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Tide/CVS Brand Voice
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Charlamagne Tha God
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TJ Maxx Brand Voice
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Tide/CVS Brand Voice
Because we never make you choose the.
Chris Renee Hazlett
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Tide/CVS Brand Voice
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Chris Renee Hazlett
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Tide/CVS Brand Voice
Shop in store and online@tjmaxx.com and Max, what makes you you?
Q Parker
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Charlamagne Tha God
Selection varies by location.
Chris Renee Hazlett
Calling all my sweeties to the forefront, I'm your host Chris Renee Hazlett and this is is the Keep It Positive Sweetie Show. Welcome to the Keep It Positive show. The place where we heal, grow and learn together. Today's guest is Grammy Award winning singer and songwriter Q. Parker. Q. Parker is someone many of us know through his music, but today's conversation is about where he is now, from continuing to create and release music to prioritizing health and discipline, this is a chance to hear how Q is moving and what's guiding him today. Kiss. Emily. Please give a very warm welcome to Q Parker.
Q Parker
What's happening? Right, right, right.
Chris Renee Hazlett
You gotta really know him to call him Quintus.
Q Parker
Yes.
Chris Renee Hazlett
How are you?
Q Parker
I'm well. I'm well. I can't complain. Just enjoying life, family, career, community, and just smiling while doing it all.
Chris Renee Hazlett
Well, you look good, friend.
Q Parker
Well, thank you.
Chris Renee Hazlett
Life has been good to you.
Q Parker
Hey, I appreciate it. You as well.
Chris Renee Hazlett
Thank you. Thank you. We finally got. Were talking as you were walking in. We are in our 10th season of Keep it positive, sweetie. And you're like, wow. He's like, that's crazy.
Q Parker
Two things. Two things. It's bad that it took 10 seasons to get your brother on, but on the flip side of that, I'm really proud of you.
Chris Renee Hazlett
Oh, thank you.
Q Parker
I'm really proud of it. I mean, we'll get into the story, but there's more meat into why I'm proud of you.
Chris Renee Hazlett
Yeah. Yeah. So let's start with that, because a lot of people don't know that I've known you for almost 20 years now.
Q Parker
Yeah.
Chris Renee Hazlett
That's crazy. Yeah, crazy. 20 years. We met when I was still living in D.C. and I up and decided that I was coming to Atlanta, Georgia.
Q Parker
Yeah.
Chris Renee Hazlett
And in one of the most difficult and transformative years of my life, you were one of the people that believed in me. Yeah, I was one of your artists. People don't know that. Q took me on and really, like, put your money where your mouth was, and you put your time behind it. And we created some amazing things. But let's talk about that.
Q Parker
We did. Yo, and some of that music, I haven't heard it in years, but I believe it will still have a place. And so for y' all that don't know, every time, every now and then, I'll hit chasing. I'm like. I'm like, yo, what's up with your artistry?
Chris Renee Hazlett
Yeah.
Q Parker
And I love to see you doing all these amazing things, but we gotta get in television and business and all of that. But you also have an instrument that's incredible that I think the world needs to hear. And the stuff that we did, I mean, we can always revisit those things. But I think that there's a. A folder in your sphere where music plays a. A huge part, too, so.
Chris Renee Hazlett
Yes, and I'm glad you said that, because I recently. When was it? Well, this. I don't know when this is going to air.
Q Parker
But wait, hold on. Her artist name. I. I called you Chase.
Tide/CVS Brand Voice
Chase.
Chris Renee Hazlett
Oh, let's get. Yeah, we need to give a backstory on Chase.
Public Investing Ad Voice
Okay.
Chris Renee Hazlett
So, yeah, this is. Listen. This is real history here.
Q Parker
Listen. We went into the full fold of artist development and artistry and all of those things. And so her name being Crystal Hazlett, we was like, chase. So we took the C and then the H A Y s of her last name, and that's how we came up with Chase. Chase. And so it's hard for me to call her Crystal. It's hard for me to call her all these other character names and all of that, because when I see you, all I see is Chase.
Chris Renee Hazlett
Chase Face.
Q Parker
Chase Face.
Chris Renee Hazlett
Yes.
Q Parker
Yes, yes.
Chris Renee Hazlett
That still calls me Face to this day.
Q Parker
That's what's up.
Chris Renee Hazlett
Yes. Oh, I love that. No, we did. I remember I just sang on stage with Adam Blackstone, which was like, a dream of mine. And in that moment, I was like, oh, my goodness. I was like, it's time. Like, I gotta get back in the studio. I did a live show in Washington, and I was singing other people's songs, and I was like, it's time for me to get on stage and sing my songs.
Q Parker
Yeah, man.
Chris Renee Hazlett
So I'm definitely gonna call you. Cause we need to get back and do some new. Yes, it is time.
Q Parker
It's just time to unveil that part of you as well.
Chris Renee Hazlett
No, that's so true. That is. We're gonna get into your music because you have a lot of things going on. But I want to know, what is life looking like for you right now?
