Club Shay Shay - Kai Cenat Part 1

Summary

Club Shay Shay - Kai Cenat Part 1

Podcast Information:

• Title: Club Shay Shay
• Host: Shannon Sharpe
• Guest: Kai Cenat
• Release Date: January 1, 2025
• Description: NFL legend Shannon Sharpe sits down with the biggest athletes, celebrities, and influencers to discuss their accomplishments, challenges, and everything in-between.

---

Introduction and Background

In the inaugural part of "Club Shay Shay" featuring Kai Cenat, host Shannon Sharpe delves deep into the life and career of one of the most influential content creators of the modern era. Kai Cenat, known for being the most subscribed Twitch streamer in history and a trailblazer in the online entertainment landscape, shares his journey from his upbringing in the Bronx to his meteoric rise in the digital world.

Notable Quotes:

• Shannon Sharpe [03:17]: "One of the most influential content creators on the planet."
• Shannon Sharpe [04:19]: "You gave us quality minutes."

---

Early Life and Upbringing

Kai Cenat grew up in the Bronx, New York, in a challenging environment. As the eldest of four siblings, Kai experienced firsthand the struggles of his single mother trying to provide for the family. The family faced periods of homelessness, which left a profound impact on Kai's worldview and resilience.

Notable Quotes:

• Kai Cenat [05:47]: "I have a lot of childhood friends that I'm still friends with today."
• Shannon Sharpe [06:15]: "When I look at all the famous people from the Bronx, were you familiar with all those people?"

---

Challenges and Overcoming Adversity

Kai discusses the hardships his family endured, including living in shelters in Georgia after moving from the Bronx. Despite these challenges, his mother's unwavering dedication kept the family united. Kai also touches upon his relationship with his father, revealing a journey from resentment to forgiveness and acceptance.

Notable Quotes:

• Kai Cenat [07:56]: "My mom was a superhero, making sure we got through the tough times."
• Shannon Sharpe [09:04]: "What kind of advice would you like to give to those people going through tough times?"

---

Educational Journey and Early Content Creation

Kai attended Moore State College, pursuing business administration, but the onset of COVID-19 in 2020 led him to drop out. This pivotal moment redirected his focus entirely toward content creation. Initially starting with skits and prank videos on YouTube, Kai quickly realized his passion for entertaining and connecting with audiences.

Notable Quotes:

• Kai Cenat [20:15]: "College was a game changer because I dropped out when COVID hit."
• Shannon Sharpe [22:01]: "You wanted to go to college?"

---

Joining the AMP Group and Building His Brand

Kai's affiliation with the AMP (Any Means Possible) group significantly accelerated his growth. Through collaboration with fellow content creators like Phantom and Agent Dukedavis, Kai expanded his reach and honed his creative process. Living together, the group's synergy fostered a productive environment that was instrumental in Kai's rise to prominence.

Notable Quotes:

• Kai Cenat [31:11]: "Joining AMP sped up my process by a lot."
• Shannon Sharpe [36:05]: "What were some benefits of joining the group?"

---

Transition to Twitch and Community Engagement

Recognizing the speed and engagement potential of streaming, Kai transitioned to Twitch in 2021. His dynamic personality and ability to connect with viewers transformed his streams into highly interactive experiences. Kai emphasizes the importance of community, often letting his audience dictate the content and games played, ensuring sustained engagement and growth.

Notable Quotes:

• Kai Cenat [44:35]: "Streaming was lit because everyone was watching."
• Shannon Sharpe [52:12]: "How do you determine the games you're going to play?"

---

Relationships, Endorsements, and Financial Insights

Kai's authenticity and relatability have attracted numerous endorsements from brands like Nike, T-Mobile, and DoorDash. He discusses his selective approach to partnerships, prioritizing brands that align with his daily needs and personal values. Additionally, Kai shares valuable financial lessons, emphasizing the importance of saving, investing in property, and reinvesting in his content.

Notable Quotes:

• Kai Cenat [73:48]: "Always keep it organic and keep it real."
• Shannon Sharpe [62:29]: "What have you learned most about negotiating?"

---

Advice to Aspiring Creators

Throughout the conversation, Kai offers heartfelt advice to young individuals facing adversity. He underscores the significance of family, perseverance, and maintaining a positive mindset. Kai encourages others to stay true to themselves, leverage their unique experiences, and invest in their passions despite obstacles.

Notable Quotes:

• Kai Cenat [09:17]: "Keep your head up, keep God close. Everything happens for a reason."
• Shannon Sharpe [13:29]: "It's never too late to build a connection."

---

Conclusion

Shannon Sharpe wraps up the first part of the episode by highlighting Kai Cenat's incredible journey from his roots in the Bronx to becoming a digital powerhouse. Kai's story is a testament to resilience, innovation, and the power of authentic community building. As Kai continues to shape the future of online entertainment, his insights offer invaluable lessons for anyone aspiring to make a mark in the digital realm.

Notable Quotes:

• Shannon Sharpe [76:09]: "This concludes the first half of my conversation. Part 2 is also posted..."
• Kai Cenat [69:36]: "I just keep that mentality and make sure I never lose that mentality."

---

Key Takeaways:

• Resilience in Adversity: Kai's upbringing in the Bronx and subsequent challenges in Georgia molded his character and drive.
• Authentic Community Building: His ability to connect genuinely with his audience and peers was pivotal to his success.
• Strategic Partnerships: Selecting endorsements that align with his values ensures sustainability and authenticity.
• Financial Prudence: Investing wisely and reinvesting in his content has been crucial for his financial stability.
• Advice for Others: Emphasizing the importance of family, perseverance, and staying true to one's passion.

---

This detailed summary encapsulates the essence of Kai Cenat's first part on "Club Shay Shay," offering listeners a comprehensive overview of his life, challenges, and triumphs in the world of content creation.

Transcript

[Shannon Sharp]

It's the most wonderful time of the year for getting in on all the hoops, football and Hockey action at DraftKings Sportsbook Download the Draft King Sportsbook app. Use Code Shannon. That's Code Shannon for new customers to get $150 in bonus bets if your bet wins when you bet just five bucks. Happy holidays from DraftKings. The crown is yours.

[DraftKings Announcer]

Gambling problem call 1-800- gambler in New York, call 877-8-Hopeny or text hopeny 467-369 in Connecticut, help is available. Problem gambling call 888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org Please play responsibly on behalf of Boothill Casino and Resort in Kansas. 21 plus. Age and eligibility varies by jurisdiction. Void in Ontario, bet must win to receive reward. Bonus bets expire 168 hours after issuance. For additional terms and responsible gaming resources, see DKNG co B Ball when it's Tip off time at my house, there are a few things that are must haves on my checklist. My fellow friends and fans. Check my favorite jersey. It is good luck. Check an iconic drink that's a fan favorite.

[Kai Cenat]

Check.

[DraftKings Announcer]

Hypnotic can turn any cocktail into an iconic creation. With its game changing color and tropical flavor, Hypnotic should be in everyone's starting five. I consider Hypnotic the point guard of my game day roster because not only is it versatile, like having it on the rocks or as a base for cocktails, it also finishes smooth. So grab a bottle of Hypnotic and make your next basketball watch party Iconic. Enjoy the vibrant taste with friends and turn every game into a memorable celebration. Hypnotic where every sip is a slam dunk. Hypnotic Liqueur Bardstown, Kentucky 17% alcohol by volume Hypnotic reminds you to think wisely, drink wisely.

[T-Mobile Announcer]

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 and they'll pay it off up to 800 bucks per line via prepaid card. Learn more@t mobile.com heap and switch up to four lines via virtual prepaid card. Allow 15 days qualifying unlock device, credit service port in 90 plus days with device and eligible carrier and timely redemption required. Card has no cash access and and expires in six months.

[Shannon Sharp]

You had a few people on your screen that said, you know when you do these things, you know you look.

[Kai Cenat]

Huh?

[Shannon Sharp]

Yeah, you look. Smell it.

[Kai Cenat]

Smell what?

[Shannon Sharp]

Body odor.

[Kai Cenat]

Body? Yeah, I smell.

[Shannon Sharp]

That's what Drew Ski said. So you.

[Kai Cenat]

Oh my God. Drew Ski's A you be washing your ass. Yeah. All right.

[Shannon Sharp]

You know you have to have two rags. One for your face and one for your butt. You using the same rag?

[Kai Cenat]

Nah. Hell no, I'm not. Yeah, you did. Yeah, you did.

[Shannon Sharp]

You pause. You seen Paul's?

[Kai Cenat]

All my life been grinding all my life Sacrifice hustle, paid the price Wanna slice, got to roll a dice that's why all my life I've been grinding all my life Look. All my life been grinding all my life Sacrifice hustle, paid the price One slice not to roll a 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. Stopping by for conversation on a drink today is one of the most influential content creators on the planet. One of the biggest stars online. He's the most subscribed to Twitch streamer in history. He has the highest North American concurrent viewers on Twitch. The stream featured Kevin Hart, Drew Ski and LeBron James in 2024.

[Kai Cenat]

He.

[Shannon Sharp]

He got more watch time than the next two top streamers combined on Twitch. Mr. Beast calls him the Twitch goat. Two time streamer of the year award winner. He's the first streamer ever to partner with the brand Nike. A retired pro basketball player, a dominant force in the online entertainment landscape. He's a cultural influence, a social media superstar, renowned rapper, global gamer, successful actor, Internet sensation, talented entertainer, powerhouse philanthropist, a larger than life personality. And he's a key member of the winning NBA celebrity All Star game. National treasure, a viral sensation. Here he is, Kaisen.

[Kai Cenat]

Yo. That was a crazy entry. That was crazy.

[Shannon Sharp]

But I think the thing that you most proud of, bro, you. You gave us quality minutes. You gave us quality minutes.

[Kai Cenat]

Come on. Come on. I was 100% from the field.

[Shannon Sharp]

Yeah, you were. You were.

[Kai Cenat]

I could have got more minutes, bro.

[Shannon Sharp]

You got. You gave us what? You gave us eight, ten points.

[Kai Cenat]

Nah, I gave y'all four.

[Shannon Sharp]

You gave. Nah. But you had some quality assists, key rebounds, played some outstanding beats.

[Kai Cenat]

So why did you play me?

[Shannon Sharp]

I played you. Okay. We started the game with our starters, right? Then you come in, you closed the quarter. But it was your group that got us back into the game.

[Kai Cenat]

Did you not see my highlights? Well, I have. Yes, my highlights is better than everybody on that was on that whole court.

[Shannon Sharp]

Yeah, yeah, you have some good highlights. So now I feel very. I feel very comfortable when you come back. Thank you. Giving you more quality, that's all. Give you 16 minutes.

[Kai Cenat]

Okay. I Like that right there. I'll take that.

[Shannon Sharp]

16 minutes.

[Kai Cenat]

16 is good. 16 is good, bro.

[Shannon Sharp]

How you doing, man?

[Kai Cenat]

I'm doing great, man.

[Shannon Sharp]

God. You. You want to toast you too?

[Kai Cenat]

I do. Water, cuz, like.

[Shannon Sharp]

Okay.

[Kai Cenat]

I drove here, so. Okay.

