INTERVIEW: Martin Lawrence Talks Return To Standup, 'Blue Streak' Sequel, Fearless Comedy + More

Summary

Podcast Summary: The Breakfast Club Episode Title: INTERVIEW: Martin Lawrence Talks Return To Standup, 'Blue Streak' Sequel, Fearless Comedy + More
Host/Author: iHeartPodcasts
Release Date: January 24, 2025

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Introduction

In this engaging episode of The Breakfast Club, hosts DJ Envy and Charlamagne Tha God sit down with the legendary Martin Lawrence. The conversation delves into Lawrence's return to stand-up comedy, the development of a 'Blue Streak' sequel, his experiences in the entertainment industry, and personal insights into his life and career.

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Martin Lawrence’s Return to Stand-Up Comedy

DJ Envy opens the discussion by highlighting Lawrence’s upcoming performances:

"This weekend you're gonna be at the Barclays and also Atlantic City performance. So if you haven't got your tickets, get your tickets."
— DJ Envy [02:48]

Martin Lawrence shares his motivations for returning to stand-up:

"Because it's where I started. It's my baby, you know, it's my breadwinner... I can always go back to stand up, and my audience is always there for me."
— Martin Lawrence [05:07]

He emphasizes his enduring passion for comedy:

"I'm still hungry."
— Martin Lawrence [05:31]

Charlamagne Tha God probes into Lawrence's perception of the current stand-up landscape:

"You think the audience still has it?"
— Charlamagne Tha God [05:51]

Lawrence responds optimistically:

"People need to laugh, you know, and people want to laugh... Laughter heals the world, man."
— Martin Lawrence [05:57]

---

Developing the 'Blue Streak' Sequel

The conversation shifts to the anticipation surrounding the 'Bad Boys' franchise, which DJ Envy mistakenly refers to as 'Bad Boys' instead of 'Blue Streak'. However, Martin Lawrence clarifies:

"We're working on it. We're writing it right now."
— Martin Lawrence [20:52]

DJ Envy inquires about the direction of the sequel:

"Does it leave off in Mexico, or have you figured that out as of yet?"
— DJ Envy [20:59]

Lawrence hints at the adventurous spirit of the sequel:

"So we'll see what happens."
— Martin Lawrence [21:12]

The hosts and Lawrence discuss potential storylines and fan expectations, with Lawrence expressing openness to ideas that make sense to the audience and himself.

---

Navigating the Entertainment Industry

Martin Lawrence addresses the challenges of being typecast in Hollywood:

"I haven't been offered a lot of dramatic roles... I did about two."
— Martin Lawrence [19:55]

Charlamagne Tha God questions whether Lawrence ever felt boxed in:

"When you saw it happening to you, though, were you talking to your team...?"
— Charlamagne Tha God [20:27]

Lawrence emphasizes the importance of staying true to oneself:

"Always, you know, not sell your soul. But do what's appealing to you."
— Martin Lawrence [20:49]

He shares his faith as a source of resilience:

"I have a strong faith in God, and he's my agent."
— Martin Lawrence [22:23]

---

Personal Life and Relationships

A significant highlight of the episode is the reveal of Lawrence’s daughter’s engagement to Eddie Murphy’s son. The hosts extend their congratulations:

"Now, also in the news, your daughter got engaged to Eddie Murphy's son. Yeah, that was in the news. Congratulations."
— DJ Envy [11:50]

Lawrence discusses the dynamics of this union:

"He's a great kid... I don't think she could have found nobody better."
— Martin Lawrence [11:57]

He humorously recounts a conversation with Murphy regarding wedding expenses:

"Eddie already said I had to pay for it... So he said, nah, this is on you. I said, I don't mind."
— Martin Lawrence [12:11]

Charlamagne Tha God inquires about the reaction to this news, and Lawrence reflects on the brotherhood within their circles:

"You never had to have that conversation?"
— Charlamagne Tha God [13:16]

Lawrence emphasizes the importance of respect and love in relationships:

"As long as they respect each other and love each other, you know?"
— Martin Lawrence [12:55]

---

Reflections on Comedy and Social Change

Martin Lawrence reminisces about his early days in comedy and the evolution of the stand-up scene:

"Do you think the appetite for stand up is the same as it used to be?... Laughter heals the world, man."
— Martin Lawrence [05:31], [05:57]

He discusses the impact of social media on comedy:

"People I don't even know... People really know what funny is anymore."
— Martin Lawrence [05:36]

Lawrence reveals his approach to material selection in his sets, balancing humor with sensitivity:

"I'm a little more cautious about, you know, subjects that I choose and everything."
— Martin Lawrence [06:38]

---

Challenges and Triumphs in the Industry

The hosts delve into Lawrence’s experiences working in the entertainment industry during the 90s, touching upon his time at Sears alongside other future stars:

"I was there with Salt and Pepper... always clowning, joking around at work."
— Martin Lawrence [07:37]

Lawrence recalls humorous anecdotes from his early career:

"I was trying to crack on Saul... He was like, Martin, I'm with Herbie."
— Martin Lawrence [07:53]

He reflects on how these experiences shaped his comedic style and resilience.

