BET MEDIA HOUSE: Legacy, Creativity & Choosing Purpose Over Applause

Summary

Podcast Summary: Keep it Positive, Sweetie

Episode: BET MEDIA HOUSE: Legacy, Creativity & Choosing Purpose Over Applause
Host: Crystal Renee Hayslett
Date: June 29, 2025

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Overview

This special episode of "Keep it Positive, Sweetie" is recorded live at BET Media House and features a series of candid, purpose-driven interviews with prominent voices in music, television, and culture. Crystal Renee Hayslett and her guests dive deep into conversations about faith, personal and professional growth, legacy, creativity, and intentionally choosing purpose over fleeting applause. The episode is rich with advice and personal stories, offering listeners a blend of inspiration, practical guidance, and behind-the-scenes insights.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Faith, Purpose, and Growth

• Guest: Mignon (Actress, Tyler Perry’s Sisters)
• Timestamps: 00:39-03:27
• Discussed spiritual growth, maintaining faith in difficult "wilderness" seasons, and finding hope and purpose through challenges.
• Emphasized the importance of trusting God’s timing and releasing what no longer serves you.
• Notable Quote: "Even God is good when he's killing things off of you. When it hurts, it's good. Like, it was good for me. That I was afflicted, that I might know his ways." — Mignon (02:24)
• Practices such as journaling gratitude and using “the artist’s way” methods for healing were shared.

2. Holistic Wellness and Self-Care

• Guest: Sal
• Timestamps: 03:42-05:53
• Shared her health journey, influenced by childhood experiences and a desire for longevity and vitality.
• Advocated for balance: healthy living doesn’t mean extreme deprivation.
• Notable Quote: "You can be 90 years old and still lifting weights... I just wanted to really understand what it means to age, what it means to feel good." — Sal (04:34)

3. Longevity and Reinvention in Entertainment

• Guest: Candy Burris
• Timestamps: 05:58-07:29
• Addressed career longevity, adaptability, and humility in navigating shifting roles in the industry.
• Stressed not letting ego dictate choices and being comfortable both in front of and behind the scenes.
• Notable Quote: "You can be super, super hot one minute and then next minute, ain’t nobody checking for what you doing. So you gotta be cool with playing different roles." — Candy Burris (06:37)

4. Managing Fame with Authenticity

• Guest: Jay Alphonse Nicholson
• Timestamps: 07:29-08:59; 14:03-16:55
• Discussed acclimation to fame, importance of remaining humble, maintaining boundaries, and the peace found in selective isolation.
• Financial discipline and the importance of longevity over quick fame.
• Notable Quote: "Everything that grin ain't your friend, you know, and you got to carry that mentality open to the industry and just, you know, make sure that you keep the people who are with you at the beginning and try to keep them around." — Jay Alphonse Nicholson (08:17)
• On delayed gratification: "I think famous fame shouldn't hit somebody too fast. I think it's detrimental for anybody. ... Careers is a slow burn." (16:21)

5. Owning Your Creative Intent and Legacy

• Guest: Bia
• Timestamps: 09:11-11:26
• Reflected on creative intention in music, wanting songs to carry positive energy and purpose.
• Responsibly considering the influence on younger audiences and being a role model.
• Notable Quote: "I wanted to pay attention to my lyrics, what was the frequency I was putting into the world?" — Bia (10:19)

6. Mental Health Advocacy

• Guest: Da Vinci (Actor)
• Timestamps: 11:40-13:53
• Stressed the necessity of making mental health accessible, relatable, and practical.
• Rooted in faith, he encouraged resilience:
• Notable Quote: "Walking with Christ is probably one of the hardest walks you can make. But just know that you’re not alone... fight the good fight and just allow the Holy Spirit to be let in to your life." — Da Vinci (13:07)

7. Discovering and Honoring Your Gifts

• Guest: J. Murphy
• Timestamps: 16:55-21:33
• Shared his journey discovering talents through hosting, DJing, and artistry, advocating for nurturing all gifts, even the unseen ones.
• Notable Quote: "If you’re not watering your garden, you know, that dirt just gonna look dirty over there. It ain’t gonna look fruitful at all." — J. Murphy (20:36)

8. Inspiration and Music Roots

• Guest: Jack Freeman
• Timestamps: 21:43-23:47
• Described family and local culture as formative influences on his musical style.
• Marked recent career milestones and collaborations, celebrating Houston’s support network.

9. Authenticity and Self-Knowledge for Rising Talent

• Guest: Party of Two (Jada and Swim)
• Timestamps: 23:49-25:00
• Discussed the transition from child entertainers to finding their own voices and stories in adulthood.
• Advice for young stars: Know your 'why,' chase passion and authenticity, not just fame.

10. The Value of Letting Go and Divine Timing

• Guest: Ray Daniels
• Timestamps: 25:00-29:22
• Reflected on letting go of forced outcomes and trusting faith and timing in career.
• Shared experiences with music, starting a podcast network, and the shift in streaming culture—emphasizing personality and genuine connection over rote interviews.
• Praised Crystal for her authenticity and patience in her journey.
• Notable Quote: "You actually let God do the work, and now you’re being blessed rather than trying to force Him..." — Ray Daniels (25:41)

11. Vulnerability, Emotional Balance & Podcasting

• Guest: Joy Taylor
• Timestamps: 29:22-32:53
• Explained podcasting as a platform for vulnerability and the power of sharing authentic, even difficult emotions to connect with listeners.
• Discussed the struggle to remain empathetic and positive in a turbulent world.
• Notable Quote: "We feel those emotions more intensely...when we’re happy or we’re at peace, at least for me, there’s like this looming thing of: this is only temporary. But when something bad is happening, it’s like, this will be forever." — Joy Taylor (32:18)

12. Gospel Roots & Family Balance

• Guests: Jay Ronnell, Kenyon Dixon
• Timestamps: 33:03-35:03
• Jay reflected on the cultural impact of Kanye West’s Sunday Service and fostering musical community.
• Kenyon Dixon spoke to balancing family life with his music career, sharing grounded, humble reflections on “the full scope of life and the human experience.”

