Loading summary
Shannon Sharp
You can count on T Mobile to help keep you connected from big cities to small towns on America's largest 5G network. Switch the T Mobile, keep your phone.
Amber Rose
And they'll pay it off up to.
Shannon Sharp
800 bucks per line via prepaid card.
Amber Rose
Learn more@t mobile.com heap and switch up.
Shannon Sharp
To four lines via virtual prepaid card. Allow 15 days qualifying unlock device credit.
Amber Rose
Service port in 90 plus days with device and eligible carrier and timely redemption.
Shannon Sharp
Acquired card has no cash access and expires in six months.
Julie Stewart-Banks
What's up everyone? Julie Swearbinks here along with former NHL player Nate Thompson.
Nate Thompson
We're doing a new podcast together. Here we go.
Julie Stewart-Banks
The name Energy Line with Nate and jsb.
Nate Thompson
Each week we'll get together and talk about hockey life. All topics are fair game, right?
Julie Stewart-Banks
Exactly. And you'll never know who will drop by to join us.
Nate Thompson
Julia is pretty well connected. She has text threads going that you wouldn't believe.
Julie Stewart-Banks
Listen to Energyline with Nate and jsb on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts.
Shannon Sharp
When you see Kanye and his wife and you see how she's dressing, is that she's dressing like that or Kanye dressing her like.
Amber Rose
Kanye's for sure dressing her like that. Yeah. He did the same thing to me and Kim. He wants other men to want to his woman. That's what he's into. He likes that. All my life been grinding all my life Sacrifice, hustle, paid the price, want a slice got the roll of D Nice that's why all my life I been grinding all my life all my life been grinding all my life Sacrifice.
Shannon Sharp
Hustle, page of price wanna slice got.
Amber Rose
The rolling dice that's why all my life I've been grinding all my life.
Shannon Sharp
Hello, welcome to another episode of Club Shay Shay. I am your host, Shannon Sharp. I'm also the proprietor of Club Shay Shay. And today we're at Spotlight la, stopping by for conversation and a drink. Today is a polarizing figure in the entertainment business for almost two decades. An unapologetic personality, a confident model, a bold businesswoman, a recognizable media figure, a multi talented activist, actress, influencer, TV host, author and a mother. Here she is, ladies and gentlemen, the one, the only, Ms. Amber Rose.
Amber Rose
Thank you. Thank you for that introduction.
Shannon Sharp
Thank you so much. Thank you for stopping by. I know you're a very busy young lady, young mother, and I want to say thank you again for stopping by.
Amber Rose
Thank you for having me.
Shannon Sharp
I would like to toast. I know you don't drink, but you told me say Shannon, I don't drink much, but I wanna try this.
Amber Rose
I do. So to all everyone rants and raves about this, by the way.
Shannon Sharp
To all you've done and all you'll continue to do.
Amber Rose
Thank you very much. Thank you so much. Ooh, ooh. Something special you got right there. God damn.
Shannon Sharp
You know, we take. I mean.
Amber Rose
I mean, listen, if I drink that, you gonna know all my business.
Shannon Sharp
Yeah. Okay. Well, Pour po. Again, thank you for stopping by.
Amber Rose
Of course. Of course.
Shannon Sharp
Born and raised in South Philly.
Amber Rose
Yes.
Shannon Sharp
Growing up in South Philly, what did Amber Rose want to be when she was a little girl?
Amber Rose
I wanted to be an epidemiologist.
Shannon Sharp
Okay.
Amber Rose
I. I had a. There was a guy in my neighborhood that was dying of AIDS in the 90s, and I didn't know what it was at the time. And I would talk to my mom and I. I know this might sound crazy, but watching his body deteriorate over a month or so, I became obsessed with HIV and aids. And I. I would be in my room and just think of being on the forefront of a cure like that. Those were my dreams and aspirations. And, like, just being in a lab and, you know, people celebrating when I found the cure, like, that's the stuff that I used to imagine when I would just be in my room and. Yeah. And I just. I was just obsessed with, like, infectious diseases, and I wanted to know everything about them. And still to this day, I mean, even when Covid came out, I was kind of excited. Cause I was like, what is this?
Shannon Sharp
You know, did you understand what AIDS was and how it came about?
Amber Rose
Not initially, no. But it was the fact that he was full of life. And then within two months, I mean, he was a young man and he had a cane.
Shannon Sharp
Right.
Amber Rose
And I asked my mom, like, is this, like, is it cancer? Like, what is it? And then she told me, and I was like, what is that? It happened so fast that I just became fascinated with it. And, you know, now in modern day, there's medicines and stuff like that, and people can live a long, healthy life with HIV. But, you know, back in the 90s, it wasn't like that.
Shannon Sharp
No.
Amber Rose
Yeah. So, yeah, I just became fascinated with it. That's how I was like, I want to be like Dr. Fauci.
Shannon Sharp
And, like, you know, what was your fondest memory of your childhood? If you can go back and think about when you're being raised in South Philly? I don't know, how many siblings, how many brothers and sisters do you have?
Amber Rose
So I'm the only Child from my mom. And then I'm 14 years older than my little brothers from my father's side.
Shannon Sharp
Okay, but obviously you had friends in the neighborhood. So what's your fondest memory of being in South Philly?
Amber Rose
I would say I miss. I miss being liked for who I am. I miss that because people gave me a chance back then, and they were like, oh, Amber's cool as shit. Let's go play double Dutch. Or, let's, you know, go to the park, or let's go hang out. And I just feel like nowadays it's just. It's just not that simple anymore. So I miss those times where life was simple. Or, like, going to the corner store, I got a dollar, I'm getting a scratch off. I'm hoping I'm gonna win $20 so I can eat, you know, like, get something good that day to eat. And the excitement of actually wanting things and being around genuine people, that's what I miss the most.
Shannon Sharp
You feel you get judged by the COVID now, huh?
Amber Rose
For sure. Like, my Persona and who I am as a person is completely different, right?
Shannon Sharp
Yeah, you're nothing like what people. When people see Amber Rose, you're nothing like that.
Amber Rose
I am the complete. I couldn't be more opposite. Yeah. I couldn't be more. I'm just a nerd. I like to learn. I like to be around people that can teach me things. And I think I just got pigeonholed into a Persona that made me money to support my family. You know how that goes.
Shannon Sharp
Obviously, you didn't have siblings, but when you did you have friends? Were you friendly? Were you, like. Were you tomboy? Were you girly girl? Did you have, like, amber's cool. Let's go play with her. Things like that. So what kind of, like, what did you do as a child?
Amber Rose
Yeah, I was definitely loved. I feel like I always had a good personality. I'm very easygoing. I'm a bit introverted. But I think, like, people think I come off as a bitch because I'm introverted, right? When, you know, I do, you know, like, I came in here and I said hi to everyone. I am that person. But I only give the energy that people give me. So if I walk into a room and that energy is not positive, I'm probably just gonna be quiet and just chill and not really say much. But I definitely was loved. I had a lot of friends, and I was a tomboy as well. I played softball.
Shannon Sharp
Okay.
Amber Rose
Yeah, I'm a softball girl. I would play wall ball with the boys, stickball. In the street with, like, the half a tennis ball, you know, just real east coast street games with the boys and stuff. But I was always feminine. But I would play with the boys.
Shannon Sharp
Right?
Amber Rose
Yeah.
Shannon Sharp
So what. So how was your mom? How was. Was she a disciplinarian? Did she let you kind of, like, do what you wanted to do? What was the relationship? What was the dynamic between you and your mom?
Amber Rose
Well, it's tough because, like, my mom's mom committed suicide when she was 10. And so my mom suffered severely from anxiety and depression most of my life. And so, no, she wasn't a disciplinary. I feel like I became her mom at a very young age, and I had to raise her and say, mom, everything's gonna be okay. It's okay to cry, or, how can I help you? Or, what can I do? So, yeah, it's almost like I became a mom at a young age.
Shannon Sharp
That's what I was about to ask. And I'm not trying to take a shot at your mom, but did you feel you had to raise yourself 100%?
Amber Rose
I did. And I would say for many, many years I resented my mom for that. But as I got older, I understood that being 10 years old and seeing your mom commit suicide is definitely not easy to live with, you know? And my mom suffered. She suffered for many years.
Shannon Sharp
You resent the fact that you didn't really get a chance to be a child. You didn't get a chance to do things that you saw a lot of the other kids your age get an opportunity to do, because you were being there. You were being there for your mom when normally moms are there for their kids, right?
Amber Rose
Yeah. So, like, even when I had trials and tribulations in my life, I felt like that I couldn't burden my mom with those things, and I had to just suck it up and be a g and just deal with it, because I already knew that she had a lot on her plate emotionally that I didn't want to add to that, and so I just would just internalize it or deal with it by myself.
Shannon Sharp
When you got to high school, were you a popular kid?
Amber Rose
Very.
Shannon Sharp
So you won, like, superlative. So most likely to succeed. Best body, wittiest, Best personality. So you wanted. So you were like. You were that it girl. You were that girl.
