INTERVIEW: Rotimi On Fatherhood, Bringing Afrobeats To America, 50 Cent's Marketing Genius, New Album + More

Summary

Podcast Summary: The Breakfast Club Episode Featuring Rotimi

Interview Episode: Rotimi On Fatherhood, Bringing Afrobeats To America, 50 Cent's Marketing Genius, New Album + More

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Introduction

In this compelling episode of The Breakfast Club, hosts DJ Envy, Charlamagne Tha God, and Just Hilarious sit down with multi-talented artist Rotimi to delve into his personal and professional journey. From embracing fatherhood and pioneering Afrobeats in America to navigating the complexities of the music and acting industries, Rotimi offers an intimate look into his life and creative endeavors.

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1. Embracing Fatherhood

Rotimi opens up about his transformative experience as a father, highlighting how parenthood has reshaped his identity and priorities.

• Balancing Parenthood and Career:
  "Being a father has changed my life because having a three-year-old boy and a two-year-old girl, I'm just learning so much about myself as a man." [03:27]

• Impact on Parenting Approach:
  Rotimi emphasizes the importance of spending quality time with his children, noting the profound effect it has on both his kids and himself.
  "Anybody fathers, man, like, please spend time with your children. It's a beautiful thing to see them grow and both grow together." [03:43]

• Navigating Dual Responsibilities:
  Managing responsibilities for both a son and a daughter has led to unique dynamics in his household, fostering mutual learning and growth between his children.
  "My son is a genius, doing his alphabets backwards and speaking Spanish at three. My daughter is picking up from him, so it's a blessing." [04:21]

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2. Mental Health and Personal Growth

Rotimi candidly discusses his struggles with anxiety and the steps he took to overcome them, underscoring the importance of vulnerability and self-awareness.

• Acknowledging Anxiety:
  "I was going through a lot, dealing with Covid and the pressures of fame. It led me to seek therapy because I couldn't tough it out alone." [14:59]

• Faith and Self-Help:
  After initial therapy attempts didn't align with his needs, Rotimi turned to the Bible for solace and guidance, finding peace and direction through scripture.
  "I opened up Peter, and Peter became my therapist. I used God and scriptures as my guide." [14:19]

• Overcoming Vices:
  Recognizing that alcohol and smoking were mere escapes from deeper issues, Rotimi made a conscious decision to quit these habits, focusing instead on his relationship with God and his family.
  "I realized that liquor wasn't the problem; it was the solution to my own issues. So I stopped and found healthier outlets." [17:48]

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3. Bringing Afrobeats to America

Rotimi takes pride in his role as a trailblazer in introducing Afrobeats to the American music scene, discussing the challenges and triumphs of this cultural fusion.

• Pioneering Afrobeats on American Radio:
  "I was the first American Nigerian to bring Afrobeats to a place where Americans could digest it on radio. It was a pacifier to start the movement here." [40:45]

• Collaborations and Influences:
  Rotimi acknowledges the contributions of other Afrobeats artists like Wizkid and Davido but emphasizes his unique position in making the genre more accessible to American audiences.
  "While others were doing their part, my approach made Afrobeats more relatable and inclusive in the U.S." [42:32]

• Industry Perceptions:
  Addressing criticisms about genre classifications, Rotimi advocates for a more inclusive approach, believing that music should transcend rigid categories.
  "Music has no bounds. That's what makes it so beautiful. We shouldn't box people into limited genres." [42:43]

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4. Navigating the Music and Acting Industries

Rotimi shares insights into balancing his dual careers in music and acting, highlighting the strategic decisions that have shaped his trajectory.

• Strategic Independence:
  Rotimi discusses his decision to invest personally in his music projects to maintain creative control, illustrating his dedication to producing quality work.
  "I put half a million into my album on my own because I believe in what I'm creating." [31:08]

• Collaborations with Industry Giants:
  Highlighting his relationship with Lauryn Hill, Rotimi recounts how their shared history and mutual respect have influenced his music.
  "Lauryn Hill heard my record, and it was amazing to receive her love and support." [20:19]

• Balancing Villain Roles and Music Persona:
  Playing villainous characters in popular shows like Power presents unique challenges, but Rotimi leverages these roles to add depth to his music and public persona.
  "Being known as a villain made it harder to transition, but I learned to carry that vessel and let people see who I truly am." [35:30]

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5. Marketing Genius and Industry Tactics

A significant portion of the discussion revolves around Rotimi's experiences with industry marketing strategies, particularly his interactions with 50 Cent.

• Strategic Financial Decisions:
  Rotimi explains how he navigated his exit from a two-album deal with 50 Cent, ensuring that financial obligations were met through sales, showcasing his business acumen.
  "I paid back 50 Cent by letting my subsequent records generate revenue, which was genius marketing." [32:09]

• Impact of Marketing Tactics:
  50 Cent's approach to mention debts in his music played a pivotal role in Rotimi's financial recovery and the promotion of his work.
  "His strategy of mentioning the debt 25 times created a psychological impact that boosted my album sales." [33:44]

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6. New Album: "In My Heart, In My Veins"

Rotimi introduces his highly anticipated double album, detailing its conception, themes, and the creative process behind it.

• Conceptualizing a Double Album:
  "The album is split into two parts: 'In My Heart' for R&B and 'In My Veins' for Afrobeat, each treating every song as a single." [34:08]

• Creative Investment:
  Rotimi invested significantly in the production and marketing of his album, ensuring high-quality music videos and a cohesive artistic vision.
  "I paid for every music video to make sure each song gets its moment, spreading content over seven to eight months." [26:37]

• Artistic Vision:
  By treating each song as a standalone piece, Rotimi aims to cater to diverse musical tastes, reinforcing his versatility as an artist.
  "This project is about making undeniable product that lives forever, reflecting my Nigerian and American influences." [34:08]

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7. Future Projects and Closing Thoughts

As the conversation wraps up, Rotimi touches on his upcoming roles and the importance of maintaining genuine connections within the industry.

