NIL Millions & Grammy Dreams with Flau’Jae Johnson

Summary

Episode Summary: "NIL Millions & Grammy Dreams with Flau’Jae Johnson"

Podcast: Baby, This is Keke Palmer
Host: Keke Palmer (A)
Guest: Flau’Jae Johnson (B)
Date: December 23, 2025

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Overview

This episode features an insightful and energetic conversation between Keke Palmer and Flau’Jae Johnson—a standout NCAA basketball star, rapper, and businesswoman. Flau’Jae, known for her dual talents in music and sports and for being a leading recipient of college NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) deals, discusses her journey, ambitions, and how she’s building a dynamic legacy. The dialogue covers balance, financial literacy, leadership, culture shifts in women’s athletics, and lessons on authenticity, all with Keke's trademark warmth and humor.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

Balancing Multiple Passions (03:08–07:20)

• Breaking Down Goals:
  Flau’Jae manages her intense schedule by focusing on three intentional goals per day, turning them into ~21 wins per week (03:38).

  “I’m chasing something that’s never really been done before… I wanna be the first WNBA player that won a WNBA championship and a Grammy.” —Flau’Jae (03:32)

• Mentality and Preparation:
  Keke compares her own approach to Flau’Jae’s, emphasizing discipline and taking things “day by day” (04:13–04:36):

  “As long as we put 100% into what it is that we gotta do that day, we gonna get wherever we trying to go.” —Keke (04:34)

• Mother’s Influence:
  Flau’Jae credits her mother for encouraging her to pursue both music and basketball:

  “My mama gave me that vision. And I’m just the type of person, if I’m gonna do it, I’m gonna be the best at it.” —Flau’Jae (06:51)

Versatility, Inspiration, and Artist Development (07:20–09:40)

• Role Models:
  Both discuss Jamie Foxx as an inspiration for multi-faceted talent (07:20–08:07).

• Artist Development:
  Flau’Jae reflects on her time on the show The Rap Game as formative:

  “It was artist development. And I feel like right now that’s what’s missing in the game.” —Flau’Jae (08:33)

  Keke agrees that today’s music industry doesn’t let artists "cook" before pushing them out (08:44).

Using Personal Story and Impact (09:51–11:36)

• Flau’Jae talks about performing a song about her father’s death to gun violence on America’s Got Talent:

  “It was kind of insane, because I was a young Black girl going on the show… but I feel like music is a universal language. If you speakin’ the truth… someone’s gonna connect with that.” —Flau’Jae (10:19)

  “[Simon Cowell] said, ‘I don’t know much about rap music, but, like, you gonna be a star.’” (11:02)

Rhythm in Music and Basketball (12:01–12:27)

• Both women connect creative rhythm in their art—music for Flau’Jae, acting for Keke—with "zen mode" and flow (12:01–12:27).

• Flau’Jae shares:

  “Sometimes, you know, when you in that mode… you’re in another mode. That’s where I be, with the basketball and with the music.” (12:24)

Control, Teamwork, and Leadership (14:14–19:26; 50:42–52:32)

• Control:
  Flau’Jae contrasts the artist’s control in the studio with the collaborative, selfless nature of basketball (18:21):

  “Basketball is a sport that keeps you humble… It’s bigger than me.”

• Leadership:
  As LSU’s basketball captain, Flau’Jae discusses learning empathy and leading by uplifting her team (19:02, 50:53):

  “To lead, sometimes you have to pour into your teammates, no matter what’s going on with you.” (51:43)

• Setting Standards:
  “If I bring greatness every day and I set that standard, they have no choice but to follow.” —Flau’Jae (52:30)

Overcoming Limits, Mindset, and Being Underestimated (20:22–23:37)

• Flau’Jae talks about mindset, learning from Black billionaire Reginald Lewis, and being “different” (19:36–20:22).

• Keke discusses how society discourages “too much greatness” (21:08–22:17), with memorable metaphors about elephants and flies representing mental limitations set by others (22:39–23:01).

  “It sometimes makes you feel discouraged because it’s like, man, you can do it… I want you to know that you can do it.” —Keke (23:01)

Legacy, Family, and Inspiration (30:28–32:48)

• Family legacy is reality for Flau’Jae: her musical name and passion are tied to her late rapper father, Camouflage (30:28–31:41).

• She feels a responsibility to honor her family's dreams through her work.

  “Sometimes you don't want to wake up in the morning, and then you’d be like—hey, it's bigger. Like, get up.” —Flau’Jae (32:05)

• Both she and Keke reflect on carrying narratives forward for their families and Black culture.

The Momager Dynamic (35:43–36:42)

• Flau’Jae’s mother negotiates her NIL deals and looks out for her best interests.

• There were growing pains in adolescence, but Flau’Jae ultimately recognized her mother’s wisdom:

  “I had to start listening to my mama… my mama doin’ big deals—she know what she’s talking about.” (36:42)

NIL, Wealth, and Financial Literacy (37:15–40:47)

• NIL Success:
  Flau’Jae is one of the most successful college athletes in the NIL era.

  “Sometimes I check my bank account, I get scared… I don't ever want to lose it.” (37:19)

• Her mom bought her 20 acres for long-term security.

• Financial Literacy:
  Flau’Jae learned via podcasts and self-education and now gives back through NIL campaigns, notably helping relieve $5.6 million in debt for Louisiana families (39:07).

  “So once I learned about it, and I'm still learning, I was like, bro, I got to share this information… so people understand how to use their money.” (40:08)

• Financial Advice:

  “Use your credit card like your debit card… pay them people back on time… don’t spend more than you have. I’m so cheap!” —Flau’Jae (41:02)

Shifts in Women’s Sports Visibility (42:01–45:47)

• NIL, social media, and the ability for athletes to show personality off-court are growing women’s sports visibility (42:48–43:31).

  “I give social media a lot of [credit]—now people are invested in the players’ lives.” (43:10)

• On disparities in pro sports pay vs. endorsements:

  “[As] the salary is the salary… Your money don’t have one door to come into.” —Keke (45:47) “If you build your brand right now in college… you will make (money).” —Flau’Jae (45:54)

Ownership, Brand, and Pressure (46:51–48:26)

• Flau’Jae and Keke discuss the importance of personal branding, social media, and content creation for financial power and autonomy.
• On pressure with NIL money:

  “Ain’t no pressure… These schools been making billions of dollars off athletes… I don’t play for the check… It’s a grateful thing.” —Flau’Jae (47:41)

Athlete Lifestyle: Training, Recovery, and Routine (48:26–50:41)

• Flau’Jae explains her training: “two times a day on the court… skill work, cardio, recovery.”
• Importance of recovery:

  “You don’t want to put no standard gas in a Ferrari… just really take care of your body is really important.” (49:53)

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Notable Quotes and Memorable Moments

• On Being Multitalented:

  “Why pick one thing if you got a lot to give, right?” —Keke (07:09)

• On Authenticity:

  “It can’t be on you. It gotta be in you.” —Flau’Jae (09:48)

• On Mindset:

  “She who says she can and she who says she can’t are both usually right.” —Flau’Jae (25:20)

• On Leadership:

  “They get a lot of their confidence from me. Like, you—we go as you go.” —Flau’Jae (51:43)

• Favorite Lyric Recitation (52:54–53:38):

  “I’m the one they want to represent.
  Young Black girl, I could probably be the president.
  I’m the voice of the youth, you hear my tone, I think it’s evident
  I know who I am, they mistake my confidence for arrogance...
  My chocolate is beautiful, I’m rocking it per usual…” —Flau’Jae

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Guest Inspirations and Influences

• Musical inspirations: Lauryn Hill, Nicki Minaj, Queen Latifah, Missy Elliott (27:53–28:44)
• Business/life: Reginald Lewis
• Family: Her late father, Camouflage, and her mother (“momager”)

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Fun and Lighthearted Moments

• British accent challenge with Keke (17:30–18:07)
• Flau’Jae’s “Chipotle bowl” pitch (58:23–58:55)
• “This is Icky Palma!” recurring inside-joke and playful banter

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Timestamps for Key Segments

• [03:08] Balancing multiple hats/goals
• [05:27] Lil Wayne collaboration
• [06:11] Decision to pursue sports and music
• [09:51] America’s Got Talent, honoring her father, gun violence
• [12:01] Rhythm in music and sports
• [18:21] Control in music vs. sports
• [19:36] Mentors, Reginald Lewis
• [23:53] On seeing oneself in a documentary, inspiration to girls
• [35:43] Momager dynamic and NIL negotiations
• [37:15] Creating generational wealth, land purchase
• [39:07] NIL x Experian collaboration: $5.6M in debt relief
• [41:02] Financial literacy advice
• [42:48] Women’s sports popularity changes
• [45:47] Salary vs. endorsements, building your brand
• [50:53] Leadership lessons as team captain
• [52:47] Recitation of favorite verse
• [54:18] WNBA “Mount Rushmore”
• [58:23] Dream brand deal—Chipotle bowl

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Conclusion

Flau’Jae Johnson personifies a new era of young, multitalented Black women rewriting the rules for sports, music, and business. Her transparency about overcoming grief, embracing her versatile gifts, educating on wealth, and advocating for women and girls brings inspiration well beyond stats and streaming numbers. Her story is one about legacy, resilience, and the courage to “walk in your purpose”—all delivered with her trademark confidence and warmth, as Keke Palmer sums up:

“She’s not just changing the game. She’s changing what’s possible.” (60:56)

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This summary captures the heart, humor, and actionable wisdom of a rich, joyous conversation—a must-listen for anyone interested in ambition, authenticity, and the next generation of culture-shifters.

