INTERVIEW: Domani Harris Talks 'Forever Lasting Tape,' Family Ties To Music; His Passion & Fan Base, T.I. & 50 Cent Beef + More

Summary

The Breakfast Club: Domani Harris Interview – ‘Forever Lasting Tape,’ Family Legacy, Authenticity, and Finding His Own Path
Date: March 5, 2026
Hosts: DJ Envy, Jess Hilarious, Charlamagne Tha God, Angela Yee, Lauren LaRosa
Guest: Domani Harris

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Episode Overview

In this insightful and candid interview, Domani Harris joins The Breakfast Club to discuss his new EP Forever Lasting Tape, the balance between family legacy and individuality, building genuine connections with fans, and the craft of timeless music. The conversation delves into Domani’s unique artistic vision, his relationship with father T.I. and siblings, and how he navigates the pressures and perceptions tied to hip-hop royalty.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

Domani’s Creative Drive & New EP

• Candle Business and Creative Hustles

  • Domani shares he makes and sells all-natural coconut soy candles, further exemplifying his entrepreneurial spirit.

    “I make candles, bro. Yeah, I’m making them. Selling them all-natural coconut, soy. It’s pretty good.” — Domani Harris (01:01)

• The Concept Behind Forever Lasting Tape

  • The project extends from his song “Forever Lasting,” which went viral after Domani put his real phone number in the lyrics, fostering direct connection with fans.

    “It’s an extension from the song ‘Forever Lasting’ that I put out, and it went crazy. I ended up putting my phone number on it.” — Domani Harris (01:43)

• Direct Fan Engagement via His Phone Number

  • Domani confirms the number is real and describes positive interactions, highlighting the importance of authentic fan relationships.

    “It’s my real phone…people been wanting a whole project from that vibe and I just gave the people what they wanted.” — Domani Harris (02:15)

Balancing Music, Fatherhood, and Ambition

• Domani talks about fatherhood and understanding the delicate balance between providing and being present:

  “Me just having a child, more understanding that balance of being there and being a father and knowing that I gotta be away to really like provide at the same time. So that’s very important.” — Domani Harris (03:09)

Embracing (and Differentiating from) Family Legacy

• Journey into Music & Identity
  • Growing up surrounded by music through his father, T.I., Domani describes both the attraction to music and the importance of finding his own narrative.

    “Of course, that’s what naturally caught my attention and then being so close to it, seeing my father, I already look up to my father. So…that’s where the image of me wanting to do music [came from].” — Domani Harris (04:09)

  • He clarifies he never struggled with identity issues, accepting he grew up differently than his father and siblings.

    “It’s never been difficult for me to…know who I am and just…be free and feel comfortable to speak about that. I knew the way that I grew up and the way my father grew up was completely different, thank God.” — Domani Harris (05:12)

  • Domani highlights the nuances of inheriting a legacy in hip-hop, and the drive in Black families to create separate identities:

    “It’s the environment, man. I don’t think we embrace [legacy] enough. We don’t make it feel like it’s a positive thing… Really, that’s how it’s supposed to be.” — Domani Harris (09:32)

Artistic Integrity vs. Virality & Algorithm

• Introspective Style over Trends
  • Rejects the pursuit of viral moments; focuses on packaging messages in a digestible, authentic way.

    “Nah, not fighting the algorithm. It’s just about how you package it…We all want to know the same thing. We go through the same thing. But it’s about how can you package it…entertaining.” — Domani Harris (06:39)

  • On balancing artistic vision with what fans want:

    “When I’m creating, that’s 100% me. The people could tell me how they best like to digest it, but when I’m creating, that’s me.” — Domani Harris (22:34)

Real Human Fan Connections

• Describes the meaningful connections made through direct communication with fans, recounting repeat callers and authentic exchanges:

  “There’s a young lady named Chanel, and she don’t know that every time she call, I know her voice...I got a real relationship with ‘em.” — Domani Harris (11:41)

Navigating Vulnerability and Creative Process

• Vulnerability in Songwriting
  • Domani opens up about the need for honesty and courage to express real questions in his music:

    “Just being honest. I be having real questions. I don’t know that I got these questions until I hear the right beat…being fearless or comfortable enough to be vulnerable” — Domani Harris (13:44)

  • His songs often emerge from inspired “flow states” rather than overthinking.

    “It’s easier when I’m inspired and you hit that flow state, man, it’s like words just fall in place.” — Domani Harris (28:12)

Family Collaboration & Sibling Dynamics

• Working with Family

  • The siblings’ music sessions flow naturally, and while they sometimes pass on each other’s tracks, it’s not personal.

    “We understand each other and we know we don’t mean…no harm…there’s always going to be some more music at another time.” — Domani Harris (20:12)

• Each Sibling’s Unique Path

  • Every Harris sibling has carved out a distinct identity, and Domani explains how they support but don’t force collaborations.

    “We’re really close…We like real siblings. It’s tough to…look at each other like just artists." — Domani Harris (21:55)

Navigating Social Media and Mental Focus

• Describes the challenge of instant public judgment and the importance of focus:

  “Sometimes you gotta put the phone down…The love for whatever you do gotta be more powerful than everything else.” — Domani Harris (22:08)

Authenticity, Impact, and Timelessness in Music

• Defining ‘Forever Lasting’

  • For Domani, timeless art requires authenticity, substance, and a lasting connection:

    “The substance, the authenticity, just the impact...that’s the combination to make art last forever.” — Domani Harris (36:48)

  • He aspires for his art and actions to create positive memories and stories that outlive him.

• Unexpected Success of Certain Songs

  • He notes that often the most spontaneous, least-labored-over songs (“Forever Lasting,” “Henny and Crystals”) become the most successful, raising questions about the unpredictable nature of success.

