INTERVIEW: Tyson Beckford On Playboy Persona, Diddy Beef, Wendy Williams' Karma, 'King's Court' + More

Summary

Podcast Summary: The Breakfast Club – Interview with Tyson Beckford

Episode Title: INTERVIEW: Tyson Beckford On Playboy Persona, Diddy Beef, Wendy Williams' Karma, 'King's Court' + More
Host: iHeartPodcasts – DJ Envy, Jess Hilarious, and Charlamagne Tha God
Release Date: July 21, 2025

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Introduction and Guest Welcome

[00:45]
Charlamagne Tha God opens the episode by introducing the special guest, Tyson Beckford, renowned as the first black male supermodel. With DJ Envy out for the day, Lauren LaRosa steps in alongside Jess Hilarious and Charlamagne to welcome Tyson.

---

Early Morning Routines and Health Insights

[00:58] - [02:01]
The conversation kicks off with Tyson discussing his disciplined morning routine. Charlamagne teases a bit, prompting Tyson to share,

"I don't drink six bottles of water this morning. It's running through me already. I got up like five and worked out."
[01:11] – Tyson Beckford

He elaborates on his hydration habits, cautioning against excessive consumption of alkaline water due to its high pH levels, a topic previously discussed with Michael Rainey Jr.

"Because it's too much ph alkaline... it charges your brain."
[01:39] – Tyson Beckford

---

Transition to Reality TV and Personal Image

[02:27] - [04:49]
Tyson discusses his participation in the new reality dating show "King's Court." He explains his motivation to shed his "playboy" image:

"I put it out there that I'm not a playboy like that anymore... every guy in the house by six."
[02:50] – Tyson Beckford

Addressing rumors stirred by Wendy Williams, Tyson expresses his stance on karma and the repercussions faced by those spreading false information.

"Karma hit your ass. Good for you."
[04:16] – Tyson Beckford

He shares an intense encounter with Wendy Williams' ex-husband, highlighting his readiness to defend himself:

"I feared for my life... he was tough with me."
[05:19] – Tyson Beckford

---

Psychological Insights and Therapy

[07:06] - [07:44]
Charlamagne delves into Tyson's views on karma, to which Tyson responds by emphasizing the importance of moving forward and not dwelling on negativity.

"You can't live rent free in my house or in my head."
[07:29] – Tyson Beckford

He likens his participation in "King's Court" to therapeutic sessions, helping him release pent-up emotions and maintain mental well-being.

---

Modeling Career and Industry Challenges

[17:43] - [35:06]
Tyson reflects on his journey from street life to becoming a supermodel. He recounts his early days with the Shower Posse and his transition after a pivotal moment when a friend suggested modeling. This shift was instrumental in distancing himself from his "goon" identity and focusing on a more positive and influential role.

"I wanted to make sure we looked good always... give young black kids somebody to look up to."
[18:03] – Tyson Beckford

He also discusses his ongoing efforts to support the next generation of models, including his brother Alton and other young talents like Solange's son, Jules.

"I want to give back somehow... It's a great industry for us because it puts our images out there."
[35:06] – Tyson Beckford

---

Personal Relationships and Public Perception

[36:57] - [44:16]
The discussion shifts to Tyson's personal life, particularly his experiences on "King's Court." He opens up about trust issues stemming from past heartbreaks and the challenges of forming new relationships under public scrutiny.

"I'm open to having more kids and all that... I'm willing to do that."
[41:08] – Tyson Beckford

Tyson also addresses rumors about his sexuality and reaffirms his support for the LGBTQ+ community, emphasizing mutual respect and humanity.

"Everyone in the world is fashion... We're all God's kids."
[28:13] – Tyson Beckford

He candidly talks about the pressures of being labeled and the importance of maintaining his authentic self despite public misconceptions.

"I believe that people who throw that stigmatism on me... is just childish."
[28:13] – Tyson Beckford

---

Modeling Industry Evolution and Inclusivity

[38:23] - [40:55]
Tyson comments on the increasing diversity within the fashion industry, acknowledging the strides made since his early days. He highlights the inclusion of various ethnicities and gender identities in fashion, praising the progress while also noting areas that still need improvement.

"I'm seeing Asian, I'm seeing Latino, I'm seeing... transgender. You're seeing all these people now in fashion."
[38:29] – Tyson Beckford

Reflecting on his own experiences with icons like Biggie Smalls and Laurence Fishburne, Tyson underscores the significance of representation and being a role model for young black individuals.

"It's important to always hold your head up and give young black kids somebody to look up to."
[18:03] – Tyson Beckford

---

Future Endeavors and Personal Projects

[40:55] - [44:16]
Looking ahead, Tyson shares his aspirations beyond modeling. He is actively writing a script titled "Pretty Boy," which delves into his life story, from his early days in the Bronx to his rise in the modeling world. He expresses a desire to transition into acting and eventually start his own modeling agency.

"I'm looking for that right script to really take that role."
**[53:03] – Tyson Beckford]

Tyson also touches on his extensive training in martial arts and firearms, ensuring he remains prepared and grounded in both personal safety and mental discipline.

"I've been in 38 street fights, no losses... I'm now a certified NRA instructor."
[55:33] – Tyson Beckford

---

Final Thoughts and Closing Remarks

As the interview wraps up, Tyson emphasizes the importance of supporting one another within the industry and maintaining a positive image. He invites listeners to watch "King's Court" and hints at future projects, including potential collaborations with celebrities like Fat Joe.

"We're here talking about this... don't be a stranger."
[51:37] – Charlamagne Tha God

In his closing remarks, Tyson reiterates his commitment to personal growth, representation, and fostering positive relationships both on and off the screen.

"If you can provide for them and take care of them, hey, who am I to tell you you can't do it?"
[42:23] – Tyson Beckford

---

Notable Quotes

1. On Changing Perceptions:

   "I'm not a playboy like that anymore... every guy in the house by six."
   [02:50] – Tyson Beckford

2. Regarding Karma:

   "Karma hit your ass. Good for you."
   **[04:16] – Tyson Beckford]

3. On Representation:

   "I want to give back somehow... It's a great industry for us because it puts our images out there."
   [35:06] – Tyson Beckford

4. About Inclusivity:

   "I'm seeing Asian, I'm seeing Latino, I'm seeing... transgender. You're seeing all these people now in fashion."
   **[38:29] – Tyson Beckford]

5. On Personal Growth:

   "I've been in 38 street fights, no losses... I'm now a certified NRA instructor."
   [55:33] – Tyson Beckford

---

Conclusion

In this enlightening episode of The Breakfast Club, Tyson Beckford offers an unfiltered look into his life beyond the runway. From his disciplined routines and therapeutic participation in "King's Court" to his reflections on the evolution of the fashion industry and personal challenges, Tyson presents himself as a multifaceted individual striving to impact positively both personally and professionally. His candidness about past struggles, commitment to representation, and future aspirations provide listeners with a comprehensive understanding of the man behind the iconic image.

