They're Cheating at the Run Club, Knicks Curse Lifted & Murray Hill Bodies with María Isabel

Summary

Canal Street Dreams – Episode Summary

Episode: They’re Cheating at the Run Club, Knicks Curse Lifted & Murray Hill Bodies with María Isabel
Hosts: Eddie Huang & Natashia Perrotti
Guest: María Isabel
Date: May 19, 2026

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Main Theme

This lively episode invites NYC singer-songwriter María Isabel for an unfiltered conversation touching on her music journey, the quirks and culture of New York, relationships, artistic collaboration, and a heavy dose of Knicks fanaticism. The trio swap stories about immigrant upbringings, navigating creative careers, and the intimate reality behind collaboration—plus, they tackle hot-button issues like the “run club” social scene and why New York remains the place creatives always return to.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. María Isabel’s Creative Journey & Upbringing

• María describes growing up in Left Rack, Queens, as the daughter of Dominican immigrants ([04:01]).
  • “I grew up in Left Rack, which is like, the hood. ...I feel like they didn’t exactly know what they were getting themselves into either.” – María Isabel ([04:05])
• She talks about her strict upbringing and contrasts it with the more lenient backgrounds of her hosts ([06:46]) and how it shaped her as an artist.
  • “My mom’s favorite line is, ‘I’m not your friend. I’m your mom.’” – María ([10:08])
• Her education journey included performing arts high school in Astoria and then NYU, where she custom-built her own major through Gallatin (songwriting, music business) ([01:00]).

2. Navigating Artistic Collaboration

• María’s process of working with renowned producer El Guincho (pronounced "El Gin Show"), whose credits include Rosalia and FKA Twigs ([12:02]).
• She emphasizes the vulnerability of songwriting and compares first sessions with producers to dating ([13:05]).
  • “Writing ... I’m telling you my secrets essentially. ...I need to be comfortable.” – María ([13:05])
  • “It is a very uneven playing field with Chris. Like, he knows everything about me and my family and I know very little about Chris’s life.” – Eddie ([15:45])
• The group reflects on the emotional intensity and unbalanced privacy when collaborating closely in music and in publishing ([14:48]).

3. Relationships, Growth & Single Life

• María explains how her upcoming album is inspired by a breakup—not the loss itself but the surprising sense of relief and rediscovery afterward ([17:27]).
  • “I ended the relationship and I was definitely expecting more grief...I just felt like, so much more like myself again.” – María ([17:27])
• Discussion turns to “happy weight” in relationships versus visible signs of unhappiness and possible cheating ([19:02]).

4. Run Club Cheating & Modern Social Life

• María introduces the viral notion that “they’re cheating at the run club” and the group goes deep into how modern adult friendships, temptations, and trust issues manifest in NYC – including the “run club” phenomenon ([19:56]).
  • “Like, boys are cheating at the run club. ...They’re getting drinks after the run.” – María ([20:24])
  • “Whoever invented run clubs probably is like, a serial killer.” – Natashia ([20:26])
• The absurdity and unique culture of NYC’s young adult scenes (including choosing to live in Murray Hill to avoid “bodies”/exes) gets plenty of laughs ([23:19]).

5. NYC vs. LA: Where Creatives Belong

• María and the hosts discuss the magnetic pull of NYC for artists, even though all three have spent time in LA ([41:03]).
  • “Being here literally feels like drugs. Like I’ll walk ten blocks and I’m like, oh, yeah, everything’s okay again.” – María ([44:39])
• LA’s car-centric, isolating lifestyle contrasts with New York’s walkability and urban energy—especially for raising kids or keeping creative inspiration alive ([43:20]).

6. Music Influences & Multicultural Identity

• María’s influences range from Alicia Keys and mid-2000s pop divas (Christina Aguilera, Mariah Carey) to Dominican artists (Aventura) and New York rap icons (Mobb Deep, Jay-Z) ([26:41], [31:04]).
• She shares stories about growing up Dominican/Chinese in NY and the city’s multiculturalism, including culinary mashups like Chino Latino food ([28:31], [29:14]).

7. Knicks Fandom, Superstitions & Basketball’s Emotional Ties

• Eddie and María’s intense Knicks fandom weaves throughout, complete with tales of curses, superstitions (removing an ex’s gifted jersey to “lift the curse”), and the emotional highs and lows of never having seen the Knicks win a championship ([33:31]–[37:23]).
  • “You single handedly been costing the Knicks a win for years.” – Natashia ([34:13])
• The group debates whether Knicks are finally destined for the Finals, NBA fighting culture past vs. present, and the pain and pride of long-term fandom ([36:05]–[39:27]).

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Memorable Quotes & Moments

• On NYC Upbringing:
  • “The very first day...my dad was...moving our stuff in just his car, and they stole his rims while he was bringing our boxes.” – María ([05:15])
  • “Strict parents...if you’re a live wire person like us...your parents have to be strict.” – Eddie ([09:11])
• On Artistic Collaboration:
  • “Writing...I’m telling you my secrets essentially.” – María ([13:05])
  • “You want me to get comfy, I need to know some of your secrets too.” – María ([15:15])
• On Run Clubs:
  • “Whoever invented run clubs probably is like a serial killer.” – Natashia ([20:26])
• On Knicks Superstitions & Curses:
  • “I gave [the cursed jersey] to Ray and we have won every single game since.” – Eddie ([34:09])
  • “The Knicks have not won a championship...the entire time you’ve been alive.” – Natashia ([37:27])
• On Loving NYC:
  • “Being here literally feels like drugs. Like I’ll walk ten blocks and I’m like, oh, yeah, everything’s okay again.” – María ([44:39])
• On LA vs NY:
  • “I just can’t see myself starting a family in LA...I know how I grew up...it makes for such a smart baby.” – María ([42:42])

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Notable Timestamps (MM:SS)

• 00:50–02:40: María’s creative & academic background, Gallatin at NYU
• 04:01–05:34: Growing up in Left Rack, Queens; immigrant family stories
• 10:08: “I’m not your friend, I’m your mom.”
• 12:02–14:09: Working with El Guincho and the intimacy of songwriting partnerships
• 17:27–18:29: Album’s inspiration: breakups, relief, and transformation
• 19:56–20:56: Run clubs as modern adult social networks & infidelity rumors
• 23:19: Avoiding exes by living in Murray Hill—NYC specific relationship strategies
• 26:41–27:53: María’s musical inspirations
• 31:04–32:31: NY rap influences, stories about working with Prodigy (Mobb Deep)
• 33:31–37:23: Knicks superstitions, curses, & NBA playoff talk
• 39:00–42:42: NY vs. LA lifestyle for creatives, raising kids, and sense of belonging
• 44:39: “Being here literally feels like drugs.”
• 45:05: María’s intent to move back to NYC

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Additional Highlights

• Upcoming Album & Shows: María’s new album drops this summer, with hopes to perform mainly in NYC and other major cities ([30:23], [30:29]).
• Food & Community: Shout-outs to NYC restaurant gems (Malatesta in the West Village), the closing of Chino Latino spots, and food as the ultimate community-builder ([40:24]).
• NYC as Creative Epicenter: All three emphasize that despite LA’s opportunities, New York’s energy—and the simplicity of walking, seeing friends, and feeling part of the city—remains unmatched for creatives and families.