[Shannon Sharp]

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

[Kai Cenat]

Let me get toast up some water.

[Shannon Sharp]

Congrats, bro.

[Kai Cenat]

Bro, I've been doing.

[Shannon Sharp]

I didn't drive, though. Cal, how you been, man?

[Kai Cenat]

I've been good, I've been good, you know, life has been great.

[Shannon Sharp]

Life is great.

[Kai Cenat]

Just, just, just, just taking it in, Just, just enjoying it as I go on and just, you know, just living life.

[Shannon Sharp]

You grew up in the Bronx, New York. What do you remember most about growing up in the Bronx?

[Kai Cenat]

Going up in the Bronx. Oh, my God.

[Shannon Sharp]

Was it fun times?

[Kai Cenat]

It was fun. It was also like that, like, down in terms of, like my family being able to do certain things. And like, and I just, it just, I just have like a lot of childhood friends that I'm still friends with today. I still can remember. But like, in the Bronx, I feel like it was the perfect place for me to grow up at though. Okay.

[Shannon Sharp]

When I look at all the famous people, Cardi B, Fat Joe, J. Lo, Mary J, KRS1, Ice Spice, Swizz Beat, French Montana, Big Pun, Remy Ma, Biggie with the hoodie, Slick Rick. Were you familiar with all those people when you were growing up in the park?

[Kai Cenat]

Yes, yes, yes, yes. To this day, I bump a boogie. He's my favorite artist. Still is, you feel what I'm saying? From the Bronx. And just that when I was growing up in the Bronx, like New York music is different because, like, New Yorkers can really relate to it. Correct what I'm saying. And like, they'll say things in certain songs that's just, that's just New York related that only New Yorkers can take in and get it. And it's just a more lit up temple vibe, for sure.

[Shannon Sharp]

Knowing all those people were from the very community that you were growing up in, was that motivation to you to say, like, you know what? Look at what they're doing, look at what they became. I can do that. Maybe not so much in the music industry, but I can choose a profession and I can be just as famous as those.

[Kai Cenat]

Yeah, yeah, yeah. It was definitely. It just looked so good in terms of, like, them representing the city. You feel what I'm saying? Like, and being a voice for the city, you know, like pops. Not Pops, more from Brooklyn, but like New York. We look at New York as one unit. Like the city Itself, like, anybody who come out of there is just like, it's fire. And it's tough. It's really tough to make out of New York because everybody would think it's like, like, you can. I. Can I can I curse?

[Shannon Sharp]

Yeah.

[Kai Cenat]

Oh, it's like dick riding or somebody. Like, you feel me? Or like. Or like, not. You gotta. Like, showing support to somebody out of New York is like.

[Shannon Sharp]

Yeah. They call it meat riding.

[T-Mobile Announcer]

Yeah.

[Kai Cenat]

You glazing or something. You feel what I'm saying? You meat riding. So it's like, nah. Like, so when they do go crazy, it's fire.

[Shannon Sharp]

Somehow you leave the Bronx and you end up in Georgia, but you end up in a homeless year. How did you end up in Georgia and how did you end up in homeless?

[Kai Cenat]

Yeah, so when I was. When I was younger, like, it's way younger. My mom, she had four. She had four kids. My little brother. My little brother. Dad was very in his life, so, like, he had, like, both parents, but the three of us, we only had my mom, and my mom was, like, struggling on her own and stuff. It was a lot of tough times, and we had to be in the shelter for quite some time. I'm in Georgia, coming from New York, that was like. It was like. It was like, weird, but, like, you feel me? We was there. I remember. I remember, like, bits and parts. She has, like, the shelter sheets that she. She still has it at her house. Just like, remember, like, certain things and. And all that. But it was definitely weird.

[Shannon Sharp]

When you were in there. What was what? I mean, did you think anything? Like, man, we left Brooklyn. I left all. I mean, excuse me. You left the Bronx? I got all my friends there, and we come to Georgia and we in a. We in a homeless Sheridan.

[Kai Cenat]

Nah, I didn't. I didn't even know.

[Shannon Sharp]

You didn't really know?

[Kai Cenat]

Yeah. At the time, I didn't even know we was in Georgia.

[Shannon Sharp]

Okay.

[Kai Cenat]

Like, we must have hopped on, like, a bus or something.

[Shannon Sharp]

Correct.

[Kai Cenat]

But, like, at the time, I didn't know we was in Georgia, and I didn't. I was just going with the flow. You feel what I'm saying? Like, wherever my mom went, I was just going.

[Shannon Sharp]

Right?

[Kai Cenat]

But my. It was me, my twin sister, and my older brother, and whenever. Whenever she went, we just. We just went.

[Shannon Sharp]

Seeing that you become so successful, Kai, and there are a lot of people that. A lot of young people that's going through things right now, and some might be in a shelter. What kind of advice would you like to give those people that says no Matter how tough the situation may be, Sunshine follows, right?

[Kai Cenat]

Oh, yeah, yeah. No, Cap. It's just like my mom, I would say, like, keep family close and never forget, like, the small things in your life that happen. Because my mom is literally like a superhero with times where, I don't know, she had, like. I don't even know how she was able to make sure that we was able to, like, get through some nights and get through days, because I know it was definitely hard. I would definitely say keep your head up, keep God close. Because a lot of things, things in the world is definitely a lot of things that goes on in life happens for a reason. You feel what I'm saying? And it only builds character in the storyline. So, like, whenever people is struggling, it's never too late.

[Shannon Sharp]

You mentioned that it's four of you guys. You have a twin sister, you have two younger brothers, right?

[Kai Cenat]

Older brother and a younger brother.

[Shannon Sharp]

Older brother and a younger brother. How tough was that on your mom to try to raise four young kids? Obviously you say your youngest brother, his dad was in his life, but how difficult was that on your mom, knowing that you see her go to work and she's struggling, trying to make ends meets to make sure you guys have the best of what she can afford.

[Kai Cenat]

Yeah, it was very difficult. You know, like, my mom, she. She just never gave up on us. Like, you feel what I'm saying? Anything could have happened. She could have. She could have even quit on us saying, like, you know, things could always be worse. But my mom, it was definitely hard. Like, there was some, like, we had to, like, it was so much time where she had to find food or like, not only she always make sure we cooked and stuff, but even us even simply just wanting McDonald's or something. And she couldn't get it. You feel me? Or us wanting certain clothes. She couldn't get it, you feel me? And we just had to live with that. And it was definitely hard, you feel me? So she was by herself and I don't know how she do it, I think until this day.

[Shannon Sharp]

Do you have a relationship with your father?

[Kai Cenat]

I do, I do. I was just with him, actually. I was just with him yesterday. The first Christmas I ever had with my pops. Wow. Yeah.

[Shannon Sharp]

So what was that like?

[Kai Cenat]

It was fine. It was good because, like, I have my whole family there and like, I. I understand When I was younger, I didn't. When I was younger, I used to be so hard on my pops. I didn't like, want to, like, talk to him or nothing like that. My Sister was very close with him. But as I got older, it's like, I mature and I realized, like, damn. Like, even though there's, like, no excuse for. For.

[Shannon Sharp]

For him not to be there.

[Kai Cenat]

Yeah. For a man not to be there. It's just more of a. Like, I've grown older to accept the fact and forgive. Like, I don't know what was going on at the time of his life. I don't know what was going on. I don't know how stressed he was. I don't know how anything was. So when I did spend the Christmas with him, he was very happy. And, like, now I'm able to provide for my family. You feel me? And he has kids. He has kids with somebody else. And his little kids remind me of, like, me and my brothers when we was growing up. So I just want to be able to be able to help my pops out so that he can give.

[Shannon Sharp]

Give those kids what he could give you.

[Kai Cenat]

Yeah. Yeah. What I wanted. You feel me? So it's just an amazing feeling. I was just with one of his son yesterday, and I met him for the first time, and he loves all my stuff, so it was like, I got to see. I got to see him. And I just want. I just want the best for my pops right now so that he can give them the life, you know, that I. That I always wanted.

[Shannon Sharp]

Did your stepbrothers know that your dad. That their father and was your dad also. Did they know that before?

[Kai Cenat]

Yeah, so they. They knew they. At first. Like, he called me, and after they. It was one day. I met them on FaceTime.

[Shannon Sharp]

Okay.

[Kai Cenat]

But he always bragging to his friends, yo, yo, yo, ka. Yo. Kai's my stepbrother. Kai's my stepbrother. Like, Kai is my brother. Kai's my brother. And nobody believed him. And then, like, what he always calls me and, like, he remind. He. His name is Benedict. He reminds me of, like, me when I was younger. Like, for real. For real. So, like, it's just so fire. Like, he was a. He's a big supporter of mine, and when he found that out, he was going crazy.

[Shannon Sharp]

Right?

[Kai Cenat]

Yeah.

[Shannon Sharp]

I've talked to people that a parent was not in their life when they were younger, and when they finally get an opportunity to talk to that parent, there's like, look, I'm not trying to go back and get the time that was lost. I'm trying to start right here and move forward.

[Kai Cenat]

Right.

[Shannon Sharp]

Is that how you feel? Right?

[Kai Cenat]

Yeah. I'm not gonna lie. Yeah. That's how I feel. Cause like, it's like, it's nothing I can do to get that time back.

[Shannon Sharp]

You can't get back what's lost.

[Kai Cenat]

Yeah, it's already. It's already happened. And it's like, why. Why, like, grieve on it when you could build a connection right now? You feel what I'm saying? Like, as he's. He's. As we're getting older and stuff, and, like, I could just tell that, like, now it's on some where I could, like, build a genuine connection. I could text him, I could call him. And plus, what I respect so much about him is, like, even when I did take off with a lot of my success, like, he never. He never played a role in, like, asking me for anything or, like, a role of, like, trying to be sneaky and, like, try to, like, being like, hey. Never put, like, hey, I'm your dad card. Like, none of that. So I have gotten to that point where I have matured. And it's a good feeling, too. It's like when you get over something, it's like. And you could move forward with it. It's just a wonderful feeling.

[Shannon Sharp]

So you've forgiven your father for not being there? Because, you know, Kyle, I tell people all the time, forgiveness is not for your father. It's for you. Because you have to let that burden go. And since you've been able to do that, what a relief has that. What kind of relief has that given you?

[Kai Cenat]

It gave me a great relief. Like, it's like. It's so crazy because yesterday when I was spending time with him, it was like. It was like, damn. Like, I'm actually, like, joking with my pops. Like, I'm actually, like, laughing and joking around. And he may not know, like, too much of what I like or what I'm into personally, but he's able to learn now. You feel what I'm saying? And, like, we're able to have that connection. But it feels amazing, though. Cause, like, I've always seen other. When I was growing up, I used to see kids with both parents. Like, you know, when somebody has a good dad next to them and they learn certain things and stuff. I was raised with my mom, so it was like, you feel me? It was like. It's so different. It's a good feeling. My step pops was there for me a lot, though. Yeah.

[Shannon Sharp]

So was that your first Christmas that you could remember with your dad?

[Kai Cenat]

Yes, first Christmas. And my birthday, December 16th. So, like, it was the first, like, happy birthday. I done got. I can visually remember.