For those interested in witnessing Tyson's journey firsthand, "King's Court" airs Sundays at 9:00 PM on Bravo, promising a blend of drama, personal revelations, and authentic interaction.

---

Disclaimer: This summary is based on the provided transcript and aims to capture the key points and essence of the podcast episode accurately.

Transcript

[DJ Envy]

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[Tyson Beckford]

Wake that ass up early in the morning. The Breakfast Club.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

Yep, it's the world's most dangerous morning show. The Breakfast Club. Charlemagne. The God. Just hilarious. DJ Envy. Envy is out today, but Lauren LaRosa is in. And we got a special guest in the building. Man, y' all know who he is. Ladies, y' all know who he is. Mr. Tyson Beckford is here.

[Tyson Beckford]

What's happening?

[Charlamagne Tha God]

What's up, my brother?

[Tyson Beckford]

Good. You ain't aging at all, bro. I don't stress, so ain't no reason for it.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

Word.

[Tyson Beckford]

Mind your business. And you won't gay. You won't age. That's right.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

And drink your water. How are you?

[Tyson Beckford]

That's it. I'm good. You know what, I was just saying that to your guy. I don't drank six bottles of water this morning. It's running through me already. I got up like five and worked out.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

Is that your way of telling us you have to pee?

[Tyson Beckford]

No, I went before I came in, so yeah, I constantly, the first few hours of the morning, I'm constantly going.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

Man, but you supposed to do that when you wake up. The first thing you supposed to do when you wake up and drink water.

[Tyson Beckford]

Exactly, exactly. And that one. Only drink that every other day. Don't drink that every day.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

Essential.

[Tyson Beckford]

Yeah, that's not good. You can't drink it every day.

[Just Hilarious]

Yeah, please tell me why.

[Tyson Beckford]

Because it's too much ph alkaline.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

Good for you.

[Tyson Beckford]

It is good for you. But not every single day though. Really, you gotta. You gotta switch it up.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

So what's your favorite water?

[Tyson Beckford]

I'm just drinking regular spring water right now, you know, and then some days I drink that, but I don't drink it every day. Yeah, one time I was drinking it like everyone else was doing it every day.

[Just Hilarious]

Yeah.

[Tyson Beckford]

And then I started feeling like really weird and the Doctor told me. Yeah, you ain't supposed to drink that every day like that. Wow.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

You know what?

[Just Hilarious]

We had Michael Rainey Jr. Up here.

[Tyson Beckford]

I know Michael. Yeah.

[Just Hilarious]

Yes. And he actually told us. Yes, he told us the same thing. That it, like charges your brain. It does something to your brain you don't have.

[Tyson Beckford]

You can't do it every too much. Yeah, okay.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

You make a sense. You sound like Lean.

[Tyson Beckford]

I mean, just be careful, that's all.

[Just Hilarious]

So you're here because of King's Court, the new reality dating show?

[Tyson Beckford]

Yeah.

[Just Hilarious]

That's dope.

[Tyson Beckford]

You gotta be clear. I'm not desperate for no, for love. You know, it was just something that came across our table and we were just like, yo, let's try it. You know, it was different. I love the concept of it. And then the two kings I'm on with. Yeah, you gotta love them. So, you know, it was fun. It was a lot of fun.

[Just Hilarious]

You did say you wanted to put your playboy ways behind you, though.

[Tyson Beckford]

Oh, I bim did that. But, you know, for the show. Yeah, definitely. You know, I put it out there that I'm not a playboy like that anymore. I don't even go out anymore. Every guy in the house by six.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

Every guy who's running through a bunch of women always wants.

[Tyson Beckford]

To talk from experience. I heard you earlier in your cheating way. Come on, don't try to bring us all down with you, bro. You on your own. You on that love island by yourself.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

Don't get me down there, Jersey. Been retired a long time ago. I wasn't no player, though. I didn't. But you, Tyson.

[Tyson Beckford]

Yeah, but see, that's the thing. They put that label on you and you stuck with it because there's only two labels they hit you with in the industry. One, you either gay, or two, you a playboy. Or what's the third one? Oh, you just like white women. I dated like three white women my whole life. And then, boom, I'm stuck with this title, right? So another reason I got on the show was to try to kill all of that stuff right there. You know, she's not around no more. She's not on radio no more. But we know Wendy Williams. Yeah, that one started the rumor. I don't know why she started that rumor on me. But you know what? Karma hit your ass. Good for you.

[DJ Envy]

Damn.

[Tyson Beckford]

Damn.

[DJ Envy]

It's her birthday.

[Tyson Beckford]

Hey, no, I'm not. Hey.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

Damn.

[Tyson Beckford]

No Fs given. I'm going to try not to swear y' all haven't made up.

[DJ Envy]

Yeah, Celebrating her birthday this week. And all that.

[Tyson Beckford]

Don't give up.

[DJ Envy]

Tyson said, I don't care.

[Tyson Beckford]

Me and Tretch feel the same way. Her karmas come to her. You just talking people business, making up stuff. You know what I'm saying? Why? To get clout. Radio. Nah, stop that.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

You wanna know what's interesting?

[Tyson Beckford]

Cause I called Kevin in the street one day. Yeah, Kevin, you don't want this.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

Her ex husband.

[Tyson Beckford]

Yeah. And then he gonna call like all my Jamaican crew and say, yo, gadunda boy. I'm saying, what, Becky? No, sir, we're bread. You're not.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

Where you caught him at? Caught him at the car wash in Jersey.

[Tyson Beckford]

Yeah, buddy.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

And what happened?

[Tyson Beckford]

Had that Glock on me.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

What the hell? What the hell's going on?

[Tyson Beckford]

Oh, I stay with it.

[Just Hilarious]

Did you do that back in the day, too?

[Tyson Beckford]

I didn't know I stayed with it. I got licensed for Jersey. License for New York. I got licensed for everywhere. I got about six of them. So what, you just stay with it?

[Charlamagne Tha God]

Would you just show it?

[Tyson Beckford]

No, I had it was walking up.

[Just Hilarious]

On him like, what's up?

[Tyson Beckford]

And then Jersey police came and was like, hey, T, T, T, come on now. Put that away. I was like, yo, he came at me, so what am I supposed to do? I'm defending myself.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

Oh, so he came to you?

[Tyson Beckford]

I feared for my life.

[DJ Envy]

When was this?

[Tyson Beckford]

This was a few years ago. This was a few years ago when I lived up here.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

What did he say to you?

[Tyson Beckford]

He just was, hey, yo, I want you to come to my party. I said, really, bro? After all that, y' all talk about me on the radio, Y' all want to have me up there, you know, party? I said, yo, my man, get away from me. He was like, yo, who you think you is? Try to play tough with me? Everybody tries to play tough with Tyson, but they don't really know where Tyson can come from. BX in the building. So, you know.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

You know, I remember one time I was at a party with Wendy and you was in the party, and she said, how you doing? To you. And you went, yeah, you grabbed. Yeah.

