The Breakfast Club – November 19, 2025

Episode Title: Nicki Minaj’s UN Nigeria Speech Sparks Mixed Reactions, Usher Sues Bryan-Michael Cox + Mario & Ray J Interview
Hosts: DJ Envy, Jess Hilarious, Charlamagne Tha God | Guests: Mario, Ray J, Mimi Brown, Lauren LaRosa

Episode Overview

In this engaging episode, the Breakfast Club dives into several headline-grabbing stories and high-energy interviews. The hosts unpack the mixed fallout from Nicki Minaj’s United Nations speech on religious persecution in Nigeria, examine Usher’s surprising lawsuit against longtime collaborator Bryan-Michael Cox, and bring R&B star Mario and the ever-unpredictable Ray J into the studio for insightful, personal interviews. The show keeps its usual lively, unfiltered, and sometimes hilarious banter, offering both news and unfiltered conversation on pop culture, race, relationships, tech—and, of course, music.

Key Segments & Insights

1. Front Page News & Politics

(Starts ~06:47, 32:13)

A. Epstein Files Bill Advances [07:04]

Mimi Brown reports that Congress has overwhelmingly passed a bill to release the Jeffrey Epstein files, now awaiting President Trump’s signature.
The bill mandates all unclassified Epstein-related documents be released publicly, with victim names protected.
Notably, only Rep. Clay Higgins (R-LA) voted ‘no’, positioning himself as a diehard Trump ally even as the rest of the Republican party voted yes—fueling speculation about internal GOP rifts.
Charlemagne muses:

"Chuck's right. You shouldn’t trust any of them. …I felt like it was some type of internal coup going on in the Republican Party, and they were going to use the Epstein files to take their parties back." [09:39]
President Trump attempts to redirect attention via Truth Social, insisting “the Epstein story shouldn't distract from the victories of his administration.”

B. Texas Redistricting Ruling [11:00]

Federal court blocks new Texas House maps for discriminating by race, a major blow to planned Republican expansion in next year’s election.
Judges find direct evidence the maps diluted Black and Hispanic voting strength.
Lauren LaRosa on the decision:

"The judge who wrote the decision is a Trump appointee, which makes this ruling even more striking." [11:10]

C. North Carolina Immigration Crackdown [32:25]

ICE raids hit Charlotte, NC, with over 200 detained—most without criminal records, raising fears of racial profiling.
Massive absences at schools (30,000+ students) as families keep children home in fear.
Mimi:

"They're arresting people who are just outside doing their jobs… so they're questioning, what are we doing here? Are we locking people up because they're brown or because they're criminals?" [34:38]

2. Culture & Technology: Nicki Minaj’s UN Speech

(Main Segment: 21:24–27:00)

Nicki Minaj speaks at a United Nations event on the plight of Christians in Nigeria.
Applauds Trump’s “global leadership” on religious freedom, drawing both support and sharp criticism.
Notable Quote – Nicki Minaj:

“This isn’t about taking sides. This is about standing up in the face of injustice. …For the rest of my life, I will care if anyone anywhere is being persecuted for their beliefs.” [23:41]
Hosts note mixed reactions online—some Nigerians grateful for attention, others accuse Minaj of fueling misinformation and aiding political agendas.
- Charlamagne:
  
  “I saw her getting a lot of backlash from people in Nigeria. …People in Nigeria were saying that this is a way more complex situation than people are making it and that she shouldn’t be the voice of it.” [25:37]
Lauren asks the room: Can two things be true? Does celebrity advocacy outweigh messy political optics?
General consensus: The issue is complex, and the limitations of social media “hot takes” make it even murkier.

3. Celebrity & Music News

A. Usher Sues Bryan-Michael Cox [27:10–31:12]

Usher is suing BMC and a group of partners to recover a $1.7M restaurant investment in Atlanta—claims only $1M was repaid and the rest misused.
BMC issues a statement emphasizing he was only a passive minority shareholder and insists "My 27 year friendship with Usher remains fully intact."
Charlamagne’s take:

“Business is business. Sometimes I hear people talk and I'm like, okay, they ain't never did business. They don't understand.” [30:11]
The hosts agree it’s just business, but recognize why social media would frame it as a dramatic “falling out.”