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Takeaway

This episode masterfully fuses humor, honesty, and the pulse of New York. It’s a tapestry of stories about hustling in creative industries, forging connection, and growing up amid personal and cultural complexity. Whether you’re a Knicks sufferer, a run club skeptic, or love tales of artistic reinvention, this conversation feels as real and energizing as a ten-block walk through Manhattan.

Transcript

[A]

Yo, Canal Street Dreams. Welcome back. We have a New York favorite, a local legend, I would say, on the show, Maria Isabel. Welcome, welcome, welcome.

[B]

So happy to be here. Thanks for having me, guys.

[A]

Yes, of course. Of course. No, I feel like. I feel like New Yorkers just know you, you know?

[B]

Like, I love that.

[A]

Yeah, yeah. People really with you. Yeah. And. And I think I came across you just because, like, I. 90% of my feed is, like, Nick's content. So then, like, the algorithm fed me your Nick's content. I was, like, with her. She cool. Yeah. I didn't even really. I didn't really know you did music until we did, like, the Raya Places commercial that. It'll. It'll come out later this year, but that's when I got into, like, your work, your music. So tell us about that, how that all happened.

[B]

Yeah, I mean, I've been singing since I was really little. Honestly, I've always loved music. And then I went to a performing arts high school in Queens.

[A]

Okay.

[B]

In Astoria. And then I went to NYU and started as an English major because I thought, like, get a real degree.

[A]

Yeah. And then two years, I got an English major. Parents are like, what kind of job you get with that?

[B]

I was like, teacher, I guess. And then two years into it, I was like this. I want to do music. So I transferred, like, to Gallatin, which is, like, independent study at nyu, and I did, like, songwriting and music business, and then.

[A]

Gallatin.

[C]

Yeah.

[B]

Oh, yeah.

[C]

Yeah.

[A]

Yo, I tried to make your own major.

[C]

Yeah.

[A]

I applied to that school and I couldn't get in. I wanted to go.

[B]

I honestly didn't know it existed till I was already at nyu. And then all these people were taking, like, I don't know, like, cooking and African American studies as, like, one major. I was like, how? Where? What? Yeah, I was like, this looks like so much fun.

[C]

That's the Sims.

[B]

No, it's like, build your own journey. Like those books. But, yeah. So then I. I graduated from there, and I met a lot of people doing music, obviously, and started doing, like, my first sessions once I left school. And then, yeah, I just started, like, writing music for the first time. Like, probably like, senior year of college. And from there it's just been, like, building, I guess.

[A]

Yeah. No, not to over talk about Gallatin, but I feel like it was one of the first ever, like, interdisciplinary majors you could get.

[B]

Yeah. 100%.

[A]

And even from Florida, I looked at it, I was like, yo, this feels like you could just do whatever you want.

[B]

100. Still to this day, My parents are like, so what did you graduate? I'm not entirely sure, but I have a degree.

[A]

I kept my rejection letter on my wal for, like, six years because I was so pissed. I was like, wait, they won't even let me into this Romper Room, like, program. I was like, they let people do anything in this thing.

[C]

Crazy.

[A]

I had a teenage felony, so it made sense. I was like, all right, this is probably.

[B]

Yeah.

[C]

They were like, this is too loose for you.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

You need instruction.

[A]

You need to be in jail.

[C]

He needs to choose. Like, you can't be free for college.

[B]

And they're like, have you considered prison?

[A]

I did steal my neighbor's car.

[C]

The checking the box on the, like, application to college felony. It's like, you usually when you're applying to a job job, you're like, yeah, I did. But, like, to college. You're like, I already got it.

[A]

Yeah. High school felony is like, you're a talented criminal, you know?

[B]

Yeah. It's impressive. It is.

[C]

Usually they let you off, like, if you're in high school. Usually they're like, juvenile.

[A]

Yeah.

[C]

No.

[A]

Yeah, usually. It's usually juvenile. And I did my time. My. My. My joint I got. When I was 17, got wiped from my record.

[C]

Okay.

[A]

But then I caught one when I was 19, and that did not.

[B]

That'll do it. Yeah. You're not a child.

[A]

Yeah.

[C]

You have to do everything before. No longer you team.

[A]

You're like, no, no, no. I learned my lesson. And then two years later, they're like, you're right. You lie.

[B]

You did not learn at all.

[A]

Yeah. So where did you grow. You grew up. Where did you grow up? Oh, in. In Queens. No. You went to school in Queens?

[B]

Yeah. Yeah. So I grew up in. In Left Rack, which is like.

[A]

Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah. Shout Out Left Rack.

[B]

Yeah. The hood.

[A]

Our whole restaurant. The. The entire kitchen was from Le.

[B]

Oh, sick.

[A]

We moved to 14th Street Bauhaus. Oh, wow. Yeah.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

And then, funny enough, the only day we cook as Chinese people, we keep our restaurant open, like, Christmas. Christmas Eve. The one day we had to shut down was because they did the bust in Left Rack, and half of our kitchen got caught up in the raid, and we could not open

[B]

Shout Out Christmas. We're good.

[A]

Yeah. Despot from out there too, right? Is Despot from Left Rack.

[B]

I actually don't know.

[A]

Alec, he owns time again. I think he from. I think he from out there.

[B]

I don't know.

[A]

But left, right? Cool.

[B]

But, yeah.

[A]

What was it like growing up out there?

[B]

I mean, like, I Feel like now I'm proud of it. And I like, rapid. Loudly back then, I feel like it was just generally not the safest place, you know, especially, like, as a kid, and my parents are immigrants, you know, so. Yeah, I feel like they didn't exactly know what they were getting themselves into either. So it was a lot of just, like, come back inside. Like, don't hang out outside that, you know.

[A]

Yeah. A lot of Desert Storm camo outside and then, like, stay inside.

[B]

I'm pretty sure the first. The very first day that we moved in because my dad had, like, come to the States first to, like, find a place to live. And I believe the first day, he was, like, moving our stuff in just his car, and they stole his rims while he was bringing our boxes.

[C]

That's crazy.

[B]

Damn.

[A]

They put the car bricks.

[C]

Day one.

[A]

Day one. Day one. Wow. Welcome to America.

[C]

Yeah, we got your rims.

[B]

I was like, okay, I understand where we live now.

[A]

Yeah. No, that's. That's crazy is like, I have a barber, Brent, that. He's been my barber for a long time. He came to America in September of 2001, and the first week he was here was 9 11.

[C]

I was like, that's wild.