[Shannon Sharp]

Okay.

[Kai Cenat]

100% though, first Christmas, like, wow. Yeah.

[Shannon Sharp]

It's crazy.

[Kai Cenat]

Yeah.

[Shannon Sharp]

Ky, what kind of student were you in school? How was school? How were you in school?

[Kai Cenat]

Oh, man. Class clown. Oh, my gosh. I used to mess around all the time. I'll probably go to section, like, elementary school, terrible. Like, I was a bad kid. I used to get calls home every time. Middle school, I think, like, sixth grade, bad. Seventh grade, bad. And in eighth grade, I got my stuff together. Like, I started to, like, realize, like, okay, I'm in school. I represent my mom. And then after high school, ninth grade was okay. Tenth grade, terrible. Like, I did not care about no work. I didn't want to do no work. I wasn't locked in. I wasn't focused. And in 11th grade, it was okay. 12th grade, I rounded up. You feel me? But I was. I was. I always just, like, joking around, though.

[Shannon Sharp]

So did you spend. I mean, how much time did you spend in New York and how much time did you spend in Georgia or with the majority of your school life in New York and then no major.

[Kai Cenat]

Yeah. So from. From. From one of the. New York. From start to finish. I probably, like, left. I moved to Georgia when I was 19.

[Shannon Sharp]

Okay.

[Kai Cenat]

19 or 18.

[Shannon Sharp]

Okay. So all your. So all your school was in New York?

[Kai Cenat]

All New York. Everything was New York. Okay. Yeah. So I just. I just moved to Georgia probably, like, it's been, like, since I've been living in Georgia. Probably, like, like, going on four years. Going on four.

[Shannon Sharp]

Okay.

[Kai Cenat]

Yeah.

[Shannon Sharp]

Were you popular with the girls in school?

[Kai Cenat]

Nah, Like, I wasn't. I wasn't. I was, like. I was cool, like, on a friend level, but, like, I was, like, scared to talk to, like, anybody and stuff like that.

[Shannon Sharp]

Were you good in sports?

[Kai Cenat]

Hell no. This is where it gets crazy. This is where it gets crazy. Cause I wasn't good academically.

[Shannon Sharp]

Okay.

[Kai Cenat]

Right. I wasn't good in sports. Like, I tried out for the basketball team one time. They kept. They called, like, 10 travels that game. Like, it was bad. Like, I was just never in an athletic type type. I wasn't good at, like, no, like, robotics. I wasn't good at a lot of stuff. But I really love, like, being in front of the camera.

[Shannon Sharp]

Okay.

[Kai Cenat]

And like. And, like, watching, like, YouTube and playing, like, games.

[Shannon Sharp]

Right.

[Kai Cenat]

So it'd be games in front of the camera and YouTube. That was me. So, like, I wasn't going. I wasn't into sports, and I actually hated. I hated athletes in my high school. Cause, like, damn. Like, why am I not athletic?

[Shannon Sharp]

Like, everybody got all the Girls and they popular.

[Kai Cenat]

Everybody got cool varsity jackets. They got the lacrosse sticks. They got the, they got the, they got the. They coming in with the football helmets, baseball bats, running track. Like, I'm like, damn. So like in middle school, I was like the water boy for like my basketball team. Cause I wanted to be involved in something. But like, they just say, hey, just cut.

[Shannon Sharp]

Just. You weren't good in school. You didn't play sport. Well, damn, you just. In daycare. You just. You just going to watch.

[Kai Cenat]

I was literally, you feel what I'm saying? Like, nobody. My mom never got like, forced me into. He never forced me into sports.

[Shannon Sharp]

Did your dad play sports? Did your mom play sports? Did anybody?

[Kai Cenat]

My dad is not athletic. Like, I literally got his jeans handed down. Like, my mom, I think she. The most she did was like volleyball.

[Shannon Sharp]

Okay.

[Kai Cenat]

But like, it was like barely, right? Like, she always, like, she was big on like cameras, like taking pictures and stuff.

[Shannon Sharp]

TD Teddy. Taking it to the house. Reservations for six. Whatever you call a touchdown. One thing's for sure, touchdowns matter more at DraftKings Sportsbook, an official sports betting partner of the NFL. On the ground, in the air. From the special teams or the defense, we don't care how you score them. We want to bet on touchdowns. And the Draft King Sportsbook is the number one place to bet touchdowns. Ready to place your first NFL bet? Try something as simple as betting on a player to score a Touchdown. Go to DraftKings Sportsbook app and make your bet today. Ready to do your touchdown dance of your own? New Draft King customers can bet five bucks and get 250 instantly in bonus bets and get one month free of NFL plus premium. Download the Draft King sports app. Use Code Shannon. That's Code Shannon for new customers to get 250 in bonus bets. When you bet just five bucks and get one month free of NFL plus premium. Only on DraftKings. The crown is yours.

[Kai Cenat]

Gambling problem. Call 1-800-GAMBLER or in West Virginia, visit.

[DraftKings Announcer]

1-800- GAMBLER.net In New York, call 8778-HOPENY or text hopeny467-369. In Connecticut, help is available for problem gambling. Call 888-78-9-7777 or visit ccpg.org Please play responsibly on behalf of Boot Hill Casino.

[Kai Cenat]

And Resort in Kansas.

[DraftKings Announcer]

21 and over. Age varies by jurisdiction. Void in Ontario.

[Kai Cenat]

One no sweat bet per new customer issued as one.

[DraftKings Announcer]

Bonus bet.

[Shannon Sharp]

Initial losing bet. Bonus bets expire 168 hours after issuance.

[DraftKings Announcer]

See dkng.com promos for deposit, wagering and.

[Kai Cenat]

Eligibility restrictions terms and responsible gaming resources.

[Shannon Sharp]

You go to college, right, and you drop out.

[Kai Cenat]

Yeah, Year and a half there, okay? Went for business administration. College is a low key, a game changer because I dropped down in 2020 when Covid had hit, okay? So boom. So, like, for a year straight, I had told myself before I got to college, I said, I remember September 5, December 5, 2019, I went to Mooresville State College, okay? I said, Every two days, I'mma I'm gonna upload a YouTube video. And every day I'm gonna upload three skits. Because I started doing. I did skits first, right? And I went to YouTube. When I went to college, I was trying to balance them out. I would literally, like. I would literally, like, edit on my laptop. I learned how to edit. I edit on my laptop all the videos. And like, by when I. When I was like one minute until I had to start class, I would run across the campus, get to my class, enjoy it. I didn't really like the learning part of it, right? But then Covid hit. They had made an announcement, like, everybody gotta go. And I was like, what? And after I went home, you seem.

[Shannon Sharp]

Very pleased about that, that they shut college down, because.

[Kai Cenat]

No, but, but, but, but I was recording. Like, college was my content, right? So, like, I was doing a whole bunch of stuff. I see all my friends, I was recording videos and they decided to go. So, like, now I'm like, oh, damn. Like, what am I gonna do? But I had dropped out, but I told my. They wanted me to do online work, but I told my mom, I said, I ain't gonna lie. I can't do online work. So, like, if I might not want to go back. And she was like, hey, if you could do what you killing you doing and to show that you getting money or like some type of proof of something going on.

[Shannon Sharp]

She's good with it.

[Kai Cenat]

Yeah, she's good with it. So she was never strict. She was always supportive. Yeah.

[Shannon Sharp]

Was college. I'm listening at you talking. You say you weren't that, you know, you wanted to be a class clown. You weren't very good in athletics. Did you go to college because that's what your mom wanted to do, or did you go to college because that's what you want?

[Kai Cenat]

No, I wanted to go to college.

[Shannon Sharp]

Okay, you wanted to go to college?

[Kai Cenat]

Yeah, I wanted. Cause in New York, everybody. So in New York is so different because, like, we. We don't have no other people. Like, we don't. We can't drive a car. We taking trains, we're taking buses. We in, like, buildings with our. We living with our families. It's kind of hard to get, like, live on your own so early and stuff like that. So the thought of, like, going upstate and going away to college in your own space, right? I shared a room with my little brother for like 18, like, 18, 17 years. The whole time, me and my little brother, we had a shared room, twin beds. So the first time going to college, I was like, oh, yeah, I'm out. Like, I gotta. I gotta go see what this is about. And it was. It was fire, though. It showed you a little bit of how you live it on your own.

[Shannon Sharp]

Right? So you mentioned that when Covid hit, you were always doing videos, even before COVID hit. Is that when Covid hit and you're doing your videos, is that made you realize that, you know what, what I'm doing in college is really not what I really, really want to do. I got another passion that I don't know if I can complete if I'm going to school, spending my time on this, because what I tell people, Kai. And you can attest to this as a content creator, that's all you do. You don't do anything. You ain't got another job. Content creating is your job. Yeah.

[Kai Cenat]

So, like. So when I. When I did drop out, I knew. I automatically knew I didn't want to go back. Like, it was crazy. Like, I. I had got. I automatically knew I didn't want to go back. And I was also, like, trying to already just brainstorm in different videos.

[Shannon Sharp]

Okay.

[Kai Cenat]

And I was restricted, so my mom didn't let me, like, record in the house.

[Shannon Sharp]

Okay.

[Kai Cenat]

But with my friends and stuff, it was Covid, so anything we wanted to do, we had to do outside in the car, right? So I started doing these car videos and just stacking from there, like, and just, like, just pushing out as much stuff because everybody was at home chilling and just. And just. Just waiting.

[Shannon Sharp]

You make. You said you were doing, like, prank videos. You wanted to be a comedian. Did you want to be a comedian? I mean, what.

[Kai Cenat]

No, I wanted to. I wanted to do. I wanted to. I did skits at first, right? So I want to do funny skits or something in the lane of acting.

[Shannon Sharp]

Okay.

[Kai Cenat]

I always going to want to do that, right? Yeah.

[Shannon Sharp]

Cabbage. Them pranks, man. People take that, y'all. They was taking me pranks too far now. Somebody gonna get hurt.

[Kai Cenat]

No. Yeah. I had stopped, cuz. Yeah, I stopped. I didn't prank. I Didn't prank.

[Shannon Sharp]

I.

[Kai Cenat]

There was one point in time I did, like, wired up, like probably like 20, 21. I was going around doing these wired up pranks, but mine was never too extreme, right? But the only, the only extreme prank that I did was I. I did like something where I took money from a tip jar and then paid them like a crazy. Another crazy amount or like just paid them a crazy amount as a prank. But people, people dumbed down on me on that and I was like, oh, yeah, like, that is extreme. At the time, I didn't see. I was like, damn, I'm giving them money though. Why is it extreme? But I ultimately got to realize, like, that was kind of crazy. You feel me? So I just understood that that was me. I ain't want to do no more pranks unless it was like all my friends and stuff.

[Shannon Sharp]

Yeah, yeah.

[Kai Cenat]

You feel me?

[Shannon Sharp]

Pranking friends is one thing. Pranking a stranger because everybody don't play like you play. True. Yeah. Did your mom give you a time limit in which she said, okay, Kai, this needs to work by X or you're gonna have to, you know, go back to school?

[Kai Cenat]

Never. Never. She always supported me. She always was there behind me. She still is. She always makes sure that she spread a positive light on me when it came to the videos and stuff.