---

Future Projects and Aspirations

Looking ahead, Martin Lawrence expresses enthusiasm for potential future projects, including dramatic roles and more comedy:

"I wanted to try to see if I could pull it off."
— Martin Lawrence [20:27]

He hints at ongoing projects and dreams of expanding his repertoire beyond comedy.

---

Closing Remarks

As the interview wraps up, DJ Envy promotes Lawrence’s upcoming shows and ticket giveaways, while Lawrence expresses gratitude for the opportunity to connect with his fans:

"If you haven't got your tickets, get your tickets... We got you on the wall."
— DJ Envy [26:53], [27:09]

Martin Lawrence concludes with a heartfelt thank you:

"Thank y'all for having me, man. I'm glad I came in, man. It's been a minute."
— Martin Lawrence [27:04]

---

Conclusion

This episode of The Breakfast Club offers a comprehensive look into Martin Lawrence’s multifaceted career and personal life. From his unwavering dedication to stand-up comedy and the excitement surrounding a 'Blue Streak' sequel to his reflections on the entertainment industry and personal milestones, Lawrence provides valuable insights and heartfelt moments. The conversation underscores the enduring impact of laughter and resilience in both personal and professional arenas.

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Notable Quotes:

• "Laughter heals the world, man."
  — Martin Lawrence [05:57]

• "I'm still hungry."
  — Martin Lawrence [05:31]

• "Always, you know, not sell your soul. But do what's appealing to you."
  — Martin Lawrence [20:49]

• "As long as they respect each other and love each other, you know?"
  — Martin Lawrence [12:55]

• "People need to laugh, you know, and people want to laugh."
  — Martin Lawrence [05:57]

---

This summary encapsulates the depth and breadth of Martin Lawrence’s conversation on The Breakfast Club, providing listeners and non-listeners alike with a thorough understanding of the topics discussed and the insights shared.

Transcript

[American Public University]

American Public University understands the challenges of balancing education with a busy, ever changing life. Whether you're part of a military family managing PCs moves or a working professional juggling career and family, APU offers the flexibility you need to succeed. Delivered online, APU's programs make it possible to learn wherever life takes you and courses are offered in 8 and 16 week formats with monthly start dates so you can begin when it's convenient and progress at a pace that's comfortable for you. APU is committed to making education affordable for everyone. For active duty military and their families, the preferred military rate is just 250 per credit hour. Veterans and their families can benefit from the Veteran Grant which provides 10% off undergrad and master's levels tuition and for everyone else, the Opportunity Grant offers the same 10% tuition savings, making higher education within reach for all. Visit APU APUS Edumilitary to learn more American Public University Education that moves with.

[Leesa]

You Tired of restless nights at Lisa? They know good sleep is essential for mental, physical and emotional health. From memory foam mattress to hybrids that keep you cool all night long, Lisa's mattresses offer exceptional comfort and support with free delivery and 100 nights to try out your mattress in the comfort of your home. Go to leesa.com today and get 20% off all mattresses and two free pillows. That's leesa.com and use code iheart for an extra $50 off your purchase. Remember, no matter who you are, there's a Lisa just for you.

[Martin Luther King III]

Welcome to my Legacy. I'm Martin Luther King III and together with my wife, Andrea Waters King, and our dear friends Mark and Craig Kilburger, we explore the personal journeys that shape extraordinary lives.

[The Breakfast Club]

Join us for heartfelt conversations with remarkable guests like David Oyelowo, Mel Robbins, Martin.

[American Public University]

Sheen, Dr. Sanjay Gupta, and Billy Porter.

[Leesa]

Listen to my legacy on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.

[American Public University]

This is my Legacy.

[Lexi Brown]

I'm so sick of hearing men talk about women's basketball. This is Lexi Brown and Mariah Rose and we've got a new podcast, Full Circle. Every Wednesday. We're catching you up on what's going on in women's basketball. We've got you with analysis, inside stories and a little bit of tea. Full circle is an iHeart women's sports production in partnership with Deep Blue Sports and Entertainment. Listen to Full circle on the iHeartRadio app. Apple Podcasts are wherever you get your podcasts presented by Elf Beauty, founding partner of iHeart Women's Sports.

[American Public University]

Wake that ass up early in the morning.

[The Breakfast Club]

The Breakfast Club.

[DJ Envy]

Morning, everybody. It's DJ Envy. Jess. Hilarious. Charlamagne Tha God. We are the Breakfast Club. Jess is sick, so she's not here. Lauren LaRosa's filling in. And we got a special guest in the building.