[A]

That's wild. That's a wild, crazy way to, like,

[B]

horrendous come to a country.

[C]

Yeah. And then imagine it's like, you get here. You're like, finally. And then, like, the worst on record happens the week you get here. Like, oh. And it's arguably, like, the event that has ruined our country. If you look back at it. Like, you just never recovered from that day.

[B]

It's like, that was my first week of school, really also. Yeah. Jarring.

[A]

That's just crazy. Welcome to New York City.

[B]

Shit. I know. Like, horrible. Obviously horrendous. But I just. I. The memory in my head is like, I had finally made my first friend.

[C]

Yeah.

[B]

And then my mom showed up, and I was like, why are you here? I finally, like, this is working. Like, I made a friend, and then I realized what happened, obviously. Yeah.

[A]

Yeah. She had to pick you up because it was 9 11.

[B]

Yeah. Yeah. My mom. My mom was the first one at school.

[C]

Yeah.

[B]

Shout out to her, yo.

[A]

Your mom was on it.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

It sounds like your parents really, like, were very serious about parenting. A lot of boundaries.

[B]

Yeah. Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah.

[A]

And you, like, did you like that?

[B]

I mean, no one loves that as a kid. I think I'm grateful for it, looking back. Yes. I think I could have done far worse things in my, like, Childhood and teendom, that I'm, I'm glad I didn't.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

But I think at the time, obviously you feel like, overly sheltered. You know, I'm like, but my friends are doing this, this and this. And my parents are like, we don't care.

[A]

I had very strict parents. Natasha had pretty liberal parents. And I feel like we've decided to be in between.

[C]

No, I think I wanted to.

[B]

I feel like that's the mood.

[C]

I mean. Well, no, here's the thing. Like, he's really young. He's two and a half. So right now it's like, funny. Like being strict with him is like telling him, please and thank you. Like, you have to use your manners. Like, don't throw yourself on the ground, like, don't cross the street, you're on your scooter, things like that. But I think once he's hanging out with his friends, like leaving us, and that's the, the, the boundaries are, oh, what's going to happen? Like, how, how late can you stay out? Like, I think I'm going to be very strict, I think, because I just know.

[B]

You just know too much.

[C]

On the other hand. Yeah, like, I knew what I was doing and I, that's the problem.

[B]

I think it's like we, we've seen too much and now I'm like, I've thought about it, like the thought of my future child, like going out into the world. I'm like, but I know what they're doing.

[C]

Oh my God. Sometimes I see a group of teenagers, even now, like on St. Mark's or something, and I like, my heart is like pounding. I like start tearing up. I'm like, this can't be my son. So much more in 10 years.

[A]

Every generation of teenagers is scary, right? And it's like, yeah, but I feel

[B]

like they're getting worse.

[A]

Do you?

[C]

Because I feel like they're not getting worse. I thought the whole thing is that the new ones, like, aren't having sex, so they're not drinking and they're not doing any of like the things that we were doing. I heard that.

[B]

I guess I just mean, like they're like scarier in terms of like the Internet. Like, I just feel like they know too much and they're a little meaner.

[C]

They are mean, but I guess it's

[B]

skewing back the other way. Maybe like bullying's.

[A]

I would agree. People are meaner. Like the younger generation is generally meaner and wittier and smarter.

[B]

Right.

[A]

But they're doing less drugs and drinking.

[C]

Yeah, but they're experiencing less.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

Yeah. But the drugs are worse. Like, there's fent. You know?

[C]

Yeah.

[A]

Like, there's, like.

[B]

Right. It's not the same.

[C]

Yeah. And it's not like if. I guess if you were even. I don't know, like, to experiment with things. It's, like, more scary now because you don't know what you're gonna get.

[A]

Yeah.

[C]

It's all mixed up.

[A]

But I agree. Parents, strict parents. Like, if you're a live wire person like us, like, if you a live body. I think your parents have to be strict.

[C]

Yeah.

[B]

That's fair. I think the only thing I think with, like, being too strict is that then your kids just hide things. Do you know what I mean? Like, you can't tell them. So I also feel like there should be space for, like, I can talk to you. You know what I mean? So you can, like, necessarily fear you so much as, like, respect you.

[A]

For sure. I could not talk to my parents. And if I could, it would have been better. I would agree with that.

[C]

I could say too much.

[A]

Yeah, you could say anything.

[B]

Because I was nice.

[C]

It was just me and my mom, so it was very much, like, in a very strange way. Like, she's also an immigrant. It felt like we were friends and we were. She was, like, becoming a woman because she was a single mom, like, working, doing all these things while I was becoming, like, a young girl. So we would chat. Like, I could tell her anything. And it was telling you about, like,

[A]

the Coke at Studio 54.

[B]

Yeah.

[C]

She was just like, you're gonna go.

[B]

My mom's favorite line is, I'm not your friend. I'm your mom.

[C]

So my mom's very different approach. I'm your best friend.

[B]

Yeah.

[C]

My mom is like, you may need

[A]

to steal her mom's line. That's a good line. I'm not.

[C]

No. I say that to Senna all the time.

[B]

I'm different.

[C]

I love you so much, but don't. Don't test me. Don't. I tell him now. Don't play with me. Like, I tell, like, straight up. I'm just like, don't do it.

[A]

This little dude goes, not a chance.

[C]

Yeah. You tell him to do something. Yes. Oh, my God. He's. He's Eddie. He has.

[A]

What was. What was the first time you recorded? Like, first time, like, singing a song recording that was yours?

[B]

Honestly, probably one of my first songs. Maybe my first song that came out was the first time I, like, fully wrote a song, recorded it, and, like, finished it, and then it ended up being my first single.

[A]

That's Fire, though, that the first song you made got put out.

[B]

Actually, that's a lie. Well, no, it did, but then I wiped it from the Internet because I didn't like it anymore. But it's. Yeah, that did happen. Yes.

[A]

Okay, so the first song you recorded, you did put it out.

[B]

Yes, and then I took it down, and then the second song I made ended up being my, like, first real single. That's still. That's.

[A]

Today's a good hit rate, though.

[B]

Yeah, yeah, yeah.

[A]

The second song you make.

[B]

Yeah, yeah.

[A]

Gets published. Like.

[B]

Yeah, yeah, yeah.

[A]

That's pretty big. Yeah, yeah, that's. That's a. That's an insane hit.

[B]

A lot of throwaways in between, though, like, after the fact, you know.

[A]

Oh, okay.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

After the second one.

[B]

Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah.

[A]

No, because people will ask me too. Is like, oh, what would. Like, how many times have you written a book? I was like, no, the first one, I wrote one bestseller. You know, it's. It's a good indicator. It's a good indicator that the second one you made got published. But, I mean, now you're working with. You got to help me pronounce his name. El Gin Show. Yeah, I mean, he. He's produced for Charlie. He produced for Rosalia. I mean, how did you choose him? And then, like, how did that partnership come about?

