The AsIs Podcast

In this edition, The families of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Jacob Blake, Cortez Rice, and Tameka Shannon discuss the events that surrounded Joe Biden Signing an executive order in regards to the controversial No Knock Warrant. The families have come together to speak on what its like to be not just invited to the White House, but have a federal law signed into act as a result of their fight for equal treatment in the face of racist adversity.

Atlanta Visionary and author Khari Sekou stopped by and talked about what motivates him to motivate others. His insights are exceptional as he draws off of life experiences, and incidents that propelled him to another level. If you want to be inspired, Khari defiantly will help you.

"Jazzy T" is a radio personality who doubles as a Podcast specialist who coaches those interested in getting into the podcast arena. As of late, Podcasts have taken off and have become a way to profit, as well as provide the average individual a way to create and speak freely from their own individual platform. Listen in as Jazzy gives the pointers needed to achieve success in what some have called a great business, but popularly saturated. 

Duane Tucker is something new and good for not only the Hip-Hop community but also for people of color. Stocks and Bonds are not necessarily found in urban areas, and part of the reason is because it can be intimidating. The underlying problem to that is that there is no one there to show us how to invest. Thankfully, with times changing, There are people like Duane willing to show you just how well one can do, with a little bit of information.

He has appeared on numerous Tv Shows, as well as being one of the stars to be in Eddie Murphys Coming To America (Part 2).  He has a value system seldom seen in the entertainment industry simply because he is open to honesty and truth. With qualities like that, its no wonder why he hs been around for so long. Listen in as he gives his honest opinions on a variety of things. He is definitely one of intrigue, Mr. Rodney Perry

Renjah Brimage is straight out of the Deep South, but contrary to popular belief, that's not disrespectful, simply because she's holding her own. As a record label owner and manager to a rapper son, she's doing what needs to be done to make a better way. Listen in as she breaks down some of the myths of the music industry as an owner, black woman, and one with a vision.

Dannon Green has appeared on Moesha, filmed in the Urban cult classic Baby Boy, and a variety of other things. The man is in the business. Based on that, the conversation  discussed was on the Joie Rogan experience. Was he insensitive or is he just a racist? In addition to that, Dannon broke down some rules of respect when it comes to other comedians. Who gets to headline and perform, regardless to who was scheduled to go first. The way the pecking order goes just might surprise you.

Danny Boy is perhaps one of the most under-rated Death Row artists to ever come out of Death Row. Although he sang back up, with his memorable Tupac collaborations, with hit songs like I ain't mad at you, he still never really got his just due. Well at least not as a regular artist. Things seemed to change dramatically when he came out as being gay. The trials and tribulations that came with his announcement over shadowed his sexual conquests with artists like the queen of R&B, Mary J. Blige, relationship with Suge Knight and erased a part of a Legacy that was historic in hip-hop music. Listen to his views and opinions and decide if you can relate with changing times.

The first teacher of a man is a woman, but the absolute best teacher of all is experience. With it being Black History month, our host decides to give you facts about all of the police killings going on in America. In addition, Shabazz takes you into actual stories with a message some will immediately get, and some won't. What you get it out of it is based on your openness and willingness to listen. This is the AsIs amateur Masterclass if there is such a thing. Hopefully you will enjoy, and listen. * Please note that although Shabazz says Carlos Gambino, he actually meant Christopher Gambino. 

Tio Hardiman is a man who has worn many hats. In addition to running for governor for the state of Illinois, he started the violence interrupters, an organization similar to operation ceasefire. His goals were and are simple. Helping to reduce gun violence for young black men. His views are sometimes controversial, and his private life has at one time been the same. Charged with a domestic violence charge himself, (The charges were later Dropped), Tio knows all too well the problems that plague black America, but can they be fixed? And can Tio spearhead the campaign to fix them? It's a mighty task set in front of him, but the results of positivity and conversation are well worth it. 

He ran with one of the most notorious Drug Organizations in Queens. His era was the paid in full era that generated millions of dollars in illegal proceeds. The organization he ran with was lead by none other than Howard "Pappy" Mason, partner to the notorious Lorenzo "Fat Cat" Nichols. According to authorities, his associates and partners in crime made in excess of $200,000.00 per month. Hear his incredible story. Its one of crime, drugs and a alleged murder, of a cop no less.

