TC Carson: Unplugged!

Summary

ReLiving Single Podcast: Episode - TC Carson: Unplugged! Release Date: July 23, 2025

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Introduction

In this heartfelt and engaging episode of ReLiving Single, hosts Erika Alexander and Kim Coles welcome the iconic TC Carson, best known for his role as Kyle Barker on the groundbreaking sitcom Living Single. Titled "Unplugged!", the episode delves deep into the musical elements of the show, Carson's personal journey, behind-the-scenes anecdotes, and the enduring legacy of Living Single. Whether you're a longtime fan or new to the series, this episode offers a rich exploration of the show's impact on comedy, friendship, and the Black experience.

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Music as the DNA of Living Single

The episode opens with Erika and Kim emphasizing the pivotal role music played in Living Single.

Erika Alexander [00:00]: "Music was a big part of Living Single."

Kim Coles [00:02]: "Yeah, we had awesome music. It's part of the DNA of the show."

They discuss the significance of the show's working title, "My Girls," paying homage to the Temptations' classic, highlighting how music was intertwined with the show's narrative and character development.

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Favorite Musical Moments

Erika and Kim pose the question to TC about his favorite musical moment from the show. TC fondly recalls his performance of "My Funny Valentine," sharing personal anecdotes about fans imitating his iconic rendition.

Kim Coles [00:18]: "That's easy. Hands down, My Funny Valentine."

TC Carson [09:11]: "That was an iconic performance."

He expresses emotional connections to these moments, revealing how music not only enriched the storyline but also forged a deeper bond with the audience.

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Behind the Scenes: TC Carson's Journey

The conversation shifts to TC Carson's journey in joining Living Single. He shares the initial challenges he faced, including being initially turned down before being flown out for a screen test.

TC Carson [03:35]: "I actually had sent in a tape for Living Single and then they said no. And then they flew me out."

Erika Alexander [04:06]: "So how did you feel when they came back and said, by the way, we'd like to fly you out for a screen test?"

TC Carson [04:11]: "Yay."

He recounts the moment he received the call informing him of his casting, emphasizing the emotional impact and the support from his family, particularly his mother.

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Evolution of Characters and On-Set Dynamics

Erika shares her approach to watching the show post-casting, ensuring she stayed connected with the storyline and character arcs without letting personal emotions interfere with her performance.

Erika Alexander [05:03]: "I wanted to see what we had, what they had put together, what they had edited together."

TC reflects on rewatching the show, now enjoying it alongside his morning routine.

TC Carson [05:21]: "I watch it now. It comes on in the morning on Bounce, and it's part of my morning coffee and my morning workout."

They discuss the natural camaraderie and creative synergy among the cast, which allowed them to explore unexpected and authentic moments, such as impromptu musical performances.

Erika Alexander [07:00]: "We all did just the... our timing. I think once we really felt safe with each other."

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Iconic Musical Episodes and Performances

The trio delves into specific musical episodes, highlighting standout performances and the creative processes behind them.

"My Funny Valentine" Performance

TC describes the pressure and perfectionism involved in delivering his heartfelt rendition of "My Funny Valentine," which became one of the show's most memorable musical moments.

TC Carson [09:27]: "The day was really interesting because I felt a lot of pressure to make it work."

They discuss the multiple takes and the director's attention to detail, ensuring the performance resonated authentically with the audience.

"Raising Harlem" Episode

Kim highlights "Raising Harlem," a favorite episode that showcased cultural preservation and community resilience through music and storytelling.

TC Carson [14:22]: "It felt like theater to me. It felt really like old time theater."

The episode not only entertained but also addressed significant social themes, reflecting the creative vision of creator Yvette Lee Bowser.

"O Solo Mio" and Collaborations with Cece Winans

TC shares his experience working with gospel legend Cece Winans on the episode "O Solo Mio," emphasizing the seamless blend of acting and musical performance.

TC Carson [16:25]: "It's about mimicking a musical instrument... pushing the story ahead."

Their collaboration highlighted the depth and versatility of the cast, enriching the show's musical tapestry.

"Never Can Say Goodbye" Wedding Duet

The hosts reminisce about the emotional duet between Kyle and Khadijah during Sinclair and Overton's wedding, underscoring the show's ability to blend humor with heartfelt moments.

Kim Coles [19:01]: "That's Sinclair's and Overton's wedding. And Kyle and Khadijah do a duet and it's amazing."

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Personal Reflections and Industry Insights

The conversation takes a poignant turn as Erika and Kim address the challenges faced during the show's later seasons, particularly focusing on TC Carson's departure and its emotional aftermath.

Kim Coles [22:18]: "What are your thoughts on that?"

TC Carson [22:40]: "When I watch you guys, it still makes me smile and laugh. That episode made me crack up again."

They discuss the complexities of navigating the television industry, the void left by Carson's absence, and the enduring bonds formed on set. Erika expresses gratitude for Carson's resilience and their collective healing.

Erika Alexander [26:00]: "I hope that you know that I apologize for any way that I couldn't have used my voice to make a change."

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Legacy and Cultural Impact

Erika, Kim, and TC reflect on the broader cultural landscape of the 1990s, acknowledging Living Single's place among other influential Black-centric shows and musical movements.

Kim Coles [37:43]: "Living Single is inside of a greater 1990s musical landscape and movement."

They highlight collaborations with musical legends like Gladys Knight, Naughty by Nature, and Eartha Kitt, illustrating the show's commitment to celebrating Black music and culture.

Erika Alexander [41:10]: "Well, I always say that she came to work wearing a little tracksuit, a turban, and two sets of like, wrist weights and ankle weights."

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Audience Engagement and Future Prospects

In the "True Blue" segment, Erika, Kim, and TC answer fan questions, discussing hypothetical casting choices, potential reprises of their characters, and their willingness to revisit the beloved roles.

Kim Coles [48:29]: "Oh, my gosh. That's such a great question, TC does anyone pop up in your mind."

They also explore the emotional nuances of reprising their characters, delving into their identities beyond the show and the desire to evolve while honoring their legacy.

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Closing Thoughts

The episode concludes with heartfelt acknowledgments of each other's contributions, the enduring friendship among the trio, and their collective passion for celebrating Living Single's legacy.

TC Carson [52:25]: "Love you both. That's a great show."

Erika and Kim encourage listeners to continue engaging with the podcast, submit questions, and stay connected through various platforms, ensuring the spirit of Living Single lives on through their shared stories and memories.

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Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Erika Alexander [00:00]: "Music was a big part of Living Single."
• Kim Coles [00:02]: "Yeah, we had awesome music. It's part of the DNA of the show."
• TC Carson [09:27]: "The day was really interesting because I felt a lot of pressure to make it work."
• TC Carson [16:25]: "It's about mimicking a musical instrument... pushing the story ahead."
• Kim Coles [22:18]: "What are your thoughts on that?"
• TC Carson [22:40]: "When I watch you guys, it still makes me smile and laugh. That episode made me crack up again."
• Erika Alexander [37:43]: "Living Single is inside of a greater 1990s musical landscape and movement."
• Kim Coles [48:29]: "Oh, my gosh. That's such a great question, TC does anyone pop up in your mind."
• TC Carson [52:25]: "Love you both. That's a great show."