Q Parker
Wow. So right now, I am a compartmentalizer. My life is in folders. Right. And my job every day is to prioritize and balance those folders. You know, there's the father folder. There's the grandfather folder. There's the artist folder. There's the businessman folder. There's a philanthropy folder. There's the husband folder. And so it's all of those things that I have to make sure stays in a healthy place every day. And how do I adequately give the necessary time for all of those things? And so that's what a typical day is. And 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. But the beauty of it is, I am operating in full and total independence.
Chris Renee Hazlett
Wow.
Q Parker
You know, I can. I go at my own pace. I'm an independent artist, which gives me the freedom to do the things. I'm an independent businessman. I can, I can do the deals that I want to do. Now I have the freedom to move in certain ways with my grandchildren, with my wife, with my family. And so it's just, I laugh because I get to almost 25, 30 years of being a professional to now being able to really live in the freedom of which I feel like all artists and all creatives should have come into the game with that type of creative freedom. But to now live in it as a fully independent artist, self funded. I'm having the time of my life. This is the most fun I've had in years. And man, it's just, it's just a good season.
Chris Renee Hazlett
I love that. I love it. I want to talk about how you said all these different folders and I love how you compartmentalize because a lot of times we can have so much going on that we forget. Okay, let's focus on what we need to focus on. When you wake up in the morning, what is Q's like first thing? What is like your morning routine and day look like to even be able to pour into all those folders?
Q Parker
All right, so the first thing is obviously spending the time with myself, praying, meditating. I get up at 4:30 every morning because what I didn't mention in those folders is Q Parker. And so I have to give myself the time and pour into myself so that I'm at a full capacity to even give to others. Right. I can't run myself down so much giving to others when I have not given myself the same time. And so from 4:30 till about 7:00', clock, 7:30, that's all my time. And it's my time because normal people are. Sleep, sleep.
Chris Renee Hazlett
Exactly. Listen.
Q Parker
So my phone not ringing.
Chris Renee Hazlett
Game changer.
Q Parker
It's just, that's just my time. And so during those hours I work out, I'm praying, I meditate, I'm sitting in the sauna, I'm going to the stretch lab, I'm going to yoga. Like I'm doing all of those things for me.
Chris Renee Hazlett
Yes.
Q Parker
And then I'm able to go upstairs, spend some time with Shawlinda, spend some time with my wife. My oldest grandbaby, he damn near lives at our home. So then I'm spending time with him, getting him dressed, taking him to school. And then I start my day. And then there may be meetings with my partners of Paramount Collective Ventures, which is my independent label and managing company. We have our touch points. And then I'm starting. I'm just kind of, I look at what's on in my day and then I try to just find some time within that day to go sneak and get a massage or something because at the end of the day I have to continue to prioritize. Quintess.
Chris Renee Hazlett
That's so good you talked about. This is like the most freedom you felt the world knows you or was introduced to you from the prolific R and B group 112, which was like one of the best RN groups of our generation. Listen. One of the best R B groups of our generation. Do you hear me?
Q Parker
Your top five R B groups.
Chris Renee Hazlett
Oh, oh, okay. We got 112 boys to men. I love TLC, SWV thinking groups. Destiny's Child.
Q Parker
Oh, nice. That's a great list.
Chris Renee Hazlett
Oh, New edition.
Q Parker
New edition.
Chris Renee Hazlett
Yeah, yeah.
Q Parker
Okay, that's.
Chris Renee Hazlett
Yeah, I know, that's fine. But yeah, those.
Q Parker
That's a good list.
Chris Renee Hazlett
Yes, I remember. I'm from Martin, Tennessee. You've been, you've been to my hometown. Yes. And you all came 112 performed in Martin, Tennessee at UT Martin when I was in college. Listen, it was like the best thing ever.
Q Parker
Wow.
Chris Renee Hazlett
Yes. A long time ago.
Q Parker
You know what? I loved those times. And you know, when people ask me about the current Q. Parker, 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. Because what you see in Q. Parker now as an artist and all of these things I learned from 112, it helped shape.
Chris Renee Hazlett
Yeah.
Q Parker
So one of the reasons why even today I'm constantly on the road, I'm constantly going into the radio stations, I'm doing phoners, I'm calling, I'm shaking hands, kissing babies and all of that. Because back then, 112, we were in the major college to the small college to the major city to the small city, if there was a demand for the group, we were going to be there. And that just kind of molded me into my philosophy of how I think about marketing and promotions.
Chris Renee Hazlett
I love that.
Q Parker
And presence.
Chris Renee Hazlett
No, I can see it. I got to see you perform a year ago at an event that I was helping host. And just to see your stage presence as a group member to how you transform solo. And when I say demand the stage, command it. The audience is like at attention. You just captivate everybody in the room. Even come off the stage and like, you just like you are an entertainer.
Q Parker
Hey, man, this is how I was raised. Started as an 18 year old.
Chris Renee Hazlett
18. That's crazy.
Q Parker
Next year I'll be 50. And so we talking about 30 some years of just constant working. And I'm so grateful that in my era, artist development was something that was a priority because it molded us in ways that allowed us to sustain sustainability. And if we only just continue to tap into those early teachings. This is why a lot of the 90s artists are still moving around, can still make a living. Can still. They're. The 90s artists are probably the highest grossing touring acts presently.
Chris Renee Hazlett
Look at Monica.