[B]

Yeah, I mean, absolute legend of a man. But honestly, obviously, I had heard the Rosalia stuff, and I loved it. I think it's so good, all of it. And he was also, though, working with, like, Twigs and Samhfa, which I thought was really cool, because I feel like I definitely lean more R B, but I grew up in a Dominican household, you know, so I like, speak English and Spanish and wanted to write in both and, you know, make music that kind of lives in between both worlds. And so, like, seeing him be able to do the Rosalia stuff, but also, like, work on this really sick Twigs project and work with Sampha and Frank Ocean and all those people, it felt like, oh, this person's gonna understand exactly what I want to do, you know?

[A]

I feel like some Sampha is, like, the musician's musician.

[B]

Yeah, yeah. 100.

[A]

I felt like he was.

[B]

Which also does seem like a Winchell's world in terms of, like, who he works with, because I feel like everyone's very much, like, dedicated to their craft. Like, all of those people, you know,

[A]

like, you could go to Times Square and ask people and, like, probably one out of ten people will know. Samha but it's like they're like, wait,

[B]

no, that created a sound 100%. So, yeah, I think like that made me want to work with him. And then, you know, my team reached out and he had already followed me on Instagram, I think so knew of me and we met in Miami to do a few sessions. And honestly, it went really well. Like, I feel like it's very rare that I write a full song the first day that I meet somebody. Just because I feel like it's a lot like dating. Like, you really have to like get to know each other and click. And then also like writing, at least for me, and I think for a lot of people is like, I'm telling you, like my secrets essentially, you know, like, I'm divulging my life to you, so I need to be comfortable. But we hit it off really well really quickly and yeah, it was just really easy. So we kept doing it.

[A]

It definitely is like an intimate thing. The like songwriter, producer, and then they frequently end up dating.

[C]

That's true.

[B]

That do be happening.

[A]

Yeah, yeah, it's. It's a, It's a really intimate process. Yeah, yeah. She only lets me write books with other dudes.

[C]

No.

[A]

Like, my editor is Chris Jackson.

[C]

Yeah, yeah. I guess.

[A]

I mean, like my most intimate work was with Chris.

[C]

Yeah, yeah, yeah.

[B]

I was just like, do they do my first boyfriend?

[A]

Yeah. Who's your producer?

[B]

Right? It's like, I don't. Yeah, correct.

[A]

It's. I mean, because you are, you're like bearing your. If you're doing it correctly, if you're really going for it, you are bearing your soul in there.

[C]

No.

[B]

100%.

[A]

People get to know 100% and it's vulnerable.

[B]

Very.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

And it's like, I feel like people like, it's also quite one sided if like, you know, in the room in the sense that like, it's like obviously the focus is like me writing this song. So it's like they're asking me the questions, right? And being like, what's going on in your life? Like, are you seeing anyone? Blah, blah. And it's just like, it's so funny always because I'm like, huh, you don't have to answer these questions. Like, so I started asking them back.

[A]

Oh, just smart. Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah.

[B]

If you want me to get comfy, like, I need to know some of your secrets too.

[C]

You know?

[A]

That's true.

[C]

I think that's a great. And then also it's like, then you can take some inspo from what they're going it doesn't have to always be your singular perspective. You can, like.

[B]

I'm like, insert that part of your story.

[C]

Yeah. You can intertwine other elements.

[B]

For sure.

[A]

You're right. Yeah. That is Chris's method. Because she'd be like, chris, my editor, who I like love the most. She'll be like, he's like a closed book. He doesn't, like, give you much information. I did not realize till now. It is a very unplaying, uneven playing field with Chris.

[C]

Yeah.

[A]

Like, he knows everything about me and my family and that I had know very little about Chris's life.

[C]

Yeah. He does the thing where he'll ask you a question, and you know when, like, conversation slowing. You're. Somebody's asking you a question, you're kind of asking them back. Naturally, he'll ask you a question and stay so stoic. So it's like you're then now talking more to, like, you're just now all of a sudden, you can't shut up. Then you're telling. Now I'm just saying that I didn't even know I was off topic. He asked me a question. I'm telling him about my childhood dog. I'm like, yeah, and then we adopted him. And I'm just like, I don't. I have. That's a talent in itself, though, to get people to be revealing in that role 100% in, like, when they're not even your artist. I was just like, I. This scares me.

[A]

Yeah. And I do think it's, like, a thing that some dudes do. Like Chris is saying, and it's like, wow, he's so mysterious. He's so deep and mysterious. I don't know anything about him, but it's just because he's not offered any information.

[C]

You've known him for 20 years. He said nothing about himself. Really good. I think his name's got Chris, I think, and all.

[A]

It's like, he's like, one of the most important people in my life. I love him so much.

[B]

Like, tell me three things about him. Like, I could not.

[A]

Yeah, he's tall, but he's not good at basketball. And very good editor, you know, pretty much. You know, there you go. Now, he. He has shared some. He has shared some things. Like when I've broken down and hit really tough points in life, he'll be big, bro, and be like, all right, so I'll share a little bit of something if it helps you out here, you know, as a treat. As a treat, I get to hear

[B]

a little bit of Your personal life as.

[C]

Yeah. Things are so bad for you. I'll tell you one thing about myself.

[A]

Yeah. Yeah. Is there a theme in the album?

[B]

Yeah, for sure. It's very much based on my last relationship ending. Not so much like the relationship itself, but more like the feelings that came with it ending. I think in the past, my music's always been very emotional and some would say sad. But I think, like, for the first time, I don't know if my brain just rewired, honestly, because I'm older and it's like, you know, I've had relationships prior to this one now, but I ended the relationship and I was definitely expecting more grief, if that makes sense. And I think I felt lighter after it. So it was kind of unexpected. And then, like, the months that followed, I just felt like, so much more like myself again. I felt so much better. So the music that I wanted to make in that time and space just felt so much more, like, upbeat and happy and more like me experiencing single life again.

[A]

That's when you know you've made the right choice.

[B]

For sure. For sure.

[A]

We've been talking about this a lot. Even in, like, friendship or business, when you move on from someone, but you feel lighter, you don't even need to understand it in the moment.

[B]

You just gotta know 100. Well, I feel good, especially with relationships. Like, I'm like, my skin cleared up, my hair started growing. Like, I was just like, oh, you were the problem.

[C]

Oh, dear. You really don't know it until you leave it.

[B]

Oh, yeah. When you're in it, you're just like, what couldn't be.

[A]

Yeah, yeah. The reverse happened for me. But it's like, I'm happy. I got fatter since I met you. You know, I gained like 30 pounds.

[C]

No, but I think that that's. That's a sign of happiness in a relationship. Like when you gain a little bit of weight, you know, because it's like, we're just like, so cozy.

[A]

I'm not going to need to be cute ever again. I'm wrapped. I'm wrapped like a calzone. Yeah. I think if your man gets fat, it's like, he happy.

[C]

I think so. It's like a little bit of, like, happy weight.