Amber Rose
I definitely was popular when I got to high school, for sure. My boyfriend was, like, the head of the basketball team. You know, it was that vibe. Yeah.
Shannon Sharp
So obviously, it's hard looking at you now, aesthetically, were girls jealous of you back then?
Amber Rose
I Mean, yes and no again. I had a lot of friends, but, like, the culture in Philly, it's like, I don't like your dress. I want to fight you.
Shannon Sharp
Damn.
Amber Rose
And then you gotta be like, fuck, I gotta fight this girl. You know? Or it would just be like, me, you, three o'clock, you up. And then in school, you'd be like, it's 12 o'clock. You just know you gotta fight this at three, you know? And it's like, you know, so like, I never started fights, but I always had a fight, like, for no reason at all.
Shannon Sharp
I mean, you a girly girl or were you Tomboy's girl?
Amber Rose
I was a girly girl, but I like sports.
Shannon Sharp
Okay.
Amber Rose
So I was around the boys a lot, and the girls would be like, you know, they would think like, their boyfriend or like, somebody that they liked, liked me. But mind you, I. I'm just like, I'm chilling. I'm not even thinking about boys and stuff in that way. I'm just having fun and playing sports and stuff.
Shannon Sharp
Why are you mad at me? Because he might have an interest in me. I ain't got no interest in him. Be mad at him.
Amber Rose
Exactly. Story of my life, Shannon. It ain't my fault, girl. Like, I'm not, you know, right?
Shannon Sharp
Who's scoring big in the NBA this season? You are. With all the new ways to get in on the action at DraftKings sportsbook and official sports betting partner of the NBA. From the Monster slams to dishing the rock to cleaning the glass. Get behind your favorite player and prop bets you can make on DraftKings, the home of the NBA player. Props. Ready to place your first bet? Try betting on something simple like picking how many points your favorite player will have. Go to DraftKings sportsbook app. Make your pick first time. Here's something special for you. New Draft King customers bet $5. Get $150 in bonus bets instantly. Take it to the right with DraftKings Sportsbook. Every point counts. Download the DraftKings Sportsbook app and use code Shannon. That's Code Shannon for new customers to get $150 in bonus bets. When you bet just five bucks only on DraftKings, the crown is yours. Gambling problem. Call 1-800-Gambler or in West Virginia, visit 1-800Gambler.net In New York, call 8778-Hope text hopeny467-369 In Connecticut, help is available for problem gambling. Call 888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org Please play responsibly on behalf of Boothill Casino and Resort in Kansas, 21 and over. Age varies by jurisdiction. Void in Ontario. 1. No sweat bet per new customer. Issued as one bonus bet based on amount of initial losing bet. Bonus bets expire 168 hours after issuance. See dkng.com promos for deposit, wagering and eligibility restrictions, terms and responsible gaming. Were your parents together? I mean, do you remember your parents being together and getting divorced, or were they divorced before? You remember anything about that?
Amber Rose
Yeah. So they. So my father had me when he was 19, and my mom was 23.
Shannon Sharp
Okay.
Amber Rose
But my dad, just a poor white boy in Philly, grew up in foster care. His mom didn't really love him. He never knew his dad.
Shannon Sharp
Oh.
Amber Rose
And so when my mom got pregnant, he was like, I mean, the only option I have is to join the military. So he joined the military at 19, and they shipped my dad off. So most of my life, my dad was gone serving our country. But it wasn't an ideal situation because I was mostly with my mom, taking care of her, like, mentally and emotionally. I was younger.
Shannon Sharp
How much do you know about your dad? Because you said, like, 19, your mom got pregnant, he goes to the military to help support you.
Amber Rose
Yes.
Shannon Sharp
So were you familiar with your dad? What type of relationship did you have with your father?
Amber Rose
Yeah, I mean, you gotta think I'm 41 years old, right? So this is the 90s.
Shannon Sharp
Yes.
Amber Rose
So you can't just get on FaceTime? When my dad's in Iraq, yes. You know, you gotta wait for a letter, wait till he can get to a phone to call me, and hopefully I'm home. With the time difference, I might be at school. I might miss the phone call or whatever. It wasn't that easy to stay in touch with him. But my dad loved me. He always loved me. It's just the circumstances were up, but me and my father are closer than ever now.
Shannon Sharp
Really?
Amber Rose
Yeah.
Shannon Sharp
Did your mom ever say anything negative about your dad? That he left and went to the military? That he wasn't there to help her with you, or. Did you understand the situation?
Amber Rose
My mom spoke very negatively about my dad. Yeah, she did. Sorry, Mom. This is my story. I gotta tell my story. And I love my mom. And again, now that I'm older, I do understand a lot more. Yeah. My mom would be like, that motherfucker, don't come around. He da da, da, da this and that. And now that I'm older, my dad's like, yo, I can't just leave Panama. I'm fighting with Noriega. I can't just get up and come, you know, it was a different time. And so now I do understand that dynamic. And I feel like maybe my mom didn't understand that back in the day, you know, and maybe she understands it now. I haven't had a conversation with her about that. But for me, Shannon, I like to just move forward and just not look back, let shit go. I don't want to dwell on all that stuff. You know, I've had resentment towards my dad initially. Then I had resentment towards my mom later. And I just feel. I just been in survival mode my whole life and I'm tired. I really am tired because I become famous and I'm still in survival mode.
Shannon Sharp
Really?
Amber Rose
You know, so, yes, all the time, every day. I just. I mean, I just wish someday I could just. I don't know.
Shannon Sharp
You seem tired.
Amber Rose
Take a break. Yeah.
Shannon Sharp
You've been fighting. You feel you've been fighting your entire life and you just want. I don't want to fight anymore. I had to fight girls when I was growing up. I had to take care of my mom. I had to fight, fight, fight, fight. Just one day. I just want to. I just want to relax. Just want to decompress.
Amber Rose
Yeah, well, imagine you're young. Excuse me? You're the only child. My stepfather was an alcoholic. So he would, you know, he would go on binges for weeks at a time, come back and I would get. You know, I grew up in a one bedroom apartment with my mom, one bathroom. You know, we were poor, right? And I would get up in the middle of the night to use the bathroom and he would just be drunk on the toilet, passed out, just like that. And it's like I gotta do what I gotta do to get outta here, you know? And I started very young thinking, like taking the train up to New York, trying to make connections, trying to get signed to modeling agencies, just trying to do everything I can to make enough money to get out.
Shannon Sharp
So is this where the exotic dancing came in at?
Amber Rose
Yeah, absolutely.
Shannon Sharp
So where had. I mean, I think you started at 15.
Amber Rose
Well, I. Yes, that was the first time I danced. I was 15 years old. And granted, my parents did not know.
Shannon Sharp
Of course not. How did you pull that off? Because don't they normally ID or. I mean, you just look very mature for your age.
Amber Rose
Well, I just went to the check, cash in place and just got a fake ID. Like it was just like they giving out fake IDs. Okay, I'm on my way. It was like, you Know, But I'll be honest. I used to, like. I used to, like, weigh crack rocks for this drug dealer. I'm not going to mention his name, but I used to weigh the crack and I used to put him in bags and. And I used to. He used to throw me money. But then I went to him. I'm like, I have to make more money because me and my mom became homeless because my stepfather was a construction worker, but also an alcoholic. So he would.
Shannon Sharp
You can't miss too many Mondays or they gonna let you go.
Amber Rose
Yeah, so he would do, like. He would do estimates all around these neighborhoods, and then he wouldn't finish the job.
Shannon Sharp
Oh, my goodness.
Amber Rose
You know, so then he would take the money and go get drunk or whatever. And we got evicted when I was like, 15 years old and I had nowhere to go. So I started staying at my friend's house, but then her mom was like, you need to put up some money for food. And I'm like, I don't have no money.
Shannon Sharp
Right.
Amber Rose
I'm 15 years old. I don't have no money.
Shannon Sharp
Damn.
Amber Rose
So I would, like. Sometimes I would get like, 50 Cent or like a quarter or something. I can go get a chicken wing for a corner. At the corner Chinese store. I can get a chicken wing or something. Maybe some fried rice if I had like A$50 or something. But, yeah, so we got evicted. And then Shannon. I tried to sell crack, bro. I tried. I did it for like two hours. And I was so scared dealing with these people.
Shannon Sharp
Yeah, I can imagine.
Amber Rose
And I was like, yo, I cannot do. I can't. I want them. Like, in my mind, I'm like, you see the money? I'm in survival mode. I'm trying to get the out. I'm trying to figure my life out. And I'm young and I don't have no family. Right. So, you know, then I ran into some girls, and they were like, you're pretty. You can come make money over here. And it just was not my personality at all. And I just. I felt like, what else am I going to do? I can't go work at McDonald's. But it's not enough money.
Julie Stewart-Banks
It's Julie Stewart Banks. I'm doing a new podcast from iHeart Podcasts and the National Hockey League, and I'm paired up with one of my favorite players, the always quotable Nate Thompson.