[Shannon Sharp]

Kyle, when did you find your voice? When did you find out? Says, you know what? This is it. This is what I'm good at.

[Kai Cenat]

Yeah. When I was, I'll probably say, was it freshman year? I think like freshman year or sophomore year, I had posted a skit and on Facebook, when you get like a thousand likes, at the time, it was crazy. So I knew, like, it was crazy. But in locally, my skits were like. And this is for people that know that lived in the Bronx. Locally, my skits was, like, started, like, picked up a lot of attention and I was like, okay, hold on. I could actually do something. But the skits wasn't putting out a lifestyle for me in terms of like, like what I wanted to really, really do. And then I went from the skits and I went to YouTube. I started doing YouTube and in college, I, I decided to do ding dong ditch in college in like the hallways and stuff. I did one, I, I posted it the next day. I woke up to like 25, 000 views, which is crazy. So I'm like, what the hell? Fell asleep, woke up the next day, it was at like 100, 000. Then I just spammed that. And every time I dropped a new one it finally started to hit like a million. A million. It was like hitting a million views and I had like Flight was the first person flight reactions youtuber he was the first person to react to my to my ding dong ditch thing while I was in college. So like I knew for a fact like this was gonna be inspired. But I understood that at that point in time that trend I was doing it was only a trend and my subscribers and fan base was only putting off trends cause I was posting a vlog and it would just do normal like regular numbers and then when I post that they were like that. So like I knew, but I knew like it's definitely something here if I do it correctly right?

[Shannon Sharp]

It's the most wonderful time of the year for getting in on all the hoops, football and hockey action at DraftKings Sportsbook. In the season of giving we're being gifted college football, basketball, pro football and basketball. Pro hockey too. Almost 24 7. So many games every day. So many opportunities to place your first bet. Try betting on something simple like picking a team to win. Go to DraftKingsportsbook app and place your bet and here's a gift for all new customers. Bet $5 to get 150 in bonus bets if your bet wins, download the DraftKings sportsbook app. Use Code Shannon. That's Code Shannon for new customers to get $150 in bonus bets if your bet wins when you bet just five bucks. Happy holidays from DraftKings. The crown is yours.

[DraftKings Announcer]

Gambling problem. Call 1-800-Gambler in New York, call 877-8-HOPE NY or 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+. Age and eligibility varies by jurisdiction. Void in Ontario. Bet must win to receive reward. Bonus bets expire 168 hours after issuance. For additional terms and responsible gaming resources, see DKNG Co/B ball when it's tip off time at my house, there are a few things that are must haves on my checklist. My fellow friends and fans. Check My favorite jersey. Check. An iconic drink that's a fan favorite. Check. Hypnotic can turn any cocktail into an iconic creation. With its game changing color and tropical flavor, Hypnotic should be in everyone's starting five. I consider Hypnotic the point guard of my game day roster because not only is it versatile like having it on the rocks or as a base for cocktails. It also finishes smooth and just like the banners in my stadium, letting people know that we take championships seriously. Having Hypnotic at my watch parties lets people know that I also take quality seriously since it's crafted with high quality ingredients for a championship level drinking experience. So the next time you need a break from the action with a distinctive timeout, look no further. Grab a bottle of Hypnotic and make your next basketball watch party iconic. Enjoy the vibrant taste with friends and turn every game into a memorable celebration. Hypnotic where every sip is a slam dunk. Hypnotic Liqueur Bardstown, Kentucky 17% alcohol by volume Hypnotic reminds you to think wisely. Drink wisely.

[T-Mobile Announcer]

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 and they'll pay it off up to 800 bucks per line via prepaid card. Learn more@t mobile.com Keep and switch up to four lines via virtual prepaid card. Allow 15 days qualifying unlock device credit service port in 90 plus days with device and eligible carrier and timely redemption required. Card has no cash access and expires in six months.

[Shannon Sharp]

And so now you're doing that. Like you mentioned, you go from zero followers to thousands of followers and now everybody's so how do you find your voice? So how do you go says, okay, my vlogs are not doing it. This. But this is only a trend. I need to do something that's sustainable and I need to do something that not only is sustainable, that's gonna, it's gonna generate some money.

[Kai Cenat]

Yeah, it's so crazy because I wasn't even like, like the money was cool at the time, but it was. That wasn't my main focus. It was on some. Like I did the YouTube and I noticed like I was not. How do I explain this? Like, damn, I noticed. But I was doing the YouTube. It was cool. But I would see like I had a good friend, I had my friends at amp, my group at amp, and I had a good friend named Phantom and his people really loved him on his. You. His, his, his YouTube and stuff like that. And I seen it and I was like, damn, he got like a real base. You feel me?

[Shannon Sharp]

Yes.

[Kai Cenat]

And like it was cool and I was making, I was making some money. I was making a good amount ofmoney on YouTube. But then I started in 2021 was when I started streaming and I had what a PC and it was up from there.

[Shannon Sharp]

You mentioned amp. Any means possible. That's the Group that kind of discovered like your videos and you kind of joined that. So is this a group? So help me. Cause I'm not really familiar with the gaming space and how this thing work. So. Amp they like, they discover you. Did you reach out to them or they reached out to you?

[Kai Cenat]

Nah. So it originally started with, I'm from the Bronx and another member named Phantom. Yeah, he's also from the Bronx too. And I'm assuming that he had just seen my stuff. So that after we ended up, me and had a good great time. And after we. He. Long story, fast forward a little bit, we had like a good connection. And he was just like. He always had a vision of like, yeah, bro, like, I feel like you definitely got. He was like, very hungry, right? And this is before I started streaming. And he's like, you see, I'm very hungry. He said, look, come to Atlanta. I got these people I want you to meet. And just see how it is now. I already knew amp before I met them because there was already.

[Shannon Sharp]

You were familiar with them?

[Kai Cenat]

Yeah, I was already familiar with them, but they was already. They already had their own thing going on, like agent agent Duke Davis. They started off on 2K and they already built like a million plus subscribers off that. Just off 2k playing a video game. Then Chris, he was a great editor. Like Chris next door, he was the editor. He wasn't even a member yet, but he was the editor of the channel. And if it wasn't for him, like a lot of those videos and a lot amp would not be what it is. He was like behind the keyboard and stuff. That Phantom, he was. He's from the Bronx, but He was doing 2k at first, but then he was like. He was like, nah, I'm gonna stop doing this. I wanna do IRL stuff. So he was vlogging and his vlogs was lit, right? So like, he already had a good.

[Shannon Sharp]

He had a good fan base, he had a good following.

[Kai Cenat]

They all came together. It was just four of them. @ first it was Duke, Phantom, agent Chris. Then when I went to go link, I. He got Chris out there and me. So then after I went. So we driving in the car and we driving in Atlanta.

[Shannon Sharp]

So you drove from New York to Atlanta?

[Kai Cenat]

No, we. I flew. So this is my first time flying in a minute too.

[Shannon Sharp]

Okay.

[Kai Cenat]

So, like, I'm hype as hell. When you get on a plane, you hype. You like that. I got a great outfit on. I'm just ready to go. So I'm over here in the plane.

[Shannon Sharp]

Okay.

[Kai Cenat]

Me and Phantom in it. And after we land and then he. We get the car. We get the rental at the time. Get the car. So we got in the car, we driving. We driving. I'm in Atlanta for the first time. I'm looking around like, damn, this is crazy. Like, airport, big as hell. Then we got to, like, agent's neighborhood, right? And I'm in his neighborhood. I would never. I always say this. Cu. Never forget it. I'm in the neighborhood. I'm looking at that. I'm looking out the window. And these houses, big houses. Now, look, I ain't never really seen.

[Shannon Sharp]

Big houses in the Bronx. You looking at Browns? Yeah.

[Kai Cenat]

You feel me? So I'm over here, like, looking out the window. I'm like, yo, these houses are huge. Like, I'm talking about, like, some good, good quality homes. And we pull up in front of this house. It was a nice house. And Phantom. But Phantom's moving as if, like, he don't care. Like, he done did this so many times. So I'm like, damn, how you look? Like, so, like, chill the whole time. I'm, like, getting ready. And I already know these people because of their videos. Like, I already watched their 2K videos and stuff. So you pull up to the house, he put in the driveway. He goes to the steps. He knock on the door. Agent open it, or agent opens the door, and he's like, he just woke up. And I'm looking, and I'm like, nah. And I seen his YouTube plaques, and I never seen a YouTube plaque before. And I'm looking at these. I'm like, yo, this is crazy. And then, long story short, they took me to a shoot. Phantom took me to a shoot. He just said I was quiet at first. They was filming. They was filming. I was very quiet at first. And then Phantom pulled me aside. He was like, bro, why are you so quiet? I was a little nervous. He was like, be yourself, right? And I just started being myself. They were playing this basketball game, and I was the hype. I was the energy. Then they did another video. Everybody had lost, and nobody. And the person with the punishment had to jump into a local mall outside waterfowl. And nobody wanted to do it. Like, nobody wanted to do it at all. Even the people that lost, they didn't want to do it. And I was like, y'all don't want to jump on a water fountain? Like, I'll do it. Like, I was the one willing to do a whole bunch of crazy stuff. So, like, I jumped in there, and it was like, nah, he's good. After that, we wind down, it was like. It was like 3am and we having good conversations about, like, life and stuff. And then he was like. And after Asia came to me, he was like, yo, how you feeling about amp? And at the time, I'm like, I had to fandom. I was like, damn, I don't want to mess up your chemistry. Like, it's so good. Like, y'all have great chemistry on camera when y'all together. So I don't want to get added to it, and I don't want to mess nothing up. And they were like, nah, they took the chance on me because Duke didn't even like me when he first met me. Like, it's just a random. Imagine a random person being vouched by Phantom. Somebody else in the group, and I'm being vouched. But, like, you don't know this person. Like, you're not sure. So they took the chance on me, and, like, we became a group, and that's how I'm forever thankful for all of them. Like, those like, family. They're like family, too, right?

[Shannon Sharp]

Do you think you could have become what you've become now? Obviously, you have. You're extremely talented. You do what you do. But what were some of the benefits that you think of joining the group?

[Kai Cenat]

Oh, man, it was. It was. It was good. I, I, it was. It was because we had bought a house together. When I bought one, we was renting a house together first thing, and that's big. I never had my own room.

[Shannon Sharp]

Okay.

[Kai Cenat]

I never had my own space.

[Shannon Sharp]

Right.

[Kai Cenat]

Mom is not here. Like, I could do. I'm on my own. Like, I'm be in this lit house together, like, a good house, right? And we just all here grinding, and that was massive for me because I was able to have my own creative space. I have my own space to grow up and mature a little bit. Also. They. It's like they have. They had a huge platform. I had my own, like, little community, right? But they had a huge platform, and they put me on the stage, and I just displayed my talent, and that's huge. You feel what I'm saying? Because their support base was very solid. So I'll be so thankful for it. Cause, like, I know I feel like I still would have. I would be where I'm at today, but it just. It would have just took a little longer. You feel me?

[Shannon Sharp]

This sped up the process.

