Podcast Summary: The Breakfast Club – Interview with Da’Vinchi

Release Date: January 21, 2025

Introduction

In this compelling episode of The Breakfast Club, hosted by DJ Envy and Charlamagne tha God, the spotlight shines on actor and comedian Matt Rogers, popularly known as Da’Vinchi. The discussion delves deep into Matt’s multifaceted career, his roles in significant television series, his views on media representation, mental health advocacy, and personal insights into his life and relationships.

Career Journey: From Comedy to Acting

Matt Rogers recounts his unconventional path into the entertainment industry. Initially engaged in keynote speaking and mental health advocacy, Matt’s natural comedic flair led friends to encourage him to explore comedy as a means to build confidence in public speaking. “I just started hosting it, and I started developing a love for it,” Matt shares (03:07). His foray into comedy saw him performing across 15 cities last year and planning to expand further this year.

Transitioning from comedy to acting, Matt discusses his early experiences in Brooklyn and Florida, highlighting the pivotal moments that shaped his career. “I was like, bro, this is crazy. I'm not trying to perpetuate this,” he notes (06:18), expressing his desire to move beyond the stereotypical roles often assigned to Black actors.

Representation and Media Stereotypes

A significant portion of the conversation centers around the portrayal of Black individuals in media. Matt emphasizes the detrimental stereotypes perpetuated over decades, tracing their origins back to historical contexts like the Reconstruction era and films like Birth of a Nation. “We have to be a good representation of us because we are not looking too good,” he asserts (10:38). The hosts and Matt discuss the transition from positive representations in the '90s—such as The Cosby Show and Living Single—to the more negative depictions in contemporary media, particularly in reality television.

Matt challenges the narrative by highlighting his role in BMF and how it reflects true stories rather than fictional stereotypes. “If you watch art, but if it's a true story about Black people,” he explains (34:06), advocating for a nuanced portrayal that acknowledges the complexities within the community.

Mental Health and Therapy Advocacy

Matt opens up about his journey with mental health, attributing his advocacy to the influence of friends and a supportive community. “The people that were around me, they hold me accountable,” he shares (21:36). He discusses the stigma associated with seeking therapy, especially within certain religious communities, and how embracing both spirituality and professional mental health support has been transformative. “When you go there, it kind of humbles you and it allows you to see yourself from a third-party perspective,” Matt remarks (23:31).

BMF Role and Its Impact

Discussing his role in the critically acclaimed series BMF (Black Mafia Family), Matt highlights the challenges and responsibilities of portraying real-life figures involved in significant historical events. “If you watch an action film where someone’s stabbing people 57,000 times, do you think I'm going to do that?” he questions (34:06), defending his choice to participate in stories that are true to life and serve as cultural reflections rather than glorifications.

Matt reflects on his interactions with real-life individuals associated with the BMF narrative, emphasizing the authenticity and respect he brings to his role. “He brought zoo animals in the club for a party... That’s a real dude,” Matt acknowledges (35:47), illustrating the blend of dramatic storytelling with genuine character experiences.

Personal Life and Relationships

Towards the end of the episode, Matt touches on his personal life, including rumors and public perceptions. Addressing the widespread speculation about his relationship with GloRilla, Matt clarifies, “That was for the video... It’s my dog,” dismissing false narratives with humor (20:37). The conversation also touches on the complexities of maintaining personal relationships amidst fame, with Matt emphasizing his need for genuine connections and support systems outside the entertainment sphere.

Future Projects and Aspirations

Looking ahead, Matt expresses enthusiasm for future roles that resonate deeply with his heritage and personal interests. He dreams of portraying figures from significant historical movements, such as Toussaint Louverture in the Haitian Revolution. “They created their own language... It’s a real Marvel superhero to Black people,” he enthuses (45:17), underscoring his commitment to roles that inspire and educate.

Conclusion

This episode of The Breakfast Club offers an insightful look into Matt Rogers’ life and career, highlighting his dedication to authentic representation, mental health advocacy, and meaningful storytelling. Through candid conversations and thoughtful reflections, Matt articulates the importance of overcoming stereotypes and embracing one’s true self in the pursuit of personal and professional fulfillment.

Notable Quotes:

• Matt Rogers (03:07): “I just started hosting it, and I started developing a love for it.”
• Matt Rogers (06:18): “I'm not trying to perpetuate this.”
• Matt Rogers (10:38): “We have to be a good representation of us because we are not looking too good.”
• Matt Rogers (21:36): “The people that were around me, they hold me accountable.”
• Matt Rogers (23:31): “When you go there, it kind of humbles you and it allows you to see yourself from a third-party perspective.”
• Matt Rogers (34:06): “If you watch art, but if it's a true story about Black people.”
• Matt Rogers (35:47): “He brought zoo animals in the club for a party... That’s a real dude.”
• Matt Rogers (20:37): “That was for the video... It’s my dog.”
• Matt Rogers (45:17): “They created their own language... It’s a real Marvel superhero to Black people.”

Final Thoughts

Matt Rogers’ interview on The Breakfast Club underscores the critical role of authentic storytelling and representation in media. His experiences and insights offer valuable perspectives on navigating the entertainment industry, advocating for mental health, and challenging long-standing stereotypes. This episode is a testament to Matt’s resilience and commitment to making a positive impact both on and off the screen.