    “Forever Lasting…wasn’t planned…It was a real vibe…It honestly was not thought about at all.” — Domani Harris (26:33)

On Being Compared to J. Cole & Other Lyrical Artists

• Domani welcomes comparison to writers like J. Cole, seeing it as a high compliment:

  “That’s one of the greatest compliments, for sure.” — Domani Harris (29:57)

• On “Performative” Authenticity

  • He argues that even artists in promotional mode (like J. Cole) can still be authentic.

    “That’s genuinely him…He’s just going with the flow.” — Domani Harris (31:08)

Family, Beef, and the Bigger Picture

• On Avoiding Industry Beefs
  • Domani describes his choice to avoid getting pulled into father T.I.’s or sibling King’s beefs and his dad’s free approach to their decisions.

    “He don’t want to have too much impact or push his child in a direction…So he really don’t say much.” — Domani Harris (35:07)

Inspiration & Influence

• Musical Roots
  • He's deeply studied Atlanta icons and Outkast, credited to his father’s mentorship.

    “Pops gave me all the people he felt like I should listen to. And I dove into it…The boys are so talented, bro. And I took a lot from it.” — Domani Harris (32:58)

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Memorable Quotes & Moments

• On Packaging Vs. Substance

  “A lot of times the stuff we buy in the store may not be actual good quality products, but the way that it’s packaged…so all that play a part.” — Domani Harris (30:27)

• On Artistic Confidence

  “I don’t want to sound like I got it all figured out…I ask enough questions to want to figure that. And I guess I seem like I want to figure it out. But…me asking the questions is because, I know I don’t know, though.” — Domani Harris (29:22)

• On Lasting Legacy

  “What does forever look like for you? When I’m gone, the memories, the stories about me and the things that I’ve done will still be impacting people positively. That’s forever." — Domani Harris (37:38)

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Notable Segments & Timestamps

• Beginnings, Family Hustle, and Music Roots – 04:01–06:00
• Establishing Individuality & Avoiding Identity Crisis – 04:50–06:00
• Direct Fan Interaction via Phone Number – 01:43–02:51 & 11:24–13:30
• The Making and Meaning of Forever Lasting Tape – 01:31–03:41, 13:44–14:18, 36:07–37:56
• Balancing Authenticity and the Algorithm – 06:28–07:32, 22:08–24:37
• Collaborating with Family & the Sibling Dynamic – 14:34–16:00, 20:12–21:55
• Navigating Social Media and Criticism – 21:55–26:23
• Comparisons to J. Cole and Legacy of Atlanta Hip-Hop – 29:44–32:23
• T.I./50 Cent Beef, Family Advice, and Legacy – 33:38–35:46
• Candle Business Plug & Closing Moments – 38:31–39:12

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Final Thoughts

Domani Harris’s interview showcases an artist deeply committed to authenticity, connection, and personal growth. His candidness about family, artistry, and vulnerability stands out, as does his humility in navigating both the legacy he inherits and the path he forges. The discussion is a testament to the power of honesty and the possibilities of making music that, in content and in impact, is truly forever lasting.

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For more from Domani Harris:

• Stream the Forever Lasting Tape
• Buy candles and merch at: themoneyforever.com
• Follow Domani on social media for direct engagement and updates

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[Play episode highlight: “Dreaming” feat. Key Glock] (38:32)

Transcript

[Podcast Host]

This is an iHeart podcast. Guaranteed Human.

[Wells Adams]

Hey, this is Wells Adams with By Order of the Faithfuls podcast alongside my fellow faithfuls and co hosts Tamara Judge and Dolores Catania. The three of us have been watching this season of the Traitors, and we've been inside that castle, so we have insight. Unlike many others, this season of the Traitors may be the best we've ever seen. Listen to By Order the Faithfuls on America's number one podcast network, iHeart, followed by order the Faithfuls and. And start listening on the free iHeartRadio app today.

[Damani Harris]

Hold up.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

Every day, I wake up.

[Damani Harris]

Wake your ass up.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

The Breakfast Club finished or y' all done?

[DJ Envy]

Morning, everybody. It's DJ Envy. Just hilarious. Charlemagne the guy. We are the Breakfast Club. Lauren laros is here as well. We got a special guest in the building.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

Yes, indeed.

[DJ Envy]

Damani Harris. Welcome.

[Damani Harris]

Good morning. How you feeling, brother? I'm amazing. How you.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

How you feeling, my brother? You good?

[Damani Harris]

Yeah, I'm good.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

Should I ask you about the candles again?

[Damani Harris]

Yeah, run it back. Running back.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

Damn.

[Damani Harris]

You make candles, too, man? I make candles, bro. Yeah, I'm making them. Selling them all natural coconut, soy. It's pretty good.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

What don't you do? Your dad said you the creative director, tech guy at the house. Anything Internet related? He asked you?

[Damani Harris]

Yeah. Or content related.

[DJ Envy]

He's content related.

[Damani Harris]

100%, man. I don't know. I just dive into it. I got a vision and want to see it through.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

All right. I just want y' all to know we did all of that prior, but the mic's running.

[DJ Envy]

Yeah, the mic's on, so we had to redo that. So.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

Yeah, he's good. Damani know what he doing.

[DJ Envy]

Now we start. You got a new EP out right now.

[Damani Harris]

Yeah.

[DJ Envy]

Forever lasting tape.

[Damani Harris]

Yeah.

[DJ Envy]

Talk about that. Seems like this. This. There's. There's a beta you're talking to or something that you're talking about.

[Damani Harris]

That's what they want to know, huh?

[DJ Envy]

Yeah, absolutely.