• Expanding Acting Roles:
  Rotimi discusses his latest role in The Chi, expressing a desire to showcase different facets of his acting abilities.
  "The new character on The Chi is completely different, allowing me to seek roles that show all my ranges." [37:30]

• Maintaining Integrity:
  Emphasizing the significance of personal integrity and treating others with respect, Rotimi highlights how these values have propelled his success both personally and professionally.
  "The little things, like remembering everyone's name and being genuinely interested, have kept me around and fueled my longevity." [34:03]

• Maximizing Opportunities:
  Rotimi underscores the importance of seizing every chance to grow and connect, believing that each encounter has the potential to shape his career positively.
  "When you get an opportunity, you don't know who's watching. Maximize every moment because they don't come often." [39:46]

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Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• "Being a father has changed my life because having a three-year-old boy and a two-year-old girl, I'm just learning so much about myself as a man."
  [03:27]

• "Music has no bounds. That's what makes it so beautiful. We shouldn't box people into limited genres."
  [42:43]

• "I put half a million into my album on my own because I believe in what I'm creating."
  [31:08]

• "This project is about making undeniable product that lives forever, reflecting my Nigerian and American influences."
  [34:08]

• "When you get an opportunity, you don't know who's watching. Maximize every moment because they don't come often."
  [39:46]

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Conclusion

Rotimi's interview on The Breakfast Club offers a profound exploration of his evolution as an artist, father, and individual. His commitment to authentic storytelling, mental well-being, and cultural representation stands as a testament to his influence in both the music and acting arenas. Rotimi not only reflects on his past achievements but also sets a visionary path for his future projects, inspiring listeners to embrace vulnerability, creativity, and relentless pursuit of passion.

Transcript

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[Rotimi]

Clock's ticking.

[Aldis Hodge]

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[Rotimi]

Wake that ass up early in the morning.

[Aldis Hodge]

The Breakfast Club.

[DJ Envy]

Morning, everybody. It's DJ Envy. Just hilarious. Charlamagne the guy. We are the Breakfast Club. We got a special guest in the building today. Yes, we got Ro Timmy.

[Just Hilarious]

Ro Timmy.

[Rotimi]

Yes, sir. I'm good, brother. How you doing? How you doing, family?

[Just Hilarious]

I'm good.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

Yeah.

[Just Hilarious]

Good to see you.

[Rotimi]

Good to see you. It's been a couple years.

[Just Hilarious]

Yeah, I know you've been working.

[Rotimi]

I'm doing what I can.

[DJ Envy]

You talking about family life? Cause last time we seen him, he wasn't married, he ain't had no kids. Oh, you talking about the music part?

[Rotimi]

I'm talking about both.

[Just Hilarious]

I'm talking about like he has the husband and dad glow.

[DJ Envy]

That's right.

[Just Hilarious]

You know, so that's amazing.

[Rotimi]

Thank you. Thank you. Yeah. Being a being, being a father, man, and it's changed my life, man, because having a three year old boy and a two year old girl, like I'm just learning so much about myself as a man and it just does it. So anybody fathers, man, like, please spend time with your children. Because at this age I'm seeing how much it is that it affects them, but I'm not there, you know, so it's a beautiful thing just to see him grow and then both grow.

[Just Hilarious]

Yeah. Now is it a difference? Like, I know you had your son first.

[Rotimi]

Yeah.

[Just Hilarious]

Was it that anything changed when you had your girl?

[Rotimi]

So yeah. So being in a Nigerian man, now you have wisdom of parenting that you know. But my son, like, so I'm blessed because my son is actually a genius. So like. And everybody say that about the kids.

[DJ Envy]

I was about to say that everybody say about the kids. Everybody kiss. Genius.

[Rotimi]

No, like we really can't put him in school because his brain, the way he takes information is at an eight year old level.

[Just Hilarious]

Damn.

[Rotimi]

So we had to take. So he's doing preschool just to Be around other kids for social.

[Just Hilarious]

For the social.

[Rotimi]

But in terms of. We had to get a tutor because it's too advanced. So he's doing his alphabets backwards. He's speaking Spanish, learning Swahili at three. So, like. And so I tell him things, and he gets it once, so I'm blessed. But then the funny thing is, my daughter is actually faster because she's watching her brother, right? So now they're both going through the same thing. So it's a blessing because it's like.

[Just Hilarious]

So they in the house teaching y'all shit.

[Rotimi]

Yes. Yes. He's like, oh, dad, X, Y, Z, Z, G, G. And that's not. I know my cba. I'm like, what?

[Charlamagne Tha God]

His son doesn't account when they're eight.

[Rotimi]

You know what I'm saying? So it's. It's been beautiful, man. But I'm done with two, though. I'm good. Yeah, I'm finished.

[DJ Envy]

You just asked you. He just told us how much love.

[Rotimi]

He know, right?

[DJ Envy]

What an experience.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

But I'm done.

[Rotimi]

No, I'm done. I'm done. Because this generation, dude, it's. It's too many.

[DJ Envy]

You need.

[Rotimi]

You need to focus on what you can. I'm already gone, so I'm already at a disadvantage. So, like, just making sure two is good at this in this time, then I think that's enough for me, personally.

[DJ Envy]

That's what I said at first, too.

[Rotimi]

And then you had kid, And I have six.

[Just Hilarious]

She's awesome.

[DJ Envy]

I had two at first. I got a 23. She just turned 23 yesterday at 23. A 21. And then we waited like 10 years and I got a 11, a 10, a 8. Wow. And a 2 year old.

[Rotimi]

Wow.

[DJ Envy]

I love being a father. Like, being a father, it keeps you young. It keeps you on your toes.

[Rotimi]

Yeah, yeah, yeah.

[DJ Envy]

It just. It keeps you hungry as well. Absolutely. And I enjoy it. Now, your wife said that after two days of meeting you.

[Rotimi]

Yeah. Yeah.

[DJ Envy]

She knew you were the one.

[Rotimi]

Yeah.

[DJ Envy]

Did you know she was the one after two days? Oh, boy.

[Just Hilarious]

Don't get him in trouble.

[DJ Envy]

That breath is in trouble. That breath is in trouble.

[Just Hilarious]

Yes.