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Faith in Difficult Times:
  "If it's not good yet, then He's not done." — Mignon (02:42)
• On Health:
  "I like making people feel good... Helping people work out. I'm pushing you: you can do it. And you're gonna feel amazing afterwards." — Sal (05:41)
• On Gratitude and Success:
  "The more mature I get, the more thankful I get. Longevity is not given... Everybody are not able to continue to be in this space." — Candy Burris (06:01)
• On Navigating Fame:
  "Fame shouldn’t hit somebody too fast... A career is what we really want." — Jay Alphonse Nicholson (16:21, 16:33)
• On Creative Intent:
  "Music is a portal. We can open up a lot of different spirits if we're not careful." — Crystal Renee Hayslett (10:44)
• On Being a Role Model:
  "What type of woman do I need to be for them?" — Bia (11:15)
• On Mental Health:
  "I try to break it down to make it practical, and I feel like people receive it pretty well." — Da Vinci (11:47)
• On Gifting and Preparation:
  "When the moment came, you were ready. You gotta stay ready." — J. Murphy (21:33)
• On Letting Go:
  "You actually let God do the work, and now you're being blessed rather than trying to force Him..." — Ray Daniels (25:41)
• On Vulnerability:
  "The real thing that connects us all is when we are vulnerable and when we maybe tell things about ourselves that are a little embarrassing." — Joy Taylor (29:42)
• On Family and Humility:
  "We're at the Grammys, all dressed up, and then by the end of the night, you're back home like none of this ever happened." — Kenyon Dixon (34:55)

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Segment Timeline

| Segment/Guest | Key Topic/Theme | Timestamp | |------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------|---------------| | Crystal Renee Hayslett & Mignon | Faith, growth, spiritual journey | 00:39–03:27 | | Crystal, Sal | Health, wellness, balance | 03:42–05:53 | | Crystal, Candy Burris | Longevity, reinvention | 05:58–07:29 | | Crystal, Jay Alphonse Nicholson | Fame, authenticity, isolation | 07:29–08:59, 14:03–16:55 | | Crystal, Bia | Intentional creativity, role modeling | 09:11–11:26 | | Crystal, Da Vinci | Mental health & faith | 11:40–13:53 | | Crystal, J. Murphy | Gifts, versatility, preparation | 16:55–21:33 | | Crystal, Jack Freeman | Musical roots, milestones | 21:43–23:47 | | Crystal, Party of Two (Jada, Swim) | Authenticity, advice for youth | 23:49–25:00 | | Crystal, Ray Daniels | Divine timing, music, podcasting | 25:00–29:22 | | Crystal, Joy Taylor | Vulnerability, emotions, podcasting | 29:22–32:53 | | Crystal, Jay Ronnell, Kenyon Dixon | Gospel, balancing family/career | 33:03–35:03 |

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Tone & Spirit

The episode is consistent with Crystal Renee Hayslett’s signature warmth, honesty, and encouragement. Each conversation is honest, unfiltered, uplifting, and deeply rooted in themes of purpose, perseverance, and positive impact. The tone remains conversational and heartfelt, with laughter, vulnerability, and hard-earned wisdom generously shared.

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Summary

“BET MEDIA HOUSE: Legacy, Creativity & Choosing Purpose Over Applause” embodies what "Keep It Positive, Sweetie" stands for—a series of raw but uplifting dialogues spanning faith, health, creative integrity, career longevity, and emotional wellness. Each guest offers actionable wisdom, memorable stories, and a commitment to intentional living, making this episode a must-listen for anyone seeking encouragement, insight, and authentic connection.

Transcript

[Krista Renee Hazlet]

What's up, family? I am so excited for season eight, but before we get into it, I gotta take y' all back to BET Media House. I had so many amazing conversations. So many gems were dropped. Stay tuned. It's coming up next. All right, guys. Krista Renee Hazlet here coming live from BET Media House with. Keep it positive, sweetie. And I have two of your favorite ladies from Tyler Perry's sisters, Mignon and Sal. I want to talk about you more on a personal level, Mignon. Like I said, you're my soul sister. You are very spiritual. You always give all glory to God. How has that journey been growing closer to God for you? Because that's something like, I've seen you speaking out about more and more, even on your platform.

[Mignon]

I think for me, like, right now, just to be vulnerable, this might be sleep deprivation, allowing me to be vulnerable, but, like, just understanding that God is good.

[Krista Renee Hazlet]

Yeah.

[Mignon]

And, like, how simple that phrase is, but how much weight it is and how much depth there is. And it kind of, like, reminds me of that scripture. There's no height nor depth, nor angel, nor demon. Like, there is nothing made that can separate us from the love of God. And so we might be perplexed, we might be tossed about.

[Krista Renee Hazlet]

Yeah.

[Mignon]

But we have hope, and there's an anchor. And that is really what I'm trying to hold onto right now. And I think I might be in, like, a. A stretching season, like a growing season. Like, that transition. You know, there's.

[Krista Renee Hazlet]

That.

[Mignon]

There's those moments in your life where you go from. Some people say glory to glory, but I think when you go from, like, wilderness to the promise. But you remember, like, how they left Egypt. But then there was the wilderness.

[Krista Renee Hazlet]

Yes.

[Mignon]

And then there was, like, the fight for the Promise. And then there was, like, there's these stages, like, I'm in this.

[Krista Renee Hazlet]

Like.

[Mignon]

And you go through several wildernesses in life, and so, like, just understanding, like, in those dry spaces, like, the wilderness.

[Krista Renee Hazlet]

Yeah.

[Mignon]

Your shoes don't wear out.

[Krista Renee Hazlet]

Come on.

[Mignon]

Provides bread every day.

[Krista Renee Hazlet]

Yes.

[Mignon]

So, yeah, it's dry and it's hard, and it's not where you want to be. And it's like. I thought you told me there was something else. But how long I got to circle this mountain? Like, where do you. What am I doing here?

[Krista Renee Hazlet]

Yeah.

[Mignon]

But, like, understanding that there are things that have to die in the wilderness and that even that is good.

[Krista Renee Hazlet]

Yes. Right.

[Mignon]

Even God is good when he's killing things off of you. When it hurts, it's good. Like, it was good for me. That I was afflicted, that I might know his ways. And so just understanding that all things work together for the good. And so if it's not good yet, then he's not done. Like, come on. It's just.

[Krista Renee Hazlet]

Yes.

[Mignon]

That's just where I am. And understanding, like, yeah, if he's a good father, he's not gonna give you something that you don't have the strength to carry yet.

[Krista Renee Hazlet]

Yeah, so true.

