
| DSH #1951 Signature Illy came through and broke down what life in Dubai is really like during wartime — from watching missiles get intercepted over the Palm to still feeling safer in the UAE than he does in America. He explains why Dubai’s strict laws create order, why luxury and service feel completely different overseas, and why the UAE’s food, safety, nightlife, and business culture made him question what “the best country in the world” really means. The conversation also gets into his Wingstop empire, building a team, turning down record label deals, being Indian in hip-hop, the downside of AI and surveillance, losing thousands of Bitcoin during the Silk Road days, Runescape nostalgia, numerology, karma, relationships, and why energy matters more than people think. Chapters 0:00 Dubai During Missile Attacks 6:04 Why The UAE Still Feels Safer Than America 13:18 Dubai Luxury, Crime, Surveillance, And Status 21:23 Money, Fulfillment, And Treating People Right 27:55 Wingsto...
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A
You say some dumb in the uae, bro. Online, even a threat, you leave, a negative Google review, you'll get fined.
B
One star review, you got fine, you
A
will get fined, potentially go to jail depending on how bad. I love America, bro. I'm born raised here. I love all my people. It's like when you go to a place like Dubai, dude, the epitome of luxury is just next level.
B
All right, guys, got signature illy here today. Artists blowing up in Dubai. Good to have you, man.
A
Thanks for having me, bro.
B
I think you're the first guest I've had from Dubai.
A
Yeah. I mean, I can't see a lot of people from the UAE coming out here right now.
B
I mean, it's paradise over there, right?
A
Yeah, yeah. Why would you leave? Yeah. Depending on. Even with the. What the news is telling you right now.
B
Yeah, yeah, let's get into that. Because, you know, Americans watch these news headlines and they see bombings and all this stuff. What's actually going on. Because you were there.
A
Yeah, I just. I just got back last week. 4 fortunate to be back. It was absolute. It's a nightmare getting out, obviously, but yeah, man, it's. I feel like it's not a place you'd actually expect for stuff like that to happen. Being like, super safe and. And it is really safe. You know, the government did a great job on, like, mediating everything, and they actually got the most drones and missiles launched at them out of all the Gulf states.
B
Wow.
A
Which is. It's unusual to me. Like, what did Dubai do? Right? I mean, I know they're going for Abu Dhabi and stuff like that, but, like, where I was staying on the Palm was like, like the hot spot. Like, over my apartment. I'm just seeing, like, missiles and drones just getting intercepted, and I'm just like, everyone's in shelter and stuff. I'm just like on my balcony, just in awe, you know, like, if you die, you die. Right. But it's like, I'm just like, this is unbelievable, bro. It's like you see on the news.
B
Yeah.
A
Happening in, like real life.
B
So you accepted death at that point,
A
you know, because it's like, when it's your time, it's your time. Right. I'm not. I don't really think death is what we're meant to believe it is. That's a whole different story.
B
I used to fear it growing up.
A
Yeah. Now I think it's more of an. It's a transitional point.
B
Yeah. I've accepted it.
A
Yeah. I don't think you actually. I don't Think anyone actually ever dies. It's just we move forward. Like, energy can't die, per se, you know? So I don't know. I. I don't welcome it, but I don't. It's not something I fear, and I think so. Especially over there, bro. Like, when I get a phone call from my. My aunt, she's like, yo, I'm just letting you know, stay inside. Like, Abu Dhabi just got hit. This was the first day I finished all. Like, we had. I had shows out there, and we finished all of our shows. And then the future shows that were coming up, like, that last, like, two weeks ago, canceled all of them, obviously. Obviously. My. My team safety was everything because I had my engineer and other people from the US with me. So I sent them all back, and I said, I'll just keep my original flight. So I get a message saying, abu Dhabi just got hit. So everyone's like, no one knows what's going on. Like, I just got a phone call. So, like, everyone's just living life. I call my driver. I'm like, yo, we're going to Abu Dhabi now. So it's like, the bombs are happening there. I. I just wanted to, like. I don't know. It's my. I wanted to see what. I wanted to see what was going on. So I'm like, I call my driver. I'm like, we're going to Abu Dhabi now. He's like, didn't. Did you not hear? Attacks just happened there. I'm like, exactly. Hurry up. Like, we gotta go.
B
Wow.
A
So then I get to Abu Dhabi, and then I'm on the Palm. Palm, Jumeirah. And something in my head's like, I feel like the Palm's gonna get hit. I'm not a negative person by any means, but, like, something was just telling me, like, a palm's gonna get hit. I have people with, like, residents, all my resident friends there. They're like, you're out of your mind. Like, the Palm is all. Tourists is not gonna get hit. Like, you're. You're smoking something.
B
Yeah.
A
I'm like, all right, whatever. So I get to Abu Dhabi. It's just beautiful at the Emirates Palace. Like, you don't hear any. A missile flew over us, and then they, like, fell in the desert. And I have it. Like, I was, like, recording everything from my glasses is random Shit was, like, going over us, and I was like, wow. So I get to the Emirates palace, and everything's just kosher. Like, there's a wedding going on down there. We have, like, the Full balcony and this nice Indian restaurant. I get a phone call from Chris, my friend that lives like at five Palm. He's like, bro, you're not going to fucking believe this shit. Sends me videos of literal, like, missiles just getting intercepted. Like, they're saying it was. It was debris, like shrapnel or whatever, but it was definitely like a small drone that fell on the Palm. And it was like a giant explosion. So the Palm ended up getting hit. So then like, think about, like when my friends were telling me earlier, they're like, yeah, it's not gonna get hit. And then I. And I'm like, the Palm's getting like, hit right now. And I call my driver. We gotta get back to the Palm. So. Because I live in the Palm.
B
Yeah.
A
So I just want to make sure everything's good. So the Fairmont got hit and. Yeah, bro, it was just. It was a movie.
B
That's nuts.
A
Insane.
B
Have you always had that sixth sense where you predict certain things?
A
Yes. It's not stuff I usually want to be right about because that's like, why. Why would I ever want to be right about, like, my home getting hit by a drone? Right. Something was just telling me and it was so far fetched. Like, why would the Palm get hit? Like, there's downtown, there's the Bourge. There's a lot of like, civilian infrastructure there, right? But that was so early. Like, I got back from Germany because I had to go handle some, you know, music stuff there. I get back and literally that next week after the shows, dude, everything just like from February 28th, it was just all you hear is just like shock waves on the ground and things. Just like. Because I told. I was. I was with my girl at the time there and I was like, that was an explosion, you know, like, for sure. And she's like, oh, no. It could have been construction. What kind of construction is that? Dubai is under construction. You hear construction all day. But, dude, it was. I'm like, that was an explosion. And then all you hear is just like, boom. Like, just like. It's not some, like, stuff. You'd be like, we're not expected to hear that from the U.S. yeah. And then just seeing all that, bro, it was.
B
Dude, that is nuts.
A
It was mind boggling.
B
You're on the front lines.
A
Absolutely. But honestly, bro, like, as much as all like, the, the interceptions and the bombs, I personally think, like, the UAE is much safer and than here in the us Even during wartime, I would rather be there.
B
I mean, I could see that argument
A
and I'm a proud American. I love America, bro. I love this country, everything it stands for. But I'm telling you, even with all like this uncertainty and regional tensions, 10 out of 10 times, I would 100% still be in the UAE.
B
You can make that argument because our borders were open.
A
Yeah.
B
We don't know who's inside the country. No, I mean, uae, you kind of know.
A
Yeah, yeah, absolutely. Because they don't play games. The government's like, very efficient. And. And that's. It makes me think, like, how are we? Like, I got a lot shift is how the. Are we the best country in the world? Once again, I love America, bro. I love it. I'm. I'm born raised here. I love all my people, love, like what we stand for. But it's like when you go to a place like Dubai or like anyone in Saudi or like, you know, the UAE and stuff, dude, the like the epitome of luxury is just next level, like food. It's not that expensive. It's world class. Like, we have all these chemicals and all this here, like food coloring. Red 40, like, what's going on, like, over there? All that shit's banned, so it's like, bro, I'll eat three. Like, I barely eat in the US because it's like, I love food and all, but it's like I'm so trust it and I have a small appetite. Yeah. Over there, dude, I'll eat three, four times a day and I'll lose weight. It's wild. You know I'm saying. So it's like, I don't know. I. I would rather still be there, to be honest.
B
I think we're the best in certain categories, but not overall.
A
Yeah. And that's where like the thing, like, people get mad when you say that, but it's like, dude, there has to be some sort of self awareness.
B
Yeah. Let's be honest. I think we're one of the best when it comes to free speech, dude.
A
Oh, there's another thing. That's what we're like that, that's what we could be number one in you get. Saying some bullshit in the uk get cooked. Yeah, you say some dumb shit in the uae, bro. Online. Like even a threat or like, I have a friend over there that like one of like, like his wife and some other dude's wife was drunk and buddy's wife said, you're a terrible wife to the other female. She goes to the police and this girl gets arrested just for saying, just saying you're a terrible wife. What so it's like, dude, that's one thing.
B
You can't even talk shit.
A
You can't talk shit there, bro. You start a fight straight jail, you say something stupid about like the government or if you leave a negative Google review. I'm serious, bro. You'll get fined.
B
One star review. You get fined.
A
You will get fined, potentially go to jail, depending on how bad.
B
What if the restaurant just wasn't good though?
A
Take it with you. Shit was ass. Wow. You know, like, I've seen like, people are trying to be funny like at the Fairmont. Like they're leaving negative Google reviews. Like 1 out of 5 stars. Like, no air defense windows. Like 1 out of 5 stars. My. My room got hit with a rocket. Like, it's. That's funny, you know? Like, no, I hope no one takes that shit seriously. But if you say something stupid, like out of pocket about people, the government, like, forget the government. Like, that's obviously. You say something bad about them, you know, like it's, it's. I. That's why it's like, it's a good place to be, but you just got to be like a law abiding citizen per se. You can't have that degen shit like what we're used to in America over there, you know?
B
How's the night night scene out there? Can you go out pretty late?