We are all familiar with the powerhouse streaming service Netflix, so it would be safe to assume having a film shown by them is exceptional. Mark Harris is just that. A positive, Self taught, determined black man who strives to show the positivity of black life, and show that people of color can overcome almost any obstacle or challenge placed in front of them. His list of movie credits include, White people money, I used to love her, Black Coffee, Stock Option and many more. Listen in as he describes his accomplishments and guides us through exactly what's needed to make a film, and how to get picked up by the majors of Hollywood.

He started it all on B.E.T.'s 106 & Park. Starting from the Windy City (Chicago) Bo-Deal packed his bags and headed to New York to face off against a slew of hungry rappers, both from New York itself and all the surrounding areas. His will to win was all he needed to do just that, win! That was back in the days, Today Bo has turned his craft into managing artists as well as trying to guide the youth from the obstacles of the streets. Chicago streets, and we all know that is no easy task. Listen in has he talks about his relationship with rap superstar Wacka-Flacka, and what he's doing to help improve his community.

Crunchy Black is one third of the Grammy award winning trio, Three Six Mafia. HipHop royalty, and one of the most respected groups to ever grace the stages of any show. In fact, Three 6 Mafia not to long ago made hiphop history with their controversial Versus battle with Bone,Thugs & Harmony. Never a stranger to controversy, Crunchy Black has had some traumatic situations in his life. He's been shot, tragically lost his own daughter at the hands of the streets and had numerous encounters with police. Still, with all of that being said, Crunchy has learned to respect the code of the streets. Listen in as he talks about everything from the accused rapes of Trey Songz, the death of Young Dolph, The alleged guilt of R. Kelly, and the controversial mouth of Charleston white, and then some. One thing is for sure, Crunchy Black has a story to tell.

Confidence is what sets some apart, and confidence is what can make or break you in the sometimes biased industry of modeling. Chela appears to have broken the stereotype, with her urban, gritty New York City style way of approaching accomplishment. Her views and attitude are a reflection of where she comes from and what she's been through, and although some may point out the fact that she at one time was a dancer, she's given her all to excel. She actually quit dancing, and began her picture campaign that has proven to garner the attention that some might shy away from, never-the-less, the attention she's gained has taken her places. She's propelled herself from the whirlwinds to becoming a consignment store owner. Listen in as i'm sure she will surprise some, because contrary to what most would negatively think, (Based on her photos and previous career) she's actually pretty smart. 

Ed Forchion is a man of many talents. He is also known as NJweeedman, an African American cannabis rights and freedom of speech activist. He's also a writer as well as the owner of a restaurant that is spearheading the weed movement. His beliefs are somewhat controversial for mainstream America, and because of that, it's sometimes landed him in turbulent waters. Never one to quit, Ed presses on challenging anything that opposes what he believes to be just and right. Some might agree with his tactics, but then there are others who adamantly disagree. Those that do agree are the breakfast clubs very own, Dj Envy and his resident musician Bob Marleys grandson. As you hear him speak, you decide.

Corey B. Sherrell is one of the newest, hottest comedians on the comedy club circuit. He was voted In as one of the funniest men on the new Clubhouse Platform. Thats his Bio on Funny. There's another side to Corey that is rarely spoken about. Its something that plagues the black community, and its called jail. Unfortunately, prisons and black men seem to run hand in hand in the urban community, and this is one of Corey's passions to change. Based on his Clubhouse platform, he stopped by and bought one of his segments called Uncomfortable Conversations. It is an eye opening, candid honest talk that will shock its listeners with the truth. If you really want to know how men think, and what they've gone through, this is a must listen too. Be mindful, harsh language and true events reside here. This is not for the faint at heart.

Montell Griffin came up like a lot of young black men, the hard way. Perhaps this is why some might call him the best boxer to ever come out of Chicago. With a label like that, one would have to know that there were strong influences in his life, one of those being the greatest of all time himself, Muhammed Ali. Listen as Montell talks about his experiences with him, and understand the personality and mental of a man who transitioned from Chicagos hard streets, all the way to wearing the light heavyweight championship belt with a controversial win over former great, Roy Jones Jr.

