
Loading summary
Cousin Jay
That person comes out of the door, it's like. Like, you know that. That scene in get out, like, when.
Sean
The guy's like, yeah.
Cousin Jay
Gave me that look, didn't say anything. I was like, okay. He's like, I'm so sorry. I'm so sorry. I'm like, what are you sorry for? And I'm reading the room. I'm like, this just.
Sean
All right, guys, out here in Miami with cousin Jay. Let's go.
Cousin Jay
The one and only.
Sean
Love the outfit, man.
Cousin Jay
Thank you. It's unique style by Sally.
Sean
Styled by Sally. Let's go. And got the Make America snow Again hat.
Cousin Jay
Yes.
Sean
I gotta hear the story behind that. What does that mean?
Cousin Jay
Well, it has multiple meanings, you know, for me, it means global warming. To others, it might mean a brother that likes white women. To others, it might mean something that people dibble and dabble in their nose. But, you know, I don't partake in that. Yeah, yeah.
Sean
To me, I took it literally. Oh, like snow. Yeah.
Cousin Jay
I support me.
Sean
It's a fourth one because I live in Jersey growing up and it doesn't snow as much as it used to, man. Make it snow some more over there.
Cousin Jay
Yeah, man. It's snowing in Florida too.
Sean
Does it?
Cousin Jay
Yeah.
Sean
Damn. That never happened growing up.
Cousin Jay
No, I mean.
Sean
Oh, that makes sense.
Cousin Jay
Yeah.
Sean
The first meaning.
Cousin Jay
Yeah.
Sean
Is clothing the main focus for you right now?
Cousin Jay
Yes, a thousand percent. I mean, it's what I rely on because I just recently got banned on YouTube for 90 days.
Sean
Damn. What'd you do?
Cousin Jay
Body Blue.
Sean
Oh, I saw that video that got.
Cousin Jay
You banned for nine. Yeah. For 90 days. Like, a week after, like, they gave me an email, they said, yeah, you're done. Damn.
Sean
My. I had Lily Phillips on the pod, and, yeah, that episode got a strike.
Cousin Jay
And what did that do to you?
Sean
Like, I think I. So was the first strike. So I'm chilling. Knock on wood. But was that your second or third?
Cousin Jay
That was my first strike ever. And it really hurt me because also, factor in I'm working with a new editor, and so his name's Noah. He's an amazing guy. Yeah, he's just a little slow. So, like, when people are slow and I'm very fast paced and have adhd, so, you know, it's. It's kind of hard for me to. For people to keep up with me.
Sean
Yeah. Did you regret taking that spring break trip with Bonnie Blue?
Cousin Jay
Fuck no. That was lit. That was amazing. What you mean?
Sean
So no regrets about it?
Cousin Jay
I mean, she changed a brother's life, man, for good. And worse. Like, being around her, I gained 6,000 followers.
Sean
Damn.
Cousin Jay
And I also lost 6,000 followers. You know what I'm saying?
Sean
You lost it that quick?
Cousin Jay
Very. Yeah, instantly. Like, it was like, as the followers are going up, it was going down at the same time. Oh.
Sean
Oh, God.
Cousin Jay
You know what I mean?
Sean
Yeah.
Cousin Jay
But, you know, as far as, like, the. The notoriety I got from it, I need security now. So everywhere I go, for the most part, I have security with me, so.
Sean
For real?
Cousin Jay
Yeah.
Sean
It's like that.
Cousin Jay
Yeah.
Sean
God damn.
Cousin Jay
Actually, like, she did. She. She knows what she's doing.
Sean
Wow. Well, shout out to her, man. I know only fans. Girls get a lot of hate, but it is what it is, I guess.
Cousin Jay
Yeah, man, it's all. It's all marketing. It's like what you put out there and you're marketing yourself. You know what I'm saying? Whether you know it or you don't. And yeah, man, who put you onto.
Sean
The marketing game, like branding? Like, who really taught you that? Those skills?
Cousin Jay
I watch, like, a lot of different creators, like, just on shorts and, like, reels and stuff like that. So just like, the Internet.
Sean
Yeah.
Cousin Jay
And also people I work with, too.
Sean
Yeah.
Cousin Jay
Like Nelboys.
Sean
Yeah. I was gonna say, because those guys really know how to build a brand and market and.
Cousin Jay
Oh, yeah.
Sean
Unique things, Right?
Cousin Jay
Hella smart. Like elite, solely. Yeah.
Sean
And that was a wild run for you. I don't even know where to start. But I guess you and Saleem kind of came into it together, right?
Cousin Jay
Oh, boy. Tell me about it. Ah, 2017 is when I got the idea of what I wanted to do, which is make clothing. Started painting sneakers. Like, the huaraches. Used to splish splash paint on there. Posted on YouTube. 30,000 views. Boom, boom, boom. And, you know, kind of a few months after that, I started, like, a clothing line. Girls love artists, which is one way I support myself, you know, that's just one way as an influencer, supporting myself with that. Sorry, I need an iv. I'm actually getting one right after this.
Sean
Yeah, you do those all the time.
Cousin Jay
Like, I try to do it at least once every other month.
Sean
Damn.
Cousin Jay
Because I just keep going. I'm like the energizer bunny, but staying on topic. I'm sorry.
Sean
No, you're good, man. I have adhd, too. I can relate to this.
Cousin Jay
Like, are you diagnosed with it?
Sean
I am, but I'm all over the place. Sometimes I have to tone it down.
Cousin Jay
Oh, yeah. Well, I didn't get a brain scan yet, but yeah.
Sean
I mean, you could tell.
Cousin Jay
Yeah.
Sambrosa
If you're building something. Doesn't matter if it's a business, a brand, or just a better version of yourself, then you already know. The work never really stops. Your brain is always on ideas at 2am, problems at 3, plans at 4. But here's the truth. If you never shut down, you're going to crash fast. That's why I use Sambrosa. It's not hype, it's. It's not some trendy sleep hack. It's a legit syrup that helps you fall asleep when your brain won't let you. You take it and 20 to 30 minutes later, you're out. Not groggy, not jogged up, just asleep like you're supposed to be. Then you wake up clear, with no brain fog, no dragging yourself out of bed. You get your hours in and you actually feel like you slept. Sleep isn't optional. It's not self care, it's strategy. If you're not getting it right, you're leaving energy focus and money on the table. Sambrosa helps me sleep.