[Rotimi]

Not because of her, but because I wasn't ready for what she already was ready for. And usually women are smarter than us. You get what I'm saying? So, like, she saw it. I knew it. I fought it. You know what I mean? I knew that I never experienced something like that. I knew that I met someone that was already challenging me as a person and spiritually. Like, she's a prayer warrior. So, like, her whole thing was we speaking in tongues for an hour and a half. We going. We reading the Bible together. Like, so she approached me on a way that, like, it made me say, damn, bro, you really aren't who you think you are as a person. You're still a boy, you know? And so she made me mentally level up, so I still was like, nah, she's lit. But everybody. Then I'm like, oh, my God. I can't stop thinking. I can't stop vibing. I can't stop. I don't want nothing else. It was a gradual.

[DJ Envy]

How did y'all meet?

[Rotimi]

We met at Essence Fest. So V is. She's an artist, but she retired, but she's an artist, and she was headlining as well on the main stage at Essence. It's a funny quick story that I was there for power, but I was also performing. So I went to a private party. Okay, I'll start from the top. I went from a private party, and I actually had a girl there with me.

[DJ Envy]

Oh, damn.

[Rotimi]

Yeah, yeah, yeah. Like a fly. Like a nice little weekend vibe, you know, I was still in my. The whole Timmy days. You know what I'm saying? I was in the whole Timmy days. So, no, I was still violent, you know? But it was. Shorty was like, yo, I don't feel too well. I'm going to stay in. And I was like, well, I got to go to this Spotify party really quickly. I'll be there 10 minutes. I'll meet you in a bit. She's like, I don't feel like going. But she was with me the entire day. I go to the party and all my power crew was this way. And I was like, man, I just seen all these niggas. I've seen them. I'm good. Let me just do my own thing. And there she is, like, literally sitting on a pool table. And it was just like, oh, wow, who is this? And then we spoke for three, four hours. So the illest thing that I did that I feel like changed the trajectory of our relationship was the fact that she was like, look, I really want to get to know you. I think you're super lit. Let's see each other tomorrow. And I said, honestly, like, I have somebody here. I don't wanna cross ties. I don't wanna play you like that. I don't wanna put you in a situation where you view me as this guy. So let me handle this first, and then we can link, you know, whenever, when there's no distraction. Yeah. So she remembered that Cause I know if she would have met me doing this, she would have been thinking forever that, like, anybody's like that, you know? And so that's how we met. And, you know, we've been together ever since. And she wasn't living in the States at the time. She was in Tanzania. So she flew out, and, yeah, the rest is history.

[DJ Envy]

So the young lady that you left in the hotel. I was sick.

[Just Hilarious]

I was raised.

[DJ Envy]

She must feel sick.

[Rotimi]

Oh, my God. I know.

[Just Hilarious]

She probably like, why you put sick.

[DJ Envy]

Why gotta be sick? Why you gotta go out and leave me?

[Just Hilarious]

It could have been a headache from her drinking too much. Why you gonna say you left the sick girl in the room and you went to go beg somebody else?

[Rotimi]

You know what I'm saying? It was crazy.

[DJ Envy]

So how was that conversation with her? Cause now it's like, you know, if you wasn't sick, you could have been the one.

[Rotimi]

Yeah, I don't even know she could have been the one.

[DJ Envy]

Okay.

[Rotimi]

Yeah, but she was dope. But again, I wasn't in that mindset of anything. I just met someone that made. Made me say, oh, gotcha. This is different, bro. Don't lose this.

[Just Hilarious]

But I do respect how you told V. Like, I'm here with somebody, and I don't even. You know, I don't want y'all to cross ties. I love that.

[Rotimi]

And I feel like, again, like, you know, the way you meet people sometimes people never forget. Because then it starts being like, okay, well, you did this to me.

[Just Hilarious]

Yeah.

[Rotimi]

So then everything has always been integrity.

[Just Hilarious]

Yeah.

[Rotimi]

You know, and so I wanted to start it off that way. And then I had the conversation with Shorty. Like, look like, you know, this is. This is a vibe. We cool. I had a good time. You know, I think we're just gonna. And she was like, yeah, okay, no problem. It was nothing. It wasn't deep.

[DJ Envy]

So how long were you together with your wife before you actually asked the question?

[Rotimi]

Ah, a year and a half.

[DJ Envy]

And how did you know? Because nowadays I feel like people wait a lot longer because they want to make sure with, you know, so many people talking about toxic relationships, so many people getting divorced. What say, this is the one and I want to do it now.

[Just Hilarious]

He just said he was speaking tongues for four hours.

[Rotimi]

Nah. You know, the illest thing that I've always done in my career, personally, is I've always trusted my instincts and I've always trusted my intuition. So I never second guessed anything, you know, and that's because I never took an acting class. I never took Music lessons, it was always whatever. So this was no different that I knew that it was, okay, this is the time. Oh, this is gonna be it. This is how it goes. And I'm very in tune with God. So everything was just like, okay, this is who it needs to be and this is who it is. So it was ordained, bro. I can't really tell you. Like, yeah, it was just like, this woman doesn't deserve to wait. You know what I'm saying? Like, what am I doing? I already know, so why waste time?

[Just Hilarious]

So what is the rotimi prayer? They been asking the prayers for Sierra. Once they hear this man, the way he speak about V, his wife, they gonna be asking for that prayer. I wanna know how has being a husband and a dad affected your music? Like, did it change, make you wanna sing about different things or.

[Rotimi]

He keeps singing.

[DJ Envy]

He got like 19 songs.

[Just Hilarious]

I know, but how does this impact your music now, the family life?