[Kai Cenat]

Yeah, it just sped up the process. Yeah, for sure.

[Shannon Sharp]

Do you believe this was the best.

[Kai Cenat]

Decision of your 100%. 100%. Like, I've learned so much from them. I've grown to, like, actually have brothers. I could close my eyes and I could literally close my eyes, and I trust them with anything. I go to them. I talked about them in my life. They talk to me about life, and I love them so much. Like, without. Without them, it's like. Like, I start to. Like, if I'm. If we're away from each other for too long, it's like, I can feel that we away from too long. Like, those really my brothers, for sure.

[Shannon Sharp]

Did they help you understand the business model of social media? Because there's a lot. People just say, okay, I've just got a camera, I got a microphone. I'm gonna do this X, Y, and Z. But there's a lot more to it than that.

[Kai Cenat]

Whenever I need that advice, I go to agent. Like, agent has good financial advice, but for the most part, I have to learn a lot by myself.

[Shannon Sharp]

Okay.

[Kai Cenat]

Yeah, for sure.

[Shannon Sharp]

You feel comfortable being it by yourself, huh?

[Kai Cenat]

Yeah.

[Shannon Sharp]

So do you have to sign a contract or the verbal agreement or you sign a contract that you. With him? I mean, how does.

[Kai Cenat]

Nah, it was. It.

[Shannon Sharp]

It was.

[Kai Cenat]

It. It was literally, like. It was just. It was just like. There's no. Like, we're not. It was no contract. It's just like, literally us talking about how everything's supposed to go, and we literally agreed on it. Like, I was just more. I'm more was in it for, like, just, like, the experience and stuff. But, like, there's. It was. Everything was very, like, we don't even look at, like, a lot of that stuff. A lot of it was built off, like, just strictly friendship. It was no contract. It was nothing sketchy. And that's why I really loved it. Cause it was like. It was just perfect.

[Shannon Sharp]

Right?

[Kai Cenat]

Yeah.

[Shannon Sharp]

And so how was it like? Because like you said, you grew up with your family. You're very close to your family. It was your mom and your siblings. Now there's no mom and there are no siblings. These are total strangers. You have your own space. Obviously. I'm thinking there's probably a lot of going out to eat, a lot of people ordering food in, because ain't really nobody cooking.

[Kai Cenat]

Yeah, nobody cooking. We couldn't afford. We couldn't get. We didn't have no chef at the time. We was ordering the owner, so we was doordash and Uber Eats Kings. But, yeah, that's how it was. Like, literally, like. But we. I'm waking up and everybody waking up. Like, we all but we. It's like six people with the same mindset, so we all understand what's going on. Like, hey, what video you uploaded today? Oh, I bet. What video you working on today? Oh, I bet. And we have our own group channel, so we're all planning out videos now. We're together. Instead of having to do online meetings, we're together and we're able to plan out these. These. These videos. So that's. That's. That's what made it even better.

[Shannon Sharp]

Do you guys. Did you guys. Do you guys prank each other now?

[Kai Cenat]

Oh, we still do it. It's crazy. We. The whole firework in the whole fireworks in the house. Yeah, we were the first people to just light fireworks in the house. It's everywhere. For July, we blow up the house even crazier and crazier. Duke used to prank me. Try to. He had like fake pair of sneakers and burned them. Make me think they were real. We prank each other all the time. Like, literally.

[Shannon Sharp]

You do realize that probably you're not gonna get that. That deposit back, right?

[Kai Cenat]

For what?

[Shannon Sharp]

That man should. That. Y'all. Y'all met your people house. So you talk about for what.

[Kai Cenat]

No. Yeah. The. The first. The first. The first house we was wilding because we was renting that.

[Shannon Sharp]

Yeah. Deposit y'all put down. Y'all didn't get that.

[Kai Cenat]

Yeah, it was. It was over. Yeah, a lot. We. We risked a lot. But it was worth it, though. Like, the supporters was. The supporters was entertained. Like, it was fired. Like, we woke up, we would go to sleep. So like hype and then wake up like on our tippy toes. Like, it was fun. It's so fun. And it still is.

[Shannon Sharp]

Do. Did people find out where you guys lived and you had unwanted guests?

[Kai Cenat]

People show up. Oh, my God. Hell yeah. Like, even our first house. Yes. It wasn't as bad as today, but now it's like. It's crazy. We got top tier security, though.

[Shannon Sharp]

Oh, do you? Yeah, neighbors. Do your neighbors. When you got. When you moved in, did your neighbors.

[Kai Cenat]

Knew who you were currently?

[Shannon Sharp]

Yeah.

[Kai Cenat]

Or my first house.

[Shannon Sharp]

Your first? Either one.

[Kai Cenat]

Okay, so first one, they didn't know who he was. Yeah, they had. I remember I had bought my car. I bought my first car at AMG GT53. And everybody had these nice. Like everybody. Car was pretty nice at the time, right. And it's just rolling in. First of all, we in a white neighborhood. It's just like six black kids in this big ass house. Cars coming in. They loud as shit. Speaking of backyard loud as shit we filming these videos. It's just so loud. We actually had a note one time. I will never forget it. This note came on our door and it said. I forgot what it said, but it was along the lines of, like, they know. They say that we know there's drugs and, like, cocaine coming inside of here. And, like, they know that, like, we gotta be selling drugs or something.

[Shannon Sharp]

Right?

[Kai Cenat]

So they had a lot. They had called the cops, they wrote a note to the cops. Then the note brought it to us. The cops brought it to us and they read it. This was online. It was. Oh, yeah, they got drugs, fancy cars. There's got to be something skeptical going on there. And I'm like, oh, my God. There was one time I had to. Those kids were angry. I had gave them a gift basket. And they were upset about it. It's like, I was all recorded and they were upset about it. And they said I was like, I'll be broke in five years and stuff like that.

[Shannon Sharp]

Right.

[Kai Cenat]

And it was crazy. Yeah.

[Shannon Sharp]

So what about your neighbors?

[Kai Cenat]

Hated us.

[Shannon Sharp]

What about now?

[Kai Cenat]

We don't got no neighbors.

[Shannon Sharp]

Oh, okay.

[Kai Cenat]

Like, yeah, we don't got. The way our. Our thing is set up. We have the best. I think we have the best view in. In Georgia. Like, literally the best view. We can see Atlanta. We can see the whole sky view, but we don't got any neighbors. So we could do crazy stuff.

[Shannon Sharp]

I read that. I don't know if this is true, that you guys got evicted from your In New York.

[Kai Cenat]

Yeah, you did get evicted in, like, three days. How?

[Shannon Sharp]

What?

[Kai Cenat]

Okay, so here's my theory.

[Shannon Sharp]

Okay, Give me this theory.

[Kai Cenat]

We got. So the guy was selling that.

[Shannon Sharp]

That spot. Yes.

[Kai Cenat]

We ended up. Was able to tell him that we'll rent it and, like, we got to where we gonna be able to move in. I think he knew who we were. He had us do a whole rollout, like, show the crib, let a stream there. And then, like, five days in, he said, now y'all gotta go. And we didn't even do nothing. Like, this time, we literally knew the precautions to make the part the limit to go. We did not even do nothing. And I feel like as soon as, like, we displayed it and stuff like that gave him a nice tour. Like, people got interested in it. I don't know if it sold, but, like, he got us out of there asap. Then we had to switch. That was the worst experience as a group. I'm not gonna lie. In terms of like, a streaming, like, at the time streaming that we Couldn't. Like, that's my home base. So it's like I done had mad because you had a riot there and all that other stuff. People knew exactly where we was and it was getting crazy.

[Shannon Sharp]

Like, for real, where do you like living better? New York or Georgia?

[Kai Cenat]

Living Georgia for sure. But like, in terms of like city life and like family and stuff, New York, 100, 100%. Like, literally. I like Atlanta. It has great property. You can get into like a lot of good. You can find a lot of good houses. You can actually drive your cars out here. You could live a low key. You could be very low key out here. New York is kind of tough for me right now. Cause it's like everything is so fast. There's so many people everywhere and anywhere like you post or anything, they know.

[Shannon Sharp]

Where you gonna pull up.

[Kai Cenat]

Yeah, they know where you at. It's kind of hard, but like, in terms of like the people around it, I love New York.

[Shannon Sharp]

What made you take your talents to Twitch?

[Kai Cenat]

Twitch?

[Shannon Sharp]

Because you say you originally started on YouTube.

[Kai Cenat]

Yeah, I did, I did. But like, streaming was like. In my opinion, streaming is. Is. Is kind of like. It's so hard to build on YouTube. Like, like speed was speed. In my opinion. Speed is like the only one I could see. There's a lot more of them. But speed is like, by far, like this. That's his own. That's his whole playground. Like, YouTube is his own playground. And I'm not gonna lie, Twitch was just cool at the time. I just. I just seen a whole bunch of like, streamers react to amp content. Like rage. I'm a whole. Your rage. Who else? I seen flight. I seen a whole bunch of streamers just reacting to it. And I was like, damn, Twitch is lit. Cause like, everybody's watching it. But I also grew up watching Twitch too, so I seen a lot of Streamers shout out Summit1G. Summit1G was like somebody I watched. I watched Ninja when I was on it and like. But like, it was a lot of cool people that was streaming on it. Soluminati. A lot of people, right? A lot of people. Yeah.

[Shannon Sharp]

But the Kinks. Because I remember trying to. I was trying to do something on Twitch where like, we. No, not screaming, not streaming. You like, like watch it kind of like the Manning cast where you watch the game and then, you know, you talk like that. But it was a lot of trying to get the kinks out of it at the time. And so clearly you guys have got that rectified over there.

[Kai Cenat]

So you guys, you be on YouTube too.

[Shannon Sharp]

I do be on YouTube.

[Kai Cenat]

Yeah. You're just fire, though. I like the way y'all do y'all podcast.

[Shannon Sharp]

I appreciate that, man. Appreciate it. Let me ask you this. How did you come up with it? Like, because like all day you. Not all day, but you're on, you're streaming and you like, you come up with this platform. Like, you know what? I think people will pay for subscription. I think they'll pay X, Y and Z to watch me do this. How did you. How did you. What made you think of that?

[Kai Cenat]

Well, which already have this subscriptions thing. And like you just. When you buy it, you get no ads. So like there's no commercial breaks. You can watch the streamer for as long as you want.

[Shannon Sharp]

Right.

[Kai Cenat]

It'd be good for a whole month. It renews every month. And after like I had this idea, I just wanted to do 30 day. I just went to somebody had the world record at the time for subs. Ludwig did. And I personally, without a subathon, I had hit 100,000 subs. And like people were being so supportive. I had to get. I got dragged through like a lot of like communities. Cause people thought I was money laundering. People thought it was like I was doing something behind the scenes that was sketchy. But nah, I was literally just sitting there and like I was getting like 10,000 subscribers every stream. Wow. I was just sitting there. It'd be back to back days too. So I'll come back, 10,000 go up. It'll be 20, 30. I started posting my picture every time. 40, 60. And I did a 24 hour just to prove people wrong about like how. What they saying about me? And we ended up closing it out on a hundred thousand like literally live. And everybody loved it. And I was like, damn, we should do this for a month straight. And I did it for a month.