Sean
It helps me execute.
Sambrosa
That's the only reason I talk about it. You want to get ahead? Start by getting real rest. Check out the link below in their website. Wwws a m b r o s a sambrosa.com.
Sean
Most people can tell. I don't like when people use it as a. Like, like.
Cousin Jay
Oh, you have like one of those.
Sean
Yeah, like a victim mentality. Thing. But you could tell.
Cousin Jay
Yeah, but I digress. Getting back on topic. Yeah, man, we, we started around 2018.
Sean
You guys were homeless at the time, right? I remember.
Cousin Jay
No, no, not, not off rip. Oh, in high school, you know, graduate high school. And I stayed back a year just so he can finish his progress with school. And then once he graduated, then I kidnapped him, moved to LA with the whole plan. Like everything as, as to where I am right now was planned as far as, like where I would be by the time I'm 25. Because everyone in Sacramento would say this, rich by 25. And so I had this thing where I used to say by the time I'm 25, if I'm not where I want to be, like as far as happiness, as far as financials and success in like the business world, then I'd just be like a Venice beach bum painting art, like painting canvases and just creating art and trying to, you know, make a living that way. But I'm, I'm glad I don't have to do that to yourself.
Sean
Like a seven year window.
Cousin Jay
Exactly.
Sean
To make it happen.
Cousin Jay
Yeah, 100% but, yeah, we started posting Instagram videos on, and I got them connected with World Star. And then I didn't personally know World Star. I just somehow my. My gut told me, since this was like the hottest platform, what is the best way to get on there without paying? Because at that time, you needed to pay three grand in order to get a sponsored post on their platform. Music videos, anything you want to talk about. Three grand, bare minimum. And, you know, with my frugal gut, you know, I got that from my mom, you know, I told him, just send your videos straight to the World Star team. I found everybody who World Star followed, and I told him, reach out to these people, because I think these three, four people are the ones that would possibly repost it. And 24 hours later, famous.
Sean
Wow.
Cousin Jay
Overnight.
Sean
That quick.
Cousin Jay
Yeah. And that was three to four months into us doing this content creation, which is, you know, that's something that'll make you keep going to where you're. You know what I mean? Where I'm at right now. Dish. That little moment three months into it from hard work, we had 60 videos up, and it was a surreal moment. I was graduated. Keep in mind, he was still in school, so I would pick him up every day after school from. And we go film, you know, edit at McDonald's and rinse and repeat from even before I graduated, you know?
Sean
Yeah. So you two were super tight back then.
Cousin Jay
Super close. Super.
Sean
How long were you friends at the time?
Cousin Jay
Oh, I make friends very easily, very quick. Especially like. Yeah, sorry, I'm about to digress. Zone out. Zone back in. All right, we're back. We're activated. We were friends for, like, two months, maybe.
Sean
Oh, okay.
Cousin Jay
But we. We started off, like, in a. You know, we didn't really like each other.
Sean
It was beef at first.
Cousin Jay
I'm vegan.
Sean
Yeah, it was. What's the word? Conflict.
Cousin Jay
You could say that, yeah.
Sean
What was the conflict about? A girl or what was it?
Cousin Jay
Oh, it's usually about girls or money. So which one do you think it would be?
Sean
Girls. Girls at the time, Right?
Cousin Jay
Exactly. But a girl who we didn't really know. Her name was, like, Journey or some.
Sean
What a name.
Cousin Jay
Yeah, man. That girl came. She sat right next to me as I'm sitting down. You know, he's posted up here. I literally have, like, an image of the day, like, of what I'm talking about right now. He's standing up here, like, kind of looking down like this, and I'm like this. Doing my little selfie. And then that was, like, when we were Just getting to know each other. And we were like, kind of like, okay, we could be homies and shit. Because that was after he called me Bobby Shmurda, like, two, three weeks later. And I was like, I'm not fucking with this kid. And then I. I seen that this dude is just, like, being a character, a clown in front of everybody. That's just him. But then, yeah, back to Journey. That girl sat next to me and she was like, hey, what are you guys doing? Can I hang out with you guys? I was like, yes, say less. And so we're both like. I'm like, she valley on me. And obviously, who do you think she's probably interested in? If. If I'm sitting down and she sat next to me, who do you think?
Sean
Probably you, based off the situation.
Cousin Jay
So if we're reading the room, that's probably not a valid reason to be jealous of somebody. However, you know, that's how it started.
Sean
He swooped in there and.
Cousin Jay
No, he didn't swoop in. It was just like, I didn't hook up with that girl. I was going to, like, probably, you know, do some things with her as far as breaking my virginity wise.
Sean
Yeah.
Cousin Jay
You know what I'm saying? And I didn't because I didn't want to hurt, you know, his feelings.
Sean
Damn.
Cousin Jay
That's. That's the type of guy I am. Like, even if I don't know you super too, too well, I just, like. Until you give me a reason to, like, you know, betray you or, like, do something like, dirty to you, then I'm. I'm gonna just keep it kosher, you know?
Sean
That's a respectful trade, man, because there's a lot of guys that are screwing their girls, their friends, girls.
Cousin Jay
Oh, yeah. You know, it happened to me, too. I got my bitch fucked, too.
Sean
Damn.
Cousin Jay
Yeah.
Sean
By one of your boys.
Cousin Jay
Yeah. Really close, boy. Damn.
Sean
And who did you cut off? Both of them. One of them or neither.
Cousin Jay
Well, okay, let's break it down. Let's break it down. So it wasn't my girlfriend. Well, she actually let me. Let me. We could.
Sean
Tricky situation, huh?
Cousin Jay
Okay, now there's so many scenarios. I pretty much. I always end up getting fucked over. I'll keep it like that. And I only noticed that, you know, seven years into this shit, like how shady shit can get. But, you know, one of my close friends, he fucked the girl. We were on a two, man, and this girl flew out here to come see me.
Sean
Yeah, right.