Q Parker
Yeah.
Chris Renee Hazlett
And yeah. I don't know when Brandi came out this.
Q Parker
Right. The same time she's in the area.
Chris Renee Hazlett
Like late 90s and early 2000s. But listen, like, literally that music. And when people ask me, like, what kind of music do you want to do? I was like, I want to do a modernized version of 90s R&B. Because I feel like you listen to it today and it has stood the test of time. Yeah.
Q Parker
And that's a great formula. Like, even with this, this latest project I just released, Evolution of Romance, Volume 1. It's. It's me tapping into who I am and what I know. I'm a 90s artist.
Chris Renee Hazlett
Yeah.
Q Parker
But I also can incorporate some of the modern sounds and ways of delivery, certain terminologies now to just create a great hybrid.
Chris Renee Hazlett
Yeah.
Q Parker
And I think that's the one of the reasons why this latest project has been received so well. Because of that nostalgia, but also being able to incorporate some modern stuff as well.
Chris Renee Hazlett
I love that. Staying relevant, rebranding. I think people forget that it's a constant evolution. You're constantly evolving, you're constantly rebranding, and you have to stay up with the times.
Q Parker
You know, I always say, if I don't move it, don't groove.
Chris Renee Hazlett
That's so true. That is true. I want to know, because you have been in this industry for a long time, what are some lessons that you've learned, especially navigating from being in a group to now being a solo and independent artist, running your own label, being the head of everything and making these decisions. What are some lessons that you learned along the way?
Q Parker
Lessons with. I think the main lesson is you have to be a student of whatever sector you're going to spend time in. You got to learn the business, study those that came before you. Why did this work? Why didn't this work? What can I use to incorporate into my system of systems? And so the. The biggest thing even in this, today's independence, is really seeing the business, you know, being a part of the system, the companies and inside the label business. Buildings. A lot of the things weren't necessarily available to us. They probably were if we had asked.
Chris Renee Hazlett
Right.
Q Parker
But we didn't. Because in those times, the main focus for the artist was just be the artist, create the songs, work on your stage presence so you can go out on the road and tour. But understanding, like, the behind the scenes and peeling the onion back to really see all of the departments and what really are they doing. Yeah, you know, I don't become an overnight success. I don't become a success just because my record is good. That's right. Because we know many good records don't climb the charts. Many good records doesn't equate to you being, you know, a touring act with a demand.
Chris Renee Hazlett
Yeah.
Q Parker
There are these things that are happening in these buildings that contribute to your success, like a marketing department, promotion department, video department, artist development, like, all of these things. And so just understanding those details is what I've incorporated now as an independent artist. Because even though I'm independent, I still need promotions, marketing now social media.
Chris Renee Hazlett
Oh, gosh, now content creations.
Q Parker
So it's all of those things. And so just understanding the business. And then, you know, for the first time in my entire career, being the owner of all things Q Parker.
Chris Renee Hazlett
Come on.
Q Parker
Like, that's the game changing. You know, we were never owners back then. We were selling all the records and making all the tour money and all the merchandise money. But in terms of masters ownership, that went to the labels and the companies. And so it's a beautiful thing to put out new music and not only get paid because you are the performer, you are the writer, you are the publisher, but you are now the owner, too. And that's a totally different ball game that a lot of us artists rarely get a chance to live in. And so I'm really enjoying the fact that, man, I own it all.
Chris Renee Hazlett
Yeah.
Q Parker
And, you know, if somebody wants to license Q Parker music, they gotta come and talk to.
Chris Renee Hazlett
Come on.
Q Parker
They gotta, like, come holler at your boy, man.
Chris Renee Hazlett
Y' all heard him. Come holler at your boy.
Q Parker
I'll give it to you.
Chris Renee Hazlett
You know, listen, for a price, it's gonna cost you. And guess what? Yesterday's price is not today's price.
Q Parker
No, man.
Chris Renee Hazlett
I love that. With ownership comes a lot of responsibility, and oftentimes we don't talk about the weight. I know for me, even in my position, with everything that I have going on, it's a lot to carry. How is that for you? And how do you handle it?
Q Parker
I have an amazing team. I mean, that can actually Answer the previous question. Something that I've learned, man. You only as strong as your team.
Chris Renee Hazlett
Amen.
Q Parker
And as much as you are capable of doing it yourself, it's just not wise.
Chris Renee Hazlett
That's it. It's not.
Q Parker
It's just not wise. You're gonna tie yourself out. And so I grew up playing sports, right. I'm huge in athletics. Right. So early on, I learned the importance of teamwork and camaraderie. And if I do my job and you do your job, we get to the end zone and we celebrate. That's why they dance and all. Because, man, we worked hard to get to this touchdown. So I want to celebrate.
Chris Renee Hazlett
Absolutely.
Q Parker
But because of that mindset, it's easy for me to say, hey, you're great at this. You're great at this. I'm great at this. Let's be great together, and now let's go. As opposed to me trying to be great at everything, all these things which I can be, but in the long run, for, like, longevity, it's not sustainable. You'll burn yourself out, and it's not sustainable. So, man, having an amazing team is something that is just so critical and vital.