He has casted for some of the biggest shows on T.V. as well as a few blockbuster  movies. His credits include Spiderman, Power, and a slew of others. In addition to that, he is a well respected photographer hailing form Americas new black Mecca, Atlanta. Listen in as he explains how to get casted on the big screen, and how to break into show business

When it comes to urban models, the competition is fierce. With social media being a platform that allows one to catapult themselves to another level, women know they have to really come with the goods to be noticed. Unfortunately sometimes the goods they bring aren't always praised. Thats not the case for top notch Chica. Not only does she have brains, she has the connections necessary to go into another direction, and another direction is what she definitely did. She went from model and dancer to owning her own wine company. That's surely something that deserves praise. Listen to her tell her story of how she did it, and understand some of the things she went through. Top Notch Chica is far from your ordinary every day big booty Instagram model.

His father is one of the best to ever do it, and the apple doesn't fall far from the tree. Boxing Hall of Fame promoter Carl King, stopped by and reminisced about some of the biggest names in boxing. One thing is for sure, he's seen them all. From Floyd Mayweather, to Muhammed Ali and all points in between, (Including Mike Tyson) Carl is an eyewitness to the golden era. Boxing at its prime.

Thelma Wright was married to one of the biggest drug dealers to come out of Philly. Her husband was a man who dealt with principals of the streets, and unfortunately those streets took his life in a violent set-up. After his death, Thelma Stepped up and took over with the teachings of her man. In fact, because of intuition and wisdom, she may have even did it better than he. Proof of that statement is she's still alive. Listen in as she discusses the the lessons she's learned, not only from him, but from life. If nothing else, Thelma proves that a woman can do what men sometimes take for granted, and that's get money on a major cocaine fueled, illegal level.

Johnny Bunting is a convicted murderer and ex drug dealer who managed to turn his life around. After serving 25 years for the killing of a young man in a drug related robbery, Johnny comes home and explains exactly what happened, and how he got caught with the assistance of what was supposed to be a friend, but turned out to be a confidential informant. The so called friend is now a spokesman for convicted R&B king Robert Kelly, but does Kelly know of his past, and will Kelly continue to send what some question, letters maintaining his innocence. Listen as Johhny gives grave details of how rats really work.

Lisa and Cassandra Kelly have maintained the innocence of their famous, but convicted brother Robert Kelly. For the past 3 years, they've used all the resources available to them, to stand on what they believe in, and that's that the justice system is flawed. They believe that Robert was a target of money hungry gold diggers who would stop at nothing to get a check, and as a result, they caused him to get convicted not only on social media, but also in a court of law. Listen to how they feel, and ask yourself, is there any validity to it?  Listen and decide for yourself.  

The story of Rick Ross is the story of the biggest Black American drug dealer to ever sell drugs on American soil. Thats the first part. The second part is how a man could literally single handily secretly fiancé a war, (The Iran, Iraq contra affair) and not even know it at the time. Part of it was because he was illiterate as far as a book was concerned, but brilliant as far as the streets was concerned. Listen as he explains a few things he never really speaks about, and one of those things is about how bad he really was doing after coming home from prison. Rick definitely has a story of the misguided black mans, street American dream, that overcame, and finally came to his senses. 

Black lives New York City President Hawk Newsome stopped by and talked about the controversy surrounding the incoming mayor of New York, Eric Adams. Hawk, a controversial person himself, displayed some of the reasons he feels the way he does, and attempts to explain his rationale that frightens some people. His no non sense approach borderlines what mainstream media calls terroristic threats. Although he has a fierce way about himself, some may relate, depending on where you come from and how you grew up. Either way, is violence a way to get your point across? Listen and decide for yourself.

