Episode Summary – Keep it Positive, Sweetie

Podcast: Keep it Positive, Sweetie
Host: Crystal Renee Hayslett
Guest: Q Parker (Grammy-winning singer/songwriter, 112)
Episode: From Legendary R&B Group 112 to Prioritizing Quinnes
Date: January 18, 2026

Main Theme

This heartfelt and motivating episode centers on growth, reinvention, and intentional living, as host Crystal Renee Hayslett sits down with R&B legend Q Parker. The conversation traces Q’s journey from group stardom with 112 to forging an independent artistic and personal identity. Through candid reflections, both explore lessons on self-worth, discipline, legacy, love, owning your narrative, and the continuous work of keeping life, business, and relationships meaningful and positive.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Their Longstanding History and Artistic Collaboration

• [03:45] Crystal and Q reveal a nearly 20-year friendship. Crystal recalls Q believing in her when she was pursuing artistry as “Chase,” and both reflect on formative years of collaboration.
  • Quote: “Q took me on … and we created some amazing things.” — Crystal [04:00]
• [05:15] Q explains the origin of Crystal’s artist name “Chase” and expresses a desire for her to revisit her music.

2. Life Today: Balancing Multiple Roles

• [06:31] Q describes his life as divided into “folders” – father, grandfather, artist, businessman, philanthropist, husband – and his intention to keep each prioritized and balanced.

  • Quote: “My job every day is to prioritize and balance those folders … So one day, this folder may fall short, so then I know the next day, I gotta maybe give that one a little bit more time and attention.” — Q Parker [06:31]

• [07:23] He celebrates the freedom and independence he’s now enjoying as an artist and entrepreneur after decades in the industry.

3. Morning Routine & Self-Prioritization

• [08:37] Q’s daily practice starts at 4:30am, involving meditation, prayer, workout, sauna, yoga—time reserved just for himself before engaging with family and work.
  • Quote: “I have to give myself the time and pour into myself so that I’m at a full capacity to even give to others … From 4:30 till about 7:30, that’s all my time.” — Q Parker [08:37]

4. Lessons and Evolution from 112 to Independence

• [11:19] Q reflects on the deep impact of 112 on his career and philosophy, crediting the group’s relentless work ethic and early artist development for his longevity.

  • Quote: “It’s hard for me to tell the Q Parker today story without giving love to my group members as well as the brand 112. … It helped shape [me].” — Q Parker [11:19]

• [13:39] Q discusses how his solo work (e.g., his new project “Evolution of Romance, Volume 1”) fuses 90s R&B nostalgia with modern sounds to stay relevant while remaining true to himself.

5. Independence, Ownership, and Business Acumen

• [14:48] A profound discussion on the importance of understanding the business side of music, learning from those who came before, and adapting to changes in the industry.
  • Quote: “You have to be a student of whatever sector you’re going to spend time in.” — Q Parker [14:48]
• [16:35] Q expresses gratitude for being in a position of ownership over his music, publishing, and brand for the first time in his career.
  • Quote: “For the first time in my entire career, being the owner of all things Q Parker ... that’s the game changing.” — Q Parker [16:35]

6. The Power of Teamwork

• [18:16] Q stresses the importance of building a strong team and not trying to do everything alone—a principle he learned from sports and group dynamics.

7. Health, Fitness, and Presentation

• [19:48] Q shares how early “artist development” instilled the importance of consistent self-care, fitness, grooming, and aligning his image with his musical message.
  • Quote: “When you’re born, you look like your parents. When you die, you look like your choices.” — Q Parker [22:18]

8. Rekindling Romance in R&B

• [22:56] Q explains the intention behind his “Evolution of Romance” album series, emphasizing how he and his team aimed to revive true romance and emotional depth in contemporary R&B.
  • Quote: “Romance is missing … What happened to the wining and dining and being chivalrous?” — Q Parker [24:04]
  • He calls himself the “Romance Dealer” and plans future volumes centered on the evolving nature of love.

9. Practical Love and Partnership Advice

• [30:20] Q shares real-world examples of romance in his marriage:

  • “Romance could be gassing her car up on Sundays so it’s cold outside, she don’t gotta worry.” [30:50]
  • “Listening is important.” [31:00]
  • "Bringing endless gratitude" – the ethos behind his song “Beg,” reframed as ongoing mutual appreciation in relationships.