Nate Thompson
I wore nine NHL sweaters, and I have story after story to share. And believe it or not, I have plenty to say. And not just about hockey.
Julie Stewart-Banks
Believe me, he does energy Line with Nate and JSC B is the name of the podcast, and it's going to be. Well, it's going to be quite the ride. We're officially linemates, Nate. We're the Energy Line.
Nate Thompson
We'll have plenty of folks join us, current players, some of my former teammates, hall of Famers, and wait to see some of the connections that Julie has. She has quite the Rolodex.
Julie Stewart-Banks
Okay. We'll lean into Nate's playing experience and tap into our interests away from hockey and try to do what energy lines are supposed to to do, provide an emotional boost. How do you feel about all that, Nate?
Nate Thompson
I'm vibing, Julie. I'm ready to roll.
Julie Stewart-Banks
Listen to Energy Line with Nate and JSB on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.
Shannon Sharp
So let me ask you this. I had Cash Doll on, and she said when she first. I think she was in her teens also when she first started. What is the mindset that you have to get in to go do that? Cause she said, hey, I had to take a couple shots, get my mind right to know that all of a sudden I'm gonna have to take my clothes off in front of strange men. Taking your clothes off in front of your man is one thing. Taking your clothes off in a building, everybody watching is something entirely different. So what was the mindset that Amber Rhodes had to get in and say, you're 15, 16 at this time?
Amber Rose
Yeah.
Shannon Sharp
What was the mindset that you had to go to that says, I can do this?
Amber Rose
I didn't even think about it, Shannon. I just knew that I had to make money to eat, get my mom an apartment, and figure out I never drank, I never did a drug in my life. To this day, I've never tried coke. Molly. People will be like, how did you marry Wiz Khalifa? And you never smoke weed? I don't smoke weed. I just was laser focused on making money. And I don't know where Cash Doll worked, but where I worked, it was only topless.
Shannon Sharp
Oh, okay. Okay.
Amber Rose
So it wasn't. I've never danced nude.
Shannon Sharp
Oh, okay, so you kept the bottoms on?
Amber Rose
Yes.
Shannon Sharp
Okay.
Amber Rose
I always kept the bottoms on. So it was just topless. I was like, I mean, once you see a pair of titties, you've seen them all.
Shannon Sharp
Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah.
Amber Rose
I don't know if you just.
Shannon Sharp
Yeah, I was thinking you up in that thing. Butt ball.
Amber Rose
No, no, no, no, Never. I've never danced nude ever. No, never. So, yeah, so it's like, once you get into the dressing room with the girls and everyone has their style.
Shannon Sharp
Everybody walking around with.
Amber Rose
Yeah, you're just. You become desensitized. You're like. It's really not a big deal. It's not like a huge reveal where the guys are like, oh, my God. It's, you know.
Shannon Sharp
So did you make a lot of money? You make good money. I mean, so your first night working, you go in there, you're like, okay, I gotta do this. There is no other option. I don't have any family I can lean on. My mom really needs me to come through. You're 15, 16 years of age. How much money did you make the first night? And were you hooked from that point on?
Amber Rose
$33. I'll never forget.
Shannon Sharp
33.
Amber Rose
Yeah.
Shannon Sharp
You might have came out better going to McDonald's.
Amber Rose
I know, I know, I know.
Shannon Sharp
$33.
Amber Rose
$33. Yes.
Shannon Sharp
Well, how much was the dance? A dollar. Tug a buck.
Amber Rose
I didn't do no dances. I was too scared. So what? So I was too scared, Shannon. I just was not that girl. I felt like I had to be there.
Shannon Sharp
Right.
Amber Rose
And I went on stage, and this was one of those. It was more of a gentleman's club than like a Make it Rain club.
Shannon Sharp
Yeah, yeah.
Amber Rose
So the guys was, like, giving me little ones.
Shannon Sharp
Tuck of the buck. Yeah, tuck a buck.
Amber Rose
I made $33.
Shannon Sharp
33?
Amber Rose
Yes. I'll never forget the number. Cause I was like, oh, at least I get to eat tonight.
Shannon Sharp
Yeah, okay. You're like, okay, you make $33. Now, that's not a big incentive, Amber, to come back the next night. I'm just saying I can see if you made 500 or you made $250,000. Absolutely. I'm coming back. $33. But somehow you're like, I gotta go back.
Amber Rose
Yes. I even got junks and everything at the club for $33. Not that night.
Shannon Sharp
Okay.
Amber Rose
But I got you.
Shannon Sharp
So they took your money?
Amber Rose
Hell, no, they didn't take my money.
Shannon Sharp
Okay.
Amber Rose
No, they didn't take my money, but.
Shannon Sharp
So why would you get jumped? Cause you were you the prettiest girl in the club.
Amber Rose
I got jumped because there was stages, right. And you know when you get called to stage, then you gotta go to the next stage and a new girl comes up and it's like a rotation.
Shannon Sharp
Yes.
Amber Rose
So I. This girl went up before me, and she was doing all these tricks and splits and stuff like that. And I was never that dancer. I was always very sensual and sexy. That's the type of dancer I was. So she got up, and I think they were like Africans, if I remember correctly. And they just had stacks and stacks and stacks of money. At this one stage, Shannon, they didn't give her a dollar. They didn't give this girl a dollar. So it was my turn to get on stage, and it was a tsunami as soon as I stepped foot on that stage. It was crazy. And she got mad at me.
Shannon Sharp
What?
Amber Rose
And she. So she. So she was bullying me. And then we go into the dressing room, and she's like, want to think they better they cute? Just. I was like, girl, you're obviously talking about me. Like, just say it to me, right? I was in the Bronx. I was at Sue's Rendezvous at the time, and one of her friends was like, don't talk to her like that. And I'm like, oh, these are about to jump me. Right? You know? And then I said, bitch, you know, you shut the up. Because I felt like if I don't, you know, I'm from Philly. If I don't do this, I can't come back and make money.
Shannon Sharp
Right.
Amber Rose
I can't let these bully me.
Shannon Sharp
Right.
Amber Rose
You know? And then, yeah, they wind up jumping me. But the girl that started everything didn't even jump in. We didn't even fight. It was her friends that jumped me.
Shannon Sharp
What was your stage name?
Amber Rose
Paris.
Shannon Sharp
Coming to the stage all the way from Philly. Let's give it up for Paris.
Amber Rose
You know, I was Paris before Paris Hilton came out. I'm just gonna say that. Yeah. Cause I was like, I'm gonna be Paris.
Shannon Sharp
So how long were you an exotic dancer?
Amber Rose
Um, so. Oh, God, probably five, seven years.
Shannon Sharp
Five years. So you had to be making some good money after a while.
Amber Rose
I was. Yeah. I was.
Shannon Sharp
You was the girl that they came back? They requested, Man. Where's Paris? I'm looking for Paris.
Amber Rose
Exactly.
Shannon Sharp
So were you, like, how many nights a week would you work? Two nights a week? Three nights a week? Five nights a week?
Amber Rose
Oh, I would work all the time. Sometimes I'd do doubles, Sometimes I'd do day shift.
Shannon Sharp
Really?
Amber Rose
Yeah.
Shannon Sharp
I mean, normally, the girls at the day shift, they don't be like that.
Amber Rose
Exactly why I would make money.
Shannon Sharp
Oh, so you also. You the baddest brick in the pile?
Amber Rose
Well, yeah. Cause, you know, like, the businessmen will come on their lunch break.
Shannon Sharp
Yeah.
Amber Rose
And, yeah, I would make money. Mm.
Shannon Sharp
You get an apartment. You're doing well.
Amber Rose
Yeah.
Shannon Sharp
Did you know, like, I'm just doing this temporarily. This is not gonna. I'm not going to make this A career. So what was your thought process? So what was your. Did you have an exit plan?
Amber Rose
I did. So I moved to New York. Well, so when I. I was going up to New York, and I was trying to get signed to a modeling agency, and what's crazy is that Channing Tatum, before he was famous, okay, so we both weren't famous, but he was, like, dating some girl that I knew, and we all became friends or whatever. And he was an exotic dancer, right? So I was like, chan, can you get me some appointments up in New York? I'm tall. I'm slim. At the time, I done had kids. Now. I done filled out a little bit. So I'm like, can you give me some appointments at modeling agencies? And he was like, of course. So I would go up there, and I had hair at the time, and they were like, no, no, no, girl. You're never gonna be a model. It's never gonna happen for you. And make a very long story short, I went back to Philly, and I was like, you know, okay, I'm a pretty girl, but all the girls are pretty that are going up there. They're all beautiful girls. How can I stand out? And I went to the barbershop, and I said, just go down the middle. I don't care. Just shave this off.
Shannon Sharp
Really?
Amber Rose
Yes.
Shannon Sharp
You cut all the. I'm assuming because you're biracial, your father's white, your mom is black, correct?
Amber Rose
Yes.
Shannon Sharp
So I'm assuming.