[Rotimi]

Well, I'm able to make records that. So for example, I have a song called Bless, right? And it just basically says on the album, basically says, I have everything I need. And it's a mixture of afrobeat with gospel. You know, that's one version. Then I have a version of, you know, when I met her in essence. And I wrote from this perspective of I don't need nobody else, it's you, and put it on some cool drums. So that love has been easy to transpire because it's transcribed, because it's just naturally what's going on. And me and Punch, we did this whole project together. So my stories are easy to convey to my brother, you know, and so we're able just to get these going. But as a father, you know, like you said earlier, like before we even started, just being able to look in my kids eyes and say, yo, like I have no choice but to win, yo, like, I have to do this. I don't have a regular 9 to 5 where I can clock in, do what I need to do and go home. I have to earn everything creatively and think ahead. So when I look at him and he's happy and he's doing his alphabets backwards, I'm like, I gotta fund this. You know what I mean? And so that mindset has made me an even bigger hustler when it comes down to it. And you know, I was going through a lot of mental issues. Not issues, but mental moments where it was like Covid at the time and then dealing with a woman who I genuinely love for sure. But postpartum is a monster. That men don't really talk about, that we gotta deal with as well. And being and giving and giving and giving. So I was going through so much at the time that music was my therapy. So that's why it took so long to make this next. This project now. Because, one, I had to get myself right mentally and then make sure my family was good and then kill a lot of my bad habits of who I was, who I was before I go to the next stage now.

[DJ Envy]

Did you have to go to therapy?

[Rotimi]

Yeah, I did. I did. I tried it. I tried it.

[DJ Envy]

What made you try it too?

[Rotimi]

Because I'm usually the guy that everyone goes to for answers. I'm usually the guy that everyone goes to for prayer. I'm usually the guy that everyone goes to like, yo, can you help me through this? And when you're like a leader or who do you go to? You know, and my wife definitely is there. But there's certain things men go through that no one else can really. And a lot of people don't go through the same things I deal with on a daily of fame and pressure and anxiety and, you know, being around people that just clout chasing. It's a toxic industry. So when you go through so much of that, no one really there to talk to. So then I was like, God help me, I did that. At the time, I wasn't ready for that true conversation. Then I went and said, let me just talk to somebody. And it was great. But I think it's really important to have the right therapist, too.

[Just Hilarious]

Absolutely.

[Rotimi]

You know, so it didn't really match. And then that didn't work. But I could see how it does work.

[Just Hilarious]

Yeah.

[Rotimi]

Then it was like, no, let me just. Let me just go to the Bible, man. Let me just go to the Bible. And then I just opened up Peter, and Peter became my therapist, you know what I'm saying? So I just kept reading the Bible. I read James and, like, those two books changed my mindset and just gave me, like, the guideline of how to be a good man, a cerebral man. And so that changed my life, man. That genuinely changed my life. So therapy helped. It opened the door. But then I just used God and disciples as my therapist.

[DJ Envy]

Were you going through depression? Is that why you said, I have to see therapy? Was it something that you was like, I need some help? Like, what got you to the point where it's like, I need this help? Was it anxiety? Was it?

[Rotimi]

Yeah, it was anxiety. It was anxiety that I never felt before. It was feeling like at the time I really couldn't speak to anybody that the world is shut down. And then also I had a hit record. Like, so in my Bed was going ridiculous at that time. But I couldn't travel, you know, so I couldn't promote it the way it needed to promote. So you're seeing it go viral, but you're like, damn, I can't even really do anything, you know? And so that also played into it. But then it was also just like, you're not able to move, so you're starting to see the bank account go a little, you know, and so you're just like, damn, I never felt this. I've always been good. And so being able to start viewing self awareness, like, okay, why do I feel this way? What are my triggers? What do I go through that makes me say, okay, let me use this as an outlet. Who am I like? And I didn't have those answers at the time. And I was praying, but I wasn't as close to God as I am now. And it was just like, man, I just need to talk to another person, you know, with an unbiased. And just give me some advice. And I did it, and it was beautiful. It was just that I wish that, well, everything happens for a reason. But I can see how it works for people. And I just said, okay, you know, no more trying to tough it out. Why? Why am I toughing it out when I'm hurting myself? You know? And I think as black men, we need. And people in general, as black men, we need to be okay with being vulnerable. We need to be okay with dealing with insecurities. We need to. Because it makes you strong when you attack them, you know, and starve the things that you think are vices, you know? And so I did that. I stopped drinking, stopped smoking, stopped doing everything I was doing, and really just said, you know, this two years is gonna be about me before I even write a record. And that's when I got right. It was when everything just started falling together, you know?

[DJ Envy]

Were you drinking too much? Were you smoking too much? Or was it controlling your life to the point where you was like, I have to stop.

[Rotimi]

It wasn't like an addiction, right? But it was more of, like, for 10 years of my life, through a whole power run, through music, through having platinum records. You're in the club and doing this three, four days a week. So liquor becomes a vice. Liquor becomes. And then you're having sometime you didn't even realize. Social anxieties are things. So you're like, damn, I don't want to really talk to these people, but this is soothing me. So let me drink this to get through the moment. The more comfortable, you know, so you don't realize. And then you're like, damn, I got a show. I'm on tour. And they're like, why do I feel like I need to drink a little bit before I hit the stage, man?

[Just Hilarious]

Yep.

[Rotimi]

You get what I'm saying? You know, as a comedian, you know.

[Just Hilarious]

You on stage, I had the same thing. Yep, yep, yep. And now I don't. I don't. Well, when I was pregnant, of course I couldn't drink. But before that, I did stop, like, yo, why do I need a drink before I go on? It's just like that nervousness and anxiety, and you didn't even notice that until you go through something and you're like, damn, I don't need.

[Rotimi]

Exactly. And so for me, it was like, not again. It was. It was a. It was a crutch, not. Rather not a addiction. I didn't need it, but it was like, oh, this is good from what I need right now, you know, and smoking and things like that. And it was just like, escape, you know? And so when I realized, damn, I'm using this as an escape rather than just for joy or pleasure of whatever. I don't. I don't want that.

[DJ Envy]

So how do you deal with it now? Because your life still wraps around clubs in the industry, I'm sure you still have those anxieties of going to a club and not want to, talking to people or performing on stage. How do you deal with that now?