[A]

Yeah. You know, it's funny when a dude's in a relationship, but then he's, like, running marathons and trying to get in shape and, you know, well, isn't that.

[C]

Don't they say that, like, if you're in a relationship and you all of a sudden start, like, doing that Type of you're about to cheat.

[B]

Okay, hold on. I.

[A]

That's just what?

[B]

Like while we're here.

[A]

While we're here, I'm posting old head shots, you know.

[B]

Oh, now he's not listening.

[A]

No, sorry. You're good, go ahead.

[B]

No, no, I'm so glad that came up because yesterday I was telling my friends we were walking to like a workout and we walked past a run club and the first like tweet that I saw yesterday when I opened the app was like, like, they're cheating at the run clubs. And I was like, huh, I think they are interesting. Like, what an odd place. But then like, it kind of makes sense. And then I find out yesterday that apparently at the run clubs they're like going out for drinks after the run.

[A]

Yes, I've heard of this.

[C]

Whoever invented run clubs probably is like a serial killer.

[B]

Like, valid.

[C]

Because imagine you're like, okay, if you were to tell me today, like, oh, I joined this run club, I'd be like, that's so fudgeing weird. But like, okay, cool. I'm not going to say no, you're better. Like you're taking your health seriously. And then you're like, oh my God, me and the guys from run club that I've been running with now for seven months are going to go to drinks. I'd be like, oh, cool. But then you're just like at drinks with this like random girl and you guys are fudgeing in the bathroom. That's what's happening at run clubs.

[A]

I'm about to get bodied. Cuz one of my homies does own a run club and he listens to the show. But it's fine. It is. Well, I know.

[C]

Yeah.

[A]

You know, I see him every Monday.

[B]

Oh yeah. Okay, well, maybe not all run clubs.

[C]

Maybe not all run clubs.

[A]

I will say though, a man that like in midlife is like, I'm going to start running. And like running becomes your identity. It is like something's up. Like the milk's gone back.

[C]

It's like a girl. Like, okay, if I just randomly, like, I don't ever post on grid, right? That's just like if I started posting like, like pics.

[A]

Yeah.

[C]

I feel like you'd be like, if

[A]

you started posting the pics you sent me, I'd be like, what's up?

[C]

Yeah, like I think you would be like, oh, okay, this is about to cheat. And if you started getting shredded, I'd

[B]

be like,

[A]

they're signs.

[C]

The signs. And like, you got to know, like, you can't be like, there. Like, you can't be a cool girl when it comes to the signs. Like, if you care about your man and there's signs he's about to cheat, just know and say something.

[A]

Like, I would booking tickets to fly to an island frequently. That's a sign.

[C]

I would just take all your shoes and throw them out the window. I'd be like, what are you going to run in Margella boots?

[B]

Wait, I like you.

[C]

You know the.

[A]

Are you going?

[C]

I do know.

[A]

We're getting a little.

[B]

Wait, we're. We're going to sidebar.

[A]

Yeah, sidebar, sidebar.

[B]

Genius.

[C]

I'm just like, I'm going to. I'm going to make it so hard. I'll start your train. No, I'm kidding. I won't, I won't.

[B]

I just will always take it too far. I love that.

[C]

I'm just kidding.

[A]

She don't got to worry, cuz I just keep getting fatter. I can't run anywhere.

[C]

It's fine.

[A]

You can barely.

[B]

But really, the issue I had was, like, the idea that they're getting drinks after every run. Just irritated. Why are you drinking? Like you're just canceling it out.

[A]

Yeah. And then socializing through running. Like, running is an activity. I'm like, I do by myself.

[B]

Just run.

[C]

Just run. Yeah.

[B]

I don't get it.

[C]

It's like a book club.

[B]

So many places for community.

[A]

Like,

[C]

these are transplant New Yorkers, by the way. The Run Club people. I'm like, none of you are from here.

[A]

Sports people.

[C]

This is how they meet friends.

[B]

And like, I'm. Yes.

[C]

And I'm like, not to yuck anyone's yum. I'm not from here. But like, I didn't get here. And like, how do I meet friends? Join a run. Like, go outside.

[A]

Yeah.

[C]

Go talk to somebody. Like, this is crazy.

[A]

Anybody had my hobbies before I made. I was like, already boxing. So you can't be like, what are you trying to do?

[C]

Yeah, you're not sus.

[A]

Already fat boxing.

[B]

Yeah.

[C]

You're fine. You're already writing a book with a man. It's fine.

[A]

Yeah, yeah, yeah. I write a book. Like, all my shit is safe. This is she. She never likes to acknowledge it. I know how she is. I know how she thinks. So when we moved from LA to here, I was like, we're living in Murray Hill. She's like, why are we living in Murray Hill? I was like, I got no bodies in Murray Hill. Like, we're not going to go out to the bodega and Run into some shorty that I did the thing with.

[B]

He kept saying this.

[C]

He kept saying this. But mind you, anytime we'd run into a guy and I would, like, give them a hug, he'd be like, who the fuck is that? And I was like, my literal friend of 15 years, like, what are we talking about? And he was like, we have to live in Murray Hill because I got bodies. I was like, what? What are we talking? Like, what are we saying?

[B]

Place where you live. Hilarious.

[C]

Hilarious. It was a year of my life. I'll never get that year back.

[A]

I had to live in. We did go out to dinner, like, our first month here, and we ran into someone. We both dated. So, like, I wasn't. Okay, come on.

[C]

Whatever we did, it was a guy. No. Yes. But I don't think that that's weird at all. Like, we're, like, married with a kid. It cancels out. You know what I mean? It just like that. Everything before cancels out.

[A]

Yeah, it's all good. I. I don't care.

[B]

I like that. Yeah.

[A]

I don'.

[C]

No, like, uncomfortable running into an ex,

[A]

but she's, like, from B. She likes to do a thing. I'm going to my mother's house and, like, takes the kid, like, we beef, and she's like, I'm going. I'm going to my mother's house.

[C]

I love it.

[B]

I love it.

[A]

I'm gonna smoke 75 cigarettes.

[C]

I am.

[B]

I do. Your voice is crazy, by the way.

[C]

I know.

[B]

The impression is I'm, like, sitting right

[C]

here, and I don't think that I've ever. I'm like, so, by the way, anyone?

[A]

Boston?

[B]

Yeah, there is a bit.

[C]

There is a bit. That is what happened. I wish we could insert it, but. No, I mean, yeah, we got so off course. But, like, I. I mean, I personally.

[B]

Well.

[C]

Well, the next album is inspired by Run Clubs.

[B]

Yeah. Actually, we're gonna pivot.

[C]

No, but. So when you're in the lab and, like, you're writing and you're with a producer, just because this is something that I've never. I've never, like, entered this world. And I know you through books, have it too, I guess. Like, do you go into that situation already having something in mind of, like, okay, I want this emotion, or I'm gonna, like, pull from this experience in my life, or does do things just come up randomly for you?