Amber Rose
And I. I have a lot of hair.
Shannon Sharp
Forgive me for being presumptuous. Those gorgeous locks. You just shaved them.
Amber Rose
Shaved it off. Shaved it off. And I said, you know what? I don't. Cause I used to put my hair in a ponytail, a low ponytail, and look from the side. And I was like, it kind of looks like I have a nice shaped head.
Shannon Sharp
You know, you definitely have a. You definitely have the head that you can pull it off.
Amber Rose
Thank you. So, you know, I took a gamble, and I won. And I got signed to Ford Models out of New York, but I wasn't a famous model. I was just. I just got signed. So I still wasn't, like, this famous model. I still had to work, started making money. I was sending money back to Philly for my mom, and I just tried everything. And then. Oh, and then this lady comes in to Sue's Rendezvous, and she's like, you should do music videos.
Shannon Sharp
Damn.
Amber Rose
And I was like, I'm a real model. I'm not doing music. Just my ego. I'm talking.
Shannon Sharp
Okay?
Amber Rose
And she was like, no, it's all expenses paid. And you get paid like $1,000 and you get like a per diem to eat and, you know, get hotel and everything. So I was like, it, I'll do it. And then my first video was Young Jeezy I put on for my city.
Shannon Sharp
Wow.
Amber Rose
Yeah. But I had hair. Cause I would like wear hair to the strip club. Cause when I modeled, I was bald headed.
Shannon Sharp
Oh, okay. So at what age did you cut your hair?
Amber Rose
18.
Shannon Sharp
18. And so this is kind of the look that you've had since you were 18?
Amber Rose
22 years.
Shannon Sharp
Since you. 22 years, yeah. You don't miss it?
Amber Rose
I do.
Shannon Sharp
You gonna let it grow back? You're not?
Amber Rose
Probably not. Probably not. I don't. You know, it's just like it's your look now.
Shannon Sharp
I mean, it's kind of like you see Amber Rose, you expect to see the low haircut. I don't wanna say bald hair, but you expect to see this look.
Amber Rose
Yeah, yeah, for sure, for sure. I throw a wig on every day. But you know what? It's like, I almost look worse with like, wigs. It's so weird.
Shannon Sharp
People recognize you with a wig.
Amber Rose
They do. They be like, girl, if you don't take that wig off.
Shannon Sharp
Okay. The lady comes in.
Amber Rose
Yes.
Shannon Sharp
And she says, you know what? You ought to do music videos. You're like, I'm a real model. But anyway, you give it a try. You do it for $1,000. And then.
Amber Rose
Yes. So I do that. And then she calls me back for another Young Jeezy video vacation. But again, at the strip club, I'm wearing a wig. So then she calls me back for a Ludacris and Chris Brown video. I know what them girls like. And I said, well, her name is Margo. Shout out to Margo. I said, margo, you know, I got like this buzz cut underneath this wig I've been wearing. Do you think, like, maybe the next video I do, like, I could rock my short haircut? And she was like, video girls don't have short haircuts, Amber. Like, it's just not a thing, right? And I said, well, can I just send a picture maybe. Maybe they might try it, you know? So she sent it to Chris Robinson, the video director, and he's like, yo, fly her out. And I became one of the main girls in that video. It was my first time in la, so I was really excited. And that video is really what changed my life.
Shannon Sharp
Wow.
Amber Rose
Yeah.
Shannon Sharp
I read you once got paid $100,000 for a music video. Is that true?
Amber Rose
No.
Shannon Sharp
What's the most you ever made in a music video?
Amber Rose
25,000.
Shannon Sharp
Is that normal or was that excessive?
Amber Rose
Well, I was already famous. I think Future gave me 25,000 for mask off. I think he gave me 25,000. Yeah. And then I think I did Fabulous. His music video, you be killing him. I think he gave me like 15,000. But really at that time, I just thought it was cool. Like they were like my homies and shit. I'm like, y'all come through and do a video, it's not a problem.
Shannon Sharp
Cause you did music videos with Future. Nicki Minaj, Young Jeezy, Fab, Luda Breezy, Kanye Wiz and Mary Mary. Two of these guys, you end up. We gonna talk about that in a minute. What's your best experience in the music video? So just meeting the guys and like, damn. They really that cool?
Amber Rose
Yeah. I was very surprised with Future because he comes off very toxic. But like we have a scene where we're like in the car, like driving together and he's just a really nice, well spoken guy. Like, I could see why girls date Future.
Shannon Sharp
Okay.
Amber Rose
Cause I'll like see it online and they'll be like, girl, you dating Future? You know how Future. But when I did the video with him, I was like, he's actually really nice. And you know my friend Chyna dated him, right? But yeah, he's just a well spoken, very professional, nice guy.
Shannon Sharp
What's the worst part of doing music videos?
Amber Rose
I'm saying it. When I come on set, I'm very professional, okay? I'm not drinking, I'm not doing nothing crazy. I'm waiting for my turn, I'm waiting to get called. Okay? That's just how I move. So I've always had a pleasant experience.
Shannon Sharp
So what? Is there anything that people if their perception of music videos, that's not reality. What does the public don't get about music videos?
Amber Rose
I think it depends on the artist. I'll be honest with you. Because again, Chris Brown, Young Jeezy, Future, Fabulous, they were all very professional with everybody that was there. So I didn't have a bad experience. I can't speak for other artists, you know, I don't know what they do on set, but these guys were always great.
Shannon Sharp
I read. I don't know if it's true or not that Nicki Minaj helped you get your following up by shouting you out. That you gained like a ton of followers.
Amber Rose
Yes, yes. I called her and I said, girl, I need to. I just signed up for Twitter. Can you give Me a shout out and she was like, hell, yeah. And then she did it. I was just at Nikki's house the other day.
Shannon Sharp
Wow.
Amber Rose
Yeah. We're still good friends, you know.
Shannon Sharp
So you got a cool relationship with her.
Amber Rose
Yes. Yeah.
Shannon Sharp
Video vixens. That's the term that some of you young ladies get. You look at Melissa Ford and Karen Stephens and Buffy the Body, Gloria Velez, Blac Chyna, Eric Manana. Is that an enduring term or you like. Nah, we end up. We just.
Amber Rose
Well, that's a part of my resume.
Shannon Sharp
Okay.
Amber Rose
I'm not a video vixen now, but I was, right. I was. Yeah. And it was a fun time.
Shannon Sharp
Really?
Amber Rose
Yeah. Hell, yeah, it was fun.
Shannon Sharp
Did you work with any of these ones that I mentioned?
Amber Rose
I did not. I haven't had the pleasure, no.
Shannon Sharp
Wow. Would you do.
Amber Rose
They're a little before my time.
Shannon Sharp
Okay. Okay.
Amber Rose
Yeah. I came after those girls.
Shannon Sharp
Oh, okay. Okay. My bad.
Amber Rose
Ain't that old. No, I'm just playing no shade to the girls. Oh, my God. I didn't mean it like that. I'm just saying they're a generous. They're like, with Cisco and like, I was still young with, like, Drew Hill and Cisco and stuff like that.
Shannon Sharp
I read that John Legend said that as I sat down with John Legend, as a matter of fact, in this very building here, and he was talking about that he had a shot of video. That's how he ended up meeting his wife, Christy Teigen. Obviously, you went on a couple of video shoots and you ended up meeting your future partners. Is that when you go on a shoot, you're like, I'm keeping it professional.
Amber Rose
Yes.
Shannon Sharp
Or at least you try to. Is that the goal of some women, like, go on these sets and maybe try to get with the guy? That's.
Amber Rose
I'm sure women do that. I'm sure plenty of women do that.
Shannon Sharp
Right?
Amber Rose
That's. Personally not me, but it's crazy. Cause you're referring to Kanye when I did his video.
Shannon Sharp
Yes.
Amber Rose
Okay. Well, he flew me out to do robocop video. Cause he was like, you look like a robot. I think this would be cool, right? And I said, absolutely, you're Kanye West. Of course I'll come out, shoot the video. It would be an honor. And I come out and shoot the. I'm sorry. I go to la and we're, like, hanging out that night. I meet him and he's on another video set. And I'm like, okay, so what time should I be ready tomorrow morning? Is the car gonna. You know. So I'm so used to, like, these.
Shannon Sharp
You keeping it professional.
Amber Rose
These are the other videos I've done before that. And he's like, nah, nah, just chill. We're gonna figure it out. I'll just. You know. So I'm like, okay. So then a day goes by, then another day goes by. We're going out to dinners.
Shannon Sharp
Uh oh.
Amber Rose
We're going like, you know.
Shannon Sharp
You doing everything but shooting the video.