Transcript

[A]

Today's guest is living proof that you don't have to choose between your passions. You can dominate both. I'm sitting down with a young woman who's rewriting the playbook on and off the court. In CAA baller, Roc Nation, rapper Nil Queen, the one and only Flauje Johnson. But beyond the stats and the streams, she's a young woman carrying the legacy of her father, carving out her own lane and shifting the culture in women's sport. We're talking rhythm, resilience, leadership, and what it means to be a real role model in today's world. So let's get into it. No matter what we doing in the car. Just chilling pop on Amazon music, sit back and listen. Life, love, sex, science, covering it all, especially the bad. Cause money always evolved. No matter what it is, we gonna make it make sense. Nothing else to do but kick it with the homies and kings. So grab you a drink and a snack, you enjoy? And get into the vibe that only wants you know it's your girl. This is Kiki, baby. This is Kiki Palma. Yeah. This episode is brought to you by Airbnb. Tis the holiday season, y'. All. From spacious retreats in dream locations to their guests favorite most loved homes. Perfect for family gatherings. Airbnb has amazing stays for every festive escape. Now let's start the show at. Baby, this is Kee Palmer. We're so excited to have you on, girl.

[B]

Thank you for having me.

[A]

Thank you for being here. Now we do a little pre show pull up. You know, I wanted to get to know my folks when they're coming in and hang out, so let's see what you answered for these pre show questions. So today I'm giving fashion with a side of vibes. Okay. I love that, and I do feel that.

[B]

Thank you.

[A]

The moment you came in, I felt the vibes were very chill.

[B]

I like that.

[A]

Very cute.

[B]

Just. Just very there.

[A]

Outfit is just very there.

[B]

You know, I said fashion because I don't usually do denims, you know what I'm saying? But then, you know, you see the gold with the.

[A]

The shoes and with the chain. You're being very low key, but we're seeing the flex.

[B]

But you see the details.

[A]

Yes. Scorpio. Okay. Today's mood in one word. Lit. So tell me about that. What do you mean by lit?

[B]

Man, I'm on fire. Like, I just left, like, a great meeting, you know what I'm saying? A music meeting.

[A]

I know that's right.

[B]

You know what I'm saying? And you Know, it just gave me a lot of perspective. So I'm kind of in that mo. Like, my eyes are like. I'm trying to see what's.

[A]

When you come to la, do you feel like it's hella work time? Because I do feel like. I feel like that about L. A. There's always a meeting, there's always something to do.

[B]

I feel like that about L. A. But it's chill because it got a beach, New York. I feel like it'd be straight. Work and traffic, traffic and work. You ain't never lie facts, lady.

[A]

Y' all got so much traffic in the street. It's never understood that, bro.

[B]

Traffic is not real. I'm so over traffic. I be telling people, like, just drive.

[A]

Okay. What did you listen to on the ride here? None. Nothing. I talk the whole time.

[B]

Why did I write like I'm texting? Yeah, I be talking. I just be yapping. That's why we decided to come. So. Yes.

[A]

Okay. And then we have one thing that instantly makes you laugh. Smiling. Yes, it do be like that. When you look at somebody, you just smile. You just start laughing. That's a fact.

[B]

I just laugh, though. I just. I be cheating.

[A]

You just have such great things going on. You got, like, 12 jobs. So I feel like we're the same.

[B]

Yes, we are the same, girl.

[A]

We working all the time. I mean, in the morning, how do you decide? And maybe not even the morning, but maybe the month or that week. What am I gonna focus on the most?

[B]

Yes. You know, Keke, this is why I'm glad I'm talking to you. Because I talked to somebody that understands, Right? I'm like. I'm chasing something that's, like, never really been done before. Like, you know what I'm saying? I wanna be, like the first WNBA player that won a WNBA championship and a Grammy. Right? See what I'm saying?

[A]

That's right.

[B]

Those are heights that I wanna reach. And so I think, man, it's all mental, like, you know what I'm saying? Like, it's so mental, and it's so strategic with me. Like, it's like somebody telling me, like, no, keep your focus on this. But it's like, I wanna do this, this, this and this. So I'm intentional about three things, right? Three small things, but that'll give me, like, 21 things a week that I did. You see what I'm saying? Yes. So I'm saying, so I have to break it down into small pieces. Cause if not, I'll really get distracted and I'll be like, it's overwhelming. I can't do it. But I had to learn how to break it down and stop trying to do everything in one day and stop trying to rush stuff, but just give myself a time and a pace, and then I could just check small stuff off the list.

[A]

That's actually the same way that I am. Cause people ask me that same question, and it's not. I wanna say that I look at the big picture all the time, but I don't. I take it day by day. I look at what is most, you know, important this week. If I got a performance, I'm gonna focus on the performance. If I've got my baby, that's Keke promised. I'm gonna focus on what I gotta do, who is my guest. I just take it day by day. And as long as we put 100% into what it is that we gotta do that day, we gonna get wherever.

[B]

We trying to go. Exactly. And that preparation, that girl, that preparation.

[A]

You know, my mom used to always tell me, like, keke, your mentality be, like an athlete. And I really feel like you make me feel like that, because it's just about that discipline and that focus. Like, if I'm prepared, nobody can get me.

[B]

Literally.

[A]

Okay, now I want to talk about the last time that you shocked yourself, because you do do so many things. You've accomplished so many things, whether it be in sports, whether it be in music. You got your podcast. Is there something that you've accomplished thus far that you were like, damn, I'm really. This is really it.

[B]

No, literally, I did, like, an interview, and the guy just was naming my accolades, accolades in front of my name. And I was like, dang. Like, you know what I'm saying? Like, and I was like, wow, I've done so much, but, like, the biggest thing I say was the, like, just doing the song with Lil Wayne and.

[A]

Like, girl, I know that was him.

[B]

Bringing me out at Louisiana Fest. Like, I think in the moment, I didn't, like, really appreciate it, but then when I looked back, I was like, it's one of the greatest of all time.

[A]

That's right.

[B]

You know what I'm saying? He pouring in.

[A]

Exactly.

[B]

And he pouring into me in, like, the beginning of my career. Like, you know what I'm saying? I just felt like that was something I can't, like, sweep under the rug. Like, that was dope.

[A]

Yeah, it's very dope. I mean, speaking of. I mean, like, yeah, you a rap star, steady on the rise, LSU basketball captain and one of the highest paid student athletes out here, thanks to Nil. But it comes with some pressure, I'm sure. So I wanna talk about, like, you know, when was the moment that you realized, I'm not gonna pick one lane. I'm just gonna dominate every lane that I decide to step in.

[B]

I can't take the credit. My mama did it. Cause Mama did it. Mama did it.

[A]

That's my mama too.

[B]

I was on America's Got Talent, right? I did America's Got Talent. I got the Golden Buzzer, Whatever. Woo, woo, woo. Yes, girl. And then after that, I was like, bruh, I want to play basketball. Like, I want to follow my passion. And then I was like, I want to quit. Like, I want to quit music. And mama was like, quit music. She was like, you just want to. America's Got Talent. You gonna do both? And I'm like, all right, I do both. I act like I'm rapping. I act like I'm. But I wasn't really. But it just kind of became my routine to do both. So now when people be telling me, like, how do you do it? Like, how do you get up at 5am and you do all this stuff and you work? I'm like, it's my routine I've been doing. You see what I'm saying? So my mama gave me that vision. And I'm just the type of person, if I'm gonna do it, I'm gonna be the best at it.

[A]

Like, yeah. Cause why am I even doing. I can't half ass nothing.

[B]

No, everything's a competition with me. Like, I'm trying to be the best at it. Yes.

[A]

Shout out to your mom. My mom is the same way. My mom used to always tell me that. Cause people would try to tell me, okay, are you a single or are you an actress? Are you this? And you say you evolve villain.

[B]

Come on, come on.

[A]

You know what I'm saying? You said me. They be too. You can sing, you can dance, you can act, you can host whatever they.

[B]

Need you to do.

[A]

That's your talent, your gift. And I think it's dope to see people like us in the multifaceted lane getting the opportunity to continue to push that forward. Because why pick one thing if you got a lot to give, right?

[B]

You know what inspired me? And I'm gonna sound very young, but like Jamie Foxx.

[A]

Like, girl, yes.

[B]

Oh my God.

[A]

Jamie Foxx. I mean, icon.

[B]

I mean, like when I seen the thing at the BET Awards, I was looking at this in real time. And I'm like, this is not the same guy. Like, you know what I'm saying? Like. And I was like, wow. Like. Like, this is what excellence looked like. Like, fulfilling every lane.

[A]

I cannot agree with you more. There's this one particular. It's very popular, but his one standup show, where he went from, obviously he's doing standup, but then he also got down and started singing and doing all these different impressions, from Luther Vandross to Babyface to everybody doing Brady Bunch of Brady Bunch.

[B]

I was like, why would you be.