[Damani Harris]

Yeah, it's really. It's an extension from the song Forever Lasting that I put out, and it went crazy. I ended up putting my phone number on it, and people.

[DJ Envy]

That's a real number.

[Damani Harris]

Yeah.

[DJ Envy]

Jesus.

[Damani Harris]

But that. It's been going crazy, and people been wanting, like, different people on the song and a whole project from that vibe right there, and I just gave the people what they wanted, so that's what that is.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

That wasn't scratching, giving out your number like that, like taking all them calls.

[Damani Harris]

Nah, nah. It's not unbearable, is it?

[Angela Yee]

A burner phone or is it, like, your real personal number?

[Damani Harris]

Because that's my. It's my number. It's my real phone.

[Podcast Host]

Well, I feel like. I mean, so it's your real number, but, like, how are you using it to, like. Because now you pushing out the second project. Because everything that you do, you know, even before this project, feels like you're always talking directly, right. To us as, like, fans. So was that the reason for putting your number there so people could.

[Damani Harris]

Yeah, so it really wasn't a reason. It's just when I'm writing, I'm always, like, talking to someone, like you said. And it's just, like, naturally I would say, what's going on? What we doing? Okay, let's exchange information before we leave. That's what the whole situation was. And I just actually said my real number.

[Podcast Host]

So on this tape. I know. I mean, obviously you're talking about a woman throughout the whole tape, but also, it feels like you're also writing a letter to, like, you chasing your dreams a bit. Put the two of those together for me and talk about your love for whoever this lady is and how she supports you in what you're doing right now.

[Damani Harris]

Yeah, I feel like we need that, man. And me just having a child more, understanding that balance of being there and being a father and knowing that I gotta be away to really, like, provide at the same time. So that's very important. That's just my life, man. That's just what I've been into. That's what I've been seeing, and it just naturally spills into the music. Sometimes I don't even know the picture that I'm painting until I sit back and I listen to it or I look at it. So, yeah, that was a great question, though.

[DJ Envy]

I wanna go back, if you don't mind.

[Damani Harris]

Right.

[DJ Envy]

The first time that we seen you was the Family Hustle, Right? Family reality show. What made you wanna jump into music? Right. Cause I remember one time on the Family Hustle, your dad didn't want, really, any of y' all to go into music. He didn't want y' all in the entertainment. What put you in music. And when did you realize you were good at music?

[Damani Harris]

So I would say I wanted to do it because it was definitely just around me, and I felt like.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

It's in your blood.

[Damani Harris]

Yeah.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

Literally. Yeah.

[Damani Harris]

Yeah. And I felt like, probably like, how a lot of kids feel. They see a rapper or artist or a celebrity on TV and they see the lifestyle and what it looks like. Of course, that's what naturally caught My attention and then being so close to it, seeing my father, I already look up to my father. So I would say that's where the spark came from, and that's where the image of me wanting to do music but when I, like, learned more about it and really found myself and knew that I wanted to do it is when I started to tell my story and really express myself and started answering some of the questions that I had in my head through the music. And then people would come to tell me, like, it helped them as well. So I was like, yeah, that's definitely what I want to do.

[DJ Envy]

Did you ever chase. I'm sorry, an identity issue? Because, like, your dad is so street, right? And you grew up listening to that, and they said, you know, some of the people you love is HOV is Kendrick is 103,000, but you're not from that same place. Did you ever have that say, like, damn, I love this music, but I'm not that. Well, they love that. The people that love my dad. Did you ever have that issue or identity?

[Damani Harris]

I really don't think I did, man. It's never been difficult for me to really, like, know who I am and just. Just be free and feel comfortable to speak about that. Like, I knew the way that I grew up and the way my father grew up was completely different, thank God, right? But, yeah, I definitely knew that I was completely different. And it wasn't that I was into different stuff, man. I was creative. I was drawing, painting, building stuff. Like, I was distracted with stuff like that, so I wasn't even worried about that.

[Angela Yee]

Was there ever any pressure for you to sound like Atlanta or sound like your dad? You know what I mean? In music, when you first got into music, do people want to hear little tip?

[Damani Harris]

I was so young, I probably didn't even think about it like that, for real. It wasn't until I got older to really understand and sit back and look at it from that perspective to realize, dang, the people probably did want me to come like this, but I was already established in my own situation. So it's just me being young and just the love for music and creating driving that. So, yeah, you know, a lot of

[Charlamagne Tha God]

artists nowadays, they chase going viral, but when I listen to your music, it always feels introspective, right? Like, do you ever feel like, you know, your substance is fighting. Fighting the algorithm?

[Damani Harris]

Nah, nah, not fighting the algorithm. It's just about how you package it, man. You could. Because everyone. We all got the same questions a lot of times, and we all want to know the same thing. We go through the same thing. But it's just about how can you package it to where it could be. It could be like good on the eye to people or entertaining.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

Digestible.

[Damani Harris]

Digestible. That's what it's all about. So even if something seems like it's not working for me, I just try to figure out a different angle to package it.

[Podcast Host]

And I feel like to what he's saying, your stuff does that. Even though it's not like the super like Tick Tocky, like it's a vibe and you have to catch it. But I remember one of your songs I heard for the first time it was all over Tick tock because people just, it was such a energy, especially with the ladies. So you have those moments naturally anyway. So you do. I don't think there's no struggle there, really. Like it's happening already.

[Damani Harris]

Yeah. And then it's. I'm really just always talking to. I don't think I ever give off. Like I'm trying to be mainstream or just trying to just blow up. I'm really just having a conversation a lot of times and I'm talking to like one person.

[Podcast Host]

So in 2017 you did the constellation and then now we're all these years later, what's the conversation you were having with yourself then that is so different now when you're putting out music.