A
Dude, it's insane. They party every single. Every. Every. On a Monday. It feels like it's Friday out. What? There are people. There's Traffic to like 3 or 4 in the morning. I don't know. It's kind of like la. Like, where the fuck are these people going? Yeah, but they definitely, like, it's. It's not like unnecessary traffic. There's so much construction, bro. They have 24 hour shifts, so it'll be like all day. People are working in like three separate shifts.
B
They're growing so fast.
A
Dude, it's. I don't even know where like all these people are going to live.
B
Yeah, like, you know, so many people are moving there.
A
Yes.
B
Can't keep up with no demand.
A
It's insane. But like, I think most people, they. It's just, I don't know. Everyone and their mom's a real estate agent there.
B
Yeah, I've seen a lot on Instagram.
A
Oh, dude. It's literally, it's all it is. Like, you talk to like, I'm sure like 50% of people you'll talk to, like, oh, yeah, I'm real estate. Like you want anything, like, come with me. And like, they Get a crazy fat commission there, bro. It's like 20%.
B
Damn.
A
It's.
B
They sell a million dollar house, I get 200k. Holy.
A
Yeah. I was looking at a villa out there and this dude was on my ass. And then. Because, like, the villa was somewhere in the 4 or 5 M's and then I found out about the commission. I'm like, of course he's on my ass.
B
It's like out here, it's like 1%.
A
Yeah. Oh, like 20% of. Yeah, dude.
B
It's like they split it out almost a million dollars. Yeah.
A
If he sells a villa.
B
Oh, my God.
A
Of like, normal money, I'd be doing that.
B
I'll take a million. For selling one house?
A
Yeah. For real, dude. So, yeah, man, Dubai was definitely a trip.
B
You know, there's a lot of benefits too. I love the tax laws there.
A
Yeah, yeah. The tag, that's what they reel you in with, bro. It's very expensive.
B
Yeah.
A
So go back. Anything with the nightlife. Like, bro, there's parties to like five in the morning. I stay at five Palm, which is like my residence home there. And it's like, bro, they party seven days a week till four or five in the morning.
B
You just go downstairs and party.
A
It's insane. And they have like, you. You only think you're in the uae. It's all like, Russians and Europeans and shit. I barely saw any Americans there.
B
Really.
A
The Americans I did see, I automatically become friends with them. Like, yo, you're from the States. No way. Dap them up. Like, you know, I met some artists out there too, so it's just like,
B
yeah, it's music scenes pretty solid out there.
A
Music scene solid. They. If you have, like, that's like, when I do my shows out there, you definitely feel a much different, like, approach on people. Like, I'm very, like, loved out there. Like, and it's. It's like when I say me, it's like, it's like people just have a new level of respect for everyone, right? And maybe that's kind of like a thing. Like, you know, like in America, like, you know, when, you know everyone's armed, you're like, oh, hey, how you doing? So everyone's gonna wave back, right? So it's like, same thing over there. Like, no one wants to get in trou.
B
In trouble, bro.
A
Yeah, they were like, oh, hey, how you doing?
B
You know, I feel that. Yeah, you get in trouble out there, good luck, bro.
A
You're so cooked. You know, it's so bad. Like, people think, like, and that's the thing. Love, freedom, love it all. But sometimes I feel like there's a such thing as too much freedom because people can act up. I understand. People get upset. It's fine. But, bro, you say some dumb out there and, like, have the entitlement of America, you're so fucked.
B
Yeah.
A
It's so bad.
B
Part of me likes it.
A
Yeah. I love it.
B
Because it shows there's consequences. Yes.
A
Yes.
B
Out here.
A
I mean, like, the too much freedom
B
thing, I think it's too much, which is crazy to say.
A
It's wild and I love it. Like, I'm. I love, like, saying whatever. But, like, when you live on both sides and you realize, okay, like, oh, I don't want my freedom get taken. But, like, dude, if you're not, like. Like, a piece of it shouldn't really affect you.
B
Exactly.
A
You know, I'm saying if you're like, if you don't care, if you mind your own business, you do your own thing, you have love for other. And, you know, you just. You embrace all, like, that. That frequency. Dude, people would thrive out in Dubai, even during a war zone. Like, I'm. I'm trying to go back, like, soon. Like, I don't.
B
Like.
A
Yeah, the whole. The whole, like, you know, people, like, missiles getting intercepted, whatever.
B
Yeah.
A
You know, it's that good that, like, I'd rather be there during wartime than in the U.S. i mean, dude, let's be honest.
B
If you walked in L. A with what you're wearing right now, you would get robbed.
A
Yeah, yeah, but I'm in the right place, right time. Thank God. Thank the universe for all that. But, yeah, I don't take that for granted. And usually I try to make good, like, intuitive decisions, but the fact that you can even say that, like, that can happen and it will. It can happen. But over there, you could rock all your jewelry. Where would it. You could leave. I could take the rollie off. Leave it somewhere. And, like, people do that shit just for, like, testing stuff out. I mean, bro, there's. There's crime everywhere. Like, UAE's not gonna probably say anything about it, which is fine. But, like, it's petty crime. It's not. Like, over here, bro, like, people. You'll get robbed in broad daylight here.
B
Yeah.
A
And there will be no. Like, the cops won't give a.
B
No. They don't care.
A
You know what I'm saying?
B
I heard you could leave your watch at a restaurant out there.
A
Yeah, yeah, you can leave. Whatever. What will happen is, like, they will do a full, like, investigation case to See, like where you are, there's CCTV everywhere. So just to return you an item, if I lose this ring, they'll be like, oh, this guy had this ring on. We have to find out where he came. Wow. Yeah.
B
There's cameras everywhere.
A
There's cameras everywhere.
B
Do you like that?
A
Or there it is, right? Like I'm over there, bro. And I like, I'm not like a degenerate by heart, like even here, right? But it's like I will that too much freedom thing. Like things are illegal. Like if the dispensary is over, you smoke weed, whatever.
B
Like, bro, dude, you can't smoke out there.
A
You don't even want to like think about that shit. It's just like there's so much more to live for. Like the vibration in the air is just different.
B
Yeah.
A
Like everyone's just trying to get it. So it's like when you're surround, it's like people would compare it to Miami. Fuck no. You know, maybe like with like, like no one cares about supercars. They're like, really? People care about the license plate.
B
I heard that.
A
Yeah. So it's like if you drive a Rolls at whatever you drive, like I see rates everywhere, bro. Like everywhere there's like supercars, Lambo, Ferrari trucks. This the real flex. And there's like five digit number plates. The real flex is when you see like a two or three digit number plate or if you see a one digit number plate, bro.
B
How much does that?
A
So it's like, like if you get like the number eight, which is like my number over there.
B
You have number eight?
A
Yeah. No, no, no, no. Like that's the number that I would want. Oh my God. I was going to say eight. So let's say like the Rolls cost you a million. That number plate would be like 10 to 30.
B
So it cost 10x the car.
A
10 to 30x the car.
B
Holy.
A
At least, at least.
B
Crazy.
A
So it's like they have like, fuck you money, bro. That's like, that's like because everyone has money out there. So you need more than money to have like game. So it's like because they expect you to have money, right? So if you have money now, it's like everyone has money. Like you could still be like cornball.
B
Yeah. Was that the. Cuz I know you have a business side of you too. Was that kind of the main reason you went out there for business?
A
Main reason? Well, music and like in the music industry, like I love it out there. Like obviously like the living purposes and stuff. And I Definitely. Like, when I want, like, have a family. Like, I'm still thinking about that. Like, I want to live out there in the winter. Like, how would that work with a kid? You know, school and shit? You know? Like, they would have to be. And my. You know, my. My wife at the time has to be, like, super understanding, you know, with all this stuff.
B
So. Yeah.
A
I mean, bro, like, it's just. It's just wild times, you know? Like, I think Dubai. Like, I still have my wingstops and.
B
Is that in Dubai or in there?
A
No, that's. I'm actually looking into, like, buying the UAE branches over there. Wow. But, like, that's just to add on stuff. But most of my stores are in Chicago and, like, Indiana and stuff. And I have a super team that I've developed over a decade, bro. Like, I bought my first store when I was 21.
B
Wow.
A
Working open to close every single day, all day. Like, didn't take a day off. And that's how I, like, got the essence of business and brought, like, you know, learned, you know, like, being in a hospitality industry and just making sure it's, like, it's bigger than the food and the transaction. It's an experience. Like, from this moment they walk into the moment, they walk out, it's more than what they eat. Eating is probably 15, 20 minutes, but what about, like, the whole hour they're in there?
B
That's what I noticed living in Vegas.
A
Yeah.
B
It's all restaurants are competitive out here.
A
Yes, dude.
B
So you got to stand out, dude.
A
It's even crazy. And, like, Vegas being as hospitable as it is, and the services. All right, it's good, bro. It's not compare. Like, it. That's why I want you to go to Dubai and just watch the service. From, like, anyone from working inside the bathroom to, like, the top manager there, they're all going to show you this same amount of love and appreciate. It's just like. It's just next level, bro. Like, crazy. Everything. It's like, you know, the experience is great, but it's like, you just compare everything to that because it's like, we have high shoes to fill. It's the us, damn it.
B
Yeah.
A
You know, we're supposed to be the best at everything. Then you come back. I landed in Jersey.
B
I was like, jersey?
A
Dirty Jersey, actually, I landed in jfk, then went to Jersey, and I'm just, like, drove. And no disrespect to my Jersey people, but, bro, I went to, like, my. My driver took the wrong turn from we're supposed to go to Paramus. I went to Elizabeth.
B
Oh, God, bro.
A
Imagine coming from Dubai, just like got off a 380, like, took a show on board, you know, getting. I'm just like, all good. Ready to like be back in the US So grateful. Just like come out, it's foggy, as cold as. And then I go to Elizabeth and I'm physically getting sick. I'm like, where the are we, dude? This is. There's no way.
B
Yeah, the vibration was too low.
A
Oh, my God. I'm like, take me back now. Like, I don't even care if there's missiles falling, bro.
B
Yeah, Jersey's.
A
And I love Jersey. Don't get me wrong.
B
I have a love hate with Jersey.
A
Yeah.
B
But certain cities, like, whenever I fly out in Newark, I know it's going to be a miserable experience. Like, that airport is just. Have you been to that?