Cousin Jay
And it hurt because I thought we were friends. And it hurt simply because it's the principle. You know what I mean? It's. None of these girls are ours. It's just our turn. You know that whole saying.
Sean
Yep.
Cousin Jay
When you. But my. If I showed you these Instagram messages and, you know, she's coming out here to see me, and I got her friend here for you. We go out, boom, boom, boom. Yes. He's a cloud chaser. So typically, cloud chasers, they. They're the type to, like, homie hop. You know what I'm saying? They don't want you. They want the. The lure, they want the aura. You know, all that. So I'm not unaware that she's the type to do that. However, principal. You know, it's supposed to be bros over. You know what I'm saying? And, yeah. So his girl, once we get back to the Airbnb, was throwing up for, like, 15, 20 minutes, and I'm taking care of his girl, like. And the girl I brought out there. Or she came out there on her own dime because, you know, I don't really fly girls out. She came out there and she asked, hey, so. And so could I use the restroom? I was like, boom. That person said, yeah, go use my restroom. I'm taking care of his girl in the bathroom. Give him her water. Because I'm like, this is a bad look. And then he's fucked up, too. So I'm like, let me do what a decent human being would do. And long story short, I come out. She's good. That person comes out of the door, it's like. Like, you know that. That scene in get out, like, when.
Sean
The guy's like, yeah.
Cousin Jay
Gave me that look, didn't say anything. I was like, okay. He's like, I'm so sorry. I'm so sorry. I'm like, what are you sorry for? And I'm reading the room. I'm like, just take it. Just. And it was like, he's seen a ghost. And I was like, so, you know, and I continue to be that person's acquaintance, and I look past it because I'm focused on, like, the bigger picture.
Sean
Yeah.
Cousin Jay
And I. It. It ain't worth it to, like, get in a fight over some shit like that, over a girl who's not your girlfriend. But it's the principle.
Sean
Yeah.
Cousin Jay
And a lot of people I run into, they break the principles because I'm. I'm a really nice guy, but no more Mr. Nice Guy.
Sean
You're changing.
Cousin Jay
Yeah. For a good cause.
Sean
Yeah. Was that the first major backstab you experienced or.
Cousin Jay
Oh, not even, man.
Sean
There was some more after that before.
Cousin Jay
There was some more after. It continues. The journey continues.
Sean
Damn.
Cousin Jay
You know, once somebody wrongs you once, what makes you think they're not going to do it again?
Sean
Yeah. So I guess it becomes the question of at what point do you cut them off? Right. At what point is it enough?
Cousin Jay
Oh, right, right, right, right.
Sean
And for you, was there a limit, I guess, or was it.
Cousin Jay
Oh, there was no limit. I gave that person at least 100 chances.
Sean
Damn. So you really wanted to make it work.
Cousin Jay
Oh, did I? Damn. Damn. Yeah. Damn. You're helping me realize a lot right now.
Sean
No, I mean, appreciate the honesty. I could see you really wanted to make. I think we know who we're both talking about. We can move on, though. I know it's a touching subject.
Cousin Jay
Next question.
Sean
Jimmy Gambles. Do you still talk to him at all?
Cousin Jay
Yeah, he's a homie.
Sean
Yeah. Shout out to him for.
Cousin Jay
Yeah.
Sean
Flaking a little. A little? Once or twice.
Cousin Jay
He was supposed to come on here.
Sean
Yeah. I like him, though. He's a good dude.
Cousin Jay
No. Yeah, that's Kyle's best friend.
Sean
Met him at the.
Cousin Jay
The 5K in Miami or in Vegas. Really?
Sean
They did one out here, too.
Cousin Jay
That's awesome. So you read a lot?
Sean
No, that was my first 5k in 10 years.
Cousin Jay
Oh, wow.
Sean
It was.
Cousin Jay
I read a lot.
Sean
Yeah. You a runner?
Cousin Jay
Yeah, I run every morning.
Sean
Okay.
Cousin Jay
Or go on a walk or go on a jog.
Sean
Health is big for you. Yeah, Yeah, I know. You're sober. You don't seem to do any. Any. Do you party a lot or no drugs?
Cousin Jay
I party a lot. As far as, like, I network a lot. Because when you network, you increase your net worth. Oh, damn.
Sean
So much speed bars out here, man.
Cousin Jay
Oh, my gosh.
Sean
You're transitioning into music. You said.
Cousin Jay
I would love to learn how to make music. I feel like that's, like, part of the reason why I've started a clothing line. Because I had a huge liking towards, like, the lure of these artists in the music videos. Like, they're telling a story visually, you know, and sometimes it may not add up to what they're saying, and this is that. But it's just the vibe. Like, I feel like Cousin J as a whole, like, personality is just a vibe. So, like, I feel like that's just another way to express my vibe.
Sean
Yeah.
Cousin Jay
So, like, maybe I will, maybe I won't, but.
Sean
Who were your biggest musical inspirations?
Cousin Jay
Oh, futures up there. You know, there's this artist on the come up in la. His name's Party Alone. You know, he has this song called Addict. I listen to it. It fires me up. Like, oh, he's like the next Juice World. I love Young Thug. I love hearing fucking Lil Baby's Fire.
Sean
Kanye.
Cousin Jay
His music is fucking. Is the old Kanye. Woo. Graduation Kanye.
Sean
I miss the old Kanye.
Cousin Jay
I miss the old Kanye.
Sean
I didn't hear the new one. The new album he just dropped, I.
Cousin Jay
Didn'T hear it yet either.
Sean
I liked Life of Pablo. That's probably the latest one that I've liked.
Cousin Jay
I feel like Pablo.
Sean
Yeah.
Cousin Jay
Yeah. I feel like cousin.
Sean
Yeah, yeah. Shout out to Kanye, man. Going through his battles right now.
Cousin Jay
Now, aren't we all, man? I feel like you go through stuff, but you always asking questions to other people. What you going through my.
Sean
A lot right now, dude. Let's talk financial. Financial stuff right now. Yeah, it's not cheap running a big pod, dude.
Cousin Jay
It's not you. How many episodes you shoot a day?
