Wake that ass up in the morning. The Breakfast Club Morning.

Wake that ass up in the morning. The Breakfast Club Morning.

Everybody is DJ en vy Ess hilarious, Charlamagne the guy. We are the Breakfast Club and we got a special guest in the building, the legendary Jasmine Guy. Welcome back, Good morning.

Everybody is DJ en vy Ess hilarious, Charlamagne the guy. We are the Breakfast Club and we got a special guest in the building, the legendary Jasmine Guy. Welcome back, Good morning.

How are you feeling.

How are you feeling.

I felt great.

I felt great.

I love doing your show the last time and I got a lot of positive feedback.

I love doing your show the last time and I got a lot of positive feedback.

I love you. Yeah, come on.

I love you. Yeah, come on.

It was a different kind of interview though than there. You to My daddy was like, you were a little too comfortable. You act like they were at your house. Champagne, right, yes, champagne whatever that was. I didn't even like it, and I was drinking that. But my father said that you would put more in when I was looking at Kadeen.

It was a different kind of interview though than there. You to My daddy was like, you were a little too comfortable. You act like they were at your house. Champagne, right, yes, champagne whatever that was. I didn't even like it, and I was drinking that. But my father said that you would put more in when I was looking at Kadeen.

That's what he said.

That's what he said.

He said, whenever you looked at Kadeen before, more in there. So I'm I'm thinking, I'm just drinking one glass.

He said, whenever you looked at Kadeen before, more in there. So I'm I'm thinking, I'm just drinking one glass.

Were probably have four.

Were probably have four.

Swanty whatever, but I'm drinking anywhere at seven o'clock in the morning.

Swanty whatever, but I'm drinking anywhere at seven o'clock in the morning.

Embarrassing, is that you talking? You was just sitting back there just laughing.

Embarrassing, is that you talking? You was just sitting back there just laughing.

No, No, it was good because you ask questions that people don't usually ask. You know, we get the same questions over and over, especially about a different world. And I just like that it went into other areas of my life and my career and his too, because anybody can look at any interviews we've done and get those answers. It's the same answer, you know what I mean? So can we talk about something else? You know, can we bring it to another element that hasn't been explored with us?

No, No, it was good because you ask questions that people don't usually ask. You know, we get the same questions over and over, especially about a different world. And I just like that it went into other areas of my life and my career and his too, because anybody can look at any interviews we've done and get those answers. It's the same answer, you know what I mean? So can we talk about something else? You know, can we bring it to another element that hasn't been explored with us?

And you've done so much more since since, absolutely, like right now, you want your first Emmys went.

And you've done so much more since since, absolutely, like right now, you want your first Emmys went.

For the Chronicles of Jessica Woo. Yes, that was a trip.

For the Chronicles of Jessica Woo. Yes, that was a trip.

So I was going to Mexico to hang out with my girlfriends, and I land and I get all these checks from people saying congratulation on your Emmy nomination, and I really thought people would messing with me.

So I was going to Mexico to hang out with my girlfriends, and I land and I get all these checks from people saying congratulation on your Emmy nomination, and I really thought people would messing with me.

I didn't even call them back. I said whatever.

I didn't even call them back. I said whatever.

I wasn't even And then when I realized I really had been nominated, I thought it was for the show Harlem.

I wasn't even And then when I realized I really had been nominated, I thought it was for the show Harlem.

Okay, okay.

Okay, okay.

Chronicles of Jessica Woo. I had done two. It was before COVID. It was a long time ago, and I only worked on it for a day. It was a very interesting project to me because the production company was a couple a small black production company. The superhero in the in the p had autism, but her powers that whatever put her on the spectrum made her a superhero. Their daughter had an autistic child anyway, So I said, well, I'll do it because I know after this they're gonna need distribution.

Chronicles of Jessica Woo. I had done two. It was before COVID. It was a long time ago, and I only worked on it for a day. It was a very interesting project to me because the production company was a couple a small black production company. The superhero in the in the p had autism, but her powers that whatever put her on the spectrum made her a superhero. Their daughter had an autistic child anyway, So I said, well, I'll do it because I know after this they're gonna need distribution.

And who knew that's what you know.

And who knew that's what you know.

What I'm saying, my love for them and what I know about you know, pitching ideas. You're gonna need a name. I know I've heard it all. And I said, well, I'll be your name. This is gonna be good. And it was a short series, like a wepisode series. The other Oscar nomination I got was also from an independent black company and it was my nephew Emmett, and I played im mitills aren't on the night that he was taken from their home, and I was like, oh shit, I do not want to go to Mississippi.

What I'm saying, my love for them and what I know about you know, pitching ideas. You're gonna need a name. I know I've heard it all. And I said, well, I'll be your name. This is gonna be good. And it was a short series, like a wepisode series. The other Oscar nomination I got was also from an independent black company and it was my nephew Emmett, and I played im mitills aren't on the night that he was taken from their home, and I was like, oh shit, I do not want to go to Mississippi.

And I'm telling you.

And I'm telling you.

We stayed right down the street from where he got abducted.

We stayed right down the street from where he got abducted.

Mississippi still got that same energy.

Mississippi still got that same energy.

Thank you change I was gonna say, I felt ghosts, yeah you know, And I did it, and they got nominated for an Oscar night. When the director called me, he was a graduate student from NYU Film School. His mentors with Spike Lee and Casey Lemmon's right Beautiful Brother, and the and the crew and everybody. I had a great artistic experience. But when he told me we, you know, we got nominated for an Oscar, I thought he was messing with me.

Thank you change I was gonna say, I felt ghosts, yeah you know, And I did it, and they got nominated for an Oscar night. When the director called me, he was a graduate student from NYU Film School. His mentors with Spike Lee and Casey Lemmon's right Beautiful Brother, and the and the crew and everybody. I had a great artistic experience. But when he told me we, you know, we got nominated for an Oscar, I thought he was messing with me.

That saunds a lot though, like about how you know.

That saunds a lot though, like about how you know.

I guess black actors and actresses are conditioned in Hollywood that when they get told that they're even nominated, they don't believe it.

I guess black actors and actresses are conditioned in Hollywood that when they get told that they're even nominated, they don't believe it.

Well, when you ignored long enough, you got the message. I got the message. If you're not nominating a different world, Debbie Allen, Susan fails our wardrobe department, any other actor on that show. I stopped focusing on y'all giving me my props. I know who gives me my props. And I told the actors, I said, we just gotta be good, you know, forget all these accolades or whatever.

Well, when you ignored long enough, you got the message. I got the message. If you're not nominating a different world, Debbie Allen, Susan fails our wardrobe department, any other actor on that show. I stopped focusing on y'all giving me my props. I know who gives me my props. And I told the actors, I said, we just gotta be good, you know, forget all these accolades or whatever.

