INTERVIEW: Jekalyn Carr Talks New ‘Legends’ Album, Gospel Music, Faith In God, Fashion Criticism + More

Summary

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The Breakfast Club – Interview with Jekalyn Carr

Episode Overview

On this episode of The Breakfast Club (Nov 7, 2025), hosts DJ Envy, Jess Hilarious, Charlamagne Tha God, and Lorn LaRosa sit down with celebrated gospel artist Jekalyn Carr. The conversation centers around Jekalyn’s new album Legends, her decade-plus in gospel music, navigating criticism, maintaining faith, honoring gospel icons, and balancing artistry with independence and authenticity.

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Main Topics & Key Insights

1. The ‘Legends’ Album: Purpose and Process

• Tribute to Gospel Legends:
  Jekalyn’s new album, Legends, features collaborations with foundational figures in gospel. She discusses why she chose to honor these artists and how she incorporated them.

  “I think that these people are just huge staples in not just gospel, but in music, period. The blueprint. And it’s just time to honor them and to let them know that we appreciate them. I believe that what you honor will honor you.”
  — Jekalyn Carr (03:55)

• Selecting Collaborators:
  Jekalyn shares her personal process for determining “legend” status and pairing artists with songs.

  “I study my songs, so I have to hear who I hear on the song versus just putting someone on there… There’s constantly legends being raised up, too.”
  — Jekalyn Carr (03:55)

2. Early Career, Family Roots, and Faith

• Musical Upbringing:
  Jekalyn describes her early start in gospel, crediting her family and pivotal moments, such as her appearance on Dr. Bobby Jones’ show at age 7.

  “My life is literally a miracle. It was a faith walk. But, you know, it’s been a family thing since the beginning. They saw my gift, worked it, cultivated it, and I am where I am today.”
  — Jekalyn Carr (05:47)

• Sacrifice and Faith:
  Her father quit his job to manage her full-time, a leap of faith that shaped her path.

• Childhood Balance:
  Despite touring and professional demands, her family ensured a “very balanced life,” including homeschooling, modeling, and “playing with dolls.”
  — (07:01-07:36)

3. Fashion, Criticism, and Authenticity

• Facing Fashion Critique:
  As a young, stylish gospel artist and entrepreneur, Jekalyn discusses public scrutiny over her appearance and fashion choices.

  “If I’m not offending God, then, you know, I don’t see the issue in that… I think people need to see that it’s okay for you to love God and look good at the same time.”
  — Jekalyn Carr (08:05)

• Maintaining Class and Individuality:
  She stands firm in her personal style and refuses negative voices, emphasizing self-acceptance and confidence.

4. Bridging Generations in Gospel

• Innovating While Honoring Tradition:
  Jekalyn discusses updating the classic gospel sound—sometimes inviting legends “out of the box”—while infusing new energy and collaborating across age groups.

  “The goal was…also making sure that the world know these people still have it.”
  — Jekalyn Carr (09:39)

• Advice to Next Generation:

  “I want them to continue to…honor those that are the forerunners, those who have been the blueprint in gospel music…also grab a hold of the messages. This album…is orchestrated to help you get to a place of happiness, a place of wholeness…”
  — Jekalyn Carr (28:53)

5. Independence & Protecting One’s Brand

• Staying Independent:
  Jekalyn has turned down major deals to retain control over her career and musical message.

  “For me, not everything is about a business move…at the end of the day, I keep the people in the forefront of my mind and what they need.”
  — Jekalyn Carr (13:24)

• Not Motivated by Money Alone:

  “I ain’t never really been money happy…I’m a money magnet…money answers to me.”
  — Jekalyn Carr (14:14)

6. Faith, Waiting, and Growth

• Faith in God’s Timing:
  The hosts and Jekalyn reflect on patience, resilience, and trusting God through difficult seasons.

  “He has to build us in the process to ensure that we get it and we keep it.”
  — Jekalyn Carr (15:49)

• Dealing With Doubt:
  She keeps an authentic support system and applies the encouragement in her own music to herself.

  "Everything I tell y’all to do in my songs, I do it myself."
  — Jekalyn Carr (16:50)

• On Prayer & Imperfection:
  Jekalyn stresses honesty in prayer, vulnerability, and rejecting pressure to be “perfect.”

  "People think God is so complicated. He’s not. He knows everything about [you]. Just talk to him and let him know how you’re feeling."
  — Jekalyn Carr (31:56)

7. Navigating Public Life & Relationships

• Protecting Privacy:
  After a public breakup, Jekalyn reflects on lessons learned about privacy and emotional maturity.

  “I learned to just protect my privacy even more…you can cut down on [drama] when you just protect it.”
  — Jekalyn Carr (27:02)

• Responding to Criticism and Online Noise:
  She emphasizes laughing off unwarranted criticism and focusing on positivity.

  “If I just so happen to see it or hear it, I look at it, I laugh…People are entitled to their own opinions and you have to be okay with that.”
  — Jekalyn Carr (18:00)

8. Music, Messages, and Personal Favorites

• Power of Music:
  On her single “He Don’t Miss,” Jekalyn explains its roots in unwavering confidence in God’s consistency.
  — (14:55)
• Favorite Gospel Songs:
  She lists classic hymns as her all-time favorites: “Amazing Grace,” “The Blood,” “There’s Not A Friend.”
  — (36:01)
• The Song “I Break”:
  Before playing her track “I Break,” Jekalyn shares its purpose as a song of liberation from negative cycles and generational curses.