[Mignon]

Because if I give a 10 year old a car key, they'll crash and die. Do I want you alive or do I want you happy?

[Krista Renee Hazlet]

Yes.

[Mignon]

You know what I mean? So it's like learning to just find the good, truly seeing the good in everything. So like, practically I'm getting back into simply just journaling gratitude and doing the artist pages. I know. You know, the artist way. Ye stuff like that. And like marrying different modalities for healing and like keeping my mind centered.

[Krista Renee Hazlet]

Yeah.

[Mignon]

So that might have been 10 minutes.

[Krista Renee Hazlet]

No, that was good. I needed that. Yes. So good. So good. We live in a world where health is everything. The quote, health is wealth. What brought you to the point where you're like, I'm gonna really make this a part of my personal journey?

[Sal]

Yeah. You know, I think it's childhood. I think it's not being exposed to really what health and nutrition and wellness looks like.

[Krista Renee Hazlet]

Yeah.

[Sal]

You know, I think we all can say as a kid, we ate nothing. A lot of fast food, a lot of, you know, processed foods. Not being educated about those things. And I think as I've gotten older and also coming into this industry and having, you know, and traveling the world and being more expensive, exposed to those things kind of aligned me to it. But also, you know, tomorrow is not promised. You know, how we treat our bodies, how we take care of ourselves, like it's going to affect us when we are 50, 60, 70, 80 years old. And I think a lot of people think it's like, oh, I'm getting older. This is just supposed to happen. No, that is not supposed to happen.

[Krista Renee Hazlet]

Yeah.

[Sal]

You can be 90 years old and still lifting weights. You can be 90 years old and still be so healthy.

[Krista Renee Hazlet]

Yeah.

[Sal]

And that's just kind of how I live my life. So I did all the certifications I could do because I just wanted to really understand what it means to age, what it, understand what it, what it means to, to feel good. You know, you don't have to if you eat something and you don't feel good. Look at that.

[Krista Renee Hazlet]

Yes.

[Sal]

Why, if your stomach is bloated. Okay. What did you just eat, you know, but people, like, they'll just keep eating it.

[Krista Renee Hazlet]

Yeah.

[Sal]

This is just normal.

[Krista Renee Hazlet]

Yeah. No, it's not. Dr. About you. How did she. I talk about you. You have to eat pizza every once in a while. I mean. Yes, she gave me the cheat code. Right. She's like, if you really want to do it, I'm not telling you what to do. But I was like, you do.

[Sal]

And don't get me wrong, I will get. I will eat my In n Out. I will eat my fat burger.

[Krista Renee Hazlet]

I will.

[Sal]

I will do it. But it's a balance.

[Krista Renee Hazlet]

Yeah. You know, like.

[Sal]

However long we're going to be here, don't you want, like. I want to feel good.

[Krista Renee Hazlet]

Yeah, absolutely.

[Sal]

And that's what it is for me. And also, I like making people feel good.

[Krista Renee Hazlet]

Yes. I love that. Yeah.

[Sal]

Helping people work out. I'm pushing you. Like, you can do it.

[Krista Renee Hazlet]

Yeah.

[Sal]

It's hard, but you can do it. And you're gonna feel amazing afterwards.

[Krista Renee Hazlet]

I love that. I have none other than the candy Burris.

[Joy Taylor]

Candy.

[Krista Renee Hazlet]

What's up? How does it feel coming back every single. I think for me, the more mature I get, the more thankful I get. Because, like, you know, longevity is not. It's not given. You know what I mean? It's not automatic. Like, everybody are not able to continue to be in this space. That's real. Right. So I'm just thankful for it. Yeah. Speaking of longevity, how have you been able to continue to keep your career going? Because like you said, a lot of people who started off where you started are not where you are, and you have literally just skyrocketed. I think it's just being constantly open and constantly reinventing myself and not always caring about being the person in the front. You know what I mean? It's like, I don't mind being behind the scenes or I'll be in front whatever the job takes. You know, if I'm needed as talent, I can be talented. If I need. If I'm the one that's needed to help facilitate and get everybody together. And then I can do that too. Yeah. You know, I think some people let their ego get in the way and only want to be up front. But it's kind of like the way the world and entertainment works is like, you can be super, super hot one minute and then next minute, ain't nobody checking for what you doing. So you gotta be cool with, you know, like, playing different roles until it shows your time to jump back in. Kind of like double Dutch, right? Right, Exactly. Kiss Family. I'm here live from the BET Media House with one of my favorite actors, Jay Alphonse Nicholson. How are you doing?

[Jay Alphonse Nicholson]

I'm doing great, and thank you for the compliment.

[Krista Renee Hazlet]

Yes. No, you are absolutely phenomenal. Getting acclimated into Hollywood. How has that been? Cause I'm from the country, too. I'm a southern girl. Where you from? I'm from Tennessee.

[Jay Alphonse Nicholson]

Okay.

[Krista Renee Hazlet]

And we cousins. Yep, yep. Right.

[Jay Alphonse Nicholson]

Right there beside each other.

[Krista Renee Hazlet]

Yes, yes. So what has that journey been and what have you learned through all this? I know it's a lot for me, like, just getting acclimated, it's like, whoa, this is different.

[Jay Alphonse Nicholson]

You know, sometimes I forget. I be out and forget that I'm famous or that so many people know me for the work, you know? So to me, I'm just me. To my family, I'm just me. I'll never forget where I come from. You know, I keep a little video journal on my ph, just to remember, you know? And, you know, for me, it's just all about really being kind to those who may have a misunderstanding of what this can be.

[Krista Renee Hazlet]

Yes.

[Jay Alphonse Nicholson]

And also being, you know, putting yourself in isolation to a certain extent to where it doesn't have to bother you and knowing who your real family is. Everything. That grin ain't your friend, you know, and you got to carry that mentality open to the industry and just, you know, make sure that you keep the people who are with you at the beginning and try to keep them around, you know, try to keep them close. So that's been my adjustment, but it's.

[Krista Renee Hazlet]

Different for everybody, no, for sure. Same with me. Like, I feel like the. The more my star continued to rise, isolation became more of my friend.

[Jay Alphonse Nicholson]

Yeah, for sure.

[Krista Renee Hazlet]

And I found peace in the isolation. Yeah.