[Shannon Sharp]

So that's what gave you the idea of the thon.

[Kai Cenat]

Yeah. MAFIA Thon. Yeah. Because it was originally called a subathon.

[Shannon Sharp]

Right.

[Kai Cenat]

And like because it was like a marathon.

[Shannon Sharp]

Right.

[Kai Cenat]

But I had put MAFIA thaw behind it.

[Shannon Sharp]

Who was the first celeb to make an appearance?

[Kai Cenat]

First one. Damn, that's a good ass question. Monstrom.

[Shannon Sharp]

Yeah.

[Kai Cenat]

I'm going to say NLE Chopper.

[Shannon Sharp]

Okay.

[Kai Cenat]

I probably say NLE Chopper. I could be wrong.

[Shannon Sharp]

Right.

[Kai Cenat]

But I'm say Anna Lee. I think it was.

[Shannon Sharp]

Has any celebrity turned you down?

[Kai Cenat]

No celebrity has turned me down. I've like, it'll be like conversation and then like we'll get busy. Okay. But I definitely Turned down a lot of opportunities just because I don't want anything to feel forced. Like, there would be so much money for people to try to pay me to come my stream, but I feel like it's naturally not organic or there. Then I wouldn't do it.

[Shannon Sharp]

Right.

[Kai Cenat]

Yeah.

[Shannon Sharp]

What celebrity did you meet for the first time that had you? Like, man, I can't believe I'm sitting next to this person.

[Kai Cenat]

Or I'll probably say that I couldn't believe that. Like, damn, we have a lot. Oh, my God, Kevin. But the first one, I was like, damn, this is gonna be crazy. It was probably like, Lil Baby, he put up to the house and then we had a good stream. Yeah, it was crazy. I ain't gonna lie. It was insane.

[Shannon Sharp]

But, I mean, now it seems that even those guys are doing a lot of streams. I hear T Pain. He's streaming.

[Kai Cenat]

T Pain is amazing.

[Shannon Sharp]

Yeah, yeah.

[Kai Cenat]

He genuinely loves it too. He's not just doing it right because it's a wave or nothing. Like, T Pain is deadass streaming because he actually has a craft and he has a thing where I can just tell he has laser beam focus when he gets. When he likes to do something right. So you feel me? Like, I'm not gonna lie, but people be trying to force it, and it's like, you can't.

[Shannon Sharp]

It's got to be organic.

[Kai Cenat]

It has to.

[Shannon Sharp]

Well, help me understand, Kai. I mean, I. I can't think of a better person to help me understand, so. Screaming. So people are watching you play a game, correct? Like COD Or.

[Kai Cenat]

Or. No, just watching me talk.

[Shannon Sharp]

Oh, okay.

[Kai Cenat]

Yeah. I could be talking, like, just regular. I could just be like, yo, let me tell y'all what's happening today. And then I'll talk, talk, talk. Do a fire segment. It could be a random segment. A horse come in my room, something explodes, then I go to. Then I'll. I'll be reading what they like, all the jokes and memes that they just dropping my community.

[Shannon Sharp]

Right.

[Kai Cenat]

We probably do, like, some community stuff to. To help everybody and then, like, wind down and just like. Or listen to album react. Do album reactions into music or.

[Shannon Sharp]

So you're not always playing video games?

[Kai Cenat]

I'm not all playing video games.

[Shannon Sharp]

Okay.

[Kai Cenat]

So, yeah, but. But definitely video games. Every streamer has definitely played. I want to say every streamer, but that's. That's the main. That's where it started.

[Shannon Sharp]

Right.

[Kai Cenat]

It started gaming. That was the first thing. And it changed, like, just being able to talk in front of things.

[Shannon Sharp]

How did you book your first guest. Because I remember when we first started doing Club Shay Shay and cj, my EP back there, he and I. And I was like, how do I get a guest? Cause I had no idea. We didn't have a booking. We didn't have booking like we do. And he said, well, just go in your phone and call the most famous people you know and see if you can, you know, when they come on. So, you know, I did Floyd Mayweather and Ice Cube and Snoop Dogg and Travis Kelce and Rick Ross and so forth and so on. And then he's like, man, you ought to DM somebody. I was like, man, they might think I'm crazy, cj. So I just started doing it. So I'm always interested to see. Like, I don't know if you have people that book guests for you or you just reach out on your own.

[Kai Cenat]

I just reach out on my own.

[Shannon Sharp]

Okay.

[Kai Cenat]

It's either I reach out or they hit me up. And then when I see a dm, I'd be like, how did this person know me? Cause I'm not gonna lie, I never. And I still don't. But I had to realize it is that I don't think I still feel so normal, right? So when people do hit me up, I'm like, damn, like, you know me. Yeah, you know me. Like how you know me. You feel what I'm saying? So, like, I be so surprised, like. And it's just crazy.

[Shannon Sharp]

What's the most surprising DM you got from a person?

[Kai Cenat]

I probably say, like, Michael B. Jordan.

[Shannon Sharp]

Wow.

[Kai Cenat]

Donald Glover. Kevin is big. Because I. I always want to do something with Kevin.

[Shannon Sharp]

It's probably.

[Kai Cenat]

I'm probably forgetting something. But it's crazy, bro. It gets crazy like, bro, you'll just never know. And it starts off like, like Jonas Brothers. Like, it'd be the most random. Wow. Yeah. It'd be the most random people because they'll see cuz like their kids will know about it. You feel what I'm saying? And then thing. But it'll be like NBA players. Like, I. Bro, I still can't believe. I still can't believe it. And I'll just be like, how you know me? Like how you feel me?

[Shannon Sharp]

So let me ask you this. How do you determine the games that you're going to play? How do you come up with that?

[Kai Cenat]

Oh yeah, that's where it gets fun. Well, my chat decides that.

[Shannon Sharp]

Okay.

[Kai Cenat]

Or like there's usually like a. Every year there's probably like a fun game to play on stream that everybody plays. That that's be one of the games or whatever. Just most popping right now or like right now I came, I came up with a routine with my community to even be on some like, okay, y'all, y'all give me a list of games to do and I will stay on stream until I beat the game.

[Shannon Sharp]

Right?

[Kai Cenat]

So it's very engaging. It's a storyline building like from beginning to end. The first game I ever played was Red and I think it's the best single player game of all time. Red Dead Redemption 2. And I went all out. So I spent money to transform my room into the theme of the game. So that's based off a western time. My whole room would be western and all that. And I had like these little funny like bits and stuff. And then after my biggest one that surprised me the most was a souls game called Elden Ring.

[Shannon Sharp]

And that's the one you played like 167 hours.

[Kai Cenat]

I played 169 hours on that game.

[Shannon Sharp]

Okay.

[Kai Cenat]

And I literally seven. It was like a week straight. And I and everybody, I had so many, so much people watching me just on the game. You feel what I'm saying? And I was like, damn. Like it's one thing like streaming and regular is going crazy, but when the gaming community accepts you for who you are and want to see you play, that's a blessing. So I go all out like I don't care what the price is for my room to get it done and be entertaining. Like I'm gonna give my community whatever they want every single time. I started doing trailers on top of it and I started making my room be fire. You feel me?

[DraftKings Announcer]

When it's tip off time at my house, there are a few things that are must haves on my checklist. My fellow friends and fans. Check. My favorite jersey. Check. An iconic drink that's a fan favorite. Check. Hypnotic can turn any cocktail into an iconic creation. With its game changing color and tropical flavor, Hypnotic should be in everyone's starting five. I consider Hypnotic the point guard of my game day roster because not only is it versatile, like having it on the rocks or as a base for cocktails, it also finishes smooth. And just like the banners in my stadium, letting people know that we take championships seriously. Having Hypnotic at my watch parties lets people know that I also take quality seriously since it's crafted with high quality ingredients for a championship level drinking experience. So the next time you need a break from the action with a distinctive timeout, look no further. Grab a bottle of Hypnotic and make your next Basketball Watch Party iconic. Enjoy the vibrant taste with friends and turn every game into a memorable celebration. Hypnotic where every sip is a slam dunk. Hypnotic Liqueur Bardstown, Kentucky 17% alcohol by volume Hypnotic Reminds you to think wisely, drink wisely.

[T-Mobile Announcer]

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 and they'll pay it off up to 800 bucks per line via prepaid card. Learn more@t mobile.com Keep and switch up to four lines via virtual prepaid card. Allow 15 days qualifying unlock device credit service port in 90 plus days with device and eligible carrier and timely redemption required. Card has no cash access and expires in six months.

[DraftKings Announcer]

Howdy y'all.

[T-Mobile Announcer]

This weekend get an all access pass.

[Kai Cenat]

To Apple TV plus.

[Shannon Sharp]

No time like the present.

[Kai Cenat]

Forbes is calling Apple TV plus the.

[Shannon Sharp]

Best streaming service out there right now with critically acclaimed hit series and films like Severance, Shrinking Wolves, Ted Lasso, Silo and the Morning Show. We are not finished. We're on a hot streak. But don't just take their word for it.

[Kai Cenat]

See for yourself.

[Shannon Sharp]

It looks fabulous.

[Kai Cenat]

Can't wait to see it.

[Shannon Sharp]

Stream Apple TV plus for free January 4th through January 5th Apple ID required. Why do you think guests are so comfortable with you?

[Kai Cenat]

Cuz it's like you're not here to. I don't tell them like they're here to do an interview. Like we don't even talk. We barely talk about what they do. You feel what I'm saying? It's like, bro, you coming over to my crib, right? You feel me? Like that's the vibe that I always want to give. Cuz everybody thinks that like anybody could come on the stream or anybody can do this and it's like the chemistry might not be there, you feel me? But I'm just like, I just know how to break ice and I just know how to like, I just know how to have people have fun. Like, bro, we don't got to talk about like, we don't got to talk about anything you got going on right now. Just relax, sit back and let's have a good ass time. You feel me? And have my friends pull up and we just have fun. And it's like, it's like my house is just like an escape from like playground. Yeah, the big playground. Whatever you want to do, we gonna do it. No cap.

[Shannon Sharp]

So why do you think you've resonated so much with celebrities and entertainers? Bro, I don't know.

[Kai Cenat]

I. Like, I think it's just because, like, I just. Yeah, I just see them as me. Like, Like. Like normal humans, like, and good people. And you would never see me. You would never see me do anything forced in terms of, like, I would never do a stream with somebody that I feel won't work right. Like, never. Like, I feel like I would never do a stream with somebody. I'd be like, I don't think the chemistry is there. So I don't want.

[Shannon Sharp]

Yeah, you don't want to get on camera to find out whether or not the chemistry is there or not. You want to kind of have a pretty good idea going into it that this thing is going to work.

[Kai Cenat]

Yes. I was scared. One person I was scared of was Nikki. I was. I didn't know how Nicki was going to be okay, but Nikki was amazing. When she pulled up, she. You know what's crazy about Nikki? Nikki is so real. She put up, like. And, like, was an amazing person the whole night. She came late, but, like, she was. Made it worth it. And to this day, without me even, like, being in contact with her. She knows my sister and my mom are big supporters. She checks up on them to this day, like, whatever. Send them free stuff whenever. And my sister's her biggest supporter.