[Martin Lawrence]

Come on, man. The living legend himself, Martin.

[DJ Envy]

Martin Lawrence, ladies and gentlemen. How you feeling?

[The Breakfast Club]

Good. Great, man. Glad to be here with you guys.

[DJ Envy]

This weekend you're gonna be at the Barclays and also Atlantic City performance. So if you haven't got your tickets, get your tickets. We actually. Today we're giving away front row seats to go to the show. So call a 105 right now. 800-585-1051. We got a.

[The Breakfast Club]

Don't say nothing in the front row. Cause I might get you in front row.

[DJ Envy]

Those tickets are yours. How you feeling, brother?

[The Breakfast Club]

I'm feeling great, man. Feeling great. Feeling blessed. Feel for all the people going through tragic stuff in la, you know, with the fires. My sister's house burned down.

[DJ Envy]

Sorry to hear that.

[Martin Lawrence]

Sorry to hear that, brother.

[The Breakfast Club]

Yeah. So, you know, we gotta start rebuilding, you know.

[DJ Envy]

So you live in LA too, right? Was your house affected or.

[The Breakfast Club]

No, no, but it was getting close. It was getting close, yeah.

[Martin Lawrence]

Do they call you immediately, like, you know, martin, house burned down?

[The Breakfast Club]

Yeah, Well, I was at my ranch back in Virginia and chilling in the snow and all that was going on, and I was just one. Nothing I could do, but my family that I. I had in LA was holding it down.

[Martin Lawrence]

Do you reach for your pockets first or do you wait to see what the insurance going to do?

[The Breakfast Club]

Oh, well, both.

[Martin Lawrence]

Both.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

What's the rebuilding process going to be like, though? Like, you guys have to wait a certain amount of time before you can even start, like, thinking about that.

[The Breakfast Club]

Do they give you a. I really don't know. I really don't know.

[DJ Envy]

I gotta ask about Bad Boys. You know, the Bad Boys franchise picked back up right where y'all left off years ago, right?

[The Breakfast Club]

Yeah.

[DJ Envy]

And it's pretty amazing. Cause as a kid, I grew up on it, right? But now my kids are growing up on it. So did you expect it to catch so big? And how many of y'all gonna do? Cause it's not whack. It's not like, you know, usually you do a sequel, it's like, ah. And then the one after that is like. But nice. It's not whack. It keeps going. So how many more y'all gonna do? Y'all shooting?

[Martin Lawrence]

Yeah.

[The Breakfast Club]

I really don't know, you know. You know the business is fickle, you know, I hope to do more, you know, as long as Will wants to do them, you know, and the audience wants them, we'll do them. You know, we like giving you good work, you know, so, you know, and we have a lot of fun with bad boys.

[Martin Lawrence]

Why I was wondering about the tour, like, you got money, you older now, why even go back on the grind and doing a comedy tour?

[The Breakfast Club]

Because it's where I started. It's my baby, you know, it's my breadwinner, you know, when I don't have nothing else to do, I can't do movies or TV or whatever. I can always go back to stand up, and my audience is always there for me.

[Martin Lawrence]

Do you think that the stand up. Do you think the appetite for stand up is the same as it used to be?

[The Breakfast Club]

Yeah, if you're still hungry or, you know, if you're still hungry. Yeah, and I'm still hungry.

[Martin Lawrence]

What about the audience? Because stand up is kind of a lost thought. I love stand up, you know, I mean, but to see. I feel like it's kind of a lost thought because of social media. People I don't even know. People really know what funny, funny is anymore. But to go on stage and to captivate an audience, just you and the microphone, you think the audience still has it?

[The Breakfast Club]

Yeah, people need to laugh, you know, and people want to laugh. I mean, you see the sign of the times that we in. I mean, people just really want to come out and laugh, man, and that's what we need to do. Laughter heals the world, man.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

I saw a quote you said, the way fighters train, that's how you train when you're getting ready for comedy. How do you get ready for a tour like this after 10 years and getting back on the stage? Like, is that a different level of training now or is it still the same?

[The Breakfast Club]

No, it's the same. I go to the comedy clubs, you know, and I work out. I go to the Comedy Store and work out during the week and just keep working out, working out till I build up our set until it's ready to go on the road.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

How you pick and choose what goes into your sets? Cause, like, I was watching one of your O sets that you did at. You mentioned, like, the Rodney King beatings and, like. But you made it funny. In a dark time nowadays, people so touchy, like, so do you stay away from certain stuff because you're like, now it's like the icon Martin.

[The Breakfast Club]

Now I'm. I'm a little more cautious about you Know, subjects that I. That I choose and everything. You know, when I was younger, I was fearless. You know, I just. I would talk about anything or anybody, but it's a different time.

