The Breakfast Club – Interview with Belly Gang Cushington

Date: January 20, 2026
Podcast: The Breakfast Club
Hosts: DJ Envy, Jess Hilarious, Charlamagne Tha God, Lola Rose
Guest: Belly Gang Cushington

Episode Overview

In this candid and energetic interview, Atlanta rapper Belly Gang Cushington opens up to The Breakfast Club about his journey from the streets to rap success, the realities of his mixed-race identity, fatherhood—especially parenting an autistic son—industry lessons, and the value of authenticity in music and life. The conversation is full of humor, wisdom, and memorable personal moments, with plenty of genuine exchanges.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Origin of the Name "Belly Gang Cushington"

• [01:18-01:36]
  • Name came from his reputation with “kush” and gaining weight, which became “Belly Gang.”
  • "Back when I was doing the wrong thing...they were just like, that boy got cushed by the ton, Cushington. Then, like, I started getting fat, so they were calling me Belly Gang, started rapping. I couldn't really think of that. I just put it together." (Belly Gang Cushington, 01:18)

2. Transition from Street Life to Music

• [01:49-02:40]
  • Turning point: having a son with autism and wanting to step away from the streets.
  • Influence of manager “Monday,” who helped him see music as a real path: "Bro, you know you can pay your rent out there, like you ain’t gotta worry about getting rich. Like, just worry about not having to work..." (Belly Gang, 02:23)
  • Initial hesitation due to leaving fast money behind, but the need for stability was greater.

3. Navigating Identity and Race as a Mixed Artist

• [05:39–10:01]
  • Raised by his Black side, often felt “too Black for the white kids, too white for the Black kids.”
  • On the use of the N-word and public perceptions: “I ain’t looking at it like that. Like Drake mix, he said, you know what I’m saying? ...I ain’t really care to explain or care to like, do too much. Like, I mean, it’s just me.” (Belly Gang Cushington, 08:02)
  • Uninterested in explaining himself online, prefers authenticity over justification.

4. Lessons in Music Business

• [10:15–11:18]
  • Avoided major pitfalls thanks to an early lawyer who liked his music; emphasizes hustle and learning fast.
  • “I ain't really been through that yet. I sure I am gonna go through that, but, like, I ain't been through none that I feel like, damn, you know what I'm saying?” (10:24)
  • Affiliated with LVRN, keen on adapting to the changing industry and open to future partnerships.

5. Pivotal Career Moments & Collaborations

• [11:18–12:07]
  • Opened for Lil Wayne, a surreal moment ("I ain't believe it at all...didn't believe till I seen the email," 11:27).
  • Receiving a big early co-sign from Killer Mike: "He want to get on...then he got on it. He like, matter of fact, I want it for my album. That was big." (18:04)

6. Fatherhood & Personal Growth Through Adversity

• [12:03–15:29]
  • Deep reflects on seeing his son’s autism as possible karma or a sign to slow down.
  • Talks about the challenges and blessings of raising an autistic child: "My son ended up being my biggest blessing...finding out he was autistic ended up being your biggest motivation." (DJ Envy, 12:59)
  • Describes a story meeting an autistic man in jail, underscoring the importance of his own involvement as a father.

7. Music Influences and Community

• [17:09–18:50]
  • Inspired by Atlanta’s trap legacy (Rocco, Jeezy, T.I., Gucci, Future).
  • Debunking comparisons: “I think they doing that just cause I wear dickies and talk about selling bricks. Like, I don’t even sound like Jeezy, nothin’.” (17:23)
  • Organic connection with YK; strong Atlanta ties.

8. Vulnerability & Mental Health

• [18:50, 23:36]
  • Growth required letting go of his "hot head" side: “Had to kill that hot head stuff for sure. Damn.” (18:58)
  • New music increasing vulnerability: “This next one finna be overly vulnerable. Like, let them know, like, this all the way me.” (23:36)

9. Impact of Fame & Handling Social Circles

• [31:51–32:31]
  • Fame changed people around him more than himself: “That fame make them folk act crazy. It changed a lot of folk. It really changed everybody, for real.” (31:53)
  • Now prioritizes boundaries and saying “no,” especially regarding those seeking personal favors.

10. Artistry, Brand, and Consistency

• [35:26–36:17]
  • Sees brand and music as inseparable; focus now on perfecting the music. “You gotta do both. Right now? Focus on music all the way.” (35:31)
  • Balances career with fatherhood, often writing music with his son in the car.

11. Future Plans & Vision

• [38:48–39:21]
  • Second album is top priority—sees it as make-or-break.
  • Dreams of making music beyond trap, collaborating with artists like Adele.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On leaving street life:
  “That was the hardest thing I ever had to do, like leave the street.” (02:50)
  “You wake up. No, I'm missing a twenty thousand dollar play right now. That's going through your head...” (03:16)

• On authenticity:
  “I just get the money and keep moving. For real.” (09:21)
  “Being authentic me.” (09:04)

• On being mixed and public reaction:
  “Like, I only were raised by my black side, so...it was definitely weird with the white kids... but the black folk just were like in my area. Like, they knew, you know what I'm saying?” (06:39)

• On motivation from fatherhood:
  “My son ended up being my biggest blessing because...finding out he was autistic ended up being your biggest motivation.” (DJ Envy, 12:59)

• On art versus business:
  “I just knew, like, drop a song, it didn't blow up, all right, you know what I'm saying?” (04:36)

• On fame and circles:
  “That fame make them folk act crazy. It really changed everybody, for real.” (31:53)

• On second chances and new music:
  “I think the second album, the most important album in somebody career...that pressure gotta come with depression. For sure.” (39:13)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• [01:18] – Meaning behind the name Belly Gang Cushington
• [01:49 – 02:40] – Transition from the streets and role of his son and manager
• [05:39 – 10:01] – Discussing biracial identity, use of the N-word, authenticity
• [12:03 – 15:29] – Fatherhood, autism, and changing life priorities
• [17:09 – 18:50] – Musical influences and Atlanta community
• [18:50] – Letting go of “hot head” mentality
• [23:36] – On being vulnerable in music
• [31:51 – 32:31] – Impact of fame on his circle
• [35:26 – 36:17] – Balancing brand, artistry, and fatherhood
• [39:13] – Upcoming album and ambitions beyond trap

Humor & Memorable Banter

• A playful back-and-forth about his viral hit “Bounce That Ass (Your Friend Do),” with the hosts teasing DJ Envy about dancing to it. (05:22)
• A running joke about using a “white voice” to help friends in a jam and the perception of code-switching. (27:54)
• The crew pulls out Belly Gang merch mid-show (“bricks”), prompting laughter and mock nervousness from Charlamagne. (34:23)

Conclusion

This interview with Belly Gang Cushington is a heartfelt, energetic, and wide-ranging conversation. It highlights his commitment to authenticity, growth through vulnerability, and the importance of staying rooted in family and values as he navigates fame. The episode delivers both levity and substance—making it a strong, inspiring listen for anyone interested in the real-life stories behind today’s rising hip-hop voices.