Sean
I feel like you'd be six yesterday. I had eight. But I film 750 a year, so that ain't cheap.
Cousin Jay
No, you gotta pay your employees and people that. Yeah, you asked me about my bank account.
Sean
I'm barely getting by myself right now, man. Shit.
Cousin Jay
Hey, the side effects and the truth that people don't talk about on social media is how expensive it is to run this shit. So you're pretty much doing a nonprofit.
Sean
I mean, people see these revenues, they think we're keeping a lot of it.
Cousin Jay
No, nigga. Pay my editors. And they not happy with what they're getting. So then they get lazy. But it's about the bigger picture, my guy. But it's okay. You can leave me.
Sean
You're. You'd be appalled how much I pay my clippers and editors. It's more than me.
Cousin Jay
I barely eat. I'll just say, like that, you know.
Sean
But I think it's important to be honest because a lot of people look up to social media content creators or whatever you want to call the startups, influencers. And it's not an easy lifestyle.
Cousin Jay
No, I'm telling you, it's not. But it's. I think it's really worth it in the end. And I haven't reached the end. Like, I say this all the time. Like, I feel like I haven't even started. So until I feel like I started, I got another seven years left in me. I've been doing it for seven years, more or less, but I've been trying to, like, get to it. And that's why I'm creating, like, the Dream Squad. Because I feel like that's what it's going to be to take me to the next level and putting other people on who want to do content. I'm going to be getting them into streaming, doing YouTube and anything they want. I'm going to be the person to provide that as long as they do their one fucking job. You know, I don't make it hard. I make it very simple. If you want to stay, you can stay. If you want to leave, you can leave. So simple. And I'm not the type of boss that's kind of like try to, you know, belittle you, you know, unless you prompted me to have to do that. And I'll consensually and, you know, I'll make it known like behind closed doors with you. And I, before I like, address you in a certain way. Like say, for example, Noah, who's my favorite editor now and my only editor, he, I fired him this spring break and before he even got hired. And he's not hired yet. This, this month is where he's being tested again, is the next 30 days to post every single day on TikTok for me. And we got to upload at like 5:30 to 6, every single time, a quality, high quality vlog documenting the process of me getting the Dream Squad house. You know, you're methodical with it. Yes. Like, I'm not around and it's like I'll be speaking low so people don't hear me lately since I've been really focusing on the gym. Like, instead of going once a week, I'll go like every day now until I'm in the position I want to be or somewhere close to it. You know, Sally, my stylist, we, we told each other that we're gonna lock in, in the gym every single day until we at least get the house. You know what I'm saying?
Sean
Yeah.
Cousin Jay
And the house, it's a pretty hefty, hefty down payment, you know, the first and last month deposit that you don't know about until you trying to get yourself a house or apartment. And that's probably the reason why you can't get it and you gotta move in with hella people. Yeah. So I found the house that I want and I'm doing a series on YouTube right now. Or not on YouTube, on TikTok, because I'm banned on YouTube and the only way for people to support me right now is through merch or Patreon. Thank God for Patreon. But I'm digressing Now, man, I'm digressing.
Sean
No, I'm interested. So this house.
Cousin Jay
Yes.
Sean
Miami. You want to do it in Miami?
Cousin Jay
Miami. Within 40 minutes of Miami. Not going to say the exact location, but it's in the proximity of Miami.
Sean
And your whole goal is to get content creators.
Cousin Jay
Yes.
Sean
And you want to be similar to Faze or what do you want to do?
Cousin Jay
Yes, I want to be like faze.
Sean
Banks, like the east coast faze.
Cousin Jay
Yes. And I want to be like, steve will do it. I want to give back. I already do that. You know? You know you're giving back and you're not returning too much yet.
Sean
I had an event last night. It didn't charge a single dollar.
Cousin Jay
And for something like that, with all these people connecting, you're literally throwing like $30,000 in somebody's pocket. 10,000, 2,000. You just did a lot of favors. And people don't even say thank you to motherfuckers that do favors for it. And what I did, you invited me, I didn't show up. And I still said thank you anyways. You know, at least a thank you, that. That's worth fucking everything.
Sean
You were the only one who did that, by the way. So I appreciate you for your thank you.
Cousin Jay
No, thank you for appreciating my thankfulness.
Sean
Yeah, no, I can acknowledge it, man.
Cousin Jay
Seriously, like, people are so fucking ungrateful in this shit. Like, the other day, this dude is trying to edit for me. I'm gonna say his name, Sean. This dude had the nerve to say that I deserve to make fucking McDonald's pay. Damn. And he said that he could make fucking 300k in computer science when he graduates college. I said, okay, you do that. You do that.
Sean
AI is gonna replace that job.
Cousin Jay
Yeah, you see? See how easy it is to become a computer science guy? Fresh out of college, my nigga. And you're asking me to work for me? Yeah, go fuck yourself. But you can still try to cloud chase off me and work with me. He's the last cloud chaser I'm going to deal with. And, yeah.
Sean
You'Ve been dealing with a lot of cloud chasing, huh? I guess that's part of getting famous so quick. People want to ride the wave with you.
Cousin Jay
Yeah, man, like, they want to ride the wave, but they won't. They can't swim. You know what I'm saying? Like, how you going to ride away but you can't swim?
Sean
You do a lot of swimming out here in Miami.
Cousin Jay
You know black people can't swim. I wish I put my feet in the water.
Sean
Swimming ain't easy unless you learn it at a young age. To be fair, I agree. You know, I don't even like swimming. Rather walk or run.
Cousin Jay
Yeah.
Sean
Just feels like you're going so slow, you know, it's not efficient.
Cousin Jay
I almost drowned in the Atlantic Ocean over here.
Sean
You got caught in a riptide or what happened?
Cousin Jay
Like, a bunch of seaweed out of my mouth, and I swallowed a bunch of salt water.
Sean
Damn.
Cousin Jay
So dehydrated. I didn't even eat anything that morning. It was like when we were doing it, not when we first moved to Miami. This is like two or three years ago. I was with Kyle and Salim and Austin and a couple other people on the team. They. We're all swimming to the lighthouse. And then I was like, okay, if these guys can do it, no floaty, no vests, I can do it. So then my black cast was like, okay, I'm gonna get in the water. And just because, you know, Austin does, it doesn't mean you gotta do it, you know? And my mom told me, if you ever go in the water, because a lot of people in my family actually died from the stereotype. Not knowing how to swim.