[Tyson Beckford]

I'm like, get the. Sorry. Sorry. Now I gotta stop cursing. Sorry. Wendy, she gonna give me a bill.

[DJ Envy]

Wendy told us, though, that she. She wants to change. Like, she would love, you know, she wants to right some wrongs and stuff like that.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

No, what she actually said. We was all at this. What she said. No, I'm tell you what she said, cuz. Based off what you said, the karma thing. We went to dinner with her. This probably a few months ago. Now. And she said, I feel like I'm in the position I'm in because of how I used to talk about people.

[Tyson Beckford]

Yep. And I said, cocaine is a mother, though.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

What?

[Tyson Beckford]

Cocaine is a very dangerous drug. It'll do things to you, make you do stupid things when you mix the cocktails that her and him was mixing. Well, anyway, we didn't come up here and talk about that.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

We did not.

[Tyson Beckford]

Yeah, just say it. Just saying. Kings Court is a show on broth Sunday nights, 9:00pm yeah. Lots of fun. But you know, I'm cutting up on that too. So.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

Listen, you got to be you. I will say that one thing about the karma thing. I, I, I, I do believe in karma. I don't know if karma works necessarily the way people think it works. Like you just, yeah, put negative out and negative comes back to you because there's a lot of good people that, you know, bad things happen too.

[Tyson Beckford]

Yeah. You know, but like I said, we just, we are, we're just out here. This is an industry where we just trying to feed our family, you know, do good, give people entertainment, have a good time and you know, not being, not getting anything, you know, because that's what gets, that's what gets you to stress.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

I do struggle in therapy with.

[Tyson Beckford]

When you go to therapy.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

Yeah, I've been going right on for like 10 years. But when to let go of things.

[Tyson Beckford]

Yes.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

Meaning like, yes. I know somebody might be up. I know they might have did me wrong, but how long do I hold on to it?

[Tyson Beckford]

No, I can't. You can't live rent free in my house or in my head. No, I can't do it. Yeah. So I, I've been let it go. But sometimes when I get a chance to clap, I'mma clap.

[Just Hilarious]

Yeah.

[Tyson Beckford]

You know, it's like when I go to Gun Rage, if I'm put your poster up, I'm letting off.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

You know, you put people's posts up when you shoot.

[Tyson Beckford]

Ah, I don't say that. I don't say who put pictures up, but I do put pictures up. You know, bad guys.

[DJ Envy]

Bad guys did those rumors like.

[Tyson Beckford]

I love x5 56 like to go off, baby. Yo.

[Just Hilarious]

He's a very serious person.

[Tyson Beckford]

Look, seriously, I'm fun.

[Just Hilarious]

You are fun.

[Tyson Beckford]

I'm fun.

[Just Hilarious]

Him and play. He wants you to know. Listen, I greeted him, I'm like star struggling.

[DJ Envy]

I'm like, hi, Tyson.

[Just Hilarious]

He like, well, you know what?

[Tyson Beckford]

I don't know. Well, and then, you know, nowadays, you know, you got, yeah. People, people. Oh, he touched me inappropriately. So for me, when I meet women in the street and I'm taking pictures with them, I make sure, you know, it's a different time before you can hug somebody and say, hey, how you doing?

[Just Hilarious]

I know.

[Tyson Beckford]

Now you just got to be careful, because they gonna hit you with me, too. Oh, he. He rubbed my bra strap. No. Oh, man. Not Tyson Beckford. Don't get me in no trouble. Tv mind his business. Stay out of trouble.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

You know, it's funny, you said you did King's Court because you wanted to try to change the narrative of.

[Tyson Beckford]

Yeah, yeah, because, you know, I'm. I'm very private, but how do you do that? Very private. I'm just having a good time on the show. I mean, you got to watch it. And you see you. You watch it, you'll be like, yo, this dude is funny. He's. You know, is. Is. The first episode was a huge success. People love it. You know, I've been getting. I haven't gotten. I maybe gotten, like, four, six or six negative, you know, people saying something. But the rest of it's always been good. And, you know, the Bravo PR Team will be like, yo, you really. You really winning these people over, you know? Cause I'm being vulnerable. I cry a couple times on the episode because, you know, it's like sitting down with a therapist, you know? That's why I asked you. You go, so. I mean, I also have been a few times to a therapist. And, you know, you just want to get certain things out there and let people know that, yo, I'm human, man. Don't come at me, calling me names, making, you know, saying, I'm this one I'm. And, you know, it gets to a person.

[Just Hilarious]

Yeah.

[Tyson Beckford]

You know what I mean? So, I mean, there's people out there that we thought was cool, and then, you know, they on trial, and then you see, oh, they was into that. And you're like, okay. And I'm like, yo, I've been a choir boy. But yet still you put me down as I. I'm somebody who's doing something wrong, you know? So getting on King's Court was another reason for me to let the world see me. And then a lot of people don't get to see that I talk. And if you live in New York, you know me like, yo, that's T. He cool. You know, I mean, he's down to earth. He's not, like, caught up in. You know? And I don't get caught up in who I am or what I do. I'm, You Know, I don't take myself too seriously, so. Yeah.

[DJ Envy]

Who's the ex that you were talking about that you Page Six? Somebody was walking your dog.

[Tyson Beckford]

Oh, that's why you got this from way back. And, you know, she came and she apologized to me and was like, yeah, I made the wrong choice. And, you know, we're friends to this day, so it's cool, because we've been.

[DJ Envy]

Trying to figure it out. Because you got a lot of famous. Exactly. Well, not a lot of them, but you have.

[Tyson Beckford]

Yeah. Yeah. See, that's the problem when you in the public limelight, people want to know your business.

[DJ Envy]

When you on a dating show.

[Tyson Beckford]

Yeah, I'm on the dating show. So there's. There's. There's more episodes that I talk about, different things that happen to me, and it's just life experiences. I mean, what's so great about that story is so many men and women can relate to it. A lot of people was like, wow, even Tyson Beckford gets his heart broken.

[Just Hilarious]

Yeah.

[Tyson Beckford]

And it's true. I'm human, just like you. And we. We, you know, we do the same thing. We want to find love. And, you know, I'm not saying that everybody should go on a show, you know, it's. It's. It's a fun experience, but, you know, it's not for everybody, you know, And I know I'm not for everybody, you know, so I'm not trying to win the world over and be like, everybody love me, you know, it's all good if you do. If you don't, it's all good, you know?

[Just Hilarious]

Now, you did say you made it very clear you are not desperate for love, but.

[Tyson Beckford]

No.

[Just Hilarious]

Are you open to getting serious?

[Tyson Beckford]

Yeah, I'm open to all of that. I'm open to having more K kids and all that. I'm the only one on the show is willing to do that. The other two guys are tapped out, so it kind of pushed a lot of traffic my way. But I enjoy it, though. Yeah. If you watch the show, you see that I'm having fun. I'm cracking up. I'm. You know, me and the guys are. You know, I'm in there with two big giants, so I can't really argue with them too much, but, you know, I try my best and hold my ground and stand on business.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

Can you actually find love at this point in your life when you do have the trust issues that you have? Cause I saw you crying.