4. Call-in & Community Segment: Viral Chicago Assault

(17:31–19:49, 74:00 “Donkey of the Day”)

Callers and hosts are outraged over a viral video of a pregnant Chicago mom and her young children attacked outside a school by a group of local teens.
Discussion of systemic failures, youth violence, and calls for accountability for both the young assailants and parents.
Charlamagne delivers his “Donkey of the Day” to the teens:

“You can't use youth as an excuse to not hurt one of these kids. If Kashonda would have had a pistol… y'all be crucifying her…” [77:13]
Stacy Shells Harvey (Regeneration Schools) calls for schools and Child Protective Services to intervene.
DJ Envy reflects:

“Sometimes kids are just stupid… which is stupid. I'm not giving them a reason to, but I would hate for to see a kid taken out of a family without them, you know, if you don't intervene now, that behavior continues.” [81:52]

5. Technology & Society: AI “Digital Twins”

(35:23–39:53)

Mimi Brown covers a viral “Two Way” app that allows people to create AI avatars mimicking their personality and memories.
Promo video sparks 40M+ views, showing an avatar “grandma” interacting with family, supporting descendants even long after death.
Hosts debate the comfort versus the “creepiness” of AI afterlife, ethical dangers, and potential for abuse.
- DJ Envy:
  
  “Y’all don’t find that creepy? ….What about the bad side of that? When people can use that to do things like, hey, I am so-and-so, yeah, I'm co-signing for my son… It could be a bunch of ways that they manipulate them videos to be negative.” [38:22]
- Charlamagne:
  
  “If you make me an angel and I fly off, you can't make me an AI twin. Now you done sent me to heaven. Okay, so you can't do both now.” [38:44]

6. In-Studio Interview: Mario (Singer)

(40:39–56:15, main Q&A 44:01–56:15)

Mario joins to discuss his new EP “Mood Swings,” returning to touring, and his legacy in R&B.
Lively debate on Twitter back-and-forths with Ray J over who would win in a Verzuz battle.
- Mario:
  
  “Y'all gotta put me in different conversations… I get passionate about it… The Internet is the Internet. …But I get that during my hiatus, I’ve had to remind people that, yo, …I really, God put me in this, because the gift is really there…” [43:15]
On evolving as an artist and person:

“Not falling in love with my creation... you got to let the people that connect with the music and connect with what you’re doing connect with it. … It’s really about evolving, bro.” [45:12]
On relationships and public scrutiny:

“I'm in a relationship now, and I'm still learning my girl. … I think sometimes the Internet, the dark and the ugly get more highlighted than the love.” [51:12]
Charlamagne asks about personal growth:

“With greatness comes the opportunity for leadership. And with the opportunity for leadership, you’re able to actually see the world from a different space… when you take on that role of being vulnerable and being a leader…” [55:41]

7. In-Studio Interview: Ray J (R&B Singer, Entrepreneur)

(Starts ~83:52, Main Q&A 84:00–107:00+)

Ray J brings his characteristic unpredictability, opening up about his public image, business, and new show “Love Cabin.”
On his “bad guy” persona and internet fame:

“You just turn into the bad guy… sometimes it takes a toll to try to, like, hey, I'm going to be positive for 2026. …But then on the other side, there’s a negative side to that too, with whatever comments…. But I really want my family to be proud of me, and they want me to show a different side.” [89:27]
He reflects on mental health, business, addictive cycles of viral drama, and the pressure of streaming culture.
The Ray J/Mario Verzuz debate is REIGNITED in-studio, with Ray J admitting,

“…in a verses live right now Mario would crush me.” [99:51]
Ray J also openly apologizes to Mario, Wale, and others for recent social media accusations.
On his family life, Love Cabin, and romance rumors, Ray J laughs off relationship questions and tries to clarify tabloid drama, often to hilariously awkward effect.

8. Quick Hits & Memorable Moments

Callers shout out Black maternity care and doulas, urging more support for Black women’s health (14:04).
Hosts reminisce about HBCU pride, tour life, and New Edition/Boyz II Men era concerts (71:18+).
Lauren LaRosa keeps THE receipts: exclusive updates on Portia Williams flight incident, Vivica Fox–50 Cent reunion, 2000s nostalgia tour news, and more (66:18–73:40).
Classic Charlemagne humor:

“If you make me an angel and I fly off, you can't make me an AI twin. Now you done sent me to heaven. Okay, so you can't do both now.” [38:44]
Personal moments:
Mario gives Jess Hilarious her flowers:

“I'm so proud of you… You're raising a young king. …I'm proud of you.” [53:29]