[Shannon Sharp]

Right. What's your craziest guest experience?

[Kai Cenat]

They're probably the sleepovers. Sleepovers, definitely. Probably, like, Kevin. Kevin and Drew Ski. That's, like, legendary. But, like, those are definitely ones. But crazy. Like, that's crazy. I think that's everybody crazy. But, like, Shaq was Blueface and Chrisean.

[Shannon Sharp]

Yeah, yeah. She threw the chair through the wall.

[Kai Cenat]

Yeah. When she threw my chair through the wall, it was a shock that went through my body. It was like, oh, it could get real. Live. Like, it real. But I had to hold it in. You feel what I'm saying? So that was the craziest one, though, for sure.

[Shannon Sharp]

I mean. Cause you normally do a great job of destroying your own room. Were you worried about somebody else destroying you?

[Kai Cenat]

Like, it's one thing if you tell me you about to destroy the room. It's another thing if you just do it. Like, you gotta let me know you feel what I'm saying so I can.

[Shannon Sharp]

Be prepared for it.

[Kai Cenat]

Yeah, yeah. She was like, you'll be good. She pat me on my back and said, you'll be good. You're rich. I'm like, yo, what? That's crazy. Yeah.

[Shannon Sharp]

So you beat. Hold on. You bet 21 savage $300,000 that you could beat him? In Madden?

[Kai Cenat]

Yeah, he cooked me. I don't. To this day, I don't know how I lost.

[Shannon Sharp]

What you mean you don't know how you lost?

[Kai Cenat]

I don't know how long. He is trash. 21 is so trash.

[Shannon Sharp]

If he beat you, so what?

[Kai Cenat]

No, because he was getting in my head. Okay? So I get. When I'm in an intense moment, I literally feel like. Like I. I said, my heart started beating fast and I sold. Last play of the game, I saw that. He's so trash. And it was Madden, and I lost. It's like when there's no money on the line, I win. But as soon as there's money on the line, I lose. And that's why I don't gamble.

[Shannon Sharp]

You don't gamble no more?

[Kai Cenat]

No, I don't. That's not gambling, though. That's a wager.

[Shannon Sharp]

Okay. You okay gambling?

[Kai Cenat]

Gambling is like, you don't know what's gonna happen.

[Shannon Sharp]

Clearly, you don't know what's gonna happen.

[Kai Cenat]

Wager is like, you got control in it. You feel me? You got control in it. So it's an opportunity of you. Literally, it's a bet. It's more like a bet.

[Shannon Sharp]

You pay that man his money.

[Kai Cenat]

Yeah, yeah, yeah. He got. Yeah, yeah, yeah.

[Shannon Sharp]

So you done with that?

[Kai Cenat]

Yeah, 21. Hey, listen, he. I'll make sure he get his money. I don't want no problem with Savage. Yes. No, Cap.

[Shannon Sharp]

Hey, another guy that you said that you. You. You have a relationship with is Lil Baby. And I heard him the other day that he lost 8 million gambling in like.

[Kai Cenat]

Oh, my God.

[Shannon Sharp]

Yeah. 8 million, like a day and a half.

[Kai Cenat]

Dominique.

[Shannon Sharp]

Yeah. 8 mil, 8 mil, 8 M's in, like, 40 hours. And he said he had Michael Rubin write a letter to all the casinos in Vegas, that they banned him.

[Kai Cenat]

Oh, my God. I didn't know that. I didn't know that. That's crazy. I don't want to go down that hole, though.

[Shannon Sharp]

Hell no.

[Kai Cenat]

Hell no. Hell no. That's how people go, and they do it, and you hit. It's crazy. And then I'm good off that. I'm chilling.

[Shannon Sharp]

Cause you cool with Lil Baby. So what's your favorite moment with Lil Baby?

[Kai Cenat]

We have, like. Like, we're. We're just, like, cool in terms of, like. I had him up once in a while. He back once in a while. But we didn't really get to, like. We only hung up, hung out one time.

[Shannon Sharp]

Right.

[Kai Cenat]

But like, like, off camera.

[Shannon Sharp]

Right?

[Kai Cenat]

But other than that, like, we didn't get to really hang Out. I went to his. His kids love me.

[Shannon Sharp]

Yeah.

[Kai Cenat]

So his kids wanted me at his birthday party. And I put up on him, Jason. And I put up. I was like, you know what? I'm gonna go. I'm gonna go show some love to his kid. And, like, I went there and he made it cool. Everything was cool. He's a cool guy, right? Yeah.

[Shannon Sharp]

You made money. So what did you do, your first million when you first got that? The first. The money started coming in, you're like, damn. Ooh, What'd you buy?

[Kai Cenat]

Damn. What did I buy? My first big purchase.

[Shannon Sharp]

Yeah.

[Kai Cenat]

For me, personally, was my car.

[Shannon Sharp]

Okay.

[Kai Cenat]

That was, like, a huge accomplishment.

[Shannon Sharp]

You still got it.

[Kai Cenat]

I still got it.

[Shannon Sharp]

Okay.

[Kai Cenat]

I still got that thing. I would never get rid of it. I love that car. And that was, like. That was like, my first one. And then my. Like, my. My. My most proud is my mom's house.

[Shannon Sharp]

Okay.

[Kai Cenat]

Like, that felt good.

[Shannon Sharp]

Is she here in Georgia? She's still in.

[Kai Cenat]

She's still here. She's here in Georgia? No, no, she lives in New York.

[Shannon Sharp]

New York. Yeah.

[Kai Cenat]

But she's here in Georgia visiting, right? Yeah.

[Shannon Sharp]

Yeah. Wow. So what have you learned about money?

[Kai Cenat]

Oh, man. One. First of all, I'm so glad that I'm naturally a good saver. I don't like to spend too much, but I also know I have a good team around me. And I also know, like, you should be purchasing some property. You should be purchasing something that's gonna make your money worth it. You feel what I'm saying? Like, of course you're gonna have your phase where you go through clothes and all that stuff, but, like, at the end, when you grow up, you'll realize it's not worth it.

[Shannon Sharp]

Right.

[Kai Cenat]

You feel me? So besides that, like, I'm very. I would say I put all my money right back into my content.

[Shannon Sharp]

Wow.

[Kai Cenat]

Like, literally all of it I put right back into it. Or unless, like, I like clothes. So, like, unless I like. I get outfits and stuff, but it's never on. No. Like, yo, you're what? You gotta slow down. Like, my people advise, like, it was so great. My accountant always tells me, like, you gotta spend, Kai. You gotta spend. You gotta spend. You gotta spend. Because I like to save.

[Shannon Sharp]

Yeah.

[Kai Cenat]

So get some enjoyment.

[Shannon Sharp]

Like, get some enjoyment out of it. Like, gee.

[Kai Cenat]

Yeah, yeah. You gotta. You gotta. You gotta think. So I make sure to get some. I'm more into, like, getting houses or like, I like. I like watches. Like, Plain Jane watches. And that's it.

[Shannon Sharp]

No, you got patch. That's All.

[Kai Cenat]

Yeah.

[Shannon Sharp]

Yeah. Yes. Don't do that, don't do that, don't do that. I mean, you gonna get it on you.

[Kai Cenat]

Yeah, I like it. I got more into it. It's, it's, it's, it's fire to like understand. I just, I don't even, I got over, I got, I'm glad I was able to get over like the diamonds and stuff. You know what I'm saying? I just, I just got one last diamond chain. But like it's not as bad as like how I used to think of it, right? Like for real.

[Shannon Sharp]

What's Kai's guilty. What's his. What's your guilty pleasure?

[Kai Cenat]

My guilty pleasure, I just, I love, I don't know, I think my guilty pleasure is I love just watching like YouTube and Twitch. Like I'm still a viewer. I feel like I'm still a viewer. Like I love just being on my phone and seeing what's going on and like watching movies and reading billboards and, and like different stuff going around the room to get inspiration. But like ain't nothing pleasure me more than like an idea coming to life right sitting there by my whiteboard. It'd be fire. Cause I be coming up with the craziest stuff and I don't know and I'll be the first to take to do it. So it'd be good.

[Shannon Sharp]

What's been your best. And you say you told me your best purchase has been when like you felt the best when you bought your mom a home. What's been your worst purchase?

[Kai Cenat]

My worst purchase had to probably be my. My first chain of my first watch.

[Shannon Sharp]

Like you had to bust down.

[Kai Cenat]

I had a bust down Rolly and I had a, A bust down ap. I have a bus down ap and I. And I don't, I don't like those. Those are like, I'm like, damn. Like I got these. And it is what it was though. You feel me?

[Shannon Sharp]

So let me ask you a question. When you fly, you fly charter. Do you fly private or pj or do you take.

[Kai Cenat]

So boom, when I fly, I love flying commercial, right? Because it made me feel like I don't want to get too big headed about myself or certain things. But I just learned a new trick that nope. That I had to find myself that nobody went to. So like whenever, like whenever I travel, it's either for a business opportunity, a sponsorship or I gotta do something inside. So what I noticed that you can request travel fees. So like companies are willing to just pay for a free pj, not out of My money just like, if you want to get here faster, here's this. We'll cover this. Anything. So I was like, I just keep using that. I didn't know that was a thing. Yeah, I just thought everybody just kept paying, but it's like, I didn't know I could just request it.

[Shannon Sharp]

Somebody else paying for it. Pj, I'm paying for it.

[Kai Cenat]

But you definitely. But you definitely. You definitely get to. You have to get to that point, though.

[Shannon Sharp]

Yeah, for sure.

[Kai Cenat]

Yeah. Yeah. This just started happening. You feel me? But, yeah, that was the smartest thing I ever discovered. I was like, what? And you get you in and out.

[Shannon Sharp]

Yeah.

[Kai Cenat]

You feel me? But it got to a point where it's like, even though when I do commercial, it's crazy, like, TSA even be slowing me down. Like, yo, the streams is crazy. Or like, when I'm on the air, when I'm on an airplane.

[Shannon Sharp]

Well, you flying out of Atlanta, why don't you use a private suites, tier one?

[Kai Cenat]

I. I've seen that. Is it, Is it the. You got like a nice little thing and it gets you straight to the commercial right now? I've used it like once or twice. They need that everywhere. They don't got it everywhere.

[Shannon Sharp]

They need that.

[Kai Cenat]

They do.

[Shannon Sharp]

I mean, they got it in Atlanta. They got. They got a jk, jfk. They got it in la.

[Kai Cenat]

Yeah, that's it. I think that's it.

[Shannon Sharp]

Yeah.

[Kai Cenat]

Yeah, they need. They need more of that.

[Shannon Sharp]

They really do.

[Kai Cenat]

But it really helps. But I do like flying commercial because, I don't know, like, just seeing, like my supporters in person, it's refreshing. And plus, it's like, I feel like Kai still, you know.

[Shannon Sharp]

Right. I read that you turned down 60 million to join Kick. Why did you do that?