Amber Rose
Yes, I'll be doing everything but shooting the video. So I'm like, Kanye, you know? Like, I only brought, like, one outfit because that's what I was used to. You fly in, you do the video, you have an outfit to get back on the airplane and go home, right? He's like, you don't need no outfit. Don't even worry about it. I got you. So I'm like, okay. So then he's. So then we go out to dinner, and this is like the fourth, fifth day I'm there. And he's like, hey, do you wanna. I know this is crazy, but do you wanna come to the Grammys with me? And I was like, oh, my God, yes. I was gonna. Grammys. You know, it sounds funny. So we went to the Grammys. And then, you know me, I'm just. I'm so young, Shannon. I'm like, are we still doing this video?
Shannon Sharp
Yeah.
Amber Rose
But I did not realize I got flown out.
Shannon Sharp
Oh, I did not know that. Oh, hell, I'm sitting here, you telling a story. I didn't realize you got flown out.
Amber Rose
Yes. I was so green. I didn't realize that. He really flew me out, right. Because he saw me in the video, right? And for, you know, I was hot. And then he flew me out, but I didn't know.
Shannon Sharp
Were you at the video when he jumped on the stage with Taylor?
Amber Rose
Yes, I was sitting next to you.
Shannon Sharp
You caused that.
Amber Rose
I did not. I did not cause that.
Shannon Sharp
But let me ask you a question. Okay? Day one go by, you ain't shooting no video. Day two, go by, you like, bro, I understand we going to dinner and things, but, bro, I need to make money. Did you ever did that? Thought they're like, hold on, I'm out here. And that's fine. I'm going to these nice restaurants, but I ain't put no money in my pocket.
Amber Rose
Well, you have to think, Shannon, like, it's still Kanye West.
Shannon Sharp
Yes.
Amber Rose
And he's very nice to me, and he's not being fresh with me or nothing. He's being very respectful and nice.
Shannon Sharp
See, that's that 90s talk. Fresh.
Amber Rose
Yeah. So, like, he. You know, he was. He was very charming, right? So I was having a good time, but once I realized, you know. So anyway, we go to the Grammys. I called my mom. I said, mom, Kanye invited me to the Grammys. Like, I just. I'm flabbergasted. I don't know. Like, she's like, baby, just go. Have a good time. Blah, blah, blah. So little did I know, the same day I called my mom was the same day my aunt died, was my favorite person in the whole world. It's my mom's sister, right? And she died of an overdose.
Shannon Sharp
Okay.
Amber Rose
But so I call Kanye. Cause I'm at the hotel, and I guess he's at home. And I'm like, I'm sorry, I have to leave. I have to go back to Philly. My aunt died. And he was like, I'll go with you. I'll come with you. I don't care.
Shannon Sharp
Whoa.
Amber Rose
And I was like. I'm like, kanye, you can't come with me because the funeral's gonna be all about you being there. Let me just go handle my stuff. I'll just call you. And he's like, okay, okay. So I go. And I go to my aunt's funeral, and he's checking on me every hour. Shannon.
Shannon Sharp
Damn. Answer.
Amber Rose
Every hour, he's checking on me. And mind you, we didn't have sex, we didn't kiss, we didn't hug, we didn't do nothing. Like, I flew out to do a music video, and he's taking me out to dinner, but that was about it. So, long story short, the. The funeral's over. A couple days go by, he calls me and he's just like, I know this is crazy, but, like, you should just come out here and just be with me. Just move to LA and just come and be with me. Like, I'd been thinking about you every day.
Shannon Sharp
Wow.
Amber Rose
And I just think we should try it. And I'm like, well, I gotta go back to the Bronx and get all my stuff out of my apartment. He's all that stuff. I'll get you all brand new stuff. You don't need nothing. So I left all my stuff in the Bronx. I left everything I had, and he got me everything brand new.
Shannon Sharp
Somebody got some good stuff up in the Bronx, huh?
Amber Rose
Yeah, they got some Cool. That ain't as cool as what Kanye bought me, but it's cool.
Shannon Sharp
That's how they do it, huh?
Amber Rose
Yeah. Shannon, I did not know. I just did not know. So when people are like, oh, Kanye found her. At the strip club. He didn't even know I was a dancer until I went back to LA to be with him. And I was like, by the way, I was dancing. And he was like, I don't give a about that. Like, I just want to be with you.
Julie Stewart-Banks
It's Julie Stewart Banks. I'm doing a new podcast from iHeart Podcasts and the National Hockey League, and I'm paired up with one of my favorite players, the always quotable Nate Thompson.
Nate Thompson
I wore nine NHL sweaters, and I have story after story to share. And believe it or not, I have plenty to say. And not just about hockey.
Julie Stewart-Banks
Believe me, he does Energy Line with Nate and JSB is the name of the podcast and it's going to be. Well, it's going to be quite the ride. We're officially linemates, Nate. We're the Energy Line.
Nate Thompson
We'll have plenty of folks join us. Current players, some of my former teammates, hall of Famers, and wait till you see some of the connections that Julie has. She has quite the Rolodex.
Julie Stewart-Banks
Okay. We'll lean into Nate's playing experience and tap into our interests away from hockey and try to do it. Energy lines are supposed to do, provide an emotional boost. How do you feel about all that, Nate?
Nate Thompson
I'm vibing, Julie. I'm ready to roll.
Julie Stewart-Banks
Listen to Energy Line with Nate and jsb on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.
Amber Rose
So he was very charming. That's why I. I fell in love with Kanye, because he was really amazing at the time.
Shannon Sharp
Wow.
Amber Rose
Yeah.
Shannon Sharp
So Kanye. So first dates. Give me a kind of like a timeline, like a first date, how it should line up? Okay, I see some. You see somebody. Because studies say now nobody ask anybody on a date in person. Basically, it's dm.
Amber Rose
So annoying.
Shannon Sharp
It's, you know, it's third party. Hey, my homeboy or my homegirl saw you. They wanna know, can they get you, you know, give me your ig. Don't nobody pass out no numbers anymore. Hey, you can hit me on ig, things like that. So if someone were to ask, and I don't wanna be disrespectful, so if you're in a relationship, I apologize.
Amber Rose
I'm not. I'm very much single.
Shannon Sharp
Okay.
Amber Rose
Smiling my DMs.
Shannon Sharp
So what's the best way to go about asking Amber Rose out on a date?
Amber Rose
Just ask me. I might actually say yes because no one talks to me ever.
Shannon Sharp
Really?
Amber Rose
And that's the thing, you know, people be like, you know, how did Nick Cannon get Mariah? And it's like, he got Mariah. Cause he actually asked her. Yeah. And he wasn't intimidated because she was Mariah Carey.
Shannon Sharp
Okay.
Amber Rose
You know, and you gotta think somebody like a Mariah, or even me. I know I'm not Mariah. I don't wanna say.
Shannon Sharp
Yeah.
Amber Rose
You might say yeah, but they just are so. They're scared of the rejection that so many months go by where no one tries to talk to us, and then.
Shannon Sharp
We'Re just, what's wrong with me?
Amber Rose
Just.
Shannon Sharp
Nah.
Amber Rose
I never. You like, I never think, what's wrong with me. I feel like, what's wrong with y'all?
Shannon Sharp
So you like a confident man. You like a man to walk up on you say, excuse me, can I take you to lunch?
Amber Rose
Can I take you to dinner? You better stop. You know I like to climb trees.
Shannon Sharp
Lord have mercy. You about to get me in trouble. But you like a man with confidence that's not put off, because there's not. I feel comfortable in saying this. I don't think there are very many people that's gonna walk up on you and not know who you are. But a lot of times people get intimidated by the men that you've dated. She dated Kanye, she dated Wiz, she dated Sam. And so they, like, automatically.
Amber Rose
Yeah.
Shannon Sharp
So let me ask you a question. You cool with a dude that's not on that level?
Amber Rose
As far as what, like, either famous or financial?
Shannon Sharp
Yes. I mean, obviously. Look, you're doing good for yourself. I ain't gonna be with somebody that ain't doing as good as me. I need you to be doing at least as good as me, if not better. Better is better. But I'm saying, could it be someone that's not famous? Quote, unquote?
Amber Rose
Of course. Yeah. They don't have to be famous at all, but they have to be rich. They have to be rich for sure.
Shannon Sharp
So you go out. So what's. So how's. Cause it's interesting to see because, you know, you think you. How I would talk to someone that's not famous versus someone that is famous. You're trying to like. Okay. When in actuality, this is still a woman. And they like pretty much a lot of the same things. So I can have a normal. You could. A guy can have a normal conversation.
Amber Rose
Correct, Right, exactly. So there was this guy, it was like, two weeks ago, he went to his manager and asked about me, if his manager knew someone that knew me to get in contact with me. Right.
Shannon Sharp
You doing too much, bro.
Amber Rose
So he did all that. So I finally get on the phone. I'm like, why didn't you just DM me? And he was like, I just feel like you got so many DMs, you.
Shannon Sharp
Ain'T gonna see me.
Amber Rose
I'm not gonna. And I said, I have no DMs. My DMs are so dry. Men are terrified of me, Shannon. Even when I go on dates, like, their hands shake. And I'm just like, why? I mean, I don't know.