Timestamps for Important Segments

| Segment | Start | |------------------------------------------|-------------| | Political Headlines (Epstein Bill) | 06:47 | | Nicki Minaj UN Nigeria Speech | 21:24 | | Usher Sues Bryan-Michael Cox | 27:10 | | Call-in: Chicago Assault Outrage | 17:31; 74:00| | AI Digital Twins Debate | 35:23 | | Mario Interview Q&A | 44:01 | | Ray J Interview Q&A | 84:00 | | Vivica Fox & 50 Cent “make up” | 68:19 | | Millennial R&B Tour Chat | 71:18 |

Notable Quotes & Moments

Nicki Minaj at the UN [22:23]:

“I would like to thank President Trump for prioritizing this issue and for his leadership on the global stage… this is not about taking sides.”
— Nicki Minaj
Charlamagne reaction (re: Nicki & Nigeria) [25:37]:

“It’s funny how algorithms work, because y’all said that y’all saw a lot of Nigerians supporting. I saw the opposite, really.”
Mario on his artistry [43:15]:

“Y’all gotta stop taking me out of these conversations… The gift is really there. My persistence and my ability to continue to push and continue to put out music is still there.”
Ray J, on his public persona [89:27]:

“You just turn into the bad guy… sometimes it takes a toll, …but I really want my family to be proud of me, and they want me to show a different side.”
Charlamagne’s Donkey of the Day [77:13], on youth violence:

“You can’t use youth as an excuse… If Kashonda would have had a pistol on her and let a shot fly, y’all be crucifying her right now for shooting a child when the reality is all she was trying to do was protect herself and her nine year old.”

Tone & Style

The episode is fast-moving, irreverent, personal, and at times moving—jumping between serious debates about justice, playful debates about music, and messy, real-life celebrity drama. Charlamagne brings sharp (and at times cutting) context to the political and cultural stories; Envy and Jess Hilarious keep the pace lively; Lauren LaRosa delivers the “receipts” with unofficial but informed updates; interviews with Mario and Ray J are unfiltered and richly revealing. The conversation is as much about how Black celebrities navigate fame, family, and social politics as it is about the “news.”

Summary for New Listeners

If you missed the show, this episode is a whirlwind of news, activism, and entertainment—the kind only the Breakfast Club crew can pull off. Come for the smart debates and rare musical insight (Mario, Ray J), stay for the raw conversation about tech, politics, and Black millennial culture. Whether it’s Nicki at the UN, a viral tragedy, or R&B legends feuding about Verzuz, the Breakfast Club brings the story to life—messy, real, and unfiltered.

[For more stories, follow Mimi Brown (MimiBrownTV), Lauren LaRosa, and the official Breakfast Club socials.]

The Breakfast Club – November 19, 2025

Episode Overview

Key Segments & Insights

1. Front Page News & Politics

(Starts ~06:47, 32:13)

A. Epstein Files Bill Advances [07:04]

Mimi Brown reports that Congress has overwhelmingly passed a bill to release the Jeffrey Epstein files, now awaiting President Trump’s signature.
The bill mandates all unclassified Epstein-related documents be released publicly, with victim names protected.
Notably, only Rep. Clay Higgins (R-LA) voted ‘no’, positioning himself as a diehard Trump ally even as the rest of the Republican party voted yes—fueling speculation about internal GOP rifts.
Charlemagne muses:

"Chuck's right. You shouldn’t trust any of them. …I felt like it was some type of internal coup going on in the Republican Party, and they were going to use the Epstein files to take their parties back." [09:39]
President Trump attempts to redirect attention via Truth Social, insisting “the Epstein story shouldn't distract from the victories of his administration.”

B. Texas Redistricting Ruling [11:00]

Federal court blocks new Texas House maps for discriminating by race, a major blow to planned Republican expansion in next year’s election.
Judges find direct evidence the maps diluted Black and Hispanic voting strength.
Lauren LaRosa on the decision:

"The judge who wrote the decision is a Trump appointee, which makes this ruling even more striking." [11:10]

C. North Carolina Immigration Crackdown [32:25]

ICE raids hit Charlotte, NC, with over 200 detained—most without criminal records, raising fears of racial profiling.
Massive absences at schools (30,000+ students) as families keep children home in fear.
Mimi:

"They're arresting people who are just outside doing their jobs… so they're questioning, what are we doing here? Are we locking people up because they're brown or because they're criminals?" [34:38]