Chris Renee Hazlett
No, for sure. I love that. Something else that you are known for, which is probably a testament to why you don't look your age. Like, you're a granddad. I can't believe that.
Q Parker
Of three.
Chris Renee Hazlett
That's crazy cute.
Q Parker
I'm three.
Chris Renee Hazlett
This stage, your granddaddy.
Q Parker
Yo. Of three, man of three.
Chris Renee Hazlett
But you are. You've taken since I've known you. Health and fitness has been a huge part of your life. Are you still doing the calendars?
Q Parker
I do.
Chris Renee Hazlett
Okay. Yes. He does the calendar. You've been doing calendars. And, like, I know that that was a big part of, like, your focus. And is that something that you still do yoga? You work out, you do the sauna? Why? And has that always been a part of your life? Or when was that switch for you?
Q Parker
So I go back to artist development, and the way that I describe it is kind of. Kind of funny. Right. The day that we signed to becoming a male R and B artist, we agreed to do certain things and uphold certain things.
Chris Renee Hazlett
Yeah.
Q Parker
Create great songs. The majority of our songs we create are to the female demographic, which presents this idea, this image, this fantasy, and we marry. What Our presentation is to the songs that we're singing. And we were just taught early on that presentation is everything.
Chris Renee Hazlett
Yeah.
Q Parker
And that's something that I just. I really just grabbed hold of that because I guess playing sports, I understood that If I practice, then it's going to become a common. It's not going to be something that I'm just having to push myself, but it's just a regular occurrence. And so early on, big shout out to K. Wells, Courtney Sears, and even Puffy, who instilled in us like, no, you're going to be these R B guys. You got to look to part at all times. And I just always had this idea that if I'm saying the type of music that I sing, I want when you see me to match the type of music that I'm singing.
Chris Renee Hazlett
Right.
Q Parker
I don't want to be singing anywhere or Peaches and cream from the 112 catalog. But I don't look nothing like, who is it?
Chris Renee Hazlett
Girl, that's cute. No, it ain't.
Q Parker
No, it's not. No offense to nobody else, but no, that's right. But that's not going to be Q. Parker. And that's why I value, you know, the smaller things like getting manicures and pedicures and facials and my teeth clean and keeping chapstick on and making sure you're groomed and smelling good. And, you know, it's great when I walk in the room and people like, yo, you smell nice.
Chris Renee Hazlett
When I say today, I said, but you always gotta like, what you wearing? About three different things.
Q Parker
I'm a grown man. And so those are the things that we supposed to take pride in. Clean sneakers and making sure you're dressed apart and making sure you just look good. Like all of this stuff is what we signed up for. And so that's why I prioritize health and working out and watching what I eat and when I eat and drinking water and no stress, no drama, getting adequate sleep. All of those things contribute to the way of life. A mentor of mine told me, he said, when you're born, you look like your parents. When you die, you look like your choices.
Chris Renee Hazlett
Oh, that's a word.
Q Parker
So our choices determine what we looking like they do.
Chris Renee Hazlett
Yeah. Yeah.
Q Parker
So that's why, man, I'm. I'm very particular in the choices that I'm making because I want to defy what 50 years old look like.
Chris Renee Hazlett
Right.
Q Parker
I want to defy what 60 years old look like. Like, I'm not going to be the average 60, 70, 80, 90 year old. I'm just not.
Chris Renee Hazlett
Yeah, no, you're on a. Listen. Your trajectory. Listen. Yes, I love that. So your new music, the evolution of romance. You had been very intentional about bringing romance and how to love back into the conversation. What Was really something.
Q Parker
What sparked that so big shout out to Al Jamal, Elvis, Philly, the Voice, Aunt Tario, J. Bush. Those are my partners, Enrico Love.
Chris Renee Hazlett
That's so crazy. Every person you named, like, that's crazy.
Q Parker
So they are my production team and we set out and had a conversation before the two week recording time it took to make this, this record. And you know.
Chris Renee Hazlett
So you record this in two weeks?
Q Parker
Yeah, two weeks, yep. 10 songs in two weeks. But that can happen when you are intentional. You're not just recording just to be recording. Like we knew exactly what we wanted to record. And the nine songs that are on the album are the only nine we recorded.
Chris Renee Hazlett
Wow.
Q Parker
That's how spot on and laser beam focus we were on this. And in the past, I may record 30 and choose 20, right?
Chris Renee Hazlett
Exactly.
Q Parker
That's what, you know, record 20 and choose eight. But no, we only recorded what the world hear as volume one. And so in this initial conversation, I said, man, I could sing anything, right? I can all. It just flows through my vein. But yeah, I don't like to do things just because I can. I like to have a mission and a purpose and a reason as to why I'm doing what I'm doing. And we were able to identify that romance is missing. You know, guys aren't really like ain't slow cooking stuff no more. Everything is just fast and just so direct. Well, what happened to the wining and dining and being chivalrous and being gentlemen and. And we just, we define that romance is missing. And so when we said romance, it was like, bam.
Chris Renee Hazlett
That's it.
Q Parker
That's it.
Chris Renee Hazlett
It is missing.