  “You have to make the choice to break that so that you can walk into your full potential and be where you’re supposed to be in life. Forgive yourself. Forgive yourself.”
  — Jekalyn Carr (37:06)

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Notable Moments & Quotes

• On Mount Rushmore of Gospel:

  “There’s so many. You have Pastor Shirley. You have the Clark Sisters, Donna Lawrence, Kirk Carr, Kirk Franklin. I mean, the list goes on and on…”
  — Jekalyn Carr (04:34)

• On Confidence and Body Positivity:

  “It has nothing to do with your body shape… If you look good, you just look good.”
  — Jekalyn Carr (08:05)

• On Criticism:

  “I don’t bring it onto my show. I refuse to give negativity my platform. I get to control the temperature not just of my life in real time, but social media too.”
  — Jekalyn Carr (23:45)

• On Collaborating with Legends:

  “I’m literally honored to honor them. Like, they tell me all the time just how proud they are and all that. I think it’s beautiful.”
  — Jekalyn Carr (11:16)

• On Growth and Mess-Ups:

  “We all have mess-ups, failures. The good thing about it is when you don’t stay there, you choose every day to grow.”
  — Jekalyn Carr (34:17)

• On Staying Focused:

  “When you’re on the front line, you’re on the front line. You never know where you’re getting it from…I don’t research to figure out whether it’s church people or not.”
  — Jekalyn Carr (18:00)

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Key Segments & Timestamps

• Album Inspiration & Collaborators: 03:06–05:00
• Early Career & Family Faith: 05:02–07:36
• Fashion & Public Criticism: 07:36–09:22
• Bridging Generations in Gospel: 09:22–11:16
• Independence & Turning Down Deals: 13:03–14:40
• Faith, Waiting, and God’s Timing: 15:43–16:37
• Coping with Criticism: 17:37–19:05
• On Prayer & Faith: 31:53–34:13
• Maintaining Privacy in Relationships: 24:12–27:02
• Message to Young Artists: 28:48–29:55
• Song ‘I Break’ & Its Meaning: 37:06–38:18
• Closing Prayer: 39:07–39:46

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Conclusion

Jekalyn Carr’s conversation with The Breakfast Club is an open, inspiring exploration of faith, music, authenticity, and the importance of honoring those who came before. Her commitment to maintaining independence, balancing tradition with innovation, staying true to herself amid criticism, and centering her mission on empowering others offers valuable lessons for artists and listeners alike. The episode closes with a heartfelt prayer, encapsulating her hopeful spirit and continuous encouragement.

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For anyone interested in gospel music, creative authenticity, or navigating fame with grace, this episode provides deep insight and inspiration.

Transcript

[Angela Yee]

This is an iHeart podcast.

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[Charlamagne Tha God]

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[Charlamagne Tha God]

Hold up. Every day, I wake up. Wake your ass up. The Breakfast Club. Y' all finished or y' all done?

[DJ Envy]

Morning, everybody. It's DJ Envy. Just hilarious. Charlemagne the guy. We are the breakfast club. Lorn LaRosa's here as well. We got a special guest in the.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

Building, and she walked in, big regal.

[Jacqueline Carr]

You hear me?

[Charlamagne Tha God]

Like royalty. Just stepped in the room.

[DJ Envy]

Her album is out today. Ladies and gentlemen, Jacqueline Carr.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

Welcome.

[Jacqueline Carr]

Thank you.

[DJ Envy]

How you feeling?

[Jacqueline Carr]

I'm feeling good. I have no reason to complain.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

How's your energy? How's your energy?

[Jacqueline Carr]

It's great. You know, great response. And just overall, I just feel blessed now.

[Angela Yee]

You got some legends on this album, Literally. Right. It kicks off first song. Bobby Jones.

[Jacqueline Carr]

Yes.

[Angela Yee]

Conversation with him.

[Jacqueline Carr]

Yeah.

[Angela Yee]

Talk about, you know, just bringing him into the project and why you decided to start off this. This tribute to the legends and gospel with Bobby Jones.

[Jacqueline Carr]

Well, he has played a huge part in a lot of our careers. I can speak for me specifically. I got on his show when I was about 7 years old. The world didn't even know who I was. And then after that, I released my breakout single, Greater is Coming, and he invited me onto the show, and it just went from there. So it was his show that really, really pushed a lot of our songs. And, yeah, I was like, I'm honored to have him a part of that introduction.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

How do you. How did you choose which legends to collaborate with? And what criteria did you use to define legend?

[Jacqueline Carr]

Yeah, well, the thing is, I study my songs, so I have to hear who I hear on the song versus just putting someone on there. And then there's so many legends. Right. And I couldn't get everybody on this one album, which is why I'm now working on Chapter two, because it's just so many. I think that these people are just huge staples in not just gospel, but in music, period. The blueprint. And it's just time to honor them and to let them know that we appreciate them. I believe that what you honor will honor you.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

Who's the Mount Rushmore gospel artist?