2. Culture & Technology: Nicki Minaj’s UN Speech

(Main Segment: 21:24–27:00)

Nicki Minaj speaks at a United Nations event on the plight of Christians in Nigeria.
Applauds Trump’s “global leadership” on religious freedom, drawing both support and sharp criticism.
Notable Quote – Nicki Minaj:

“This isn’t about taking sides. This is about standing up in the face of injustice. …For the rest of my life, I will care if anyone anywhere is being persecuted for their beliefs.” [23:41]
Hosts note mixed reactions online—some Nigerians grateful for attention, others accuse Minaj of fueling misinformation and aiding political agendas.
- Charlamagne:
  
  “I saw her getting a lot of backlash from people in Nigeria. …People in Nigeria were saying that this is a way more complex situation than people are making it and that she shouldn’t be the voice of it.” [25:37]
Lauren asks the room: Can two things be true? Does celebrity advocacy outweigh messy political optics?
General consensus: The issue is complex, and the limitations of social media “hot takes” make it even murkier.

3. Celebrity & Music News

A. Usher Sues Bryan-Michael Cox [27:10–31:12]

Usher is suing BMC and a group of partners to recover a $1.7M restaurant investment in Atlanta—claims only $1M was repaid and the rest misused.
BMC issues a statement emphasizing he was only a passive minority shareholder and insists "My 27 year friendship with Usher remains fully intact."
Charlamagne’s take:

“Business is business. Sometimes I hear people talk and I'm like, okay, they ain't never did business. They don't understand.” [30:11]
The hosts agree it’s just business, but recognize why social media would frame it as a dramatic “falling out.”

4. Call-in & Community Segment: Viral Chicago Assault

(17:31–19:49, 74:00 “Donkey of the Day”)

Callers and hosts are outraged over a viral video of a pregnant Chicago mom and her young children attacked outside a school by a group of local teens.
Discussion of systemic failures, youth violence, and calls for accountability for both the young assailants and parents.
Charlamagne delivers his “Donkey of the Day” to the teens:

“You can't use youth as an excuse to not hurt one of these kids. If Kashonda would have had a pistol… y'all be crucifying her…” [77:13]
Stacy Shells Harvey (Regeneration Schools) calls for schools and Child Protective Services to intervene.
DJ Envy reflects:

“Sometimes kids are just stupid… which is stupid. I'm not giving them a reason to, but I would hate for to see a kid taken out of a family without them, you know, if you don't intervene now, that behavior continues.” [81:52]

5. Technology & Society: AI “Digital Twins”

(35:23–39:53)

Mimi Brown covers a viral “Two Way” app that allows people to create AI avatars mimicking their personality and memories.
Promo video sparks 40M+ views, showing an avatar “grandma” interacting with family, supporting descendants even long after death.
Hosts debate the comfort versus the “creepiness” of AI afterlife, ethical dangers, and potential for abuse.
- DJ Envy:
  
  “Y’all don’t find that creepy? ….What about the bad side of that? When people can use that to do things like, hey, I am so-and-so, yeah, I'm co-signing for my son… It could be a bunch of ways that they manipulate them videos to be negative.” [38:22]
- Charlamagne:
  
  “If you make me an angel and I fly off, you can't make me an AI twin. Now you done sent me to heaven. Okay, so you can't do both now.” [38:44]

6. In-Studio Interview: Mario (Singer)

(40:39–56:15, main Q&A 44:01–56:15)

Mario joins to discuss his new EP “Mood Swings,” returning to touring, and his legacy in R&B.
Lively debate on Twitter back-and-forths with Ray J over who would win in a Verzuz battle.
- Mario:
  
  “Y'all gotta put me in different conversations… I get passionate about it… The Internet is the Internet. …But I get that during my hiatus, I’ve had to remind people that, yo, …I really, God put me in this, because the gift is really there…” [43:15]
On evolving as an artist and person:

“Not falling in love with my creation... you got to let the people that connect with the music and connect with what you’re doing connect with it. … It’s really about evolving, bro.” [45:12]
On relationships and public scrutiny:

“I'm in a relationship now, and I'm still learning my girl. … I think sometimes the Internet, the dark and the ugly get more highlighted than the love.” [51:12]
Charlamagne asks about personal growth:

“With greatness comes the opportunity for leadership. And with the opportunity for leadership, you’re able to actually see the world from a different space… when you take on that role of being vulnerable and being a leader…” [55:41]