[Tyson Beckford]

Oh, yeah, yeah, yeah. So another thing that I learned coming out of the show, I. I have Let my trust issues down. I'm. I'm more, you know, I'm a better person by doing it. And like you said, it's like going to therapy. So every time I sat down with, you know, to do confessions and stuff like that, I just said, you know, what, what I got to lose, I'm just going to keep it real and tell the truth. So that's what I did when I got on there, man. And I had such a good time. And it was like, you know, when you leave therapy, you feel so good, like you just had a great workout. And that's what I felt like every, every episode of the show, you know, and then when we were letting girls go that didn't need to be there. That was, that was, that was painful for me because I became friends with those people and to see them go was sad on those days. But I knew we needed to move forward and that's what we need to do in life. We constantly need to move forward.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

Did those trust issues come from you getting your heart broken or because of all of that?

[Tyson Beckford]

All of that. And then just, you know, dating in New York. You know, I've been dating girls in New York. And then you got a party. You're like, oh, word. She, that's, that's my friend she hollering at. You're like, oh, well, I guess that's. That's what they want. That's what they want.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

Dang.

[Tyson Beckford]

Yeah.

[Just Hilarious]

You spoke about the girls, some of the girls that went home. Did you ever have, like, did one ever go home that you like? Damn, I can get myself with her.

[Tyson Beckford]

Yeah. First episode, the girl that went home, she shouldn't have went home. Yeah, yeah. There was another one that should have went home.

[Just Hilarious]

Damn.

[Tyson Beckford]

She's still there? Yeah. Is she? Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, she's still there. I don't know why she's still there, but I see the social media and the Internet are clowning what she'd be wearing, but, yeah, she's still there.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

Do you actually sleep with any of the women?

[Tyson Beckford]

No. We're not allowed to have sex.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

Okay.

[Tyson Beckford]

Okay. I know.

[Just Hilarious]

Okay.

[Tyson Beckford]

We can only kiss. And that's it. Yeah.

[Just Hilarious]

Gotcha. How do they.

[DJ Envy]

I mean, I guess the cameras are rolling always. Okay.

[Tyson Beckford]

From the minute you got lights like this in your bedroom when you wake up in the morning. Ah, but they don't turn them on till maybe 9, 10 o' clock in the morning. By that time. I don't, I don't. Been up since six, Went to the gym, came back and you Know I got my endorphin high. So I'm like, ah, you know, how.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

Can you really find love if you ain't test drive Dakota?

[Tyson Beckford]

I feel like, you know, I know, but I mean, it's just, it's just, it's kind of like old fashioned. What people used to do back in the day, used to court the lady before. And that's basically what we're doing, recording, giving them flowers, you know. But it's constantly mini dates going on in the house. So one person be like, can I talk to you? So you go over and you start talking to them for a little while until somebody else comes and grabs you. But it is like, you know, the girls are really fighting for your attention. So it was like, at first it was like, damn, this is too much. I just came out the house. I'm not used to this, you know, because I went recluse for a while and for me to come out and then come out on this kind of show and be like outside and hollering at girls, I was like, ah. But I watched a couple episodes and I think I did all right.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

Why'd you go recluse for a while?

[Tyson Beckford]

Just, you know what it is? It's just to rethink game. And then I've been writing like scripts on the side. And then I wrote this script about my life called Pretty Boy. So that was a nickname that I earned here in the streets of New York. So, you know, a lot of people don't know my back history of how I used to run with the Shower Posse and, you know, you know, hang out with the Sex Money Murder crew up in the Bronx. You know, a lot of people don't know my street life. So during those days with Ralph, you know, I was like, yo, everybody was like, yo, you need to write a book. Your life is a movie. My ninja. And I was like, all right, so I did it and we've been shopping it now. We just had a meeting with BET last week, but there's a lot of mergers going on up there with Paramount and everything. So, you know, we still out here shopping it, but I think I want to switch it to now a feature and then do the. Do the series later. Because my original plan was to do the series now and I wanted to come back, shoot here and you know, make it in all about the 90s 90s fashion and everything, because baggage back in again, you know. Yeah. So I want to do that again and then I want to put some, you know, there was so many women that were in my life, instrumentally, like my mom, whoever I was dating, you know, my manager, Bethann Hardison.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

So whoever you was dating. All of them?

[Tyson Beckford]

Yeah. Well, I want to put that in there. Hide none of that. I want to keep it real.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

Did you? But were you dating a lot of women, or was it just like.

[Tyson Beckford]

No, like, when I first got in the industry, like, you know, women were throwing themselves at me, and I was throwing myself back. You know, I had fun. I got a great roster, man, Let me tell you.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

I mean, some of the best.

[Tyson Beckford]

There's a scene in the script where, like, I go over to this known supermodel's house, and we supposed to be going on a date, and she opened the door, she's bucket naked, and then she just takes advantage of me. And I loved every minute of it. There was no furniture in the house. It was just a bed, and it was just like, you know, the view of the city and.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

Yeah, bro, Damn.

[Just Hilarious]

Take it down.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

Did you ever. Go ahead.

[DJ Envy]

No, no, no.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

Did you ever feel the pressure to perform sexually? Cause, you know when a lady see you and it's like, damn, Tyson, if.

[Tyson Beckford]

You think if you was whack, it'd be like, jamaic, man. Come on, man. What?

[Just Hilarious]

Stop it.

[Tyson Beckford]

That's the old school Jamaicans, man. Stop that. Stop that. Okay, if it's your woman, yeah, nya nyam, nyam and all, man. Who said I'm done do that fire for you. You hear me? So, yeah, man, go ahead with that. That's old school Jamaican talking. Yeah, man.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

It's so interesting, because I think we need to bring it back to the beginning just a little bit, because if you. If you don't know what we're talking about. Tyson is credited as being the first black male supermodel. Your mama, your grandma, everybody had their posters up on his wall, and they locked us at school. What did that title mean to you then and how has it aged now?