[Jacqueline Carr]

The Mount Rushmore gospel legend? There's so many.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

We do it with hip hop all the time. Who's the Mount Rushmore gospel legend?

[Jacqueline Carr]

There's so many. You have Pastor Shirley. You have the Clark Sisters, Donna Lawrence, Kirk Carr, Kirk Franklin. I mean, the list goes on and on. Like, it's just. And then there's constantly legends being raised up, too. So it's just. It's a lot of them.

[DJ Envy]

I want to go back, if you don't mind. Yes. What got you into doing gospel music? Besides Jesus and what, you know, why did you want to make it a career?

[Jacqueline Carr]

So obviously I was raised in church. And then also I come from a singing family. But even though I came from a singing family, I believe that sometimes, just because you are around it, that doesn't mean you're supposed to do it. But it was just in me. Like, I couldn't escape it. Every time I turned around, I was singing. I was in the mirror. I was singing to the grass, as if the grass was my crowd. My cousins would come over, I would make a choir with them. Like, I just loved it. And honestly, I didn't even know that, you know, my career would be to this capacity. I was just doing what I love to do. Yeah. And at a very young age, my dad, he came off his job so that he could manage me and go on the road with me. And he saw the vision coach. That gotta be a lot of pressure.

[DJ Envy]

Dad leaving his job and managing.

[Jacqueline Carr]

Gotta be a lot of pressure. Yeah, it took a lot of faith, honestly know, because you go. You're going from something where, you know, you have stability of income, you can take care of your family, all these things. Like, my life is literally a miracle. It was a faith walk. But, you know, it's been a family thing since the beginning. They, again, they saw my gift, worked it, cultivated it, and I am where I am today.

[DJ Envy]

When did you realize that you, quote, unquote, made it?

[Jacqueline Carr]

When, like, oh, my gosh, what was that moment? I would say, when I heard my music outside of my hometown, that was really big for me because.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

Memphis, right?

[Jacqueline Carr]

Yes, Memphis, Tennessee. West Memphis, Arkansas country. And so, yeah, when I heard my music outside of just being played in my region, that's when I knew that it was getting serious.

[DJ Envy]

Where was that? Where did you hear it? What region? And where were you?

[Jacqueline Carr]

Well, so I started traveling heavily at the age of 13. And the Greatest Coming was released around 14, 15. So I wouldn't even be able to tell you where I was. Cause I was traveling literally from city to city. But I just knew, yeah, it was getting real.

[DJ Envy]

Is this your childhood, traveling that young? Cause you started early. Were you able to do the things that kids do?

[Jacqueline Carr]

Yeah, I was. That's the interesting thing. Because I was an active child, and my parents made sure that they balanced very, very well. Cause, of course, I was homeschooled, too. But I modeled. I did a whole lot of things because I just loved being active and all of that. And I played with dolls. I did all these things. They just made sure that I had a very balanced life because I. They also made sure that I enjoyed doing what I do. At the same time, it didn't feel like pressure. Like, even now, it doesn't feel like pressure. I just. It's my happy place now.

[Angela Yee]

You talk about balance. One of the things that I like about you, and I don't know how hard this is for you, but you're very young. You dress amazing.

[Jacqueline Carr]

Thank you.

[Angela Yee]

People do criticize that sometimes though, right?

[Jacqueline Carr]

Yes.

[DJ Envy]

But in being criticized, she dressed good.

[Angela Yee]

Yes, because, you know, they give. They give. If you're a gospel artist or a person in the FAI world, people think that there's a certain way you're supposed to show up. And because you have your fashion and your boutiques and different things, you get flack for if things are too tight or like, whatever. But you still keep the balance of being young and liking to do all those things. How do you handle that?

[Jacqueline Carr]

Yeah, you know, I just do what I do. I feel like if I'm not offending God, then, you know, I don't see the issue in that. I dress. I've never dressed. Not dressed rather, for where I am. If I'm at a gala, I'm a dress like I'm at a gala. If I'm at church, I'm addressed like I'm at church, but all at the same time. It's still respectful. It's still classy and elegant and all of that. I think people need to see that it's okay for you to love God and look good at the same time. It has nothing to do with your body shape. None of that. If you look good, you just look good. Point blanking, period.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

But who are these people, though? Because, I mean, have they never not seen somebody be Easter Sunday? You ain't never seen the first lady.

[Jacqueline Carr]

Of a popping church walk in the room. I think a lot of it just. I've been criticized for my body shape when it comes to certain things that I wear. So I think that's most of the time the issue. But. Yeah, but that's.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

That's divine too, though, and I can't.

[Jacqueline Carr]

Do anything about that.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

But it's divine because, you know, what do you see when you see a beautiful woman? With a nice body, you'd be like, good Lord. Lord have mercy, Jesus. Like, you just start calling his name.

[Angela Yee]

Yeah, but I think it's too. Because your family and your sound is so rooted in, like, that old school gospel where, like, there's so many rules and things you can and can't do.

[Jacqueline Carr]

Yeah.

[Angela Yee]

But even that, you handle that well too, with, like, on this, a project. Very old school sound of gospel. But, like, the melodies pick up a bit. There's like a little bit of country in there at one point. That balance is there also. I don't know how you bring that in, because they are not kind of like new things and like that old school gospel.