[DJ Envy]

Do you remember the times? Because I always hear these stories, and to me, it's like, damn, this really happened when you used to work telemarketing, right? And you were there with Salt and Pepper, I guess, and Kid playing.

[Martin Lawrence]

No, that was Sears.

[DJ Envy]

Was that Sears?

[The Breakfast Club]

Sears and Robot.

[DJ Envy]

Sears and Robot. How was those experiences. And are you ever amazed that all of y'all were successful in your own way of going?

[The Breakfast Club]

Well, see, I wasn't there with Kid and Play. I was there with Salt and Pepper and. And I was always clowning, you know, joking around at work and everything. Not on the phone, doing what I'm supposed to be doing.

[DJ Envy]

What did y'all have to do?

[The Breakfast Club]

I was trying. I was trying to crack on Saul. I was trying to crack on Saul. And Herbie Love was working there, too, and. And I was like, sorry, you know, I'm trying to get with you. Da, da, da. And she was like, martin, I'm with Herbie. I said, herbie's your boy, your boyfriend. And I look at Herbie. I said, herbie, this your girlfriend? He said, yeah. I said, oh, man. So then I just had to leave that alone.

[DJ Envy]

So what were y'all selling on the phone? That's what I never know. Like, what was Sears selling?

[The Breakfast Club]

Were y'all selling maintenance agreements?

[DJ Envy]

Oh, selling.

[The Breakfast Club]

So do you remember.

[DJ Envy]

Do you remember your pitch back then and what you had to do?

[The Breakfast Club]

Well, you know. Hello, how are you? I was wondering, you just brought a new appliance. How is it working for you? You know, in 30 days or 60 days, something could happen to it. Would you like to extend your warranty and all that?

[DJ Envy]

And when they said no, did you curse them out? Do you start cracking on them?

[The Breakfast Club]

Nah. Cause a lot of them just hang up.

[Martin Lawrence]

Oh, okay.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

Somebody come to one of your shows and be like, yo, you called me. Like, nobody ever. Like, that has never happened.

[Martin Lawrence]

No, no, I don't remember that. You know, I was thinking too much. You a very physical comedian, right? That's like. A lot of what you do involves your facial expressions, how you move as you got older. Do you believe that impacts your comedy?

[The Breakfast Club]

Like, no, no, I still love being physical. I love. I love it. It's.

[Martin Lawrence]

You ain't falling all over the floor.

[The Breakfast Club]

No, no.

[Martin Lawrence]

Somebody gotta help me get back show done.

[The Breakfast Club]

No, I'm not doing that. But I love still doing some physical comedy. Yeah.

[Martin Lawrence]

And you said, you know, you don't say what you used to say on stage. I remember an episode of Def Comedy Jam. I forgot who you was messing with. I feel like it was that level, but maybe I'm making this up, but you was saying you was talking about a girl. He was with a girl, and you were saying you fucked her. You remember that episode?

[The Breakfast Club]

Oh, you talking about MC Light, Was it MC Light. MC Light Joke.

[DJ Envy]

Oh, MC Light.

[Martin Lawrence]

MC Light Joke.

[American Public University]

Yeah, yeah, yeah.

[Martin Lawrence]

Oh, that was what I was.

[The Breakfast Club]

Yeah, but that wasn't a true joke.

[Martin Lawrence]

It goes viral all the time.

[The Breakfast Club]

It goes viral all the time.

[Martin Lawrence]

Yeah.

[The Breakfast Club]

That wasn't true. That wasn't true. I was just messing with her boyfriend and I was just digging at him. So, you know, I just said it. God damn.

[Martin Lawrence]

I know he had to approach you about that.

[The Breakfast Club]

He couldn't do nothing. He could whip my ass. Yeah, yeah. It was Todd at the time or something.

[Martin Lawrence]

Why did you decide to heat him up like that?

[The Breakfast Club]

Because Ed Lover and then was saying, get hit him with a joke.

[Martin Lawrence]

That's a hell of a joke to say in front of a room.

[DJ Envy]

That was Ty. You remember Ty used to do the. Ty used to do Rap City with them. Not Rap City, but Yo, MTV Rap.

[Martin Lawrence]

God.

[American Public University]

Yeah.

[Martin Lawrence]

Okay, okay, okay. Got you, got you, got you, got you, got you.

[DJ Envy]

So has anybody ever.

[The Breakfast Club]

Hold on.

[Martin Lawrence]

Did MC Light get mad about that joke?

[The Breakfast Club]

Nah, she. She was real cool. No, she's real cool.

[DJ Envy]

Did anybody ever come into you after your show and wanted to fight because, like, he said, you didn't hold anything back. Like, you didn't care who was in that show. You was going at him. Anybody say, yo, I'm gonna meet Martin outside after. Nah, never.

[The Breakfast Club]

Nah. Cause I'm not that dude, man. I'm not that dude. And I got goons.