[B]

I think both. Honestly, like, I think obviously sometimes some things are so pressing in life that I'm like, I need to go get this out or, like, put this down. Like, I need to say this somehow, but I think a lot of times, too, it's honestly just, like, listening to music that I like. I'm inspired by things like that and just, like, seeing what comes up and also leaving space for, like, if the producer's making music and starting that way and, like, thinking about what that sound brings up for me or what I feel matches that. And then. Yeah, because I think for me, for a long time, it was, like, always writing first. And I think this is the first project where I just wanted to, like, experiment more and try to, like, stretch myself, because, like, poetry was definitely my, like, safe space in terms of writing. So I kind of just wanted to do it backwards this time around.

[C]

That's really fun.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

What are some of the inspirations? Like, musicians? Why? Yeah, Musically or even, like, from your English major.

[B]

Right. The books I was reading,

[A]

very inspired by Moby Dick.

[B]

Insane. Like, high school English class. Yeah. Really changed me.

[A]

Leaves of Grass was Fire.

[B]

Listen. I was obsessed with the Great Gatsby. That's what it was musically, a little bit all over the place. I think, like, just, like, women at the time that I was growing up was like. I think my, like, like, proudly Primary Love was Alicia Keys. I just thought she was the most talented woman on the universe and obviously New Yorker. So just like, could very much, like, see myself in her. So that was a really big one for me. And then just, like, the pop girls, like, Christina Mariah was huge. That was my first cd. Christina, Brittany, Shakira, like, all those women. And my mom was listening to that music at the time, too, so I feel like those are really big. And then Dominican music, too. Like, I feel like Aventura was always on, so that was huge. And then as I got a little bit older, like, more the, like, Lauryn Hill, Amy Winehouse, like, the songwriting, I feel like, is what I gravitated towards. So, yeah, there's a lot.

[A]

Did you go back to the Doctor a lot?

[B]

Yeah. So when I was born, my parents were still debating, like, where we would live, so we went back there for a little bit. And I lived in Santo Domingo for a while, like, before I started school. And then my little brother was being born and I was starting kindergarten, so we came here so that I would do school here. And then we'd go back, like, once a year because my grandparents are all still there.

[A]

Yeah. Besides, when my parents took me to see my grandfather when I was, like, three months old in Taiwan, the first international trip my family took was to Santo Domingo.

[B]

Oh, my God.

[A]

Yeah. There's mad Taiwanese people in the Doctor.

[B]

Oh, yeah. I learned that later in life, I feel like. But just in general, like, just, like, it's so funny even here in Queens. Like, I remember going to, like, maybe a Cuban restaurant.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

On, like, junction under the 7 train. And like, there was a Chinese guy at the front desk. And I was like. I went to, like. You know, my brain was still like. Like, English, Spanish, like.

[A]

Yeah, yeah.

[B]

And I was like, ah, English. And I started speaking, and he had a better Spanish accent than I did. I was like, oh, he's Dominican.

[A]

Yeah. No, that's the craziest is.

[B]

Huh?

[C]

Yeah.

[A]

When you go to the Doctor, you go to Jamaica and it's a Chinese face, but then they can speak patois or they can speak.

[B]

Oh, my God. Yeah.

[A]

What?

[B]

I was like, dad, what? And he was like, yeah, all the time. I was like, okay.

[A]

Yeah. One of my dad's best friends, he used to, like, do with in Taiwan, like, bounced out to Santo Domingo, so we'd go see him. So from a really young age, I was just around Dominican Chinese people, so it just seemed regular. Yeah, it seemed regular to me. The food is crazy. Like, Chino Latino food is crazy.

[B]

Yeah. Hits.

[A]

Yeah. It's wild, but, yeah.

[B]

I love Doctor.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

Best place ever.

[C]

We should take Sun.

[A]

Yeah. He would love it.

[C]

It'd be such a fun trip for him.

[A]

He would love.

[C]

Especially from here. Yeah.

[A]

Lachonin Fried Rice is just like, undefeated. Undefeated.

[B]

So specific.

[C]

I love it.

[A]

Yeah. All of those Chino Latino restaurants closed, though. That's kind of a bummer.

[C]

There's that one we went to in the Bronx. We took Sen to the Bronx Zoo, and then we hit this spot. I don't remember the name.

[A]

Yeah, Miro Spot. He sent us over there. But Miro way in the Chino Latino food, too.

[B]

Yeah. Yeah.

[A]

And they used to. All the Chino Latino spots was fired because they would have frozen drinks like Blue Hawaiians, pina coladas. I was like, this is. This is just like the ultimate mashup restaurant.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

But. So when's the album come out?

[B]

This summer.

[C]

Oh, amazing.

[B]

Yeah.

[C]

Do you have any shows coming up this summer? Anything?

[B]

Not yet, but I do want to play just, like, here mostly, honestly. And then hopefully some other major cities.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

You should do a party here. I mean, in New York. I know, but you should do, like, a release.

[B]

Oh, that'd be a lot of party in New York.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

Just because I feel like I haven't done that before and. Yeah.

[A]

What about New York artists Right. What are some of the New York local artists that, like, really influence you or you're just, like, a fan of now?

[B]

Wait, like, currently?

[A]

It could be current or, like, older influences.

[B]

New York musicians. Alicia was definitely the biggest one. Like, that was my. That was my president. I started telling people that was my mother. Honestly, I was just lying straight up. I mean, I feel like rappers, mostly.

[A]

I mean, you from Left Rack, you like cnn.

[B]

Yeah, yeah, yeah. Like, I feel like Mobb Deep and, like, Jay Z are the. The two big ones that I feel like mostly. But, yeah, I feel like musically off the top of my head. I'm trying to think, like, outside of. Of rap.

[A]

Yeah. Who we recently. Those are. That's Prodigies, lyrics from hnic.

[B]

Too Fire.

[A]

Yeah, you gotta. You gotta see it. It's pretty funny. He just clowns people for the jeans they wear. Like, it's just, like an entire page. I love that. It's framed. No, he was the best.

[B]

I also love that. I would never think that, like, if I'm sitting here eating, I'd be like, wow, what is this sacred document?

[A]

When you go look up close, you're like, oh, that's wild.

[B]

That's so sick.

[A]

Because when he got out of jail, he wanted to do the commissary cookbook book. So he came to Bow House and, like, all his recipes from the cookbook he tested at Bow House.

[B]

That's fire.

[A]

No way. I. I wrote the forward to that book.

[C]

Yeah, yeah, yeah.

[A]

You wrote the together.

[B]

He was like, my time.

[A]

No, that. That was. My man's crazy.

[B]

I'm honestly shocked you hadn't interjected yet. Like, up to your.

[A]

Give Anthony the mic. You know what? Give Anthony. Give Anthony the microphone. You know, he. He been wanting a microphone for a minute.