[Damani Harris]

I think I was. I mean I'm still figuring it out now, but I was definitely figuring it out. And man, I was doing everything I would say to get away from my father, to get away from my last name or just that idea in general. And that's just. I was just hard headed. But it worked like it. I mean it pushed me to learn different things about myself and music and it helped me figure out my own stuff. And that's the first. I'm saying this because that's the first thing that popped in my head when you asked me that question. Now I feel like I'm like I'm around my family. Like I don't feel like it will hinder my career. Like and that's a, that's a beautiful thing. So I could say that's what I learned. And that's the difference.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

Now it's interesting that every single one of y' all have your own distinct identities. You, your brother King was Buddy King, like all of y'. All. But it's totally different.

[DJ Envy]

Totally different.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

Totally different. Even different from what your pops is doing.

[Damani Harris]

You know what's crazy?

[DJ Envy]

I was gonna ask, you know, even with that it's always strange to me, especially in our community, that I feel like the kids and the juniors run away from their family's name. Like they want to create their own identity. But then when you look at some other cultures, sometimes it's like they take it more like, yeah, that's my dad. Yeah, but why is that? You feel like people would judge you, they would listen to your music. Why was that that you wanted to run away from that name at first?

[Damani Harris]

It's the environment, I would say, because I don't think that's a natural feeling. Like you should. A kid should want to be like their parents.

[DJ Envy]

Absolutely.

[Damani Harris]

Look like their parents be like doing the same thing. I think it's the environment, man. I don't think we. I don't think we embrace that enough. We don't make it feel like it's a positive thing. Make it feel like you don't deserve that. That didn't come from you. That came from them. Really. That's how it's supposed to be. So.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

Yeah, but you're still your own man. I mean, it's like if I sat down in the interview, regardless if that's my father or not, I don't want to be asked 20 minutes of questions about my father. You know what I'm saying?

[Damani Harris]

Right, right.

[DJ Envy]

It's gonna happen regardless though, for a while. Your lineage. Yes, for a while.

[Damani Harris]

Yeah, absolutely. Like get what you're saying with the

[Charlamagne Tha God]

forever lasting tape, right? Like we live in this era where music just disappears. Like it comes and goes, right? Like what makes something forever now? Is it. Is it the art or the impact the art makes?

[Damani Harris]

I would say both. It's the art, the impact and the. The connection that the. The connection that it has on the people. Like, like I said, my phone number's on it. So it's not. It's a little bit more 3D. Like it's not just one dimensional or it done been times where it's not out, right. It's not out anymore. But I put an address out somewhere and it's like stuff like that where it's just bigger than the music. It definitely makes it last forever. And then the substance too, though, I

[Angela Yee]

love that, yo, because growing up, I thought I was really calling Mike Jones. I thought I was Trey songs on

[Podcast Host]

Kiss Me through the phone. And you still remember the number?

[Angela Yee]

Yes.

[Damani Harris]

That must be his number though.

[Angela Yee]

And it was a wrong ass number. That's what I'm saying.

[Podcast Host]

It wasn't their number.

[Angela Yee]

I wasn't calling Mike Jones. You know what I Mean, but now that I know I can call you, that's good. Yeah, that's good. This is the truth. This is your real number, and it's

[Damani Harris]

been good calls, man. I don't get nothing negative. I think that's what a lot of people be asking. What's the craziest thing people don't say? I be having good, good vibes on my end, man.

[Angela Yee]

Is it weird, though, even if it's not negative, you ever get a weird call or a person that just keep calling you, like, keep.

[Damani Harris]

Keep.

[Angela Yee]

Same number?

[Damani Harris]

Yeah, I do, for sure. It's a young lady named Chanel, and she don't know that every time she call, I know her voice. Even if I don't say her number or she changed her number, I know her voice. She keeps saying this, Chanel. I said, I know Chanel. What's up? She gonna keep. I really have a real relationship, and I be locking numbers in and letting people know, like, if I'm. If I remember and I tell them, I'll let you know when I'm in the city, if I got something going on, even if I'm just chilling, I got a real relationship with him. Yeah.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

What do you think the energetic connection is with somebody like Chanel? Like, how do you. Because just the fact that you remembered

[DJ Envy]

her like that, like, Chanel gonna call every day.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

Oh, you gotta call every day. What do you think it is?

[Damani Harris]

What do I think it is that caused her to.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

Yeah, like, just the fact that you even remember her. And I know you said the voice, but what else have y' all had? Like, conversations.

[Damani Harris]

Yeah, conversations. We'll have conversations. Just regular ways we remember people, man. She might tell me where she from or what she did. And definitely her continuing to call and us having more conversations helped as well.

[Angela Yee]

I think it's dope because it's a real human connection. You don't really. That's what I feel like is lost now. Everything is just. It's not. It's no human connection. Right. So what are the conversations like without, you know, obviously telling somebody business, but is it more like enlightenment that you're giving them or. You know what I mean? People calling you stressed out, you know, when you just providing clarity for where they going in life, like, what it'll

[Damani Harris]

be some of that too? Mainly they really just shocked and want to see if the number's real. That's majority of the calls. It's like, oh, I was just trying to see if this was real, man.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

All right.

[Damani Harris]

Respect, man. All right. Have a good one.

[Podcast Host]

Right?

[Damani Harris]

Bet. For sure.

[Angela Yee]

Cause they nervous. They don't know what to say.

[Damani Harris]

Yeah. A lot of times they'll call and I say, hey, and they hang up. They just really trying to see the number real.

[Podcast Host]

Yeah.

[Damani Harris]

But the few people that I actually have a conversation with, it's all positive.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

What's some of the hardest internal battles you gotta face when you making music? Especially this tape. Foreverlasting tape.