Sean
Damn.
Cousin Jay
No cap.
Sean
In the water, in the ocean or.
Cousin Jay
In the river, like, fishing and, like, getting caught in a riptide or some like that. I won't say a lot, but more than two is. That's. That's.
Sean
That's for a family.
Cousin Jay
Yeah.
Sean
Yeah, that's a lot.
Cousin Jay
So. But I like to be very exact and literal and punctual with what I say, so. Because I don't lie. But, yeah, man, I tried it. I was screaming for help. I'm like, yo, help.
Sean
Help.
Cousin Jay
Help. Everyone's, like, laughing and shit because they think I'm joking. And, you know, the security that they had threw, like, a little ring. A ring saver.
Sean
Oh, the. Yeah, I forget what those are called.
Cousin Jay
But the Ring of Life, whatever you call. Y' all know what I'm talking about. Threw it in the water, couldn't reach it. He jumped in the pool or in the ocean, tried to save me. He ended up fucking almost drowning.
Sean
Cheese.
Cousin Jay
Somebody, by the grace of the highest power in the world, came on a little small boat and, like, carried that dude inside his boat, and I was able to get the. The Ring of life, whatever, for a decent amount. And I was able to grab the. The anchor that they had thrown in there and pulled my way up there. I like, it felt like one of those scenes in the spongebob movie when they get on the dry land and shit.
Sean
Yeah.
Cousin Jay
And I just laid out and they're fudgeing like. They're like, oh, shit. This guy was serious, you know? I mean, and then once I started coughing up water and I was chilling, that's when they started laughing and I'm like, okay, fuck you guys.
Sean
You think that was going to be.
Cousin Jay
It for you, nigga? The reason why I, like, actually tried to, like, save myself is because I didn't hit 100k on YouTube.
Sean
Huh.
Cousin Jay
That's literally what kept me going, I promise you.
Sean
Really?
Cousin Jay
I literally said, if I do not get out of this water, I'm not going to hit 100k on YouTube.
Sean
That was your thought process.
Cousin Jay
I said, I haven't even made it yet, my nigga. So you die your pussy. That's what was in my subconscious mind because I couldn't say it in that moment where I'm like, yeah.
Sean
Do you ever think you get too caught up in the social media numbers, like, you're chasing never ends or.
Cousin Jay
No, no, I didn't. I didn't pay attention to numbers until recently, like this past year, you know?
Sean
Yeah. Because some people get like. Like Jack Doherty, for example. Like, he's been on the show, but, like, I feel like when you're live streaming, you're just trying to do crazy.
Cousin Jay
Oh, yeah, I see that. Like, you know, I seen a Jack Dirty party, whatever. I got invited to one. Yeah. I think it's hard for that kid to, like, focus on reality. He's too deep in. Yeah, he's like. He's kind of. No offense. I think he's cooked.
Sean
You think so? Yeah, he just got robbed. I don't know if you saw that.
Cousin Jay
Yeah. Is that real?
Sean
Yeah, that's real.
Cousin Jay
That sucks. But I think he's, like, so deep in that he's cooked. I'm. I'm deep in, but I'm also like, oh, I don't know.
Sean
You didn't build your brand off controversy and, like.
Cousin Jay
Exactly.
Sean
Yeah. Shock value.
Cousin Jay
Yeah, yeah, yeah.
Sean
That's the problem. Because when you build your brand off that, then you got to keep doing.
Cousin Jay
Yes, yes. Yeah. And, like, starting that way and then ending that way is hard.
Sean
Look at Vitaly right now.
Cousin Jay
Yeah, man. They end up on cocaine and, well.
Sean
He'S facing prison time in Philippines.
Cousin Jay
What now? What?
Sean
You didn't see this? Vitaly's been in jail for, like, a month. They're saying he's gonna get five, 10 years in the Philippines because he's live streaming and pranking people. And, you know, Fousey's going crazy. Like, I think it's just a toxic lifestyle. These streamers.
Cousin Jay
That's sad.
Sean
Yeah, man.
Cousin Jay
You gotta be careful. And I think the best way to be careful is by building a dial team. Not fully yes men facts. Because, you know, respectfully, I even told Kyle like he has a team full of yes men. Like not every single person, but if 70% of the team is yes men, like I think that could be dangerous. But that also stems from hiring the right people. If you hire all your friends, then they're going to be yes men. If you hire people that are trained and have the skills and you don't have to train them to do it.
Sean
That's why I don't work with friends.
Cousin Jay
And I recently realized that you shouldn't work with people, you know, 100%. You know, it gets too personal unless you're willing to get taken advantage of. If you're not, then, yeah, stay away.
Sean
You're always going to be less harsh on them.
Cousin Jay
Naturally, you naturally gonna yourself over. Right.
Sean
You don't want to hurt their feelings, you know? Yeah. Who was holding Kyle accountable from what you saw?
Cousin Jay
I honestly don't know. I feel like he's very like he holds himself accountable. I feel like I could be wrong. Jimmy's his best friend too. Like he's pretty dialed. He's. He's a smart. He's just.
Sean
You gotta be to build that brand from the ground up like that, bro.
Cousin Jay
He's elite. He's a man.
Sean
Who are you still talking to the most from those guys right now either?
Cousin Jay
Jesse. He just sent me a care package from Bloody Sunday.
Sean
Nice.
Cousin Jay
He's giving me every single drop. I get new clothes.
Sean
That's dope.
Cousin Jay
Just fire. I talked to. Yeah, mainly Jess. I mean, but he's not in. No.
Sean
So yeah.
Cousin Jay
Jimmy. I talked to Austin a little bit. Matt. Yeah, that's mainly not Steve. Oh yeah, I talked to Steve. But like technically with him kind of, you know, I mean, like he's not on YouTube with a YouTube band. Yeah, that sucks, man.
Sean
They did him dirty.
Cousin Jay
But Steve is one of the greatest guys I know.