[Jacqueline Carr]

Yeah, yeah. And a lot of them, they actually said that you got me singing this. This young people music. Ms. Dottie in particular said that. But they loved it. And the goal was to, of course, you know, honoring them, but also making sure that the world know these people still have it. Like, their voices, their personality, everything about them is still a staple. And so I tried to make sure that there were songs that kind of pulled them out of the box, you know, songs that they probably wouldn't have done before or maybe they would have. I just wanted to make sure I went in a creative route with the album.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

Let me ask you a question. When you go in the studio with some of these legends, like Yolanda Adams or Shirley Caesar, what shift happens in you creatively? Like, are you like a student, a peer, or just something else?

[Jacqueline Carr]

So thankfully, these legends, they literally was just like, whatever you want, Jaquilin. And so I would literally study the songs before I go in. I knew what I heard in different parts. And then there was stuff that, you know, while they were singing that I would hear. Spare the moment. But I feel like I'm in that producer's mindset. But I'm always also in that student mindset because they're always dropping gems and, you know, and then sometimes it could not just be what they say, it's how they handle certain things. Like, you know, even speaking of Yolanda, like, just expressing how it's okay to live, to enjoy life, you know, and again, still love God at the same time, that balance. So. Yeah.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

Do they respect you? And, like, you know.

[Jacqueline Carr]

They do. They do. And they are all literally thanking me when it comes to this album. But I'm just honored to have them. Like, I'm literally honored to honor them. Like, they tell me all the time just how proud they am they are and all that. I think it's beautiful.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

Yeah. I saw A quote from BB Wine. As he said, working with Jacqueline Carr the producer is different from Jacqueline Carr.

[State Farm Insurance Promo Voice]

Jacqueline.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

Oh, I'm so sorry.

[Jacqueline Carr]

It's okay. It happens all the time.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

Working with Jaquellen Carr the producer, is different from Jaquellen Carr the singer. So how did producing this album, like, challenge you in that way?

[Jacqueline Carr]

It challenged me because you just never know when you're working. I mean, I'm working with elites, right. So you just never know what you're getting, what to expect. But I just literally, I had to pray. I had to keep God through this whole thing. And again, they made it easy for me. It wasn't like, no, I'm gonna do it this way. I'm gonna do it, like, because I'm a legend. Like, they literally came in and was like, tell me what you need, and that's what I'll give you.

[DJ Envy]

I wanted to ask, you know what? You've been seeing us a lot more recently. You've been seeing the. The blend between gospel and hip hop or gospel and other genres of music. What's your thoughts on it? I know some people hate it. Some people say it shouldn't be that way, but I love the fact that you're. That people are infusing with, whether it's Glorilla or Lil Baby or whatever it may be. What's your thoughts on it?

[Jacqueline Carr]

You know, I haven't really put much thought into it. Cause I can't really tell. You can't tell people what to do. You know, whatever your. What you feel like is best for your career, you know, you do that. I just try to make sure I'm doing what I'm supposed to do.

[DJ Envy]

Would you do a regular with a hip hop artist?

[Jacqueline Carr]

It depends. It really depends. I'm very strategic on how I move and how I do things, so, I mean, you never know. But for right now, I don't know. I ain't putting any thought into it, so I can't really say.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

Be hard to turn down a woman from Memphis named Gloria. Hallelujah. Yes.

[Angela Yee]

I know you're very protective to piggyback off envy, right? You're very protective over your brand in this. I had been told that you had turned down, like, music deals and everything just so you could stay independent and working with your family because you wanted to be able to control how they place you musically. Is that true?

[Jacqueline Carr]

Yes. And just be able to be in control, period, you know, not having to answer to anybody. And it also keeps you in a position where, you know, you're doing what you Want to do what you feel is best for your career? For me, not everything is about a business move, you know, because at the end of the day, I keep the people in the forefront of my mind and what they need. Because that's what it's really about is it's about me trying to build my own, you know, little thing or whatever. Or is it about me really, really positioning myself to help people? And the only way I can do that is if, you know, sometimes there's not a lot of hands in there throughout the process.

[Angela Yee]

How much money was it? Can we ask you that?

[Jacqueline Carr]

Say it again.

[Angela Yee]

What was the deal that you turned down?

[DJ Envy]

You all in your business right now?

[Jacqueline Carr]

Because I'm like.

[Angela Yee]

When I heard that, I'm like, I mean, I know you're rooted in family.

[Jacqueline Carr]

But I'm like, woo.

[Angela Yee]

There probably was a lot I'm not.

[Jacqueline Carr]

Gonna say, but I will say, you know, again, like, I. I ain't never really been money happy. Like, you know, I'm a money magnet. So, you know, that makes it also just like, you know, money answer to me. So you're not going to present me with anything as if, you know, I'm supposed to just move upon it. And because again, in the forefront of my mind is always the people, I'm.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

Gonna ask that question that Lauren just asked in a different way. If you had to tithe 10% of the money that you had gotten, how much would it have been?

[Jacqueline Carr]

You know what? I am tickled.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

And you got a song called He Don't Miss.

[State Farm Insurance Promo Voice]

Yes.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

What's that song?