A
Yeah, that's the only airport I fly out of.
B
And a lot of international flights leave out of Newark, but everyone's so miserable there. It's like, damn, man.
A
I usually fly United only from Newark.
B
Yeah.
A
So they have like a hub there.
B
That's their hub.
A
Yeah, yeah. So it's like, usually it's more, it's, it's seasoned, but yeah, dude, you travel a lot.
B
What's the best airline in your opinion?
A
Oh, by far. Hands down. Not even a comparison. Emirates.
B
Wow.
A
Thousand percent, bro. And Singapore is cool. Ethiop's cool. I mean, bro, United is just ass.
B
That is terrible.
A
You know, but it's like, I thought they were supposed to be one of the best in the U.S. you know? Like, what is a good airline in America? JetBlue.
B
Like, I do JSX out here.
A
What's JSX?
B
Jet Suite X. It's like semi private.
A
It sounds like it.
B
Yeah, but it's only West Coast.
A
Yeah, but you see, like with. With any commercial airline, like, you're toast on commercial. Dude, it's cooked.
B
First class isn't worth it.
A
No, it's terrible.
B
It's a saying.
A
They have the triple seven that flies from here to L A or Chicago to L A on United Road. So bad.
B
Yeah.
A
I don't know how they can even call themselves. Yeah, Emirates. Even on economy, you're going to get a better experience on emirates economy than first class in the 100% billion percent.
B
Not even close.
A
Yeah, if you go business, that's next level. If you fly first class, if you are privileged enough to fly first class on Emirates, on the game changer suite or any of that. Dude, It's.
B
I got it. That's on my buck. I've never been on Emirates. Yeah, I've done Singapore. Singapore.
A
Singapore's nice. You know, they have like. Like, they have the Ethiod residence from jfk, which is cool. But that's only one seat. But, bro, I'm telling you, Emirates, like, from the service to the food to just, like, that frequency.
B
Yeah.
A
It's just unbelievable.
B
When I go to Dubai or South, dude, they go to Saudi too.
A
I don't. I think they do. They have, like, the biggest hub. I'm sure they go to Riyadh.
B
I want to go to riyadh. They paid Mr. Beast 160 miles for what? Just to promote Saudi Arabia. Yeah.
A
You know what's crazy? That UAE and Saudi have crazy beef.
B
Oh, do they?
A
Yeah. It's funny because it's like, if you have any business in the uae, and this is like. This is. This is kind of confidential, but it's cool.
B
I didn't know this.
A
This is wild. So if you have. Say you have, like, a business opportunity in the uae and then you go up to, like, the Sheikh or, like, the sheikh's people, like the people that run the. The governance, and you're like, well, actually, I have an offer from Saudi from this much. They'll be like, do it now. They'll be. Do it now. Like, just. Just sign them up now. Whatever it is, we'll hit the details later. If you mention Saudi, they just. They just always want to them. Yeah, bro, I thought. I thought the golf states are all in, like, cahoots.
B
I thought they were allianced.
A
Oh, yeah. I mean, n. They. They. They beef.
B
I think competition's good, though.
A
Yeah, comp. Competition's great when you're from, like, out here, but over there, bro, like, it's different.
B
Sticky cutthroat.
A
Yeah, bro, of course. Of course.
B
You kind of have to choose one or the other.
A
I mean, I don't think so. Like, in our position. Absolutely not. But when you're doing, like, bigger, like, billions of dollars of, like, infrastructure, I'm sure, like, they would, like, take care of you more, like.
B
Got it.
A
One or the other.
B
Yeah.
A
You know, but I mean, I love, you know, shout out to Saudi too, you know, but yeah, bro, the UAE is the governance. There is, like, more my style. Like, they're just, like. They take care of their people.
B
Feel that, you know, when you're just walking around, are there just rich people just casually chilling?
A
You won't even know who's rich. Right? Because it's like, if you live in the Palm, like, bro, the most basic apartment of the Palms and be like a million bucks dollars, right? Usa. So it's like the most basic. So it's like, if you think about it, every single person you see on the Palm that lives there is a millionaire. Wow. You know, but it's like it's. Everyone's so desensitized to money. It's like people are out here flexing, right? You know, buying the lambos. And don't get me wrong, people buy lambos there too. It's all good. But bro, it's like not the same.
B
It's like they don't flex it.
A
They don't even. Like people aren't even paying attention to your car.
B
Wow.
A
They don't. They don't give a shit about what you're driving. You could pull up in a Toyota or you could pull up in a Rolls truck. Same outlook. Because like that person with a Toyota could have like a $20 million villa. And they usually don't. Usually the cars match the house that people live in. But the people, it's actually the same thing spreads all over the planet. The people that are trying to act rich will always drive like the nicest cars. That happens in Dubai. That happens everywhere. Yeah, that's just like. I feel like that's just like staple.
B
That's like a human nature. That's a human nature fit in type.
A
Yeah. And I feel bad for that because it's like people will eventually realize that if you're not happy at the $10 an hour mark, dude, you will never be happy at the hundred million dollar mark, you know, like, yeah. I've always been so grateful and fortunate for every. Like I tell all of my team members, like, yo, you can't take a dime of business for granted. Not even a penny, right? These people can go anywhere else. So that's kind of just like, like rolled over to my entire life. Like every single thing is just an experience. And like you're. You play a different character in someone else's life, you know, a different character in everyone else's life. Right. So I try to be like as I try to make it about like the other person. Like I. It's so much bigger than me.
B
Yeah.
A
You know, so with that mixed in with like Dubai, you could thrive in a place like that. Because Dubai is. At the end of the day, it's beautiful and all, but it's a me, me, me, me, me. Like, people get anxiety there because it's like, how do I get bigger than the other people. But that shouldn' mindset. It's like, how can I collectively. How do we collectively grow with the people? You know? So it's like, that's why I love it there. Like, bro, I. I'm friends with all of like the employees everywhere. Like, the most. Like, from like, people clean the bathrooms to the management to the people servings. Like, I know everyone on a name to name basis. Like, hug the hug bases. Like, if I walk into Five Palm, literally there'll be like the first 15 minutes is just me hugging like at least 100 people. They're all walking up to me go, what's up? What's up? And I'm just showing because I. I talk to them. Like, I'll ask them how they're doing and I rarely talk about, like, in a public setting like that, you know? So it's like, it's just. Yeah, bro, that's.
B
That's a rare trait. I feel like, to treat everyone the same these days.
A
Yeah, I don't know why that's weird.
B
People are trying to social climb. People are comparing themselves because of social media.
A
But you can social climb and not be a dick.
B
Yeah, I agree. I agree.
A
You know, like, I could still be like, doing my thing and be like, hey, man, like, how's, like, how are you doing today? Like, like, tell me about yourself and then still be a badass and still like, for the rest of my days, like, have that rock star mentality. Do whatever. But, like, still, like, the person in front of you is the person.
B
Yeah.
A
You know?
B
Yeah. It's a human being.
A
Ye. Some people like that.
B
Some people think they're just better. Dude, let's be honest, you know, they. They make a certain amount of money. They.
A
Especially places like la Vegas. Not Vegas, but la. Miami.
B
Dude, it's just Miami. Even New York.
A
New York. Chicago too. Any major Chicago. Be nice. Chicago's like, they have some good.
B
They're more chill over there.
A
Dude, I love people in Chicago. There's assholes everywhere.
B
Yeah, right.
A
Like New York, you know, Miami. It's all just like a bankroll thing, though. It's like, what if, like, tomorrow, like, all finances go to shit? All right, what are people gonna, like, flex, per se? Like, what do you have? Like, if all, like, monetary means nothing, everyone's back to, like, square one. Like, how do you, like, stand up
B
to see how that played out? How do you stand out to see a movie on that, you know?
A
I'm saying, like, all right, now it's like, I had the most rich, baddest people. What? Now you have no money? Like what did you actually bring to people's lives?
B
Yeah.
A
So it's like the people that were at that position that took care of everyone below them, I feel like they're gonna thrive and succeed because they took care of. And then it just goes off like one of those, like, what's the thing? Those bartering. Yeah, that's how it used to be. Yeah, that's how it used to be. Because now it's like now money doesn't, you know, mean the thing. It'd be a cool little simulation.
B
Cool.
A
I don't know if we want that as a society. Because it'd be a total like.
B
No, it'd be a shit show. It'd be bad. Yeah, it'd be bad. Because a lot of people tie their identity to their money, dude. To their bank account.
A
It's everything.
B
Yeah.
A
You know I'm saying like they don't care about the way they look. They're just like, oh, well, I made this much. It's like, bro, great.
B
That's a piece of the puzzle.
A
Yeah, it's like such a small. It's a big piece because it, that can. It doesn't buy happiness, but it can eliminate a lot of your stress. Most stress is financial and like other half is like relationships and stuff like that and making sure you have a good people around you. So. I mean. Yeah, bro, it's a weird world we live in. It doesn't matter if you're in like in Dubai or Chicago or Vegas or whatever.
B
It's like, it's because of social media. We're all connected now.
A
Yeah.
B
You know? Yeah. In terms of happiness, I, I think it's fleeting. I try to chase fulfillment.
A
Yeah. Yeah. And that's like stuff that actually matters. Like, you see, you hear about all these people that like have these big ass companies, 100, 200. They sell their companies for like a billion bucks.
B
Yeah.
A
Then these people are depressed because it's like, I have a billion bucks. But now what? Like that was my fulfillment. Like that I was doing something. That's why it's like money won't buy that. No, but it buys you like privilege and it buys you like the honor of like, see, how can I take money and make other people rich? I'm at that point in my life now, you know, like, it's easy to make money for yourself, but if I can take like 10 families that work with me, Wingstop Music, and I can change like 10 bloodlines and turn them into like millionaires. That's like, huge for me. You know what I'm saying? Like, because it's like, once again, it's easy to do anything for yourself, but if you can multiply that, it is a great feeling. I love it, bro.
B
Whether it's employees or friends.
A
Yeah.
