Podcast Summary: The Breakfast Club with Tank on “Hell's Kitchen” on Broadway, R&B Awards, and More

Podcast Information:

• Title: The Breakfast Club
• Host/Author: iHeartPodcasts
• Description: The World's Most Dangerous Morning Show, The Breakfast Club, With DJ Envy, Jess Hilarious, And Charlamagne Tha God!
• Episode: INTERVIEW: Tank Talks 'Hell's Kitchen' On Broadway With Alicia Keys, R&B Awards, Jamie Foxx, Babyface, +More
• Release Date: March 14, 2025

Introduction

In this engaging episode of The Breakfast Club, hosts DJ Envy, Jess Hilarious (filled in by Laura LaRosa for this episode), and Charlamagne Tha God sit down with R&B singer Tank. The conversation delves into Tank’s new project on Broadway, his initiative to establish dedicated R&B Awards, reflections on the music industry, and his transition into acting.

R&B Awards Initiative

Building a Comprehensive R&B Recognition Platform

Tank passionately discusses his vision for creating a dedicated R&B Awards show that encompasses the diverse spectrum of R&B music. He emphasizes the necessity of recognizing various facets of the genre beyond the limited categories typically offered.

• Quote:
  "R and B is so many things. It's so vast. You can't cover it in two to three categories at some award show and think that that's going to do it all justice."
  [03:04] Tank

Proposed Award Categories Named After Legends

Tank proposes several award categories named in honor of R&B legends, aiming to honor different aspects of the music industry. These categories include awards for songwriters, producers, and performers, each bearing the legacy of icons like Babyface and Michael Jackson.

• Quote:
  "We need a Babyface Award. Right? Lifetime Achievement Award, which is the songwriter and producer."
  [07:05] Tank

Collaboration with Charlamagne and iHeart Media

The discussion highlights potential collaborations with Charlamagne Tha God and iHeartMedia to bring Tank’s R&B Awards to fruition. Charlamagne expresses enthusiasm and support for the initiative.

• Quote:
  "I wanna help with the R B Money Award show. That'd be fantastic."
  [06:11] Charlamagne Tha God

Challenges in the Music Industry

Lack of Investment in R&B Compared to Hip-Hop

Tank addresses the disparity in investment between R&B and hip-hop, noting that while hip-hop receives substantial funding and visibility, R&B often struggles for recognition and support.

• Quote:
  "We just need that level of belief and that level of investment in order to get it back to where it's supposed to be."
  [13:12] Tank

Media Training and Representation Issues

The conversation touches on the absence of proper media training for artists today, leading to mishandled public relations moments. Tank critiques the lack of guidance, which results in situations where artists, such as Babyface's interaction at the award show, appear disrespectful unintentionally.

• Quote:
  "Nobody's teaching people how to do things anymore. They're just throwing them out there."
  [27:50] Tank

Handling Controversial Figures and Residuals

Tank discusses the ethical dilemma surrounding enjoying the residuals from controversial artists like R. Kelly. He navigates the complexity of appreciating the musical talent while acknowledging the moral implications.

• Quote:
  "He's talented. I couldn't grab it and post it on my page and say, New York. I couldn't do that."
  [16:17] Tank

Transition to Acting and Broadway

Decision to Pivot into Acting

In 2025, Tank made a significant career pivot into acting, specifically joining Alicia Keys' production of Hell's Kitchen on Broadway. He shares the inspiration behind this move, driven by a desire to explore his passion beyond music.

• Quote:
  "I gotta get to the other thing that I love. And Charlie Macka had always been telling me, bro, you're gonna have to make a hard pivot in order to really do it the right way."
  [32:12] Tank

Experiences in Hell's Kitchen

Tank recounts his audition process for Hell's Kitchen, his admiration for Alicia Keys, and the positive reception he received during the production. He emphasizes the enriching experience and the impact the show has on young audiences.