They obviously do you.

They obviously do you.

Know how many times they said to me, even on I think I did Dennis Miller, remember Dennis Malanta talk show. He started with, so how does it feel being between number one and three? And I was stunned because I just sat down, you know, you come out all cute and whatever. And I was like, he said, that wasn't a good lead in question. I said, no, it wasn't.

Know how many times they said to me, even on I think I did Dennis Miller, remember Dennis Malanta talk show. He started with, so how does it feel being between number one and three? And I was stunned because I just sat down, you know, you come out all cute and whatever. And I was like, he said, that wasn't a good lead in question. I said, no, it wasn't.

You're talking about Cosby and Tears.

You're talking about Cosby and Tears.

Everybody said we were number two because we came between them, Okay.

Everybody said we were number two because we came between them, Okay.

And that was the first question. That was the message.

And that was the first question. That was the message.

That was the message that we got this actors as you know, performers, and we never got our props for not not just the acting, but it was Debbie Allen, Susan fails me.

That was the message that we got this actors as you know, performers, and we never got our props for not not just the acting, but it was Debbie Allen, Susan fails me.

Three black women in charge of that show. You know what I mean?

Three black women in charge of that show. You know what I mean?

We could have been on the cover of Essence, and I just knew who really saw us and who really understood us?

We could have been on the cover of Essence, and I just knew who really saw us and who really understood us?

Why when that worked?

Why when that worked?

Fight for that's the same white motherfuckers said.

Fight for that's the same white motherfuckers said.

Cold up to date, you came to the right shows.

Cold up to date, you came to the right shows.

You can't say that word, so you can go back here the same white motherfuckers make sure you forget.

You can't say that word, so you can go back here the same white motherfuckers make sure you forget.

It's the same world. Just look, okay.

It's the same world. Just look, okay.

So Carcy Warner, our producers also produced a show with Whoope Goldberg called Bag That Cafe, Grace, under Fire in The Roseanne Show and the Cosmic Show. Right, so we're one of five. They never asked us to do anything. They asked Roseanne bar to sing the national anthem, in which she grabbed her crotch because she can't sing. But we got five singers on our show. You could have had don me kree. You know, never when we got offered things that would have.

So Carcy Warner, our producers also produced a show with Whoope Goldberg called Bag That Cafe, Grace, under Fire in The Roseanne Show and the Cosmic Show. Right, so we're one of five. They never asked us to do anything. They asked Roseanne bar to sing the national anthem, in which she grabbed her crotch because she can't sing. But we got five singers on our show. You could have had don me kree. You know, never when we got offered things that would have.

I don't know. I just got things.

I don't know. I just got things.

We got things on our own, and I never felt a part of that network. Then when I saw what happened with Friends, I was like, Yo, that would have helped us. It would have helped us with work after the show. It would have given us some props, you know that we could have used for future projects.

We got things on our own, and I never felt a part of that network. Then when I saw what happened with Friends, I was like, Yo, that would have helped us. It would have helped us with work after the show. It would have given us some props, you know that we could have used for future projects.

I pitched a lot.

I pitched a lot.

I have my own production company After a Different World. All of my projects were rejected, but then I started to see them that was which ones.

I have my own production company After a Different World. All of my projects were rejected, but then I started to see them that was which ones.

Yeah that.

Yeah that.

I had a TV idea about a young woman that inherited a sweatshop in the garment district from her gay friend that died of AIDS and but she still saw him as a ghost.

I had a TV idea about a young woman that inherited a sweatshop in the garment district from her gay friend that died of AIDS and but she still saw him as a ghost.

I had even talked to Rue Paul about being my ghost. You know.

I had even talked to Rue Paul about being my ghost. You know.

They was just everything was a reason not to do it. But then I would see a white girl do it. Then I had this idea about what was the name of that spy show.

They was just everything was a reason not to do it. But then I would see a white girl do it. Then I had this idea about what was the name of that spy show.

It was a.

It was a.

French movie, independent movie, Anda Okay, So I thought this would be fierce well Robin Givens. So I wrote up a treatment for a pilot version of it. No Robin Givens, but a white American girl doing it. So I was like, well, I know my ideas are valid, but I just started divorcing myself like a bad relationship.

French movie, independent movie, Anda Okay, So I thought this would be fierce well Robin Givens. So I wrote up a treatment for a pilot version of it. No Robin Givens, but a white American girl doing it. So I was like, well, I know my ideas are valid, but I just started divorcing myself like a bad relationship.

Stop asking for what you know you're not gonna get.

Stop asking for what you know you're not gonna get.

I didn't have a parking space like Don Johnson after Miami Vice.

I didn't have a parking space like Don Johnson after Miami Vice.

You know, he was the star of the number two show on the network, one of the biggest shows on television. On it too, right, no o, I thought you reduce on it. No, but even even still a star of that show can't have.

You know, he was the star of the number two show on the network, one of the biggest shows on television. On it too, right, no o, I thought you reduce on it. No, but even even still a star of that show can't have.

A parking spot.

A parking spot.

I had a parking spot, but he had a production deals.

I had a parking spot, but he had a production deals.

When I'm saying, after you did Miami Vice, he had a production deal, you know.

When I'm saying, after you did Miami Vice, he had a production deal, you know.

And I don't know.

And I don't know.

I just thought that we were we were ready and well equipped to move on into other areas. I definitely wanted to be a producer because I had met so many people on a different and I wanted to bring this writer with this director, you know, and the ideas that I had were not being done. The Dorothy Dandrids story, I pitched that for years. I had to educate first, who's the arthy dying dry? I told them it wasn't condescending. And I didn't want to say the black Marilyn Monroe because that's all they understand is a black version of what we already know. So I don't use that term when I'm pitching. And the movie got done. It just got done without me. And after a while, I said, Okay, I understand, you know what I mean. It's like a bad relationship. After a while, you gotta understand, Okay, I ain't what you want.

I just thought that we were we were ready and well equipped to move on into other areas. I definitely wanted to be a producer because I had met so many people on a different and I wanted to bring this writer with this director, you know, and the ideas that I had were not being done. The Dorothy Dandrids story, I pitched that for years. I had to educate first, who's the arthy dying dry? I told them it wasn't condescending. And I didn't want to say the black Marilyn Monroe because that's all they understand is a black version of what we already know. So I don't use that term when I'm pitching. And the movie got done. It just got done without me. And after a while, I said, Okay, I understand, you know what I mean. It's like a bad relationship. After a while, you gotta understand, Okay, I ain't what you want.

This is, and this is, and so is all of this and other things.

This is, and this is, and so is all of this and other things.

I'm sure as what leads up to Uncensored Jasma God like, Yeah, you know what's steel?