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Conclusion

This episode of ReLiving Single offers an intimate look into the musical heartbeat of Living Single, the personal and professional journey of TC Carson, and the enduring legacy of a show that redefined representation in television. Through engaging conversations, behind-the-scenes stories, and nostalgic reflections, Erika, Kim, and TC celebrate the magic that made Living Single a cherished part of TV history.

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Stay Connected: For more episodes and updates, visit ReLiving Single Podcast and find us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and other major platforms. Submit your questions and video submissions to [e-mail].

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Note: The timestamps referenced correspond to the provided transcript and serve to highlight key moments within the episode.

Transcript

[Erica Alexander]

Music was a big part of Living Single.

[Kim Coles]

Yeah, we had awesome music. It's part of the DNA of the show.

[Erica Alexander]

Yeah, yeah. And Yvette Lee Bowser's working title, My Girls is a nod to the Temptations. My girls, iconic Nick, right?

[Kim Coles]

Yeah.

[Erica Alexander]

So let me ask you this, okay? What is your favorite music moment from our show?

[Kim Coles]

That's easy. Hands down, My Funny Valentine.

[Erica Alexander]

Ah, yes.

[Kim Coles]

Go on. Some TC cars. My God, that performance is iconic. And I get stopped a lot on the street. Our friends. Our friends, they want to stop and imitate him. And I get a little teary eyed, a little pain thinking about it because I love it so much. I love. Yeah.

[Erica Alexander]

Oh, let me help you out a little bit. My Funny Valentine.

[Kim Coles]

Not quite the same but sweet.

[Erica Alexander]

Come make valentine.

[TC Carson]

Bring me smile within my heart. Your looks are laughable.

[Kim Coles]

You demon. You demon. You demon.

[TC Carson]

Less than Greek is your mouth with tongue.

[Erica Alexander]

Get a room, get a room.

[Kim Coles]

Sit.

[Erica Alexander]

Stay a while. Stay a while.

[TC Carson]

What's up, baby? Foreign.

[Erica Alexander]

Welcome to Reliving Single, the official unofficial living single rewatch podcast. And today's episode is all about the music. We're diving into the iconic jams, the guest stars, the soundtrack moments that made Living Single signs.

[Kim Coles]

Yes. And we have a wonderful guest here, A host. A guest host to help us. Yes. The fine, the dapper, the beautiful, the iconic TC Carson.

[TC Carson]

What's going on, love?

[Erica Alexander]

We are having a moment. Max and Kyle back together again.

[Kim Coles]

Oh, Lord. Yes.

[TC Carson]

It's so good to see y'. All. You look so beautiful. And the show is wonderful. It really is wonderful. It makes me smile.

[Erica Alexander]

Thank you.

[TC Carson]

Thanks. Me smile.

[Erica Alexander]

Oh, good.

[Kim Coles]

Thank you.

[Erica Alexander]

Thank you for being here. Thank you for having me.

[TC Carson]

Thank you. Thank you for having me.

[Kim Coles]

We live to impress you.

[TC Carson]

Yeah. That's bullshit.

[Kim Coles]

Good times.

[Erica Alexander]

What's great is I'm gonna say this with no ego. It's not hard to impress you. You already love us. And we felt the love for a long dude from the very beginning.

[TC Carson]

Well, you know, I'm an only child, so you all are my sisters.

[Kim Coles]

Oh, I love it. You know, everyone was interested in, I think, how we got started. And so we'd love to hear your origin story about the audition or what got you before you became Kyle. You know what brought you to that?

[TC Carson]

I actually had sent in a tape for a living single and then they said no. And then they flew me out. What for? Yes, Said no. I think I got here on a Monday. I did screen tests on Tuesday and I do believe we went to work on Wednesday.

[Erica Alexander]

Wait, wait, wait, wait, wait. Wait, so they said no. How much time between the no and we're flying you out?

[TC Carson]

Couple of months. I didn't know if I remember correctly. Yeah, it was about a month or so.

[Erica Alexander]

So how did you feel when they came back and said, by the way, we'd like to fly you out for a screen test?

[TC Carson]

Yay.

[Kim Coles]

I love also that you say that they turned you down, but then they flew you out. And then what happened when they told you you got it? Like, when did.

[TC Carson]

Um, that day after the. Well, the last audition.

[Kim Coles]

That's right.

[TC Carson]

I was sitting in the office with the agents and they called, and he looked at me, said, well, looks like you're gonna be on tv.

[Erica Alexander]

Wow.

[TC Carson]

Wow. First person I called was my mom.

[Erica Alexander]

Okay.

[Kim Coles]

Called my mom. Ms. Annie.

[TC Carson]

Called me. Called Ms. Annie. Yeah, she was just screaming and hollering on the phone. She was so happy.

[Erica Alexander]

What did you think of the show?

[TC Carson]

I didn't watch it.

[Erica Alexander]

You didn't watch it?

[TC Carson]

I think I may have watched the first, like, two or three episodes, and then I didn't watch again until I was off the show.

[Kim Coles]

And I didn't really watch the show either. I mean, that was just my training, though, and told me I didn't want to see myself so I could make.

[TC Carson]

A comment on my acting.

[Kim Coles]

Exactly.

[TC Carson]

So I didn't want to.

[Erica Alexander]

Why would I make my hair braiders sit and watch the episode? I would schedule my touch ups so that I could watch the show. I wanted to see what we had, what they had put together, what they had edited together. So I would say I made them. Hopefully they enjoyed it. But I. I made sure that I watched the show.

[TC Carson]

I watch it now. It comes on in the morning on Bounce, and it's part of my morning coffee and my morning workout. So I get a chance to see you all again and episodes I hadn't seen. And it makes me laugh.

[Erica Alexander]

Nice.

[TC Carson]

You're funny as hell.

[Erica Alexander]

Thank you.

[TC Carson]

Thank you. You are. Where's the camera? Whatever. People don't know. This one right here. Her and John Hinton.

[Erica Alexander]

Yeah.

[TC Carson]

Priceless.

[Erica Alexander]

Thank you.

[TC Carson]

Priceless. So much stuff you never saw.

[Erica Alexander]

Beautiful.

[Kim Coles]

That's the best thing about seeing it and rewatching it. You actually get to admire your castmates and the people that, you know, you admire because we love each other. But then to sort of see the crafts and the, you know, it's really a beautiful dance. And to see the growth. She's brilliant.

[TC Carson]

To see the growth from the first episode to, like, you know, toward the end, like, people's characters really morphed into who they were. And they were really. It was really beautiful to watch.

[Erica Alexander]

This is precisely why I watched it. I was watching it so that I could see what we were doing. So I loved it.

[Kim Coles]

So you have to know you're breaking the Internet by being here. Everybody's been talking about wait till TC Carson comes on reliving singles. This is a big deal. And this show, this particular show, we thought that we'd honor you with talking about the music. The music, the brilliant music that's built in this show because you were such.

[Erica Alexander]

A huge part of that music was a story device. It wasn't just filler. It was part of the show, part of the lifeblood of the show.

[Kim Coles]

Absolutely.

[TC Carson]

But when you think about how it was used in our show, it was used to push the story. Exactly. Each time it was used to push the story.

[Erica Alexander]

Listen, one of my favorite moments is our Christmas episode where you turn around in falsetto in the lane. Snow is listening. You know, we sing. We sang. Yeah. This thing. It was beautiful and unexpected.