[Rotimi]

I think I realized that vices and liquor and things isn't the problem. I realized that that's just the solution. It's not the problem. It's a deeper thing that it's me. So once I started getting me whole, once I started realizing, yo, you are enough, bro. Once I started realizing there's a relationship with God that needs to be tapped in more, Once I started realizing that the devil's a liar, you know? Once I started realizing self awareness is gonna change this. Once I got me right, I didn't need those things. I liked how I felt better without them, actually. You know what I mean? So it's like, it wasn't a solution. It was. It was a solution to a problem that I had to work in within myself. Gotcha. You know? And so once I realized that, it took the power away from anything, you know, I didn't need validation, even. And in this industry, you get so used to getting Validated and you're lit, it becomes a, oh, this is how I need to feel. It's a normal thing. So when you're not getting that, at times, it's like, what's wrong with me? What happened? What changed? What happened? What happened? So even going through that, so just. I tell my boys and tell people, like, listen, man, it's okay to use these things as testimony, because more people are going through these things than not, you know? And so when you can see somebody who's just happens to be in a public space, I'm no different from you. I just worked on myself, you know, I did the little things. And again, this is not to say an addiction. It's just. I know that when there was an issue, I'd run to something or, you know, and so I just would make it where I didn't run to anything. I just ran to God and I ran to myself and my family, you know, and so that was what it was.

[Just Hilarious]

I love hearing that. You got the song Bestie.

[Rotimi]

Yes.

[Just Hilarious]

And you sampled from the Lauryn Hills, Killing Me Softly. Did she need to hear that before you.

[Rotimi]

Yes, she did.

[Just Hilarious]

Yeah. How was it working with her, even just letting her hear that?

[Rotimi]

So Bestie is one of my favorite records on the album, and it's one of those songs that is divine, man. So Lauryn Hill went to my. My high school, okay? So we all went to me, Sza, Lauren Hill, a lot of other people. You know what I mean?

[DJ Envy]

And so is that where Angela E. Went to?

[Rotimi]

Yes. Yeah, yeah, yeah. So, yeah, so we all from that. From that cloth. And it was amazing because full circle, really quickly. I was a freshman when she came and did her hall of Fame speech. So I was third row sitting watching her get her speech. And I'm like, man, I'm telling my boy. I'm like, yo, bro. Like, I'm gonna do that, bro. And they don't really give. They give it, like, maybe every 10 years to somebody, you know? And I was. I'm just gonna be me, bro. And there's like. There's like 4,000 people that go to our school, so the odds of it being you is not really likely, so. And I just worked, worked, worked, and I did the little things, man. And in 2018, I was inducted to my high school hall of Fame, you know what I mean? And I brought my boy, who I told. I'm going to do.

[DJ Envy]

Told you, y'all.

[Rotimi]

And then. But also that same year, SZA was invited as well to the hall of Fame. So she and A lot of people don't understand that when we grew up, like, I was a ballplayer singing girls that are popular kid, and she was like, kind of like an outcast, you know what I mean? To herself. Really didn't. And she'll talk about it, but I was always been like, yo, come hang out with us. Come kick it with us. When everybody was like, pushing away, pushing her away because we didn't understand the. The swag then, like, she was swaggy like this then, you know, oh, wow. Before different, you know, and it was like, ah, whatever. So. So it was dope to hear, you know, acknowledge that in her speech too, that, you know, like, Ro took care of me when I was in school.

[DJ Envy]

But do you call her now? Be like, yo, sir, you remember when the whole school was against you? I need that verse. I know you charging about a right now, but remember your bro that held you down. Did you call and ask?

[Rotimi]

Did you ask? Oh, it's so dope. Because during the time that Love rhythm was going crazy in my bed was going crazy. And then she called me and was like, yo, I love what you're doing. Let's get this going. And then literally when, like two weeks later, her stuff started going berserk and it was like, okay, hello, Solana. You remember that song that you said? It goes, and there's a meeting in My Bed. You know that one, you know, so it was. It was cool, but you have to respect it. Yeah, yeah, but sorry. So Lauryn Hill, she heard the record. Thank God for Empire to clear it, but she had to clear it first. But I wasn't there when she heard it, though.

[Just Hilarious]

Okay.

[Rotimi]

But, yeah, from what I heard, it was love. And, you know, again, like, having a legend, you know, I've used her sample twice, actually, you know, from In My Bed, you know, so it's always paying homage, you know, so that record doing well was really cool. But, yeah, it's been. It's been a. It's been a. It's been a beautiful journey. Yeah. Beautiful journey.

[Just Hilarious]

Speaking up in my bed, do you ever feel pressure to match the success of Love, Redemption or In my bed, as a competitor?

[Rotimi]

Yes. You know what I mean? As a dog. Yes. But, you know, it's his moment.

[Just Hilarious]

You know, it's there.

[Rotimi]

Oh, yeah. And that's. But the thing is, too, I was making those type of records, right, While I was filming Power, right? So the label would be like, yo, dog, you got two days to make a hit. Go to la, do what you need to do. I Was never able to comfortably make music like these other artists are able to do.

[Just Hilarious]

Yeah.

[Rotimi]

So I was. Thank God for the talent. I was able to go make a record. Go back to set. While I'm making the record, studying my lines in the booth, There's a meeting in my. All right, so Dre's supposed to. Okay, cool. Got it. Like, I'm doing that. And thank God it was able to go platinum. But at the same time, I never had the opportunity that other artists had. So now I was like, ro, let me get yourself right. Take care of your family. This is a season that you're supposed to grow home. Because when it goes crazy again, the foundation gotta be solid. That's why you sitting down, you know? So then it was like, okay, but in the meantime, let's make the best music possible. So that's why this project took two years, because I wanted to make 18 in my bed moments, you know what I mean? With this double album. And so I feel comfortable. I was able to take my time, visualize it. And the cool thing about it is that I was doing in my bed and servicing my Afro Beat fans instead of the R and B side would be like, yo, where's our record? You know? And so now we were like, let's literally make a double album. Nine records afrobeat, nine records, R& B. It's called In My Heart for the R and B side, in my veins for the Nigerian blood. So you getting two versions of Rotimi, full album. And these are my life stories, you know? But then it was like, yo, some people just like the acting side. So, like, let's figure this out. Let's fund and pay for every music video to be shot. So we put money down. We put. I put about a quarter million and make every video. And then the label was like, yo, we got 10 songs for you, bro. We can only do 10. I was like, no, I don't want to do 10. I want to do 18. Well, okay. Well, you got to pay for it. Pay for the other eight. Paid. The producer paid everything. So it was like, again, I tell artists or people, man, like, you have to invest in yourself. You got to believe in yourself. Because I know what this is going to do. And you may not see it right now, but I know what this is going to do. So let me take this upon myself to make it happen with no questions. So they were like, we could do two videos. I was like, all right, cool. That's standard. This is great stuff. Thank you. You know what I mean? But now we're doing 18, you know, we're going to service it out for everybody to be able to have a moment with their song because it's rotimi acting as well. So you get in the R and B side, you get in the afro beat side and you get in the actor, you know. And I directed everything, you know what I mean? And so shout out to Beyonce. I know Beyonce has done something where it's double album and you know, but what we're doing differently is we're treating every song like a single. So the album drops, every song is out. But every three weeks you're going to get a new video. So you're going to be getting new content from the same project for about 7, 8 months.