[C]

No, I don't believe it. I don't believe it.

[A]

You can't. You can't be shy.

[B]

Lies.

[A]

Now, one of the funniest shits, though, is I had Prodigy on an episode of, like, no Reservations that never aired. And I think partly was because we're there at Noodle Town eating. And I, like, throw it to him like, yo, so what? What's, like, the best Chinese dish you ever had? He was like, yo, man, the Mongolian beef at PF Chang's. And I was dead. I was like, that was the greatest answer ever. But, like, everyone El get that in

[C]

the freezer section of a gris.

[A]

Like, I really think always shoots the fair one. Always, always, always an. Anthony, you want this microphone? You got anything to say? No, I'm nervous. Now nervous. All right, all right, all right. Anthony. Anthony. Yeah.

[B]

I'm like, he'll hear his moment.

[A]

All right. How we feel about the Knicks, right? It's about to be game two versus Sixers.

[B]

Give me a prediction. I'm biased, but I feel great. I think we're going to the finals.

[A]

Like, I feel fantastic.

[B]

I'm. I think we're going to the finals.

[A]

I've been doing the reverse thing where like I just keep saying nice things, but I keep saying nice things about the players we're playing. Like, I hope Joel Embiid's knee is good. I really hope he feels good. And then he not playing tonight. So I was like, oh, really? Oh, I, I hope.

[B]

I thought you meant about our players. I was like, yeah, me too. I'm super.

[A]

I've been doing the reverse and also ex fiance's father gave me that jersey and I got it out my closet this year and I gave it to Ray and we have won every single game since. I gave that to Ray because you

[C]

got it out of our house.

[A]

I had to get it out the house. I had to get that shit out the house.

[C]

You single handedly been costing the Knicks a win for years this whole time. Which number Fiance?

[A]

One or two? It was the first one.

[C]

Okay, fair enough.

[A]

Body myself at home all times. Which one?

[C]

Which one? 3p.

[B]

You set yourself up for that one?

[A]

Yeah, I did.

[C]

I set up myself.

[A]

Yo, I did it. I got it out to crib and it's now in Ray's crib and the Knicks are winning and I just keep, I keep praying for Joel Embiid's knee and he keeps not playing. So I think it's working karmically.

[C]

I think that that's a good. Like, I see what you're doing. Yeah, I could see how that would work.

[A]

Yeah.

[C]

I'm like, I hope you're like, I hope everybody wins.

[A]

Okay. Yeah.

[C]

Like if, if we all win.

[B]

I hope he's okay too. Just like in the off season.

[A]

Yeah.

[C]

Like, yeah, I hope he's okay and he has the best offset.

[A]

I hope Paul George doesn't miss Dr. Comes quickly.

[C]

I'm not familiar.

[A]

I'm like way too deep in these players lives. Like I know everything.

[C]

You're in it.

[A]

Yeah. I wouldn't even know anybody talker if I was in the NBA because I know everything about these.

[C]

You should be doing like NBA commentary or something.

[A]

I would love to. You know, I would love to do NBA. I mean that would be the dream job. I feel like you two like Dream job. Nick's analyst.

[B]

Yeah, but I'm just. I'm so biased. Like, I just. I feel like I just go off vibes more than stats. But, yeah, it applies.

[A]

I feel like it's not. You know, one of the things that upsets me the most on the bias thing is that they let Reggie Miller on the Knicks telecast.

[B]

Like, when the Knicks play out of hand.

[A]

Reggie Miller should not be allowed to be on the telecast because he just prays for our downfall the entire game. And I'm like, it was one thing

[B]

while we were playing the Pacers. Then it was just like, all right, now you are just trolling.

[A]

He was cheering for us to lose.

[B]

This is not obsessed. Yeah, he's obsessed.

[C]

Okay.

[A]

Yeah. Reggie Miller. Oh, when you see this dude, you'll be like, him. Yeah. Top five ugliest person on the planet. Like, physically or physically, emotionally, spiritually, everything about this man ugly.

[C]

All right.

[A]

But no, I do think we go into the finals.

[B]

I agree.

[A]

I actually. Okay. Would you prefer.

[B]

Well, this primarily, yeah. But then the Knicks.

[A]

You prefer to play the spurs or the Thunder if we make the finals?

[B]

The Spurs.

[A]

Me too. Yeah, me too. I think we got answer for the Spurs.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

SGA is a problem.

[B]

Beat them in Vegas.

[A]

Yeah. Yeah. We got the. Yo. We got the. We want the fake trophy. We want the fake trophy.

[B]

I want that hanging at msg.

[A]

I love the fake chip. I. I do want the banner for the fake chip. Like. Like 20, 26. Yeah. Remember when we won the, like, Emirati's Cup? I was telling you, I came home. I came home from the bar one night ago. Babe, we just won the fake championships.

[B]

What the.

[C]

I truly was like, I don't even know. Okay. That counts for something though, right?

[B]

Yeah, it does.

[A]

Yeah, We. We lifted up a trophy, right?

[C]

For the first time.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

50 years.

[A]

53 years.

[C]

Is it 53. Really?

[A]

53 years.

[B]

That's really touched on his drama.

[A]

That's cr.

[C]

Years. 53 years. The entire time that you've been alive, the Knicks have not won anything the entire time.

[A]

No. She, like, counting fiance. At years. The Knicks haven't won championship.

[C]

No. Because now I'm doing, like, math today. I'm like, that's crazy. Like, you've never even. You're so passionate about a team you've never even seen win is so crazy.

[A]

Yes.

[C]

Okay. And I'm. I just. Is this the f. Furthest we've got? Last year was further.

[A]

No, last year was the furthest we'd been since the late 90s, since 1999.

[C]

And currently where we're at right now is not as far as we got last year.

[A]

But I will tell you this. We may not have won championships, but as a teenager, I was such a huge Knick fan because the Knicks did not lose fights. Like, when people in the NBA were fighting, we did not lose fights.

[C]

I know, but why are people fighting anymore? That was so sick.

[A]

This is like brand money.

[B]

I agree. It doesn't happen enough anymore.

[A]

Like, Yic third world Jokic, he will fight, but it's like post LeBron, D. Wade mellow. Those guys were all friends. Okay, so now it's like, best players, they wouldn't beef. Yeah. It was bad business.

[C]

I just remember. What's that video you showed me? Or the guy, like, he started, like, fighting fans.

[A]

Oh, Ron Artest, Queensbridge, straight up.

[C]

Got in the. Got in the bleachers and was like, yeah, I'll. Anybody up?

[A]

Yep.

[C]

Like, that's the guy. I would love to see. I would love to see, actually. I would love to see the Knicks win. And they just do that. They're just like. Instead of, like, lifting this, the trophy, they just go in the bleachers and start spocking people. Yeah, I would watch that.

[A]

I mean, we may run into Pistons.

[B]

More fights, like, everywhere. Baseball, too.

[A]

Yeah, More fights.