[Jacqueline Carr]

It's a little country. He don't. I know it's. He doesn't, but, you know, he don't. Just hit a little harder. That song right there is just a song about just confidence in God. There's never been a season of any one of our lives where he missed, where he did not come through. He did not answer even when it wasn't, when we thought it should have been, how we thought it should have been. At the end of the day, you know, he's been good, he's been faithful. And there's no battle you could ever face, whether it's sickness, whether it is, you know, relationship with whatever the problem is. There's no battle that he cannot win for you. Because sometimes you gotta understand it's not even on you all the time to fight some things. He wants to fight for you. And everything he has fought for me, he has always won for me.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

What would you say to somebody who's in a season where they feel like God is punishing them or skipping over them.

[Jacqueline Carr]

The thing is, we got to understand that we all go through those seasons. The most God loving person goes through those seasons where it seems like God isn't hearing me. He doesn't remember me. You know, how could you let this happen and that happen? But you got to understand that God is so faithful and he's so strategic about your life that he wants to ensure that you're exactly where you're supposed, supposed to be when you're supposed to be. But sometimes you have to go through certain things, you know, to ensure that you can handle what is coming. Because one thing I've learned is that he doesn't want us to have the blessing. And when we don't have what it takes, the character and all that, to keep it, we lose it. Like, no, he has to build us in the process to ensure that we get it and we keep it.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

That's right.

[Angela Yee]

I know you're celebrating over 10 years in ministry doing music and different things. Right. How do you reckon with when you go through things personally? Like, you're doing all this for other people, administering and all this. But, like, when Jacqueline's going through something.

[Jacqueline Carr]

Yeah, I have a very great support system, very great support system who always encourages me. And the thing about it is, everything I tell y' all to do in my songs, I do it myself. You know what I'm saying? It's like God will also ensure that way it remains authentic. And I am very sure about what I'm singing about. Because it's one thing for you to sing and it's another thing for you to really know that this actually works. So, yeah, I pull on those people. When I feel like I can't pray for myself, I pull on those people. I put in, you know, inspirational messages in my ear to ensure that I'm encouraged. I have my moments, you know, it doesn't mean that every day is all cute and all that, but I just also choose to not stay there. That makes sense.

[DJ Envy]

I was going to ask, how do you ignore the noise, if you even do ignore it?

[Jacqueline Carr]

Right.

[DJ Envy]

You talked about sometimes they criticize what you wear. I'm sure they criticize your business deal. So, like, how do you ignore the noise? Because you're doing it for a group of people that say that, you know, they forgive. It's. They're praising God, but on the same turn, they're so critical of you. Yeah. How do you get rid of all that noise?

[Jacqueline Carr]

One thing I had to. I couldn't be in denial when it comes to myself. It comes with the territory. It comes with the territory. Does it make it right? It's never your same place in the church. And but here's the thing. It's not always from church people. It's from everyone. You, when you're on the front line, you're on the front line. You never know where you're getting it from. And I don't do my research to figure out where I'm getting it from, whether it's church people or not. But the thing is, one thing I love about my parents is they, they help build me before all this and it helps me along my journey. So when I hear somebody say something, most of the time I don't even really see it. Like I get a synopsis, you know, with some people, they'll tell me, oh, this is happening. I don't really see it because I don't really care to see it. Like, you know, I try to stay focused and all that. But if I just so happen to see it or, or hear it, I look at it, I laugh, I legit laugh. Like you can exit anybody. I literally laugh because especially when there's no harm in what you're doing and people are entitled to their own opinions and you have to be okay with that.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

I know they are, but not their own facts, though. They be trying to have their own facts.

[Jacqueline Carr]

That too.

[DJ Envy]

That too.

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[DJ Envy]

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[Jacqueline Carr]

Now that's where it's like, okay, now you're doing a bit much, but at the same time, I know my truth, you know, so I'm not finna sit here and try to convince you of that. I let my life do that.

[Angela Yee]

And I know you have your radio show too, on Family Affair. Do you address certain things when people are trying to figure out the truth? Like, do you bring that onto your show?

[Jacqueline Carr]

No, I don't bring it into my space. I don't bring it on my social media. None of that. I refuse to give negativity my platform. Like, I get to control the temperature not just of my life in real time, but social media too. Like, you know, you can say what you want to say on your page, but when it comes to my page, you know you gonna get deleted or blocked. That's the reason. That's the reason why it's. They're like how you blocked, blocked.

[Angela Yee]

How do you, how do you handle people being in your personal relationship? Like, I know the last time we knew of you in a relationship was with Jahon Taylor and then that just went away. We didn't, we don't know to this day what happened. And he just recently posted that there's an engagement and a kid coming. Like, is there any info that we get on what happened and do you plan to do that?

[Jacqueline Carr]

Like, well, here's the thing. I'm tickled. No, I think it was rightfully so.

[Angela Yee]

She was having a lot of conversations about they were dating to marry and we thought that that was going to be the next step. Invite follows you. And then we just didn't hear anything else.

[Jacqueline Carr]

Yeah, but just like it. I'm tickled. But just like any other relationship or any situation it just didn't work out. The, the thing it was with me is, you know, everybody knew about when you live in the limelight, you know, you have to count up that cost. But it just didn't work out. I also did not know that he was getting married. We hadn't dated. It's been like, close to five years. But, yeah, like, yeah, it just didn't work out.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

Let me ask a question. Do people like that get removed from your prayer list? Cause I'm sure.