[Damani Harris]

I would say just being honest. Being honest. Cause I be having real questions. And it seemed like I don't know that I got these questions until I hear the right beat. You know what I'm saying? And then I really ask myself the question, and I. Give me some time to really give a. Give a real answer. I would say that. And then being fearless or comfortable enough to be vulnerable to have that conversation. No one, no matter who's in the room.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

Do you have to have answers at your age, or do I? Not even just at your age, period. Like, you always have to have answers.

[Damani Harris]

That's a crazy question. I mean, because even the answers may not be the answer. That's right. So it's like, I think it's healthy to poke and try to see what's what. I think we learn when we ask questions. But, yeah, the answers may not be

[DJ Envy]

the answers, you know, with all of your family members pretty much inclined to music, do y' all bounce ideas off each other all the time? Do y' all play each other's records? I've seen one video with King. He was trying to get you on the record, and you was curving them. You was serving him in it. Did he ever get that record, by the way?

[Charlamagne Tha God]

Damn.

[Damani Harris]

Nah, we see the record is done.

[DJ Envy]

Okay.

[Damani Harris]

That whole thing was. We was really just hanging out, man. And, you know, we grown now. We got kids, so it's like the only time we really see each other is at the studio and a lot of times surrounding the music. So I'm, like, him hanging around me a little bit more just because he thinks that that's what it's gonna get. The first, the verse is done, song is done. You know what I'm saying? What we want to do, but we were just really just enjoying each other's time. That's how I was looking at it. Like, we was. We went to WrestleMania, WWE thing. We went to the Hawks game. We were just kicking it. He thinking, like, I'm telling him. Yeah, man. I'm just trying to get inspired. Really, man. We just hanging out. Yeah, for sure. Yeah.

[Angela Yee]

What's up with Major? I feel like he the one that's out the way. We don't really see him like that.

[Damani Harris]

Yeah, he's out the way for sure. He. But that's the. That's just him, man. But right now he's. He's acting and he's. He's doing. He's doing plays right now.

[Angela Yee]

That's dope. So he not into the music at all. He don't wanna.

[Damani Harris]

Nah, not right now.

[Podcast Host]

Gotcha. I saw your dad, I saw TI talk about how, like, the studio has always been yalls home. And I hear you say that y' all just be chilling in the studio. So when you guys are in the studio and something like that happens where, like, y' all wanna create a song or like, whatever the case may be when you don't want to put a verse on something. So say if you were like, no, I don't want to do this. I know y' all. Big brother, little brother. Like, is it an issue when you're like, I don't want to be on this record?

[Damani Harris]

Nah. I really feel like we.

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[DJ Envy]

Instagram teen accounts have automatic protections on by default, built in content settings for the content teens can see, contact limits for who can contact them, and time management tools like daily time limits and sleep mode. Teens are automatically placed into teen accounts, and teens under 16 will need a parent's permission to change any of these settings. To be less strict, Instagram will continue adding built in safety features to help create age appropriate experiences. Learn more about teen accounts and Instagram's ongoing work to protect teens [e-mail] teenaccounts what up, everybody? It's DJ Emmy from the Breakfast Club. Now you know me and my wife, married 24 years and together over 30. And yes, we still speak on the phone every day. I mean the early days I didn't have a cell phone. I couldn't afford a cell phone and the cell phones were like of a, a man's purse. But anyway, I love speaking to my wife over the phone. People say we talk too much, but that's my best friend. Why shouldn't we be able to talk all the time, all day long? 24, 7. But did you know that 2026 will mark the 150th anniversary of the first ever phone call. It took place March 10, 1876. And that call sparked it all for the first long distance phone lines, the first lines across America, the first line across the Atlantic, the first, the first round the world called, the first commercial cell Service, the first 911 system. AT&T has been connecting people for 150 years in so many different ways. Thank God we have cell phones. I can connect to my moms, my pops, and my whole family. Thank you.

[Podcast Host]

AT&T connecting changes everything.

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[Wells Adams]

Hey, this is Wells Adams with By Order of the Faithfuls podcast alongside my fellow faithfuls and co hosts Tamara Judge and Dolores Catania. The three of us have been watching this season of the Traders and we've been inside that castle. So we have insight. Unlike many others, this season of the Traders may be the best we've ever seen. Listen to by order the Faithfuls on America's number one podcast network, I heart Follow by order the Faithfuls and start listening on the free iHeartRadio app today.

[Damani Harris]

We understand each other. We understand each other and we know we don't mean no. We don't mean no harm. We don't got no bad intentions. It's not like we really just probably don't feel it and it just be like that sometimes and there's nothing wrong with that. And it's always going to be some more music in Another time. But no, we not like, why you not doing it? You'll do it for other people. Nah, we not like that. Cause I tell other people no too, though.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

What makes you say no shit?

[Damani Harris]

Don't vibe.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

Damn king.

[Damani Harris]

Don't.

[Podcast Host]

Nah, somebody king like a king, right?

[Charlamagne Tha God]

No, I meant like.

[Podcast Host]

Cause you didn't.

[Damani Harris]

No, he did directly, but he didn't

[Charlamagne Tha God]

do it at first.

[Damani Harris]

It took him a four time. He thought I didn't do it at first.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

Oh, got you, Got you.

[Damani Harris]

Yeah, we're just hanging out. Cause I'm like, nah, man, this is how I get my inspiration.

[Podcast Host]

Yeah, but you just wanted to spend time, it seems like. And the reason why I asked you that is because we've watched all of you guys, like, on television, literally in your relationships develop and stuff like that. So I don't know, it seemed like there was a lesson in there that you were trying to teach him about just spending time or something. That 100.