Sean
Yeah, they did him so dirty. I can't believe it hasn't been reversed by now. Yeah, because they've unbanned like Sneako and like.
Cousin Jay
Yeah, he's really trying to get on there right now. Like I'm hot. The best hopes, best wishes for him to get on there. Like he deserves it. Yeah, he's so hardworking and one of the most fucking generous people. This dude gifted me a chain when I felt chained down, you know what I mean? You know, he gave Salim a fucking new Tesla. Fucking changed the trajectory of our shit. We were able to fucking move around, wiggle around, you know, not having a car sucks.
Sean
Yeah. In LA, that's impossible.
Cousin Jay
No, you can't get nowhere. Everything's 45 minutes away.
Sean
Yeah.
Cousin Jay
At the minimum, 20, 30.
Sean
Without traffic. With traffic, it's like an hour.
Cousin Jay
Talk about it.
Sean
Who put money in your pocket first out of those guys?
Cousin Jay
Jesse.
Sean
Really?
Cousin Jay
Yeah.
Sean
Not Saleem?
Cousin Jay
No.
Sean
Oh, how did Jesse do it? Was it through merch or what? How. How did that happen?
Cousin Jay
No, I was like. When I first joined, when I got unhomeless again, he noticed me, like around the house picking up bottles and cans because they drink a lot of beer and stuff.
Sean
Yeah.
Cousin Jay
At the time. And I was like. Like, this is just what I would do to make. I would do anything I could do legally to make money, so I would just recycle. And he see me doing that every day and like, couple weeks to a month in or so he was. He noticed that and he was like, wait, you're not on payroll? I was like, no, you know what I'm saying? I was like, I don't give a fuck. He was like, let me talk to Kyle. And he was like, I'm gonna get you paid, so shout out to Jesse for that.
Sean
Wow. So you went on payroll for how long?
Cousin Jay
I really don't know, but it. It couldn't have been longer than two months.
Sean
Oh, okay.
Cousin Jay
Like still a month and a half maybe. I don't know. But at the same time, you can't be upset with that if you got a house for. You know what I'm saying?
Sean
Right.
Cousin Jay
Compensation.
Sean
They took you in, right?
Cousin Jay
They took me in and they changed my life.
Sean
Was that planned? Because you said you planned out everything. Like, was partnering with them part of the plan?
Cousin Jay
Fuck yeah.
Sean
So you have that set up.
Cousin Jay
I knew they were going to move us in there. I told Saleem, so this is going to happen.
Sean
That's impressive because a lot of people. That was like, in my opinion, the first peak of Nelk those days. A lot of people were hollering at.
Cousin Jay
Them because, like, when we started collaborating with them, I just noticed our synergy was fucking elite. You know, we were so good friends. And yeah, they started posting stories, talking about, like, yo, we're getting the content house, we're planning on moving some creators in. I'm like, it's a no brainer where every video that we've done with them has passed up the other video. Viral movie.
Sean
Yeah.
Cousin Jay
So, like, do the math. Everything's numbers, bro.
Sean
You guys were killing it, especially. Thank you. Those IG prank videos.
Cousin Jay
Thank you.
Sean
They would get, like, three mil every time, right?
Cousin Jay
Oh, yeah. At least like 2.8. Yeah.
Sean
You guys would go to, like, Walmart or Target or wherever.
Cousin Jay
Moaning in ears. Yeah.
Sean
Then you crazy, man.
Cousin Jay
That's so crazy.
Sean
Yeah.
Cousin Jay
That's a long time ago.
Sean
I can't believe that was seven years ago. I still remember some of those videos. Yeah, like the moaning in the air.
Cousin Jay
Damn, am I uncle?
Sean
I know. Pretty much. You might have to change cousin to Uncle Uncle Jay.
Cousin Jay
Yeah, people call me that.
Sean
Oh. Yeah.
Cousin Jay
But, like, just so I can feel a little young, call me Uncle Cousin Jay. If you go, don't go full unc. You know what I'm saying? Go.
Sean
You need some. Some light first. Some gray to go on, I think.
Cousin Jay
You know, I'm wearing slides now. Like, some African slides so I can get in my roots.
Sean
And how'd you get Cousin Jay? How'd that name come about?
Cousin Jay
I'm a family guy, man. You know?
Sean
You're big on fam.
Cousin Jay
One day I'll be. I would like to have, like, a wife and kids. And you know what? I want everything that I never had before, you know, like the right way. Like, you don't. I don't think you gotta be a. A deadbeat, you know? Yeah, but you could beat some shit up. Talking about, you know, just do the right thing. And I think. Yeah, think bad things will happen, but, you know, I want to be a change. Like my older sister, her dad's in jail for life.
Sean
Damn.
Cousin Jay
You know, my younger sister, her dad is, like, down bad, you know what I'm saying? You know, my dad had to flee, you know, but me cousin dad, he's gonna be here to stay.
Sean
Well, you dating out here in Miami? I heard it's rough out here, man.
Cousin Jay
I do have a girlfriend.
Sean
Oh, nice.
Cousin Jay
I do.
Sean
How long. How long have you guys been together?
Cousin Jay
Well, we known each other for quite a while, but, like, I never knew I was going to date her, you know?
Sean
You were friends at first?
Cousin Jay
I don't really have female friends like that. Rachel and Melissa, my assistant. But I'd say we were acquainted.
Sean
Got it. You keep her on the low, or are you guys public?
Cousin Jay
Yeah, I don't. I don't post her at all.
Sean
Same with mine. I'm eight years in.
Cousin Jay
Word.
Sean
Yeah.
Cousin Jay
Oh, good.
Sean
Getting married this year, bro.
Cousin Jay
Money.
Sean
Yeah. But, yeah, most people don't even know I got a girl. I keep her super low key. That's the way it should be, I think.
Cousin Jay
Yeah, no one's going to know who my girl is, bro.
Sean
You see, every time you go public with a. With a girl, people just start hating. And then it gets to her, and then.
Cousin Jay
Oh, yeah, no, like, people even think I'm dating Sally.
Sean
Oh, really?