[Jay Alphonse Nicholson]

Ain't nothing wrong with it, especially when you got the people around you who want around you. And then everything else is a job, you know, and then sometimes people in the job become your friends and family, but you want to be careful and know the difference.

[Krista Renee Hazlet]

So, so true. Yes. Kiss family, it's your girl, Krista Renee Hayes, and I'm here at the BET Media House with the one and only bia. How are you?

[Bia]

I'm great, girl.

[Krista Renee Hazlet]

How are you? I'm good. You look amazing. You look so good to you. Thank you. Thank you, sis. So you have over 2 billion streams. Crazy. That's crazy.

[Bia]

God is great. He.

[Krista Renee Hazlet]

He will. How does it feel to, like, know that, like, people are playing everything over and over again?

[Bia]

I feel really grateful, and I just feel like I'm really blessed and grateful that people allow me to just create and support whatever they want to support and let me make my mistakes as a human and come back and make better music and things like that. So I'm grateful for that.

[Krista Renee Hazlet]

I love that. I love that. Making mistakes and coming back, I feel like that's just a part of life, you know? Yeah.

[Bia]

Like, just, you know, you gotta take all the good with the bad, and you gotta say, like, how is this. How does this improve me as a person?

[Krista Renee Hazlet]

Yeah.

[Bia]

You know, I love that. So I feel like a lot of my new music is, like, very. On a way more positive, like, higher frequency. Even, like, the higher energy stuff, like we on go is still. It's still just, like, on a different level.

[Krista Renee Hazlet]

I love that. What made you want to just really tap into that positive energy?

[Bia]

I wanted to, like, really sit down and, like, pay attention to the music. Pay attention to, like, my lyrics. What was the frequency I was putting into the world? And I really wanted, like, my music to mean something, you know? So I felt like with this project that I've been working on, it was, like, a lot of that.

[Krista Renee Hazlet]

I'm with you. I'm working on music. And I did the same thing. I told my team. I was like, I want to be intentional about what I'm putting out. And I was like, there's. Our music is a portal.

[Bia]

Yeah.

[Krista Renee Hazlet]

You know, we can open up a lot of different spirits if we're not careful.

[Bia]

You spin right now.

[Krista Renee Hazlet]

Yeah. So, like, I love that you're being intentional about that. That's amazing, because a lot of times we just put what we think is hot, you know, and not understanding that we're putting different things out there, and our audience, whether it's kids, other. Yes. Yes.

[Bia]

That was a big one for me because, like, I'm looking at other women, and I'm. And I'm looking at my little sister. I'm looking at my little cousins, and I'm like, what type of women did I have to look up to? And what type of woman do I need to be?

[Krista Renee Hazlet]

Yes.

[Bia]

Like, what type of woman do I need to be for. For them?

[Krista Renee Hazlet]

I'm with you. That is so good. I'm like, that's even. This podcast is called Keep it Positive, sweetie. Yeah. Yes. So, yeah, that's. It's all. Because it's so much negativity in the world.

[Bia]

Yeah. It's bad enough. It really is.

[Krista Renee Hazlet]

So we need some positivity. So I'm excited about this. All right, guys, Chris Renee Hazlett here, reporting Live from the BET Media House. And I have my dear friend, my little bro, da Vinci, with me. How you doing?

[Da Vinci]

I'm doing great.

[Krista Renee Hazlet]

So I keep tabs on you. You're still on your mental health journey. You're still speaking. How's that going?

[Da Vinci]

It's going great. I think, you know, by the grace of God, I'm able to explain it in a way that people are able to receive the message and understand the importance of prioritizing your mental health. Because a lot of times, like I said before in the interview, that we did like people, you know, it's explained to us in such a way that it's kind of like, it makes it. Like, it's kind of hard to make it practical, but I try to break it down to make it practical, and I feel like people receive it pretty well.

[Krista Renee Hazlet]

So you do such a good job at that.

[Da Vinci]

Thank you.

[Krista Renee Hazlet]

Yeah, you do. And you've reached so many people. Like, at my live show, I got so many people called me afterwards and was like, oh, my God, he blew me away. And I'm like, the kid is just brilliant. Wow. Call you a kid, but you're. He's a man. No, no, no, no.

[Da Vinci]

I appreciate that.

[Krista Renee Hazlet]

You are. You're brilliant. I'm just like, you blew me away when people were calling, like, oh, my God. In that Da Vinci. Like, every conversation you came up. Wow. Yeah. Like, it was. Yeah. You're so good at that and that you. That speaks to who you are because you can touch. So like, from all age ranges, right? Yeah. That's huge. Because a lot of people can't. They have, like one little demographic.

[Da Vinci]

They can, Right, Exactly.

[Krista Renee Hazlet]

You have such a wide range.

[Da Vinci]

Exactly. No, I appreciate that a lot.

[Krista Renee Hazlet]

No, for sure. Something that we share in common, that we've talked about is our faith. And I always want to tap into that anytime I can. How is that going for you? And is there anything that you can share with someone who may be feeling down on their luck and just not really feeling it right now?

[Da Vinci]

I would say if you believe in the Bible, which I do, I think you just gotta understand that and know that it's a good fight. You know, walking with Christ is probably one of the hardest walks you can make. But just know that you're not. You're not alone. And I think at the end, I think. I know in the end it's all gonna pay off. But, yeah, just fight the good fight and just allow the Holy Spirit to be letting into your life. I think a lot of times we were building doors Unbeknownst, like, we don't. We're not aware that we're building doors to block out good stuff in our life. So just try to be more mindful, I think. Pray for discernment in areas that you might be blocking God off, that you don't realize you're doing it, because there's a lot of ways we could be doing that, and I think it'll alleviate some of the suffering.

[Krista Renee Hazlet]

That's so good. I love it. I love you, man. Thank you.

[Da Vinci]

No, I appreciate you. Love you, too. I appreciate you, Jacob.

[Krista Renee Hazlet]

It's always good to talk to you and see you. Congratulations, Season seven. That's huge.

[Jay Alphonse Nicholson]

Thank you.

[Krista Renee Hazlet]

I think we talked about that. Just the longevity and having a job in this industry is a blessing. And how does it feel to be hitting your seventh season of the shy?

[Jay Alphonse Nicholson]

It's dope. I just try to stay humble and keep my head down. You know what I mean? Cause, like, I just know, like, the way our industry set up, it can go either way.

[Krista Renee Hazlet]

No, it really can.