B
You can help them make some money,
A
like, in the music. Well, music's a whole different industry. Like, doing music and then going back into Saha mode for Wingstop. It's literally, like, non stop. Like, I'll have, like, I'll have conversations with, like, complex GQ and like, all these things and immediately like, my guy. Thanks. Have a good day. One of my managers call me. I'm like, what's up, Jose? What's going on? Like, I tell me, like, let's get on group chat right now. So it's like, dealing with, like, all these, like, shows and, like, whole, like, my entire management team then just going down, like, hey, one of our cooks is angry. All right, let's get him on a video chat. Like, my normal, basic, like, cook and, you know, people have been with me for years. Like, turnaround business, turnaround time in food, bro, it's quick.
B
Yeah.
A
I'm saying I've had people work with me for, like, the better half of deck, like a decade down, you know, so that's, you know, that's. It's so much bigger than money.
B
Yeah.
A
Because it's like, I make sure everyone's good.
B
Yeah. You started when you were 21 owning a Wingstop. How many do you got now?
A
Almost ten. Holy crap.
B
So one a year.
A
Yeah. So it's like, I actually was crazy because I had one store for six, six or seven years of it, and all these new stores doesn't last like two, three years, but it's like I had opportunities to open, like, 20, 30, 50 of them, but I'm like, bro, I'm big in the community, so I do like, a lot of, like, community stuff. Like wings giving is something I started. You know, we close on Thanksgiving at all the stores, but we're open for three hours, and everyone is just welcome to come eat for free. I pay for everything out of pocket.
B
Wow.
A
So I've been doing that for nine years now. And then we do it like a toy drive for, like, you know, the cancer ward at the pediatrics hospital, and we just implement this at all the stores. So I'm like, okay. If I'm doing all these community things, you know, we've take care of our first responders. All this stuff, I don't want to Just open up like 10, 20, 30 stores.
B
Yeah.
A
I want each store to make an impact, you know, like, it's respect.
B
Yeah.
A
It's once again, it's bigger than the money.
B
Also, when you scale too quick, like, it's tough, you know?
A
But now I'm like, Everything that's happened in my life, like, it's from music to this. Like, I. I went through all the. So now I'm like, I'm like, ready. I'm, like, built for it now, you know, with everything going on, like, with like, music's a full time job. Wings, like, business is a full time job. So it's just like, just being completely present and not like, getting like, too caught up in the moment. I just thought everything's gonna, you know, happen in phases.
B
Yeah.
A
So just let it flow.
B
Yeah. You got a great energy too. Do you think navigating the music industry for 10 years has desensitized you at all?
A
100, dude. It's crazy because, like, I have to be so cutthroat in the US Because I deal with people you've dealt with. Yes. Labels and people from, like, videographers and all this. Like, people are just like. I don't know what their sense of time is. I just don't understand. So I have to be very cutthroat on my expectations and what I want, and I'm gonna get in my team's the same way. That took me a while to build that team that understand what I want and what we're doing as a collective. So I have to be like, borderline asshole. Right. But then I go to Dubai and the whole culture is different there, you know? Like, I. If I'm like my cutthroat self, I'm not trying to be a dick, but they'll, like, there'll be people that start crying, bro. Like, guys.
B
What? Yeah.
A
So I'm just like, oh, shit. Like, they're dear friends of mine.
B
Wow.
A
So give him a hug. Like, I'm sorry, bro. I'm not. I'm not even an apologizing type, but, like, my apologies because, like, I realize, like, I'm. I've dealt with so much in the music industry that I have to be like, cutthroat here. I can't do that out there because it's like, it's not the same. And now and then I have to tell them something once and they get it. But, bro, it's to that. So it's like, I have to now. That was a learning thing I had to do to, like, all Right now it's like I can't even be the same type of like. Like showing, like, diligence or, like, expectation or like, if I'm trying to teach someone something, like, on how they should be doing this, I have to be completely different over there because it's just a cultural difference.
B
Interesting.
A
So I've just realized now it's like I'm just. You know what, Whatever happens, happens. I'm just going to continue delivering the highest expectations in life with. With everything is whether it's business or music or just making sure everyone's good.
B
Yeah, yeah, I'm sure. Navigating it out here. There's been offers, you know.
A
Oh, absolutely. Yeah. I've. I've turned down, I would say, like, two handfuls. Yeah, probably. Yeah. Almost two handfuls of labels.
B
Wow.
A
Just bullshit deals. And I'm just like, I'm not in the business of being owned. Like, it's not about the money with me. Like, if I needed, you know, because you do need money to navigate anywhere in the industry, for sure. But I've worked very hard on that to secure my own funding. So it's like, if I'm going to do something with a label, it'll be like a partnership. Like, I. If you guys want to market and do this and that, I'll bring $5 million of my own money on. On into the deal. So I don't need a loan from you guys. You guys just market. And they don't like that.
B
Yeah. Money is their leverage.
A
Exactly. So it's like. But I'm. I'm very. Like, I'm not a type of person. Like, I want to see everyone win. I'm not going to be like, one of those artists that are just, like, trying to start issues all the time. Political artists and, you know, like, it's just like, you know, there's a time and place for everything. Like, but it's like, bro, I just. I refuse to be owned.
B
Yeah. You know, it's probably for the better, I think. Yeah. I mean, these days with social media, the one benefit is you can be. Yeah, Russ kind of proved the model, bro.
A
But it's like, think about, there's one Russ, and there's like a hundred thousand artists. So it's like, I think with everyone, you can give courses, you can give your talks and all that, but for every single person, every single thing is different. It's very selective. Case by case study, you can never put one artist into, like, you know,
B
because what worked for him won't work now.
A
No way.
B
Dude, the space evolves.
A
Yeah. Because it's like there's. It's all the stuff he said plus luck.
B
Yeah.
A
You know, to get that little push. Because think about how many songs a hundred thousand dudes. A hundred thousand minimum songs uploaded on Spotify a day.
B
Holy crap.
A
Like who the fuck is like. Like what's the percentage that's good music though? Yeah, like a hundred thousand songs. Just. Let's just say all of them are good and all music is beautiful to someone. Right. You like, that's your competition, you know, 100,000 songs a day. So how do you stand out? You can't tell me luck doesn't play a little bit of it.
B
I think luck and timing.
A
Yeah, Luck, timing. And then you also need talent and self awareness. But to luck in time, that universe is kissed. You need it.
B
Do you feel like you caught a good wave when you were getting into the scene?
A
Absolutely. I mean, bro, I came into the scene with like no love. Like my best friends not showing any love on music or like people not sharing my at all. So it's like I had to deal with a lot of. And that's why it's like you have to be in love with yourself and be like that delusion comes in. But like I'm very self aware. Like I know my music's lit, right. But it's like if they don't show the love, a lot of people will get, you know, we'll. We'll confuse that with oh, maybe my music's just not good. But people don't want to see you, like, especially people you grew up with, right? They're like, oh, this guy, you know, he's. You know, they just look at you as that fucking goofy kid, you know, like. And I feel like all of us and it's, it's. You have to get through that heartbreak. Right. But it's to the point where now everyone's sharing my music. All of my friends, like, dude, people I don't even talk to, like they'll post it in their reel just like doing their own shit, playing illy in the back. And I think it's a really good feeling as an artist. But it's like damn know took so long just, just for. And I'm just getting started. It just took so long to get to the ground level, you know.
B
So I feel that I definitely relate. I feel with entertainers a lot of them are misunderstood.
A
Oh yeah, of course. And you deal with a lot of them too. I'm sure. You see, you see like people in Very different point in their lives too.
B
You know, a lot of them, cuz. And I feel like you almost have to be to be an artist. Yeah, you got to be different.
A
See that too. But then there's like that whole like Persona. Like, how do I look? Like a dick. Like, you know, I'm saying, like I have my sunglasses on right now. Be like, yeah, man. Cool. Like, yeah, for sure. Yeah, like cool. It's just like, what are we trying to get done here? So it's like, I think like, because we've. We've glorified that like super mysterious. Not giving a yeah versus people that actually try and we give them for it.
B
That was a.
A
Look at him. He's trying.
B
Yeah. No, that was definitely an error. Especially in rap with. Yeah, they had to put on a tough Persona. Right. Say you grew up in the hood and did some crimes.
A
Did some crimes.
B
I was definitely like a soundcloud error or whatever that was.
A
Yeah.
B
You know.
A
Oh, geez. That was dark time face tats and like all this.
B
That was probably tough for you as an Indian growing up.
A
Dude, it's not even like that like me being an Indian in the hip hop, like, industry and like I make American like English hip hop music.
B
Yeah.
A
So it's like, it's like just, you know, going and finding like where I'm at, like finding my fan base and this and that and then realizing, you know, I thrive in Dubai and my, my. All of my shows and my biggest fan bases are like in these little pockets in the UAE and India and stuff like that. Like, I love going to India too. India's lit.
B
Yeah. Let's talk about India. I've never been there. I've been to China. But what was your experience in India?
A
India's cool, man. I mean it's. It's hectic.
B
Yeah.
A
Obviously there's like depending on where you go. I'm from Ahmedabad, which is Gujarat. You know, shout out to Gujarat. It's super safe. You can go there and like walk around as late as you want and all that stuff. Like, it's like, it's a dry state. But don't that. That means no liquor server, bro. They drink like Indians drink, bro. They party, bro.
B
Really? What do they drink out there?
A
They. They love their whiskey.
B
Whiskey.
A
Love their whiskey.
B
Whiskey.
A
Like, I didn't know they're drinking like fucking Jack Daniels and Johnny Walker and shit. Wow. Blue label, dude. You would be surprised. I have like my 40 year old cousins, bro. They party harder than me.
B
No way.
A
I don't even party like that. Like they're like, oh yeah, we can't keep up with you. Like, like you can't keep up with Illy. Then they'll take me out. I'm just like, dude, like, it should be the other way around. You guys are.
B
You guys are wild.
A
Yeah, bro, Like I have, I have like friends out there that are connected to like the biggest families, like the Adani's, Ambani's, like, like the billionaire families of India. Right? And bro, those kids party harder than like celebrities. I know. And they're just normal kids driving like this raris and just like smoking and drinking while driving. Like they don't give a.
B
That makes sense. When you grow up in a family like that.