[Tyson Beckford]

So for me, it was like I wanted to make sure that we looked good always. You know, that's why I never really got in no trouble. I never got caught up with nothing because it was such a. A title bestowed on me. You know what I mean? Working for Ralph Lauren, they were such nice people. And, you know, to this day, I'm still part of that family. And it's just important to always hold your head up and give young black kids somebody to look up to. Because I remember growing up, like. I mean, I was looking up at people like Shaft, Richard Roundtree. I had a chance to Meet him. And he was telling me his story, how he started off as a model, now he's an actor, and, you know. And I met Laurence Fishburne one day on the street, and he was like, brother, we waiting for you. And not even a few years later, I was in Biker Boys with him. So, you know, and then my first night on set, we were shooting nights, so we had a dinner break, and I got to sit with him and talk, and he was just like, yo, brother, we gotta. You know, we had a scene together. He was like, yo, you gotta bring it. You know? And I was like, all right, well, I'm here. You know? And he was like, yeah, you remember that day in New York? We talked about this. So it's like when you start to get those things and those gifts and, you know, you work towards all that stuff and you get these auditions and, you know, it's important, man, because when. When I walk into, you know, a fine hotel, you know, the staff looks at me and say, hey, Mr. Beckford, how are you? Like, this morning, I was leaving the hotel, and they were like, Good morning, Mr. Beckford. I was like, good morning. You guys have a great day. You know, and that's. And that's respect. That's like, oh, yeah, we don't like that guy. It's none of that. It's always love. So I try to wanna be the best that I can be as a black man, because there's so much pressure put on us. And, you know, every time you turn on the news, one of us doing something that's not good. So every time I come on the tv, I want us to be something like, man, I'm proud of that brother. That brother's good. From where he came from and what he used to do and what he's doing now, it's a big difference, man. So I thank God every day that I got this life, you know, and then you just gotta protect it. You got to stay. Stay cool, stay away from the baby oil. But I do like baby oil, you know? But, yeah, you got to stay away from. Yeah, you got to stay away from all that stuff because, yeah, there's that temptation. You could have been invited to them baby oil parties, but you said no, you know, you could have been on. You know, I was invited to come to that thing that Epstein had in South. In Africa. I didn't go. I was like, nah, I'm good. I don't know him.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

What did he have in Africa?

[Tyson Beckford]

Not you.

[Just Hilarious]

Typing to see if he was on the list. He Went straight to the Tyson.

[Tyson Beckford]

But, yeah, no, I mean, there's like. Sometimes I sit back and I see some of the stuff on the news. I was like, I know that Mo try to get me, you know, so it's like, things that. It's there. The opportunity for you to get in trouble, it's there. You just gotta know, like, nah, I'm go home. Like, I have this friend who's a model as well. His name is Corey. And Corey always say, hey, and he's from Tennessee. Said, ain't nothing good happened after 2am tossing Beckford. I'm already in bed. I'm already in bed. I'm in the house by six, you know, I don't. Ain't no need to be outside. Ain't nothing going on. If it ain't work, I ain't going.

[DJ Envy]

I know you mentioned the baby oil hot. And I know you did it.

[Tyson Beckford]

Maybe use it on set, you know, to give that shine.

[DJ Envy]

I know you and Diddy have had y' all things.

[Tyson Beckford]

Yeah. I mean, I so want to tell a story about how we got into it in the street. And a lot of people don't know that story, but one day I'm gonna tell it. If you ever have a podcast, I sit down with you and tell you the whole story.

[DJ Envy]

This is the podcast.

[Tyson Beckford]

Yeah, but I don't got the time.

[DJ Envy]

I was gonna ask.

[Tyson Beckford]

It's a real street story. What happens one day? I was minding my business. I went to go get a tattoo on Fifth Avenue. I'm gonna make it real short.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

No, you don't have to. Tyson, take a breath.

[Tyson Beckford]

No, you sure are. Yeah.

[DJ Envy]

I couldn't wait to talk to you about this time.

[Tyson Beckford]

Okay, so let me tell you a story. So I was standing in front of the T, talking to a friend of mine, which I thought was my friend, and Groovy Lou pulled up with some girl. Because you know that back then, Bad Boy used to be around the corner from 5th and 19th or 20th street, somewhere around there. So you know, I'm minding my business. He come up with this girl and, yo, take a picture with my friend. I say, yo, my man, I'm having a conversation. He was like, what you mean? And started getting tough with me. I said, yo, Lou, don't talk to me like that. Come on, we boys. He was like, nah, I'll talk to you ever, whatever. I was like, nah, bro, this ain't happening. So then he swung on me, and I was, yes. And I went back like this. I said, I looked at my friend oh, no, he didn't. So we got to fighting, and I got to beating the brakes off that man. And then a NYPD officer came by on a motorcycle, and we stopped. And then by that time, I have. I. If you look, I got a. I got a slice right here. So that's why I got that. I got six stitches in the top of my head because I ran him into the wall, and then my head also hit the wall. So blood's coming down my face. I have on a. A wife beater, a tank top for those who don't know. So I put it on there. You know, the bleeding. You know, stop the bleeding. And the cop says, what's going on? He knew damn well what was going on, but he. He looked like he was about to go turn in the bike and go home, so. So we both were like, yeah, nothing. So he left. And then I went to go after Lou again. Lou ran around the corner. We didn't know where he went. He went upstairs to Bad Boy and brought down Puff and some other goons, maybe about five, six people. So my homeboy Wes, which we're not friends anymore, he dipped on me. So they start coming at me. Puff start talking junk or whatever, and I'm backing up. I'm like, yo, my man. I don't want this. Y' all don't want this. So my Land Cruiser was on. I think was on 6th Avenue or something. This was before 9 11. I had a pistol grip, Mossberg in the back, which, you know, trust me, I know. I know why I needed it. So I went to the back, opened the Land Cruiser, cocked it. I said, look, I only got five in here. Puff, you gonna get it first, and, big man, you gonna get it first. The rest of y', all, I'm just gonna. I'm gonna shower you with it. So that was, you know, the gist of the whole story. And then Puff went and called my manager, and he was like, yo ma, yo ma, yo, boy. Wow. She said, yo, he's Jamaican. Leave him alone. He will done you. So, yeah, I mean, I could have saved the world a whole lot of trouble and took him out back then, but then where would I be?

[DJ Envy]

So y' all haven't made up, really?

[Tyson Beckford]

I mean, we cool. Our kids went to school. I'm not cool with him now, obviously. I mean, I ain't seen the man in years. But, yeah, he. He know, you know, don't mess with me.

[DJ Envy]

So that was.

[Tyson Beckford]

And then that's how I became friends with some of the. The bodyguards that Work worked with him at the time. And then actually one of them. We're getting ready to produce something too.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

You sued him once too, right. Because you modified him with Sean John.

[Tyson Beckford]

He didn't pay and then didn't. I don't know what ever happened to that. That didn't. Something like, oh, we're going to give the money to the United Negro College Fund or something. Yeah, yeah. So I didn't get the money.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

Oh, so you didn't win the lawsuit.

[Tyson Beckford]

Yes, supposedly. But we didn't get no money. We didn't get paid for it. It was two year contract, you know, he gave me one year of the money and then didn't, you know, he's, you know, again, karma.

[Just Hilarious]

And this was after.

[Tyson Beckford]

This was. Yeah, this is after we, you know, we became cool again, or whatever, you.

[DJ Envy]

Know, because 911 was 2000.

[Tyson Beckford]

Yeah. I just never. We just was never. We could never be cool. Cause just. I was too street for him and he was just on whatever he was on, you know what I mean? So, you know, karma's where it's at. You know, we here talking about this and where he at, you know what I mean?

[DJ Envy]

I got one last question about it though, because when the lawsuit was happening, you said that you couldn't understand where it came from. Like, why.