[Jay Alphonse Nicholson]

Like, that film strike was, like, we talked about it. You know what I'm saying? Like, it's like, yo, you could really just. The film industry could shut down if you want to.

[Krista Renee Hazlet]

He really does not have a job out here.

[Jay Alphonse Nicholson]

Yeah. Yeah. So I'm definitely, like, just grateful, Keep my head down and always ready for the pivot. Trying to save my money and do right in between seasons and not go crazy.

[Krista Renee Hazlet]

I know. Because it's so easy when that money hit.

[Jay Alphonse Nicholson]

Yeah. I always tell people, man, so it's a lot of spirits attached to your money goals.

[Ray Daniels]

Wow.

[Krista Renee Hazlet]

Oh, let's talk about that.

[Jay Alphonse Nicholson]

I'm saying because, like, you can. You can reach your money goal, and then you blow it because you just so geeked about the materialistic things that you want and you not realizing out of your excitement, you making the worst financial decision ever.

[Krista Renee Hazlet]

Jacob, that's so good.

[Jay Alphonse Nicholson]

You know what I'm saying?

[Krista Renee Hazlet]

That is so good. Yeah. I think that's something that a lot of people, young people should know, especially coming into the industry. When you get it, make sure you honor it and do right by, because it can be gone just like that.

[Jay Alphonse Nicholson]

The chain, they want the rose. I mean, you know, want.

[Krista Renee Hazlet]

We all want it.

[J. Murphy]

Yeah.

[Krista Renee Hazlet]

There's the cars. You know what I'm saying? You get it. And you're like, it's temporary. No, it's so temporary.

[Jay Alphonse Nicholson]

It's so temporary. Like, you know, I mean, I just been putting more money, my money into the house, the backyard stuff. I like to do yeah, I'm a homebody.

[Krista Renee Hazlet]

Same. Yeah, I remember you still having parties at your house on your own couch.

[Jay Alphonse Nicholson]

Yeah, just, you know, I mean, select a few.

[Krista Renee Hazlet]

Yes. Oh, my gosh. I was just telling my parents are visiting. I was like, make sure when you guys get an Uber, like, they'll start asking questions.

[Jay Alphonse Nicholson]

Don't be straight up.

[Krista Renee Hazlet]

Got to be careful because people, like, they start prying, they want to know certain things.

[Jay Alphonse Nicholson]

You're like, got to set them boundaries.

[Krista Renee Hazlet]

Yeah. And your home is like your safe haven. So you have the energy you let in there. I'm with you on that.

[Jay Alphonse Nicholson]

That's right. The slow burns. I think that's just been kind of my testimony in my career. Really? Like, everything has been like a delayed gratification. You know what I mean? In the moment, it'd be like, oh, that was cool. And then you like, oh, man, I ain't looking back, bro.

[Krista Renee Hazlet]

You a legend, dog. Like, thank you. Allegedly.

[Jay Alphonse Nicholson]

Like, I'm still, still young, you know, I mean, so it's cool. Still writing my story.

[Krista Renee Hazlet]

I love that. Yeah, I love that you said delayed gratification. I feel like that has been my life story. Yeah. And a lot of times it's really just God, like, ordering the steps and ordaining things. So when you get to that point where it feels like you're delayed, you're right on time.

[Jay Alphonse Nicholson]

Yep, you perfect. You relax. You ain't going too crazy. I think. I think famous fame shouldn't hit somebody too fast. You know what I'm saying? I think it's. It's detrimental for anybody.

[Krista Renee Hazlet]

I agree.

[Jay Alphonse Nicholson]

So I definitely thank God for protecting us on our way to what we doing. Cause I feel like if you want to have a career, careers is a slow burn. You know, you could be the most popping guy or whatever, or popping girl. But a career is what we really want. You know what I mean? Like, and it doesn't mean you always going to be that person, you know, but you always going to have that longevity in career. So that's what we want.

[Krista Renee Hazlet]

I have with me. J. Murphy, you are really big on using your God given gifts. Tell me how you honed into your. Your God given gifts. And what are some of the gifts that you realize that you had?

[J. Murphy]

Well, I think back to what we were just saying as far as just DC Waking you up. I think my. My experience, my undergrad experience at Howard really opened up my eyes on what I wanted to do. I just didn't know how I wanted to do it. But in that moment, I figured out as A college boy, what I wanted to do. And so the very first thing that I started doing, I. I started as a host. And so I used to host things all on campus, all the student body Smart or homecoming Res Life, you know, or ESPNU would come film the game. I'll be doing a pep rally. So, you know, even freshman orientation, I was a part of an organization called Campus Vows. And so, like, yeah, I became like the face of the student body behind the microphone.

[Krista Renee Hazlet]

That's fire.

[J. Murphy]

Then your boy across Kappa Alpha sign and God Rilla. I started hosting step shows.

[Krista Renee Hazlet]

He was like, listen, listen, we gonna do it.

[J. Murphy]

We gonna get it done, period. Yeah, I started hosting step shows. And so after I crossed Capitol, my LB was like, yo, you need to learn how to dj. You just need to. I was like, nah, I got my cane, I got my mic, I'm cool. I lowkey started learning how to dj. I just ain't telling nobody you listen. So by the time I got out, this is a crazy story. This is actually how I got to LA real quick. I graduated in May 2012, right? So at that time, I was still working in the city, doing nightlife as well. And I was also working at Radio 1, working at 93.9. So I would go back to Virginia to do certain gigs and stuff, open up concerts just to host that are. At that time, I'm still learning how to dj, but it's just under the radar.

[Krista Renee Hazlet]

I love that. Yes, that's the story. And that's a journey.

[J. Murphy]

I got hit up to do. Kendrick Lamar's first two dates on the Good Kid Mad City tour with bet, Music Matters.

[Krista Renee Hazlet]

That's huge.

[J. Murphy]

So fresh out of Howard. I'm fired up. I'm like, I'm gonna just put myself on this tour. I'm gonna figure it out. Blase, blah, blah, blah. Make a long story short, the first. The first show was at. In Norfolk at the Norva in my hometown. Second show was at the national in Richmond.

[Krista Renee Hazlet]

Wow.

[J. Murphy]

And I ended up doing 23 days on that tour.

[Krista Renee Hazlet]

So you had to kill it. You killed it.