[TC Carson]

We did a lot of things that they weren't expecting.

[Erica Alexander]

Mm.

[TC Carson]

We all did just the. Our timing. I think once we really felt safe with each other.

[Erica Alexander]

Yeah.

[Kim Coles]

Yeah.

[TC Carson]

We were able to just be and be those characters and it was really funny.

[Erica Alexander]

How quickly do you think we felt safe with each other?

[TC Carson]

Real early on. Like, you know, maybe first month.

[Erica Alexander]

Mm.

[Kim Coles]

First three or four shows.

[TC Carson]

Yeah.

[Kim Coles]

And that's right around the time you started singing falsetto, like third or fourth episode. All right, so let's get on with it. Let's get on with it. You ready to get into the music of living Single?

[TC Carson]

Yeah. What car are we on?

[Kim Coles]

Let's do it.

[Erica Alexander]

We watch clips and we talk about them.

[TC Carson]

Uh huh. Right.

[Erica Alexander]

Let's do it.

[Kim Coles]

Are we ready to get on with the music of living Single?

[TC Carson]

He said let's get it on.

[Erica Alexander]

It's time for the rewind where we watch and relive living single with you.

[TC Carson]

Stay.

[Erica Alexander]

Little Valentine, stay.

[Kim Coles]

Each day is.

[TC Carson]

Valentine Valentine's Day, baby.

[Kim Coles]

What did we just see?

[Erica Alexander]

What did we just see? Well, we just saw magistry in in action. Kyle bombs his first talent show performance exposing cracks in his confident person. But it's comeback.

[Kim Coles]

Woo.

[Erica Alexander]

A smooth, heartfelt rendition of My Funny Valentine which catches everyone off guard, especially Maxine.

[Kim Coles]

That's right. And that's Singing The Blues Season 2, episode 15, where you blew us away with that great performance. It was an iconic performance.

[TC Carson]

The day was really interesting because I felt a lot of pressure to make it work. Cause that was the first time, I kind of really sang. Sang on the show, and I felt. And it wasn't working at first. It wasn't working at first.

[Kim Coles]

What do you mean it wasn't working?

[TC Carson]

It wasn't with the. I wasn't feeling it. We were going through it. It felt choppy. It didn't feel right. You know, I got producers and people and network. Everybody's looking, going, what are you doing?

[Kim Coles]

That must have been without me, because I don't remember it like that. You were just rehearsing and getting it together. Right. And sort of feeling pressure.

[TC Carson]

I think we ran it, like, maybe.

[Kim Coles]

Two or three times in front of the audience. Yes, it worked. Every single time, though. Every single time.

[TC Carson]

Okay, thank you.

[Kim Coles]

I can assure you. Because I can actually tell you that that's two takes, and you wouldn't know. I know is because the first time I did the napkin and it came and they were like, oh, God, you got to do it again. But I didn't have the napkin there on the lip the first time, so they cut it in.

[TC Carson]

Oh, they cut it. Okay.

[Kim Coles]

They cut it in because it was on one take and not the other, so. So I was trying to.

[TC Carson]

I did not know that.

[Kim Coles]

Yeah. That's a brilliant performance all times. And you might have been more in your head, but each time it was stellar.

[TC Carson]

Oh, well, thank you.

[Erica Alexander]

Each time, it was Valentine's Day.

[TC Carson]

Yeah, I see what you did there.

[Kim Coles]

And it also shows you how much of, you know, of a perfectionist you are. Do you think so?

[TC Carson]

Oh, yeah. I think that's one of the things that stops me from doing stuff, because I want it to be right, and I'm learning to have it be okay.

[Kim Coles]

If that's your okay. Thank you for.

[Erica Alexander]

Listen, I just wanted to say your okay is better than most.

[Kim Coles]

Oh, my God. Once you had a story to tell about Max, you were fine. Magic. You were freed up, you know, and that takes.

[TC Carson]

Because your beauty was so stunning. Well, you were. I mean, that green dress. You were up in that dress. You were in the dress. Wasn't she in that dress? She was in that dress. Y' all know. Y' all know she was in that dress.

[Kim Coles]

It was a time.

[TC Carson]

My gosh, it was beautiful. When you walked in, I was like, oh, okay. That's.

[Kim Coles]

Bless you. I'm so glad they captured that on film. Cause I was in that dress. I can't get in that dress now. It's all good. The scat was bomb. Could you really break down the elements of the scat for us, like Ryan Coogler did his breakdown of 70 millimeters. Break down the scat for us right now, ladies and gentlemen, the scat.

[TC Carson]

It is about mimicking a musical instrument. So you hear a horn, you hear a trumpet. I do. It's a combination of horn and percussions. It's about two things. It was kind of a horn for me in my mind at the time, but it was about moving that story again to make you do what you did right. So to push it ahead again, to get another moment out of it. And that happened naturally. It wasn't something I planned to do, but when I watched you. That's why I love working with you, because I can pick up what you lay down.

[Erica Alexander]

I pick up you as a scatterer, and I don't know if other scatters do that too, are paying attention to what's going on in the room.

[TC Carson]

It's a story.

[Erica Alexander]

It's a story.

[TC Carson]

And you're still telling the story, even in the vocalese.

[Kim Coles]

Ladies and gentlemen, thank you. Bravo.

[Erica Alexander]

Scat.

[TC Carson]

You got me. You got me.

[Kim Coles]

Right, so our next clip, we're going to a raise in Harlem, right? And that would be season three, episode 21, my honey.

[TC Carson]

My honeysuckle rose.

[Kim Coles]

That's my favorite episode, Raising Harlem. Yeah. That was a perfect showcase for your beautiful voice.

[TC Carson]

Thank you.

[Kim Coles]

Thank you. And your style, too.

[Erica Alexander]

Oh, your style. When you walk at the end of that episode off into this sepia tone with that white long.

[TC Carson]

That's Ceci.

[Erica Alexander]

That was Ceci. We had her on the show, and she talked about finding that and making sure that you had that look. So you said that this was your favorite episode.

[Kim Coles]

And it was her favorite episode too.

[TC Carson]

It felt like theater to me. It felt really like old time theater to me because we were playing in that space. And Max's character being the boss lady. My favorite part, like I told you, was when the cops came. And she was just confused. She was just going in circles waiting.

[Kim Coles]

For them to stop me, actually, I.

[TC Carson]

Knew why stop it. It was funny.

[Kim Coles]

But I know because, you know, that whole, you know, going back and forth and it just. It feels funny in your body when you're doing that and you can't stop. Plus, the audience started catch on. Lord have mercy. It was such a fun show to do.

[TC Carson]

It really was.

[Kim Coles]

And we all looked beautiful. And what I love is it's talking about, you know, the restoration and, you know, trying to save the buildings of Harlem. And at the time, we all know that Harlem was getting ready to be gentrified, but at that time, it was, you Know, it was falling apart.

[TC Carson]

Yeah.

[Kim Coles]

Yeah.

[TC Carson]

We had to come in and do something.

[Kim Coles]

And bravo for this, because it also spoke, you know, to Yvette Leigh Bowser and the writers it spoke to, talking about our neighborhoods and they should be preserved. They're not ghettos. They're not these things. There's American history there.

[TC Carson]

Absolutely.