[Damani Harris]

That's where the real inspiration come from.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

You think it ever gets like that? That's very interesting what you're saying. Do you ever think it gets like that with siblings and family, where you start looking at each other like the artist as opposed to being like you, my brother? Like, just kick it. Don't look at me as a. As an artist. You just want to feature from.

[Damani Harris]

I don't think we. I've never looked at us like that. It's hard to do, man. We didn't grow up. We like real siblings. It's tough to. To have that, like, unless we just been away for a long time. Maybe I could see that. But, man, that's tough. We. We really. Man, we're really close. So. So I don't see that happening.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

And it's interesting, man. Like, your generation grew up watching the Internet judge everything in real time. So how do you stay creative when every opinion is instantly in your face?

[Damani Harris]

Sometimes you gotta put the phone down. But then it's like just knowing. Staying focused, man. Staying focused. And the love for whatever you do gotta be more powerful than everything else. And I feel like once you know what you love to do, the actions will show and it's gonna be hard to get thrown off. For real. For real.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

How much. How much of the feedback do you take in from just social media?

[Damani Harris]

That's a great question. That's a great question. Because in the music business, it's like, you are of service, but at the same time, you gotta make sure the best art comes from a real place, from you. So I like to separate the Two. And like, I was talking about packaging earlier. I think about whatever I want to do creatively. I don't think about no one else. That's me, how I want to package it, how I want to package it and deliver it. The people could tell me how they best like to digest it, but when I'm creating, that's 100% me. And I think that balance is. Has been working for me. I think that's. That's. That's a great balance for just creating and selling art in general.

[Podcast Host]

You know, I think a lot of people, especially young people, like, it's hard for us to figure out that balance of, like, it's authenticity, but then it's also adding the art, but also knowing kind of what people want to hear, but not really caring what they want to hear either. So, like, when. So, like, when Ms. Jackson, when that dropped, right, there was a lot of people, I feel like, who were having a conversation with me about you, and I'm like, y' all didn't been know. He's like that. He's been dope like that. But I think because at the time, everything that was going on with your family was so big, it made people go down this rabbit hole of Damani. So there was the balance there of, like, it's art, it's creative, it's from a real place, but, like, it's also dope, like, the flips that you did in there, like, everything like that, and a lot of people can't do that.

[Damani Harris]

I appreciate it.

[Podcast Host]

Do you feel like that? Did you feel that, though? Like, there were people who were discovering you in real time again from that?

[Damani Harris]

Yeah, I was seeing people say that, and it just like you said, I also seen people responding, like, nah, he been doing this. That's what he been doing. And sometimes it takes. Sometimes you don't know where the blessings come from. And sometimes it takes some stuff you never thought of to have you in a better position. But, you know, all we do is make best use of what we got and. And hope for the best, I think.

[DJ Envy]

I think that record opened him up to people that might not have known who he was. Right. Cause it's like anything else. The first time you talked about Damani was that record, you know what I mean? And the same thing with media and press. So it gave people a light to who he was. And once you go down the rabbit hole, you be like, oh, this depends, though.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

You got somebody like Nyla who always been talking about it, of course, Shout

[Damani Harris]

out to Nyla, you know what I'm saying.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

But that's your age group.

[Damani Harris]

So Nyla, cool. She got a good. She got a good taste of music.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

When you. When you. When do you protect. What do you do to protect your piece in a. In an industry that just profits off chaos?

[Damani Harris]

Stay focused. Stay focused and stay around family. Have a. Have a strong circle around you. It's hard to, Like, I'm gonna keep saying. It's hard to get thrown off, man. When you. When you focus on what you love to do, you gotta. You got a good team around you, so just stay focused. Whenever you confused, man, write about it or stay focused.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

What confuses you more that the expectations people may have you because of your last name. Our criticism from social media are actual success,

[Damani Harris]

maybe success. I could say success. Especially if you see success come from something you didn't expect. Like, you know, well, from an artist standpoint, it'll be times where we pour so much into one song or one project and it doesn't translate well, and then it's throw away. Just some stuff I was playing around with just blows up. It's like, dang, so do I need to just not take any of this serious and just play around the whole time? It's like, that could confuse you, but that's when it's important to just stay focused, man. Keep. Keep doing that and find how to have fun at the same time.

[Podcast Host]

What was an example of that? Because all your songs feel very intentional. So what, like, what was in it? What do you think was like a throwaway? And it went crazy. But then there was something you, like, spent so much time on, believe it

[Damani Harris]

or not, Forever lasting. Forever. Forever lasting. And Henny and Crystals, but forever lasting. That wasn't planned. That was the first beat we heard that night. We was like, all right, pull it up. Said he went in the booth. That was the first thing he said. We was just having a good time. It was a real vibe. Then I ran into DC that same time we was recording the song, and it was just like it wasn't thought about at all. Even me putting the phone number, it honestly was not thought about at all. I didn't think it was gonna drive everything. Nah. So compared to some things where it took me weeks, months, you know, I mean, maybe plus to write, to really pour a lot into. It's like that didn't get as near as much success as this. That just took a day. So that could be confusing.

[Podcast Host]

Henny and Crystals was like a fast one too.

[Damani Harris]

Henny and Chris was fast too, man.

[Podcast Host]

That was a Big moment for you. Even have a candle named after the project.

