Club Shay Shay – Miguel Part 2 (November 5, 2025)

Podcast: Club Shay Shay
Host: Shannon Sharpe (with guest Miguel)
Episode Theme: Growth, Identity, Family, and the Music Industry

Episode Overview

In this in-depth conversation, R&B star Miguel joins Shannon Sharpe for part two of their discussion, diving deeply into themes of money, family, artistic evolution, collaboration, the creative process, identity, and fatherhood. With candid reflections and personal stories, Miguel explores how upbringing shaped his relationship to money, artistry, biracial identity, and sense of purpose. They also discuss health in Black and Latinx communities, industry dynamics, and the importance of authentic collaboration.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Perspectives on Money and Success

• Money as a Tool, Not a Goal:
  • Miguel shares how he views money as a tool for freedom and providing for loved ones, not as an end in itself:
    • "Money is just a tool. It's the pursuit of money and making that the all end-all, be-all goal... that's what becomes the root of all evil." (Miguel, 04:06)
• Providing for Family:
  • Both Shannon and Miguel talk about prioritizing their families’ well-being, often foregoing material indulgences for themselves.
    • "I've always been a provider... I never want my family to have to worry." (Shannon, 05:00)
    • "My biggest accomplishments is buy my mom a house... fixing this thing at Pop's house or hospital bills... I feel more accomplished being able to do those things." (Miguel, 08:23)

2. Reflecting on Regrets and Growth

• No Erasers, No Regrets:
  • Miguel and Shannon agree that, despite hard moments or mistakes, they wouldn’t go back and change past decisions.
    • "Everything that I thought I would do differently has built character and gave me the opportunity to prove to myself that I'm proud of myself... I wouldn't take that eraser." (Miguel, 10:15 & 11:44)
• Value in Struggle:
  • Both see their hardships as contributors to their current sense of self.
    • "You miss all of the great things that you got in that shape and make us who we are." (Shannon, 12:22)

3. Experience & Lessons from the Music Industry

• Collaboration Philosophy:
  • Miguel describes his approach to sessions with icons like Alicia Keys, Mariah Carey, J. Cole, and others:
    • "I never... I'm gonna walk into a space, I'm gonna be myself. Whatever happens, that's all we ever did." (Miguel, 18:08)
    • "When I step into a room, I'm an enabler… What is the most potent, wild, pure honest thing that we could say?" (Miguel, 21:33)
• Notable Anecdote (Alicia Keys Session):
  • "She brings you into her world... she has a vision... she's an album artist–she's really cheffing.” (Miguel, 20:22)
• Favorite Potential Collaborations:
  • Miguel is interested in a full album with J. Cole and another with Blue, referencing a long history with up-and-coming and established artists:
    • "A collab album with Cole is one that they've been asking for... I think Cole would be really special." (Miguel, 28:29)

4. Songwriting for Others

• Writing Across Perspectives:
  • On writing for artists like Beyoncé and Mary J. Blige:
    • "I think of what excites the artist... I'm a fan first, so I'm thinking about them in a fan way... Like for Rocket for Beyoncé: 'Let me sit this ass on you' – which of us ain't thinking that?" (Miguel, 33:48)
• Adapting Songs:
  • Songs may start as personal but become collaborative:
    • "Beautiful [for Mariah Carey] started as a song for my album. We adapted it to fit Mariah, and she wrote on the record to make it hers" (Miguel, 35:53).

5. Identity, Representation & Biracial Experience

• Navigating Biracial Identity:
  • Miguel discusses childhood feelings of not being “enough”—for Black or Mexican peers—and later finding pride in both heritages:
    • "Too proper for the Black kids, too Black for the Mexicans, too square to be a hood... Now I'm really proud to be both. I get to rep for both." (Miguel, 68:28)
• Fatherhood and Heritage:
  • As a new dad, he reflects on how to instill confidence and wholeness in his son, who is of mixed Black, Mexican, and Chinese heritage:
    • "I will do my best to instill in him that he is more than enough and he's human." (Miguel, 98:51)

6. Family Legacy and Fatherhood

• Influence of His Father:
  • Deeply emotional, Miguel credits his father with instilling confidence and vision:
    • "My dad was like—my dad's the shit. He really believed, and he always told me I could do it." (Miguel, 83:19)
    • "He never took away... the convincing that we deserve, and that we are." (Miguel, 83:58)