[J. Murphy]

He was like, after that tour, I found myself in la.

[Krista Renee Hazlet]

Wow.

[J. Murphy]

But the caveat to your question, to answer your question, I was telling you I was learning how to dj.

[Krista Renee Hazlet]

Yes.

[J. Murphy]

Towards the end of that tour, they didn't have a house DJ for, like, the last shows. So instead of me hosting, they asked me a dj. And so it was like, can you. Can you play? I was like, yeah, I can play. In the back of my mind, I'm.

[Joy Taylor]

Like, oh, Lord, here We go, yeah.

[J. Murphy]

I'm like, look, if I mess up, I could just. You know what I'm saying? If I mess up, I could just host and I could just carry the show until it came out, until J Rock. You know what I mean?

[Krista Renee Hazlet]

Yeah.

[J. Murphy]

And that's literally how I found my passion in making sure I could host and I could dj.

[Krista Renee Hazlet]

That's so dope.

[J. Murphy]

You know what I'm saying?

[Krista Renee Hazlet]

Yeah.

[J. Murphy]

A lot of people know, and a lot of people don't know that I'm also an artist.

[Ray Daniels]

I'm also an artist.

[J. Murphy]

I'm also a producer. I'm also a songwriter.

[Krista Renee Hazlet]

You do everything. That's amazing. Many talents.

[J. Murphy]

When God took his time on J. Murphy.

[Krista Renee Hazlet]

Listen, listen. Hey, I'm with you. Yeah.

[J. Murphy]

And so you learn. You learn about the levels and the parallels of how far your gifts can take you. And so you just gotta make sure you water in your garden.

[Krista Renee Hazlet]

That's so. Ooh, that's good. That's a good.

[J. Murphy]

If you're not watering your garden, you know, that dirt just gonna look dirty over there. It ain't gonna look. You know what I'm saying? Fruitful at all. So I'm learning that even to this, to this day, I'm still learning that, you know, despite my demand as a dj, despite my demand to be here, to be where just like, I have to prioritize.

[Krista Renee Hazlet]

Absolutely.

[Jay Alphonse Nicholson]

Time to.

[J. Murphy]

To evolve in what has been gifted to me. Because people look at me and you, it's like, damn, I wish I had the confidence, the boldness, the drive, the resilience to be able to be in front of cameras all day and be in front of people that I don't know. People be having anxiety. You know what I'm saying?

[Krista Renee Hazlet]

People.

[J. Murphy]

All the most excuses, and they just need to learn how to keep it positive.

[Krista Renee Hazlet]

I like what you did there. Keep it positive, sweetie, and do the work. That's what you did. Like, even when you were working, you were honing another skill behind the scenes that is so important so that when the moment came, you were ready. You.

[J. Murphy]

You gotta stay ready.

[Krista Renee Hazlet]

You have to. All right, Kiss family. I have with me Jack Freeman. We are here at the media house. So you're from Houston. Houston is big on music.

[Jack Freeman]

Yes.

[Krista Renee Hazlet]

So what was your inspiration growing up?

[Jack Freeman]

It was a lot of. Lot of Donnie Hathaway getting played in the house. D'. Angelo. I'm a huge Rick James fan.

[Krista Renee Hazlet]

Really?

[J. Murphy]

Huge, Rich.

[Krista Renee Hazlet]

Huge. Were you now dancing like that?

[Jack Freeman]

You is the most unhinged human being I've ever seen in my life. So Huge. Rick James, Big Marvin Gaye, Teddy Pendergrass, Chaka Khan, Whitney Houston, a lot of gospel, Yolanda Adams, the Winans.

[Krista Renee Hazlet]

Yeah, that was me. Yeah.

[Jack Freeman]

The Clark Sisters, all of that. And then we got that ace town that, you know, a lot of Zero and Slim Thug and Paul Swisha House, you know, rap a lot. You know, a lot of those guys, man. So it was just all throughout the house and. And I have older siblings, so I got a lot of their music taste. And my parents are in their 60s and 70s, so I got their taste and then I built my own.

[Krista Renee Hazlet]

I love that.

[Jack Freeman]

I think I'm the only one in the house that's so big of a Rick James fan that it's ridiculous. It's actually kind of embarrassing a little bit.

[Krista Renee Hazlet]

I love that. So you have your third studio album, Nina. Let's talk about that. And you're single. Mvp.

[Jack Freeman]

Yes. So the album is executive produced by another Houston native, Brian Michael Cox, and legendary Brian. Legendary.

[Krista Renee Hazlet]

Love him.

[Jack Freeman]

The super producer. He just texted me before I started.

[Krista Renee Hazlet]

Yeah, man.

[Jack Freeman]

Love that guy, man. The album has been out since last February, but we're putting out a deluxe this year.

[Krista Renee Hazlet]

Nice.

[Jack Freeman]

Okay, so we're on our third single, mvp. It debuted on the. On the Billboard charts a few weeks ago. It's my first Billboard charting record.

[Krista Renee Hazlet]

Wow. Congratulations. Thank you so much.

[Jack Freeman]

Thank you.

[Krista Renee Hazlet]

Thank you.

[Jack Freeman]

And we got a remix. Remix coming with Bun B.

[Krista Renee Hazlet]

Okay.

[Jack Freeman]

We got another remix coming with Big Crit, too, so.

[Krista Renee Hazlet]

Big Crit? Yeah.

[Jack Freeman]

Oh, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah. You know what I'm saying? Big Crit killed it. Bumby killed it, man. Bumby is like a. Is like a true, true mentor to me, so.

[Krista Renee Hazlet]

I love it.

[Jack Freeman]

Love him, man. Having guys like him and Brian in your corner, man, it's just. It's been a great, great ride these last couple years.

[Krista Renee Hazlet]

No, that is incredible.

[Jack Freeman]

Absolutely.

[Krista Renee Hazlet]

I love that. I have with me none other than party of two, Jada and Swim. How are y' all doing? Good. I'm good. How are you? Good. What are some things that you've learned about yourself? Navigating into adulthood and navigating this industry? Yeah, man. Honestly, the number one thing is just learn, like, who I actually am. Wow. Yeah. You know, being like a child entertainer and singing songs and, like, talking about stuff that you haven't even been through yet was always, like, a disconnect from you. So now, like, you know, making my own music and taking inspiration from what I'm actually experiencing. It's. It's different. And. Yeah, it's. It's so Much fun making music with.