[A]

So good and funny and, you know. So, yeah, he's definitely somebody I look up to as well. That just has done great in every single lane.

[B]

No doubt about it.

[A]

So let's talk about Lifetime's rap battle. What was it like? Cause that was your first time stepping on the stage like that. What were you, 12 years old?

[B]

Yep, I was 12. Turned 13 on the rap Game, right, with Jermaine Dupri, and it was just this house of Kids rapping.

[A]

Yep. I love that show, bro.

[B]

What?

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

I told my mom when I first seen the first season, like, with Latto and them, I was like, I gotta get on that show, end up getting on there, bruh. That show changed my life. I ain't gonna lie. Because it was like, artist development.

[A]

That's right.

[B]

It was artist development. And I feel like right now that's what's missing in the game. Thousand percent, million percent.

[A]

Y' all can't see, but everybody head in the room went up.

[B]

No, literally, like, artist development, like, artists not being developed no more.

[A]

No, they don't go. They're not getting a chance to cook. Let em cook. You can't let them cook, y'. All. Putting them in the fast food and just letting them out there, you can't do that. And that's one thing that I think people sleep on. I don't know if they sleep on it, but it's great to always bring it up. That Jermaine Dupri was amazing at. I mean, Jermaine Dupri has been incredible in helping to develop artists. Like, I mean, even when we just start at the beginning with Bow Wow, it's like, Bow Wow is iconic. See what he was able to accomplish.

[B]

Kids ain't, you know, that ain't easy to do. No, no, no.

[A]

You know, and we forget about that because we just know what it is. But that's why I like when he did the Rap Game because it gave people a chance to see what it takes to help train that next young person to be their full Potential facts.

[B]

And it was so hard, though, because he'd just throw you in the sharks, like, you know what I'm saying? Like, we got a radio interview today. We got a photo shoot today. We got a this, we got a performance, you got rehearsal. But it really taught you the ropes of the game. And then how to be like a star, right? And then just how to have your own aura with it.

[A]

Yes. Come on. Have your own aura with it. Cause that's a part of it too. Like, you can only see so much and learn so much. And then at certain points, you had to figure out how to transmit your voice through it.

[B]

You know what I'm saying? It's like, it can't be on you. It gotta be in you, you know? Yes.

[A]

Now, I do wanna go back to America's Got Talent when you got the Golden Buzzer, but I wanna talk about what you performed because you actually were honoring your dad and speaking out against gun violence. I know your father passed due to gun violence. So what was it like for you to perform that and then also receive immediate womb from it?

[B]

It was really crazy. It was insane. It was because you gotta think going on America's Got Talent, you know, that's like a certain demographic.

[A]

So I'm like, very commerc.

[B]

I'm a young black girl going on the show. They doing magic tricks, you know what I'm saying? Folks jumping out the sky. You got singers. So I'm like, how am I gonna make these people feel me, like, coming on this stage? And I know. I feel like music is a universal language. Like, no matter. Rap, country, pop, whatever. Like, if you speakin the truth, bro, somebody gonna connect with that 1000. And so I just went out there, I was like, bro, I'm gonna tell my story. And you know, my father being murdered, like, it really was like, for me as a kid, I didn't really understand it, but the only way I could really comprehend it was through music. And I feel like we had that connection. I just really wanted to go tell that story. And I told it beautifully, and it resonated and it was crazy. Cause, like, I was nervous. But Simon, at the end, he came to the back and he was like, I don't know much about rap music, but, like, you gonna be a star. Like, you know what I'm saying?

[A]

Like, you.

[B]

You have that power. And so ever since then, I went.

[A]

Back to school, I was like, bro.

[B]

I don't know what y' all got going on, but Simon Cowell just told me, I'm a Star, you know what I'm saying?

[A]

And he don't think nobody is a star.

[B]

Exactly. Before I went on, he asked somebody and was like, get off the stage. And I was like, oh, my God. Like, I was like, he was doing that. It was like, get off the stage. And then I was like, bruh, I gotta go next, bruh. Like, why would you do that? Like, bruh.

[A]

Oh, my God, that is so funny. Yeah, you definitely nailed that. And it was just. I mean, anytime somebody can put their heart into what they do. You know what I mean? I'm sorry that your father.

[B]

Your father is. Yeah. Thank you. Thank you.

[A]

You said in people that you feel rhythm and pace in your basketball game are the same in the way that you do music. And that was dope for me to hear because I actually see that with acting. Like, my lines is all rhythmic to me in the same way that I think about music. When I'm pacing in a scene, I hear it in like a be. You know, when I'm going. When I'm sparring back and forth, whether it's a drama or a comedy. So I'm curious for you, like, how does it show up for you when you in your zone?

[B]

Yeah, man. It's kind of like that zen mode. You see what I'm saying? Like, I know when I'm playing at a certain pace, like, my energy, my zen is like, all aligned, like, you know what I'm saying? Like, sometimes, you know, when you in.

[A]

That mode, I don't know how acting.

[B]

Go, but I feel like if I was in my character and I was hitting them lines, I might not even hear the director say cut. You feel me like.

[A]

Yes. It's like your mind goes.

[B]

You in another mode.

[A]

That's right.

[B]

That's where I be.

[A]

That's right.

[B]

With the basketball and with the music. You just gotta play at your pace. I got a question. Yeah? I've never seen an actor, a movie or anything shoot. How is that, like, you know, do you gotta go in knowing the whole movie? Like, you know what I'm saying?

[A]

So you actually don't. I mean, some people do. Like, if some people are like that, like, if it's like a theater actor or somebody that's used to, like, doing everything as a whole, they might know all they scenes, you know, to a certain degree myself, I've always done one scene at a time. Like, I read the script, so I know what the whole movie is about. And then I just go from what we have on the day. So like every day they'll say you have scene one, nine, ten, or whatever. And I look at them either the night before, sometimes the morning of, it'd be like, that your girl be like, hey. And then I read my lines. I know what it's gonna be. And then we just shoot the scene and I move on to the next. You memorize them as much as you can. I mean, sometimes people don't be memorizing them and you gotta do the scene again. But I feel like, you know, I just take it day by day, scene by scene.

[B]

You know, that's real. You know, I'm gonna ask you for some more acting advice. Cause I got this British accent I've been working on since about the sixth grade. And I got it. I'm telling you.

[A]

Okay, let's go. I could try one. I don't mind isn't great. Don't judge me. Let's do it, baby. This is Icy Palma. Yeah. I just had the most incredible time in Chicago, and I cannot stop thinking about it. I just hosted my debut Airbnb Original EXCL Experience. And, honey, it was absolutely everything. Let me set the scene. One amazing Chicago kitchen. Me and my pops bringing the energy, the coolest people ever, and a local chef who was straight fire. Okay? We weren't just cooking. We were creating magic, making memories and filling that space with so much laughter and love. This wasn't your average cooking class, okay? We walked in as strangers with recipes and walked out as friends with stories. Dad had the whole room dying with his play by play commentary and watching cooking newbies turn into kitchen pros. Absolutely priceless. The food was restaurant level amazing. But what really got me was seeing confidence bloom and watching instant friendships form over every shared bite. Some of life's best adventures happen in the most intimate setting. And you can find them through Airbnb experiences. This message is brought to you by Apple Pay. You know, reflecting on how we used to shop during the holidays feels like watching an old black and white movie. Remember those scenes? Carrying wads of cash, juggling a wallet full of cards, standing in long lines while people fumbled for exact change. It's giving vintage stress, and not in a cute way. But, honey, we've evolved. Apple Pay is the future of shopping. And it's here right now. It's like we've gone from flip phones to smartphones, from dial up to high speed Internet. The glow up is real. Turning your iPhone into the only wallet you need. These days, when I'm doing my holiday shopping, usually all I need is my iPhone. I see that contactless Symbol at the checkout. And I know I'm in for a smooth ride. Apple Pay is designed to be secure with face ID built right into my iPhone so I can tap and go without a worry. It's faster and easier than using physical cards or cash. And it works at millions of places worldwide, from big department stores to that cute boutique on the corner. And let's talk about online shopping. Remember, entering your card details for every purchase, squinting at that tiny security code. Now when I see that Apple Pay button at checkout, I know I'm in for a second seamless transaction. Just a quick Double click face ID on my iPhone and we're done. No card numbers needed. Apple Pay keeps my transactions private too, by not keeping transaction information that can be tied back to me. What's really revolutionary is how Apple Pay works across all my devices, iPhone, Apple Watch, or Mac. I'm still earning all my credit and debit card rewards on every purchase. It's like getting the best of both worlds. Future tech with all the perks I'm used to. Whether I'm grabbing last minute New Year's Eve supplies or treating myself to a little post holiday shopping, Apple Pay keeps it simple and secure. Even if I lost my iPhone, my card information would still be protected. That's the kind of peace of mind you need stepping into the new year. No more forgetting which card has which rewards. No more holding up the line while digging through my bag. Just smooth secure payments in stores, online and in apps. So as we step into this new year, let's embrace this evolution. Shopping doesn't have to be a hassle. Say goodbye to physical cards and cash and hello to the future of payments. Pay the Apple way and step into the future of shopping. Terms apply.

[B]

Let's just bounce off of each other.

[A]

So, Florje, darling. Darling. So you know, what did you eat this morning?