7. Society, Politics, and Current Affairs

• Systemic Issues and Desensitization:
  • Discusses the growing societal numbness to injustice, drawing parallels to history:
    • "There are people being pulled out of their homes... It's like Gestapo type shit..." (Miguel, 92:28)
    • "Are we becoming more desensitized? Now we see it and just keep it moving..." (Shannon, 93:48)
• Civic Discourse & Division:
  • Reflects on America’s increased polarization:
    • "It used to be okay, we agree to disagree. Now we can't disagree—if we disagree, I hate you." (Shannon, 97:38)
    • "There's so much information that it's hard to see the truth... information in its pure state, uncut, unstepped on, is a task... It's easy to maneuver people." (Miguel, 96:08)

8. Artistic Integrity and Collaborations

• Selective Collaborations:
  • Prefers collaborating with those he genuinely connects with:
    • "I've decided in my life I don't want to make music with people I can't go have coffee with or have a drink with." (Miguel, 44:55)
• On being “the King” of Hip Hop Collabs:
  • "I wouldn't say the king. I'm definitely... I definitely have some special ones." (Miguel, 30:26)

9. Artistry, Genre-blending & Musical Influences

• Eclectic Inspirations:
  • Miguel highlights his punk, hip-hop, and classic rock influences, shaped by growing up in San Pedro’s art-punk scene.
    • "Punk music, classic rock... and then soul music all have a big influence... that's why you hear a lot of heavy guitar in my music." (Miguel, 55:32)

10. Health Within Black and Latinx Communities

• Personal and Systemic Health Challenges:
  • A candid conversation on cancer, preventive testing, and systemic hurdles to healthcare:
    • "Our health is being tampered with every day... water, produce, our air... our health is being manipulated." (Miguel, 38:35)
    • "Growing up, there are not a whole lot of Blacks that could afford insurance... we didn't go unless Jesus was sitting at the foot of the bed." (Shannon, 41:40)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Money:

  • "If I gotta eat ketchup with a knit needle, that's what I'll do...I just need to. I don't ever want my family ...to worry. Let me stay up at night." (Shannon, 06:00)

• On Collab Writing:

  • “Let me sit this ass on you is the first line [in ‘Rocket’ for Beyoncé]. Which one of us is not thinking? ...what do her audience want to say for themselves, too? What’s exciting? Shit, let me sit this ass on you. That’s where Quickie came from.” (Miguel, 33:48)

• On Biracial Identity:

  • “Too proper for the black kids. Too black for the Mexicans. Too square to be a hood. What's normal anyway?” (Miguel, 68:28)

• On Parenting:

  • "He really believed, and he always told me I could do it." (Miguel on his father, 83:30)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Money Philosophy & Family Providing: 03:15–09:02
• Regret and Learning from the Past: 10:02–14:18
• Breaking into the Industry, Writing for Others: 17:33–36:33
• Genre Adventures & Artistic Influences: 54:41–56:33
• Identity & Biracial Experience: 67:26–70:15
• Healthcare in Minority Communities: 38:29–41:59
• On Collaboration and Authenticity: 44:55–45:16
• Fatherhood and New Life Perspective: 78:13–87:22
• Performance: ‘New Martyrs’ & Social Commentary: 87:15–95:29

Memorable Final Reflections

• On Partnership and Marriage:

  • "I'll probably never get married again...I believe in locking in with somebody and having partnership, whatever that means for anyone out there." (Miguel, 86:18–87:15)

• Sending His Son a Message:

  • "He is everything, all powerful, all knowing already...as long as I can help protect that...we won." (Miguel, 98:51–100:44)

Episode’s Tone

The conversation is candid, introspective, and warm. Both Shannon and Miguel are open about vulnerability, struggles, pride, and growth, infusing seriousness and humor in equal measure. Miguel’s thoughtful, heartfelt answers—especially on family, identity, and artistry—set the episode’s reflective and soulful tone.

This episode is a must-listen for fans of Miguel, creatives navigating industry challenges, and anyone interested in the intersections of art, race, parenting, and personal development.