He has worked with The Who is who of the music industry. With names including Usher, Brittany Spears, Aaliyah, Aretha Franklin, Charlie Wilson, Clive Davis and he even signed R. Kelly. If anybody knows anything about the music industry, it's definitely Wayne. His insight is extraordinary, and his Grammy award winning feat is proof of his musical tastes. Listen in as he explains his accomplishments as well as breaks down the personalities of the artists he has worked with. The one most will find intriguing is Robert Kelly. The R&B King Wayne not only signed, but teamed with to earn 10 straight platinum albums with. Listen and listen close as he gives his take on the innocence or guilt of the convicted R&B crooner, R. Kelly. Is he guilty? or innocent? His answer is a must hear.

Senator Lena Taylor is perhaps one of the few Congress people who doesn't allow politics to dictate her conversation. Normally, people of her stature would be guarded in what they'd say, especially when it comes to telling the truth, and even more guarded when talking about their own personal lives. Listen as the Senator talks about common people issues, and I'm sure you'll see that she's as down to earth as they come.

His name was Gorgeous Dre, and he was the star of the HBO cult classic American Pimp. As A pimp, Andre played the game as it was designed. Beautiful women sold for a price, and he was the collector. Some would argue that those days were his worst as a man, and others would look up and admire one of the oldest professions known to man, prostitution. A game he was born into, with the taboo skills learned from his parents. Andre has come a long way since then, but some of the skills needed to make it in the underworld, are the skills needed to become a political activist. Listen to his incredible story and see if you agree.

Pastor Corey Brooks is perhaps one of the bravest pastors in the country. Caught in the middle of crime, poverty and despair, Corey decided it was time to change something he himself personally related to, the ghetto. His vision of change is one the O block needs. For those that don't know, O block is one of the most infamous deadly blocks in Chicago, and this is where his church resides. Corey, always a visionary that borderlines crazy, has taken his vision to the roof top's of Chicago, literally. He's committed himself to sleep outside, on a roof for 100 days in hopes of raising 25 million dollars for a community center. We sat down with the popular street Rev. and asked all the stuff everyday people would ask. Whats surprising is he answered and was shockingly honest. Listen as he talks about chief Keith, King Von and even Tyler Perry, one of the many who believes in him.

Lisa and Cassandra Kelly sat down to talk about the plight of R. Kelly, in the height of the storm, rumors, speculations and conviction of the debated (Former) king of R&B. The details surrounding the Kelly case are debatable depending on how you see things. Although he was accused and found guilty of a slew of horrific charges, there are those who still defend his honor, not only in the alleged wrong doings within the justice system, but as a man some say was targeted. What these sisters say will shock and surprise you as they simply explain that they are just trying to help their brother, and although that sounds simple, it isn't as there are those who contest them even being his sisters. 

In this episode, we sit down with the son of the infamous former gang leader Larry Hoover. Listen as Larry breaks down what life is like inside for his father, behind the walls and under the ground of the Super-max, ADX Florence. In addition, Larry reveals some startling information on behalf of his father. This is a must hear if you're involved or associated with that type of lifestyle.

She's the Sr. Vice president of A&R at republic records, and she also manages some of the most popular Rap artists in the industry. Her humble beginnings catapulted her into a one time manager of names like Buffie The Body, Rosa Acosta and reality TV star Hoopz amongst many others. Always mindful of who she is in a male dominated industry, Amina sat down and explained quite a few things. Everything from being a mother, to describing what its like managing superstars.

Former drug Kingpin Peanut sat down and discussed the inner workings of the music industry, and how it works as well as how he maneuvered in the drug game. Fed's alleged that his record label was a front for a multi million dollar heroine drug empire, that allowed him all of the trimmings of an illegal American dream. Peanut explains how he had 5 wives, one of them being female rap superstar Charlie Baltimore (The ex girlfriend of the late great Biggie Smalls). In addition to that, he drops some explosive details on his former artist Kash Doll. What he reveals is sure to be found as nothing less than sexual manipulation and exploitation of a minor. 

In this episode we sit down with Chicago lawyer Steve Greenberg, the lawyer of convicted R&B artist R. Kelly. Steve gives his honest and open opinion on Kellys current conviction and sheds some light on Jennifer Bonjean, Bill Cosbys lawyer who found a way for  his (Cosby) conviction to be over turned. Steve also digs into subjects (race) not often talked about, but experienced with some African Americans.