[Kim Coles]

And jazz.

[TC Carson]

Our history.

[Kim Coles]

Our history.

[TC Carson]

Our history.

[Kim Coles]

Jazz is, you know, the bedrock.

[TC Carson]

So in this episode, Regine is facing off with the brilliant and beautiful Cece Winans, and she winds up getting hoarse because she's rehearsing so much.

[Kim Coles]

That's right.

[TC Carson]

And so she winds up not being able to sing the song at all after being the biggest diva in the world.

[Erica Alexander]

Right.

[TC Carson]

Can the church say Amen?

[Kim Coles]

Amen.

[TC Carson]

Thank you.

[Erica Alexander]

It's time for O solo mio. Season 4, Episode 16 More music, more music, More music. Enjoy.

[TC Carson]

Okay, let's take it from the solo. One, two, one.

[Erica Alexander]

There's never any time Wait, wait, wait.

[TC Carson]

Wait, wait, wait, wait, wait.

[Kim Coles]

Excuse me. Sometimes it's easier to hear the key if someone sings it. There's never been a time in my life when he's let me fall there's never been a time when he did not answer my call.

[Erica Alexander]

What was it like working with Cece Winans?

[TC Carson]

Oh, my goodness. First of all, again, starstruck. She was kind. She was loving and sweet and very like, you know, what do you need me to do? You know, it was just really nice working with her.

[Kim Coles]

You're right to have that type of beauty, as well as the voice.

[TC Carson]

Yeah.

[Kim Coles]

And then also the manner and the gracefulness.

[Erica Alexander]

She's very ladylike.

[TC Carson]

Yes.

[Erica Alexander]

Soft.

[TC Carson]

Yes. She was very, very much a lady.

[Kim Coles]

I'd like to say a little bit about Yvette Leigh Bowser that I noticed even talking about this, is that she would always put us in a context of religion. Those characters went to church.

[TC Carson]

Oh, they did. Yeah.

[Kim Coles]

Yeah. And gospel music was a thing. So Yvette created her characters in the spiritual universe. I found out later that that's very closely aligned to who she is.

[TC Carson]

Okay.

[Kim Coles]

I never really thought about it. Did you think about it?

[TC Carson]

No, not at all.

[Erica Alexander]

Not at all.

[TC Carson]

Not until you just said it.

[Kim Coles]

She's very spiritual.

[TC Carson]

Not until you just said it. Yeah. But I used to direct a choir when I was in high school, so to get a chance to be a choir director on TV was really a full circle moment for me.

[Erica Alexander]

Nice.

[TC Carson]

And I had fun.

[Erica Alexander]

You seemed to really, really get command of that episode. In command of that. Because you had done it already.

[Kim Coles]

You know, whenever TC got Those music episodes, didn't he seem like a different person? You really were on set.

[Erica Alexander]

There would be a.

[TC Carson]

Was that a good thing?

[Kim Coles]

Was it command?

[Erica Alexander]

It's a command.

[Kim Coles]

So just like now you're my world.

[Erica Alexander]

Right? Right. Welcome to my world.

[Kim Coles]

Yeah. Yeah.

[Erica Alexander]

Now that I see that you're such a perfectionist or you know, we say that like that's a bad thing. But you would really take command of this and protect it in a really powerful way.

[Kim Coles]

What you do is, you know, there's no words for.

[Erica Alexander]

And you bring all of you to all that you do because you're great.

[Kim Coles]

Comedian with your face.

[TC Carson]

I got to come on this show more often. You do, you know. Cause they bigging me up.

[Kim Coles]

Yeah. Okay, enough of that. Enough of that. You got it. Okay, so let's move on.

[Erica Alexander]

Never can say Goodbye Season 4 Episode 24 Woo. We had a whole lot of music. Come on now.

[TC Carson]

Yes.

[Kim Coles]

That's Sinclair's and Overton's wedding. And Kyle and Khadijah do a duet and it's amazing. And how was it to sing with Dana again?

[TC Carson]

Nervous.

[Erica Alexander]

What? Nervous.

[TC Carson]

It's Queen Latifah.

[Erica Alexander]

But you have been working with her by this time.

[TC Carson]

It's four episodes season. Queen Latifah, y'.

[Kim Coles]

All.

[TC Carson]

Yeah, Queen Latifah.

[Erica Alexander]

Okay.

[TC Carson]

And it's Kyle Bowser's song.

[D]

That's right.

[Kim Coles]

So the I Commit to youo was written by real life Kyle Bowser. That's Yvette Lee Bowser's husband. And it just shows you that talent is in the Bowser DNA.

[Erica Alexander]

And so you prepare this and so did you and Dana rehearse a lot?

[TC Carson]

Not a lot, but we, you know, did enough to figure out the harmony. And yeah, it was kind of quick.

[Erica Alexander]

When did you release the nervousness? When did it release for you?

[TC Carson]

When we were done. We were done.

[Kim Coles]

I mean, by the way, I actually think that that song should be a hit. I wish it could be re released and someone sing it because it's a great wedding song, but it's also a great declaration of love. And by the way, I just want to say something that T.C. carson sang at my wedding.

[TC Carson]

I did.

[Kim Coles]

You and my best friend, Shawanna Kemp. It was a beautiful wedding.

[TC Carson]

It really was.

[Kim Coles]

And I was always grateful.

[TC Carson]

Oh, I was glad to be there. I sang at your wedding too.

[Erica Alexander]

You did?

[TC Carson]

I sure did.

[Kim Coles]

Wow. A wedding singer sang at my second wedding.

[TC Carson]

And neither one of them are still married to those people.

[Kim Coles]

So obviously you are bad luck. You are not a rabbit's foot.

[TC Carson]

Well, I guess not shit. You see how we are in each other's lives? We are really in each other's lives.

[Kim Coles]

Yeah. She was my maid of honor, and I was her maid of honor.

[Erica Alexander]

And I love saying that we're. Neither one of us are married to them bros. No.

[Kim Coles]

No.

[Erica Alexander]

But you remain forever and forever.

[Kim Coles]

How beautiful. Okay, okay, we got another. Let's keep going. Season five, Episode six, Up the Ladder through the Roof. Tell him that you're never going to leave him Tell him that you're always going to love him Tell him, tell.

[TC Carson]

Him, tell him, tell him Right.

[Kim Coles]

Okay.

[Erica Alexander]

Okay.

[Kim Coles]

Wow. Okay.

[Erica Alexander]

This episode turned out to be a Fran favorite, of course, and we're proud of this work, but it was a difficult week for work. I'm sorry. I'm getting tongue tied just thinking about it. Cause it really was a difficult week for us because it was the season five episode and tc, you weren't there. Aw.

[Kim Coles]

Yeah. And we were under pressure. We were really under pressure. But underneath it all, we probably were disoriented because every episode with music, you had always helped Carrie. And I think, looking back, it wasn't just that we. It was a heavy week to record and do all of these things that, you know, learn the steps and get fitted, you know, in four days or whatever. But we didn't have our musical sort of muse with us, and everyone was.

[Erica Alexander]

Miserable, and we were. You said this, Erica, one time, and I want to give you credit. We were grieving and we didn't know that we were grieving. You know, you just gotta keep pushing forward to get the episode done. And we were in, and it was the. It was hard to talk about. And then we have you here to talk about it.