I'm sure as what leads up to Uncensored Jasma God like, Yeah, you know what's steel?

Like?

Like?

I did uncensored because I did Intimate Portrait on lifetime. I did Unsung, but they were in different decades of my life. I mean, Intimate Portrait must have been in my forties and then fifties, and now I'm in my sixties. And I said, I may have a different perspective on my truth. The same things happen, but I feel differently about them. I have a different perspective and I'm not I'm trying not to be so precious about my private life because I really do this. When people get like, you know, that's mine. I feel like I do enough with my work for the public. That is my gift to the audience, That is my way of communicating. You don't need to know who I'm sleeping with their business, don't need to be in the street.

I did uncensored because I did Intimate Portrait on lifetime. I did Unsung, but they were in different decades of my life. I mean, Intimate Portrait must have been in my forties and then fifties, and now I'm in my sixties. And I said, I may have a different perspective on my truth. The same things happen, but I feel differently about them. I have a different perspective and I'm not I'm trying not to be so precious about my private life because I really do this. When people get like, you know, that's mine. I feel like I do enough with my work for the public. That is my gift to the audience, That is my way of communicating. You don't need to know who I'm sleeping with their business, don't need to be in the street.

You from that era, though, Like that era was you didn't really see your favorite celebrity, favorite actress, favorite actor, and when you did, everybody went batshit crazy because you never did. Like our favorite celebrities growing up as a kid, we didn't know who they dated. We didn't know where they went to, we didn't know where they lived, we didn't know any of that. And that was part of the mystique of them being a superstar celebrity.

You from that era, though, Like that era was you didn't really see your favorite celebrity, favorite actress, favorite actor, and when you did, everybody went batshit crazy because you never did. Like our favorite celebrities growing up as a kid, we didn't know who they dated. We didn't know where they went to, we didn't know where they lived, we didn't know any of that. And that was part of the mystique of them being a superstar celebrity.

But it's also private.

But it's also private.

I don't feel like I didn't understand why celebrities were saying private things.

I don't feel like I didn't understand why celebrities were saying private things.

When nobody even asked you.

When nobody even asked you.

That you'll make you talk.

That you'll make you talk.

I'm like, why are you nobody asked you? Nowadays, I so with the oh, and I also get an Instagram.

I'm like, why are you nobody asked you? Nowadays, I so with the oh, and I also get an Instagram.

I mean I've had an account, but.

I mean I've had an account, but.

My makeup artist said when he went on my social media that it was vented, not the V word that I had not post. I said, I don't know what to post. I don't know what's interesting because work fulfill so many parts of me. If I'm not working, I really don't have nothing to say. What I did today, I colored, I did crossword puzzles.

My makeup artist said when he went on my social media that it was vented, not the V word that I had not post. I said, I don't know what to post. I don't know what's interesting because work fulfill so many parts of me. If I'm not working, I really don't have nothing to say. What I did today, I colored, I did crossword puzzles.

People are into that, They're into your life outside of just acting into what does Jasmine guy do?

People are into that, They're into your life outside of just acting into what does Jasmine guy do?

What does she enjoy?

What does she enjoy?

What is she like?

What is she like?

You know, because we know.

You know, because we know.

Who you are on.

Who you are on.

Like a fumous boring people want to see that.

Like a fumous boring people want to see that.

They want to understand that. They want to see what your life's like. If you just sit outside and you knit all day, what.

They want to understand that. They want to see what your life's like. If you just sit outside and you knit all day, what.

Are you knitting? Why?

Are you knitting? Why?

And to be honest with calms you down? Because maybe what calms you down will helped calm me down. Maybe something that you do can help guide me through my life. So people are into what people do.

And to be honest with calms you down? Because maybe what calms you down will helped calm me down. Maybe something that you do can help guide me through my life. So people are into what people do.

And now we need some boring shit because like everybody's wilding out here I'm talking about So.

And now we need some boring shit because like everybody's wilding out here I'm talking about So.

I'm interested in what you be knitting. I want to see my next Afghan.

I'm interested in what you be knitting. I want to see my next Afghan.

No, but it's kind of like that I like calm. I love my friends. My favorite thing in the world is when my friends come by my apartment. And I live in Midtown in Atlanta, so I'm accessible because in New York I used to have an apartment on seventy eighth Street between Columbus and Central Park. Everybody come through there. If you lived in Queens, if you lived in Jersey, You're gonna come by my and I love that, and so that's one of my favorite things is having my people over.

No, but it's kind of like that I like calm. I love my friends. My favorite thing in the world is when my friends come by my apartment. And I live in Midtown in Atlanta, so I'm accessible because in New York I used to have an apartment on seventy eighth Street between Columbus and Central Park. Everybody come through there. If you lived in Queens, if you lived in Jersey, You're gonna come by my and I love that, and so that's one of my favorite things is having my people over.

And I've been cooking to I've been watching TV.

And I've been cooking to I've been watching TV.

People like to see what does Jasmine got cooked? What's your favorite meal?

People like to see what does Jasmine got cooked? What's your favorite meal?

Well, I'm trying to make the perfect chicken wing for me.

Well, I'm trying to make the perfect chicken wing for me.

No, I've made them and make them every week, but for me, other people eat them and they're okay, but I want a certain consistency I think. I'm I can't get a deep fryer because of my apartment. I can't have it on the on the patio. So I've tried all different kinds. They're good and I've done the marinading and everything.

No, I've made them and make them every week, but for me, other people eat them and they're okay, but I want a certain consistency I think. I'm I can't get a deep fryer because of my apartment. I can't have it on the on the patio. So I've tried all different kinds. They're good and I've done the marinading and everything.

Also, I've learned meatballs.

Also, I've learned meatballs.

I got a good meatball let people like and.

I got a good meatball let people like and.

It's a it's real and port.

It's a it's real and port.

I'll make you some turkey, Teresa, No, chrisa sport too, I make you some.

I'll make you some turkey, Teresa, No, chrisa sport too, I make you some.

But I gave a cheesecake.

But I gave a cheesecake.

So I'm using my mother's cheesecake recipe and I'm just doing them over and over until I get it.

So I'm using my mother's cheesecake recipe and I'm just doing them over and over until I get it.

My daddy is my guinea pig.

My daddy is my guinea pig.

He has to try out my food and give me notes, tell me if it's dried, you know.

He has to try out my food and give me notes, tell me if it's dried, you know.

And my friend Jamala loves my cheesecakes.

And my friend Jamala loves my cheesecakes.

So I made one for the house, gave it to her and I was like, you know, let me know how it is or whatever.

So I made one for the house, gave it to her and I was like, you know, let me know how it is or whatever.

She gave her mother one piece and she ate the rest of it.

She gave her mother one piece and she ate the rest of it.