Shannon Sharp
Are you okay? Because the thing is, Amber. The thing. People, I think sometimes they're like, the publicity. What comes along with Amber Rose, Are you okay not being dating publicly?
Amber Rose
I prefer that.
Shannon Sharp
Okay. Because, you know, you date public, you gotta break up public.
Amber Rose
Yeah.
Shannon Sharp
And people all.
Amber Rose
I made those mistakes throughout the years. I don't. I'm not even concerned with that anymore.
Shannon Sharp
But when guys lie to your dm, I mean, do they, like, I would like to get to know you. How do you. How do you differentiate? How do you, like. Okay, you serious? Oh, you. Man, you on some bull job and so forth and so on. How do you. How do you determine what are you gonna entertain and what you're gonna mark the red?
Amber Rose
Well, I'll know based off the first conversation on the phone if you're stupid. I'm very attracted to, like, I'm attracted to articulate, smart men that have, like, a soothing energy, but still very masculine and strong.
Shannon Sharp
Right.
Amber Rose
I need all of those components to make me feel safe around you.
Shannon Sharp
Right.
Amber Rose
So if I get on the phone with you and you're like, yo, what up, shawty? What up? I'm gonna be like, this ain't it. It's not it. It's not it.
Shannon Sharp
You mentioned, like, you want someone that's obviously financially secure. So what is this, what, about 50, 50 relationships? You ain't trying to hear that, bro. You ask me out. Come on with it.
Amber Rose
Yeah. Especially on a date. I'm not paying for no date. I'm not paying for no date.
Shannon Sharp
Okay?
Amber Rose
I'm not pay. Like, if I. If I'm in a committed relationship with someone, why do I have to pay the bills? That's insane.
Shannon Sharp
I mean, I'm not. So no bills. No, I'm saying, like, I mean, I.
Amber Rose
Could pay for my cell phone bill. Cause it's, like, already, like, set up. Like, I'm not gonna be like, let me take my credit card off and put yours on. I'm not an. But, you know, I mean, just realistically, I don't. Like, I don't Even know how that would work, right? I've never experienced that. Have you ever.
Shannon Sharp
Have you ever paid for a date? Have you a guy. Have you ever taken a guy out and paid for his date? They paid for the. You know, brought the. You know, the meal, the check came and you like, babe, I got this.
Amber Rose
Or if it was my man. Yes.
Shannon Sharp
Okay.
Amber Rose
For sure. I'll do that. That's not a problem. But if it's just a date and I'm getting to know the person. No.
Shannon Sharp
Okay.
Amber Rose
Mm. Mm.
Shannon Sharp
Do you wanna share bank accounts? Are you okay? Like, you got your own? I got my own. I know. You gonna take care of me like that, or do you need to be. Have a. You guys need to have a joint bank account. Even if you're. If you're married. I understand that. Cause I think everybody, if you're married, have a joint bank account. You got your bank account. I got my bank account. But what about just dating? We're not married.
Amber Rose
No, I don't wanna see. That's too invasive.
Shannon Sharp
Okay.
Amber Rose
Yeah, I don't need that.
Shannon Sharp
Okay.
Amber Rose
I like. Yeah, I don't need that.
Shannon Sharp
Marriage. You wanna get married again?
Amber Rose
If I find the right person. But I'm not kid.
Shannon Sharp
You want more kids?
Amber Rose
Do I want another baby daddy? Is the question.
Shannon Sharp
Because you told me. I think you want a girl, right? You got two boys?
Amber Rose
Yeah, I wouldn't mind another boy.
Shannon Sharp
What about a daughter? You don't want a little Amber?
Amber Rose
I'm good.
Shannon Sharp
You afraid she might be like, big Amber?
Amber Rose
You know what? I'm actually. I love my boys. I'm very much a boy's mom, so I'm so used to that that I don't even know what I would do with a girl. You know what I mean?
Shannon Sharp
Yeah, I do.
Amber Rose
But I would have to get a surrogate. Cause I was telling you before we started.
Shannon Sharp
You did.
Amber Rose
I have tears in my spinal cord from pregnancy, so I have to get, like, epidural steroid shots and stuff. And once I get those, I'm, like, running around like a teenager. I'm good. But to go through that, like, again with my body and carrying a baby in my body, I cannot go through that again.
Shannon Sharp
Oh, okay. Yeah. Gifts. What's the best gift you've ever received?
Amber Rose
I don't get gifts, Janet, man, stop disabling.
Shannon Sharp
Now, see. Now, see you. She putting on. We were doing good. I thought you was courteous, receptive to courtesy. And now you. You gonna tell me ain't nobody done bought you no gifts?
Amber Rose
They don't buy me gifts. They don't buy me gifts.
Shannon Sharp
They don't buy you no gifts anymore or they have never bought you gift?
Amber Rose
I never really, like, I never like, men have taken me shopping. For sure. I go shopping. But as far as like, I was thinking about you and I got you this. No, really? No, I'm telling you. You know, when I was at home and I was thinking about this interview, I'm like, people are going to think that I'm a liar.
Shannon Sharp
Yes.
Amber Rose
But I really just always had bad luck. Like, I just feel like my whole life has just been bad luck and I had some cool happen, but for the most part, I don't know, I just never really had. I mean, maybe a Christmas gift. I don't know. No. I see girls on Instagram and it's like, my boyfriend just bought me a G wagon. I'm like, I never got that, ever.
Shannon Sharp
Wow.
Amber Rose
Yeah.
Shannon Sharp
That's what. But how would you feel like. Or you start dating? Because I think, you know, once you start leading with money, there's an expectation that that's the continuation and that's the way it should be. So I mean, so what's your expectations? You get.
Amber Rose
But I don't lead with money.
Shannon Sharp
No, I'm saying they leave. You don't lead with money. I don't expect you to. But I'm saying if a guy.
Amber Rose
Oh, I hear what you're saying. Yes, I understand what you're saying. Yeah. Well, here's the thing. I won't just date a man cause he has money.
Shannon Sharp
Okay.
Amber Rose
If that's the case, I could have been married a billionaire already. I need to wanna have sex with you.
Shannon Sharp
Okay.
Amber Rose
I need to wanna snuggle up with you. I need to wanna not eat until I eat with you.
Shannon Sharp
Okay.
Amber Rose
That's what I love. I'm a lover girl. I'm a Libra. You know, if we're watching a series, I'm not finna watch the next episode without you. That's the type of person that I am. So I can't just be with a guy just because he has money. It has to be a full package. Which is why I've been single for the past two years. Is because I just won't. I just won't settle. I just won't settle for something that's not genuinely gonna make me excited.
Shannon Sharp
Well, I mean, I mean, it's not like you got a wheelhouse type of guy. I mean, Wiz is six four. You got Kanye a little shorter. I mean, I mean, you'd be.
Amber Rose
I dated white men, I dated black Men. I did. I don't care. I don't really have a preference in looks.
Shannon Sharp
Okay. Damn.
Amber Rose
Yeah, I don't. I just. I like Korean men, too. Like, I like the. Yeah, like the. The K Pop. They're, like, cute.
Shannon Sharp
What? Athletes. I don't know about. Any of you dated an athlete before?
Amber Rose
I dated one was an L I don't want to talk about. But you called. I was going through a divorce. It don't count.
Shannon Sharp
Right?
Amber Rose
But I dated Monte Morris. That was my boyfriend for a while. We're actually still very close. And I'm close with his family and stuff like that, but as friends. We haven't been together for a very long time.
Shannon Sharp
What about football player? You ain't dating a football guy?
Amber Rose
No.
Shannon Sharp
What's wrong with them?
Amber Rose
They're a little, you know.
Shannon Sharp
Guys, I'm sorry. I tried. I tried. I tried to get y'all in, but she, like. She said y'all crazy, so.
Amber Rose
No, it's okay. So it's not that. It's like. You know what, Shannon? I'm. Be honest with you. If I get on the phone with you and you try to love bomb me and then all you talk about is sex, I'm gonna block you very early on in the conversations.
Shannon Sharp
Okay?
Amber Rose
And I feel like with a lot of athletes, they're very sexual all the time. And it's like, can we just chop it up and laugh? We just go to the movies and out to eat. Like. Just like, men have groupies. I have groupies, too.
Shannon Sharp
Yeah, for sure.
Amber Rose
When it gets too convenient and too easy, I'm turned off. It's too accessible for me. Okay. I'm not the average girl.
Shannon Sharp
I feel you.
Amber Rose
So when it's too accessible and you just slinging it all over the place, I'm like, it's not. I don't really want it. Yeah, you know.
Shannon Sharp
Okay.
Amber Rose
Yeah.
Shannon Sharp
So that's your red flag.
Amber Rose
Yeah. Just like. I just wanna. I wanna see you. I wanna do this and that. I'm like, what's your last name? Where you come? You got kids? What's going on? Like, what's your hobbies? You like talking about having sex with me? You don't even know me. Right?
Shannon Sharp
So.
Amber Rose
So weird.
Shannon Sharp
Ideal first day.
Amber Rose
Okay, I might need another sip of this.
