Podcast Summary: Keep it Positive, Sweetie

Episode: KIPS LIVE Pt. 2: Cracking The Da'Vinchi Code w/ Da'Vinchi
Host: Crystal Renee Hayslett
Guest: Da'Vinchi (Darnell Hayes)
Release Date: April 6, 2025

Introduction

In this vibrant episode of "Keep it Positive, Sweetie," host Crystal Renee Hayslett welcomes actor Da'Vinchi, known for his roles in "All American," "Mary J. Blige's Lifetime Movies," "Terry," and "BMF." The conversation sets the stage for an in-depth exploration of Da'Vinchi's journey from music to acting, his experiences navigating fame, and his passion for mental health advocacy.

Early Life and Background

Growing Up in Brooklyn

Da'Vinchi shares insights about his upbringing in Brooklyn, New York, highlighting the fast-paced environment that fostered his early maturity.

Da'Vinchi [01:34]: "I think a lot of people are just a little, like, they get coddled a little longer. But the way we grew up, it's like we became men, like, kind of quicker and women earlier."

He contrasts his experiences with those of others who may have been more sheltered, emphasizing the unique challenges and learning experiences that shaped his character.

Transition from Music to Acting

Leaving the Music Industry

Initially passionate about music, Da'Vinchi discusses his disillusionment with the pop politics of the music industry, which led him to pivot towards acting.

Da'Vinchi [02:24]: "It was definitely the politics. Like, growing up, I loved music... but, nah, Like, I was really inspired by it. But then when you get there and it's not a figment of your imagination no more, you're like, nah."

He expresses a commitment to authenticity and moral integrity, deciding not to engage in the violent narratives that often dominate the music scene.

Da'Vinchi [03:31]: "I got arrested when I was 13 and stuff, but I never once thought about killing someone."

Experiences in Broadway vs. TV/Film

Broadway Challenges

Da'Vinci reflects on his experiences in Broadway, describing it as a rigorous and unforgiving environment that demands consistency and resilience.

Da'Vinci [04:22]: "Broadway was really hard. I ain't going to lie... you better hope your partner just like wing it with you."

He contrasts this with television and film, noting the financial stability it provides while acknowledging the artistic growth Broadway offered.

Da'Vinchi [05:06]: "Acting, TV and film is great because, I mean, it pays the bills."

Commitment to Craft

Da'Vinci appreciates the discipline Broadway instills in actors, equating it to a "work, actually work" mentality that differs from the more commercially driven aspects of TV and film.

Da'Vinchi [05:20]: "It's facts, 100%. But it was great. I learned so much."

Venturing into Comedy

Pursuing Stand-Up

Transitioning from acting, Da'Vinci explores stand-up comedy as a means to challenge himself artistically and incorporate his advocacy for mental health.

Da'Vinci [06:04]: "Stand up is like going skydiving... what is gonna happen if I go on stage and I just talk shit."

He aims to blend humor with educational content to deliver meaningful messages, even if it means facing initial skepticism from audiences.

Da'Vinchi [06:24]: "Even if I got booed, it's like, you're going to leave with a message."

Comedy Tour Plans

Da'Vinci reveals plans for an upcoming comedy tour, attributing early sell-out shows to his acting fame but expressing confidence in earning respect as a comedian through persistence.

Da'Vinchi [07:29]: "But I think over time that I'm gonna get that respect as a comedian if I keep pursuing it."

Financial Literacy and Handling Fame

Navigating Finances

The conversation shifts to financial literacy, with Da'Vinci recounting his struggles with understanding taxes and managing newfound wealth.

Da'Vinchi [11:25]: "I was mad as hell. And I was like, can I just do a payment plan?"

He emphasizes the importance of financial education, especially for artists who may face unpredictable income streams.

Impact of Fame

Da'Vinci delves into the pressures of fame, describing it as the "cancer" that comes with being in the public eye. He discusses the constant scrutiny and the need to protect his personal life.

Da'Vinchi [12:21]: "Fame is not what it's all cracked out to be."

Mental Health Advocacy

Personal Journey

Da'Vinci shares his journey towards mental health advocacy, linking it to his studies in sociology, psychology, and criminal justice.

Da'Vinchi [23:24]: "I realized why we're disenfranchised... I had to go back to my people and talk to them."

He highlights the systemic issues affecting the Black community and the critical need for mental health support and education.

Community Engagement

Committed to making a difference, Da'Vinci speaks about his role in educating high school students and breaking down stigmas around mental health.

Da'Vinchi [25:47]: "We gotta normalize being in these positions. But I think when you start... we could become great."

Family Values and Personal Growth

Lack of Foundation

Reflecting on his upbringing, Da'Vinci admits that he lacked a strong foundation in family values, attributing this gap to his parents' focus on survival over emotional and psychological needs.

Da'Vinchi [19:59]: "I didn't have that foundation growing up. I didn't understand the family value."

Self-Education

Through self-education and exposure to positive family environments in Florida, Da'Vinci learned the importance of organized family life and emotional support.

Da'Vinci [22:08]: "I was just seeing everything... I had to really, like, learn that outside my family."

He credits books and self-study as pivotal in shaping his understanding and values.

Traits Desired in a Partner

Shared Faith and Education

In response to a personal question, Da'Vinci outlines the traits he values in a partner, emphasizing the importance of shared faith and education.

Da'Vinchi [28:32]: "You gotta have God first. She gotta be educated."

He underscores the necessity of spiritual alignment and intellectual compatibility to build a strong, unified relationship.

Support and Health

Da'Vinci also highlights the importance of a partner who is supportive, mentally and physically healthy, and capable of uplifting him.

Da'Vinchi [29:54]: "She's really that support. Oh, my. That's why... she's carrying me and lifting me in that way."

Upcoming Projects and Closing

Future Endeavors

Da'Vinci shares exciting updates about his upcoming projects, including the anticipation of "BMF" Season Four, new movie ventures, and his comedy tour scheduled for June.

Da'Vinchi [31:35]: "Season four is gonna come out. Despite what's going on... there's some stuff coming out."

He also mentions his involvement in producing and a mental health tour, inviting listeners to follow his journey and support his initiatives.

Final Remarks

The episode concludes with heartfelt thanks and encouragement for listeners to engage with Da'Vinci's projects, reinforcing the community-focused spirit of the podcast.

Host: "Put your hands together for Da Vinci."

Notable Quotes

• Da'Vinchi [02:24]: "Sometimes they just really want some real killers. People that's just killing left and right."
• Da'Vinchi [05:06]: "Acting, TV and film is great because, I mean, it pays the bills."
• Da'Vinchi [06:04]: "Stand up is like going skydiving."
• Da'Vinchi [12:21]: "Fame is not what it's all cracked out to be."
• Da'Vinchi [23:24]: "When you realize why we're disenfranchised, it's no joke."
• Da'Vinchi [28:32]: "You gotta have God first."
• Da'Vinchi [29:54]: "She's really that support. Oh, my."

Conclusion

This episode of "Keep it Positive, Sweetie" offers an authentic and comprehensive look into Da'Vinci's multifaceted life and career. From his roots in Brooklyn and transition from music to acting, to his ventures into comedy and unwavering commitment to mental health advocacy, Da'Vinci provides valuable insights and inspiration. His candid discussions about financial struggles, the pressures of fame, and the importance of family values underscore the complexities of navigating success while staying true to oneself. Listeners are left with a profound appreciation for Da'Vinci's resilience, intelligence, and dedication to fostering positive change within his community.