[Mint Mobile Announcer]

No, for real.

[Angela Yee]

Cause y' all was everywhere.

[Jacqueline Carr]

We were like, you know what I mean?

[Angela Yee]

So to see you doing that young and you got your career, it's like, yeah, okay. God is God. Do the things. It's happening.

[Jacqueline Carr]

Yeah. Here's the thing. I don't carry any animosity, anything in my heart when it comes to anybody. If I carry with, I might. If I carry with one of my. May as well carry with everybody. Like, I don't know, like, I still wish everybody well. I still wish that everybody prosper, everybody thriving life, whether it worked out for us or not. It is. It just didn't work out. God knew God, so I can't argue with that, you know, so I've. And then I've moved forward. I done dated since then. Like, I've moved forward since then. Yeah.

[DJ Envy]

Are you still on the prayer list.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

For me?

[Angela Yee]

Not the list.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

I don't think there's anything wrong removing people from your prayer list, because sometimes you give it to God. Like, you know what? I was watching, I went to go see a play last night. It was called oh, Happy Day. And one of the things that they said in the play, the guy looked at other guy and he goes, God don't want you to mind the business of your, your enemies or something like that. Like, don't. It's, it's not. Oh, it's not your business what God does to your enemies. That's what it was. And I, I, I was like, that's powerful.

[Jacqueline Carr]

Yeah, that's true. Because, you know, you. When you give it to him, it's up to him. He knows how to take care. But we're not going to say he's my enemy.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

Oh, yeah, yeah.

[Jacqueline Carr]

We're talking about Jesus. And the truth of the matter is, sometimes you don't even know who your enemies are. That's why it's important to keep it in his hands, and you can keep moving forward. And that's what I try to do. I try to stay focused. I don't even focus on them, you.

[Angela Yee]

Know, I'm sure you had to change. Not even just the dating stuff, but just.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

Okay, I'm moving on.

[Jacqueline Carr]

I'm moving on.

[Angela Yee]

Just the things that you put out there in general about yourself personally, because everything is growing with you. Like, the celebrity is so big. Like people call you, like the mini Shirley season at this point.

[Jacqueline Carr]

Yeah, yeah, yeah. You live and you learn some things. You learn to do better, how to handle things better. I don't see how it could have been hidden for long because people started to see me at the games and all of that. They would post before I would. And so, but yeah, I've learned to just protect my privacy even more. Things that really mean a lot to me because it's just a lot that you, you know, you just. You can cut down on when you just protect it.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

I thought it was your prayers had the Chiefs winning all them Super Bowls.

[Jacqueline Carr]

I'm tickled. I'm a Dallas Cowboy fan. No, me too. But what's up exactly?

[DJ Envy]

I want to ask. You know, when you do they try to keep you in the box? Because I see you try to step outside the box.

[Promotional Announcer]

Right.

[DJ Envy]

I seen you on. On the radar with Gabe. I seen you do things that typical. Maybe gospel artists don't necessarily do. Do they try to keep you in.

[Jacqueline Carr]

That box and be like, nah, don't do that sometimes. But I don't, you know, I don't go by what they say, what people say. I do what I feel is supposed to. What Jakaylyn Carr is supposed to be doing. As long as I feel like it's not offensive to my brand or anything of that sort. I don't think you have to think.

[DJ Envy]

About twice about coming up here.

[Jacqueline Carr]

No, not at all. Not at all. Yeah, yeah. She do radio, she got a show.

[Angela Yee]

She know the dress.

[Jacqueline Carr]

Yeah.

[DJ Envy]

But then you all in her business.

[Angela Yee]

Okay, listen. Okay, I be. Cause I'm in the business, but I'm also supporting the brand as well.

[Jacqueline Carr]

Too.

[Angela Yee]

Exactly. It's there.

[Jacqueline Carr]

Thank you.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

I love what you're doing with the album, though, because I feel like there always should be a bridge between generations. Right. Because I truly believe that greatness doesn't expire, it evolves.

[Jacqueline Carr]

Exactly, exactly.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

So what do you hope younger gospel worship artists take away from this Legends project?

[Jacqueline Carr]

I want them to continue to, number one, honor those that are the forerunners, those who have been the blueprint in gospel music. Because I have a little sister, I have nieces nephew. They need to know where it all started, how it all began. You had Aretha Franklin. I mean, the List goes on and on and on. And then also I want them to grab a hold of the messages. You know, it's not even just about the name. It's also about the message. This album, you know, is really. It's orchestrated to help you get to a place of happiness, a place of wholeness and knowing that you deserve better in life. I don't care what your past failures were. I don't care what you did or didn't do. At the end of the day, you can't do anything about that, but you can do something about what you do today. The decision you make today on there called I Break, and that song talks about that breaking, negative cycles and all these things that's been sabotaging your happiness. And I want them to gravitate to that and. And move forward in life. Move forward.

[State Farm Agent Voice]

That.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

That's a. I want to. I want you to expound on that a little bit. How do you see this album, like, connecting to your mission outside of music? Because it's clear you have a mission outside of music. So how does this album connect to that?