• Quote:
  "And I watched a play and I fell in love with it. And the next day was actually my walk-in audition."
  [34:07] Tank

Balancing Broadway with Personal Life

Despite the demanding Broadway schedule of eight shows a week, Tank maintains a disciplined routine that balances his acting commitments with family life. He highlights the support from his wife and the structured approach that allows him to manage his responsibilities effectively.

• Quote:
  "I'm a machine. So I'm a routine guy, you know what I'm saying?"
  [36:11] Tank

Reflections on Industry Veterans vs. Younger Artists

Importance of Collaborating with Legends

Tank underscores the value of collaborating with industry veterans like Babyface and Quincy Jones. He believes that such partnerships can bridge the gap between traditional and contemporary R&B, fostering a richer musical landscape.

• Quote:
  "How do I not tap into that? How do I not ensure this level of greatness somehow pours over into what I'm doing?"
  [25:25] Tank

Mentorship and Legacy Building

The discussion highlights the role of mentorship in sustaining the R&B genre. Tank mentions his efforts to connect with and learn from legends, reinforcing the idea that passing down knowledge is crucial for the genre’s evolution.

• Quote:
  "We need that information that we need that needs to continue to pass down. And that's our job. We're the bridge."
  [25:57] Tank

Personal Stories and Anecdotes

Tank's First Single "Freaky"

Tank shares the story behind his first single, "Freaky," and how it nearly derailed his career due to a live performance mishap. This experience led him to pivot towards more sustainable music projects.

• Quote:
  "And I sweated the rest of the song. And I never sang that song again. Damn."
  [11:27] Tank

Balancing Career and Family

Throughout the episode, Tank emphasizes the importance of his family in supporting his career transitions. He highlights how his wife manages home responsibilities, allowing him to focus on his professional endeavors.

• Quote:
  "But that's why. That's what it's a team marriage is about. She holds that down. I'm gonna hold this down."
  [38:03] Tank

Upcoming Events and Final Remarks

Black Effect Podcast Festival Announcement

The hosts announce the upcoming third annual Black Effect Podcast Festival scheduled for Saturday, April 26. They encourage listeners to attend and highlight Tank’s ongoing Broadway performances.

• Quote:
  "Saturday, April 26, is the third annual Black Effect Podcast Festival."
  [43:23] Charlamagne Tha God

Invitation to Hell's Kitchen

Tank invites the hosts and listeners to his Broadway show, Hell's Kitchen, emphasizing its impact and the educational value it holds for young audiences.

• Quote:
  "Any high school in this New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, in this area, they should be having a field trip to see Hell's Kitchen."
  [42:10] Tank

Conclusion

This episode of The Breakfast Club offers a comprehensive look into Tank’s multifaceted career and his dedication to advancing the R&B genre. From initiating an inclusive R&B Awards show to transitioning into acting on Broadway, Tank’s insights provide valuable perspectives on the evolving music industry and the importance of legacy, mentorship, and adaptability.

Listeners gain an in-depth understanding of the challenges and triumphs faced by artists today, all while Tank shares his personal journey and future aspirations. This episode is a must-listen for fans of R&B, industry enthusiasts, and anyone interested in the intersection of music and performing arts.

Notable Quotes:

• "R and B is so many things. It's so vast. You can't cover it in two to three categories at some award show and think that that's going to do it all justice."
  [03:04] Tank

• "We need a Babyface Award. Right? Lifetime Achievement Award, which is the songwriter and producer."
  [07:05] Tank

• "He's talented. I couldn't grab it and post it on my page and say, New York. I couldn't do that."
  [16:17] Tank

• "I'm a machine. So I'm a routine guy, you know what I'm saying?"
  [36:11] Tank

• "We need that information that we need that needs to continue to pass down. And that's our job. We're the bridge."
  [25:57] Tank

For More Information:

• Listen to The Breakfast Club: Available on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.
• Follow Tank's Broadway Journey: Stay updated on Tank's performances in Hell's Kitchen and other projects on his official social media channels.
• Support the R&B Awards Initiative: Engage with Tank’s R&B Money podcast and contribute to the conversation on expanding recognition within the R&B genre.