That's because she's had three whole cheese cases.

That's because she's had three whole cheese cases.

Yeah, she love anything.

Yeah, she love anything.

I'm like, okay, Jamala, let me tell you what's in this because you can't.

I'm like, okay, Jamala, let me tell you what's in this because you can't.

So she wrote a book about her daughter.

So she wrote a book about her daughter.

It's a children's book called Mommy, I Think I Have Diabetes. She found out her daughter as diabetes, but it was from her daughter.

It's a children's book called Mommy, I Think I Have Diabetes. She found out her daughter as diabetes, but it was from her daughter.

This was a true story.

This was a true story.

She made a children's book, and I said, your second book is going to be Mommy. I think you got you beating whole cheesecakes, right, I'm glad you like them and whatnot, But you know, you can't beating the whole one.

She made a children's book, and I said, your second book is going to be Mommy. I think you got you beating whole cheesecakes, right, I'm glad you like them and whatnot, But you know, you can't beating the whole one.

Yeah, I gotta ask you.

Yeah, I gotta ask you.

Know you mentioned earlier that you know when you do these interviews, people ask the same questions about a different world. Are you tired of being of talking about a different world since you had I mean that was thirty years ago, but then I stirty seven thirty seven?

Know you mentioned earlier that you know when you do these interviews, people ask the same questions about a different world. Are you tired of being of talking about a different world since you had I mean that was thirty years ago, but then I stirty seven thirty seven?

Wow?

Wow?

But then I see you on the HBCU tours going from school to school. I see you having those conversations. Are you just done with talking about that part of your life?

But then I see you on the HBCU tours going from school to school. I see you having those conversations. Are you just done with talking about that part of your life?

I'm not done with that part of my life because people are exploring, they're asking me the same things. What's your favorite episode? They want me to see the wedding show. That wasn't my favorite episode, that's your favorite episode. I love when the kids ask questions. So we go to these schools, we have a moderator. This past when we did spell them in Morehouse and Clark, we had seven of us.

I'm not done with that part of my life because people are exploring, they're asking me the same things. What's your favorite episode? They want me to see the wedding show. That wasn't my favorite episode, that's your favorite episode. I love when the kids ask questions. So we go to these schools, we have a moderator. This past when we did spell them in Morehouse and Clark, we had seven of us.

I love that too.

I love that too.

Usually it's no more than four of us. And when the kids get to ask the questions, their questions are different. They're not asking those same things. I mean, really, you could do your research and know the answer already, of course, but the kids are like when you were nineteen blah blah blah when you first left home. What did you think about your character this? I mean intelligence, especially them Spellman girls. First of all, they acted like we were rock stars. They were just after shame when we came out. Then one girl said, Miss Charnell, Miss Charnell, I want to thank you for being a presence for dark skinned girls. Miss Jasmine, thank you for showing me confidence. And Miss Cree, thank you for being the odd ball.

Usually it's no more than four of us. And when the kids get to ask the questions, their questions are different. They're not asking those same things. I mean, really, you could do your research and know the answer already, of course, but the kids are like when you were nineteen blah blah blah when you first left home. What did you think about your character this? I mean intelligence, especially them Spellman girls. First of all, they acted like we were rock stars. They were just after shame when we came out. Then one girl said, Miss Charnell, Miss Charnell, I want to thank you for being a presence for dark skinned girls. Miss Jasmine, thank you for showing me confidence. And Miss Cree, thank you for being the odd ball.

That was her.

That was her.

There you go. Thank you.

There you go. Thank you.

Yeah, she was saying, I see you and you helped me see me. And you don't know you're doing all that when you're just playing your role, you know, But I know Debbie knew.

Yeah, she was saying, I see you and you helped me see me. And you don't know you're doing all that when you're just playing your role, you know, But I know Debbie knew.

I knew Debbie knew what she was doing when she hired Korea and Seanell that second season. It was very deliberate.

I knew Debbie knew what she was doing when she hired Korea and Seanell that second season. It was very deliberate.

I was just talking about Sean.

I was just talking about Sean.

I was, yeah, what were you saying?

I was, yeah, what were you saying?

We had a whole conversation about who was the most beautiful on a different world, and you know, he turned into that.

We had a whole conversation about who was the most beautiful on a different world, and you know, he turned into that.

I was like, man, Kimberly Reach was the one.

I was like, man, Kimberly Reach was the one.

He was the one.

He was the one.

You think this should you think there should be another show or maybe they should relaunch it? And the reason is last time I tell you the reason I went to college and HBCU and Hampton was because I seen a different world and I wanted that experience coming from Queen's right, I was like, I want that. I don't know if people see that anymore, if they see what a college looks like and the experience and not just you know, the partying, but real life, real situations and everything going on.

You think this should you think there should be another show or maybe they should relaunch it? And the reason is last time I tell you the reason I went to college and HBCU and Hampton was because I seen a different world and I wanted that experience coming from Queen's right, I was like, I want that. I don't know if people see that anymore, if they see what a college looks like and the experience and not just you know, the partying, but real life, real situations and everything going on.

I think that's missing.

I think that's missing.

It is not there.

It is not there.

And I thought when we did, you know, because when I did a Different World, we were coming off school days and it was you know, months in between the projects.

And I thought when we did, you know, because when I did a Different World, we were coming off school days and it was you know, months in between the projects.

So it felt like we're a part of a wave.

So it felt like we're a part of a wave.

I didn't know that it crested and was over because Fox started with Rock Dutton show, some bad show even you know before Martin, and once they got launched, they dropped those black shows.

I didn't know that it crested and was over because Fox started with Rock Dutton show, some bad show even you know before Martin, and once they got launched, they dropped those black shows.

Same with c W. You saw what happened with the Game.

Same with c W. You saw what happened with the Game.

But I thought we were part of a new, I don't know, a new entertainment phase for black people.

But I thought we were part of a new, I don't know, a new entertainment phase for black people.

It wasn't renaissance, but it was over.

It wasn't renaissance, but it was over.

After Cosby left it. They just snatched everybody off. They couldn't wait to get our time slot.

After Cosby left it. They just snatched everybody off. They couldn't wait to get our time slot.

Yeah, I've had a lot of conversations about that. I feel like after the nineties it was an intentional It was intentional and strategic by Hollywood to change the image of black people.

Yeah, I've had a lot of conversations about that. I feel like after the nineties it was an intentional It was intentional and strategic by Hollywood to change the image of black people.

I really feel that.

I really feel that.

We think so too, Charla Mane.

We think so too, Charla Mane.

It went from great scripted shows where people had jobs and Caribs to reality television.

It went from great scripted shows where people had jobs and Caribs to reality television.

Wait, they don't have to pay nobody until you make it big or whatever.