[B]

Well, I woke up and I had a little bit of tea, a little bit of toast. I don't like a lot of carbs.

[A]

A little bit of toast.

[B]

Just a little bit. And I know you know, where I'm from, my homeland, we like to make a little soup in the morning, so. Soup? I don't really. Yeah.

[A]

What kind of soup?

[B]

What's like a tomato base?

[A]

Oh, I love tomato base.

[B]

Thank you.

[A]

Yeah, I love tomato with a little bit of grieved cheese.

[B]

Ooh, that little bit of a crumpet. Ooh, that was really good, girl. Oh, my God, you are too funny.

[A]

I know. And I'm so mad you don't know your big three Because I need to know. I'm gonna find that out at some point.

[B]

We gonna figure it out.

[A]

Okay, you talked about control more in the studio, less on the court. What did that mean? Like, what do you. Which one teaches you? What about yourself?

[B]

Okay, listen, let me tell you the. I feel like basketball is just a sport that keeps you humble. Right. Cause in music I can control everything. Like, hey, we dropping this day, I'm gonna record this, you know what I'm saying? But in basketball, it's not about me, you know what I'm saying? Like, it's bigger than me. It's like I'm working in a system to make something else work for something big.

[A]

That's how I feel about acting, because it's a movie. It's a bigger picture.

[B]

Exactly. You know? Exactly. Wow, that's pretty cool. And it's just like, it's not about you. So basketball really taught me just like how to give better empathy. I think that's what I'm trying to say, like, and empathize for other people and really understand their point of view. Because I have to lead my team.

[A]

I'm about to say that makes sense that you think like that and that's, that's probably why you became the captain, because you know how to get everybody together.

[B]

Yeah. And you know, I mean, you gotta be really good too. But it's not. It's not. You got really good players that can't connect with a team. You know what I'm saying? You got really good players that can't have people follow them to the promised land. So, you know, you gotta build that into your team. Like, even my music team, I'm trying to tell em, like, this won't work without my starting five, you know what I'm saying? I can't play three positions. You see what I'm saying? So it's all about empowering your team and making sure you got the right people around you.

[A]

Who are the people that you look at? I mean, maybe they could be in sports or maybe they're not have that mentality that you, you know, that you followed or that you got, you know, encouragement from or inspiration from.

[B]

Man, I read a lot of books. So it's this book I read, it's this black billionaire, he's passed, but his name is Reginald Lewis. Right. And I just read his book because I was trying to figure out, like, I'm growing up and I'm seeing like, some of my friends, they married, some of my friends pregnant. And I was like, why do people not Go to the level that they want to be at, right? Yeah. And the book was like, man, the man Reginald, he was just different, right? But he had this mindset that he always wanted more, right? And that's my mindset. Like, I always want more, but, like, it's never enough. And that's why sometimes I don't bask in my accomplishments like that. Cause I just feel like I want more. But, man, it's just like sometimes you just different. You know what I'm saying? Sometimes you different. And you just gotta live in that and you gotta accept it and you gotta make greatness out of that. And so that's what, like, my mindset. So I say, Reginald Lewis, like, big time.

[A]

I love that you said that because it's so true. When I was in my teenage years, I would research a lot and I would wonder, actually the same thing that you're talking about. How do I, like, what's the difference between me and the people that I like? And it was the way they think. It's just their mindset. And so I would start reading up on stuff too. Watching interviews, looking up philosophers. Like, what is the way that you mother was thinking?

[B]

Right?

[A]

Because I'm about to change my synapses today. So I really love that I'm about to have to look up Reginald to check it out. Put me onto it. Now you said something really, really real in a full court press, you said, I just feel like people can't wrap their heads around too much greatness. Do you feel. And maybe that was just, you know, not even you talking about yourself, but if it also includes you, do you ever feel underestimated? Even now?

[B]

Oh, yeah, I was talking about me. But no, it was just like, I don't think people like the fact that I rap at an elite level and then I play basketball at elite level. They be like, like, there's no way she's doing this. Like, somebody told me, like, I know you not writing your stuff. Like, I know you gotta. I'm like, bro, I freestyle.

[A]

Like, you know what I'm saying?

[B]

Like, they. They wanna.

[A]

But. And even if people did write with me, that don't mean that I. They. That doesn't mean or take away from my ability.

[B]

That's right. But I, I do, I do love the writers, though, don't get me wrong. But like, it's like, when you. When you doing that, like, I feel like people can't wrap their head around it. Cause we was taught, okay, you gonna go to school, you gonna get a job, you know, What I'm saying, you gonna get some good benefits and you gonna retire. And so somebody doing something a little bit out of the box scares people. You know what I'm saying? It scares them. So, I don't know, I feel like sometimes they can't wrap their mind around it.

[A]

Like, I think it's so true what you're saying. What you're hitting on is like, you know, not to go too woo woo with it, but it's like a projection. It's like if I'm told that I had to choose and then you're not choosing. Now I'm feeling like you need to choose. Otherwise what I've. The box I put myself in becomes a prison. You know what I mean? And it's like, I'm sorry, because you can. By the way, the prison that you're in, you have the key to unlock it.

[B]

You got the key to it.

[A]

And by the way, you supposed to be looking at me and knowing that.

[B]

Come on, Kiki, you look in here, I can't stop.

[A]

Literally, I really feel you. Because I'm the same kind of way where it's like, I'm not trying to do anything but be me. I'm not trying. Like, it's just who I am. Whether it's this, that or whatever, I'm just doing me. It ain't meant to step on your toes.

[B]

You know what it is. Seen this thing on Twitter.

[A]

Got to say it.

[B]

This picture of a baby elephant, right? They tied the rope around his legs and he couldn't move. You know what I'm saying? So he got older. He a big elephant now. They tied a rope around his leg. He won't even attempt the move. Now. Think about it.

[A]

It's just like them flies. When they put that top over the cup, they keep trying to go up, they keep trying to go up. And once they eventually take that top off that cup, the fly, they don't.

[B]

Even fly no more.

[A]

They don't even fly no more. It's so true. And I've had this conversation with people in my life to think like, you know, it's not like you're trying to be an inspiration, but you would hope when people see you doing they thing, it can unconsciously give them permission to do the same. But when they're being like that elephant or those flies, it does. It sometimes makes you feel discouraged because it's like, man, you can do it. You know what I mean? I want you to know that you can do it. But at the end of the day, those who See, do those who don't won't.

[B]

You know how many friends I tried to put on? Like, I'm like, you could play this position right here. Like, I know you can do this with me and we can grow. And it just. Sometimes people mindset, it ain't there yet. You know what I'm saying?

[A]

Yeah, it's true, it's true. Now you're using your voice. Speaking of beyond the court and mic from ESPN's docuseries, Full Court press to your own podcast, Best of both Worlds. I mean, what was it like watching yourself back in a documentary? Cause I imagine that's probably very eerie.

[B]

Yeah, I didn't watch it. Like, I don't watch one thing. I don't watch stuff back. Like the rap game. Never watched it. America's Got Talent. Don't my mom be playing? Turn it off. Like, I don't know, Like, I get the ick a little bit sometimes. Like the documentary. The only reason I watched it was the first episode because we hadn't premiered.

[A]

You know what I'm saying?

[B]

And then I seen it random when I was at the casino, just on a thing. But I don't really. I don't really be watching, but I watched that one. I ain't gonna lie.

[A]

I watched that one.

[B]

It was like, honestly, like, when I see myself, it kind of just like made me think, like, I really came from a small town, like, you know what I'm saying?

[A]

What town did you.

[B]

Savannah, Georgia.

[A]

Oh my gosh. I love Savannah, though. I love Savannah. Done. Really? They trying to do some stuff.

[B]

They coming. Yeah, they getting it together. They getting it together.

[A]

Anyway, sorry, go ahead.

[B]

No, it's getting together. They building all them buildings. But nah, like, it was like, I come from a small town, like, you know what I'm saying? I could have been like anybody. Like, I had every excuse to be like, this didn't go right in my life, so I'm gonna quit. But like, all of my pain, like, made me persevere. And I just wanna show that to all little girls around the world. Like, you know what I'm saying? Like every little girl, like, bro, you can do it. And this, like, when we talk about mindset, like, that's what I preach. Yes, that's what I preach. Like. Cause we just be trapped in our own mind, like, you know what I'm saying? I always tell em when I leave an interview, I be like, my favorite quote, she who says she can and she who says she can't are both usually right. You know what I'M saying. And, like, it's all about what you think in your mindset. So that's why I try to just preach that to the girls. Cause I know what my life gonna go, like, if I'm on this little path right here and I believe in myself and I got my mama with me, like, I'm gonna be good. Ooh, girl.

[A]

I feel like I just feel the exact same way. Everything you said right now, 100%. And it's for them kids.

[B]

It's for the kids.

[A]

For the kids. That's what it is. That's what it's about. Always Everything I do for the kids. For the kids. Now, what made you wanna start your podcast? Maybe a little bit of what we.