A
Yeah. When you're like in a country like that with political bro, like that's like almost as growing up like a prince. Like you have no like, rules basically. It's not a good thing, you know? It's not a good thing at all.
B
It doesn't end up well for most statistically.
A
Yeah, not if you're acting like a fool that early, you know, like, because
B
you're trying to find purpose. Because when you grow up with money, you know.
A
Yeah.
B
I've seen it go either way. I mean, I've seen it like if you have good parenting, it can actually be good.
A
I feel like good parenting can be bad too because like, it's like there's like a fine line. Like I'm a first generation immigrant, you know, I'm saying like, my, my parents are very strict but like also like so chill with me, right? Like, like I'm like, dude, I'm Indian. I'm an artist. Like, I'm traveling the world, tours, I'm tatted up.
B
Yeah.
A
Like, I do a lot of like, you know, stuff that you would think, like Indian parents would be cool with. My, My mom and dad are my biggest fans of my music from day one. From day one.
B
Wow.
A
You know, I'm saying. So that's like, that's so priceless for me. Right? But dude, India is, it's a trip. I mean, you see all those videos on the Internet, like the street food and listen, for the record, I would not. I wouldn't eat anything like street food in India. I get food poisoned all the time.
B
Same. Yeah, I got, I went to Bolivia. Have you been there?
A
Oh my God, no.
B
But I, I ate a cow heart on the side of the road.
A
Road.
B
And I got the sickest I've ever been, bro.
A
A cow heart?
B
Yeah.
A
Well, he cooked it, but on the Side of the road?
B
Yeah, literally, like a street vendor and I was sick for a week and we had to fly back the next day. It was the worst experience of my life. I was throwing up, diarrhea. It was awful. Yeah, cow heart.
A
That's crazy.
B
I don't think I'm ever gonna eat it from a street vendor in a third world country again.
A
No, bro, that is insane. I won't even drink the water.
B
I heard that, you know, with Bali and India, dude, if you.
A
You can't even drink ice. Like I've seen them. Like, dude, I do not want to down talk India, but there has to be like, there has to be some change. They need like a health department or something, bro. Like in Dubai, bro, if. If you get sick off, one person gets sick of your food, there's like Indian. There's a karama, which is like little India, like Indian street food. I will eat everything. They're hot, cold, whatever. You'll never get sick.
B
Really, bro?
A
Because if one person gets sick, they will shut down that restaurant forever.
B
No way.
A
Yeah, it's done.
B
Wow. I like that, man.
A
Because I love that. Bro. Over here, they don't give a. They have health departments on everything. I think it's more like with us, it's like fines. They want fines. And how do we find this person? Get. It's money, money, money. But, bro, what about the experience? We're talking about food. Food has to be good. But it's like, how do you trust these people, bro, in India, you could be in the nicest restaurant ever. I still don't trust, like, what they're doing in the back. Bro, that's India. It's sketchy. Like, I usually just eat at home and like, I'll eat at nice restaurants too, and I'll be fine.
B
Bro, that's a shame, man, because I love Indian food.
A
Oh, Indian food is amazing.
B
It's in my top three.
A
Yeah, but Indian food outside of India, A one.
B
Yeah. Pretty good in Jersey.
A
Yeah. Well, that's little India in Chicago. I went to gymkhana here.
B
Oh, yeah? How's that? I haven't tried it so good. Really?
A
Yeah, I went. I was gonna go to the one in New York and then we just never got a chance. Yeah, so I got the last table yesterday.
B
At the Aria, right?
A
Yeah, at the Aria. And then so I'm just like. Food was lit it.
B
Damn, I gotta try it.
A
Yeah, honestly, it was like the Kima Nan food was good, bro, but I've had better Indian food Like, like 10x cheaper. Like normal Indian restaurants in the UAE.
B
Like a mom and pop. Yeah, yeah.
A
Way better food.
B
That is the one thing with the Strip. It's. It's the experience you're paying for. You're not paying for the food, though.
A
No way. No, no.
B
They all use the same vendors.
A
I like the food, you know. Yeah, it's just like, who can cook the best food from Cisco.
B
Yeah, pretty much.
A
That's literally what it is now. Like all restaurant business.
B
Yeah. All the VCS own the Strip now and they. They're all about the margins.
A
Yeah, dude, that word right there up like generation.
B
Oh, margin.
A
Everything's margins, bro.
B
In the restaurant industry. Yeah. Look, I. From a business point of view, I get it because it's thin margins in restaurants. I invested in a restaurant, I lost all my money. I know how margins it was. He actually ended up getting arrested by the FBI. It was fraud. So it wasn't totally on the restaurant. He was money laundering.
A
Okay. Was it like a chain or.
B
Yeah, it was some guy in Utah. Dirty bird chicken or something.
A
Dirty bird chicken?
B
Something like that. Yeah. But I know the margins are thin in restaurants.
A
It's wild, you know, payroll and.
B
Yeah, and I know wing costs went up a lot in the past and
A
the Wingstop, we actually. They have their own chicken farms now.
B
Oh, they do?
A
Yeah. Just to like, lock in costs and stuff. So we have to do some stuff like that to mediate. Because I. It went to the point where it was like. And this was all business, like, from where. When I started, you know, in. In the field to like, even, like three years ago, chicken prices doubled.
B
Geez.
A
You know what I'm saying? And, like, that's per case cost, so it's like if it's 60 bucks, it goes to like 130. Oh, my gosh. Dude. What? Your food costs. Even if you're doing millions of dollars of sales, it's always going to be like, damn.
B
Yeah.
A
You know, and then the. My payroll, too. Payroll is crazy. Yeah, I pay very well, too.
B
But, like, you think you'll ever replace some of your employees with AI?
A
AI? Everyone's just talking about AI all day, bro. I'm so annoyed. Like, who cares? Like, yeah, I'm sure jobs will get replaced and all that. I personally, like, I would we have AI right now as far as, like, smart kitchen. Yeah, but that's just for, like, predicting orders and. But as far as, like, service and standards, would I replace humans with AI? No.
B
You're starting to see McDonald's and burgers.
A
Yeah, dude. Well, that's all like, margins.
B
Yeah.
A
How do we get the extra 2, 3%? 2, 2% off. 5. You know, four or five million dollars in sales goes an extreme long way.
B
Yeah. Because they got tons of locations.
A
Yeah. And I'm talking about one store.
B
Right.
A
If you're doing like 3, 4, 5 million a year, what's, you know, 1% is a half a million.
B
Yeah.
A
Wait, no, am I doing the math? 50K. 50K.
B
But you multiply that. Yeah.
A
Like 10 stores and then you have like, you know, and that's like that one little place where it saves you 1 or 2%. Well, this place can save you another 2%. So then it adds up. You know what I'm saying? But yeah, I don't. I don't know, man. The whole robotic side of things. I know AI can make you a lot of money. I have friends on friends, like utilizing AI to make money.
B
Oh. Especially in Dubai. Yeah.
A
Dude, it's insane.
B
Yeah.
A
But like, it's just. I don't know, it feels. It feels a little like, like the Internet bubble kind of thing with me.
B
It's definitely a bubble. No doubt about it. Most of these companies are gonna fail. Most of them aren't even profitable yet.
A
No.
B
You know what I mean?
A
They're selling the name. It's like the dot com era.
B
Yeah. Like, even OpenAI is losing a ton of money.
A
I think that's more for like military though, probably. Like right now.
B
I think it's data.
A
Yeah. Oh, yeah.
B
They got so much data on us now, it's insane.
A
Palleteer, bro. Big daddy.
B
People be opening up these AI models, like, telling them their whole life.
A
Yo, I've never used chat GBT in my life. In my life, bro. And. And because I've had, like, people. Oh, you know, use chat GPT. I'm like, why? Like, especially as an artist, bro, I try to stay away from all that AI stuff because there's AI music, there's all this happening with AI. But, bro, like, these people are literally venting to their, like, gronk or whatever. And like. And I'm like, you know, like, everything's being heard. Right? So now it's like this person knows you better than you know yourself.
B
They've already announced they send some of that info to the government.
A
Of course. Of course. Because you could be talking yourself saying the craziest shit.
B
Yeah. People have been arrested, I think, for certain search inquiries on ChatGPT.
A
Yeah, I've heard of that too. Like, like, it's. It's more complicated than, like, how to Make a bomb.
B
Yeah. Someone got arrested on. A teacher got arrested on Snapchat the other day. Isn't that crazy?
A
For what?
B
She sent a snap to someone or she might have posted on her story. I forget. But she said one of her students she wanted to hurt, and then the FBI arrested her.
A
Who told on her?
B
Snapchat.
A
For real.
B
They have an AI that, like, I guess goes through all the snaps, and if they see something suspicious, they're, like, threatening or.
A
Yeah.
B
Send it to authorities. Yeah. We're already in a mass surveillance state. Yeah.
A
Oh, yeah. And people don't. People don't see that. Like, everyone's like, oh, we can never be like, China, CCTV everywhere. I'm like, we are, dude. They have everything already.
B
We're just more. We don't see about it.
A
Oh, yeah. It's more like China will, like, advertise
B
it, which I actually. I'd rather them tell everyone about it. Yeah. Because then you at least know what's going on.
A
Exactly. But, like, that's what people will be throwing off over here. Like, when they're like, oh, there's cameras everywhere, bro. Like, they can. Like, we're the U.S. you know, I'm saying, like, they have, like, all that shit, license plate, real readers. Like, cops. Like, you don't even have to be behind a cop anymore. It's like, you can be. If you see the cop, he sees you, per se.
B
Yeah.
A
You know, like, there's cameras everywhere. They're reading faces, like, everybody. Have you been? Yeah. You just got back from Australia.
B
Yeah.
A
So you see, like, I don't know how they do it in Vegas, but, like, when you go through immigration, they don't. You just, like, take a picture and you walk through it. You don't even see anybody anymore. Yeah.
B
It's all machines.
A
Because two. Two years ago, even. Even last year when I came back from Dubai, it was. It was. I had to see a person. It was literally just this year, I think, or like 20, 25.
B
Yeah.
A
That they, like, now it's. There's no one in immigration. Just, like, two minutes. You can picture it done. Like, nothing.
B
That's where we're going, man.