Q Parker
That is Q. Parker embodiment. Yeah, like anybody knows me know that I'm. I'm all about love songs. Like, I grew up watching the soap opera. And so everything about the soap opera is soft and passionate and affectionate and touchy and hugging and kissing and slow dancing. We got a whole generation that probably don't even know what slow dancing is. Probably has never slow danced. No. And the slow dance is in some ways you can look at it as exploration. It's research. Cause now this is the first time you may have been this close to whisper, to smell the cologne, say little nothing's in the ear. Kiss on the neck, you know, waistline, you can feel his back. Like all of those things is like discovery. Right? But we're in a world where it's just, hey, what you doing? So it's no connectivity. And so we wanted to sing and just bring romance back into the marketplace, man. And so you know, I committed to this evolution volume series. This is volume one. I'm committed to doing at least four to five. Okay, so I'm on like, what made.
Chris Renee Hazlett
You want to do volumes instead of just like one project?
Q Parker
Because I knew that I didn't want to have a triple. A triple release with like 40 some songs. And you know, there are different levels of romance. You know, we talk about the evolution of it is steadily being defined and it could be defined in so many ways. And so it was no way that I wanted to try to force the full embodiment of romance into nine songs. Right.
Chris Renee Hazlett
That's so true. Yeah. No, that's real. I love that. And I'm excited to see what the evolution of romance is.
Q Parker
Romance is just, it's just so key. And you know, as I've been on this, on this campaign journey, like I've coined myself the romance dealer. Yes. Just dealing romance. Just campaigning. Yeah, Romance and bringing it back into the homes, the hearts of these women.
Walton Goggins
Relationships.
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Chris Renee Hazlett
To get in your business. How do you. He's like, okay, let go. How do you show up romantically for Charlinda? Like what are things that Q. Parker does that maybe you could share and give some fellas some tips?
Q Parker
Yeah. So. So romance to me is it's deeds.
Chris Renee Hazlett
It's.
Q Parker
It's things. It's not necessarily a particular thing.
Chris Renee Hazlett
Right.
Q Parker
But it's the little. It's the. They always say the what they call it the something is in the details.
Chris Renee Hazlett
That the devil is in the details.
Q Parker
Oh well we not saying that but the details matter. Right? The details. It's the small things. Right. And so romantic to me can be gassing her car up on Sundays.
Chris Renee Hazlett
Yes.
Q Parker
So it's cold outside, she don't gotta worry about putting gas in the car. Romance could be listening, man. I've had a long day. So you get home, don't worry about dinner today because I just went ahead and ordered dinner. Listening is important. Yo, man, I've been on my feet all day. Bam, man, my back is. Hey, when you get out of work today, go to such and such. Or when you get home, the massage person is here. Like it. It's all of those things. Because I believe. Just like my first single was a song called Beg. Right. And we made it into an acronym. Bringing endless gratitude to your partner. And so in this iteration of the word, it's not because you messed up. We're not begging because I'm sorry that. It's just we're begging for you to keep the relationship in a good space.
Chris Renee Hazlett
Yeah.
Q Parker
And begging becomes deeds, it becomes the small things. So if we're constantly begging for each other, then that too can be romance.
Chris Renee Hazlett
Yes. Yeah, I love that. That's good. Listen, guys, I know it's a lost art, you know, And I find myself when I'm dating, I'm having to like teach people. I'm like, music, teach me how to love. I'm tired, tired of teaching how to love. Like, I need. It's certain things that. Come on.
Q Parker
It's not okay. You know, just. Just being a gentleman.
Chris Renee Hazlett
Yeah.
Q Parker
You know, my mama raised us to be respectful. That can even be romantic, the way you talk to somebody. Like, you don't got to be so direct. Put that shit on or put that. Babe, what happened? You know, Remember that black dress you wore? I really like that. I would love to see you in that. You know what I'm saying? Like, it's. It's the small things. Yes, it's the small things. And you know, I think society has just fast paced everything. The microwave, the. They want the quick return. They want the make an investment. You want to just see it, right. You want to see the blow up tomorrow. But sometimes you got to play the long game. And the long game will prove way more dividends than something that's just just overnight.
Chris Renee Hazlett
Yeah. And we see it now. Is this something that you always knew in your marriage or did something you had to evolve into?
Q Parker
Absolutely not. I had to grow into that. I had to go into that. You gotta understand, like, I was married at 26.
Chris Renee Hazlett
Wow.
Q Parker
And so at 26, that's the height of. Yeah, maybe this is anywhere or peaches and cream. Oh, wow. And so it's just like, man, I know that I didn't really fully understand the totality of that type of a commitment, but again, man, you live, you learn. Kudos to Charlinda and her just having patience to allow me to grow into that true manhood and fatherhood and being present and all of those things. So, nah, I didn't know all of that. But what's crazy Chase is when I start to have these revelations, I just would remember my mom and my dad because my dad always handled my mom in a gentle way. My dad was the ultimate provider. He was firm and extreme disciplinarian. But I just saw them love on each other in ways that I think defied what society and how society defined what a relationship should really look like. And the nuances and the balance of work versus nurturing at home. Nurturing at home versus work. Right. And so I think those things have always been in me because of my surroundings. I just had to mature into those spaces to connect with what I knew all along.