[B]

They start, like, fake fighting, and then, like, the pitchers come out from the other side of the. I get so annoyed. Like, do something.

[A]

We need actual fights so that people stop talking shit, you know, like, because there's no repercussions. Everyone is a keyboard warrior. There needs to be, like, actual repercussions.

[B]

I just think it's good for team morale.

[C]

Like, I take two weeks.

[A]

Yeah. Like, my life has improved. I've worked on myself because she keeps going to her mother's house. I'm like, there's repercussions. I need to stop doing these things. Yeah.

[C]

No more felonies. You know what I mean? Like, you can't.

[A]

I'm a model citizen now. I'm completely reformed. You did things the system could not.

[C]

I will head the prison.

[B]

Beautiful.

[C]

I can reform.

[A]

Shorty is the best PO of all time.

[B]

I love that.

[C]

I run his trick program.

[A]

You do think Ross quitting for any of his parolees?

[B]

I'm inspired.

[C]

He could call me. I'll tell him how to do it. I love it, you know?

[A]

All right, Nick. I want to see Nick. Spurs finals. That's what I want to see. And I do think Mitch is going to get the best. I think Mitch could, you know, limit Wemby in The way that we need him to. That's how I feel.

[B]

I mean, Wendy's insane, but yes. Yeah, it's possible.

[A]

I love. Wemby's my favorite player to watch right now. For sure. He's. He's just a cheat code. But Any. Any. Anything else you would like to. Any New York topics? Music? Where are you eating in the city these days?

[B]

Oof.

[A]

I know you like that restaurant in the West Village, the Italian. Yeah. You like Malatesta?

[B]

I do.

[A]

I didn't know about that restaurant, so you put me onto it. That one is fire.

[B]

I do really like it there. It's just good vibes. Also, like, everyone's really friendly, and the food's good, and, like, the outdoor seating is cute.

[A]

Have you been in Malatesa?

[C]

No.

[A]

We gotta go.

[B]

Yeah, let's go.

[A]

When we were trying to pick a location to film her Raya Places commercial, she suggested. I was like, oh, I've never seen this. And, like, the ratings are incredible. And I had mad friends into Italian food. They're like, no, that is like, a gem. Like, little neighborhood, West Village.

[C]

Yeah.

[A]

Girly restaurant. But you live in LA now.

[B]

I do.

[A]

How's that?

[B]

Fake. Live in la?

[A]

Yeah, we fake. Live in a fake city.

[B]

Don't get me started. Now, I really do spend more of my time here at this point, but. But, yes, I've been in LA for, like, five years.

[A]

Can you say what neighborhood you're in?

[B]

Like, West Hollywood.

[C]

Ish.

[A]

Okay, okay.

[B]

More like Hancock Park.

[A]

Oh, five. Five years you've been out there?

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

How. How do you feel about it?

[B]

I mean, to be fair, I got there when Covid started. Honestly, I moved fully by accident. I had, like, my first, like, label meetings, literally, in March of 2020. And I got there, and two days later, everything shut down. And they were like, we'll circle back all the same.

[C]

That happened to me too.

[B]

Yeah. They were like, we'll circle back in, like, a week or two. Just hold tight. And I was like, all right, I'll just hang out. And then it kept just getting pushed and pushed, and eventually everything just shifted to Zoom. And I ended up signing my first deal in August of 2020. So then I was just like, why go back? Also, I lived at home, like, still.

[A]

Oh, okay.

[B]

Right before that. That. So I was also, like, I could quarantine with my parents or I could stay here also. It was like, yeah, I feel like Covid was such a. Like, had such an impact on that because I was also like, outdoor space. Like, yeah, you can be outside While everyone's, like, stuck indoors. It was just like, yeah, LA was the COVID move.

[A]

That was the COVID move. Especially if the other option is New York with your parents.

[B]

But right. Yeah.

[A]

Now. Now that it's around you mom and dad.

[C]

Yeah. Yeah.

[A]

You think you're gonna come back to the city?

[B]

That's the plan. I, like, I just can't see, like, at this point in my life, I'm thinking about, like, you know, my future and, like, raising kids and all those things. I just. I can't see myself.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

Starting a family in la.

[A]

That's what it was for us once we had the kid. We were like, nah, we want, like, a New York kid.

[B]

Yeah, that's my thing. I'm like, I know how I grew up and, like, I just think it's such a wonderful way to grow up, and I just feel like it makes for such a smart baby.

[C]

Yes, I agree.

[A]

Yes.

[B]

Honestly?

[C]

Yeah.

[A]

This is definitely best city in the world to raise a kid. I swear to God.

[C]

I really agree. Like, people that are always like, how do you do it? Like, how is it so hard going from LA to New York? And I'm like, it's easier for me.

[B]

I agree.

[C]

We get to do everything and we walk everywhere and take the subway and, like, scoot around on, like, scooters. I'm like, this is so much easier than having to get your kid in a car seat and going, like, 40 minutes to a museum. I'm like, like, this is where to do it.

[A]

And even, like, people were like, yo, why'd you stop cooking? And all that? While I was living in LA predominantly, and I was like, I don't really want to own a restaurant in la. But as soon as we came back here, I was like, oh, I need a restaurant.

[B]

Yeah, I need a restaurant.

[A]

I need to see the homies. We need a place to hang and watch the game.

[B]

Like, Well, I think, like, the walking thing is just so big for me. Like, even in the sense that, like, I would just find myself in la, I'm just so much happier here at the this point. In the sense that, like, I would go to LA and do everything in my car, and then when I tried to, like, walk and be outside, I wouldn't, like, see other people. So it's like, it feels so isolating. Whereas, like, here, even if you're by yourself and walking around, it still feels like you're, like, a part of the city.

[C]

Yeah.

[A]

The headphones in and you still feel part of the city. There really is, like, a rhythm to the city.

[B]

No. 100%. You still have to, like, interact with everyone around you in some way as opposed to there. It's like. Like, you're really in just, like, a bubble.

[C]

No. You're scheduling your walk in la. You're like, yeah, I guess I can hike at this time or, like, walk around. It's not like you can walk everywhere. Like, some places feel.

[B]

No. Being here literally feels like drugs. Like, I'll walk 10 blocks and I'm like, oh, yeah, everything's okay again.

[C]

Yeah.

[A]

Here you just walk out to the park from your crib and you see all your homies. La. You're like, yo, we should meet in two weeks at this time on this canyon and walk for 45 minutes and then walk back to our car. Car.

[B]

And then drive.

[C]

Yeah. Then drive home and be, like, dumb,

[A]

sad and alone in your car.

[B]

Literally.

[C]

So bizarre. Yeah.

[A]

Well, we're excited for you to move back to the city at some point.

[B]

Appreciate it. Yeah, Yeah, I need to do that.

[C]

All right.

[A]

Come hang anytime. Thank you. Please. We love it.

[B]

Thank you, guys.

[A]

It's a lot of fun.