• [33:02] Q admits that healthy, nuanced expressions of love and commitment were learned over time, crediting his wife Charlinda’s patience and his own parents as relationship role models.

  • Quote: “I didn’t really fully understand the totality of that type of a commitment, but you live, you learn.” — Q Parker [33:10]

10. Communication, Conflict, and Commitment in Marriage

• [35:04] Q describes marriage as a partnership grounded in communication, patience, daily commitment, and defining one’s own relationship standards rather than living by others’ expectations.
  • Quote: “Divorce is off the table. … That means we gotta work through these other things because that’s not an option.” — Q Parker [36:32]
• Q also highlights the value of emotional control and responding thoughtfully rather than reactively, in marriage and in life.

11. Brotherhood, Mentorship, and Safe Community for Men

• [42:15] Q describes founding Brothers United of Atlanta—a decade-strong community for men to support one another, foster vulnerability, and celebrate growth.

12. Future Goals and New Ventures

• [44:07] Q expresses a desire to compete in a fitness competition, perhaps marking his 50th birthday, reflecting his passion for continual growth and challenge.

• [45:18] He outlines plans to continue his album series, upcoming acting roles, philanthropy (youth camps, senior citizens programming), and creating a blueprint for older artists to maintain creative control and ownership.

13. Living Unapologetically

• [47:39] Q is asked what he’s unapologetic about:

  • Quote: “I am unapologetic about just being Q Parker and all that means … there are no limits. I wake up every day [and] I can really do the things that that idea [in my head] can become a real thing.” — Q Parker [47:39]

• [48:46] Q closes by expressing admiration and pride in Crystal’s own growth, attributing her achievements to regimen, consistency, and vision.

  • Quote: “You had a regimen. You were consistent in that. And now you’re living in the results.” — Q Parker [49:52]

14. Listener Advice (Faith & Growth)

• [50:00] Q and Crystal answer a listener’s question about rebuilding a relationship with God:
  • Both stress intentionality, patience, and regimen; Q uses “regimen plus consistency equals results” as a mindset applicable to spiritual as well as personal/creative growth.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Independence and Ownership:
  “Being the owner of all things Q Parker … that’s the game changing.” — Q Parker [16:35]

• On Health and Choices:
  “When you’re born, you look like your parents. When you die, you look like your choices.” — Q Parker [22:18]

• On Romance and Deeds:
  “Romance to me is … the small things. … Gassing her car up on Sundays so it’s cold outside, she don’t gotta worry. … Listening is important.” — Q Parker [30:50]

• On Partnership and Commitment:
  “Divorce is off the table. That means it’s not an option. … We gotta work through these other things because that’s not an option.” — Q Parker [36:32]

• On Consistency:
  “Regimen plus consistency equals results.” — Q Parker [49:52]

Important Timestamps

• [03:45] – Recounting their early collaboration, name origin (Chase), and long friendship
• [06:31] – Q on balancing the “folders” of his life
• [08:37] – Morning routine and self-prioritization
• [11:19] – Reflections on 112’s legacy and group lessons
• [14:48] – Business lessons, independence, and creative ownership
• [19:48] – Health, fitness, and personal branding
• [22:56] – Album series "Evolution of Romance": mission and process
• [30:20] – Q’s everyday romantic gestures and partnership advice
• [35:04] – Marriage dynamics, communication, and personal growth
• [42:15] – Creating safe spaces for men: Brothers United of Atlanta
• [47:39] – Unapologetic living, ownership, and inspiring others
• [50:00] – Listener Q&A: Rebuilding relationship with God

Tone & Style

The conversation is warm, candid, optimistic, and gently humorous—blending deep wisdom with humility and encouragement. Q’s down-to-earth insights and Crystal’s genuine enthusiasm create a safe, affirming atmosphere focused on real growth and connection.

Conclusion

This episode stands out as an inspiring, honest look at personal evolution—transcending past successes, embracing ownership, nurturing self-care, redefining love, and building lasting legacy. Both Q Parker and Crystal Renee Hayslett exemplify the positive, faith-rooted, and hard-won wisdom that Keep it Positive, Sweetie is all about.