Chris Renee Hazlett
Right. Yeah. What are those conversations like when you are having to. You're learning and maybe Charles, like, Quintus, this is what I need, you know, and like, because a lot of times in relationships and there's so many couples that watch this show, I want to show them like, this is what it looks like, what marriage looks like over years. And maybe not all having it all together in the beginning, but through communicating and learning each other. This is how we got to this side of it.
Q Parker
Absolutely. You know, marriage is. It's a partnership. It is a commitment.
Chris Renee Hazlett
Yeah.
Q Parker
It is a sacrifice. It is understanding. It is effectively communicating. It's paying attention, it's listening, it's speaking delicately to the person that you care about and you love. Which means I need to choose which words I'm going to use in trying to get whatever said point across.
Chris Renee Hazlett
Right, Right. Yeah.
Q Parker
Because if my. And it's being resulted oriented, that means let's spend as much time as we need here, but let's spend the bulk of the time on talking about the solution and the results. It's a lot of forgiveness and understanding. It's patience and it is committing every day. It's a daily commit. Because if I keep bringing in yesterday and the day before and last week and last month and last year and 10 years ago, like, it's almost like driving like this.
Chris Renee Hazlett
Right.
Q Parker
You don't know where you're going. Like, who drives like this?
Chris Renee Hazlett
That is such a good analogy.
Q Parker
So, you know, keeping. Keeping Here. Hey, today is today.
Chris Renee Hazlett
Yeah.
Q Parker
Today is today. Let's commit today. And just having that mindset that I ain't going nowhere, you not going nowhere.
Chris Renee Hazlett
Come on.
Q Parker
Right? Divorce is off the table. So that means it's not an option.
Chris Renee Hazlett
Right.
Q Parker
So don't ever. That's not an option.
Chris Renee Hazlett
Yeah.
Q Parker
We got to work through these other things because that's not an option right now. That means maybe I ain't liking you right now. You may not be liking me right now. You may can respectfully say, hey, give me a minute.
Chris Renee Hazlett
Yeah.
Q Parker
Hey, I need some time. I need space. Blah, blah, blah, blah, blah. And it be received like, I respect that.
Chris Renee Hazlett
Yeah.
Q Parker
Because we. I don't think it's fair when relationships try to live or move their relationship the way that society has defined it or what mama, them and grandmama them did. Because we are us.
Chris Renee Hazlett
Yes.
Q Parker
We got to define our own relationship. And we get to say what we want to do, what we don't want to do, what boundaries we want to set, what we don't want to do. And that has nothing to do with nobody but the two individuals that are involved. And I think if we keep those types of things as the top lines, we have a better way, a better goal of it being successful, because that's. At the end of the day, people just want to be happy. They want companionship. We want to have some fun. We want to laugh. We want to share some intimacy and have intimate moments and then be building legacy.
Chris Renee Hazlett
Yes. Man.
Q Parker
Time out for all that fussing and fighting and yelling and cussing.
Chris Renee Hazlett
And I don't think I've ever seen you, like, upset or raise your voice.
Q Parker
It's very rare because I just try to be controlled in all spaces. And again, I'm in control of my response.
Chris Renee Hazlett
Yeah.
Q Parker
I'm accountable for what I do, not for what you do.
Chris Renee Hazlett
Right.
Q Parker
You can look like the fool.
Chris Renee Hazlett
Right.
Q Parker
But I'm not. Exactly. Because I know how to. And I'm a worder too, Chase. Like I care. I take a beat before I speak.
Chris Renee Hazlett
Yeah.
Q Parker
And when I need to say some. Something that's razor. It's gonna be collected. It's gonna be well thought out, fully loaded. I'm just not lashing out saying. Cause I might forget something. Like.
Chris Renee Hazlett
I gotta make sure I get all this.
Q Parker
I gotta get all of it in. So I'm gonna take my beat, gather all my thoughts. Because when I let it go. But it's gonna be. It's gonna be delicate.
Chris Renee Hazlett
Yeah.
Q Parker
It reminds me of. So my son is a senior at FAMU Right.
Chris Renee Hazlett
Wow.
Q Parker
And he's a theater major, Right. You remember Q Junior, right? Yes, he's a senior. Yeah. And so he's a theater major. And so he would come home and he would have to put himself on tape.
Chris Renee Hazlett
Yeah.
Q Parker
And so I remember when he first started, there was this line that he had to. Or this passage, and the person had to have be angered. Right. And so the first pass, he was. He just went to yelling and screaming, and he delivered it so big. It's just. So I sat him down, and then I was like, yo, there's another approach that you can. You can show anger through frustration.
Chris Renee Hazlett
Yeah.
Q Parker
You can show anger through disappointment. And so I'm never gonna be this guy right here because I can. I can sit down and be like, chase, that was really messed up. And that right there that you've done, like. Like, I can. I can deliver the same message, calm and grounded.
Chris Renee Hazlett
And those deliveries always.
Q Parker
They always work.
Chris Renee Hazlett
Yeah. Like, when people do that on screen.
Q Parker
It'S like, oh, my God. Exactly.
Chris Renee Hazlett
That's so true.