Wait, they don't have to pay nobody until you make it big or whatever.

And now even with Harlan and I loved that show and I love doing it, and I don't understand the streaming thing. Amazon had us for ten ten episodes of first season eight, the second season, this season six. So what you're doing, I don't know. We have to do twenty two episodes a season. What you're doing is you can't give anybody long enough work, right, So the writers on a series, they're given up four or five months. They're getting paid, but now six, that's two months working. I don't know, And I don't know why they're doing it with Harlem because people like that show, you know what I mean, And it shows Harlem in a beautiful way. It's vibrant and alive, and it's not gray and boarded up like the Harms like you know, it ain't coolly high and cornbread early in me Harlem. It's a celebration, So I don't know why they're not committing. I find it selfish that you don't give a show enough legs to succeed.

And now even with Harlan and I loved that show and I love doing it, and I don't understand the streaming thing. Amazon had us for ten ten episodes of first season eight, the second season, this season six. So what you're doing, I don't know. We have to do twenty two episodes a season. What you're doing is you can't give anybody long enough work, right, So the writers on a series, they're given up four or five months. They're getting paid, but now six, that's two months working. I don't know, And I don't know why they're doing it with Harlem because people like that show, you know what I mean, And it shows Harlem in a beautiful way. It's vibrant and alive, and it's not gray and boarded up like the Harms like you know, it ain't coolly high and cornbread early in me Harlem. It's a celebration, So I don't know why they're not committing. I find it selfish that you don't give a show enough legs to succeed.

And let Tracy oli her do what she do.

And let Tracy oli her do what she do.

I had so much influence, you know Jamaine du previous here yesterday really and that they did.

I had so much influence, you know Jamaine du previous here yesterday really and that they did.

A Freaknik documentary. Oh have you ever.

A Freaknik documentary. Oh have you ever.

Been a Freaknick? No.

Been a Freaknick? No.

I was in LA during that time, but I've heard about it. They shutting down nine twenty. There were a lot of babies made during that sure.

I was in LA during that time, but I've heard about it. They shutting down nine twenty. There were a lot of babies made during that sure.

They said that actually Different World made Freaknick even bigger. I guess you had an episode where the girls talked about going to Freaknik and not telling their parents.

They said that actually Different World made Freaknick even bigger. I guess you had an episode where the girls talked about going to Freaknik and not telling their parents.

Oh yeah, the younger crew like Jada and them.

Oh yeah, the younger crew like Jada and them.

Yeah, And they said that amplified it a thousand. So many people watching.

Yeah, And they said that amplified it a thousand. So many people watching.

Different World, it was like, we're going down to freaking you call some people to get pregnant. Day's Child's question is God, you find a sense of vindication in this award at this stage of your career.

Different World, it was like, we're going down to freaking you call some people to get pregnant. Day's Child's question is God, you find a sense of vindication in this award at this stage of your career.

No, you know what I felt.

No, you know what I felt.

I was really surprised at how happy I was when I when I got it. I really felt like I won that award for a different world in Atlanta.

I was really surprised at how happy I was when I when I got it. I really felt like I won that award for a different world in Atlanta.

Wow.

Wow.

And I say Atlanta because when I got to New York, I had been trained that I had been poured into, you know, with my dance schools, my teachers and performing our school, I went to my.

And I say Atlanta because when I got to New York, I had been trained that I had been poured into, you know, with my dance schools, my teachers and performing our school, I went to my.

Church, you know.

Church, you know.

And then I also knew that even though I was glad that the show won, you know, Jessica Wo, I just felt like it was for a different world.

And then I also knew that even though I was glad that the show won, you know, Jessica Wo, I just felt like it was for a different world.

It's for what nobody you know.

It's for what nobody you know.

Got back then you dedicated your award to a different That's the reason why, just because you felt like, yeah, I.

Got back then you dedicated your award to a different That's the reason why, just because you felt like, yeah, I.

Was like, this is ours.

Was like, this is ours.

Because I know what made that show good, and I know we didn't get our props.

Because I know what made that show good, and I know we didn't get our props.

That's right from white people.

That's right from white people.

I have six Image Awards to Soul Trained Awards.

I have six Image Awards to Soul Trained Awards.

Because they know what that does.

Because they know what that does.

It gives you power in the Hollywood system. We're not giving them that. That's so disrespectful to me. It's not like a person I could cuss out. It's just a cloud of white people, like white Hollywood. Because if that show would just look what they do with friends and what they did with living single, just look at the publicity, how much money they made, They were at the Golden Globes.

It gives you power in the Hollywood system. We're not giving them that. That's so disrespectful to me. It's not like a person I could cuss out. It's just a cloud of white people, like white Hollywood. Because if that show would just look what they do with friends and what they did with living single, just look at the publicity, how much money they made, They were at the Golden Globes.

They got movies power.

They got movies power.

We are no less talented and the writing was awesome on the Different World because they're doing deep subjects and they have to keep us funny because the network wanted us funny. They said, well, if we're gonna do this age show, how are we gonna make it funny? Well, maybe Whitney's gonna lose her virginity during what's the B line? That's gonna not make it so heavy? You know, they have to do that for everything the Riot show that they have to still mix in the humor. And I think we did that well and that Susan fails Hill. I'm so proud of lean A Wade and Easta Ray to see them as showrunners and starring and this and that. I'm like, Oh, they are fierce, and I hope they get their props.

We are no less talented and the writing was awesome on the Different World because they're doing deep subjects and they have to keep us funny because the network wanted us funny. They said, well, if we're gonna do this age show, how are we gonna make it funny? Well, maybe Whitney's gonna lose her virginity during what's the B line? That's gonna not make it so heavy? You know, they have to do that for everything the Riot show that they have to still mix in the humor. And I think we did that well and that Susan fails Hill. I'm so proud of lean A Wade and Easta Ray to see them as showrunners and starring and this and that. I'm like, Oh, they are fierce, and I hope they get their props.

But I wonder, how do you think this recognition of the award contributes to the broader conversation about diversity and representation in Hollywood, especially for like o G veteran actresses like yourself who've made significant contributions.

But I wonder, how do you think this recognition of the award contributes to the broader conversation about diversity and representation in Hollywood, especially for like o G veteran actresses like yourself who've made significant contributions.

Over a decade.

Over a decade.

Okay, so what like what does this do?

Okay, so what like what does this do?

Like the award has to do something being that Javelin I can still be so good at this stage in her career that she's still Oh.

Like the award has to do something being that Javelin I can still be so good at this stage in her career that she's still Oh.

Yes, it does feel validating. And I even said when I accepted the award, you know, thank you for keeping me in this community, because the creative community is my world, whether it's in the New York or LA or Atlanta. You know, valid my people, and you know, with the pandemic and then six seven months on strike, I'm like.