[DJ Envy]

Back then, so it wasn't happening.

[The Breakfast Club]

Wasn't happening.

[DJ Envy]

And I still got him. So if you want to come to.

[The Breakfast Club]

The ball, you get a little upset.

[DJ Envy]

Just know it goes back to that.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

You still lean into a lot of the crowd work in your shows. Now, you mentioned, do you still do a lot of crowd work today in your shows?

[The Breakfast Club]

Yes, I do a lot of meet and greets and stuff. You know, I love, you know, hooking up with my audience.

[DJ Envy]

He was talking about snapping on people in the audience.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

Not even snapping, but just like, you know, when you go to the comedy shows, I feel like a lot. I know for me, when I go, I want to see the comedians do the crowd work because it's off the top and like, Most people, when they do it well, I'm like, oh, dang. He's like, really good at this. So I think people look for that for you also, too. Cause it's in a lot of your standups when we see you go off on the crowd.

[The Breakfast Club]

Thank you.

[DJ Envy]

Now, also in the news, your daughter got engaged to Eddie Murphy's son. Yeah, that was in the news. Congratulations.

[The Breakfast Club]

He's a great kid. I'm a great young man. Great young man. I don't think she could have found nobody better.

[DJ Envy]

Right now we have this rule up here. If we're ever out and about with.

[Martin Lawrence]

Somebody that's richer than us, whoever has.

[DJ Envy]

The most money has to pay the bill.

[The Breakfast Club]

Well, Eddie already said I had to pay for it. He said he paid for the last six weddings, you know? Cause Eddie got a lot of kids. He said he paid for the last six. So he said, nah, this is on you. I said, I don't mind. Damn.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

So he's still holding you to that? I said, so he's still holding you to that?

[The Breakfast Club]

Yeah, he's holding me to that. He's holding me to that.

[Martin Lawrence]

Did you envision that? Cause it seemed like back in the 90s, and I could be wrong, it seemed like y'all had just like such a brotherhood amongst each other, you know what I mean? And to see that brotherhood y'all had, but now y'all kids getting married. Did you see that?

[The Breakfast Club]

Never. Never. Couldn't believe it. Couldn't believe it.

[Martin Lawrence]

When they first told you that they was connected, what did you. Did you call Eddie and be like, hey, man, you know, our children are dating?

[The Breakfast Club]

Nah, I just. When I talked to him, I said, can you believe it? And he said, ah, it's beautiful. You know, as long as they respect each other and love each other, you know? Hey, world, too.

[DJ Envy]

Nah, nah, nah. I picture you and Will at the door and they coming up and you having that conversation. So you never had to have that conversation?

[The Breakfast Club]

Nah, with my daughters, I'm open. I'm. I'm. You know, I'm kind of father. That gives them. Gives them room, you know, if. If they're. If the boyfriends they're bringing me to meet are disrespectful, then they're going to see another side of me. But if they're nice young men or whatever, I don't. I don't do all.

[DJ Envy]

You don't get involved.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

They probably already know by the time you meet my dad, and he to be right. Yeah, dad don't play around.

[The Breakfast Club]

And my reputation precedes itself.

[American Public University]

You must have done some people.

[The Breakfast Club]

Like.

[Martin Lawrence]

Why Martin was people how important was it to I mean how hard was it to sell hip hop to Hollywood in the 90s? Because when I think of like Martin, y'all had Biggie on there and Method man and Wendy Williams. I even think about movies like House Party. Was Hollywood embracing of hip hop back.

[American Public University]

American Public University understands the challenges of balancing education with a busy, ever changing life. Whether you're part of a military family managing PCs moves or a working professional juggling career and family, APU offers the flexibility you need to succeed. Delivered online, APU's programs make it possible to learn wherever life takes you, and courses are offered in 8 and 16 week formats with monthly start dates so you can begin when it's convenient and progress at a pace that's comfortable for you. APU is committed to making education affordable for everyone. For active duty military and their families, the preferred military rate is just 250 per credit hour. Veterans and their families can benefit from the Veteran Grant, which provides 10% off undergrad and master's levels tuition, and for everyone else, the Opportunity Grant offers the same 10% tuition savings, making higher education within reach for all. Visit APU APUS Edumilitary to learn more American Public University education that moves with.

[Ghost Therapy]

You Tired of restless nights? At Leesa, they know good sleep is essential for mental, physical and emotional health. From memory foam mattresses to hybrids that keep you cool all night long, leesa's mattresses offer exceptional comfort and support with free delivery and 100 nights to try out your mattress in the comfort of your home. Go to leesa.com today and get 20% off all mattresses and two free pillows. That's L E dashesa.com and use code iheart for an extra $50 off your purchase. Remember, no matter who you are, there's a Lisa just for you.