A
Yeah. So it's like, Brian, I like the convenience, but, like, what's on the back end.
B
Yeah, for sure. Have you been to China?
A
I haven't, but, like.
B
You haven't?
A
I haven't. I kind of want to go.
B
I've been.
A
How's the food there? I feel like. Is it sketchy as well?
B
I went to Beijing, so it wasn't Too sketchy. But I'm sure rural parts are sketchy.
A
Like, you know, reusing oil and like,
B
I don't know what the hell they were using. These Chinese people love cooking in oils.
A
Yeah, dude.
B
Seed oil, sesame oil, any oil, just
A
mix them all up.
B
I always feel so heavy after I eat Asian food.
A
Yeah. And I feel like, do they, do they eat a lot of like, animals that you wouldn't consider eating out?
B
I've heard that. Yeah. The classic one's a dog, obviously. Yeah, I've heard that. I didn't see any when I was in Beijing, but I'm sure if you went to the farms or whatever.
A
Oh, God.
B
What's the, what's the weirdest thing you've eaten?
A
Definitely not a dog, bro.
B
Yeah, I wouldn't eat a dog.
A
I, I, I just, I love animals, man. But like, I think that's such a hypocritical thing to say.
B
Because you eat meat.
A
Yes. I don't know. I haven't, I haven't really dabbled with weird foods. I mean, what would like. Because I think everyone's considered like, different thing weird, right?
B
Yeah, yeah. It's subjective. I've had eel, deer. Are those weird? Those are kind of normal.
A
Normal. I've had neither of those things.
B
Oh, neither.
A
Yeah, I think like if, dude.
B
Oh, the cow hearts. My weirders.
A
That's insane.
B
Yeah, that's weird.
A
I think. But the, the story that you have on the side is way better too. Like cow heart, third world country side of the road.
B
I don't know what I was, what are you talking. I was so in the moment and I think it's kind of rude to like experience, baby. Yeah. And I like supporting local people.
A
So when I say don't even say supporting local. That's crazy. I like supporting local.
B
I go to farmers markets. Like I'd rather pay double the price place to support 100.
A
Like get, get the orange egg yolk eggs. Get the, you know, antibiotic free chicken. All good.
B
Yeah.
A
Cow heart, bro.
B
That's your line.
A
You got to make sure it's a wagyu or something, you know? Or maybe it's the side of the road. Maybe Bolivia, I don't know.
B
Yeah, Bolivia was a vibe, man. Bolivia, it was beautiful. I love travel.
A
I need, I need to experience more of like the Asian slash, like south, like American and like.
B
You haven't been to Thailand or.
A
I haven't been to Thailand. No.
B
Okay.
A
I want to go to Thailand.
B
You could live, dude, like a king out there, man.
A
I know. I have shows Being planned right now. Like, teams working on, like, Bali and then one in. In it. Phuket.
B
Yeah. I'm preparing backup plans if I need to leave America.
A
Yeah.
B
And just doing research on some of these countries. Dude, you could live like a boss. Oh, some of these places you can.
A
Yeah. Thailand and Bali. Like, I don't know about Bali. Like, I know you can live, like, nicely out there, but what's the, like, where's the infrastructure? Like, you know where from out here? You can't just live in, like, a hut.
B
Yeah.
A
I mean, you could say you could. People like to backpack and it.
B
I personally, I couldn't live in.
A
I know you couldn't.
B
Maybe for a couple days.
A
Yeah. Just for the experience. But, bro, I need, like, technology and like, you know, like.
B
No. When I went to the Maldives, I kind of got a little island fever after a few days.
A
Yeah. See, dude, if you. Once you make your, like, if you. If you want to live, like, I think, yeah, Thailand, all this stuff. Singapore, great chef's kiss. But, bro, I see you. I see you would thrive in Dubai.
B
Bro, I'm gonna go, man.
A
You got to.
B
You got to make sure I don't get arrested.
A
No, no, of course not.
B
We'll go.
A
When you go there. Just hit me up.
B
Okay?
A
We'll get there together. Yeah, I'll show you.
B
We'll fly on Emirates together. First class. Get the caviar.
A
Caviar, baby.
B
Let's go, man. Well, what's next for you?
A
Yeah, dude, just growing on music to going hard as I can continue to grow on the business side of things, you know, just see how I can make a difference in the world, bro. It's like every day is just a gift, you know? So see how hard we can go.
B
Any tour dates coming or.
A
Right now, all my shows are right now. Like, they're all pushed back because of the whole thing happening in Dubai. So I think the next thing right now, I have shows planned. I have a couple shows right now in Chicago. Oh, okay. In the next couple weeks at, like, Joy nightclub.
B
And, like, I'm going there in June.
A
Treehouse.
B
Treehouse. I heard of that.
A
Yeah, yeah. When you come to Chicago?
B
I'm going in June to play Pokemon Go, cuz that's so Pokemon Go. 10 year anniversaries in Chicago this year. It's gonna be packed.
A
Yo, I. I love that you're. Is Pokemon Go still? Like, did you hear about, like, the data they took, bro? They gave it to, like, all, like, CIA. Yeah, like, no, I was more. Yeah, CIA is Always involved. But like, bro, they know every crevice of every neighborhood because of Poco. Thanks to you, buddy.
B
I still play it. Like, even I know that. And yeah, it's just like nostalgic for me.
A
Of course.
B
Pokemon.
A
Were you a big Pokemon growing up?
B
I played every Game Boy game, every DS game. I collected the cards. Ruby was the best.
A
Ruby was my favorite.
B
Yeah, Ruby was gas. Yeah. Yeah. Groudon.
A
Dude, that's the only Pokemon game I played. Played Ruby Ruby on the Game Boy sp.
B
Yeah.
A
And I was just like, that's the
B
only one you need.
A
Yeah, right. Yeah.
B
It got downhill after that.
A
Yeah. Really. Once it went sapphire too, right?
B
It's the same thing.
A
Yeah, same thing. Different. Different. God.
B
Yeah.
A
I don't know. It was kind of hard to get.
B
Yeah, they were very hard to get. Yeah. But Pokemon will always be big in
A
the Yu Gi oh.
B
Yeah. I had Yu Gi oh cards.
A
Dude. I was huge. Really loved Yu Gi oh more than Pokemon. Really? Yeah. Like, wow. Yeah, like Dark Magician, like, you know.
B
Yeah, that one's still around. It's not as big as Pokemon Magic. The gathering screen is huge now.
A
Yeah, that was like. I feel like that's always been kind of big with like the World of Warcraft kind of thing.
B
Yeah, that one's too. Too advanced for me.
A
World of Warcraft is way too advanced for me. I see all those buttons. I'm like, geez, bro. I like play Runescape.
B
I love.
A
Dude, old school Runescape.
B
Dude, I used to scam that I.
A
My mom had to throw me off of it because like, I basically almost failed the seventh grade. I got like straight Ds.
B
Really?
A
Because, dude, I was just like, the moment I'd wake up 7am like, my best friend Mike was already on. He's like, yo, it took you long enough, loser. I'm like, like, it's 7am on a Sunday. We're 12 years old.
B
Did you have a max out account?
A
Oh, dude, no. I just. My whole thing was just get to 94. Mage, ice, barrage, finish, desert treasure. And it's like the PK, you know? I'm saying, now there's Oda Block, dude. Now I watch him pk. I'm just like, yo, what is going on?
B
You're a pker, huh?
A
Yeah, I love PK.
B
I got PK'd bad a few times. Same.
A
I wasn't that good. But I was just like, if. As long as I had Ice Barrage,
B
I was so happy, dude, my heart would race as soon as I like crossed over that PK line.
A
Yes. That if you see, like, one dot and then, like, you see, like, a hundred people spawn from that1. And it was, like, cooked. Yeah, bro, Good times, man.
B
I was a big clan world.
A
Yes, dude. Times were so much simpler, granted.
B
So simple.
A
So much before, like, the Grand Exchange came out.
B
Yeah.
A
And, bro, times are just.
B
Yeah. Grand Exchange made it complicated.
A
Yeah.
B
I was a big merchant too, though.
A
Yeah, dude, now do you see like. Like, prices of, like, D claws and crazy. They're in the billions, bro.
B
I used to have those.
A
Yeah, same, like, billions.
B
I might have to log into my account.
A
Yeah. I don't know what happened to my account. And then they took it down because I. I, like, didn't play as much. I think they take it down eventually if you don't like. I didn't know that was a thing.
B
Well, there was the old school one, and then they switched to the new school, I see.
A
I wouldn't even play RS3 because that's like World of Warcraft. It's, like, too advanced.
B
Like, they went back, I think.
A
Yeah.
B
Too many people.
A
I think more people, like, play old school.
B
Yeah. 100.
A
Yeah.
B
I attribute a lot of my mindset to Runescape, bro.
A
Grand exchange. Like business. Like, selling, buying. Yeah. Like trapping. Like, that shit's literally from the ge, baby.
B
You know how to grind, man.
A
Oh, dude, buying runes. Give me 30k. Like, before, I was just.
B
Bro.
A
All day. You had to grind my typing skills. By the time I was in eighth grade. They're like, yo, this guy's crazy. I'm just like, Runescape, baby.
B
My typing skills were nuts because they made us do Mavis Beacon.
A
Yeah.
B
Do that to you?
A
No.
B
Oh, it's like a typing class.
A
Yes. Yes. In seventh grade.
B
Yeah.
A
Yeah. It's just like, back and forth, back and forth.
B
It was so easy.
A
All I'm typing is buying runes. Give me three, bro. And I wouldn't be looking. I'd be like, straight, like.
B
Yeah. My work ethic comes from Runescape. You had to grind.
A
You had to grind, bro.
B
Like, just a level up. Took like a week.
A
Yes, dude. Now I have to see these counts. Like, like, dude, back in the Zezima days. Legend. I wonder what he's up to now.
B
But, yeah, I gotta get him on the pod.
A
Yeah.
B
He was the first maxed out account.
A
Yes, dude. He was like, the most. He's like the. Like the. What's the. Who's, like. He's like the Michael Jackson of, like, Runescape players, like, known by everybody.
B
Followed as soon as he logged in.
