 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.