Yes, it does feel validating. And I even said when I accepted the award, you know, thank you for keeping me in this community, because the creative community is my world, whether it's in the New York or LA or Atlanta. You know, valid my people, and you know, with the pandemic and then six seven months on strike, I'm like.

I need to work. I need to be with my people.

I need to work. I need to be with my people.

You know, I need other creatives. I need stories at lunchtime. And that goes for everybody that goes for him makeup, wardrobe. Everybody is expressing themselves and there's a virtual connection to that.

You know, I need other creatives. I need stories at lunchtime. And that goes for everybody that goes for him makeup, wardrobe. Everybody is expressing themselves and there's a virtual connection to that.

So I did feel that way.

So I did feel that way.

But it has been good to see my peers like Regina King, Victoria Mahony, Sally richardson the Girls that I was like acting with doing like directing and killing it like that, and Tasha Smith directed the last episode.

But it has been good to see my peers like Regina King, Victoria Mahony, Sally richardson the Girls that I was like acting with doing like directing and killing it like that, and Tasha Smith directed the last episode.

I did a Harlem.

I did a Harlem.

That's nature of nature.

That's nature of nature.

As my girl.

As my girl.

We needed it. It was a very long day. It was a long shooting day, and her energy was and what I was so impressed was was her technical acumen. She really knew her cameras, you really knew what she wanted. She had to map out a ten page scene, which is very long for you know, anything from movie or TV scene, and I don't know, she just did a beautiful job. It was the only episode I've done on that show where I saw other people, because all my episodes that were Gray Spyers. She's my daughter, well i'm her mother, I should say she's and everybody was there at this event, so I got to see Bebby Smith was there, Whoopy was there. I don't know what was exciting. I was kind of fanned out too. Yeah, it's amazing.

We needed it. It was a very long day. It was a long shooting day, and her energy was and what I was so impressed was was her technical acumen. She really knew her cameras, you really knew what she wanted. She had to map out a ten page scene, which is very long for you know, anything from movie or TV scene, and I don't know, she just did a beautiful job. It was the only episode I've done on that show where I saw other people, because all my episodes that were Gray Spyers. She's my daughter, well i'm her mother, I should say she's and everybody was there at this event, so I got to see Bebby Smith was there, Whoopy was there. I don't know what was exciting. I was kind of fanned out too. Yeah, it's amazing.

I've seen a clip that was released from You Uncensored and it talks about being a mixed child. Was that very difficult in the industry going at that time where you're going up for auditions and people are saying, well, she's not white or and then well maybe she's.

I've seen a clip that was released from You Uncensored and it talks about being a mixed child. Was that very difficult in the industry going at that time where you're going up for auditions and people are saying, well, she's not white or and then well maybe she's.

Not black enough. Was that difficult?

Not black enough. Was that difficult?

Well?

Well?

I always defined myself as a bla black, but I didn't get roles because I was too light sometimes or I got like the my first after I left Alvin Ailey, I did musical theater Broadway and whatnot, and then I started taking acting classes and going out for auditions, and I played three hoes before I go with Ley. I'm just saying, I asked my agent. I was like, is this normal?

I always defined myself as a bla black, but I didn't get roles because I was too light sometimes or I got like the my first after I left Alvin Ailey, I did musical theater Broadway and whatnot, and then I started taking acting classes and going out for auditions, and I played three hoes before I go with Ley. I'm just saying, I asked my agent. I was like, is this normal?

Yes, I played a prostitute.

Yes, I played a prostitute.

On the Equalizer, I played a hoe on Loving, which was so a soap opera back then.

On the Equalizer, I played a hoe on Loving, which was so a soap opera back then.

And then on my third when I said, okay.

And then on my third when I said, okay.

Is this and I was nailing them whatever it is about.

Is this and I was nailing them whatever it is about.

Ship before I got back to my formare, I was like, okay, but.

Ship before I got back to my formare, I was like, okay, but.

Yeah, you tap into to be able to like really play a hope.

Yeah, you tap into to be able to like really play a hope.

The way they write it, they usually write I usually do sarcasm well, and they're usually snarky.

The way they write it, they usually write I usually do sarcasm well, and they're usually snarky.

You know.

You know.

Now the other activities the I mean on the Equalizer, I was the whole that they bought for the guy that just came out of prison. Oh my god, this scene was nasty and I'm like surprised, and I come out and I'm supposed to do him because he's just been in prison. And then in the scene he starts coughing and I say, you catch something nasty where you've.

Now the other activities the I mean on the Equalizer, I was the whole that they bought for the guy that just came out of prison. Oh my god, this scene was nasty and I'm like surprised, and I come out and I'm supposed to do him because he's just been in prison. And then in the scene he starts coughing and I say, you catch something nasty where you've.

Been and he grasps me by the hair and slams me on.

Been and he grasps me by the hair and slams me on.

Trauma.

Trauma.

I got a little too snarky, but I didn't know that that should have been blocked.

I got a little too snarky, but I didn't know that that should have been blocked.

I didn't.

I didn't.

It was one of my first acting jobs. So because I'm a dancer, I was able to go, you know, slam myself down. All you have to do is, you know, and make it look like he was just and then fall and I did it over and over in The director was like, are you okay. It wasn't until after that I talked to some of my actor friends and they were.

It was one of my first acting jobs. So because I'm a dancer, I was able to go, you know, slam myself down. All you have to do is, you know, and make it look like he was just and then fall and I did it over and over in The director was like, are you okay. It wasn't until after that I talked to some of my actor friends and they were.

Like, nobody blocked you.

Like, nobody blocked you.

Nobody.

Nobody.

I said, no, it was just like a you know, a dance move or whatever.

I said, no, it was just like a you know, a dance move or whatever.

But yeah, then when I auditioned for a Whitley, first of all, they didn't even have her name yet. It was Sydney slash Whitney, a black Southern bell. I'm like, things that make you go a black Southern bell, you don't know say anyway, she was hitting on her professor for an a in the scene.

But yeah, then when I auditioned for a Whitley, first of all, they didn't even have her name yet. It was Sydney slash Whitney, a black Southern bell. I'm like, things that make you go a black Southern bell, you don't know say anyway, she was hitting on her professor for an a in the scene.

Another horror.

Another horror.

Yeah, we're ruffles.

Yeah, we're ruffles.

But when I got on the set, now she's a virgin and she doesn't know what's going on in the world. It's just interesting because you play things based on who they tell you you're supposed to be, and then as actors we often do backstories and you know, make up something that got us to this point, so we have something to lean on. But yeah, I was thinking, Wow, I guess I'm just gonna be. It wasn't that I was playing a horror prostitute. It was just that I wanted to play all kinds of characters. Yeah, I've always wanted that.