[Jacqueline Carr]

Because, you know, I feel like it's relatable, especially with everything that. That is happening, not just around us, but in. Just in people' lives in general. You know, sometimes it's like one thing after the next. But I need people to know with this album, just because it looks like the negative is happening, it ain't the end for you. It's not the end of your story. You know, I said last night, if God is not pulling the plug on your good news and your. Your miracles and all these things, don't you pull a plug on it. It's just a matter of time before it becomes your reality. But you got to keep pushing. Sometimes you got to fight or pray just a little harder, you know, to see it come.

[Angela Yee]

The title track off the album, too. Don't faint. Yes, it gives that as well, too. Like, listen, I know you get tired.

[Jacqueline Carr]

Yes.

[Angela Yee]

But you can keep going. You can keep pushing.

[Jacqueline Carr]

Yeah. There's a reason why that scripture is there. Be not weary. But he knew we would get weary sometimes, you know, but at the end of the day, you cannot allow that to overpower what he said, because it is not like what he said. He can take it back or it's not going to happen. Anything that comes out of his mouth is guaranteed. You have to stand on that. No matter how. Which way the wind blows you, what happens, you have to know he's not moving from it. So I would say, for example, I Had been getting word after word after word that I was going to win a Grammy. And da da, da didn't see it. All these things. It looked like the opposite. Well, I'm going into the studio this year to record Don't Faint. And they're texting me, congratulations, congratulations. And I'm like, congratulations for what? And they're like, you just want a Grammy. So I. I tell people all the time, just because it's not happening now, that does not mean it's not going to happen. But you cannot faint. You cannot faint.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

That's the biggest thing. Like, people be having faith. But do you have patience?

[Jacqueline Carr]

Exactly. Gotta have patience. And it's okay. You gotta be real with God too. It's okay to admit, okay, God, I'm getting a little impatient. You know, this is getting a little intense for me because he see it anyway and he can help you through it. Just be real with him. People think God is so complicated. He's not. He knows everything about. Just talk to him and let him know how you're feeling. And I promise you, he's going to help you.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

That's how I've been shifting my prayers or the way I talk to God lately. Because I think sometimes you get down on your knees and you start praying and you're telling God things that you think God don't already know. Like, God knows what you need. God knows what you want. Like, he knows all your desires. He knows what you're dealing with, what your challenges are. So it's like, I don't have to tell God that. That's. That's what I tell my therapist. Therapists don't know. God knows. So I think with God, I. I just. I really just be asking for strength and answers.

[Jacqueline Carr]

Yeah, that's it. Yeah, yeah, yeah.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

And sometimes not even answers. Just give me the strength to deal with whatever I'm dealing with.

[Jacqueline Carr]

Exactly. And he'll help you. He'll help you through it. And also, when you don't know how to pray, you can also pray God, how should I pray? I mean, he. He's going to help you through all that. He ain't just going to leave you out there. You know, that's what I've realized along my journey and many others. He's your helper and let him help you.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

So how should we pray?

[Jacqueline Carr]

That's not for me to determine.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

Oh, okay. Okay.

[Jacqueline Carr]

You know, it depends on you and what you need in that moment and. And all of that. I don't even know how to pray all the time, so I Can't answer that. So I always ask God, how do you want. How do you want me to pray? And when I can't pray, there's a scripture in the Bible that says he will intercede for you. So when I don't know what to say, I need my intercessor. I need him to intercede for me.

[Angela Yee]

What happens when you can't hear God? Like, do you have moments like that where you don't hear God?

[Jacqueline Carr]

Yeah, where it seemed like you can't hear him. But a lot of times we got to know. I realize he speaks in different ways. Sometimes we expect for him to. To speak in one way or a way that we're used to it. But there's been times where he didn't speak to me directly during prayer time, but after I prayed, he would send somebody to say this, that, and the third, and it would confirm just what, you know, I was just praying about. So I think you have to be open to how he wants to get the answer to you, because he's speaking in. And when he. We feel, you feel like he's not. Just dive in worship.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

Do you feel like you have to be perfect? No, I'll come off as perfect.

[Jacqueline Carr]

Not at all. Not one bit. I don't even listen. I know that the only perfect person is Jesus. And I ain't trying to be. I just tried to. I take it day by day like everybody else and try to be a great person, you know, love people, try to do the right thing. We all have mess, ups, failures. But, you know, the good thing about it is when you don't stay there, you choose every day to grow. And that's what I try to do. And I worry about Jacqueline and Jacala's growth. I'm not perfect. Things that I, I, in the past, I think, like, I could have handled that better. So I want to experience growth in that. I want to. You know what I'm saying? Like, I identify where I need growth, and then, yeah, I do the work.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

I want to ask, like, in your view, what is the debt gospel music owes to the legends you featured?

[Jacqueline Carr]

Just the honor overall, where we're not pushing them to the side this there. They produced and gave us music that carried so many, even years before now, our mothers, our grandmothers, and all these people, and it ain't over for them. They're still doing amazing things. When you look at CC Winans, you look at the Clarks, Yolanda Kirk, all these people who are doing amazing things, I think it's just our duty to continue Continue to make them feel like they're needed. There's no division when it comes to that. Oh, this is new gospel. And we want, like. No, we still need them. Because there are some people that I can't reach that Ms. Dottie can reach. You know what I'm saying? So all of us are needed, and I think we should, you know, make them feel that way.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

What's your favorite gospel song of all time?

