The Breakfast Club – INTERVIEW: DaBaby Talks Gratitude, Processing Trauma, Advice To The Youth, New Album + More
Air Date: February 6, 2026
Hosts: DJ Envy, Jess Hilarious, Charlamagne Tha God
Guest: DaBaby
Podcast: The Black Effect Podcast Network & iHeartPodcasts
Episode Overview
This episode features rapper DaBaby in an in-depth conversation with The Breakfast Club crew about his new album Be More Grateful, his journey through personal and professional challenges over the past four years, the evolution of his music and mindset, and the importance of gratitude, healing, and legacy. DaBaby reflects candidly on trauma, growth, responsibility to the next generation, and finding new purpose after public controversy. The hosts explore his return to music, his experiences with therapy, and his renewed outlook on artistry and life.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
DaBaby’s Season of Gratitude & New Mindset
(02:16–03:46)
- DaBaby expresses he’s in a “season of gratitude” and a great personal space.
- He credits life experience and personal growth for this perspective shift.
“I'm blessed, man. I'm in a season of gratitude. I'm way more grateful.” — DaBaby (02:16)
Growth Trigger
- Growth wasn’t sparked by a single moment, but through “a moment that lasted about four years.”
“It was a moment that lasted about four years, you feel me? So, you know, but it's beautiful to get on the other side…” — DaBaby (03:15)
Creative Intentions on Be More Grateful
Lyricism and Artistic Direction
(03:46–05:41)
- DaBaby intentionally leaned into raw lyricism and deeper themes.
- Sought to show versatility, not just club bangers, but tracks with substance:
“I wanted to reestablish my audience… it was real important that this checked all the boxes and really showed you what I could do, put this shit on display.” — DaBaby (04:17)
- Nearly made a “full blown, what they call a conscious album” but wanted to show all his layers:
“I'm like an onion. It’s layers to me.” — DaBaby (05:17)
Growth in Music & Life
(05:41–06:42)
- DaBaby acknowledges evolution from only party/club records to more meaningful content.
- Says he’s now walking in his purpose, wanting to teach, not just entertain:
“I'm not leaning in and, you know, walking in my purpose fully... I could teach you something. And I can make it sound good. I can make you feel good while I’m teaching.” — DaBaby (05:56)
Advice, Accountability & Addressing the Youth
Trolling, Public Tests, and Accountability
(08:05–09:37)
- Discusses being tested by people (including trolls), how his growth influences his reactions.
- Reflects on calculated responses rather than impulsive ones — “know a threat when I see a threat.”
“That’s a prime example of growth and just understanding… I’m way more calculated when it comes to how I respond.” — DaBaby (09:39)
Message to the Youth: “Letter to the YNS”
(10:57–12:41)
- “Letter to my Y N” is highlighted as a pivotal song, made two years ago, but only released now when the world was “ready to receive that type of music.”
- Focused on creating timeless messages for the next generation:
“I wanted the whole project really to be some shit a motherfucker can put on 10 years later and really learn something.” — DaBaby (12:18)
Family, Responsibility, and Purpose
On His Nephew & Legacy
(12:41–14:29)
- DaBaby describes his pride in including his nephew in a video, referencing scenes inspired by Belly.
- Sees himself as a role model and seeks to “speak to the real”, sharing wisdom not just for his family but for the world.
- Emphasizes that authentic, honest songs matter more to people than previous party records.
Responsibility as an Artist
(14:29–16:05)
- DaBaby accepts the responsibility to guide youth and new artists, sharing lessons from his own mistakes and successes.
“My purpose is much bigger and much more important than what I thought it was… I got real wisdom, real experience, real life experience.” — DaBaby (15:00)
Healing, Therapy, and Processing Trauma
Therapy & Documentary
(19:56–24:31)
- DaBaby reveals he undertook his first real therapy sessions (five, each 2-3 hours) and filmed them for an upcoming docuseries, Should’ve Told the Therapist.
- Candidly describes the impact:
“By the third day, man, this had me on camera crying, man. I’m on that crying for like 20 minutes straight.” — DaBaby (21:47)
- Says this transparency is critical to his music and personal healing—“the meat and potatoes of it is mental health.”
Processing Loss and Continuing On
(24:31–26:02)
- Hosts remind listeners DaBaby was experiencing deep personal loss (father passed as he hit #1, then brother’s suicide during his second major hit) amid his career climb.
“You still gotta just keep going… The hustle and just the schedule… allowed me to cope with that.” — DaBaby (24:56)
The Road Back to Music, Endurance & Motivation
Hiatus, Motivation, and Return
(29:58–31:37)
- Four-year break (= "season of cancel culture"), fans' expectations, and how his drive was rekindled by his children:
“I had to find my love for this shit again… My kids, my family—my kids, my nephew—all them… To them, I'm a walking superhero.” — DaBaby (30:41)
Artistic Collaborations & Industry Relationships
On Kanye West and "Clear This Shit"
(31:37–33:48)
- DaBaby discusses the anticipated Kanye sample and how Ye “cleared that shit” after DaBaby manifested it (“I spoke this into existence”).