[B]

Talking about right now. Facts. No, it's that I wanted to. I hate in sports, like, people creating, like, narratives, right? And I hate that athletes are sometimes like, hey, bro, just play ball. You know what I'm saying? Just play ball. Like, you know what I'm saying? But it's another story to tell, and it's. So I wanted to hear, like, people that I was inspired by, like, ask them questions, like, you know what I'm saying? I, like, sit here and ask questions like, how did you do? Like, what was your mindset? Like, why would you know what I'm saying? So I'm just a real curious person. I'm curious, and I love the information. I just want to know what can I take from your experience to make my experience better? Because I feel like that's what life is about. My coach, Bob Starkey, he was like, a good player learns from their mistakes. A great player learns from the mistakes of others. So I'll just be trying to, like, what did you do? Like, what was your process? Like, what was your mindset? That was really the main reason why I wanted to start my podcast.

[A]

Oh, my gosh. Have you had a favorite guest so far?

[B]

Man, I had so many good guests. Like, probably Candace Parker.

[A]

Oh, yes.

[B]

She was super dope.

[A]

That's dope.

[B]

I had a lot of people, though, Alexis. I had a lot of great. I can't just narrow.

[A]

Oh, my gosh. But shout out to Candace Fesc.

[B]

Shout out to Candace Facts.

[A]

Okay, so we talked about you doing. Came out a beast featuring Lil Wayne on Best of Both Worlds. Really? I mean, obviously that was a huge collab for you, but when you're working with anybody that you're collaborating with, whether it's Nle Choppa too rare. Be a pusha T. Like, how do you decide what your future collabs are gonna be.

[B]

A lot of my collabs come like organically, right. Because I'm never really outside. I'm usually in a gym. I don't really go places. But when I want to connect with an artist and they give me that love back, you know how I go in the industry, people connect. But it might not never have, might happen years down the line, like paperwork. All of it be like, bro, don't even worry about it no more. You know what I'm saying? But those are the people that I kind of just genuinely connected with. And that's kind of how I want to do it. I learned in the industry it's a lot of stuff that you can do just because, yeah, I'm not gonna do that. Like if we gonna create, like I wanna be friends, like I wanna share that energy. Like that real music in the studio, we creating, we vibing. Like, that's the vibe I want. So that's kinda how I go about it. And I'm not gonna lie.

[A]

Yeah, that's real. Yeah, facts, that's real. Who are some of your inspirations? I know your father was also a musician, a rapper, so probably him. But outside of your dad, who would you say are people that you look up to?

[B]

Well, I would say like Lauryn Hill.

[A]

Yes.

[B]

No doubt about it. I grew up on Nicki. I grew up on Nicki Minaj. Like, I swear I was a bar.

[A]

And the theatrics and the drama and the characters, it really is next level.

[B]

No, just looking back as artist now and just seeing how she. Her just, you know, how she was into character.

[A]

That's right, she was into character.

[B]

Like, you know what I'm saying? I love that. And let me see, let me see, let me see. I love Queen Latifah.

[A]

Girl, come on, you ain't he. Queen was always like, queen is that girl.

[B]

Queen is that girl.

[A]

And back was always, I love Queen. Queen Latifah, biggest inspiration.

[B]

And then we'll go Missy Elliott, like, just her create creativity, just, you know, being a dark skinned woman and like really just being in the game and, and just demanding that space and doing unique stuff.

[A]

Like so different. Smiling now I, I ain't standing right. What you doing, girl who's got the.

[B]

Keys to my bro, like insane. Like it would never be another because you could tell that was just created out of pure joy and just like uniqueness. Like she didn't care. She didn't care.

[A]

Without a doubt, she didn't care. Now your new album flaw and be so I'M a big R and B girly I gotta know what made you wanna make sure you got into your R and B pad.

[B]

Girl, we needed that. Literally. I was just like. I was in the studio one day and somebody was like. I was like, you know, doing ad libs. Somebody was like, you could, like, sing a little bit. Like, you could hold a not Was like, for real. And then I just start dabbling D. You know what I'm saying with it. And then I dropped. I dropped for your love before. And then I was like, I gotta run this R and B thing back. And then I dropped flying B. And like, it's like my most streamed stuff. Like, my song on the way is like. It just outstreams all of my music every week. It's so irritating.

[A]

It's so funny.

[B]

It's so irritating, Br.

[A]

Cause it's like, bro, you never know what the fans is gonna rock with. It's crazy. Now, what's your writing vibe? Are you like, I got all the homies in the studio or is it just you and, you know, yourself and.

[B]

I. Yeah, when I get in the studio, I'm a little gothic. I like all the lights off.

[A]

Yes, Gothic.

[B]

Yeah. Yeah, I like all the lights off. No, Maybe a candle maybe. But no, it's just. Literally just me and my engineer, Flocko. He's been with me since high school. Shout out to him. Yeah, shout out to Flock. And, man, we just get into it and I turn the lights off. I close my eyes and I freestyle. Right. And I pick the best type of, you know, melodies, flows. Probably don't even know words, but. And then I write, or sometimes I just have some on my heart and I write. But it's usually most of the time freestyles. For real.

[A]

That's fire for sure. Now you talk about your dad. Camouflage. Yep. Your name is kind of. Is it after your dad?

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

Yeah. That's what's up now in your music. I mean, obviously he's an inspiration for you in your music, but then your mom is also your manager. That's legacy, emotion. Like, it's kind of all interconnected.

[B]

It's beautiful.

[A]

What do you think is the first song that made you feel like, yeah, I'm continuing my dad's legacy of his or of mine. Just knowing that. Yeah, of yours. And just like that, I'm continuing what my family started.

[B]

Oh, it was probably like my ready and not freestyle. Ooh, it's so good.

[A]

Like, it's so good.

[B]

It was my, like, moment. Like, flaw. Like, you can do something special. That was the one.

[A]

It is so cool. I think when, like, family is ingested in what it is you do. Like, I mean, I don't know if it's just like my mom was also an artist, you know what I'm saying? My dad's an artist. Like my dad. They both did, like, theater and stuff like that. But when I started doing what I was doing, I definitely felt like there was a generational evolution, you know what I'm saying? When you feel that connection and they're with you and what you do, it adds a different layer, I think, to what you want your legacy to be and the passion that you put behind what you're doing. Because, you know, it's an answer to what they say.

[B]

Something more. Yeah. And that's why I go so hard for this music and for my dad, because I feel like my dad dream was just taken from him, you know what I'm saying? Like, his name was taken from him, you know what I'm saying? And so it's like. It's like a responsibility almost, you know, I'm saying, like, I have to do this and I have to be great and I have to succeed. Like, it's kind of. Sometimes you don't want to wake up in the morning and then you'd be like, hey, it's bigger. Like, get up. You know what I'm saying?

[A]

I feel the exact same way.

[B]

So you got. That's why. That's what. Then when people be saying. Talking about they why. Like that why is really important.

[A]

Yeah. I mean, I feel like that's so many of our families, especially, you know, black people, like, taken away from their lives or taken away in spirit. Like, there's so many doors that were closed on them that it's like, if I'm the baby that's gotta break through, well, here I am.

[B]

Yeah, man. Even just doing it for our people too. Like, just thinking about all the things that they. They were robbed of that they didn't have the chance or the opportunity, you know what I'm saying? Like, you gotta put your best foot forward. That's why it's like people like you and it just. A lot of people that's just creating and giving space for other people, like, you know what I'm saying? Just like, you let me come on this top and give me my opportunity. Like, that's like, that's super dope and that's paying it forward. So that's why we gotta continue to do that.

[A]

I couldn't agree with you more. I couldn't agree with you more. And I'm so glad that you on the show.

[B]

Yeah, facts.

[A]

Me too. Now your mom is managing. Like I said, my mom also is my manager.

[B]

K Momager.

[A]

Yeah, exactly. So I was gonna ask you, how has it been over the many years that you've been doing your thing? You guys figuring out how to balance the whole personal mom and my business partner thing? Cause it took my mom and myself years.

[B]

Okay, good. Okay, good. I'm about to say figuring it out. That's the main thing, baby.

[A]

This is Icky Palma. Yeah, y'. All. The holidays are coming up so soon. And you know what that means. We've got some serious shopping to do. But I'm not even stressing, okay? Your girl stays prepared. And I know exactly where I'm headed to make it all happen. At Ross, they always have what you need at the price you need at this hella expensive time of year. Yes, it's holiday decor, like plates and candles to keep your home looking festive. It's gifts from toys to sweaters for everyone on your list. Whatever it is, it is all at Ross. 20 to 60% off other retailer prices. And we haven't even gotten to the looks yet. Between all these holiday gatherings, parties, and dinner invites filling up on your calendar, you're going to need multiple fits for all these functions. And trust me when I tell you, Ross has got the range, every single vibe you're trying to serve this season for every piece of the holidays and all for less. So take it from me, show up and show out this holiday season, period. Work your magic with Ross. The magic of the holidays has me in my full festive element. Between turning my home into a winter wonderland, holiday shopping, and trending traveling, I need to show up, present and energized for all of these moments. Want to know my secret? It's AG1, this daily health drink that combines all the good stuff, vitamins, pre and probiotics, superfoods and antioxidants in one simple, delicious scoop. I love that AG1 sources the best and highest quality ingredients they can find. Since making AG1 part of my mornings, I've noticed my energy levels are thriving and my digestion is improving. And these flavors, they understood the assignment. I live for the tropical blend, but they also have original berry and citrus options that'll have you excited to start your day. And get this, AG1 is dropping their best offer ever. Head to drinkag1.comkiki to get your welcome kit, vitamin D3K2 AG1 flavor sampler and their new sleep supplement, AGZ for free, which has been a game changer for my nightly routine. That's just $126 in free gifts for new [e-mail] Kiki, your wellness routine is about to be that girl.