[The Breakfast Club]

Hey, it's Mike and Ian. We're the hosts of how to do everything from NPR's wait, wait, don't Tell Me. Each week we take your questions and.

[Leesa]

Find someone much smarter than us to answer them. Questions like how do you survive the Bermuda Triangle?

[The Breakfast Club]

How do you find a date inside the Bermuda Triangle?

[Leesa]

We can't help you, but we will find someone who can.

[The Breakfast Club]

Listen to the how to Do Everything podcast on iheartradio.

[Paola Pedrosa]

Welcome. My name is Paola Pedrosa, a medium and the host of the Ghost Therapy podcast, where it's not just about connecting with deceased loved ones, it's about learning through them and their new perspective. Join me on the Ghost Therapy podcast.

[Martin Lawrence]

Whoa.

[The Breakfast Club]

My lights in my living room just flickered. I'm a little nervous. I'm excited.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

I'm excited and nervous.

[The Breakfast Club]

You know, I'm a very spiritual person, so I'm like, I'm ready and open.

[Paola Pedrosa]

That was amazing. I feel so grateful right now.

[Ghost Therapy]

I got to speak to my great.

[Paola Pedrosa]

Grandmother Abuela, and she gave me a lot of really good advice that I'm gonna have to really think about.

[The Breakfast Club]

Wow. Okay. That's crazy. Yes, that is accurate.

[Paola Pedrosa]

Listen to the Ghost Therapy podcast as part of the My Cultura Podcast network, available on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.

[Martin Lawrence]

You know, did y'all have to tell.

[The Breakfast Club]

Them we were coming up? We were coming up, but because we were doing so good, you know, they had to accept us, they had to embrace us, you know, because hip hop was hitting hard. You know, you had all this talent, and so they had to say, open the door and say, hey, we gotta let hip hop in, because it's impacting the world, you know, and you see what hip hop is doing now. You know, what.

[Martin Lawrence]

What do you think happened to. To television? And what I mean by that is, you know, they always talk about the negative images of. Of black people that exist now on TV and in film. But it's like when we came up in the 90s, we didn't have that. We had the Martins and the Cosby shows and the different worlds and the living singles. Like, what do you think made Hollywood say we going to get. Stop doing that and start doing reality tv?

[The Breakfast Club]

I don't know. I don't know. Maybe because reality, when. When they first put it on, it hit, you know, people started gravitating to it or whatever, and maybe it's. It's ways they. They get tax breaks. I don't know.

[American Public University]

But y'all was hitting, too, and it was great representation. Like, you had a job, you was a radio person.

[DJ Envy]

But it was probably cheaper too, though. You ain't gotta pay a reality.

[The Breakfast Club]

Yeah, that's why I'm saying tax breaks and all that stuff, you know, but.

[Martin Lawrence]

It don't stand the test of time. It ain't a syndication 20 years later, 30 years later. Yeah, you know, I also wonder, too, but growing up, you know, watching you play, Shanae Nay, watching you in big mama's house, I never thought anything of it. I just thought it was funny. But nowadays, you hear people say, oh, you know, that's. You got to sell your soul in Hollywood. And that's humiliation rituals and the illuminati yeah. What do you think of that?

[The Breakfast Club]

It's. It's. It's all doing what I do and doing Big Mama and characters like that, Shanaynae or whatever. These are strong black women, you know? And I'm a comedian, you know, And I'm not above playing a character putting on a dress or whatever. Cause I'm in tune with my manhood, you know, So I know who I am, so I don't worry about all that.

[DJ Envy]

Is that a missed art? Cause we've seen it with you. We've seen it with Eddie, but now it seems like everybody, like he said, is afraid to do that, but.

[Martin Lawrence]

Except for Tyler.

[American Public University]

Except for Tyler.

[The Breakfast Club]

Except for Tyler, yeah. If you in tune with your manhood, you shouldn't be worrying about it, you know, if you ain't letting nobody get under your dress.

[Martin Lawrence]

Was there ever a point. Was there ever a point where you felt like the industry boxed you in and they just wanted you to be the funny guy and didn't give you, like, I guess, room to grow as an actor?

[The Breakfast Club]

Yeah. Cause I haven't been offered a lot of dramatic roles. You know, the closest I had to I got a dramatic role was I had to do it myself was Thin Line Between Love and Hate. So that was the closest. And then I wind up. Recently, about two years ago, I did a movie called Mind Cage that was total drama, no comedy and everything else. So I did about two.

[Martin Lawrence]

Do you even want to do that? Are you like.

[The Breakfast Club]

Yeah, I want to try it. I wanted to try to see if I could pull it off.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

When you saw it happening to you, though, were you talking to your team like, yo, why is this happening? Why are we not pushing back? Or were you just like, I got to do what I got to do to eat, to keep my family fat.

[The Breakfast Club]

Always, you know, not sell your soul. But do what? Do what's appealing to you.