7. In-Studio Interview: Ray J (R&B Singer, Entrepreneur)

(Starts ~83:52, Main Q&A 84:00–107:00+)

Ray J brings his characteristic unpredictability, opening up about his public image, business, and new show “Love Cabin.”
On his “bad guy” persona and internet fame:

“You just turn into the bad guy… sometimes it takes a toll to try to, like, hey, I'm going to be positive for 2026. …But then on the other side, there’s a negative side to that too, with whatever comments…. But I really want my family to be proud of me, and they want me to show a different side.” [89:27]
He reflects on mental health, business, addictive cycles of viral drama, and the pressure of streaming culture.
The Ray J/Mario Verzuz debate is REIGNITED in-studio, with Ray J admitting,

“…in a verses live right now Mario would crush me.” [99:51]
Ray J also openly apologizes to Mario, Wale, and others for recent social media accusations.
On his family life, Love Cabin, and romance rumors, Ray J laughs off relationship questions and tries to clarify tabloid drama, often to hilariously awkward effect.

8. Quick Hits & Memorable Moments

Callers shout out Black maternity care and doulas, urging more support for Black women’s health (14:04).
Hosts reminisce about HBCU pride, tour life, and New Edition/Boyz II Men era concerts (71:18+).
Lauren LaRosa keeps THE receipts: exclusive updates on Portia Williams flight incident, Vivica Fox–50 Cent reunion, 2000s nostalgia tour news, and more (66:18–73:40).
Classic Charlemagne humor:

“If you make me an angel and I fly off, you can't make me an AI twin. Now you done sent me to heaven. Okay, so you can't do both now.” [38:44]
Personal moments:
Mario gives Jess Hilarious her flowers:

“I'm so proud of you… You're raising a young king. …I'm proud of you.” [53:29]

Timestamps for Important Segments

Notable Quotes & Moments

Nicki Minaj at the UN [22:23]:

“I would like to thank President Trump for prioritizing this issue and for his leadership on the global stage… this is not about taking sides.”
— Nicki Minaj
Charlamagne reaction (re: Nicki & Nigeria) [25:37]:

“It’s funny how algorithms work, because y’all said that y’all saw a lot of Nigerians supporting. I saw the opposite, really.”
Mario on his artistry [43:15]:

“Y’all gotta stop taking me out of these conversations… The gift is really there. My persistence and my ability to continue to push and continue to put out music is still there.”
Ray J, on his public persona [89:27]:

“You just turn into the bad guy… sometimes it takes a toll, …but I really want my family to be proud of me, and they want me to show a different side.”
Charlamagne’s Donkey of the Day [77:13], on youth violence:

“You can’t use youth as an excuse… If Kashonda would have had a pistol on her and let a shot fly, y’all be crucifying her right now for shooting a child when the reality is all she was trying to do was protect herself and her nine year old.”

Tone & Style

Summary for New Listeners

[For more stories, follow Mimi Brown (MimiBrownTV), Lauren LaRosa, and the official Breakfast Club socials.]

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FULL SHOW: Nicki Minaj’s UN Nigeria Speech Sparks Mixed Reactions, Usher Sues Bryan-Michael Cox + Mario & Ray J Interview

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Summary

The Breakfast Club – November 19, 2025

Episode Overview

Key Segments & Insights

1. Front Page News & Politics

2. Culture & Technology: Nicki Minaj’s UN Speech

3. Celebrity & Music News

4. Call-in & Community Segment: Viral Chicago Assault

5. Technology & Society: AI “Digital Twins”

6. In-Studio Interview: Mario (Singer)

7. In-Studio Interview: Ray J (R&B Singer, Entrepreneur)

8. Quick Hits & Memorable Moments

Timestamps for Important Segments

Notable Quotes & Moments

Tone & Style

Summary for New Listeners

Summary

The Breakfast Club – November 19, 2025

Episode Overview

Key Segments & Insights

1. Front Page News & Politics

2. Culture & Technology: Nicki Minaj’s UN Speech

3. Celebrity & Music News

4. Call-in & Community Segment: Viral Chicago Assault

5. Technology & Society: AI “Digital Twins”

6. In-Studio Interview: Mario (Singer)

7. In-Studio Interview: Ray J (R&B Singer, Entrepreneur)

8. Quick Hits & Memorable Moments

Timestamps for Important Segments

Notable Quotes & Moments

Tone & Style

Summary for New Listeners