[B]

First, I want to give my mom her flowers real quick. Yes. My mom negotiates all of my nil deals. All. Every do I've ever had, she negotiated. She at the tables with the big dog. Yes, sir. Got the gif a gap. Momma didn't have no experience going into, but duh. Like, I'm just like, ain't nobody gonna represent me better than my mom. No, nobody gonna have your best interest better than your mom. Mama ain't worried about getting a check on the back end. Mama ain't like, mama going, hey, what's best for my child? So, like, her having her in my corner tens now figuring out how to work together a whole nother story. You know, bro, we went through this phase in high school. You know the phase? Like, I know the phase. Oh, you know the phase. You know what I'm saying? I think she know everything that I think I know. And I had to start just. I had to start listening to my mama.

[A]

Yeah, for sure. Me too.

[B]

I had to start.

[A]

I had to really shut up.

[B]

Yeah, I had to start listening. Cause I started. Okay, my mama did say that, and then it happened. And she was like, oh, some producer will tell you, but when I tell you you don't wanna do it. I'm like, all right, bomb.

[A]

All right.

[B]

But yeah, I had to just start listening for real. For real. And just, you know, just kind of give my mom respect. I'm like, my mama doing big deals. Like, she know what she's talking about. You know what I'm saying? Yeah.

[A]

I mean, speaking of them big deals, like we were saying, I mean, you've inked over what, what, 40 nil deals and become one of the highest earning student athletes. I mean, that's kind of crazy. And we've seen on the money that your mom is making smart moves. And, like, you guys aren't just thinking about what's happening in this moment, but thinking about it long term. I mean, how are you thinking about it when you think about building your future and having these collaborations? Like, what. What mindset did you have to jump into?

[B]

Oh, my God. I get like, sometimes I check my bank account, I get scared.

[A]

Like, girl, yeah.

[B]

You know what I'm saying?

[A]

Like, I bet.

[B]

Like, bro, I have never had this much money before.

[A]

Like, I don't ever.

[B]

Like, I don't like, like, bro, like my mama, she played tricks on me. I don't get to see my bank account all the time. She do like period, like period check ins. Like, hey, look what you got now you better keep working. But when I see it, I'm like, wow. Like I want, I don't want to lose it. Like I don't want to be like everybody else. And athletes get $100 million contracts then go bankrupt. I'm like, no, how can we create some wealth? And then for my little brother, I'm like, my little brothers, they live a totally different life.

[A]

Like girl, they live a totally different twins. My little brother and sister, they are very much so living a different life.

[B]

Yes, they live a totally different life. So I'm like, I just gotta keep going for generations. So I try to invest. My mama set me up 20 acres. She brought me 20 acres of land. Well, I told her I wanted to buy some land and she bought 20. And I was like, that's incredible. Exactly. Now we building developments. We better build a whole community like on the land.

[A]

Oh my gosh, that is, is so dope. I really love real estate and stuff too. I mean everybody has their thing of what they be thinking about they want to do. Some people are in the stock, some people are in, you know. But I do love real estate. I love land. Because that stuff can appreciate and then you can, you can pass it down. I don't know, it feels much more real and tangible. Tangible, yes, exactly, girl. So shout out to mom. When was it for you that you feel that financial literacy hit? Because I talk about it all the time, like economics. I mean it's not really in schools enough for us to really know what's happening. I mean you have business managers, but then there's so many different types of business management facts. And what is your business? It's like, how did you start rolling yourself? Getting yourself to be understanding that it's.

[B]

Crazy you said that. My 12th grade year of high school, bro, we had a small little terrible course, cartoon. Talking about debit or credit, financial woota woo. It was like a week long course, right?

[A]

Literally.

[B]

And I'm like, it intrigued me cause I'm like in my mind I'm broke right now, but I'm finna be rich. So I need to know about this period, you know what I'm saying? So I'm like, I gotta understand. So I started, you know, I started reading my own books, I started watching like more podcasts, earn your leisure. Like stuff like that just to kind of understand what research, you know? And then when I got to college, you know, NIL came, I started getting money, and they started giving us people. And then I was like, bro, I got educated people. This year, I did an nil deal with Experian, and we relieved $5 million in debt for 5,000 families in Louisiana. And every time I won a basketball game this year, it was 100,000 added to the pot in the tournament, and we had six games. So we end up, like, relieving $5.6 million a day. That and what I'm doing now, financial literacy, whole thing, program, whatever is coming, but just about helping people in our community, just about financial literacy and things like that. So once I learned about it and I'm still learning, I was like, bro, I got to share this information so people understand how to use their money. You know what I'm saying?

[A]

Yes.

[B]

Yes.

[A]

I love what you said, because those are my favorite type of collaborations. Like, you know, anytime I can collaborate with someone, they can help me give back to the community. You can count on your girl to be involved. You know what I mean? Because that's what it's about. Like, how you. Okay, we helping me, but how I'm helping my family, help my health, my.

[B]

My people.

[A]

That's.

[B]

And I always wanted to do a deal like that, cuz I'm like, bro, like, okay, I'm gonna get my money. Cool. Yeah, but, like, if you can really help people. Like, I hate a deal where it's like, yo, we gonna give to this charity, but nobody ever really heard of it. No. Yeah, like, but this. I seen videos. The girl made a video on, like, Fl this. Your face on the mail. She was like, bro, you just. You just. You just changed the things for me. I was like, wow. Like, that's what I want to do. I want to impact real people.

[A]

Good partner.

[B]

That's a really good part.

[A]

Partner. What is one lesson? I mean, you might have already said it, but if there's something that you could say, a little tidbit to a young person that's just getting their money stuff going or trying to figure out, what would you. What advice would you give them on financial literacy?

[B]

Just use your credit card. Like, your debit card. Like, don't even use your debit card for. Like, just, you know, use your credit. Pay them people back on time. Yeah. But also, just don't spend more than you. The more you have. Like, I'm so cheap, y'. All. Like, no, legitimately, I'm so cheap. Like, My bro was like this chrome hearts. I said, baby, this is forever 21. Like, I don't play. Like, I did a couple of errands.

[A]

Yeah, I mean, have your splurges, but it's like your splurges should be making sense to what you got in the account. You shouldn't have to be getting more debt in order to have the splurge. Your splurge should be within the amount.

[B]

Of money in the parameters.

[A]

In the parameter.

[B]

Yeah, but just save. Like, just save.

[A]

And they got so many good boutiques now. You don't even need to.

[B]

Literally.

[A]

Literally, the boutiques is what's tearing me up. They keep showing them to me on the algorithm.

[B]

No, literally on TikTok chop, too. I'll be like, bye.

[A]

And you be just like, oh, it's just $20.

[B]

It's just 20.

[A]

Nah, it's a hundred.

[B]

Because I played around, you know what I'm saying?

[A]

Anyhow, now, I mean, I feel like when I was younger, women's sports didn't get half of the attention that it's getting now. And it really makes me so happy because I remember when I was a kid, my first album song cool. I would literally touring with the wnba, performing at their halftime show.

[B]

What? Yes.

[A]

Y' all gotta go and look that up on YouTube. Cause your girl was like, yes, yes, yes. So I'm really happy to see. I mean, the attendance is way up. Lsu, the games feel like a freaking concert.

[B]

It's a movie.

[A]

Do you feel like the nil actually helped to boost that spotlight? Like, is that a part of what has changed? Like, what do you. I'm sure it's more than one thing, but what do you think has changed? You know, was it the deals and the camera? Like, what made it more popular now? Because, I mean, women have been killing it.

[B]

Yeah. Literally.

[A]

You know what I mean? The game was always gaming.

[B]

I can't put my finger on it, bro. I'm gonna just say social media, right? With the whirlwind of nil, with the whirlwind of just players being able to now show their personalities on and off the court. So I give social media a lot of it because now people are invested in the players lives. Like, ooh, what she posted on TikTok.

[A]

What's she wearing?

[B]

What's she this? So I think it's different, but I think it's just all kind of. Of just whirlwind into a big moment. And then now you have superstars, and now you have all type of things. So, I mean, I think the. The women's sports is just on the rise. Not even just basketball, women's sports. And so, yeah, you know, I think it's just important that we just keep amplifying it. But you got to buy in right now, because it's going to be huge.

[A]

Yeah. And it also is interesting to me, too, because, like, once you guys go pro, sometimes there's a big discrepancy in the pay.

[B]

Oh, absolutely.

[A]

Which is what is the reason for that? And did that kind of help you make your decision of not wanting to go. Go pro so soon? Yeah, yeah.

[B]

Oh, no, no, no. No doubt about it. I mean, I. This year, they're negotiating the cba, so they're bargaining about, you know, payment and, you know, other things like that. And so I was just like, I'm gonna wait. You know what I'm saying? I'm good in college. You know, I'm making a lot of money. But they still figuring out the cba, so I was just like. And then they might go on strike. Like, I seen that, too. Like, they literally might go on strike.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

And so I was just like, yeah, no, they don'. I don't really have it together right now. I'm gonna stay an extra year.