[Kim Coles]

What are your thoughts on that?

[TC Carson]

Yeah, it was an interesting time to watch what I thought I had be taken away. And not just the show, but the aftermath, like the being blackballed and all of that crap. But when I watch. When I watch you guys, it still makes me smile and laugh. That episode made me crack up again. It's comedy. It's what you all do best. And I couldn't tell that it was a hard episode for you all. It looks like you were having fun. It looked like you guys were having. So it's a testament, like you say, to the work, because it looks like you were having fun. When I see the musical music episodes, it just. I feel a little. I feel a little thing. I do. I do. But the show allowed me to put my music in front of a wide audience that I never would have been able to do before. It allowed me to showcase my talents in spaces that I would never be able to do. So for that, I am eternally grateful to you and Yvette Bowser. All you all.

[Kim Coles]

I missed you.

[TC Carson]

Aw.

[Kim Coles]

You were my comedy partner.

[TC Carson]

Yes.

[Kim Coles]

And so doing things without you was weird because I actually didn't even know how to be Max without you. You know, like, it's part of her. The architecture of Max exists inside of a conversation and a duel with a man named T.C. carson, who's playing Kyle. And it was like somebody might have.

[TC Carson]

Just.

[Kim Coles]

Like, take your twin, rip your soul out of you, and then say, go. And more importantly, as my comedy partner, like Fred Astaire needs his ginger, I just want to let you know that you are the best partner comedy partner I could ever have. And the fact that we are Star crossed in November 19th.

[TC Carson]

Oh, it's too many things.

[Kim Coles]

It's too many things.

[TC Carson]

Too many. There's too many similarities.

[Kim Coles]

So I just want to let you know, thank you for being that partner for me, and more importantly, our love and our brother. You are outstanding, and you continue to be.

[Erica Alexander]

I wanted to say something, too. You said that. We didn't talk about it. We talked about it personally. You've talked about it publicly. We've each had our moments with it, but we've never had it in, you know, this. In this kind of form where we get to air it out. And, you know, we've talked about the moment that the call came through that, oh, he's not coming back. Like, what do you mean he's not? Like, what? And that it's done, and that's it. And I didn't know that we would even have the power to change it, because I was told, that's it. It's done. Nothing that can be done. And we've talked since then, and I hope that you know that I apologize for any way that I couldn't have used my voice to make a change, you know?

[TC Carson]

Okay, I'm stop.

[Erica Alexander]

You guys.

[TC Carson]

Come on. Because I understood why they did what they did. I did not want anybody else to lose their job fighting for me. That didn't make any sense to me. We gonna have the show canceled because y' all fighting for me. No. Go on.

[Kim Coles]

Well, just for the record, I did ask to leave. I said, me, make it me. It's a fact. And I was told, no, they're not gonna let you go. And it's not the first time it asked. So, by the way, it wasn't just for that. I had my own Reasons. And I also need to say, and I think we do need to clear it up, that Yvette Lee Bowser is not what we're talking about here.

[TC Carson]

No, not at all.

[Kim Coles]

We're not.

[TC Carson]

Not at all.

[Kim Coles]

It's important to say, but it is important to sort of say that. And I need to go on record that I tried and.

[TC Carson]

Well, I appreciate it, baby. I really, really appreciate it.

[Kim Coles]

And give a conversation to the network and whatever. And I. And say something, because I just want people to know that you didn't just leave. There was a huge void and I think left a lot of us paralyzed. We were still very young and not knowing how the industry works or, you know, you can feel like you don't have power. But I tried to use the power I have, which was like, let it be me. And it wasn't gonna happen. The point is, I don't want you to think that we just.

[TC Carson]

I didn't think of. I never thought that.

[Kim Coles]

Good.

[TC Carson]

Think about it. We had more power than most casts when we had our table reads and we talked afterwards and we asked for.

[Erica Alexander]

Certain things to do.

[TC Carson]

You.

[Kim Coles]

Bethany Bowser made sure that we had that conversation. And she kept it open.

[TC Carson]

She did, yeah. And a lot of those, you know. And since then, I don't think they. They let them do that as much.

[Kim Coles]

Probably not, but they should because it.

[TC Carson]

Makes for a better show.

[Kim Coles]

Yeah.

[TC Carson]

But again, I want to get past it.

[Kim Coles]

Indeed.

[TC Carson]

Yes. Like, okay, yeah, been there. We've done it. We talked about it. Okay, cool. Everybody got their clicks. All right, let's go. Cause we're doing. We're all doing so many other things. I mean, you're doing wonderful film work. You got 15 jobs, you know, Always. Always working, always working. Always. Always witnessed that up close. Oh, yeah.

[Kim Coles]

And you're setting the world on fire. Not only with your voice, you're directing, you're doing all this wonderful work. You know, you have a beautiful, amazing sort of fresh wind at your back.

[TC Carson]

There's a lot going on right now.

[Kim Coles]

I love it. And so listen, let's talk a little bit about the projects that you're in. You've had lately a Wesley Christmas. Is she. The people fantastic in that. Shout out to great Terry Vaughn.

[TC Carson]

Yes. One of her early acting gigs was on our show.

[Kim Coles]

That's right. And we needed to shout her out. She was actually in when we go to the club with Goldie. She was so, you know. Yeah. No diss. Because that family woman has been wonderful for a long time. I just need to say real quick, your Voice is one of the most.

[Erica Alexander]

Beautiful things on earth and identifiable and iconic.

[Kim Coles]

Anything.

[TC Carson]

Thank you. Thank you, sis. I appreciate it.

[Kim Coles]

I have to say, I went to comic cons with you. Cause I did a comic book concrete park, and I was walking through comic con with you, and these people would lay prostrate in front of you, like, I'm not worthy. I'm not worthy. And be on all the. And I said, what's going on? And TC would be like, thank you. Thank you. Like, some Pasha, I did not know.

[TC Carson]

How big some Pasha it was.

[Kim Coles]

I didn't know how big God of war was.

[TC Carson]

I did what had to be done. What is the meaning of this? You know what? I didn't either.

[Kim Coles]

Wow.

[TC Carson]

Until this year when we had the anniversary. I think it's 20 years.

[Kim Coles]

20 years.

[TC Carson]

And I went to Sony. But when I walked through the halls of that building, people were like, oh, my God, he's here. He's here. I was like, who? Who's he?

[Erica Alexander]

The God of war.

[TC Carson]

So it's humbling. It's humbling to know that something you've done has touched so many different lives. And when we do the Comic Cons, a lot of the young people are kind of on the spectrum, and their parents come to me, and they say, this game helped them. This game helped them focus. It helped them calm them down. So I didn't believe. I didn't think that video games had that kind of effect on people. But going to these Comic Cons, I realize they do. They do really help.

[Kim Coles]

Well, that's fantastic.

[Erica Alexander]

And directing. You're directing now?

[Kim Coles]

That's right.

[Erica Alexander]

Come on now.

[TC Carson]

Yeah. I just finished my first one. It's called the Love Doctor, but it comes out November 1st, and I'm nervous but excited about that.

[Erica Alexander]

What do you love about directing compared to acting or singing, telling people what to do?

[TC Carson]

Yeah, basically. Wow.

[Kim Coles]

Controls.

[Erica Alexander]

But is there something that you bring from those other disciplines, too?