But when I got on the set, now she's a virgin and she doesn't know what's going on in the world. It's just interesting because you play things based on who they tell you you're supposed to be, and then as actors we often do backstories and you know, make up something that got us to this point, so we have something to lean on. But yeah, I was thinking, Wow, I guess I'm just gonna be. It wasn't that I was playing a horror prostitute. It was just that I wanted to play all kinds of characters. Yeah, I've always wanted that.

Yeah, got to ask a question, This is a personal question. When you started off dancing as a child, right, did you know what direction you wanted to go into? So I got two girls that dance, right, and then I travel all over the country, damn with these these little babies. And I mean they are amazing. One one first prize overall seven year old or one thousand girls first prize.

Yeah, got to ask a question, This is a personal question. When you started off dancing as a child, right, did you know what direction you wanted to go into? So I got two girls that dance, right, and then I travel all over the country, damn with these these little babies. And I mean they are amazing. One one first prize overall seven year old or one thousand girls first prize.

But what Yes, they get busy. They take it serious.

But what Yes, they get busy. They take it serious.

Six days a week, four hours a day, gymnastics, flipping, backflip dancing.

Six days a week, four hours a day, gymnastics, flipping, backflip dancing.

Whoa, it's a lot.

Whoa, it's a lot.

But I've learned to love it, like really enjoy it. But you know, as a dad, I always think, like, well, what's next after dancing? Like what do you do as a dance Like when you get to high school and college, Like what happens from that? Did you know what you wanted to do going into Alvin Aley.

But I've learned to love it, like really enjoy it. But you know, as a dad, I always think, like, well, what's next after dancing? Like what do you do as a dance Like when you get to high school and college, Like what happens from that? Did you know what you wanted to do going into Alvin Aley.

And Okay, So when I was a little kid, I thought I just kept asking for more classes, like once a week. Saturday turned into three turned into five.

And Okay, So when I was a little kid, I thought I just kept asking for more classes, like once a week. Saturday turned into three turned into five.

You know.

You know.

And when I saw Alvin Ale and I saw revelations, I realized that I could do this as a job. I didn't realize that you could dance as a job other than be a dance teacher. That's all I was seeing. And I I told my daddy, I said, I think I have my calling. I want to dance with Alvin Ailey. So from twelve to seventeen, that was the trajectory, kind of on a level where you are with your girls, because I danced every day. After that, I went to perform in arts high school, I joined Atlanta Ballet. I went to North Carolina School of the Arts over the summer because I knew that I was not technically proficient enough to get into the Ailey company, but I was also performing. I played Anita in Westside Story and I was young. I was like thirteen, and I could al already act and I could sing.

And when I saw Alvin Ale and I saw revelations, I realized that I could do this as a job. I didn't realize that you could dance as a job other than be a dance teacher. That's all I was seeing. And I I told my daddy, I said, I think I have my calling. I want to dance with Alvin Ailey. So from twelve to seventeen, that was the trajectory, kind of on a level where you are with your girls, because I danced every day. After that, I went to perform in arts high school, I joined Atlanta Ballet. I went to North Carolina School of the Arts over the summer because I knew that I was not technically proficient enough to get into the Ailey company, but I was also performing. I played Anita in Westside Story and I was young. I was like thirteen, and I could al already act and I could sing.

But it was that.

But it was that.

Because you know, you can't fake dancing. You could either dance or uk. I mean, it's an athletic.

Because you know, you can't fake dancing. You could either dance or uk. I mean, it's an athletic.

You know.

You know.

So that's when I knew do they want to do it as a profession.

So that's when I knew do they want to do it as a profession.

They don't know right now. One is seven, one is ten, and they just enjoy it and they want more. And it's not just ballet, it's not just open for and mad. It's just it's everything. It's it's jazz, it's it's tab it's now they just started getting in their hip hop. But for me, it's like I enjoy it because I know where they are right I know they're not gonna want to go to their friend's house. I know they're not gonna want to go to the mall because they enjoy so much. School's over at two forty. From three to seven, they dancing, seven, they come home, do homework, They tired, And I enjoy it because I like watching them like I'm the There's not too many dads out there for some reason, but I'm the one that's I know the routine and I'm spinning with them because I if they enjoyed it, I enjoy it. But it's I feel like more people, more kids should get into it because it's it's it's a it's a great art. Yeah, it's a great art.

They don't know right now. One is seven, one is ten, and they just enjoy it and they want more. And it's not just ballet, it's not just open for and mad. It's just it's everything. It's it's jazz, it's it's tab it's now they just started getting in their hip hop. But for me, it's like I enjoy it because I know where they are right I know they're not gonna want to go to their friend's house. I know they're not gonna want to go to the mall because they enjoy so much. School's over at two forty. From three to seven, they dancing, seven, they come home, do homework, They tired, And I enjoy it because I like watching them like I'm the There's not too many dads out there for some reason, but I'm the one that's I know the routine and I'm spinning with them because I if they enjoyed it, I enjoy it. But it's I feel like more people, more kids should get into it because it's it's it's a it's a great art. Yeah, it's a great art.

And they gave me my foundation for everything, Discipline, being on time, confidence, Like even when I got a different world. I remember one of our our script ees, she came up to me and she said, are you a dancer? And I was just standing there and I was like, yeah, Like what gave me away?

And they gave me my foundation for everything, Discipline, being on time, confidence, Like even when I got a different world. I remember one of our our script ees, she came up to me and she said, are you a dancer? And I was just standing there and I was like, yeah, Like what gave me away?

I'm not what?

I'm not what?

I was always on time. I was always there waiting for everybody else. I did not understand the way they did it and all the breaks they take.

I was always on time. I was always there waiting for everybody else. I did not understand the way they did it and all the breaks they take.

I'm like, what are we breaking for? We ain't done nothing right. Dancers are the mules of the business.

I'm like, what are we breaking for? We ain't done nothing right. Dancers are the mules of the business.

Wow.

Wow.

If the actors are coming out every now and then, if we like when I did Fame, we were in rehearsal or performing all day, ten hours, actors going to trailers and coming back when we did school Days, you couldn't be in that movie if you couldn't dance, sing an act first of all. But that meant we all came from theater. We shot, we filmed the Uh well, I mean we recorded the song I Want to be Alone tonight after we filmed that day, and then they said, okay, now you're going to the studio and we went and we learned the song and did it, and then we learned the choreography and performed it. But that's how we do, especially in New York and especially in theater. All my dancing friends can sing, and that all my acting friends can dance to sing. We had to be triple threats to continue to work. You think them divers from Dreamgirls, Loretta Divine, Shirley, Ralph, Jennifer.