[Just Hilarious]

This is the real definition of a body of work.

[Rotimi]

A body of work. I was like, yo, the holidays are.

[DJ Envy]

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[Rotimi]

Knowing Cross, I learned to trust his gut again.

[Aldis Hodge]

Size his head.

[Rotimi]

The clock's ticking.

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[Rotimi]

Like if I'm. If I'm going to. I'm not going to come out and do everything that a regular artist go two weeks, they do promo and then you don't hear nothing else. It's done. Nah, I work too hard for this. Yo, I put my life on this. I put a half a million into this thing on my own. It has to work. So we gonna melt this, make it go. Make the music undeniable. You're not a messy artist. You're not talk. Somebody that's gonna talk about somebody like, I know, bro. Like, I know I can get up here and have three strippers and put $1,000 on each of their ass and be like, it's up, what's up? Yeah, I'm single and it's gonna go viral. And then listen to the breakup song about my woman. Then everybody listen to that.

[DJ Envy]

I'm gonna take that clip and say that you wanted to bring. We're gonna cut that up. So go ahead, go.

[Just Hilarious]

Yeah, yeah.

[Rotimi]

But you know what I mean, I know I can do that. I know I can manipulate the system because it's what it is. People like that type of stuff.

[Just Hilarious]

And you have done that before because I was looking at an interview where you said it was 50's idea to say that you owe him money to keep the momentum of your records.

[Rotimi]

Yeah, yeah. So that's. Yes. So Lover Them. Lover Them was number one at the time. And he was like, yo, bro, honestly, I got this idea, man. Like, okay, I left. I got out my deal with 50.

[DJ Envy]

Was it a one album deal or.

[Rotimi]

It was a two album deal, but I had one more. And I said, bro, I want to do this on my own. You know, I believe in this.

[DJ Envy]

And why did you want to get out?

[Rotimi]

Did you feel like. No, I think, I think at the time there was a lot. He had just fired everybody, you know, and so like There was a lot going on at the time, and the show was so on fire that it was like, there's no way that there could be focused on what this is at this particular time especially. Cause my character's going od low crazy, you know what I'm saying? So I'm like, let me just take myself out of this. Because the timing wasn't right to be a focus. So I was like, let me just bet on myself, you know what I mean? And thank God for his love for me and his wisdom. He was like, look, I'll let you out. But, you know, mechanically, you owe me 300,000 for the investment that I've put in there. So I had to pay him back mechanically. So from the sales of my product is how he'll get paid back, which is standard, you know what I mean? So, like, I didn't have to give him 300,000 like this. Yeah. But over time, whatever records I do work with, whoever I work with next, he gets that money. So the record we put the song out, Love rhythm is number one R&B album going crazy. And he calls me. He's like, look, bro, I got this idea. I'm gonna say, I don't like you. I'm gonna say, I want to punch you in your nose. I'm gonna tell you, I don't. I don't rock with you. What's in there? But the thing I'm gonna do is I'm gonna mention 25 times that, how can this nigga not pay me when his album is number one? So when he did that, the psychological psychology of people is like, what am I missing? Wait, Rogue out a number one album where what's going on? And that's how it blew you get what I'm saying? So that's genius marketing.

[Just Hilarious]

It definitely is.

[DJ Envy]

Now you're 5,000, 300,000. And his marketing.

[Rotimi]

You know what I mean? So it worked because he got his money back in, like, four months. You know what I mean? So it works. But at the same time, yes, I know I can do those things, you know? And for me, I was like, the only way I can combat gimmicks and being messy and things is just make undeniable product that lives forever, you know? That's why in my heart, in my veins, feels like that, man. And that's how I grew up. Like, being from Jersey, there was no cutting corners. There was no. You had to work for what you got. You know, being Nigerian either as well. I didn't cut corners. You know, I did the Little things, you know what I mean? So that's what it was for me. I understand. I understood very early. Like, the little things is what keep you around. Longevity. Where. When was the last time you go to your job and you shake everybody's hand, you know, look everybody in the eye, remember everybody's name. That changes the room, that changes the energy. When is the last time you asked, how are you? And genuinely listen, you know what I mean? Like, so whenever I'm. I carry those things, and those principles got me to where I am along with everything else. But those things people remember, you know? And so I was like, I'm not going to cut no corners, you know, let's do it. This is who I am. I am in a relationship. I do got kids. I am fly. I do make great music. I am an actor. Let's. Let's. Let's write about it and let's talk about it and be pure about it.

[DJ Envy]

Now, an actor. Do you like being the villain? Because we've seen you in the villain in power shows. We've seen you. Even with Joyna Lucas, we seen you as the villain.

[Rotimi]

Yeah.

[DJ Envy]

And sometimes I don't like you.

[Rotimi]

Yeah.

[Just Hilarious]

I'm telling. I ain't like this, man.

[DJ Envy]

For a whole season. No, the Joyner Lucas made me. I'm like, I don't like. Oh, I noticed. But, like, it makes me not like him. Like, do you like playing the villain?

[Rotimi]

Okay, yes, but in doses now. You know what I mean? Like, when you play something like Dre, man, that's polarizing, bro. And, like, I know what that. If I was just an actor, that would be the most amazing thing to deal with of being like, damn, bro, you killed that. But I got a whole different other side, you know? So it made music 10 times harder, you know? You know? Cause how do you have you got a number one show as a villain, but then you got a number one record as R and B in love? So it's like, you made me so.

[Just Hilarious]

Mad on power, I ain't need one listen.