[Damani Harris]

Yeah. And then crystals was fast. Same same thing. For real. I was in the studio, my friends was. We was joking, talking about. So I'm into crystals and stuff like that. And every time a girl mentioned something about a zodiac or got a bracelet or crystal on, she like crystals. So then I just naturally was like, she like, ain't in crystals because she drank and she like. And she like this. And it just. I finished that song that night.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

So is it easier to write when you're inspired or like. I guess I don't know if you overthinking something, like, what's easier? Like. Like when it hits you in that moment or when you spend a week

[Damani Harris]

or two or something easier when I'm inspired and. And you hit that flow state. When you inspire, you hit that flow state, man, it's like words just fall in place. And it's a magical, beautiful moment. And that's what happens a lot of times, man, when you catch that, then that's crazy. And then when people come ask me, like, where did this come from? And I'd be really wanting to give them a real answer, but I'm like, bro, I really don't know. You know what I'm saying? Like, some stuff just fall in place and I could feel something and wanna. Wanna get it across and the words just come together like that. So it's crazy.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

Cause earlier in the interview, you said you still trying to figure. Figure things out. Like, you sound like you got it all figured out.

[Podcast Host]

I'm so surprised to hear you say that.

[Damani Harris]

I apologize for that. I don't wanna sound like I got it figured out.

[Podcast Host]

So, I mean, that's an honest feeling to feel like that. But from a viewer's perspective, I. Because even when they were asking you, like, have you ever been confused about your sound? I feel like you've always been like,

[Charlamagne Tha God]

you sound very sure about who you are.

[Podcast Host]

You are.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

Yeah.

[Podcast Host]

Like. And I think that that's what's so. And I think that's why it resonates with people too, because it is so different than what, you know, TI has done or whatever. But you're very sure. And you're also really good at it. So.

[Damani Harris]

Yeah, I appreciate that. I don't want to sound like I got it all figured out or I'm definitely don't want to sound like that. I think I'm just open and I ask enough questions to. To want to figure that. And I guess I seem like I want to figure it out. But, yeah, me asking the questions is because. I know. I don't know, though.

[Podcast Host]

Does it? Because now people are having conversations about you and you being like, kind of like where J. Cole was and being like the new, like, version of that. Does that conversation bother you? Do you care for it?

[DJ Envy]

Do you like that comparison?

[Podcast Host]

Yeah.

[Damani Harris]

I was about to say that's crazy because you say where he was. I feel like he's one of the dopest writers right now. He's got one of the craziest pens right now to this day is you said, how do I feel about that comparison? I feel like it's a compliment because that's how I feel about him. And if people compare me to that, I'm like, yeah, that's. That's the. One of the greatest compliments, for sure.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

You think authenticity still wins or. You got to be like a character actor in this. This era.

[Damani Harris]

It's really like the perfect pack, and you just gotta have the perfect packaging, man. For real. It's like, a lot of times the stuff we buy in the store, like, may not be actual good quality products, but the way that it's packaged.

[Angela Yee]

Yeah, very enticing.

[Damani Harris]

Right? You want it with the level of the shelf is on the commercial. You seen who you heard talk about it.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

So.

[Damani Harris]

So all that play a part.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

You made me think about it with the Cole thing. Right. Cause everybody felt like Cole was being performative. Not everybody, but there was people who felt like Cole was being performative driving around in the Honda.

[Damani Harris]

Oh, okay.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

But I'm like, if your album drops and you out there promoting. Promoting it, there's gonna be a level of performance to whatever it is you're doing, man.

[Damani Harris]

That's genuinely him. I'm telling you. The money.

[Angela Yee]

The money.

[Damani Harris]

The car broke down because he was driving it.

[Podcast Host]

They made a video at the auto car shop.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

He did, yeah.

[Damani Harris]

That's genuinely him, though. He's really not. He's not putting. This is my. I'm not that close. This is what I take from it. He's not putting too much thought on it. He's just going with the flow. Even when he came to Atlanta, like, he was trying to figure out what to do that day. Like, it's not like he's planned out, mapped out. No. I was like, shoot, you can go here. You can go here.

[Podcast Host]

Oh, he called you, like, hey, what should I.

[Damani Harris]

Not him personally.

[Angela Yee]

Well, it's not out there now.

[Damani Harris]

Well, nah, we got. We communicate. But that time, he didn't call me personally.

[Podcast Host]

Got you.

[Damani Harris]

But, yeah, he just Putting it together and just doing exactly what he. I guess what he feel like he always wanted to do. But, yeah, he really. Just chilling.

[Podcast Host]

I just think it's like a big nod to, like, your pin. But also you talk about packaging, how you put things together, because it's like you get people there and then they get to really get engulfed in, like, how lyrical you are. And people always have the conversation about whether conscious music works in today, especially across the mainstream. So to see you as a new artist break through how it's beginning to happen, I just think it's fire.

[Damani Harris]

Appreciate that. I really don't think about it like that, for real. I'm not like the conscious. I don't even know what that is. You know what I'm saying? The conscious music. But I appreciate. I appreciate everything. Like, I understand that when people make those comparisons, like J. Cole, Andre, etc, then I understand. Okay, I get it now. But, yeah, man, I'm just grateful you ever.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

I know. I know somebody had to put you on the old, old organized noise, like the good and the old Outcast albums. You ever did a deep dive on all that?

[Damani Harris]

Yeah, Pops. Pops gave me Auto. He gave me all the people he felt like I should listen to. And I dove into it, man, just because I just loved music. I could have ignored him, but now I dove into it and I understood it. I understood it and I just. The boys are so talented, bro. And I took a lot from it.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

I feel like you and Jid and Marco plus would make some amazing music together. Y' all ever been in the studio together?

[Damani Harris]

Not all together. Me and Marco, we got some music, though. We need some more. I don't have none with Jit, but I feel like it's on the way. Yeah, there's some dope people, though.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

Oh, no, Marco. Marco is phenomenal. Like, he's phenomenal. I saw TI Talking about how he didn't want you. He basically didn't want you jumping into beef, so to speak.

[Damani Harris]

Right.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

And.

[Podcast Host]

And King as well.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

Yes, and King as well. And talking about 50s mom. What. What did you. What was those conversations like now?