[Joy Taylor]

Him because he's my best friend.

[Krista Renee Hazlet]

Like, he knows everything about me. So when we write together, it's like, yeah, it's just a really safe space. I love that. Now, if there are some young star, young people who want to be in the entertainment industry or want to be in your shoes, what is some advice that you would give them?

[Ray Daniels]

I would say, know your why. Know your why. The most important thing is you being yourself and you being happy. Don't chase success, don't chase fame. Just chase creative freedom, passion, and authenticity, and you'll be fine.

[Krista Renee Hazlet]

That's so good. I love that. My friend, my homie, my day one Ray Daniels.

[Ray Daniels]

Thank you for having me.

[Krista Renee Hazlet]

Hey.

[Ray Daniels]

I feel like I'm like, a real day one. Like, I was just telling people. I'm like, I shot her first video. Video song. We was, like, out there trying to make it happen.

[Krista Renee Hazlet]

Yes.

[Ray Daniels]

We got so, like, watching you shine, it's amazing. Cause you always was a star. And the thing that people don't know is that you played your role. A lot of people that want to get like. Cause as you were my friend, I knew you was gonna be an artist. But it wasn't like. It wasn't like you was like, I gotta have it. If I don't have it, I want nothing. He was like, ray, I'll just come hang out. So I just wanna give you props for that, for the people that's watching. You actually let God do the work, and now you're being blessed rather than trying to force him to do the work.

[Krista Renee Hazlet]

Come on.

[Jay Alphonse Nicholson]

Come on.

[Ray Daniels]

You know what I'm talking about.

[Krista Renee Hazlet]

I know what you're talking about, y'. All. Ray Daniels, the song I fucking love you was him. It's only one way to.

[Ray Daniels]

By the way, that song is such a fast shout out to Pooch hall for showing up for the video, too. You had connection.

[Krista Renee Hazlet]

That was God. He be like, listen, what you need. I got it. Tough fun for writing it. It was, man, crazy, crazy, crazy. Wow. Because music was your life.

[Ray Daniels]

Music, by the way. It still is. It's just. I have a different relationship with it. I think the relationship that I have with it is the relationship necessary for mental health. Because if you love it and music is going through this transition period where now it's like, it's not even valued. It's like, just get somebody $10 a month. You can have every song in the world that's made. So I think they're kind of treating music like it's like background noise. And I'm not a background artist.

[Krista Renee Hazlet]

Yeah.

[Ray Daniels]

You know that about me. Yeah, we're not background over here. So, you know, I started a podcast and doing pretty good.

[Krista Renee Hazlet]

Let's talk about the podcast.

[Ray Daniels]

Ray Daniels presents.

[Krista Renee Hazlet]

Yes.

[Ray Daniels]

The God Show.

[Krista Renee Hazlet]

I have.

[Ray Daniels]

So what I did was I created, like, a network, so. So I have the God show, which is why I interview people. I have artist spotlight for up and coming artists because artists still want to talk to me. Yeah, I have. That's debatable because I like to argue. You know that about me. I love arguing. And then the last one I got is the Radar Report, which is doing the best. Right. Because it's just me giving people my personality. So I'm watching the podcast world change. You know what I'm talking about? Like, it's like streaming is becoming relevant. Like, it's not about interviews. It's about you.

[Krista Renee Hazlet]

You got it?

[Ray Daniels]

I want to know who you are. So once you start understanding that, it's like, you got to give the world more you.

[Krista Renee Hazlet]

The people want to see you. Well, you notice that with my episodes, I can interview some of the most amazing, fascinating people, but when you get in front of that mic, they're there for you.

[Ray Daniels]

Because the thing that I had to figure out is, is that, let's say if an artist is on promo, right, and they do 50 interviews in the market, like, your. Your interview is just one of 50. So it makes you different. So for me, it was like. And what I noticed. And you notice about me, like, when I interview Ice Cube, LL Cool J, all these guys after the interview, they all said the same thing to me. I just want to talk to you.

[Krista Renee Hazlet]

Wow.

[Ray Daniels]

I'm like, you know who I am. They was like, bro, you spit the game. So I'm like. But the audience is like, we don't.

[Krista Renee Hazlet]

Want to hear you.

[Ray Daniels]

We want to hear them. And I'm like, you know what?

[Krista Renee Hazlet]

I'm gonna get y' all what you.

[Ray Daniels]

Want, and then I'm gonna talk my S over here. So that's what I'm doing right now.

[Krista Renee Hazlet]

That's.

[Ray Daniels]

So let's go.

[Krista Renee Hazlet]

Brilliant.

[Ray Daniels]

I love it, by the way. I'm the same with you. It's like, you know, they see you acting, and they see. And then it. They see you in this character, they fall in love with that. But now they get to see the real person, and the real person has always been a sweetheart. Like, that's what. It's weird that when I see you famous, because I don't see you as famous yet. You're such my I still remember the girl in the kitchen showing me she could cook. Like, Ray, I could cook. You don't know Ray. And I'm like, you can't cook. You can't cook. I'm like, your pretty ass can't cook, Ray. I get down. That's exactly what you said. You about to say it with me, right?

[Krista Renee Hazlet]

Yes.

[Ray Daniels]

And you cook for us, so, you know, I'm just happy for you.

[Krista Renee Hazlet]

Thank you so much. I love that. I'm just proud of your growth, and you're just incredible. Like, you have. Literally, a lot of people didn't believe me in that time, you know, so to come to somebody and you to see me for who I am, I.

[Ray Daniels]

Can'T believe they didn't. But by the way, it's another thing. It's something about Virgos in your life. I'm a Virgo. Tyler's a Virgo.

[Krista Renee Hazlet]

That's crazy.

[Ray Daniels]

And I always thought about that because you wasn't thirsty for it. You wasn't trying. He saw it in you. Like, the same with me. It wasn't like you was trying to. Ray put me on. You were just hanging out every day. I was like, we cutting a song on you. I'm putting you. Because you want to empower the people who do it, right.

[Krista Renee Hazlet]

Yeah.

[Ray Daniels]

And most of the time, they empower the wrong people, and then we get the wrong outcome, and then we're mad. But, like, you got to think with Virgos. I'm gonna let you know that.