[Rotimi]

Exactly. But then when it come on, it's just like, yeah. You know what I'm saying? So, like, that made it tougher, so I had to get over. I had a conversation, actually, with Tyrese about it. Like, bro, how do you do this, man?

[DJ Envy]

Like, that was a long conversation.

[Just Hilarious]

I bet y'all just finished that.

[Rotimi]

So I had a conversation with him. I'm like, bro, like, how do you do this, man? And it was lit how he explained to me. He was just like, carry the vessel that's bringing you to where you are. Just carry that. Make people want to know who that person is. Kill that to the point where who is this straight guy? And then be ready with what you have. That's the only way you can do both and be successful. So I took that and Jamie actually said the same thing too. So it was like, oh, this is how y'all did it, you know? So when I got that information, it was body Dre and let people learn about rotimi, you know? And so to answer your question about the villain, Joyner Lucas, I told. I said no twice. Like, I was like, really? Yeah, yeah, yeah. I was like, no, that video was dope.

[DJ Envy]

Like, it's a dope, dope video.

[Rotimi]

It was incredible. Why'd you finally say yes? It was a good money.

[Just Hilarious]

I was gonna say the bag got.

[Rotimi]

Right, you know, And I'm a fan of his, but I didn't want to do videos. Like, I didn't want to. And I was gonna be a video vixen. I didn't want to be. Exactly.

[Just Hilarious]

Yeah, exactly.

[Rotimi]

I didn't know. You know what I'm saying? You know what I'm saying? I didn't want. I didn't want that because I had been so quiet musically for a while. I want the first thing that people see is that like always doing videos now. Like, I didn't perception, you know, but the bread was amazing. Then I actually heard the record as well, and I was like, oh, this is like a one man show. A straight monologue that I gotta really study because it was about 15, 20 pages of transcribed lyrics and I gotta match his whole energy and switch up. And I was like, oh, this is gonna be fun, you know, And I mean, I think we should have won an Oscar. Yeah.

[Just Hilarious]

Usually Joyner's music videos are like motion pictures. They are like drama series.

[Rotimi]

It's phenomenal. Yeah. So. But at this point, I thank God for Lena Waithe man, because this new character that I'm playing on the Chi is completely different, you know? And so now I'm seeking roles that are completely the opposite way because there's so much more to me. I can do that easy. I grew up around a lot of Dre's, you know what I mean? I grew up around niggas like this all the time. So for me, it's just like, let's show the other aspects of Hul Timmy is and all the ranges that I have. So the newest character on the Chi. And it's been amazing, man. We filmed season seven. I was only Again, this goes back to just being a good person. Like, I met Lena 10 years ago at Sundance. Me and John Boyega did a movie, Imperial Dreams, and she had won for Dear White People. And energy was, yo, how are you? You're amazing. You're great. And she was coming up, I'm coming up. And it was. We just stayed close and just making sure she was good. We haven't seen, I still haven't seen Lena since 2014, still. But every year I'm saying, happy birthday, having this, sending gifts. She's sending me kids for my kids, she's sending me things for, you know, happy Father's Day, all this. So we love. Then she finally called, like, yo, I got a role for you if you want to come do an episode, you know, an episode or two. Are you working right now? I'm like, no, I'm not. She was like, all right, cool, let's come to Chicago. Got something for you.

[Just Hilarious]

That's dope.

[Rotimi]

And two, you know, again, you gotta take. I try to try to tell my story, but also give, you know, as much as I can where I was only given two episodes, but with those two episodes, I bodied it to the point where it's like, I want him for the whole season and hopefully, God willing, for beyond, whenever, you know. But every time you get an opportunity in any field, yo, you don't know who's watching. That's right. You don't know what's going on. You don't know what hand you just shook. You don't know how you impacted that person's life. You don't know how far this could go. So maximize every opportunity you can because they don't come often. And so when I understood that, I realized, okay, you know, this is how you do it. But then also being a good person and also maximizing the moment, you know, it always happens.

[DJ Envy]

Now people were mad at you cause you said that you brought Afrobeats to America.

[Rotimi]

Uh huh.

[DJ Envy]

You still stand by that?

[Rotimi]

Absolutely. But the way it was worded was crazy, right? So I was the first American Nigerian to bring Afrobeats to a place where Americans were able to digest it on radio. Right? So for example, I was going to program directors and playing Love Rhythm and being. They were like, yo, I don't even know how to. What's the beat on rhythm on this? What is this? I was in those moments. So when I started doing it, it became a. Oh, I like this. Also doesn't mean that there weren't people before that were doing it had moments. But Because I am from here and because it's relatable. Because Mr. Butterscotch was doing what it needs to do. So, like. And what I'm saying is digestible, understood. Like, it felt inclusive. So it was a pacifier to start the movement here. Not necessarily them bringing it Wiz. And they were always lit. But in terms of the timing. Wiz then had the record with Drake, then DeVito came out. So it was all the same time. But for me, it was. I remember going to program directors. They didn't even know what it was. And so now this record's going crazy. It becomes, oh, I like this. Oh, that's what it was. Yeah. Okay. And then I came back with In My Bed. So it was like, oh, I was the only one besides really Chris Brown. That's out here. That's really doing it where it feels like, oh, it's a bridge. So I was definitely would say I was the bridge in that. However, the Burners and Davido and Wiz and all them. Yes, of course it affected the world, but I remember going to those moments where they didn't hear the One Dance yet. They didn't hear the.

[DJ Envy]

I gotta ask. People were upset with Chris Brown, right? Well, not upset with Chris Brown, the Academy, because they were saying that Chris Brown is an American artist and he shouldn't be in the Afrobeats category.

[Rotimi]

Right.

[DJ Envy]

What's your thoughts on that?

[Rotimi]

I believe that he definitely should.

[DJ Envy]

Music is music.

[Rotimi]

Music is music, bro. Like, that's what I'm saying. We get so crazy with this, trying to box people into things. Like, is it an Afrobeat record? Yes. Is it one of the best Afrobeat records? Yes. So, yes, he should be in the Afrobeat category.