[Jacqueline Carr]

I love hymns, so I'm gonna always. So you got hymns. It's like Amazing Grace. You ever heard of Amazing Grace? You got the Blood Ear, Reaches of the Highest Mountain? Yeah. Those songs like that, like hymnals. Yeah. I'm gonna say some good old hymns. The ones that I called out. There's Not a Friend. All that.

[Smart Water Announcer]

Yeah.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

So what is Regina Bell? God is Good.

[Jacqueline Carr]

I don't know. I've never heard that before.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

Gina Bell got is good.

[Jacqueline Carr]

I had never heard of it.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

Come on now.

[Jacqueline Carr]

But if it's. I'm pretty sure it's a gospel. It's a gospel song.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

I know that. God.

[Jacqueline Carr]

Yeah.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

My God.

[Jacqueline Carr]

So you. Have you ever heard of, like, a hymnal book?

[Charlamagne Tha God]

I'm a heathen.

[Jacqueline Carr]

Okay. Okay. So if it's not in a hymnal book, it's. It's a. It's. It's a gospel, but it's. It's a gospel song. So most of the time, if it's a hymn, it's in the book.

[State Farm Agent Voice]

Gotcha.

[DJ Envy]

Yeah. Let's play a joint off our album that's out today. What do you want to hear?

[Jacqueline Carr]

Let's do. I break, I bring.

[DJ Envy]

Okay, let's get into that now.

[Angela Yee]

Tell God, even though I was in your business, I'm a great person.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

What did that song mean to you?

[Jacqueline Carr]

Before we get into it again, that's just a song of liberation, you know, I think that we have to understand that we have to make the decision to say this thing. I can't carry this anymore. Whatever. Whatever that this is, whether it's generational curses, whether it's negative cycles in whatever area of your life, you have to make the choice to. To break that so that you can walk into your full potential and be where you're supposed to be in life. Forgive yourself. Forgive yourself. You cannot control your past. You're not even there anymore. So why are you there? Trying to go back there mentally, you know? So you have to bring yourself to now, what can I do better? But before I move into all these blessings, I need to get rid of this stuff that could stop me from really embracing It. Because you. Have you ever, like, been blessed with something? And. And there's this one thing that your attention is on is keeping you mentally focused on that, where you're not able to fully embrace the blessing. That's not what God's plan is for you. So that's what this song is for. I break it from the root, which means I want no evidence that you done been here.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

I don't see, oh, that's so powerful. Because I see that with people in your life more so than anything, you know what I'm saying? Like, that people will get removed from your life, and you. You'll be like. You cloud the dark cloud the whole time.

[Jacqueline Carr]

Yeah.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

You didn't even realize it.

[Jacqueline Carr]

Yeah. Or it could be a different person, but the same spirit, the same cycle. And so that's when you have to ask yourself. I had to ask myself and many people, anybody else, what is it in me that keeps allowing this to happen? You know what I'm saying? So it's not necessarily sometimes the person. It could be something that's in you that you have to free yourself from, because if you don't fix it, the same thing is going to happen with the next person.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

Ooh, preach, preacher.

[Jacqueline Carr]

I'm tickled.

[DJ Envy]

Let's get into the record right now. You want to close us out on a prayer?

[Jacqueline Carr]

Sure.

[DJ Envy]

Let's do it.

[Jacqueline Carr]

Father God, in the name of Jesus, I thank you for everybody who's listening right now. I pray that you will meet them where they are, that they will feel your love and your compassion. They will fill your heart that you desire to see them prosper and thrive in life. Free them from anything mentally, spiritually, emotionally that has been holding them in captivity where they're not able to live to their fullest and highest potential. Thank you for new blessings, new seasons of favor. Thank you. That this season that you're pushing them into, it will not come with pain. It would not come. It would not feel like a curse, but it will feel like a blessing. And every single thing that you've promised them, we thank you. That is done. In Jesus name I pray. Amen.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

Amen.

[DJ Envy]

Jacqueline Carr album is out today. Thank you so much for joining us.

[Jacqueline Carr]

Thank you for having me.

[DJ Envy]

It's the Breakfast Club. Good morning.

[Jacqueline Carr]

Hold up.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

Every day I wake up. Wake your ass up. The Breakfast Club. You all finished or y' all done?

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[Jacqueline Carr]

Okay, only 10 more presents to wrap. You're almost at the finish line. But first, there the last one. Enjoy a Coca Cola for a pause that refreshes.

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[DJ Envy]

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[Jacqueline Carr]

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[Jacqueline Carr]

PayPal Inc. And MLS 910457 you know what a girl's best friend is not diamonds. Her lawyers.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

From executive producer Ryan Murphy comes a fiery new legal drama.

[Jacqueline Carr]

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[Charlamagne Tha God]

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[Jacqueline Carr]

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[Charlamagne Tha God]

Hulu Original Series All's Fair now streaming on Hulu and Hulu on Disney plus for bundle subscribers Terms apply.

[Angela Yee]

This is an I Heart podcast.