- Shares a wild studio moment:
“He flashed the fuck out…He told everybody, everybody get the fuck out. Everybody. Everybody get out. Y’all texting while my mama album playing…only I stayed.” — DaBaby (32:48)
Relationship with 50 Cent
(45:30–48:03)
- 50 Cent is described as a big brother:
“That’s the realest I done ever dealt with in this… we ain’t never did a single piece of paperwork… He spent his own money to help me do things… That’s a real nigga right there. Love that nigga to death.” — DaBaby (49:12)
The Message & Target Audience for the Album
Who Is the Album For?
(34:11–35:30)
- Explicit: “Fuck the critics. It ain't for them. It's for everybody, but for me and the fans, more than anything.”
- Album’s intent is to have lasting impact, connecting deeply with his fans.
Hits vs. Peace of Mind
(35:30–36:15)
- DaBaby prefers peace of mind over chart hits:
“Peace of mind now, and then the hit's gonna come. If I got peace of mind, the hit's coming.” — DaBaby (35:35)
Motivation — “Kobe in 2009” Mindset
(36:15–37:54)
- Sees himself in “finals MVP” mode:
“I can’t miss this shot… I’m here to win, I’m here to do what I’m called to do…” — DaBaby (36:28)
Live Performance & Tour
(37:54–38:55)
- Excited to connect with audiences on the Be More Grateful tour, expand live artistry with a live band, deeper emotional setlist:
“Bring boxes of tissue, it’s gonna be motherfuckers out there pouring their heart out.” — DaBaby (38:28)
On Relationships, Reconciliation & Giving Back
On Stunna 4 Vegas
(38:55–41:48)
- Proud of Stunna 4 Vegas’ growth and independence—a model of mutual respect:
“I want for my people, I want for a stranger what I want for myself.” — DaBaby (39:05)
Culinary Passion
(43:32–45:30)
- DaBaby expresses a lifelong love for cooking and looks forward to “chefing” on tour.
- Reveals cooking was his dream before music:
“Only thing I ever wanted to be…a chef. It wasn’t never a rapper…” — DaBaby (44:46)
Energy, Growth, and Legacy
Intentionality About Energy
(50:06–51:22)
- Now fiercely protective of his circle and the energy around him:
“I gotta value my energy and protect it at all costs right now. That’s what I’m on.” — DaBaby (51:22)
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
- “I’m in a season of gratitude. I’m way more grateful.” — DaBaby (02:16)
- “It was a moment that lasted about four years… It’s beautiful to get on the other side.” — DaBaby (03:15)
- “I’m like an onion. It’s layers to me.” — DaBaby (05:17)
- “I wanted the project to be something you can put on, ten years later, and learn something from.” — DaBaby (12:18)
- “By the third day [in therapy], man, this had me on camera crying, man. I’m on that crying for like 20 minutes straight.” — DaBaby (21:47)
- On losing his father and brother: “I get the call my pop's no longer here…My brother commits suicide…that I probably needed to heal from.” — DaBaby (24:54)
- “My kids…to them, I’m a walking superhero.” — DaBaby (30:41)
- On Kanye: “He flashed the fuck out…He told everybody, everybody get the fuck out…only I stayed.” — DaBaby (32:48)
- On 50 Cent: "That’s the realest I done ever dealt with in this…we ain’t never did a single piece of paperwork…That’s a real nigga right there.” — DaBaby (49:12)
Key Timestamps
- 02:16 — DaBaby on his new mindset and gratitude
- 03:46 — Reflection on lyricism and creative direction
- 05:41 — Growth and message in new music
- 10:57 — "Letter to the YNS" and advice to youth
- 12:41 — Family influence; putting his nephew in video
- 14:29 — On artistic responsibility
- 19:56 — Discussing therapy and the upcoming documentary
- 24:31 — Grieving his father and brother amid career highs
- 29:58 — Overcoming cancel culture and hiatus
- 31:37 — The Kanye West “Clear This Shit” story
- 34:11 — Audience for the new album; lasting impact
- 35:30 — Peace of mind over chart success
- 36:15 — "Kobe in 2009" motivation
- 37:54 — Excitement for live performance and tour
- 38:55 — Stunna 4 Vegas and supporting others' growth
- 45:30 — Relationship with 50 Cent
- 50:06 — Protecting energy and legacy
- 51:22 — Recommending "Marinate" off the album
Tone & Atmosphere
The conversation maintains a genuine, soulful, and uplifting tone. DaBaby is honest and unfiltered—mixing humor, humility, and pride. The hosts encourage depth, and DaBaby responds with stories, laughs, and real talk about hardship, healing, and his renewed sense of purpose.
Conclusion
DaBaby’s interview on The Breakfast Club offers a revealing narrative of personal evolution, accountability, and creative rebirth. By addressing past challenges head-on and openly sharing his healing journey, he reestablishes himself as both a respected lyricist and a figure intent on making a positive, lasting impact—for his family, the culture, and his fans.