[Just Hilarious]

And it goes the other way, too, because last year, Tyler won a Grammy over Sexy Red. Right? So it's like, if we can. You know what I'm saying? It's just still like a bridge. Like, if Afrobeats can win over in the category where it's just, you know, what was that? I think it was like, rap or new artists or something like that. Why can't Chris Brown win or even be nominated in the Afrobeats?

[Rotimi]

Nah, music has no bounds, man. That's what makes it so beautiful. Like, music has. No. That's saying, yo, you can't do this and you can't do that. Oh, you can't act and you can't sing. Oh, you can't be a host of a legendary show and then also be a dj. You can't do this and be like, yeah, stupid. You just. No, I'm just dope, you know? I mean, that's why for us, it was like, let's spoon feed the people. This is an R B album. This is an Afrobeat album. If we win records on this, then we win records. I mean, wars on this. Then it's. It's still the same project, but you put it where you want to put it, you know? And so that's how it was, but not definitely. Chris Brown is one of the greatest I've ever do it, bro. Like, yeah, only few people can do it and be believed, and I believe it, you know? And I feel like he's the only other one. For real?

[Just Hilarious]

Yeah. What is your favorite song on the album?

[Rotimi]

Yo, honestly, fam. Like, we've constructed this album to be where I can sit with you and figure out what kind of music you love. And I'll be able to tell you, like, these will work for you. I'll look at you and be like, yo, bro, what good vibe. Okay. These are your favorites. They're like my kids. I can't. I can't pick, you know, as my favorite. But there's no single, you know, everything is a single. So if you're like, bro, I love classic R and B. I got that for you. Like, yo, I love poppy feel. I got that for you. I love hip hop drums. I got that for you. So, like, it's whatever it is, it's whoever I'm speaking to. We've tailor made it that way.

[Just Hilarious]

So your album is a candy store. It's everything chocolate.

[Rotimi]

Yes.

[Just Hilarious]

All that.

[Rotimi]

Yes. I got the album of the year.

[Just Hilarious]

I love that.

[Rotimi]

I got the album of the year.

[Just Hilarious]

He said it.

[Rotimi]

I got the album of the year, genuinely.

[DJ Envy]

But let's get into a record off that album. The album is out today.

[Rotimi]

Yes, sir.

[DJ Envy]

What do you want to get into today?

[Just Hilarious]

Let's get into something off the Afrobeat side.

[Rotimi]

Afrobeat side. Oh, which one we should start with? Let's start with, huh? Yeah, let's go with our Wonder, I Wonder. Yes, sir.

[DJ Envy]

Let's go without Dirty December.

[Rotimi]

Oh, that's a good one. We can follow up close to Dirty December.

[DJ Envy]

It's almost Dirty December.

[Rotimi]

You choose, brother. I Wonder. Dirty December. Your choice, brother.

[DJ Envy]

All right, well, let's get into it now. Before we leave, I also got to. Also, Christmas is around the corner.

[Rotimi]

Yes, sir.

[DJ Envy]

You have two kids.

[Rotimi]

Yeah.

[DJ Envy]

And a wife. So what do you do for Christmas time?

[Rotimi]

Oh, man, this is a little.

[DJ Envy]

Again, what traditions do you have in the household?

[Rotimi]

Well, we're still figuring out the tradition, you know what I mean? It's a new one. You get what I'm saying? So we're still forming it. So I personally, like, honestly, man, she's such an incredible human being that whatever she wants to do, if she's like, babe, for Christmas, I want to travel to. I want to go home. Let's go to Tanzania. She says, babe, I want to just be in the crib and we all matching. Whatever. If you want to. Whatever she wants to do is the routine, bro. Like, because she deserves that. Like, I rip and run too much for me to make every decision. So for her, it's like, my love, what you want and whatever you want to do. That's the tradition.

[Just Hilarious]

What's so happy for him?

[DJ Envy]

What's the dumbest thing you've done as a husband or a father? When I mean dumb. Yeah, I'm the dad. Like, I dress up in the ninja Turtle suit for Halloween. I go to all the kids school, embarrass the ish out of them. A couple years ago, I dressed up in a baby outfit with a Pamper.

[Rotimi]

I love it.

[DJ Envy]

Like, my kids be like, there's my dad. But I just. I try to create those memories that, you know, when I'm long and gone, they be like, yo, you remember when dad came to school and he's like, I tried to create that. What's the dumbest thing that you've done that you be like, this takes my jersey cool power all the way away.

[Rotimi]

Oh, yeah. So me and my son and my daughter, we all matched. And I had them do the butterscotch, the butterscotch face. So, baby, butterscotch. Butterscotch and mini butterscotch. So, like, we all. They have no idea what they just did, but in six years, seven years, they gonna look. And, dad, you just embarrassed me. Like, wow, you are a dickhead, bro. Like, why would you do this? It's forever there. So. Yeah, so that's probably what I said.

[DJ Envy]

Well, let's get into the joint right now. Yes, sir. I wonder. The album is out right now. Of course. It's a double album. In my heart, in my veins, R and B side, Afro B side. And we appreciate you for joining us, bro.

[Rotimi]

Thank you, man. God bless y'all.

[DJ Envy]

Right. And I just want to say one last thing. Rotimi is one of those artists that always call and check on you.

[Rotimi]

Yeah.

[DJ Envy]

No matter what's going on in your life, good or bad, bro, Timmy will hit you. Just checking up on Breva. I want to make sure you good how's your mental? How's your health? How's the family? He always does that. So I just want to say, appreciate that.

[Just Hilarious]

And I want to say I appreciate that too. Because he's telling me, like, I don't know, like you got my family. Like you don't check up on me too. Like, this is my friend.

[DJ Envy]

You don't know him.

[Just Hilarious]

I do know him.

[DJ Envy]

What's his real name?

[Rotimi]

Ro.

[DJ Envy]

Timmy. Okay, all right. It's Ro Timmy. It's the Breakfast Club.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

Go.

[DJ Envy]

Morning, love.

[Rotimi]

Wake that ass up early in the morning.

[Aldis Hodge]

The Breakfast Club.

[DJ Envy]

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[Just Hilarious]

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[Rotimi]

Find out [e-mail] Head over to NFLShop.com.

[Home Depot Advertiser]

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