A
Oh, dude, he had to be. I'm sure he had to have, like, all his accounts off. Like, his private accounts off. Because, dude, as soon as he'd log in, the whole world max out.
B
Yeah.
A
You know, that's insane, dude. A celebrity.
B
Yeah. They were like the VR before. A virtual reality.
A
Yeah. Could you imagine VR RuneScape? I would probably ruin my life. Get back to it.
B
Yeah, that'd be lit.
A
Icebreaker.
B
VR kind of failed, though.
A
VR did fail.
B
Meta just announced they're giving up on the metaverse. 800 billion.
A
It was 80.
B
It was 80 billion or 80 something crazy.
A
It was like. It was stupid. But now it's like, dude, think about NFTs. Those people are dumb.
B
I lost a lot of money on those. Yeah.
A
No, you could say like, bored ape and stuff.
B
I'm just like, I have a mutant ape.
A
Yeah. Okay.
B
It went from 100 grand. I think they're like 500 bucks now.
A
I thought they were less.
B
Yeah, it might be. I haven't checked it out.
A
Like, they were like. But I mean, bro, it doesn't matter. You go from six figures to, like, two, three digits.
B
I lost six figures. Yeah. Degen. I'm big in crypto, so that was just a degen phase.
A
I was. I was big in crypto when I would, like, back in the Silk Road days.
B
Silk Road. I remember logging in there in college.
A
Yeah, dude, I had. I think at one point I had like, 2000 Bitcoin.
B
Damn. Are you serious? You know how much that is now?
A
Yeah. Hundreds of millions. The FBI had to take it away.
B
Ah, you had it on the platform. You left it on there.
A
Yeah, dude. So bad.
B
Oh, my God.
A
My house got raided.
B
Oh, my God.
A
And I was 18.
B
I remember logging on there, seeing you could buy a hitman.
A
Oh, yeah. Yeah. It was just like the drug market and all this stuff. And, like, I was 18 years old one day, and then, like, USPS come and it was like, Lincoln's birthday, 2013. And then I realized, like, eight years later, with mail doesn't come on Lincoln's birthday.
B
Oh, God.
A
I just randomly, like, hear that mail doesn't come on Luke's birth, like, way years after all this happened and then just clicked in my head. So, yeah, I was wild, brother.
B
Whenever I got packages, I would, like, take a walk first.
A
Yeah.
B
Like, scope it out. Because they, like, be camping, bro.
A
Dude, I had literally USPS come to my house. Like, full dress usps. Like those box trucks.
B
Wow.
A
Everything had the truck too.
B
Everything.
A
And I was like, oh, sorry, man, we lost this. Blah, blah, blah, Blah. And then I shut the door, and I'm like. I call my ex at the time. Like, I got the package. She's like, yeah, don't open it. And then my friends that I'm still friends with today, they're like, yo, bro, like, whatever you need. Like, I'll pay you whatever. Just open it, like. And I'm like, I. Fuck it. So I open the package, and I hear a knock on my door. All I hear is boom, boom, boom. And then I just turn right, say, there's, like, a door, and there's, like, a blind like this right here with lights coming in. Yeah, pitch black, bro. Pitch black. And all I hear is, like, the door gets knocked open. I'm police search boy. Get the. On the. I just throw the package, hoping it disappear. And then, same dude in the USPS outfit. Like, as I'm getting locked out of my house, he's like, like, leather jacket. Like, he's like, hey, man, thanks. Federal agent. And I'm just like, this is straight out of a.
B
They went in your house?
A
Yes, bro. They raided my property.
B
Holy crap. So they had a Warrant?
A
Yeah. Like, 12 cops, like, in street clothes, like, machine guns. Get the. On the ground. I'm just like, okay. And I was like, super chill. I'm handcuffed to, like, my couch. My dog's there. My parents aren't home or anything. I'm 18. I'm like, yo, if you guys are thirsty, like, there's water and, like, drinks in the fridge. I'm just trying to be nice, bro. Like, you know, I'm already.
B
Oh, my God.
A
You know, to my couch with my dog. I'm like, cops are funny, dude.
B
How'd you get out of that one?
A
Just, like, my first offense kind of thing. And I put. And I had, like. I had a good. Really good lawyer, you know? And plus, bro, I'm on the dark web.
B
Yeah.
A
Like, what. What do you want me to do? Like, this. Like, here it is. Like, what the.
B
Yeah, you were. You were probably on a small level, too.
A
Yeah.
B
You weren't, like, a big dealer.
A
No, it's just like, weed. And, bro, it wasn't like, anything crazy, but this is before weed got legalized stuff, dude.
B
I had two packages get seized. Yeah, dude, because I used to order fakes. I take at ease. Yeah. And one of them got seized, and I got a letter in the mail from customs.
A
I come pick it up. Come come see us.
B
They were. No, they were basically like, we seized this, and I forget what it said, but then I sent it to my friend's house that got seized. So they were like. I don't know how they were finding out.
A
Big on big on IDs.
B
And I was selling them in high school. Yeah, yeah, because the drinking age is 21.
A
Of course. Of course.
B
That was a little side hustle.
A
That's crazy.
B
Yeah, but you had to use crypto to order them, right? Bro, if I kept that shit, dude,
A
I spent 10 grand on the 2000 Bitcoin.
B
Oh, my God.
A
So do the math. It was like, my first bitcoin I bought for $6.
B
People think it's gonna hit a million.
A
I think it will one day. I think right now, where it's in the enemy year of, you know, big.
B
Your numerology, Huge. What's your life path?
A
8th. 8. Everything that in my life adds up to 8. Every, like, every room I stay in. Like, even if I. It'll be like, 107 or 404.
B
It's the number of wealth, right?
A
Yeah, but, like, I don't even look at. I think it's very karmic. Like, even one of my chains over here, is this all eights. You know, it's just like, I'm just very big on, like, living a righteous life, but also, like, because I've been on both sides of the spectrum of, like, being poor and then being, like, you know, having financial freedom. And so I'm very grateful for every little thing, you know, every. Every transaction, bro. Or the credit card or cash. Like, I just say, like, you know, like, I'll just be like, arigato, you know, thank you for, like, having the privilege and the, like, to, like, buy gas, buy food, you know, doing anything. It's energy. I don't look at it as a number. It's more just energy flowing, you know?
B
So that's what money. Money is?
A
Yeah, it's all energy. It's like just a flow of energy, like how you like. So I don't take it for granted. So that's why when it comes to me, I. You know, even if I'll spend money, like, I'll indulge, bro. Don't get me wrong. Like, I'll buy a Lambo. Like, I. I'll fly planes, like, whatever.
B
Right.
A
But at the same time, like, how can I deliver this either via experience or other people's lives getting better.
B
Yeah.
A
Through the process, I feel. Yeah, but I'm big into numerology.
B
I'm huge.
A
Huge.
B
I think the universe runs on numbers.
A
It's all numbers, and the universe is all frequency. So it's like once again, you can lie to whoever you want. You can't tell a lie to the universe.
B
Yeah. You can't fake your energy.
A
No way, bro.
B
When you meet someone, you give off energy.
A
Yeah. And then if you're. If you meet someone that's in tune. Oh, good luck. Luck fooling them.
B
Yeah. You're. You're. Yeah. Some of the smartest people I know are so in tuned.
A
Yeah, dude. Numerology, baby.
B
Yeah.
A
What's your life path?
B
I'm a 33.
A
30? Oh, yeah. Oh, master number.
B
Yeah, master number. I like eights, though.
A
Yeah, 33 is actually like the master number.
B
Yeah, yeah. There's 11, there's 22 and 33.
A
But 33 is like even in the Masonic game, you know, like, you know, it's like.
B
Yeah, 33° Mason. That's a whole rabbit hole right there.
A
Oh, man. Dude.
B
Yeah, you can get.
A
I have friends that are just like. Like invited me to the lounges and stuff.
B
Oh, God.
A
I'm just like. I'm good, man. Like maybe eventually, like, you know, it's cool. Knowledge is power, I guess, but like at what. At what cost?
B
At what cost?
A
At what cost, bro?
B
Yeah.
A
You know, like, I'm happy now.
B
Yeah.
A
So it's like, I think knowledge is cool, but like, man, I don't know. I've. I've heard some things.
B
There's certain things I want to not know about.
A
Yeah. I'd rather just not know. You know what I'm saying? Like, I'll just. I'll just go off like, speculation. It's a cool thing to have an imagination.
B
Yeah.
A
You know, it's a lost thing. Yes. Yes.
B
They dole it in school.
A
Yeah.
B
They dull your imagination.
A
Yeah.
B
What?
A
School is all for employees, right?
B
Yeah.
A
You follow a bell to go to lunch, get some lunch, come back from recess. It's all like a assembly line 100.
B
I always. Yeah, I always felt like imagination was punished in school.
A
Yeah.
B
Like when you had creative ideas.
A
Exactly, bro. And now it's like intelligence is, you know, belittled, which is weird to me. You know, it says we should be. We should be.
B
We should be rewarding it.
A
We should be incentivizing these kids, you know, in the future of our generation. Because now. I don't know, man.
B
I don't know, dude. IQ is dropping.
A
Like we. We grew up in like the best generation ever because we grew up with no technology. Saw everything in the 90s, you know, to playing on like a Game Boy, bro. Like, think about Game Boy. Ruby. Like. Like, you know, Pokemon Ruby on Game Boy sp versus, like, the technology they have now for games.
B
Fortnite.
A
It's in Roblox. Like, they have, like, virtual reality where, like, you know, they're getting better at it.
B
Babies.
A
Yes. Oh, dude, iPad babies annoy me. My niece and nephew love them so much. But, bro, like, when they're on that iPad, the zombie land, bro. I'm like, yo, get your head out of your ass.
B
They're disassociating from their body, dude.
A
They're not there.
B
Yeah.
A
And they're just like. They'll look up, like, huh. Look back down. I'm like, this has to be, like, close enough to Fentanyl.
B
It's a drug. It's definitely a drug, man. I think IQ is dropping. And now there's new studies that AI is lowering your IQ because you're becoming so reliant on it. It's like us using a calculator in school, but worse.