[Tyson Beckford]

No, I didn't understand where it came from. But over the years, I know where it came from. You know what I mean? Where we talk about that off the radio. Yeah. I'll tell you the truth after the radio. Yeah.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

Either do it now or write a book.

[Tyson Beckford]

And if you write a book, I'm writing the book. I'm writing the book.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

Really?

[Tyson Beckford]

I'm doing the book. I'm doing the book. The book is being done. It's just that because I have this this production deal for Pretty Boy, I can't, you know, Got you. Yeah, but all of that's gonna be in. In Pretty Boy, there was another story. I'm gonna put that. That in there because that's a cold scene, you know, standing on 6th Avenue with a shotgun.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

That's wild. You know, since we talking about old shit and you bought. You kind of bought some of this stuff up.

[Tyson Beckford]

Yeah.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

You remember the rumors Superhead used to say about you?

[Tyson Beckford]

I mean, that's another one. Like, I mean, come on, girl, you can't. Like, I never hung out with Tigger. I'm like, I don't even know that ninja like that. You know what I mean? I met him a couple times at the hip hop event. And that's It. But again, I bought another girl.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

She said that was a ditty pool.

[Tyson Beckford]

Where is she? You know what I mean? Who is she? There's nobody just out here trying to tell stories on. She done named how many of us, you know what I mean? And it's like, girl, go sit down somewhere.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

How did that impact you back then?

[Tyson Beckford]

How did it bother me?

[Charlamagne Tha God]

Yeah, back then.

[Tyson Beckford]

Oh, if I, you know, one time she. So let me tell you how that rumor started. She called me one time talking about, oh, I need some money. I need a place to stay. So evidently we lived in Jersey together. I guess Tigger lived in Jersey too, somewhere. And he lived. I lived in Fort Lee at the time, so he lived around somewhere in that area. And they got into some fight. So I don't know how. She remembered my phone number and called me. And I was like, who this? I was like, nah, I ain't getting involved. Cause I like to mind my business. So I denied her. And then the next thing you know, that came about and I was like, you petty. You petty. You know what I mean? So again, these people just hating and just mad. I don't know why people want to pick on me.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

But, you know, I think over time we've all learned like that kind of is par for the cost when you in this business.

[Tyson Beckford]

Yeah. Whenever you run out and, oh, I'm going to tell everybody business. But yeah, she was passed around, you know.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

No, I didn't mean that. Like people like, oh, he's gay.

[Tyson Beckford]

And that's. And you know, that's like, it's childish because he's like, what can I say to get at him or get him mad? I'm the most masculine dude ever. I got gay friends. Yeah. But I have nothing, no problems with the gay community. And they always back me up and be like, no, he's not like that. He's a, you know, he's just one who looks out for us. And I don't believe in people picking on them for no reason. And yeah, I will fight you if I see you messing with somebody because they're trans or they're gay. That's just. That's not right. You know what I mean? We're all human beings. We're all people of this world. You know, we're all God's kids. But why are you picking on somebody because of their sexual preference? What do you care what somebody doing in their house? I agree that's not your business. So I believe that, you know, people who throw that stigmatism on me or that, that that, you know, that name calling is just childish.

[DJ Envy]

Did that ever impact your money? Because I know Kim Kardashian.

[Tyson Beckford]

No, never. Yeah. Never. Impact. Yeah, she. She learned her lesson too. You know, they. They. They went after her. They got her. They got her straightened her ass out. Yeah, they just. You know what it is? I've always supported them and everything that they do. They support me in fashion. I mean, some of the people I work with are gay, bi, and trans, you know, so it's. It's like, it's. They're normal people to me. You know, when we're at work, we're at work. But if I see you doing something that's not right, I'm gonna say something. I'm not gonna sit back and like, you know, in Jamaica, they look down upon that. Even in Jamaica, I'm like, yo, leave the man alone. Why you bother him? He didn't come over here trying to hit on you, so leave him alone. So, you know, for me, I stand up for all rights, you know, because it's. It's a human thing. And if you don't, you're not human.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

Absolutely. How do you think Tyson Beckford would have handled Instagram and Tick Tock back in the 90s? Because that era was so toxic, man.

[Tyson Beckford]

Man, I don't think I would have came out my house because I was just. I was just everywhere doing all kinds of stuff, but you know what I mean? Somebody would have snitched on me. Hey, yo, nypd. He over here with these dudes with these rags. No, stop it. Yeah, yeah. I don't think we were ready for it. You know, I don't. I. I'm, you know, I'm on it, but I'm not really on it. You know, I try to post different things. You know, cars, bikes, you know, I just. Hey, what up, y'?

[Charlamagne Tha God]

All?

[Lauren LaRosa]

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[Tyson Beckford]

Panoramic moonroof, ambient lighting, bows and massaging leather. Appointed seats are optional features. Try to. Yeah, I try to post what little bit I know, but I'm not really savvy on it. Like, most people are making tiktoks and all of that. Yeah, I can't. I'm not good.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

Did you ever feel like you had to be the goon because you were labeled the pretty boy because they was throwing the game?

[Tyson Beckford]

No, I just was a goon, man. I can't help it.

[Just Hilarious]

I just.

[Tyson Beckford]

A goon.

[Just Hilarious]

I'm Jamaican.

[Tyson Beckford]

Yeah, I'm Jamaican.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

I was a goon right now.

[Tyson Beckford]

Like, I mean, I was like.

[DJ Envy]

I didn't know.

[Tyson Beckford]

I had no idea. I was 16 years old. I got caught up in FBI files with the. With the shower posse and just. I was a goon. I just was around goons, you know what I mean? And that necessarily didn't mean that I was gonna do like they did all the time. I was a smart goon. I saw something else going on. Like, I had this love for being a thespian. I wanted to be an actor from when I was six years old. And just being in the street was just, you know, messing with the goons, having fun. And then when. When the red lights, red and blue lights came, I was like, yo, I gotta go. You know, it's just. I never wanted to get caught.

[Just Hilarious]

You always knew when to leave.

[Tyson Beckford]

Yeah, I always knew when to leave. And I just knew. And I just knew, like, I got. I got better things going on than this. I'm not gonna be no. You know what I mean? I'm not gonna be no cell.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

So how do you go from.

[Tyson Beckford]

Go in.

[Just Hilarious]

I was racing. How do you go from goon tomorrow?

[Tyson Beckford]

That's a crazy thing because a friend of mine was like, yo, you should model, bro. And I was like, really?

[Just Hilarious]

Was he a goon?

[Tyson Beckford]

Yeah, he was a goon.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

Okay.

[Tyson Beckford]

Yeah, yeah, yeah.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

He seen the potential.

[Tyson Beckford]

Yeah, okay. And he was. And even the goons wanted me out of street. They was like, yo, bro, you. You got too much to be out here doing this. And. And before my brother got killed, you know, rest in peace. He was. He was one who said, yo, Put the gun down, man, And. And get out of this business, you know, go into that entertainment. Because he saw me in the Source magazine, and he was like, yo, that was. That was nice and all. Lagoons seen it up in the Bronx, and it was like, yo, they would hail me up in the streets. Yo, you coming to the robbery later? Nah, I' ma miss this one. You know, I literally. We used to. We used to rob drug dealers. Yeah, yeah, we used to rob drug dealers back in the day. They gonna call the police on you.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

No, they're not. Did you wake up this morning and say, you know what? I'm gonna go get indicted at the Breakfast Club?