[Damani Harris]

We didn't really have a conversation or

[Charlamagne Tha God]

you didn't even ask him.

[Damani Harris]

You just went. Because he probably would have told. He probably would have had some input. Then I would have to choose to ignore him or go my own route. So I just put it out just because I felt like somebody told me, like, this is too good. Like, this is too good to not put out. I just do it because this how I felt. This was on my Mind, this is how I express myself. And it could just be like that, and it could just stay on the hard drive. I don't even gotta hear it again. I just needed to get it out. But he was telling me, like, yeah, you need to put it out. That don't need to just stay on the drive. And I just listened to them, honestly.

[Podcast Host]

So once he heard it, he calls you and then. Are y' all together when he hears it? Like, how did. What's the.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

He heard it, like, how we heard it.

[Damani Harris]

Yeah.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

You can't be doing that.

[Damani Harris]

You can't be doing.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

You cannot be doing things. I know. He was like, that is not protocol.

[Podcast Host]

It was too good not to put out the. Though it was really how you did it. But what does dad like as. Not as ti music as dad? What does he call you and say, you know, man to man at this point,

[Damani Harris]

man, he's a father. So now I understand it, and I understand why he picks and choose when and what to say and how much to say, because he don't want to have too much impact or push his child in a direction that I naturally wouldn't want to go into. So he really don't say much. But I hear people tell me what he say. You know what I'm saying? But, yeah, I know for a fact he said, yeah, we don't gotta do. It's over with now. And I was like, okay, bet. Let's do it.

[Podcast Host]

And so your mom says she feels like she gave birth to her own Jackson 5 because of how y' all came. And everybody had such talented verses and stuff like that.

[Damani Harris]

You know, Tiny, my stepmom.

[Podcast Host]

Oh, I'm sorry. No, I didn't.

[Damani Harris]

I'm sorry.

[Podcast Host]

Okay. Yeah.

[Damani Harris]

But, yeah, that is true, man. I've heard that before because we are so talented, and it's really just the beginning. So. Yeah.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

When you talk about forever lasting.

[Damani Harris]

Right.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

Are you talking about music that age as well or a mindset that survives the industry? Because I feel like you focus on mindset a lot. Or a love. A love of what?

[DJ Envy]

Cause almost every song, the songs are.

[Angela Yee]

Seem like you're talking about, but they're.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

Are you talking about music, too?

[Podcast Host]

Yeah, it's. It's.

[Damani Harris]

Yeah. And. Well, in that. In that case, the song is about making the love last forever. You were saying?

[Charlamagne Tha God]

I'm talking about music.

[Damani Harris]

Yeah, you were saying?

[Charlamagne Tha God]

I'm saying, like, are you talking about music that ages well or a mindset that. That. That will help you survive the industry forever?

[Damani Harris]

Yeah, it's really just about Just making timeless, timeless art. You saying, what do I feel like makes art timeless? The substance, the authenticity, just the impact. And, yeah, I believe that's those. That's the combination to make art lasts forever for sure.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

Do you have those kind now? Those are the kind of conversations I can see you having with your. Your pops, because he's been around a

[Damani Harris]

long time by asking him, yeah, how do you.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

How do you stay. I don't even know if there's a phone. I don't know if you can even ask that question. How do you. You can ask it. How do you stay around forever? But it won't be the same for everybody.

[Damani Harris]

Yeah, you're right. It won't be the same for everybody. But some stuff fizzle out way faster than others. Yeah.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

Yeah.

[Damani Harris]

So it's. So it's definitely a real thing. For sure. What does forever look like for you when I'm gone? The memories, the stories about me and the things that I've done will still be impacting people positively. That's forever.

[DJ Envy]

All right, well, Damonic, we appreciate you for joining us, man.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

I got a whisper because he.

[Damani Harris]

Whispering, man.

[DJ Envy]

I didn't want to get hyped. It just felt like the move put

[Podcast Host]

you in the way.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

Choir, I'm so glad that you could join us.

[Damani Harris]

Let's play a record.

[Podcast Host]

Tell them, too, about the website where they can get the candle since we talked so much about it.

[DJ Envy]

And what, you want to play up the EP too?

[Damani Harris]

N. Cuz I'm think. Cuz they did just say speak up louder.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

You can't help it. That's who you are. I just don't know why he did that.

[Angela Yee]

Trying to match the vibe.

[DJ Envy]

That's right.

[Damani Harris]

What you want here?

[DJ Envy]

Down, brother.

[Damani Harris]

The song. Let's do. Let's do Dreaming featuring Key Glock.

[DJ Envy]

Okay, here we go. It's Dreaming featuring Key Glock. Don't forget, pick up the.

[Damani Harris]

Well, I was gonna say pick it

[DJ Envy]

up, but check out the EP for

[Damani Harris]

everlasting tape and the candles, the moneyforever.com. or you can just go on my social media and ask me where to get the candles. I'm gonna DM you the link.

[DJ Envy]

Okay.

[Angela Yee]

I'm gonna call you to get the. The candles.

[Damani Harris]

Yeah.

[Angela Yee]

Because I got you up in there.

[Damani Harris]

Call me.

[Angela Yee]

There you go.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

This is a silly question, but I always think about this right when TI did it ain't about the money. Did you ever walk about around the house and fuck with your siblings? Like, if it ain't about the money.

[Damani Harris]

No,

[DJ Envy]

it's the money.

[Angela Yee]

Harris.

[Damani Harris]

It's the Breakfast Club.

[DJ Envy]

Good morning.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

Hold up. Every day I wake up.

[Damani Harris]

Wake your ass up.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

The Breakfast Club.

[Podcast Host]

This is an iHeart podcast. Guaranteed Human.