A
See, calculators are cool, man, but, like, AI, once you're like, your therapist, is AI any sort of. Any sort of creative. Creative, like, outlook, outlet or question you have? Like, oh, well, this work? You ask a robot.
B
Yeah.
A
Which I get. People are more, like, reserved nowadays, and people aren't talking. But look what's like, you know, look at all these people, like, technologically, you know, they're. You go to a club. I don't even like going to nightclubs. We go into a club now, bro. It's just people standing around on their phone.
B
That's wild.
A
They just paid. Like, I haven't been to club. Yeah. I haven't gone.
B
I used to go, though. That was. That wasn't the thing.
A
I just perform and then I leave.
B
Yeah.
A
I like, do my, you know, show face. Like, I'll perform, and then, bro, I am out the back door. I feel that, you know, I'll show love, you know, just do whatever I have to do on the marketing side of things, you know, hype the club up, and then I'm out of there. Because it's like, bro, it's just.
B
It's all, like, flexing now, right?
A
Yeah. It's like, what's the point? Like, this is not, like. It's not like a social gathering anymore where I used to go, you know, go to the, you know, dance, you know, meet a cute girl, this and that. Now it's like, bro, I don't even want to interact with you heathens. And I love people, right? But it's like, dude, some of these people, man. Energy, baby.
B
Yeah, it's a low vibe. It's a low vibration setting these days,
A
everything, everywhere you go, like. And I don't like saying that because it's like the red car theory.
B
Yeah.
A
Like, you. You focus on negative stuff. Negative stuff happens. I. I'm only on that highest frequency. Like, try to give everyone the benefit of the doubt. Blase, blase. But dude, man, like, I look at everyone. I think God is internal. Like, I don't relinquish power to some sky daddy. You know, everything, like religion and all stuff shout out to everyone for beliefs. It's all good. But like, I think God is right here. You know, the creator lives within the creation, vice versa. So it's like I treat everyone like a God or a goddess, but I tell them, make sure they see it in you first or you'll just get walked over everywhere. You know what I'm saying?
B
So. Yeah, man, been there, done that.
A
Yeah.
B
Nice guy before. It doesn't work.
A
Yeah, unfortunately.
B
Yeah, no, I'd love to be nice to everyone.
A
You have to be nice. It's. It's cool to be nice to yourself and being understanding and empathetic, but you have to be like, stern, like, you know, out of here.
B
You need a boundary.
A
Like, what are you talking about? Like, don't talk to me like that. Or like, you know, you have to like, give people like what they're, you know, what they have coming. Yeah.
B
I used to let people run me over. I'm a single mother and I didn't have that father figure, so.
A
And you know what? And I think for the benefit of the doubt, us just being good people, you know, karma. But bro, karmic is huge.
B
Karma's real. Yeah.
A
Especially for eights. Like, some people will deal with karma in their next life. Yeah, dude, my will be like, I'll tell you to off and they'll turn around and hit my, like, head against the door right away.
B
That means you're in tuned with your very in tune. The quicker. I just learned this from a psychic, the quicker your karma cycles, the. The more like elevated, motivated you are.
A
Yeah, my karma is immediate.
B
Yeah. Some people, you're right, though, they don't. It doesn't hit their life because they're just not.
A
Maybe the kid will get it.
B
Yeah.
A
Or like their next life.
B
Generational karma.
A
Yeah, dude, that's. That's dangerous.
B
Yeah.
A
That's why it's like I treat. That goes back to treating everyone like that God figure from like the people working down here to like the CEO
B
because we've Been there in past.
A
Yes, bro.
B
Yeah, we've all worn those house. Yeah.
A
Like, I'm big into, like, I'm born in the year the dog. So I'm stewed. I see a dog, I lose my mind. I see any animal, I just like. Like, I just start freaking out. Like, I just like, I want to go, like, interact with them. I see like a straight animal, a stray animal, bro. I'm there.
B
Yeah.
A
Like, I'm trying to find out and, like, give him a head rub. Like, immediate. Like, I don't know how to. It's just the energy thing.
B
100. Yeah. I'm an ox.
A
Yeah. Okay. So it wasn't the last year when the year the Horus, I think two,
B
three years ago was my year.
A
Yeah.
B
I did very well that year.
A
Yeah.
B
Now I gotta wait another nine years. I think my enemy years in a couple years. So I got to be careful.
A
Ox as enemy is not a rat, right?
B
No, it's it rooster. I always get them mixed up.
A
But yeah, I know. I know. If like, I'm dog, my enemy is dragon.
B
Dragons.
A
It was crazy, bro. Like, my most toxic relationship.
B
I was just gonna ask you that.
A
My most absolute. Like, the girl that changed, like, the way I look at relationships, like, I'm not giving her credit. Like, I just don't give a shit anymore. Like, I'm just, like, sensitized. I'm so desensitized. So it's like if someone wants to leave, like, bye. Like, see ya. You can't break my heart anymore.
B
She fucked you up that bad.
A
Yeah, but she didn't fuck me up. I just, like, it kind of just is like, my heart. You can't break my heart now. Like, it's just already, like, is that good or bad? No, I think it's. It's a blessing and a curse because I can literally just decent. I can detach like this. You say one thing. You're not in my life anymore. And that screws people up sometimes, right? Because I used to be on the opposite end of that. And I don't mean to do it on purpose, but it wasn't until, like, I got big into numerology until I realized she was. She was born in 2000 or 2001, which is the year of the dragon.
B
Yeah. Yeah.
A
And I'm like, that's my year. Like. Like, it made sense after that, you know, because, like, I see more stuff, bro, and it always goes back to numerology. Like, random. Like, every day I just study, like, numbers, numbers, numbers, numbers. Like, every time I Look at my phone. Just be, like, four, four, four. But, like, I'm not looking at, like, the. Like, It'll be like 8 or 12. Everything. Like, bro, look at my phone. It'll be like 1, 2, 3, 4, and 56 on my battery.
B
Angel numbers. Wow.
A
Like, it's 12056 at the top. And that'll happen, like, multiple times a day. And it's not like I'm just looking at my phone. Someone just tell me, look at my phone. Phone. And then it'll just be, like, crazy. A constructed time that adds up to 8 or 12.
B
That's not.
A
Dude.
B
Yeah.
A
All of my hotel rooms, every bnb I stay at adds up to eight.
B
Are you serious, bro?
A
For the last, like, two years, everywhere I go.
B
Holy crap.
A
Adds up to eight. Why?
B
How crazy?
A
I'm just trying to see, like, what does that mean? Like, how is that working? Like, I don't get it.
B
Yeah.
A
You know what I'm saying? So it's like, I don't know.
B
I learned from one of the best numerologists in the world. Yeah, Gary, the numbers guy.
A
Yeah, yeah.
B
You know him?
A
Yeah, Yeah. I forget.
B
GG33.
A
Yeah. GG33.
B
Yeah, I'll connect. Connect, you guys.
A
Yeah, he's. Yeah, he's. He's. I've actually wanted to, like, reach out to him.
B
Be like, hey, bro, I've seen him do crazy stuff with numerology.
A
Yeah.
B
Like, with my own eyes.
A
Wow.
B
Like, he uses numerology to make money. Sports betting. He uses it to have kids on certain dates. Yes.
A
That's huge.
B
Yeah.
A
Getting married, you're, you know, seeing, like, if that you're. If you marry someone on your enemy year, that's, like, from your enemy year.
B
Divorce.
A
I probably wouldn't do that.
B
I would bet money that the percentage of divorce is higher.
A
100. Like, over the 50.
B
Yeah.
A
Majority.
B
I would bet it's a little higher, if not way higher.
A
It's insane.
B
Yeah. Numbers are powerful, guys.
A
Yeah.
B
Start keeping track. Your numbers. Where can people find you, man?
A
Everywhere. Signature Illy, baby.
B
Cool. We'll link it below.
A
Yeah.
B
I'll see you in Dubai next time.
A
Yes. You gotta come.
B
Let's go check them out, guys. Peace.
A
See ya.
B
Thanks for watching all the way to the end, guys, please hit, like and subscribe. It helps us grow the show and helps us get bigger guests. Thank you so much.
Host: Sean Kelly
Guest: Signature Illy
Date: May 6, 2026
This episode features an in-depth, candid conversation between host Sean Kelly and guest Signature Illy, an American entrepreneur, music artist, and Dubai resident. The two dive into life in Dubai during recent regional tensions, compare cultural and legal norms between the U.S. and UAE, unpack experiences in business, travel, nightlife, and discuss broader topics of happiness, numerology, and personal growth. Expect raw stories, vibrant banter, and reflections on freedom, safety, and what truly matters.
Speech Laws & Legal Risks (00:00 – 00:07; 07:40 – 08:24)
Safety and Luxury (05:55 – 06:26)
Living Through Missile Attacks (00:40 – 04:37)
Notable Quote:
Nightlife & Growth (09:06 – 10:53)
Service & Experience (16:24 – 17:25)
Deviant Behavior Discouraged (11:42 – 12:16)
Crime and Trust (13:37 – 14:00)
Music Scene & Acceptance (11:01 – 12:22)
Business Ventures (16:09 – 16:49)
Fulfillment Over Money (26:14 – 27:29)
Numerology & Frequencies (57:57 – 67:14)
AI in Business (41:46 – 43:04)
Mass Surveillance (43:56 – 45:25)
Cultural Shifts—Nightlife & Socializing (61:08 – 62:55)
India and Street Food (35:45 – 40:13)
Travel Preferences & Airlines (18:38 – 19:36)
The conversation blends Illy’s unfiltered, energetic perspective with Sean’s curious, relatable style. Listeners are offered rare insights into the double-edged sword of freedom, the stability and luxury of Gulf life, the realities of creative business, and the spiritual undertones guiding Illy’s life. The guest’s admiration for Dubai is nuanced—safety and service are exceptional, but the law is strict, and cultural adaptation is essential.
The deeper discussions—on fulfillment, numerology, karmic cycles, and the search for authentic human connection—give the episode its heartbeat. Fans of practical travel advice and entrepreneurial grit, as well as seekers on personal/spiritual journeys, will find this hour both entertaining and thought-provoking.
Find Signature Illy:
Everywhere: @SignatureIlly