[Tyson Beckford]

All of this is 30 plus years ago. Cops is retired now them fed is gone. You know, they. They all sitting at home.

[Just Hilarious]

Was that their way of celebrating the Source magazine? Let's go do a rob.

[Tyson Beckford]

No, it was just. It was always planned.

[Just Hilarious]

Okay.

[Tyson Beckford]

We used to call them jokes back in the day. Yeah, we're gonna go on the jokes. And we used to always. Have. You always got this. And you would just be like this smart man, you know, I always keep a handkerchief. It's a black handkerchief, by the way. NYPD, gang task force. It's a black handkerchief.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

Oh, my God.

[Tyson Beckford]

Means neutral. Means nothing. But. Yeah.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

Listen, have the term male supermodel ever limited you more than it helped you, especially?

[Tyson Beckford]

I think so, yeah. When it comes to acting, I think they just think you're a pretty boy and you can't, you know, and then that's why I said, you know what? I really need to take this pretty boy title somewhere. And that's what I did with the. The script. So, you know, we sit and we waiting, so hopefully somebody want to pick us up. But we are in talks with a lot of different people, though.

[Just Hilarious]

Yeah.

[Tyson Beckford]

So it's a good thing. I can't wait.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

Have there been any other male supermodels after Tyson?

[Tyson Beckford]

Oh, out in.

[DJ Envy]

My son is doing amazing right now.

[Tyson Beckford]

That's my little brother. I love Alton.

[DJ Envy]

Yeah.

[Tyson Beckford]

We got a chance to work together, and that was amazing. And I. And I try to encourage him every. Every. Every time I want. I actually offered him a role in Pretty Boy.

[DJ Envy]

Oh. And he is, like, everything about him is just.

[Tyson Beckford]

Yeah, he's just put together well. Pretty. He's got a little brother that looks like him, too, so, yeah, I want to throw him in there. So, yeah, you know, I want to give back somehow.

[DJ Envy]

It makes me happy to hear that, though, because he gets a lot of firsts. Like, he's walking runways for the first time as a black male model, even now. And it's like, we're here in 2025, so he probably needs the support sometimes.

[Tyson Beckford]

Oh, yeah, no, he definitely does. I support him all the time. We send each other memes and we laugh and we crack up, you know, that's why my favorite thing about Instagram, me. Me DMing my boys and. And say, hey, look at this right here. You see this? And we cracking up all day. So, yeah, I mean, that's the. That's the thing that we got to do in the industry. We got to support each other. We can't be like, oh, man, he's the next me. I'm never worried. You know, I did my thing, I had fun. And he just. He's just a good soul.

[DJ Envy]

Yeah.

[Tyson Beckford]

You know, when you meet him, he's a good soul. Yeah.

[Just Hilarious]

I'm sorry. Also, Solange's son, Jules, he also is a really.

[Tyson Beckford]

Yeah. Yes, yes. His grandmother reached out. Yeah, yeah. And then we had Garcelle yesterday, brought her son by to the photo shoot. Yeah. So her son Jade, he's. He's modeling as well. And my son is doing the same thing. So anything that I can give them because I'm the og, you know, they all. They call me Ledge Ledge now the Ledge. So I try to help them out because it's such a. It's such a great industry for us because it puts our images out there and it lets people know when you get on the elevator, oh, he's not gonna steal my purse. You know, he's the Calvin model or he's this such model, you know. So I think it's good for us to have a nice image out there of good looking young men doing positive things, you know?

[Just Hilarious]

How old is your son?

[Tyson Beckford]

My son is 26. He'll be 27 in October. I don't put his business out there. I'm sorry, son.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

Does he look like you?

[Tyson Beckford]

Yeah, he does. He look like a Puerto Rican version of me, though. Wow. He got long hair and he's just.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

People be like.

[Tyson Beckford]

And he'd be like, no, no, no, no, no, no, no. Come on, man, you gotta learn some Spanish. Because our grandfather's from Panama, so I do have Spanish in my blood. Yeah.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

So how did you become a star? I guess because when you name all of these other types of these male.

[Tyson Beckford]

Models, that's a big title you throwing on me, dog. What are you talking about? Thank you, Charlemagne.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

Actually, more than star. You like an icon.

[DJ Envy]

You are like you were.

[Tyson Beckford]

You know what my touch Always calls me that. Yeah. So, I mean, and that's another thing. When you put that kind of like, thing on somebody, the icon, you really have to sort of try to live up to that.

[Just Hilarious]

Yeah.

[Tyson Beckford]

Can't be out in the street flagging and doing things, you know, you need to look in the mirror. I ain't no punk bitch. I know punk bitch, you know, but everybody in New York know me, and they know. Oh, man, that's Tyson, man. He's a nice kid. And, you know, we. We've been here. We came to New York, we came to this country in the 70s, you know, and we was, you know, people. We used. Oh, the boat people are here and coconuts and, you know, we got called all type of names, you know, as. As. As immigrants and stuff, you know, so it's. It's tough out here, man. You know, shout outs to all the immigrants out here running from ice. They. They dangerous, man. They rough.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

Do you feel like the fashion industry has become more inclusive since your peak? Or it's still like diversity optics?

[Tyson Beckford]

It's getting better. Like, from the time that I've got in it to now, it's getting really good. I'm seeing more diversity. I'm seeing. I'm seeing Asian, I'm seeing Latino, I'm seeing. You're seeing gay, seeing transgender. You're seeing all these people now in fashion. And the crazy thing is the people of the world are fashion. You know, you go down the street and you, like, take your outfit, for instance. That top is really nice. And then she's got her out and he's chilling with the old school death row shirt on. It's. Everyone always has some kind of fashion on. So we're always in fashion. You know, it's just. Does fashion. Fashion never let us in before, but now we're in.

[DJ Envy]

Right?

[Tyson Beckford]

You know what I mean? You think about all these designers now.

[DJ Envy]

You were. When you were moving around with Ralph Lauren. Like, I read a story about Biggie stopping you and asking you about the shirt that you had on if they needed.

[Tyson Beckford]

Oh, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah. Me and Big used to kick it all the time. Cause Big. Big used to always wear Ralph Lauren, you know, I mean, it was popular in Brooklyn. You know, it's popular in Queens, Bronx, everything. And, you know, I am a low. If you know who those guys are. And, you know, Big shout outs to Thurston Howell the third. That is so. Yeah, it was just something that we hip hop people took. Took on those. Some of these brands, and we made these brands Big. You know, I mean, now you look at fashion shows and they playing hip hop. There's, you know, I just walked in the D Square show back in February, and, you know, you have all these rappers, you know, that were in the show with us, and it's just. That's. That's what fashion is. Everybody wears it, you know, so it's cool, man, to see all this. And it's. Back in the day, when I was doing it, it wasn't any of that. You wouldn't. You wasn't hearing rap music walking down the Runway of shows. You know, you weren't hearing playing on the sets. You know, now you go on the set and they're like, yo, what do you want to hear? And like, oh, really?