Cousin Jay
My assistant. But it's like, you know, any girl I'm next to, that means I'm dating him. And, you know, I understand it because, you know, Nelk highlighted a lot of Riz moments on my channel. I highlighted a Riz moments on there. Saleem's channel. What you show people is what people think. And so people like to run with the narrative even though it may or may not be true. But yeah, man, my girl, she's not out here.
Sean
Yes, sir.
Cousin Jay
She's off to Agree, agree, agree, agree, agree.
Sean
What does keeping your pencil in your pocket mean?
Cousin Jay
That means don't fuck your homeboy's girl. That means don't. You don't know when to use your penis. You know, that means you got a boner. Tuck that shit. And more specifically, do not commit adultery.
Sean
Bars. I gotta ask about this because I saw you did a video with her. You met Angel Reese?
Cousin Jay
Yeah, yeah.
Sean
Who's better at basketball, you or her?
Cousin Jay
That girl would dunk on me, man. She's way better than me.
Sean
All right, all right.
Cousin Jay
But I. I defend her, like, so good. If it's, like, not a fast break, I'll defend her. But if it's a fast break, she's crushing me. I'm not gonna lie.
Sean
So one on one, who you got?
Cousin Jay
Me versus Angel Reese.
Sean
Yeah.
Cousin Jay
Half court?
Sean
Half court.
Cousin Jay
Oh, yeah. Bye.
Sean
You're winning.
Cousin Jay
Say goodbye.
Sean
No shot. You're gonna Joe Reese.
Cousin Jay
Full court. She got me.
Sean
So you could shoot them? You got a jump shot?
Cousin Jay
I shot my shot. All right, it didn't go too well. But listen, it's about how many shots you. You take.
Sean
I gotta see your game. Cause Steinie says he could beat me, but I've never seen him play.
Cousin Jay
Yeah, man, he talks a whole lot his game.
Sean
Who's the most athletic member of Full Send in your opinion. Like when you guys were doing a bunch of sports and everything besides myself, I'll say, including yourself.
Cousin Jay
I'll say, cousin J.
Sean
Like, if you played, like, five sports.
Cousin Jay
I'll say, Cousin J. Really?
Sean
So you got speed, you got strength, you got it all.
Cousin Jay
I am everything.
Sean
I love the confidence. What's your best sport? Pickleball.
Cousin Jay
Yeah, I love pickleball.
Sean
How'd you know, bro, your eyes lit up when I said pickleball.
Cousin Jay
Oh, my gosh, I love pickleball, man. I watch shorts on that all day. Oh, that got me through depression.
Sean
Damn. Pickleball.
Cousin Jay
Yeah, actually, that helped, bro. I didn't even realize that.
Sean
How did that help?
Cousin Jay
This summer, I was in South Carolina figuring my shit out, you know, taking a little debrief of everything because, you know, everybody left me. Just fucking hitting that paddle. Hitting something about hitting that paddle. It just is so liberating, man. I feel. Makes me feel like I'm him. And playing against those old fucking people, they're like 60 plus. They can play really good. And that made me feel really good because I like talking to older people and, like, listening to my elders, and they're just so. They're so funny in this. It's such a positive thing to do, man.
Sean
They got wisdom.
Cousin Jay
I highly recommend if you never play pickleball. I thought it was corny at first, but you gotta. You gotta try it before you say that.
Sean
You running singles or doubles pickleball?
Cousin Jay
Both. Both.
Sean
I like doubles more because if you play someone that's good at singles, they'll just pop it right corner, back corner, you're sweating.
Cousin Jay
And you also don't rely just on yourself, so there's less pressure. Yeah, but if you had a shitty partner, like I do a lot. Yeah. Sucks.
Sean
Yeah. Cameraman advice. A lot of cameramen, you got to.
Cousin Jay
Be submissive as a cameraman. You can't have any ego. You just gotta do it. If somebody asks you to do this, film this, you gotta be willing to jump in that rock bar pool when Barney Blue's in there. You know what I'm saying? You know, you gotta. You gotta fucking just do it.
Sean
Let me ask you this, because this is a controversial thing in the camera community. Would you ever advise working for free?
Cousin Jay
Yeah. Why do you think I'm here?
Sean
Because a lot of them don't want to do that. You know what I mean?
Cousin Jay
You at. You don't want to do that because you don't really love it. I would do this for free. I mean, I have.
Sean
And look at where it got you.
Cousin Jay
And I'm still not where I want to be, but people look at me like I'm where I want to be.
Sean
But, dude, this is crazy because I hire a lot of cameramen for my events and podcasts and stuff, and in their Instagram bio, a lot of them have no free work or something like that.
Cousin Jay
You better tell them to take that shit out real quick. Actually, I Think that's idiotic.
Sean
I. I'm the same way. I'll learn from someone. You know, I'll make it consistent.
Cousin Jay
Learn. You can literally learn so much game if you do free work. You're literally being an intern. Being an intern is one of the greatest things you could do.
Sean
100. When I was broke starting out, I emailed Gary Vee. You know who that is?
Cousin Jay
Yeah, yeah, yeah.
Sean
I said, yo, I'll work for you for free. Like, I'm down. I'll take the train in New York. I live in Jersey.
Cousin Jay
Yeah, that's smart.
Sean
Yeah, let's run it up because how.
Cousin Jay
Else are you going to get in contact with. They're not going to pay you. They don't know you. You have no value.
Sean
Exactly.
Cousin Jay
So why the are you acting like you got value? You ain't got no resume.
Sean
I wish more people thought that way though, you know, Cuz imagine if they were around you for like a couple hours a week learning the game. Social media game.
Cousin Jay
If somebody was around me, they would make $4 million in two years.
Sean
I mean, you've probably done it so you could speak from experience. You would you ever get into boxing?
Cousin Jay
I mean, I train not for boxing, but like, I work out every day as I mentioned earlier, but I wouldn't be opposed. I'd knock somebody out.
Sean
You got an opponent in mind?
Cousin Jay
He knows who he is.
Sean
We gotta hit up Aiden Ross and make it happen.
Cousin Jay
Oh, that's a good idea.
Sean
Out here in Miami, it only makes sense.
Cousin Jay
You got his contact.