[TC Carson]

Oh, absolutely. Absolutely. It was really nice to be able to sit and have conversations with actors and find out what they were thinking about and not tell them, but to guide them. Where I wanted them to go and I enjoyed was like, Mickey and Judy, let's make a movie. So we did it. I was doing everything, Set design, everything.

[Erica Alexander]

Okay.

[TC Carson]

I love it, and I'm very pleased for my first effort.

[Erica Alexander]

We will support you. We will support you and tell the people to watch and enjoy. I also want to selfishly or unselfishly, One of the reasons why I say I missed you is the kindness and the protection. And we're gonna talk about this more that you gave on us. You never once gave us anything other than, you're beautiful, and you gave us love, and you treated us like. You say that we were the sisters that you didn't have, but you treated us like you were a big brother.

[Kim Coles]

Yeah. You always gave us our flowers, literally and figuratively.

[Erica Alexander]

Yeah. So thank you for that. Thank you always. Yeah.

[TC Carson]

You're welcome.

[Kim Coles]

Thank you.

[TC Carson]

I love y'. All. I love y'. All. I mean, and it was fun. It was fun on the ranch. I'm glad. I. You know, I understand that being on the big lot would have given us more things, but on the ranch, we just got to be right.

[Erica Alexander]

They kind of left us alone.

[TC Carson]

They left us alone.

[Kim Coles]

We were free ranch actors. Free ranch. Free range. Free range actors on the ranch.

[TC Carson]

People need to know.

[Erica Alexander]

This was a dusty, rusty, dusty lot with a bunch of feral cats and our trailers in the middle, like, sort of set up, like the OK Corral just lined up. And we would go to our trailers and get ourselves ready for the day and then go out on the set and make magic, and someone would decorate my. Help me decorate my trailer every year.

[TC Carson]

We were there.

[Erica Alexander]

We were there.

[Kim Coles]

We were there.

[TC Carson]

We were there. We were there a lot. Yeah.

[Kim Coles]

Like, hours and hours. We always talk about how brutal that schedule is. It was brutal. You know, I'm glad also, we got a chance to talk about this together, because that's one thing that hadn't happened.

[TC Carson]

Yeah. Well, you know, again, I never wanted you all to suffer anything from what I did or what you didn't do.

[Kim Coles]

Or what you didn't do.

[TC Carson]

Yeah.

[Kim Coles]

Or. Yeah.

[Erica Alexander]

Well, you know, you healed that beautifully, TC There's a lot of folks thank you for whom that would have been the last mark, you know, on their. You know, on their resume. And then I left living single, and then we would never hear from again. And you were upset, and you were angry, and you were all the emotions that you can describe for us. And I remember the day that I felt that it had been healed, it had been hold, and it had been, you know, put somewhere.

[TC Carson]

When was that?

[Erica Alexander]

I just witnessed you talk. You know, you couldn't sit here right now and talk about it in this. In this way if you weren't healed and whole, it feels to me as if you aren't.

[TC Carson]

Oh, yeah. Again, not to be arrogant or anything, but I do a lot of different things. And so if one thing is not working, you go and do something else. And so that worked until it wasn't working anymore. So it was time to go do something else.

[Erica Alexander]

Do you feel healed and hold?

[TC Carson]

Yeah, yeah, I do. I do. Again, I look back on it and all I remember are the really fun times we had. You know, the laughter, the joy, the comfort that we had with each other on stage.

[Kim Coles]

It was joy. It was black joy.

[TC Carson]

Yeah, we had black boy joy, black girl joy. It was so much fun.

[Kim Coles]

We had a ball.

[TC Carson]

We did.

[Erica Alexander]

And birthday trips.

[Kim Coles]

Ellen Gittleson always said that. Remember this time with love. And she was right. She said, it's gonna pass so fast. Everybody remember. This is the best of times, she'd say.

[TC Carson]

And it was. It was.

[Kim Coles]

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[Erica Alexander]

You know, I'm a picky eater and Erica's gluten free and we both found meals that we're excited about. Now I'm dying to try the coconut shrimp and cabbage curry and Erica's all about the Italian chicken lettuce wraps and the vegan sweet and savory tofu bowl. Now I'm picky, but HelloFresh has that much variety.

[Kim Coles]

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[Erica Alexander]

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[Kim Coles]

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[Erica Alexander]

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[Kim Coles]

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[Erica Alexander]

Free meals are applied as a discount on the first box. New subscribers only. Varies by plan.

[E]

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[Erica Alexander]

This is the reverb. Our time to reflect on the episode's themes and how they still echo throughout the culture. So let's talk about why the music mattered on our show.

[Kim Coles]

You know, Living Single is inside of a greater 1990s musical landscape and movement. Public Enemy, Tribe Called Quest.

[TC Carson]

Ooh, I love Tribe Award Tour.

[Kim Coles]

Come on. Queen Latifah.

[Erica Alexander]

Queen Latifah. Unit Y, that's unity.

[Kim Coles]

And we had Tupac. Come on.

[Erica Alexander]

Come on.

[Kim Coles]

It's a big deal.

[TC Carson]

I did a movie with Tupac.

[Kim Coles]

Oh, you did?

[TC Carson]

Gang Related?

[Erica Alexander]

Yeah, that's the name of the movie. What was that like? What was it like working with him?

[TC Carson]

I didn't have a scene with him, but I had a lot of conversations with him. He was really not what I thought he was going to be.

[Kim Coles]

What'd you think?

[Erica Alexander]

What'd you think he was going to.

[TC Carson]

Be hard and, you know, like, his rap.

[Kim Coles]

Yeah, very.

[TC Carson]

Like, we talk political stuff, we talk black stuff. You know who his mother is.

[Kim Coles]

So, yeah.

[TC Carson]

And it was, like, really great conversation afterwards. I told him, said, dude, that was. I'm really impressed. Thank you. And if you listen to the lyrics, it's not just mumble. It's like. It's storytelling. It's pushing you forward. It's telling you about pain, is telling you how to survive through things.

[Erica Alexander]

And that's not the image they were putting out at that time.

[TC Carson]

Well, that's what. That wasn't selling.

[Kim Coles]

Let's talk about black love and friendship. Because inside his music, we talk black love. Yeah, we're still. Yeah.

[Erica Alexander]

New Edition and Boyz II Men and Toni Braxton. Come on.

[Kim Coles]

Oh, my gosh. I was in the Toni Braxton video. You were with Vivica Fox. Me, Toni Braxton, and Tisha Campbell.

[TC Carson]

Really? I had to look for that.

[Kim Coles]

Making me high.

[TC Carson]

Don't do it. Okay. Can I give one a moment? I need a moment. Can you give me Alanis Morissette, please?

[Erica Alexander]

Okay.

[Kim Coles]

I want you to know that I'm happy for you. I wish nothing but the best for you both. Here goes another virgin like me Is she perverted like me? Will she go down on you in a theater? Well, does she speak eloquently? And will she have your baby? I bet she'd make a really excellent mother.

[Erica Alexander]

Ladies and gentlemen, a lot of things I used to do that on I used to do.

[Kim Coles]

Wait a minute.

[TC Carson]

Jump on the table, though.

[Kim Coles]

I got to keep going.

[Erica Alexander]

You gotta keep going.