[DJ Envy]

Now, they also talk about Blue Streak, the sequel.

[The Breakfast Club]

Yes.

[DJ Envy]

You guys are shooting that?

[The Breakfast Club]

We're working on it.

[DJ Envy]

You're working on it, right?

[The Breakfast Club]

We're writing it right now.

[DJ Envy]

Does it leave off in Mexico, or have you figured that out as of yet?

[The Breakfast Club]

No, we haven't figured it out yet. Yeah, but if they come get me from Mexico to, you know, because I had the diamond, so I'm living high off the hog, you know? So we'll see what happens.

[DJ Envy]

It got to be a crazy soundtrack, too, like the first one.

[The Breakfast Club]

Oh, yeah. Yeah.

[Martin Lawrence]

How do you choose what to do a sequel to. Because Blue Screen was good, but I. To me, I'm like, yeah, I'd rather see Life Part 2. Like, I.

[DJ Envy]

Like another one.

[American Public University]

I like to see how y'all was when y'all.

[The Breakfast Club]

Everybody wants to see Life Part 2, but you gotta remember, me and Eddie were. We were, what, 90? About time we got out.

[American Public University]

But no, it can be a period.

[Martin Lawrence]

Piece, so it can be based on when y'all first got out, when y'all first broke out. What did Ray and Claude do? What was their life like when they first broke up?

[The Breakfast Club]

Well, we went to the baseball game.

[Martin Lawrence]

Yeah.

[DJ Envy]

Remember that?

[Martin Lawrence]

That's all we saw.

[The Breakfast Club]

Right.

[Martin Lawrence]

Know y'all got somewhere, you know what I'm saying?

[American Public University]

Where's that at? Y'all getting introduced to Viagra or something, you know?

[Charlamagne Tha God]

No, too much. They might not have made it through the experience. They ain't gonna live their own movie.

[DJ Envy]

They want you to die with the Viagra.

[American Public University]

I'm just saying, like, it could end.

[Martin Lawrence]

Right when y'all broke out, Right?

[The Breakfast Club]

Well, if somebody puts it together, man, hey, I. I totally. I talked to Eddie about it, and Eddie said, hey, man, if. If somebody could make it make sense, hey, we'll. We'll do it again.

[Martin Lawrence]

Do you. Do you get. I don't want to say frustrated, but, like, having to convince people in Hollywood like, you, Martin Lawrence, you know what I'm saying? Like, having to sit down and pitch things or. Like.

[The Breakfast Club]

Yeah, that's frustrating. Yeah, that's frustrating. But it's part of the business, you know, And. And it's hidden. Hit, hit or miss, you know, But I have a strong faith in. In God, and he's my agent.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

It's crazy to me that you still have to pitch things. Like, just hearing that, it's like, wow, what about a Martin reunion? Like a. I know you guys did the reunion, but, like, people wanted to see, like, actual episodes. Like maybe, you know, Sex in the City. They got back together, they did episodes, and then they had a movie. Like, is there anything on screen. Screen from you guys that we're going.

[The Breakfast Club]

To ever see from the Martin show?

[Charlamagne Tha God]

From the Martin cast?

[American Public University]

Yes.

[The Breakfast Club]

No. No. Tommy Ford was a big part of. Of what we did, and him not being there, it's not the same.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

Got you.

[The Breakfast Club]

And we. We couldn't. We. We caught lightning in a bottle, you know, and that. That won't happen again.

[DJ Envy]

Who came up with the idea of being a radio host like that? That was dope. Like, but I just.

[The Breakfast Club]

I did.

[DJ Envy]

Yeah. And why?

[The Breakfast Club]

Yeah, just try something different, you know. You know, Detroit, you know, being able to say, say what I want on the radio and Being a, you know, outlandish radio announcer and everything, having celebrities come through and everything is just fun. Fun of radio.

[Martin Lawrence]

Did you typecast yourself with Martin? Meaning, like being at the character name with Martin. And they saw how you acted on the show. They expect you to be like that in everyday life all the time.

[The Breakfast Club]

Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah.

[Martin Lawrence]

Because every time I've been around you, it seemed like you very reserved, laid back.

[The Breakfast Club]

Yeah, I'm nothing like the Martin on tv. Exactly. You know, people do ask me that, are you like the Martin on tv? Sometime I tell them, hell yeah, I'll throw your ass out.

[Martin Lawrence]

You know, because I think that's a lot.

[American Public University]

Like, a lot of times people see.

[Martin Lawrence]

When they think something's wrong. But I'm like, number one, he's older. Number two, how did we ever know that was who told us? That was him, right?

[The Breakfast Club]

Yeah. Nah, that was my energy. That was me just projecting. Just, just, just being big, just, you know, giving you a bigger version of Martin and, you know, just, just having fun. Just having fun. But I'm not like that in real life. I'm. I'm mature, you know, it's. That's my job. You know, you don't, you don't want to be on all the time. That gets annoying.