Q Parker
So that's. That's how I approach. And then, you know, lastly, about that. I have to protect my blood pressure. I got to protect my stress level.
Chris Renee Hazlett
Yeah.
Q Parker
And nothing. Hear me out. Nothing is worth me stressing over.
Chris Renee Hazlett
That's so true.
Q Parker
Nothing. I don't care how big it is. There's a solution, and we can work through everything.
Chris Renee Hazlett
Yeah.
Q Parker
I don't care how big, how grand, how. Oh, my God. The world. The world ain't ending.
Chris Renee Hazlett
Right? It is not.
Q Parker
It's not. No. So that's why you probably would rarely ever see me, like, just. And if you ever see me losing my mind or something, you got to know somebody went to the ends of the earth to really just get me off my square.
Chris Renee Hazlett
Right, right. That's so true. So you did what you call the manual.
Q Parker
Yeah.
Chris Renee Hazlett
So was that a collection of all the lessons that you learned to teach men how to approach?
Q Parker
Pretty much that. So I just always believe, you know, as a musician and as an orator, a speaker, a deliverer of messaging, you have a responsibility. I don't want to just create songs and music just for no reason. I like to always have a message behind it. And again, like I said previously, I like to have an objective as to why I'm recording. And that first album, which was in 2012, was the very first time of me branching out on my own. And I needed to show, you know, just how I've grown and how I've matured and how. And what type of lessons I'VE learned in my young adulthood and in my young marriage hood and fatherhood and parenthood and all those things. And so I was very intentional about capitalizing M A N lowercase in the U A l because I wanted the listeners to understand that this was a man coming into his own. But then also using what I've experienced as a manual. How to guide on how to love, how to forgive, how to be present, how to get a do over like all of those things.
Chris Renee Hazlett
I love that. Didn't you also have like a men's like community?
Q Parker
Yeah. Brothers United of Atlanta, we still going strong. I founded it in 2016. This upcoming year will be our 10 year anniversary. And it's just Brothers United is probably one of my most proudest creations because we know all over the world men just need safe places to be vulnerable, to be our true optimal selves. You know, we possess all that's needed, but we only probably using 50 or less percent of all the qualities and traits that we have because of the stereotypes, because of the social climate and status and you know, men can't do this and men should do this and you're not this if you don't and you should be. All that stuff is just tearing us down even. And we're even getting into the systemic stuff and the, the, the history of stuff and ancestrals. It's a lot that men are carrying. And so to be able to create an atmosphere and an environment for guys to just come and be loved on, be motivated, encouraged, championed, cheered on, man hugged.
Chris Renee Hazlett
Yeah.
Q Parker
That's just something that. And I get so proud. And so every Monday we do a prayer and meditation call via zoom. And then once a month we do an in person meeting where we have like a speaker that'll come. But it's also just giving guys a voice.
Chris Renee Hazlett
Yes. And they need that. They need it. I love that. Yeah. And I'm proud of you. Ten years. Congratulations.
Q Parker
Yeah.
Chris Renee Hazlett
That is amazing. I love that you wear so many hats. You also act. You've done plays, TV and film. What is something that you haven't done yet or something that you really want to tap into more in this season of your life?
Q Parker
I want to do a fitness competition.
Chris Renee Hazlett
Really? Like what's that show that we used to watch on Saturday mornings? Like gladiator kind of thing. Really?
Q Parker
So, so that type of like, like I want, I would love to do Special Forces. Hey Fox, get at your boy.
Chris Renee Hazlett
Listen, like, yeah, yeah, yeah.
Q Parker
I would love to do stuff like Special Forces or like the, the competition type of reality shows, but Also like a real life fitness competition, like a male physique or something. Like, I'm not. I don't really believe in all so. So too muscular. But like a male physique, like a fitness type of competition. I would like to do that. And so I may do it. I may do it next year. My 50, 50 years. I may do it next year.
Chris Renee Hazlett
You should. That's gonna be crazy. I have someone who just did special forces, so I'll see if they have a connect. Come on. Yeah.
Q Parker
It'S good to know people, man. In big places.
Chris Renee Hazlett
Stop. I know a few people. I love that. Is there anything that we can look out for? I know you have your album. Well, the beginning of.
Q Parker
Yes, this is the volume series. So we just released volume one. Things that are on the Horizon is obviously completing the volume series. I do have a couple of acting opportunities that have already been filmed that are slated to come out next year. Philanthropy continuing to support the children by way of our music developmental summer camps. And then also the senior citizens. We do annual programming for the senior citizens and then just kind of. And then building a model for peers of mind to be able to still have a voice, but also know that there's a home where they could go where they can still release new music, have ownership, and not just have to rest on what they've done in the past, but now can put out current music, have a direct connection to your fans, be directly to the consumers, and just still have a voice. So many of my artists from, like, my peers from my era can still sing. They still look good, still have the energy to get out here. Yeah. So just kind of creating a blueprint for artists to be able to still put out music.
Chris Renee Hazlett
I love that. I love that.
Q Parker
And have ownership.
Chris Renee Hazlett
Ownership. Listen, that's one thing Tyler taught me. Ownership, ownership, ownership, ownership. You don't want to look up. You've done all this work, you work so hard, and there's nothing to show for it. And that comes to ownership.