[Kim Coles]

Amber's gonna die.

[Erica Alexander]

Ok. This is so good. And now it's time to talk about our all star lineup. All the musical guest stars and who came through Living Single. So who do we have? We had Heavy D. Uh huh.

[TC Carson]

Yes, you did. You had Gladys Knight.

[Kim Coles]

Oh, come on.

[Erica Alexander]

Oh, listen, I asked Gladys Knight. At the time I was having polyps on my vocal cords. And the vocal coach I was working with, I had a vocal coach. Yes. Said, ask Gladys what she does to warm up. And I asked her and she said, oh, I don't even. I don't even need to warm up.

[TC Carson]

I don't warm up.

[Erica Alexander]

I don't think I warm up at all. I was like, oh, man. I'm trying to get it from the best. Nothing.

[Kim Coles]

You know what? She's the best.

[Erica Alexander]

Yes, she is. As Gladys we had Naughty by nature. Come on to this day.

[TC Carson]

Tretch, right?

[Erica Alexander]

People still want to know what Tretch whispered in your ear.

[TC Carson]

Yes.

[Kim Coles]

And I can tell you that he didn't whisper anything in my ear. He mumbled nothing in my ear. And I'm so glad because, you know, he was married to Pepper.

[Erica Alexander]

Okay?

[Kim Coles]

And I don't need no peppa coming to me.

[TC Carson]

No, you do not.

[Kim Coles]

Talking about what?

[TC Carson]

He bumbled and Eartha Kitt.

[Erica Alexander]

Okay, Eartha Kitty.

[Kim Coles]

So wait a minute, mom, we gotta talk about Mommy. First I have to say that the great Eartha Kitt came on our show.

[TC Carson]

Yes, she did.

[Kim Coles]

Not only did this woman come, she was wearing. What?

[Erica Alexander]

Well, I always say that she came to work wearing a little tracksuit, a turban, and two sets of like, wrist weights and ankle weights. And when I asked her why. Ms. Kitt, may I ask you why you were wearing wrist weights and ankle weights? And she said, that way, I'm always exercising. Even if I'm just walking, I'm exercising. Oh, yes, I forgot. And two sets of lashes. Bam. Turban.

[Kim Coles]

Yes.

[Erica Alexander]

Skin for days. I was like, oh, we're in for a treat this week.

[Kim Coles]

Fabulous. And about what? Tiny, like tiny four, seven or something.

[Erica Alexander]

And barely talked to the women. She wasn't rude, but she really loved on John and tc. Hello. Hello. And like, good morning. Good morning. But hello. Good morning, T.C.

[Kim Coles]

Yes.

[Erica Alexander]

Okay, you gotta talk about.

[Kim Coles]

And T.C. treated her like, you know, like the.

[Erica Alexander]

Goddess that she is.

[TC Carson]

Because she is.

[Kim Coles]

She is.

[TC Carson]

She was. She was. I was.

[Kim Coles]

That we working with her.

[TC Carson]

I really enjoyed it. It was again, nervous. Nervous. Really? Icon.

[Erica Alexander]

Icon.

[TC Carson]

Icon. And I remember when we were taping and we were rehearsing it and I was playing it, that's the first. I was singing, playing, and acting at the same time. I had never done that because I don't really play the piano, but I learned to play this song just for that. So I was playing it, and she said, well, can you do so and can you? I was like, mommy, I'm acting, I'm singing, and I'm trying to play this song. But if you give me a minute, I can figure it out. Just give me a moment. She said, darling, have your moment. She walked away and she walked away, and then she came back, and, you know, it was fun. It was a lot of fun. She was a lot of fun to work with. And I had seen her several times after that. I went to go see her perform at the Carlisle and other places, and she was always so gracious. She met my mom, all of that.

[Kim Coles]

But you wanted to do something to commemorate it and do something special for her after the show.

[TC Carson]

Yeah, we made gumbo. I made gumbo.

[Kim Coles]

Jordy, you threw a party for her at your apartment?

[TC Carson]

I did. And the next morning I got up and I was cleaning up, and I looked around and I saw all these Lee Press on nails in the ashtray and the thing. Right. And I went to work the next day, and I said, did you? Leisha said, oh, darling, I could not do the gumball with the nails. I couldn't get into the crab. So she had popped the nails off so she could get into that gumbo in the crab. And then she took a. She reached over to wipe her hands and she.

[Kim Coles]

And her mouth.

[TC Carson]

And her mouth. And it was on the brother's tie, somebody's tie. He was sitting right next to her.

[Kim Coles]

She cleaned her face with the tie.

[Erica Alexander]

And taking off the tie and put it on the side. And you had so many beautiful fabrics on your table.

[TC Carson]

She thought it was a napkin.

[Erica Alexander]

She said it was a napkin and left it there.

[Kim Coles]

And left it there. But you have to tell the story because he kind of skipped over it when we went over there to eat.

[Erica Alexander]

Eartha Kitt came to the party. So first of all, she made sure we were all going to be there. So during rehearsal at that day, she said, are you going to the party at TC's? I was like, yes, I'm going to be there. And then she, are you going to be at the party at tc? She wanted to make sure that everyone was going to be at the party.

[Kim Coles]

But she was also calling him bc.bc and tw k, s, kf whatever your name is. Yes.

[Erica Alexander]

We're going to be there. She came to the party. She showed up with two men. One that she spoke to in French the entire night and one that she spoke to in Spanish the entire night. Never mind that they both spoke English.

[Kim Coles]

Yes.

[Erica Alexander]

So au revoir.

[Kim Coles]

Two young things.

[Erica Alexander]

I was like. And so I asked her, because I need to know, Ms. Kitt, how many languages do you speak? And she said, I speak all of them. All of them. So she came continental. They both spoke English, though, because I was like, oh, hello. Coming. Thank you for coming. They're like, I speak English. But she spoke in French to the French one and in Spanish to the Spanish one.

[Kim Coles]

And they flanked her on both sides the whole night. That's how I'm gonna go.

[Erica Alexander]

Sexy.

[Kim Coles]

What? I'm looking for those two men now.

[Erica Alexander]

One in French, one French, one Spanish.

[Kim Coles]

Maybe Turkish. Go with, you know, Arabic. Like, you know, kick it up a notch.

[Erica Alexander]

You gotta learn those languages, though.

[Kim Coles]

No, I'm not. But you know what?

[Erica Alexander]

Black is to be authentic.

[Kim Coles]

I know, but that's authentic to me.

[Erica Alexander]

Okay. Do you. Do you.

[Kim Coles]

Let's do it.

[Erica Alexander]

And she reveled in how much we were loving on her and just. And ate that gumbo. Pop, pop, pop, pop. Didn't you save them and put them in a dish?

[TC Carson]

They're in her frame with her picture. Oh, in the frame with her picture? Yeah.

[Kim Coles]

That's amazing. Okay, so. Well, you know what? We came up in the golden age for music, for black people. Black genius. It's always at the center of that universe. And the American Song Book, it exists because black people, again, African American, is the greatest culture workers, the greatest culture makers in world history. And that means pain, suffering, joy, joy, unrest, creativity. Please.

[Erica Alexander]

Creativity.

[TC Carson]

Yeah. But we need to understand that it's not about somebody else holding our history, holding our culture. It's about us doing that. It's about our young people understanding that. It's about the oral tradition. They can get rid of the books. We can still tell the stories.