[Kai Cenat]

It wasn't right, man. I couldn't join KICK at the time because it was like, I got to realize, like, not all money is good money. Some money, I think some money that some money you could take and some deals that you could sign that would. That would like, literally jeopardize and slow down everything that you built up for. Sometimes you gotta just say no, right? This is. This. It's cool. Like, it's generational, but I'm not. I'm more like, what am I, what am I stamping on the world? Like, what am I going to be known for? So, like, I don't. Even if it don't make sense, I'm not doing it. You know what I'm saying? Like, I had such a great community where I'm at right now, why would I leave it?

[Shannon Sharp]

Who did you rely on to help make that decision? Or was that a sole decision that you made?

[Kai Cenat]

Nah, it was me and God. I can tell you exactly what happened. 2023, right before my subathon, I got a call from Kik. They say, hey, we got these millions for you to do 15 days on Twitch, then come to Kik for 15 days and then reveal that you're on Kick. And I said, I told my team, I said, I can't do it. I didn't want to do it. They hung up. As soon as I hung up, I got down on my knees and I put my hands together and I prayed and I said, God, I just turned down a crazy amount of money that can help me for a lifetime, but I just hope you keep me on the road of staying focused and being able to achieve my dreams at a natural pace, at my own pace. And he answered, like, I literally just locked in. And it's like. It's like when you get money, it's like, you don't. It's like, how do I explain it? It's like, when you get to a.

[Shannon Sharp]

Certain level, how much more money do you.

[Kai Cenat]

Yeah, you know, like, you. You get.

[Shannon Sharp]

What can I do with. What can I do with the money that I'm making that I needed this? Because if I. If I need that, I got a problem to begin with, I'm probably going to blow through that.

[Kai Cenat]

Right? That's what I'm saying. So, like, I'm like, damn. Like, I can't. Like, I'm already blessed financially. Like, why would I need to do this, right? Like, why? I'm. I. I'd rather play the long. The long game and a more natural, organic route.

[Shannon Sharp]

I mean, I mean, you turn down that step. Step makes 55 a year. Dak Prescott makes 60. That's. That's professional high. Top of the.

[Kai Cenat]

Yeah, but, but, but think about it, though. Steph is doing what he loves. Yes, it's basketball. He getting paid to play the game that he loves. I don't know if I would have loved it on camera. You feel me? I have this obvious theory that, yeah, they're going to be. It's a great, like, streaming platform and stuff and how it is, but, like, bro, my home, I'm. I'm. I'm where I need to be at. And, like, I'm not worried about the money. I just built my community, and I don't gotta worry about the extras I could get when I'm already blessed.

[Shannon Sharp]

Right.

[Kai Cenat]

You feel Me. So I just keep that mentality and just make sure I never lose that mentality.

[Shannon Sharp]

Kyle, have you built your team? It's always interesting to see because obviously, in order for you to do what you do and do it, you need a team. You need a team, but you need a team that you trust. You need a team that I don't feel like my team that I have around me. I never feel that I'm the smartest person in the room, because if I do, I need to find other people to be in the room. So I trust my team. Clearly, you trust your team. How did you go about assembling your team that you put together that, okay, this is the team that we're gonna go to the top?

[Kai Cenat]

At first, I had a videographer that I used to work with, and we built up a lot. We built up a lot until we stopped working. But after, I have an assistant, and oh, my God, her story is crazy too. I had posted. I'm looking for an assistant.

[Shannon Sharp]

Okay?

[Kai Cenat]

And her little. Her little cousin was like, yo, yo, K needs Khan needs somebody, an assistant. And I think at the top, she used to do, like, property assistant. And she text me like, hey, I'll do it. And I'm like. I'm like. I'm like, damn. Okay. I asked her where she live at. She didn't live in Georgia. And I said, you know what to say this time? Time. I need to find somebody in Georgia. I don't want to move you out here. I don't want you to come out here. You do something, like, you just fail or something. And, like, you had to figure everything out. She said, I'm a grown. I'm grown. Whatever the decision is, I'm gonna take that decision and I'm gonna live with it. She had like. I forgot her story. Her story is crazy. Like, she. She. She had like $200. She rented a spot out here to stay for a test run with me to see how it would go. She rented a spot out here for herself, got scammed, lost $200, had to call family. Then they gave her some spare money. She found somewhere. She found somewhere, like, just to lay her head at. Her first task was. And I was like, you know what? I gotta give her a hard task. So I know. I said, find me a zebra. And I want to have.

[Shannon Sharp]

Hello, like a zebra zebra. Like.

[Kai Cenat]

Like. Yes, like black and white. A legit zebra.

[Shannon Sharp]

Okay.

[Kai Cenat]

Find me a zebra. I want my house to be a zoo. I want a llama in here. I want kangaroos. I want a Zebra. The zebra was the heart. I'm like, there's no way she found a zebra in Georgia. She said, okay, I'm on it. She put up with a goddamn zebra. And the way she fought to get the zebra there, because there was one up north, and they're like, no, no, no, no, no. And she was on the phone, like, she told me. She's like, yo, I literally have to get a zebra or you're gonna cost me my job. Like, she's literally on it, and she got the zebra there. And I was like, yeah, she's good. If you get a zebra in Georgia, you can do. Yeah, you can do anything. I'm not gonna lie. So I got her that. And she's like. She's like an older sister, right? Like, let us go to her for advice, like, on life. And, like, she. She's able to give me advice, and we're able to lock in. Like, she has the same. I could close my eyes, and she knows exactly what I want, how I want it, when I want it done.

[Shannon Sharp]

Like, ain't that the best kind of assistant? Yeah.

[Kai Cenat]

And I had to rebuild my technical side with my boys, Daniel and CB they're like yin and yang. And we got some more people coming on the team. And my management is good. They never forced me down the wrong path. We live, we learn, we keep going. Yeah, we keep going. We keep everything in a tight, tight circle.

[Shannon Sharp]

So I saw what Duke. He got his car broken into.

[Kai Cenat]

He didn't know. Oh, my God. I don't know. He. He go from South Carolina to Atlanta. He just popped up and he got his car broken into. But he didn't care, though. He was actually, like. He has said that. Like, isn't. It's crazy how he gets to say, like, he got his Lambo, his Lamborghini broken into. Like, that's a blessing in its own. Like, He. He didn't care, though. The picture was Fire him taking the picture. But I don't know, you know, people still be out here. Gotta be. Gotta be safe. I'll be moving with security and stuff.

[Shannon Sharp]

Oh, do you?

[Kai Cenat]

Yeah.

[Shannon Sharp]

Damn.

[Kai Cenat]

Yeah. I don't got security with me now, but.

[Shannon Sharp]

Yeah, but don't nobody but nobody gonna know that, though. Yeah. By the time this area, you be long gone. You're teaching. By the time this here. No.

[Kai Cenat]

Yeah.

[Shannon Sharp]

Let me ask you this. Endorsements you have deals with NBA, Chime T Mobile, skims and doordash. How do you decide who Cassanet partners with?

[Kai Cenat]

I gotta use it on a daily or it gotta Just make sense. Like, I'm so big on, like, making sense. Like, if I wanted. I loved Hanes. I said I loved Hanes. Hanes got reached out to me. They sent me free Hanes. Hanes stuff. My ultimate one was Nike. Yeah, I love Nike. I'm talking about shoes. I didn't grow up with the best shoes or gear, athletic gear or anything. And Nike. And it came around. I did not think that was possible. Came around the corner. And it just has to make sense. If it's a daily use that I need on a daily, that's just a perfect one up. But there's a lot of endorsements and sponsorships that I did not like that.

[Shannon Sharp]

I feel like it's got to make sense.

[Kai Cenat]

It has to. And that's literally one of the biggest things to the blueprint. Always keep it organic.

[Shannon Sharp]

Yes.

[Kai Cenat]

Always keep it real. What fits you. You feel what I'm saying?

[Shannon Sharp]

Yes.

[Kai Cenat]

So, yeah.

[Shannon Sharp]

What have you learned most about negotiating? Because a lot of times, you know, like, we started off with CJ and I, we started with Club Shay Shay. We wouldn't have any advertising. We ain't have nothing. And then you get in a situation and these six and seven figure deals come along. Sometimes you have to say no. And it's hard. You're like, damn. I mean, I remember CJ, we didn't get $50, we didn't get $100. And now we saying no to six and seven figure deals.

[Kai Cenat]

But it just doesn't seem like I negotiate. I don't like. It's certain things that I don't like hosting. Like, they be wanting everything. Yo, yo, post this and put a link on there. Put this on here. Yeah, make sure you do this. Make sure. I need five slides on the IG story. When you start asking too much, it's okay. Hey, I'm gonna tell you exactly what I will give you in deliverables. But if you. If you start asking. Hey, yeah, yeah, yeah. You gotta tag me. You gotta tag. Yeah, Best friend. My best friend. Nah, bro, I'm good, bro. I'm good. And it'd be worth it. Yeah, like, like, you don't. Like. It'd be worth it in terms of, like, making sure that you're like. Like you're, you're.

[Shannon Sharp]

Because it's your personal page. You don't want to turn into a billboard.

[Kai Cenat]

Yeah, I don't even like posting on my feed.

[Shannon Sharp]

Yeah.

[Kai Cenat]

You feel what I'm saying? Like, I don't even like doing that because, like, yeah, when it comes to the billboard, it's like, all right, you feel me? But I do commend people I want to really be seeing. Like I've seen a lot of young folks do it, but I feel like when you get older then you can start. You do stuff like that. You start doing a whole bunch of side missions and stuff like that. You feel what I'm saying? But like, keep it, keep it good.

[Shannon Sharp]

This concludes the first half of my conversation. Part 2 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.

[T-Mobile Announcer]

What gift are you going to get that person that's impossible to shop for? Give the gift of sound. JLab has the perfect gift for anyone with a variety of styles, sizes and colors and they have products for under $100, under $50, and even under $25. I love that. Save up to 60% on select JLab products this holiday season on JLab.com look for the JLab Blue Box at retailers everywhere or visit jlab.com today when it's.

[DraftKings Announcer]

Tip off time at my house. There are a few things that are must haves on my checklist. My fellow friends and fans. Check my favorite jersey. It is good luck. Check an iconic drink that's a fan favorite.

[Kai Cenat]

Check.

[DraftKings Announcer]

Hypnotic can turn any cocktail into an iconic creation with its game changing color and tropical flavor, Hypnotic should be in everyone's starting five. I consider Hypnotic the point guard on my game day roster because not only is it versatile, like having it on the rocks or as a base for cocktails, it also finishes smooth. So grab a bottle of Hypnotic and make your next basketball watch party Iconic. Enjoy the vibrant taste with friends and turn every game into a memorable celebration. Hypnotic where every sip is a slam dunk. Hypnotic Liqueur Bardstown, Kentucky 17% alcohol by volume Hypnotic reminds you to think wisely. Drink wisely.

[Shannon Sharp]

Thursday on abc. Get ready to move that bus. The beloved series Extreme Makeover Home Edition is making a triumphant return to kick off the new year. Join the Makeover mavens Joanna Teplin and Cleish Hearer as they hit the road on a mission to transform lives of deserving families. They have just four days to rally communities, demolish old homes and rebuild not just houses but lives. Extreme Makeover Home Edition premieres Thursday at 87 Central on ABC and will be available to stream next day on Hulu.