Q Parker
You got to own it, man.
Chris Renee Hazlett
Yeah, that's it.
Q Parker
And especially now in the world of independence, because the reality is everybody's not going to get a record deal. Everybody's not going to be, you know, supported by Lionsgate and MGM and Columbia Pictures and all of that. And so, you know, how can you gain interest from somebody else if they don't see that you have the interest in your own self.
Chris Renee Hazlett
That's so true.
Q Parker
You know, creating that value so you can have people coming to the table, but then you're in a position of Power. Because by the time they get to you, you may not even need them.
Chris Renee Hazlett
Yeah. Ooh. Come on. That's right. Cause you've done the work.
Q Parker
Cause you've done the work. Yes.
Chris Renee Hazlett
I love that this season's theme is unapologetic. I want to ask you, Q. Parker, what are you unapologetic about in this season of your life?
Q Parker
I am unapologetic about just being Q. Parker and all that means. And that is bottling up what was, but most importantly, what is. And there are no limits. I wake up every day. If I have an idea, I can really do the things that that idea can become a real thing. And when I tell you that kind of freedom.
Chris Renee Hazlett
Yeah.
Q Parker
Everybody needs to experience that type of freedom where you don't. You don't have deadlines that you didn't give yourself.
Chris Renee Hazlett
Right.
Q Parker
You don't have the pressures of somebody else telling you, I need it by tomorrow. That brings on stress. That brings on all these other stuff.
Chris Renee Hazlett
Yeah.
Q Parker
Right. But you are in control of setting the. The deadlines and the barometers and all of that. And so I'm unapologetically proud that I can show up every day as quintess. Damon Parker senior. Q. Parker, the romance dealer. Baby.
Chris Renee Hazlett
I love it. Q. Thank you.
Q Parker
Thank you. And hold on. Before I get out of here, let me just give you something real quick. When I met you, you had these big dreams, and I don't remember if you remember, me and my partners, we would have these conversations with you, and you would say, man, I want to do this. I want to do this. I'm going to do this. I'm going to do this. You had a list of things. We were just in position to help you kind of get into these spaces. And so when I fast forward to the present, I've watched all of your ascension, and for somebody who witnessed that, it in the beginning phases and to see where you are and where you're going, as your brother, man, I'm really, really proud of you. I want to tell you that I love you. I'm super proud of you. And this is a true testament of having a vision, putting in the work. Right. I live by a model that says regimen plus consistency equals results. You had a regimen. You were consistent in that.
Chris Renee Hazlett
Yeah.
Q Parker
And now you're living in the results. And so I'm proud of you.
Chris Renee Hazlett
Thank you.
Walton Goggins
Yeah.
Chris Renee Hazlett
Thank you so much. I love you.
Q Parker
Love you, too.
Chris Renee Hazlett
Thank you. Wow. You're gonna try to make thug cry. So every week, a listener writes in, and we give Them advice. So this week, for positive outcomes, Shambria Brown writes, what advice do you have for someone who is trying to rebuild their relationship? Relationship with God, trying to rebuild, that's been like the story of my last few years. My advice would be to be very intentional about your relationship with Christ and also understand that the walk will not be perfect. I think a lot of times we see what looks like this just perfect path for everyone who is following Christ. Right. But people don't show their shortcomings. And I talked about it earlier, is that when. When you're on this path and you're trying to do what's right, even if you fall down, get up, don't give up. That would be my advice. What about you?
Q Parker
I would say first and foremost, God understands who we are way more than we do. And your small effort, it's just you really tap into who he already know you are.
Chris Renee Hazlett
Yeah.
Q Parker
And so it's just like riding the bike. You got to get on the bike every day until you become better at it again. Regimen and consistency builds results.
Chris Renee Hazlett
Yeah.
Q Parker
And so if I start giving time today and I come back tomorrow, then the next day I'm going to look up. And a week has gone by, and now I'm getting more and more confident. The relationship is becoming more and more solid. So again, I don't know if I'm gonna make the shot. If I don't shoot the shot.
Chris Renee Hazlett
Come on. That's real. I love that. Thank you, Shambria, for writing.
Q Parker
Thanks, Shambria.
Chris Renee Hazlett
Oh, my goodness. That was such a great conversation and a reminder that growth doesn't stop when you stay consistent with yourself and your purpose. Thank you so much for tuning in to another episode of the Keep It Positive Sweetie Show. Don't forget to subscribe. Share this episode with someone who could use a little positivity. And as always, stay blessed, stay encouraged, and remember to keep it positive. Sweeties. I love you guys. Until next time.
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Q Parker
I've got my game day ritual, coffee.
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Energy up an apple. Your classic do it all tight end.
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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
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.
[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.
[07:23] He celebrates the freedom and independence he’s now enjoying as an artist and entrepreneur after decades in the industry.
[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.
[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.
[30:20] Q shares real-world examples of romance in his marriage:
[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.
[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.
[47:39] Q is asked what he’s unapologetic about:
[48:46] Q closes by expressing admiration and pride in Crystal’s own growth, attributing her achievements to regimen, consistency, and vision.
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]
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.
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.