[Kim Coles]

Come on.

[TC Carson]

We can still sing the song.

[Kim Coles]

Come on. That's a bar.

[TC Carson]

But what are we doing?

[Kim Coles]

Well, we're honored to be part of that legacy. And that's what this show Reliving Single was about to talk about that legacy, obviously, because we weren't alone. There were people like New York, Undercover.

[Erica Alexander]

Martin, Fresh Prince of Belly, Moesha.

[Kim Coles]

There you go.

[TC Carson]

Moesha.

[Kim Coles]

Soul Food series. In Living color in there.

[TC Carson]

In living Color.

[Kim Coles]

Yes, Living Color.

[TC Carson]

But we first saw you. I was brilliantly yes, you were.

[Erica Alexander]

Bless you.

[Kim Coles]

Thank you.

[TC Carson]

Yes, always.

[Kim Coles]

All these amazing shows, they were the mixtape of the black imagination. And to quote the RZA who I worked with on the Wu Tang, he says the biggest nation in the world is the imagination. Come on. Come on, let's do this. Let's do it. True Blue.

[Erica Alexander]

Sure.

[Kim Coles]

Okay. Hey, it's time for True Blue. That's a segment where we hear from our friends. Yeah. So what is it, Amber? What's going on?

[D]

All right, so we have a lot of people who have asked this question. I'm not going to say who all the names are, but thank you for asking this question, but we've noticed that TC did not have any parents that were shown.

[Kim Coles]

Yes, it's true.

[D]

On the show. So, tc, Kim, Erika, if you could cast Tisi's parents, who would they be?

[Kim Coles]

Oh, my gosh. That's such a great question, tc does anyone pop up in your mind, like, right away? Who would they cast as your parents if they could, since, you know.

[TC Carson]

Diane Carroll.

[Erica Alexander]

Yes, please.

[Kim Coles]

Boom. Right? You know, I really would love to see Lena Horne as your mother.

[TC Carson]

Oh, Lena Horne and Ben Vereen.

[Kim Coles]

Okay.

[Erica Alexander]

Okay.

[Kim Coles]

Very good, Timbering.

[Erica Alexander]

Very good. Very good. For the voice. Roscoe Libro.

[TC Carson]

That's what I was thinking about.

[Erica Alexander]

I knew it.

[TC Carson]

Thank you.

[Kim Coles]

I knew it.

[Erica Alexander]

Roscoe Bribe.

[TC Carson]

That's what I'm saying. He would have given you that. Him and Diane Carroll together.

[Erica Alexander]

Listen, Perfect. That's it for me.

[Kim Coles]

That would have been great. Well done. That's a match.

[D]

All right, and then our second question. This comes from Brea. I binge watch TV a lot, and I wanted to know how Erica and TC Felt about reprising their role as Max and Kyle on the show. Half and half.

[Kim Coles]

You know what? It was lovely. That's a wonderful show. I love the cast, and, you know, we're fine to do it, but I. You could see my hesitation of wanting to do the character because I refused to wear it. By that time, it was a wig of Maxie Charlton. So you see me in straight hair. I was like, I'm coming in like Erica, like. But as Max, which was hard because she's so identified with the braids that I really didn't know how to play her without it. And so I felt very. It felt wrong.

[TC Carson]

Hmm.

[Erica Alexander]

Why did you refuse the braids then, if that would have given you the identity that you wanted?

[Kim Coles]

But I didn't want to identify with it anymore.

[Erica Alexander]

Ah, got it.

[Kim Coles]

I wanted to let it go, and so I wasn't doing, you know, and it's because of how our show ended too, to be honest with you. It wasn't a clean break. It was, you know, I was at odds with it, but yes. So that's why I was like, I'll do that, but I will not put on the braids.

[TC Carson]

I will not wear the hair.

[Kim Coles]

I will not wear the hair.

[TC Carson]

I won't wear the hair. That was a good thing. If we were doing an update, I would love to see what our daughter.

[Kim Coles]

Would be, but you know what I mean, that would be nice. I'd always hoped that that was a dream sequence and that we didn't have a daughter, that we actually had a son who was a real, you know, kind of like stoner and neither one of us wanted to claim him.

[TC Carson]

And he's your child?

[Kim Coles]

No, but he's taken us on divorce court or like on at court and he's brought us in and we're. That would be crazy. Dun dun.

[Erica Alexander]

Why couldn't the door.

[TC Carson]

That's a short.

[Kim Coles]

Dun dun. We should do a short.

[TC Carson]

Let's do a short.

[Kim Coles]

We should.

[TC Carson]

That'll be a lot.

[Kim Coles]

But have this stoner dude just be like. And I'm like, that would be great. Well, that's our show.

[Erica Alexander]

Thank you all for tuning in. Thank you for the true blue questions. Keep em going. Keep em coming. Please keep watching us on at Reliving Single podcast. Com on all the places you find your podcast.

[Kim Coles]

Apple, Spotify, YouTube, all these places. Yes.

[Erica Alexander]

And we'll tell you where to send your video submissions to Reliving Single Podcast heartbeat dot com. We would love to hear your questions and we'd love to answer them. As you see.

[TC Carson]

You know I love you guys, right? And back in the day, there was a little flower shop that I would pass on the way to the studio. And every once in a while I would get you guys flowers. Right? Right?

[Kim Coles]

Yes.

[Erica Alexander]

A lot. Oh, oh, oh. That's like the good old days.

[TC Carson]

Oh, tc.

[Erica Alexander]

Thank you.

[Kim Coles]

Oh, come on. We don't deserve you.

[TC Carson]

Yeah, you do.

[Kim Coles]

Yes, we do deserve you. How about that?

[Erica Alexander]

Literally giving us our flowers.

[Kim Coles]

I love it. Thank you.

[TC Carson]

You're welcome. Love you both. That's a great show.

[Erica Alexander]

Thank you for being here.

[TC Carson]

Make sure you tell everybody. Tell everybody to watch. Everybody needs to watch the show.

[Erica Alexander]

Thank you.

[Kim Coles]

Reliving Single is hosted by me, Eric Alexander and me, Kim Coles. Reliving Single is a production of Heartbeat in association with Color Farm Media, executive.

[Erica Alexander]

Produced by Kevin Hart, Jeff Clanagan, Eric Eddings, Leslie Guam, Erica Alexander and Ben Arnon.

[Kim Coles]

The show is produced by Kim Coles.

[Erica Alexander]

Amber Watson is our senior producer.

[Kim Coles]

Our associate producer is Kenny Jackson.

[Erica Alexander]

Our video editor is Nee Kirschman.

[Kim Coles]

Our sound engineers are Eric Hicks and Cedric Wilson.

[Erica Alexander]

Production supervision by Razak Boykin and Brett Calkins.

[Kim Coles]

Additional production support from Alex Atkins and Z. Taylor.

[Erica Alexander]

Special thanks to BK Augustine and Dr. E.J. johnson.

[E]

Tipping culture is out of control. Yesterday I tipped someone just for handing me a napkin. So when hotels.com gives me up to 20% off for being a member, I finally get tipped.

[Kim Coles]

And you know what?

[E]

It feels good. Hotels. Com members save up to 20% off at hundreds of thousands of hotels.