[A]

Yeah, you just want to see what's going on.

[B]

The money, though, like, you know, going into the wnba, like, just how it is right now. Like, you not finna.

[A]

And what is the reason? Like, is it just because you guys can't take as many deals, or is it like.

[B]

Like, but the salary is just the salary. You see what I'm saying? But I be telling people, like, bro, my partners that I work with in. In college, we cool. That's just gonna become a bigger deal. You know what I'm saying?

[A]

Right?

[B]

It's gonna become an endorsement.

[A]

Exactly. That's why my mind, I'm like, the salary is the salary, but their endorsement deal should be able to remain.

[B]

Yeah, for sure. I think people got a lot of misconfusion about that.

[A]

For sure. But I do hate the discrepancy of the pay wage. Cause we got NBA players that's like $10 million and up. And then the women are like, 100 to 200,000, bro.

[B]

So insane Cooper Flag New Deal is like $60 million. Like, he was the number one pick. I think it's like, near 60 million and, like, the number one pick for the WNBA if I'm. It's like 150.

[A]

But the funny thing. And it's like. It's like. It's terrible. And I Hate that. But I do like the point that you're bringing up, because it's the same thing for our discrepancies in our industry, like, where we get. We get to pay with our salaries and the comparison to males or even racially differences.

[B]

Yes, I seen that.

[A]

But the truth also is, like, the brand deals are the brand deals. You know, the salary can be one thing, and that definitely should be continued to be fought. But don't get it twisted. Cause people are making their money a lot of other ways, more than you would expect them to be. So it's kind of like, while we wanna get those system changings, I do wanna also tell people, like, there's no one way to skin a cat. Your money don't have one door to come into.

[B]

Now, that is a fact. And that's what I'm trying to get people to understand. Like, if you build your brand right now in college, you will make.

[A]

I love how the legs ended up turning.

[B]

Yes, a little bit.

[A]

Cause it got real. Cause you know what I'm talking about.

[B]

Yes. Like, girl. And I see. I always see, like, the stories about, like, Taraji P. Henson and the actors and the pay cuts and, you know, so they're very interested in that. But, yeah, man, like, if you build your brand, if Keke Palmer dropped into college basketball right now, and you said you were a star basketball player, even if you weren't a star kid, you would make a good 10 mil.

[A]

That's why I tell people. That's why I always try to put, you know, when I changed my career from just being a traditional actor and I started working on my social media content, creating in my brand, it all changed. Bags everywhere. And so it was like. Then it became a choice of if I want to do this job, not I have to do this job. And if they're not paying what I want or if I care about the material, I can decide it by choice. Because I have this, I have this, and I have that. And that's why I always say, like, while you looking at people telling them they doing too much, maybe you not doing enough.

[B]

You're not doing enough.

[A]

Get another job.

[B]

I be telling my friends, y' all post that content people don't understand what, like, building your brand can do for you, man.

[A]

It changes everything. Your brand.

[B]

I didn't understand until I got into these rooms that my face gave me leverage in business.

[A]

My mama told me, when you wear an outfit, the outfit's more expensive. Get into it, get into it, get.

[B]

Into it, get into it.

[A]

What you Touch.

[B]

It's because of you, girl.

[A]

I love that. You better put these people on. So there's another thing I wanna talk about and get your opinion on, too, when it comes to the nil deals coming in. Because then it seems like people give y' all more pressure on. If you gonna be taking that money, you gotta kill it on. Right?

[B]

Right.

[A]

I mean, even Shaq was saying some stuff like that about what is it on the money game, if you making that money, you gotta be perfect.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

So how do you feel? I mean, do you agree that that's kind of true, or do you feel that the pressure that you get from now making money on the side is.

[B]

You know, for me, ain't no pressure. Cuz let me tell you, I feel like this is a long time coming. These schools been making billions of dollars off athletes for years and years and years right now. Me personally, I don't play for the check, like, you know what I'm saying? Like, that's when I. When I. I'm kind of grateful. It's, It's. It's a grateful thing. I look at my account, like, why I get paid to do what I was going to do anyway. I was going to get up and go work up at 5am Anyway. Like, this is not an incentive for me. So you can't worry about that. You can use it to motivate you.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

Cause sometimes I be like, fly. If you go ham this game, boy, you got an nil deal at the door. You know what I'm saying? But I don't let it be like, oh, if I don't play this well, I'm not deserving of my money. No, I work. So that's just what's going to come with it.

[A]

Well, you mentioned the workout. I just wanted to quickly ask, because I like to work out too. For you, as your type of sport, what is your main focus? Are you really heavy on the cardio? Are you just doing the different, like, practice things of the. Of y' all sty, you know, what are y' all be doing? No, I got in your workout.

[B]

Okay. No, for me. Well, it's just like, what you want to do. Like, if, like, do I want to become faster? So I'm working on a lot of agility, speed. I want to be stronger. So I'm working on my strength and I have to work on my cardio every day. Like, if you want to be a real athlete, that's.

[A]

That basketball, y', all, that running up and down the court.

[B]

Think about it.

[A]

We don't stop. Y' all are going to kill me with. I feel like over 50.

[B]

You killing me with this.

[A]

Like, that I can't deal with. Like, girl, I've tried to dribble and run at the same time. I must die. That ain't easy.

[B]

No, it's not at all. It's not, bro. When I be seeing regular people play basketball, I be like, I forget how hard this sport is. Cause you're great at it. Yeah, literally. But no, like, it's whatever you want to focus on. Like, I do a lot of skill work, though. So I work out two times a day on the court. Basketball skills. Hour, hour 45. And then, you know, girl, you're fabulous. Thank you. Then I get my little pump in my workout. Gotta stay strong. And then the biggest part is recovery, though. You know, you gotta recover your body.

[A]

Let's get into that quickly because I'll be seeing. Sometimes y' all do the most craziest things. Y' all freezing and then y' all hot, and then y' all, like, what do y' all be doing?

[B]

Contrast. Yeah. So you ever did cryo?

[A]

Yes, I've done it before. I mean, it's painful, but, I mean, I try to hold on.

[B]

Yeah, I can't do it. Oh, I did it one time. It was over with me. But, like, you know, they say LeBron James spent a million dollars on his body. So you gotta understand how important recovery is. Like, if you don't replenish this, like, how your body gonna work? My coach, Simone Augusta, she told me, it's like, you don't want to put no. No standard gas in a Ferrari. Like, you gonna put premium in it. You know what I'm saying? You're gonna put the highest grade. So, you know, just really take care of your body is really important. I try to tell younger athletes, just stretch in the morning. 10 minute stretch. Like, you know what I'm saying? Things like that.

[A]

I be trying to do that same thing. I remember I hit up Savannah one time in our DMs. I said, Look, I've heard about the TR. Your husband spends a lot of money on his body. Please tell me where y' all go for the lymphatic.

[B]

Please tell me where y' all go.

[A]

Tell me where y' all go for the lymphatic drainage. I just need help. And she sent me the number. I said, savannah, you will she a real one.

[B]

Give me these LeBron contacts, literally.

[A]

Cause I need to keep my body up.

[B]

Okay.

[A]

Like we were saying. I mean, you're a Team captain now and that leadership role, it means something different than you know, today than five years ago. What does being a leader in this area era of college sports mean to you?

[B]

Oh man, it means a lot to me because I had to learn how to lead. You know what I'm saying? And it's hard, it's hard to lead when today you wake up right and don't nobody know like you, you probably got the worst call of your life. Nobody know. But you got to keep it pee. You got to come do your job. You got to clear, cheer and clap for others. You see what I'm saying? You got to act like everything okay and you have to. Cuz like this is what I signed up for. Like this my job, like every day I got to play basketball no matter what's going on. That was the hardest thing that I had to learn and last year I battled with that. Like I like being like my head. Like I didn't understand how important it was. No matter what type of game I'm having, no matter what type of day I'm having to pour into my teammates.

[A]

Yeah, yeah.

[B]

Cuz they get a lot of their confidence from me. Like you, we go as you go. That's what they was telling me. And so that's what I really understand. That's what I really learned. So this year is going to be like my walking testimony. Like am I going to be able to. All the lessons that I done learned, all the stuff that I done learned, all the things that I know I need to change, am I going to be able to do that? And I'm excited to take on that challenge because I want to be that person. Like I want to be consistent. I want to be somebody that my teammates can count on. Like I want to be, you know, reliable and consistent with myself. So that's going to take a whole another type of discipline within my routine, you know, within my energy. Like when my, when I pray, my connection with God, like it's going to take a lot for me but I'm willing to take on that challenge. Cuz I really want to be great and I really want my team to do something and I know if I bring greatness every day and I set that standard, they have no choice but to follow. You know what I'm saying? So that is like that. That's where my in, that's where I'm being intentional about this year.

[A]

I have no doubt in my mind that you're going to accomplish all that and more.

[B]

Thank you.

[A]

I have no doubt in My mind. They're really lucky to have you. Thank you. Really. So, before we get into our game, you know, the fans want a little bar or something. So, I mean, hit us with your favorite line you ever written. Just, you know, one little quick one, too.

[B]

Favorite line I ever written. I'mma tell you. I'mma wrap what I told you about.

[A]

When I said, you ready or not.

[B]

Yep.

[A]

Okay. You see? I be listening.