[Krista Renee Hazlet]

Me too. Yep. I am sitting here with the beautiful, the gorgeous Joy Taylor. You have a podcast. Too Personal. So we. I have a podcast. This is my podcast. Keep it positive, sweetie. But, like, it was so funny because in the beginning, I was like, I don't want to talk about my personal stuff. And your show is actually called Too Personal. How did you come up with that topic?

[Joy Taylor]

Well, because we wanted to, you know, share, I think, like, you do, you know, you know, doing your show, that the real thing that, like, connects us all is when we are vulnerable and when we maybe tell things about ourselves that are a little embarrassing.

[Krista Renee Hazlet]

Yeah.

[Joy Taylor]

Or that the Internet might hold on to forever, but it reaches people in different ways. And, you know, I. I try to be as authentic as I can with also, obviously. I'm sure you're this way as well. You have things in your private life that you hold sacred.

[Krista Renee Hazlet]

Absolutely.

[Joy Taylor]

But I think, especially, like, in the times that we're in, we're all dealing with a lot, and it's. It's kind of nice to see that it's hard, you know, like, we don't all have it all together all the time. I was talking about it this week. Yeah. I don't even know what it looks like. I was talking about this week that I'm really dealing with, trying to remain empathetic. Like, I'm very angry about a lot of things that I feel like I have a right to be angry about, but I'm also like, it's hard every day. The two most powerful women in the world are fighting on social media like children. We've got ice pulling people off the streets. We've got gender wars. And the men are lonely. Like, it's always something. It's like, can we have a day? Can we get a day?

[Krista Renee Hazlet]

It's a day.

[Joy Taylor]

Can we get one day?

[Krista Renee Hazlet]

Yes.

[Joy Taylor]

So, you know, I'm. It's.

[Krista Renee Hazlet]

It's.

[Joy Taylor]

And everyone didn't like that. They're like, well, you're angry. Like, yeah, I am angry. I'm angry. I am angry about a lot of things. And it's. Now, that's not cute, but it's true.

[Krista Renee Hazlet]

It's the truth. And, I mean, I feel like we're human. You have to feel all those emotions. And a lot of times we try to brush things under the rug or be like, I'm not feeling that. No, you are. And that's okay. You know, you have to feel it so you can get to the other side of it.

[Joy Taylor]

Yes.

[Krista Renee Hazlet]

That's how I look at it.

[Joy Taylor]

Yeah. I mean, feeling emotions, like, we all kind of have to. I mean, managing your emotions and being an emotionally disciplined person is just a part of being an adult.

[Krista Renee Hazlet]

Yeah.

[Joy Taylor]

Like, you don't. You don't get to just crash out.

[Krista Renee Hazlet]

Right.

[Joy Taylor]

You want to. No, but it's. It's a balance of staying attached to your emotions while also moving through this very difficult, very intense, very, you know, negative world. Like, negativity is what sells. It's what gets the chitter chatter. Positivity can be, you know, searched for, but some of our most core memories are overshadowed by the negative ones and the traumatic ones.

[Mignon]

Like, we just.

[Joy Taylor]

I think we feel. We feel those emotions more intensely. And sometimes that when we're happy or we're at peace, there's. At least for me, there's like, this looming thing of, like, this is only temporary, but when something bad is happening, it's like, this will be forever.

[Krista Renee Hazlet]

Right.

[Joy Taylor]

Why do we do that? Everything is going to pass.

[Krista Renee Hazlet]

That's real. Yeah. That is so true. That's why I named this podcast Keep It Positive. Sweetie. Because there is so much negativity in the world, and I'm so intentional about not using clickbait to make it. Because a lot of people take, like, one thing you say and twist, and you're like, let's go listen to the whole thing.

[Joy Taylor]

That is not what I said.

[Krista Renee Hazlet]

That is not what I said. Yeah. It's, like, so annoying when people do that. So I'm very intentional about that, to not be that person. Hey, guys. I'm here with Jay Ronnell. What's going on, Jay?

[J. Murphy]

How are you?

[Krista Renee Hazlet]

I'm wonderful. How are you doing? I'm. I'm doing like this microphone says, and.

[Ray Daniels]

I'm doing my best to keep it positive.

[Krista Renee Hazlet]

There you go. You also are part of Kanye West Sunday Service, which was an incredible album.

[Ray Daniels]

What a time.

[Krista Renee Hazlet]

Oh, my. What a tie.

[Ray Daniels]

What a tie.

[Krista Renee Hazlet]

Oh, my gosh. Like, that music touched my soul. It was, like, so, so good.

[Ray Daniels]

Listen.

[Krista Renee Hazlet]

So good.

[Ray Daniels]

We appreciate everybody who still is even listening to that album. You know, everybody's kind of in a different place in their life at this point. Hello. But, you know, so many of us that were in the choir, we still stay in contact. So many friendships made and, you know, people working together. So I will always cherish that time and what we were able to do to kind of inspire. Bringing the choirs back, especially being raised in the chur, being raised in the 90s, early 2000s, all the gospel of it all. So, yeah, to be able to help inspire and, you know, shift the culture a little bit.

[Krista Renee Hazlet]

I love that. I love that. Guys, I'm sitting here with the one, the only Kenyon Dixon. How you feeling? I'm good.

[J. Murphy]

I'm good.

[Krista Renee Hazlet]

How you doing? I'm good. So how are you balancing being a family man and working in this industry? That's an incredible question.

[Da Vinci]

It's really just taking it day by day.

[Krista Renee Hazlet]

It's kind of hard to pinpoint the balance because I'm living it in real time.

[J. Murphy]

You know what I mean?

[Krista Renee Hazlet]

But I always think it's interesting. My daughter. So I've been nominated for three Grammys.

[Da Vinci]

Every single Grammy Award, which has been.

[Krista Renee Hazlet]

Back to back, my daughter has come with me. She thinks that this is a yearly thing now.

[Da Vinci]

She doesn't understand it's connected to if.

[Krista Renee Hazlet]

I get a nomination for something. So I think stuff like that for me is it keeps me grounded because it's so funny because we're, you know, at the Grammys, on the carpet, all.

[Da Vinci]

Dressed up, and then it's like by.

[Krista Renee Hazlet]

The end of the night, you're back home like none of this ever happened. So I think I keep those moments.

[Da Vinci]

And those experiences with me just to remind me of. You know what I mean?

[Krista Renee Hazlet]

The full scope of life and the human experience, really.