Sean
I do. Make it happen.
Cousin Jay
Let's set that up. And it's. It's the dude who my. So you know who you are.
Sean
Oh, dude. Where can people get the merch? Where can people keep up with you and everything?
Cousin Jay
I mean, one way to support me and keep up with me. Thank you for asking that, man. That's so kind of you. Yep.
Sean
I want to give you some value too.
Cousin Jay
Thank you.
Sean
You gave me your time today.
Cousin Jay
Appreciate that. Girlsloveartist.com I mean, a lot of you guys were very interested in these hats during spring break. Had the red, white and blue. They sold out instantly. This is the bestseller.
Sean
It's a good design.
Cousin Jay
And they're never restocking again.
Sean
Oh, you're never going to restock.
Cousin Jay
I mean, I might have like a limited edition version. Fourth of July.
Sean
Little teaser, but we'll link that below. Man.
Cousin Jay
And Patreon, cousin Jay. You know, it just takes $1 to support a brother.
Sean
Dream Squad house, guys.
Cousin Jay
Yeah, man. June, we're getting that Dream Squad house, man. And a lot of lives are going to change. People are going to be quitting their nine to fives, man. It happened to me. So it's only right to return the favor.
Sean
I love it, man. Thanks for coming on.
Cousin Jay
Thank you, Sean. Yep.
Sean
Check them out, guys.
Cousin Jay
Peace, eas.
Podcast Title: Digital Social Hour
Episode: How I Built My Brand from Scratch in 7 Years | Cousin Jay DSH #1781
Host: Sean Kelly
Release Date: May 23, 2025
In this compelling episode of Digital Social Hour, host Sean Kelly sits down with Cousin Jay, a dynamic entrepreneur and influencer who has meticulously built his brand from the ground up over seven years. Their unfiltered conversation delves into the highs and lows of brand building, the intricacies of maintaining personal values amidst rapid growth, and Cousin Jay's ambitious plans for the future.
Cousin Jay begins by sharing the genesis of his brand in 2017, highlighting his initial ventures into painting sneakers and transitioning into a clothing line. “In 2017, I got the idea of what I wanted to do, which is make clothing. Started painting sneakers... and then I started a clothing line” (03:55).
He emphasizes the importance of marketing, stating, “It's all marketing. It's like what you put out there and you're marketing yourself” (03:15). Drawing inspiration from various creators and platforms like Instagram and World Star, Cousin Jay meticulously strategized his content distribution to gain visibility without hefty advertising costs. His proactive approach led to rapid content recognition, with his videos reaching "fame overnight" within months of consistent posting.
Despite his rapid rise, Cousin Jay candidly discusses the obstacles he faced, including a significant setback when he was banned from YouTube for 90 days. “...I just recently got banned on YouTube for 90 days (01:20). This hurdle pushed him to pivot towards alternative platforms like TikTok and bolster his clothing line, ensuring his brand's resilience despite platform restrictions.
He also touches on personal challenges, such as managing friendships and conflicts that arise from shared interests and relationships. A poignant moment in the conversation reveals his struggle with betrayal: “Once somebody wrongs you once, what makes you think they're not going to do it again?” (15:04). This led to a transformation in his approach, moving away from being overly accommodating to safeguarding his principles.
Cousin Jay elaborates on his collaborations with prominent content creators and influencers, notably his work with World Star and Nelk. These partnerships were pivotal in scaling his brand, fostering synergy that resulted in viral content and substantial follower growth. “Everything's numbers, bro” (34:32), he asserts, highlighting his analytical approach to content creation and brand expansion.
His collaboration with Nelk was especially transformative, providing him with opportunities like moving into a content house, which he describes as a “no brainer” for content synergy. These strategic alliances not only amplified his reach but also provided financial and logistical support, essential for sustaining his growing brand.
A significant portion of the discussion centers on the financial challenges inherent in running a successful podcast and content creation business. Cousin Jay is transparent about the costs involved, stating, “How expensive it is to run this shit. So you're pretty much doing a nonprofit” (19:13). He discusses the difficulty of maintaining quality content while managing expenses like paying editors and other team members.
Sean Kelly adds his perspective, noting the extensive investment required to produce content consistently, “I had eight [episodes] yesterday. I had eight” (18:07). Both agree that financial strain is a common but often overlooked aspect of maintaining an influencer brand, stressing the importance of strategic financial planning and sustainable growth.
Beyond business, Cousin Jay opens up about his personal life, emphasizing the significance of family and maintaining strong personal values. He reflects on past experiences with betrayal and his commitment to "bros over" principles, ensuring that his personal relationships remain intact despite professional pressures.
His dedication to authenticity is evident when he states, “I only noticed how shady shit can get seven years into this” (12:19), showcasing his journey toward balancing personal integrity with the often ruthless landscape of social media influence.
Cousin Jay also shares his hobbies and interests, such as running and pickleball, which he credits for helping him navigate through tough times: “Pickleball... I didn't even realize that” (39:54). These activities not only serve as outlets for stress but also reinforce his belief in maintaining a well-rounded lifestyle.
Looking ahead, Cousin Jay unveils his ambitious project: the Dream Squad House. Inspired by successful content houses like FaZe, his vision is to create a collaborative living space for content creators to foster creativity and mutual growth. “I'm creating the Dream Squad. Because I feel like that's what it's going to be to take me to the next level” (19:13).
This initiative aims to nurture emerging talent, providing them with the resources and support needed to excel in the competitive world of content creation. Cousin Jay emphasizes inclusivity and support, ensuring that contributors can thrive without undue pressure: “I make it very simple. If you want to stay, you can stay. If you want to leave, you can leave” (21:57).
Throughout the episode, Sean Kelly and Cousin Jay engage in a candid dialogue that not only traces the journey of building a brand from scratch but also delves deep into the personal and financial complexities involved. Cousin Jay’s story is a testament to resilience, strategic thinking, and the unwavering pursuit of personal and professional growth.
Notable Quotes:
Connect with Cousin Jay:
This episode offers valuable insights for aspiring entrepreneurs and influencers, highlighting the importance of strategic planning, financial management, and maintaining personal integrity amidst the challenges of brand building.