[Martin Lawrence]

And then when somebody.

[The Breakfast Club]

People don't take you serious.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

Was it exhausting having to be on all the time? Because you did a really good job at that job. Like, I would have never known that that wasn't how you were in real life.

[The Breakfast Club]

Thank you. Yeah, it gets exhausting. But when you having fun with it, you don't feel it.

[Martin Lawrence]

And is that the reason you had to whip ass? Cuz people play with ass.

[The Breakfast Club]

Is you say, is that the reason?

[Martin Lawrence]

Cuz they thought they could play with. People thought they could play with you so you, you had to show them.

[The Breakfast Club]

Oh, yeah, yeah, yeah.

[Martin Lawrence]

You ever had somebody just laid out on the floor, they just like Madis Got up by Martin?

[The Breakfast Club]

I have some.

[American Public University]

And with the.

[Martin Lawrence]

Y'all know what it is to. You got a lot of different comedians on there. You got just hilarious, of course. Adele, Givens, B. Simone, Chico, B. D.C. young, Fly, Dion, Cole, just to name a few. How do you pick who you want to be on the road? Because that's such an honor for a comedian to be on the road with Martin Lawrence.

[The Breakfast Club]

Cause they fire. They fire, man. They. That's so talented. They're. They're the next ones, you know, the next comedy stars, you know, and to, to, for me to just have a little piece of helping them out getting them some exposure or whatever, you know, I'm honored to do that. That's what I'm supposed to do, you know, in my position. And so I love it and I love working with them.

[DJ Envy]

Well, caller 105 right now, if you want to sit in the front row, 800-585-1051. You have to be in New York. We ain't flying you. We ain't paying for a bus ticket. We just got your tickets. If you're in New York or you can make it to New York, call the 105 right now, 800-585-1051. You going to be at the Barclays tonight. So you get those tickets tonight. Saturday, he's going to be In Atlantic City, February 8th, Houston, Valentine's Day. He's going to be in your neck of the woods, South Carolina, Greenville?

[Martin Lawrence]

No, that's not my neck of the woods.

[DJ Envy]

I just see South Carolina, I just throw.

[Martin Lawrence]

It's the low country. It's all the same.

[DJ Envy]

He said you're all country in February 15th, Charlotte, North Carolina. So if you haven't got your tickets. Tickets. Get your tickets. And we appreciate you for joining us, brother.

[Martin Lawrence]

Always, man.

[The Breakfast Club]

Thank y'all for having me, man. I'm glad I came in, man. It's been a minute.

[Martin Lawrence]

See you on the wall. We got you on the wall.

[The Breakfast Club]

Yeah, I see. I'm happy, man. Thank you. That's what it is.

[DJ Envy]

It's Martin Lawrence. It's the Breakfast Club. Good morning.

[American Public University]

Wake that ass up early in the morning.

[The Breakfast Club]

The Breakfast Club.

[American Public University]

American Public University understands the challenges of balancing education with a busy, ever changing life. Whether you're part of a military family managing PCs moves or a working professional juggling career and family, APU offers the flexibility you need to succeed. Delivered online, APU's programs make it possible to learn wherever life takes you. And courses are offered in 8 and 16 week formats with monthly start dates so you can begin when it's convenient and progress at a pace that's comfortable for you. APU is committed to making education affordable for everyone. For active duty military and their families, the preferred military rate is just 250 per credit hour. Veterans and their families can benefit from the Veteran Grant, which provides 10% off undergrad and master's levels tuition. And for everyone else, the Opportunity Grant offers the same 10% tuition savings, making higher education within reach for all. Visit APU APUS Edumilitary to learn more American public university education that moves with you.

[Leesa]

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[Lexi Brown]

I'm so sick of hearing men talk about women's basketball. This is Lexi Brown and Mariah Rose, and we've got a new podcast, Full Circle. Every Wednesday, we're catching you up on what's going on in women's basketball. We've got you with analysis, inside stories, and a little bit of tea. Full circle is an iHeart women's sports production in partnership with Deep Blue Sports and Entertainment. Listen to Full circle on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. Presented by Elf Beauty, founding partner of iHeart Women's Sports.

[Martin Luther King III]

Welcome to My Legacy. I'm Martin Luther King III and together with my wife, Andrea Waters King, and our dear friends Mark and Craig Kilburger, we explore the personal journeys that shape extraordinary lives.

[The Breakfast Club]

Join us for heartfelt conversations with remarkable guests like David Oyelo, Mel Robbins, Martin.

[American Public University]

Sheen, Dr. Sanjay Gupta, and Billy Port.

[Leesa]

Listen to My legacy on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.

[American Public University]

This is my Leg.