Shannon Sharp
Go ahead, go ahead.
Amber Rose
Here, Juice guy. Damn.
Shannon Sharp
All right. Hello? Hey, Amber. What's up?
Amber Rose
Oh, we doing this?
Shannon Sharp
Yeah. Yeah, we doing this. I'm calling. I'm calling you. Pick up.
Amber Rose
Hello?
Shannon Sharp
Hey, Amber. How you doing? This is Shannon.
Amber Rose
Oh, hey, Shannon.
Shannon Sharp
How you doing?
Amber Rose
How you doing? Boo.
Shannon Sharp
I was wondering if you're free tomorrow night. Wanna take you to dinner. Just wanna get to know you. Just fill you out. Nothing heavy, nothing major. No strings attached. It's not like this is a committed relationship or anything like that, but I just wanna get to know you and see if we can vibe.
Amber Rose
I'm actually free tomorrow. I would love that. What time?
Shannon Sharp
I'm on my way right now, but I pick you up at my. So. Okay. Got called.
Amber Rose
I'm easy. I mean, you know, but I'm not easy in that way. But it's like, if I'm available, sure, I'll go on a date.
Shannon Sharp
What do you like? So what's a. You want dimly lit. Okay. You cool? You want to be off in the back room somewhere? What's an ideal evening for Amber?
Amber Rose
Great conversation. Eye contact.
Shannon Sharp
Okay.
Amber Rose
Not talking about sex at all. It's going to turn me off. What are your dreams and ambitions? Or what were they like you asked me earlier when you were a kid? I just want to get to know you. I want to feel a closeness to you, where it makes me be like, damn, I'm thinking about him the next day. I want to see him again.
Shannon Sharp
Yeah. Yeah, I like that.
Amber Rose
You know?
Shannon Sharp
So it's like, y'all can see that with me. That's what y'all need to do.
Amber Rose
Yeah, I want to be like. I want to wake up the next day and just be like, that was so nice. I wonder what he's doing later, right?
Shannon Sharp
Hopefully. Sure hope he asks me out again.
Amber Rose
Yes, yes, yes.
Shannon Sharp
Have you.
Amber Rose
But, Shannon, hold on. Before you say that, okay? These men out here are princesses, okay? They wanna be the princess. They want you to text first. They want you to be like, babe, I'm gonna take you out. They want you to call, I'm gonna take you out. Boo. They want you to be the man in the relationship.
Shannon Sharp
Really?
Amber Rose
It's so bad out here. It's so terrible. You don't know how many people I blocked. Like, I can't take it. And these are really. I mean, I'm not gonna name job. They're really successful guys. Just stupid. Just. They. They wanna be catered to. And it's like, I'm old school.
Shannon Sharp
But, Amber, it's okay if you call. It's okay. It's like, hey, are you.
Amber Rose
And I do okay. I do because somebody.
Shannon Sharp
Some of y'all. Y'all. Some of y'all. Y'all be doing too much.
Amber Rose
I'm not toxic.
Shannon Sharp
No, but I'm saying I shouldn't have to call all the time.
Amber Rose
No, I'm not saying that. I'm saying. What I'm saying is, is that these men nowadays do not take initiative like men do. If me, you are talking and you text me and I'm on my phone, I'm not gonna be toxic and be like, let me wait. I'm gonna Let him wait 10 minutes for.
Shannon Sharp
Okay. See, they be doing that, though.
Amber Rose
I'm not doing that. Dumb. I'm too old for that.
Shannon Sharp
Okay.
Amber Rose
If I'm on my phone and you text me, I'm gonna be like, hey, boo, what you doing? I'm gonna text you right back. I don't care about looking thirsty and all that. If I'm excited, I'm gonna show you that I'm excited and I want the same in return.
Shannon Sharp
Okay, I like that. Hold on. Is it true that you make men get tested before they sleep with you?
Amber Rose
Yes. Well, I'm protecting you. Yes, every time.
Shannon Sharp
And they cool with that?
Amber Rose
They're like, okay, yeah, well, they not gonna do it. They're gonna do it.
Shannon Sharp
Yeah, you better believe it. Hey, as a matter of fact, I'm coming with it. There you go.
Amber Rose
Right there.
Shannon Sharp
I was hoping. Exactly at what age did you start? At what age?
Amber Rose
Well, again, I watched my neighborhood friend die of aids, so for me, it was very close to home, and I wanted to be an epidemiologist, So I studied STDs, and I was obsessed with, like, bacterias and stuff. So for me, it's like, you're not finna play with my life. I don't give a. How cute you are.
Shannon Sharp
Wow.
Amber Rose
Mm.
Shannon Sharp
What's the wildest thing you've ever done in a relationship? I read with Megan Fox. I think she drank, like, some of Machine Gun Kelly's blood. And you saw Angelina Jolie did this with Billy Bob Thornton. What's the wildest thing you've done in a relationship ever?
Amber Rose
I'm not a wild girl. I'm not.
Shannon Sharp
But why people have that perception of you, you know they do that?
Amber Rose
No. Ask my assistant. Joseph, you've been with me for 10 years. I have no skeletons in my closet. I'm not into devious sex. I don't like eating coochie. I'm not into threesomes. I don't. I'm a very traditional girl. I don't like none of that extra. I don't do drugs. I don't get drunk. I'm very square. I'm just not that person.
Shannon Sharp
Oh, so you like a basket? You like one on one?
Amber Rose
I like one on one.
Shannon Sharp
There you.
Amber Rose
I like one. On one.
Shannon Sharp
Give me that. Give me that.
Amber Rose
See, y'all, that's frowned upon nowadays. Cause if girls say that, it's like, oh, she ain't gonna bring no. I'm not bringing no bitches home, y'all. I'm not doing it. Don't ask me. Don't bother me with that, or just leave me alone.
Shannon Sharp
Right?
Amber Rose
It's not my thing.
Shannon Sharp
You spin the block.
Amber Rose
No.
Shannon Sharp
Once you're done, you're done.
Amber Rose
I'm done. Yeah. I hold grudges, too.
Shannon Sharp
Really?
Amber Rose
Yeah, I do.
Shannon Sharp
Why?
Amber Rose
I just. I'm just not a forgiving person.
Shannon Sharp
What if you the one that messed up?
Amber Rose
I don't mess up. I never met. I'm an overachiever. I do not mess up. Mm. Mm. You go through my phone? If I'm. If you're my man, you can go. You got my password. I don't got nothing to hide.
Shannon Sharp
Damn.
Amber Rose
Yeah. Shannon. Men don't cheat on their barber. Why you wanna cheat on me?
Shannon Sharp
Damn. I ain't look at her like that. You already gotta. Dang him. I didn't look at it like that. Y'all heard that? You don't cheat on your. You don't go to the barber. He been cutting you every 10 years. All of a sudden, step out on it, let somebody else cut it.
Amber Rose
They don't do that. Why you cheating on me? For what? Why do I have to tolerate that?
Shannon Sharp
Ooh. Ooh. Damn. I like.
Amber Rose
I ain't dealing with that shit.
Shannon Sharp
What have dating in LA taught you?
Amber Rose
Ugh. It is a nightmare out here.
Shannon Sharp
Really?
Amber Rose
It's a nightmare? Yeah. I saw on Instagram the other day, they said LA is the worst place in America for dating.
Shannon Sharp
I can believe it.
Amber Rose
Yeah.
Shannon Sharp
Cause there's a lot of pretending, Amber. There's a lot of pretending on both sides. I'm somebody that I'm not. I have something that I'm not. I'm going someplace I'm not. And so everybody. Everybody is lying to each other. And then when you get together and you finally catch up, like, bro, sis, you've been lying this whole time. You ain't none of what you said.
Amber Rose
It's sick out here. It's sick.
Shannon Sharp
But you live here, so you gotta. You gonna. If you gonna get married, you're gonna have to.
Amber Rose
I live here by default because my kids are here and they're still young.
Shannon Sharp
Right.
Amber Rose
If I didn't have my kids or if I didn't want to go through all this with my baby daddies, I would leave. I Would go to Dallas or something.
Shannon Sharp
I thought you was gonna say Houston. Why do you think people cheat?
Amber Rose
They're insecure. If you cheat, you're insecure because all you have to do is say, hey, listen, I care about you, but I'm not happy. So I want to go over here and try this. It's really not that hard. Yes, you might shatter someone's heart, but at least you're being honest, right? So when you cheat, you're trying to find validation somewhere else because you can't face what you got going on in your life. Just be honest.
Shannon Sharp
So transparency is big for you.
Amber Rose
It is the only thing. If you betray me, I'll never talk to you ever again.
Shannon Sharp
Never?
Amber Rose
Never.
Shannon Sharp
Have you ever cheated?
Amber Rose
Never. Not on any boyfriend I ever had, ever in my life. I never cheated. I'm not a cheater.
Shannon Sharp
I mean. I mean, you don't drink, you don't smoke. You ain't out here tripping. What is it? What is it? I mean, I would have thought you'd have been married with about four, five kids by now.
