The Breakfast Club – September 5, 2025

INTERVIEW: Taye Diggs, J Carter & Troy Brookins Talk Production Partnership, Hollywood Vs. Influencers +More

Hosts: DJ Envy, Jess Hilarious, Charlamagne Tha God
Guests: Taye Diggs (actor), J Carter (producer), Troy Brookins (producer, former athlete)
Episode Theme:
The episode focuses on Taye Diggs, J Carter, and Troy Brookins' new production partnership, the challenges of Black creatives in Hollywood, the rise of influencers, and their upcoming film "Another Man’s Wife."

Main Theme & Purpose

This engaging conversation revolves around the experience of Black professionals in Hollywood, independence through new production ventures, the shifting landscape of film with the rise of influencers, and the importance of building Black-owned platforms. The guests also delve into their new film, "Another Man’s Wife," exploring its provocative premise and the issues it raises, both culturally and personally.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Formation of the Production Team

(06:00 - 08:10)

• Carter, Diggs, and Brookins formed a production partnership to take control of their creative destinies.
• “Three Black men—let’s go and own this ourselves. Let’s build a table. Let’s build a couple seats.” – J Carter [06:40]
• Their collaboration began organically after working together on the film "The Comeback," which became a hit on Peacock.
• Carter emphasizes embracing opportunities and not letting self-doubt get in the way.

2. Changing Hollywood: The Rise of Social Media Influencers

(08:15 - 14:00)

• Diggs expresses frustration at traditional paths giving way to "followers over talent."
• “All of a sudden, the rules changed... He got the part over me, but he doesn’t have any experience. It doesn’t matter—he’s got followers.” – Taye Diggs [09:45]
• The group discusses how studios now prefer influencers for built-in marketing, due to budget constraints.
• Jess Hilarious's casting in "I Hate I Love You" is highlighted as a positive example when influencer reach meets talent.

3. Challenges for Black Creatives in Hollywood

(14:15 - 21:30)

• Diggs shares disappointment at Hollywood’s continued gatekeeping and the need for validation, despite Black-led projects' clear success.
• “At first I was thinking the barriers are just dressed differently, but now it feels like they don’t even want you... until we prove it.” – Taye Diggs [15:55]
• The group celebrates their ability to create and distribute independently: “We’re doing it ourselves and no one can stop us. And it’s succeeding.” – Diggs [16:45]

4. Success Outside Major Studio Systems

(21:45 - 24:30)

• J Carter insists it’s about “meeting your audience where they are,” whether on Peacock, Tubi, or theaters.
• The team brings “business, talent, and connections”—highlighting Troy’s journey from assistant to producer.

5. Personal Journeys & Identity

(24:35 - 29:45)

• Brookins discusses moving from pro football to film production, the importance of mentoring, and earning respect.
• Diggs reflects on always knowing his own identity, even when Hollywood tries to dictate otherwise.
• “You can't let anybody else dictate that. I know who I am. You know who I am. And now we’re all in business.” – Taye Diggs [26:45]

6. "Another Man’s Wife" – The Film

(30:00 - 40:00)

• Plot: A couple in crisis is offered $2 million by Diggs's character for one weekend with the wife—prompting moral dilemmas.
• Carter explains the story's relatability and its resonance with economic struggles and healthcare issues in the Black community.
• The premise sparks heated in-studio debate: “$2 million to save your mom, to save your house, to save your car. All you gotta give up is one weekend—your wife.” – J Carter [32:00]
• The conversation becomes lively around what each participant would do in that situation.

7. Ownership, Opportunity, and the Elusiveness of Logic in Hollywood

(49:00 - 57:00)

• Discussion on how Black creators must repeatedly prove themselves, even after noted success (e.g., Peacock's "Best Man" series not getting a second season).
• “Wouldn't common sense say, ‘hey, let’s do more of this?’... because you think about who's at the table, and a lot of those people, they don't care about us.” – J Carter [56:30]
• Multiple references to historic erasure of Black romantic comedies and missed opportunities for Black filmmakers.

8. Typecasting, Range, and Legacy

(60:00 - 68:00)

• Diggs enjoys playing against type and wants more stretch roles, mentioning a desire to star in a Fred Hammond biopic.
• He reflects on humility, legacy, and the struggle to stay grounded yet proud of past achievements.
• “I'm trying to get to the point where I don't care—just be grateful, stay in the moment, do good work.” – Taye Diggs [67:10]

9. Supporting Black Stories and Plans for the Future

(70:00 - End)

• The team encourages listeners to support Black content and promises to return for more promotion.
• Freely Films and “Down Deep Productions” are the banner names for the partnership, with more releases to come.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• J Carter, on opportunity: “We think we’re doing the right thing because we think it's humility, but we're getting in our own way.” [07:40]

• Taye Diggs, on influencers vs. actors: “Nobody cares. The formula now is they bring in influencers for free marketing. At first, we didn't need that... Now, budgets are smaller and that’s free marketing.” [11:20]

• On identity in Hollywood: “I've always known who I am, but why don't you know? ...You can't let anyone else dictate that.” – Taye Diggs [26:45]

• On legacy: “I'm trying to get to the point where I don't care, because that's the easiest for me... just stay in the moment, do good work, be grateful.” – Taye Diggs [67:10]

• Charlamagne Tha God, on missing genres: “Why do Black movies disappear every once in a while? When was the last Black romantic comedy you saw? ...They were all making money.” [58:30]

• Jess Hilarious, praised on set: “Came on set on time…people take their cues from the names on set. Sun constantly shining.” – J Carter [72:10]

Timestamps for Major Segments

• 06:00 – Production partnership origins
• 09:45 – Diggs on disillusionment with “rules” in Hollywood
• 11:20 – Influence of social media stars
• 15:55 – Barriers for Black actors; independence gains
• 26:45 – Identity and self-worth in Hollywood
• 32:00 – Plot and moral debate of "Another Man’s Wife"
• 49:00 – Frustrations with Hollywood decision-making
• 56:30 – Lack of logic and support for Black content
• 58:30 – Vanishing Black romantic comedies
• 67:10 – Taye Diggs on humility, legacy, and outlook
• 72:10 – Producer praise for Jess Hilarious
• 74:00–end – Release plans and final encouragements

Takeaways & Tone

• The tone is candid, insightful, humorous, sometimes exasperated but ultimately hopeful and empowering.
• The guests urge listeners to take ownership, support Black-owned stories, and recognize the systemic patterns in Hollywood.
• They embody a do-it-yourself spirit, focusing on control and authenticity over waiting for broader industry acceptance.

Production Team & Film Release

• Production Houses: Freely Films (J Carter), Down Deep Productions (Troy Brookins)
• "Another Man’s Wife" is set for release late 2025 or early 2026.
• Listeners are encouraged to watch, support, and tune in for future updates.

This thorough, entertaining interview highlights systemic issues in entertainment, the changing nature of celebrity, and the creative agency being forged by Taye Diggs, J Carter, Troy Brookins and their peers. It's a must-listen conversation for fans of Black Hollywood, indie filmmaking, and anyone wondering where authentic storytelling is headed next.