[B]

You do be listening. I might have to do another one, then. Okay, I'll do it. I'll do it. It's crazy. I'm the one they want to represent. Young black girl. I could probably be the president. I'm the voice of the youth. You hear my tone. I think it's evident I know who I am. They mistake my confidence for arrogance. I think it's the different. Cause I don't take my clothes off. I just play my role, dawg. I can't sell my soul, y'.

[A]

All.

[B]

I just shoot a three, put my arm up. I guess I show off. They sleep, I let them doze off, wake them up. Oh, yeah, it's roll call. My chocolate is beautiful. I'm rocking it per usual. I'm loving every piece, man. From my top into my cuticles. Trying to play with my head. Real love won't be confusing you. I learned make sure the one you put in first is also choosing you. We gonna leave it right there. We just gonna cut it off.

[A]

I love the intellectual. And, like, I'm letting you know. And it's like I got myself together.

[B]

See what I'm saying?

[A]

Hold your head high, sis.

[B]

Yes. You know what I'm saying, Queen girl.

[A]

It's queen, Queen, everything.

[B]

Okay.

[A]

Now let's get into this game.

[B]

Let's do it.

[A]

I'm gonna ask some questions. Flaujay's got some questions, but only if we miss the shot, we shoot. So go ahead, flaujay. Go for it.

[B]

Better ask me no questions. I ain't missing.

[A]

Did you miss? I made it. I blinked. You made it. Okay, well, I'm gonna ask you a question anyway. Cause you're right. You're a professional athlete. That's not really fair. Okay, so wnba, Mount Rushmore. Who?

[B]

You're top four. Oh, my.

[A]

We gotta go.

[B]

Maya Moore.

[A]

Okay, Maya Moore.

[B]

We gotta go. Cheryl Swoops.

[A]

Okay. Come on, Sheryl.

[B]

We gotta go. Candace Parker, rookie MVP in the same season. That's crazy. Rookie of the year, mvp. And then we gotta go suburb, suburb. That's four. In my restaurant.

[A]

Right? Okay. That's it.

[B]

That's A valid list.

[A]

Shout out to them.

[B]

Okay. You dropped my confessions and had the Internet shook. Shoot your shot. Should Usher be on a remix or what?

[A]

Hell, yeah. I think that would be dope. You know, but honestly, it would also be great if women were on the remix. Like, if we had, like, a little more riotous scientist.

[B]

Ooh, I love riotous science.

[A]

You know what I mean?

[B]

Like, if some of the ladies.

[A]

Summer Walker, you know, I'm feeling like, cut up.

[B]

That's facts.

[A]

Okay, all right. She gonna get it again. This is why you don't play with professionals.

[B]

Just ask me. Just ask me.

[A]

Okay, you're on the XXL freshman cover and they hand you the mic. What's the headline under your photo?

[B]

They gonna hand me the mic?

[A]

Yeah. What's the headline under your photo?

[B]

Oh, Fly J had the best XXL freestyle, like. Yeah, that's what I was gonna say. Oh, what they gonna say? Slajay got bars. She the freshman of the xxl.

[A]

Yes, period. No complaints.

[B]

Here we go. Come on. Give me something, Kiki. Okay, you see, I had to do all that. Come on. All right, man. All right, man. All right. Okay.

[A]

I gotta ask you too, okay?

[B]

You played a lot of roles, but shoot your shot. What's one character you love to play that hasn't happened?

[A]

Well, you know, they got that new bodyguard coming now. Let me do the role. You know how to say that?

[B]

Let me do the. Let me do the role. That's your energy, though.

[A]

They done already did too many Whitney Houston movies. I can't. You know what I'm saying? But I could do the movie that Whitney Houston was in.

[B]

No doubt about it.

[A]

Come on, bodyguard.

[B]

Y' all see what's going on?

[A]

Tinda. Okay. It's you. Actually, uh, I was about to go again.

[B]

Okay, you went. I had to do trick shots with you. Wow. So good.

[A]

You really was gonna stun on me like that. That's crazy.

[B]

So I can miss. So I can miss.

[A]

Okay, so let me see if you were given a signature deal tomorrow. Are we going high top or low top?

[B]

I can see everybody saying, like, the low tops are causing injuries.

[A]

Really?

[B]

Yeah, they saying that it was like, you know, the Achilles tears. Like, everybody who wore em had on low top shoes. So I still can't wear no high tops. I'm go low top. I'm gonna go low top. I can't do it, bruh. I can go mid top.

[A]

All I know is I want the shoe because I know the shoe will be eating down.

[B]

You know what? I got something for you.

[A]

Girl, you need to clean up.

[B]

Okay. I got something for you.

[A]

Okay, here we go. That was really stupid.

[B]

Okay, okay. You always stay booked. What's one role you passed on that you would reclaim today if they offered you that?

[A]

I will reclaim today, Yes. I haven't passed on a lot of roles. I mean, I passed on this one movie that. What is his name? He's great actor. He did La La Land. He also did Drive. He also did Barbie. Ryan Gosling. Ryan Gosling. He did a movie called Half Nelson where he was a drug addict teacher, and his student was selling him drugs. And Sharon was like, you can't go from spelling to selling drugs.

[B]

Oh, you was a dealer?

[A]

Yeah, yeah, I would have been a dealer. And she was like, no, no. I don't know if I would have wanted to do that movie again, but I would have liked to work with Ryan. You know what I mean? But I agreed with her, you know, we couldn't go from spelling to the kids to selling their drugs.

[B]

Right, right, right.

[A]

Yeah, that's my thought on that.

[B]

That's real. All right, come on. Here we go.

[A]

Here we go. Oh, I'm so glad you doing this. She's doing this just for me, y'. All. This is Lily J.

[B]

Just for me.

[A]

She's playing. Okay, so what is one label, one brand or platform that slept on you, but you know who Spin the block.

[B]

Mm.

[A]

If that even exists.

[B]

Slept on me. Okay. They ain't sleeping on me, but, like, I need Chipotle to come on. Like, everybody know. If you follow me. If you follow me. You know how I feel about Chipotle. And my deal ain't come through either.

[A]

I need a special flauge Chipotle bowl. Oh, what we got in it?

[B]

Go, y'. All.

[A]

We got beans.

[B]

They gonna call me a big Mac. I know it on the command. I'm trying to tell you. I got white rice, black beans, triple stack, a little bit of pico, double corn, cheese, guac and lettuce with a little chip.

[A]

Chips. Yes.

[B]

Bowl.

[A]

That's the flage. Chipotle bowl don't play. We need it today.

[B]

Ooh, we need it today.

[A]

Today. Girl, that sounds it.

[B]

Had Kiki in the commercial for sure.

[A]

Okay. I top up in. Yes. Oops. Okay, here we go. Yes.

[B]

Oh, my gosh, you guys, it's you.

[A]

By the way, this is how your leadership is. The aura. The aura is orrifying me. The aura. You're orrifying me. Horrifying.

[B]

I like that. All right, shoot. Your shot. A product you last used that you enjoy and would love to collab with.

[A]

Oh, that's a really good question. The product I last used that I would like to collaborate. You know, I really did just have some fun wearing some Gucci the other day. So do with that what you will.

[B]

All right. Period.

[A]

Okay. Last one.

[B]

Oh, last one. All right. I'm trying to make this one. I'm going go between. Step back.

[A]

Obviously.

[B]

Oh, now whoosh.

[A]

In this mug. Look, I'm trying to pick the best last one. DM confession. Who's in there and why haven't you answered yet?

[B]

I ain't gonna lie. One of the craziest DMs I got was Teddy Riley.

[A]

Like, oh my gosh, I love Teddy, bruh.

[B]

He DMed me. He was like, your music. And I was like, I'm like, this a prank. Like, you know what I'm saying? But it was him verified and everything. Teddy Riley. Teddy Riley. DM me. Wow, that was crazy.

[A]

Well, we're ending it on Teddy Riley's D. And you are just amazing. Fly J. Seriously, I already knew you were amazing and I was already a fan, but this conversation with you, like, you're a really remarkable young woman. I'm so glad that you came on. Baby, this is Keke Palmer.

[B]

I'm so glad to be on here.

[A]

And whoop my ass. Very easy. Give me some love.

[B]

Appreciate it.

[A]

Flaw J isn't just balancing two careers. She's building something way bigger than a brand. She's showing us what it means to walk in your purpose.

[B]

Purpose.

[A]

Honor your roots and keep reaching for more. Whether she's rapping, running the court, or representing for the next generation, she's doing it all with intention, inspiring others to dream bigger, move smarter, and own their power. She's not just changing the game. She's changing what's possible. And, baby, this is Kiki. Baby, this is. This is Kiki. Baby, this is. This is Kiki Palmer. Yeah, Baby, this is Keke Palmer is hosted and executive produced by me, Keke Palmer. Lucas Siegel is our post producer. Our producers are Lauren Hampton and Molly nestor. Hilary Esty McLaughlin is our executive producer. Production services provided by Evolution Media. Our original theme song was written and performed by me, Kiki Palmer for Team Kiki. My producer is Sharon Palmer for Wondery. Our managing producer is Olivia Fonti. Senior managing producer is Nick Ryan. And our executive producers are Emily Feldbrake, Erin o' Flaherty and Marshall Louie.