If the actors are coming out every now and then, if we like when I did Fame, we were in rehearsal or performing all day, ten hours, actors going to trailers and coming back when we did school Days, you couldn't be in that movie if you couldn't dance, sing an act first of all. But that meant we all came from theater. We shot, we filmed the Uh well, I mean we recorded the song I Want to be Alone tonight after we filmed that day, and then they said, okay, now you're going to the studio and we went and we learned the song and did it, and then we learned the choreography and performed it. But that's how we do, especially in New York and especially in theater. All my dancing friends can sing, and that all my acting friends can dance to sing. We had to be triple threats to continue to work. You think them divers from Dreamgirls, Loretta Divine, Shirley, Ralph, Jennifer.

Lewis you built for it, you know?

Lewis you built for it, you know?

So when we go out there, we're not even asked to work at our full.

So when we go out there, we're not even asked to work at our full.

Potential, you know what I mean.

Potential, you know what I mean.

And your babies are gonna be like that too, in whatever they do, because that kind of training is like an athlete.

And your babies are gonna be like that too, in whatever they do, because that kind of training is like an athlete.

I want to talk about another training you've probably got because you know, you carry yourself with a certain sense of legalness, right And when you look at Debbie Allen, when you look at fore Lisha Rashad, they have that same regal energy.

I want to talk about another training you've probably got because you know, you carry yourself with a certain sense of legalness, right And when you look at Debbie Allen, when you look at fore Lisha Rashad, they have that same regal energy.

What did those two teach you?

What did those two teach you?

Oh my gosh, everything. I mean, Debbie was ahead of me. So every time people told me, well, you're mostly a dancer, we don't know about you acting, or you're a comic actress, we don't know about you doing drama, in my mind, I go Debbie Dead. I just let them tell me what they thought I couldn't do. And it wasn't just that I knew I could. She's already done it. She just did it.

Oh my gosh, everything. I mean, Debbie was ahead of me. So every time people told me, well, you're mostly a dancer, we don't know about you acting, or you're a comic actress, we don't know about you doing drama, in my mind, I go Debbie Dead. I just let them tell me what they thought I couldn't do. And it wasn't just that I knew I could. She's already done it. She just did it.

She had two.

She had two.

Lines in the Fame movie when you see her next she's directing, choreographing the show she's producing.

Lines in the Fame movie when you see her next she's directing, choreographing the show she's producing.

You can't let other people tell you what you can do.

You can't let other people tell you what you can do.

You don't know, and the other mantra it's had, especially like when people were certain choreographers. You know, it's not a nice world, the dance world, so they're reading me or cussing me out, whatever, and I would say, you don't know, you're not God all in my mind, so I wouldn't cry because I was like, don't you you know, don't you stand up here and let him make you cry, because he's saying, you know, you think you're something, you'll never be anything.

You don't know, and the other mantra it's had, especially like when people were certain choreographers. You know, it's not a nice world, the dance world, so they're reading me or cussing me out, whatever, and I would say, you don't know, you're not God all in my mind, so I wouldn't cry because I was like, don't you you know, don't you stand up here and let him make you cry, because he's saying, you know, you think you're something, you'll never be anything.

And I was like, you don't know, you're not God.

And I was like, you don't know, you're not God.

That's right.

That's right.

How you gonna proclaim my destiny? You know?

How you gonna proclaim my destiny? You know?

So you have to be able to talk to yourself. And Debbie is the same way, Felicia is the same way. They have a sense of self. Because Debbie told me about how they rejected her at North Carolina School of the Yards because she didn't have a body for dance because she got a booty in whatever. And she said, and I took this booty all the way to Broadway, Darling. You know, Okay, you don't want me in your school, Well, I'm gonna go to Howard and then I'm gonna be on Broadway and then and then and then. You can't let other people tell you what you are and what you're not. Yeah, And I refuse that. I refuse that on just a general level. Like there were little dancers in my class that were great dancers, but a little chunky or whatever. And I heard how the teachers talked to them, you know, destroying them. How dare you? How dare you take your responsibility and do that to her. You'll know what she's gonna be, and you're only gonna go with skinny, tall people.

So you have to be able to talk to yourself. And Debbie is the same way, Felicia is the same way. They have a sense of self. Because Debbie told me about how they rejected her at North Carolina School of the Yards because she didn't have a body for dance because she got a booty in whatever. And she said, and I took this booty all the way to Broadway, Darling. You know, Okay, you don't want me in your school, Well, I'm gonna go to Howard and then I'm gonna be on Broadway and then and then and then. You can't let other people tell you what you are and what you're not. Yeah, And I refuse that. I refuse that on just a general level. Like there were little dancers in my class that were great dancers, but a little chunky or whatever. And I heard how the teachers talked to them, you know, destroying them. How dare you? How dare you take your responsibility and do that to her. You'll know what she's gonna be, and you're only gonna go with skinny, tall people.

I just don't like that.

I just don't like that.

If you're gonna teach kids in art form, don't add your bitter two cents to it because you didn't with your fat ass.

If you're gonna teach kids in art form, don't add your bitter two cents to it because you didn't with your fat ass.

That's not that's not politically correct. The political correct term is big back.

That's not that's not politically correct. The political correct term is big back.

No, it's not just do women say that? Or is that a melt discovered? I'm not.

No, it's not just do women say that? Or is that a melt discovered? I'm not.

Due term, dude. They didn't think I'm gay. He discovered I'm no that baby got big bag.

Due term, dude. They didn't think I'm gay. He discovered I'm no that baby got big bag.

Soundright coming from us?

Soundright coming from us?

That's heard you.

That's heard you.

It just comes up every now and then, and if they don't see me with a man, like when I was I was at an oscar party of Georgia's and I was dancing with Debbie and all the fame dancers were there, like, you know, she keeps all her people. They got me, you know, photo of the week, me and Debbie and they're talking about.

It just comes up every now and then, and if they don't see me with a man, like when I was I was at an oscar party of Georgia's and I was dancing with Debbie and all the fame dancers were there, like, you know, she keeps all her people. They got me, you know, photo of the week, me and Debbie and they're talking about.

Me and the hair salon. I knew it.

Me and the hair salon. I knew it.

I think they together, and Norm calls me he loved it. I said, well, I'm single. I don't like that. He said, yeah, that's some funny sh I said, funny for you because you're like, yeah, I'm with Debbie and she's with Jasmine. Then it came up when I was at a last you know, I don't know what it is. I don't care, but it's just I don't want to have to undo it.

I think they together, and Norm calls me he loved it. I said, well, I'm single. I don't like that. He said, yeah, that's some funny sh I said, funny for you because you're like, yeah, I'm with Debbie and she's with Jasmine. Then it came up when I was at a last you know, I don't know what it is. I don't care, but it's just I don't want to have to undo it.

Yeah.