Amber Rose
Men are terrified of me.
Shannon Sharp
Why are they terrified of you?
Amber Rose
I don't know. I mean, you're a man. Tell me. I don't know. I don't know. I think they're intimidated by my Persona.
Shannon Sharp
Yeah, I believe it.
Amber Rose
But if you get to know me as a person, you be like, damn, she cool as hell. I'm really just a South Philly regular girl. You did.
Shannon Sharp
I mean, you came in here, you're like, hey, how you doing? Nice to meet you. Thanks for having me. I appreciate you coming out to do this. You were very courteous, very receptive to courtesy. Yeah, but I can see because I'm thinking in my head, I'm like, wow, okay. She's a very attractive woman. I mean, I see her when you see someone. I was telling you this off camera. I say, to see someone on television, and you think you're never gonna see this person, and all of a sudden you meet this person. Of course, I had a perception of what I thought you would be.
Amber Rose
Right.
Shannon Sharp
You're nothing. What I thought you would be after actually sitting here talking to you off camera, not talking to you on camera. So I can see why men that see you. And I like to think I'm kind of successful, but a normal person. Yeah. They would be very intimidated by you.
Amber Rose
Yeah. And it happens. But, you know, girls like me are probably the most loneliest for sure.
Shannon Sharp
How do you know someone is cheating? Have you caught someone cheating? You go through his phone, You Follow him out. You put. What are the airtags? I think that's the thing. So how have you come?
Amber Rose
I will listen.
Shannon Sharp
You ain't gonna tell your secrets.
Amber Rose
I'm a real South Philly. I used to pull up. I will pull up. I'll do all that stuff. I'll bust out windows.
Shannon Sharp
Come on, Jasmine. Son, let me bust in the windows out somebody car.
Amber Rose
I swear to God. Like that was Amber back in the day.
Shannon Sharp
Okay, okay.
Amber Rose
Now I have an intuition. I'll know like that and I'll just be like, out of my life. I don't tolerate. Why? Why tolerate? I have my own money, my own children, my own house, my own cars. Why tolerate and betrayal? If you can sit there and lie to me, you're not my friend. And in a relationship, you have to be friends with someone first before anything.
Shannon Sharp
Right?
Amber Rose
You know, so if you're not my friend, why are you in my life?
Shannon Sharp
How do you repair a broken heart?
Amber Rose
Just time.
Shannon Sharp
Because they say the mind replays what the heart can't delete.
Amber Rose
Mm. That makes sense. Yeah.
Shannon Sharp
So when you're in a situation and you're with someone for an extended period of time and not saying it's betrayal, because. And the thing is, Amber, and what I tell people, breaking up with someone is easy if you're the one that wanted to do the breaking up.
Amber Rose
Right.
Shannon Sharp
The hard part is when you want to be in this relationship and the other party doesn't.
Amber Rose
Yes.
Shannon Sharp
That's the hard part.
Amber Rose
Yeah.
Shannon Sharp
How do you start to mend when you've been interwoven with this person for an extended period of time? 2 years, 5 years, 7 years, 10 years? How do you untangle that?
Amber Rose
I mean, I go to the gym. That's all I do. I get up every day. I know it sounds superficial, but the only thing that can heal that is time. Getting up under somebody else is not going to help. Sitting at home and crying about it is not going to help. It's not going to change nothing. But if you go and you get active and you stay busy, time will go by and then, you know, things will get better.
Shannon Sharp
This concludes the first half of my conversation. Part two is also posted, and you can access it to whichever podcast platform you just listened to part one on. Just simply go back to Club Shay Shay profile and I'll see you there.
Julie Stewart-Banks
What's up, everyone? Julie Swerbinks here, along with former NHL player Nate Thompson.
Nate Thompson
We're doing a new podcast together. Here we go.
Julie Stewart-Banks
The Name Energy Line with Nate and jsb.
Nate Thompson
Each week we'll get together and talk about hockey life. All topics are fair game, right?
Julie Stewart-Banks
Exactly. And you'll never know who will drop by to join us.
Nate Thompson
Julie is pretty well connected. She has text threads going that you wouldn't believe.
Julie Stewart-Banks
Listen to Energy Line with Nate in jsb on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.
Club Shay Shay - Amber Rose Part 1: A Deep Dive into Resilience and Reinvention
In this compelling episode of "Club Shay Shay," NFL legend Shannon Sharpe engages in an intimate and revealing conversation with the multifaceted Amber Rose. The discussion traverses Amber's early life challenges, her ascent in the entertainment industry, and her profound insights into relationships and personal growth. This detailed summary captures the essence of their dialogue, highlighting key moments and noteworthy quotes.
[01:49] Shannon Sharpe introduces Amber Rose as a dynamic figure in the entertainment world:
“Today we're at Spotlight LA, stopping by for conversation and a drink. Today is a polarizing figure in the entertainment business for almost two decades... Here she is, ladies and gentlemen, the one, the only, Ms. Amber Rose.”
Amber paints a picture of her childhood in South Philadelphia, revealing aspirations that contrast sharply with her public persona as a model and influencer.
[03:14] Amber Rose shares her early ambition:
“I wanted to be an epidemiologist. There was a guy in my neighborhood that was dying of AIDS in the 90s... I became obsessed with HIV and AIDS.”
Witnessing her neighbor's struggle ignited her passion for combating infectious diseases, a testament to her early inclination towards science and service.
Amber delves into her family life, highlighting the profound impact her mother's struggles had on her upbringing.
[07:56] Amber Rose reflects:
“My mom's mom committed suicide when she was 10. So my mom suffered severely from anxiety and depression most of my life. I became her mom at a very young age.”
This early responsibility forced Amber to mature quickly, taking on the role of caregiver and providing emotional support to her mother, which shaped her resilience and empathy.
Despite her challenging home life, Amber experienced popularity during her high school years, though not without its own set of difficulties.
[10:51] Amber Rose recounts:
“I never started fights, but I always had a fight, like, for no reason at all.”
Her athletic involvement as a tomboy in sports like softball made her both admired and a target for bullying, illustrating the complexities of teenage social dynamics.
Facing financial instability and the necessity to support her family, Amber made the difficult decision to become an exotic dancer at just 15 years old.
[21:08] Amber Rose explains her survival instincts:
“I had to make money to eat, get my mom an apartment, and figure out...”
Her first night on stage was a stark introduction to the financial realities she faced:
“[...] I made $33. I'll never forget the number... at least I get to eat tonight.”
Despite initial fears, Amber continued dancing as a means to secure basic necessities, demonstrating her unwavering determination to overcome adversity.
Ambition drove Amber to transition from exotic dancing to modeling and eventually into the realm of music videos, expanding her influence within the entertainment industry.
[27:11] Amber Rose shares a pivotal moment:
“I took a gamble, and I won. I got signed to Ford Models out of New York...”
Her bold move to shave her hair to stand out in the modeling scene paid off, leading to a contract with a prestigious agency. This break opened doors to music videos, where she collaborated with major artists like Young Jeezy, Future, and Kanye West.
Amber provides an insider look into her relationship with Kanye West, highlighting the blend of professional collaboration and personal connection.
[38:16] Amber Rose narrates:
“He flew me out... I'm on my way... Yes. I was so green... the funeral's over. A couple days go by, he calls me and he's just like, I know this is crazy...”
Their relationship quickly evolved from working together on music videos to a personal bond strengthened during a tragic family loss. Kanye's unwavering support during her aunt's funeral marked a significant turning point, deepening their connection and leading to her relocation to Los Angeles.
Amber articulates her clear and firm expectations in relationships, emphasizing honesty, respect, and mutual support over superficial attributes.
[46:17] Amber Rose asserts:
“I'm protecting you. Yes, every time.”
She discusses the importance of financial stability and emotional intelligence, stating:
“You have to be rich. They have to be rich for sure.”
Her approach rejects superficial connections, advocating for meaningful interactions based on genuine compatibility and shared values.
Throughout the conversation, Amber reflects on her journey from survival mode to self-empowerment, highlighting the strategies she employs to heal and grow.
[66:19] Amber Rose advises:
“I go to the gym. That's all I do... the only thing that can heal that is time.”
Her emphasis on staying active and engaged serves as a testament to her resilience, underscoring the importance of self-care and maintaining a positive outlook in the face of adversity.
This episode of "Club Shay Shay" offers a profound exploration of Amber Rose's life, showcasing her ability to navigate and overcome significant personal and professional challenges. Shannon Sharpe's thoughtful questioning allows Amber to reveal layers of her personality that redefine public perceptions, presenting her as a resilient, intelligent, and multifaceted individual.
Listeners are left with a deeper understanding of Amber's journey from a determined young girl in South Philly to a prominent figure in the entertainment industry. Her story is one of perseverance, empowerment, and the relentless pursuit of self-defined success.
Stay tuned for Part 2 of this enlightening conversation, available on all major podcast platforms under the "Club Shay Shay" profile.