[Charlamagne Tha God]

You know, did you ever feel pressure to represent something bigger than yourself as a black?

[Tyson Beckford]

Oh, yeah, always. Always. And that's. That's a lot of times when I step out to do certain things, I look at it this way. How's this going to benefit our people? So for me now, it's not about the money. It's about how's this going to benefit our people? And it's going to make us look good. So anything I can do, you know, for that. I mean, when you're an ambassador, you're just an ambassador. Whether it's for politics, fashion, movie, tv, you're just an ambassador. And that's what we need to recognize and start doing as a people. Yeah.

[Just Hilarious]

I'm gonna go back to the show. Right.

[Tyson Beckford]

Okay, let's go.

[Just Hilarious]

Right. What you're here for. Okay, so you made a joke on the show, right? Like, that you would be a power couple with two of the ladies. Are you into polygamy or.

[Tyson Beckford]

I'm not shy of it. I had two girlfriends before. A couple times I did that, and it's tough.

[Just Hilarious]

Did they know about each other?

[Tyson Beckford]

Yeah, they were. You know, all of us was in the bed. I hope they know. Don't worry about it.

[DJ Envy]

Say that.

[Tyson Beckford]

So casual. He's like dope, right?

[DJ Envy]

Casually, like. I had two girlfriends.

[Tyson Beckford]

There's a lot of guys out there in the industry now. I mean, my comedian home. Yes.

[Just Hilarious]

Oh, yes. Always was the first one I seen.

[Tyson Beckford]

Yeah. D. Well, you know, that was. We was before.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

Right, right, right, right, right.

[Tyson Beckford]

Yeah. But again, I just always kept it private.

[Just Hilarious]

I got you.

[Tyson Beckford]

You know, the world don't need to know that.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

What?

[Just Hilarious]

Okay, but what about it? It's hard. You said it's hard.

[Tyson Beckford]

What about it's hard you're dealing with, as my mom always says, she's somebody's daughter. So you're dealing with two emotions. And if you can get them, like on the same level, like, how D Ray and Neo? Cause when you look at it, you're like, man, they're all on the same wavelength, you know. Now Neo has all three of them, you know, pregnant. So I was like, okay, bro, hey, how it's gonna be full. But if you can provide for them and take care of them, hey, who am I to tell you you can't do it? I mean, I was there, you know.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

Yum yum. Both of them.

[Tyson Beckford]

Yum yum, yum, yum, yum, yum, yum, yum, yum, yum, yum.

[DJ Envy]

Why not?

[Tyson Beckford]

Yeah, I gotta take care of my ladies, you know, I can't leave them, send them out of the street. Not yum yummed up, you know, so I'm gonna have to make some T shirts. Yum yum posse.

[Just Hilarious]

So you're still not opposed to.

[Tyson Beckford]

I mean. No, I'm not. I'm still not opposed to it. I was really trying on the show, okay.

[Just Hilarious]

Because I'm like.

[Tyson Beckford]

Oh, man, I'm not gonna tell you.

[DJ Envy]

You keep not wanna tell us.

[Tyson Beckford]

You gotta watch and see Sunday nights at 9pm on Bravo. Watch what happens. But yeah, I'm telling you, it's probably one of the coolest shows on Bravo. There's not a lot of drama. It's just. It's more fun. And you're like, oh, well, Thaddeus, who's on the show with me, he calls me the black Hugh Hefner. So there's a couple episodes where the boys are out and I'm home by myself with all the girls. I got my cowboy hat on and my hoochie daddy shorts on and I'm jumping in the cold tub. And then there's a point where I jump in the cold tub with two girls. So, you know, that's regular for me. Just having fun. Yeah, that's regular for me.

[DJ Envy]

You plan to get married at the end of all of this?

[Charlamagne Tha God]

Yeah, man, stop.

[Tyson Beckford]

I would love to get married. I'd love to get married and have some kids.

[DJ Envy]

You would have two wives or you want one?

[Tyson Beckford]

If I could have two wives and afford two wives, I would do it. Yeah. Why not?

[DJ Envy]

And you want kids?

[Tyson Beckford]

Love is love. Yeah. Yeah, I gotta. I gotta. I got. I'm gonna start my own modeling agency.

[DJ Envy]

With your kids?

[Charlamagne Tha God]

With my kids.

[DJ Envy]

Okay.

[Tyson Beckford]

Yeah, I gotta do that. Come on.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

I mean, listen, I. I think that we are going to come to a point where polygamy is going to be a lot.

[Tyson Beckford]

I mean, I think it's going to be normal. I, I, I, I don't. It's not for everybody. But if I can find one love, I'm happy with that too, you know? But if two want to love me, who am I to say no?

[Charlamagne Tha God]

Have you ever been in real love?

[Tyson Beckford]

Oh, yeah. Oh, yeah. I got my heart broken real hard.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

Yeah.

[Tyson Beckford]

So there's a lot of. You see that sprinkled throughout the show where I'm just like. I don't know if I trust this one. But, you know, it's gonna get spicy. It's gonna get spicy. Somebody that people know, or maybe they know them. Yeah, know them, made them know them.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

Maybe they know them.

[DJ Envy]

Supermodel.

[Tyson Beckford]

You be quiet over there. That's all you did. She over there looking. She got the list. I mean, I ain't even got dating history. I bring her to date.

[DJ Envy]

Yeah, you got the list too. I got.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

I don't know none of these people except for one.

[DJ Envy]

Okay, so I know. Is it.

[Tyson Beckford]

We will not speak of that name.

[Just Hilarious]

The whole damn list.

[Tyson Beckford]

No. Let's go. Let's. So, yeah, so the show is at 9pm Sunday night. So bravo. Watch what Happens. And then I'm on Watch what happens live right after that. So I'm on there with Octavia. Is it Octavia I'm on there with? Yeah.

[Just Hilarious]

Double whammy.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

I can't wait to watch that. Just to see how you act on it.

[Just Hilarious]

I know, right?

[Tyson Beckford]

And then I want you to get on the radio and talk smack. And then I'm gonna give you my number. You call me and we're gonna talk junk on the one.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

I wanna see how you talk in front of them.

[Tyson Beckford]

No, you. Hey, hey.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

But they're not gonna ask you the stuff we was asking, so it'd be different.

[Tyson Beckford]

No, I'm sure. I think they do ask a lot of girls ask me a lot of the questions, you know? And then what I need to learn in life is to ask women more questions to know more about them. Them, I think I'm so caught up with their beauty. I don't ask enough questions. Especially on this show. I need to ask more questions.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

Just smashing.

[Tyson Beckford]

I didn't really care what they were into.

[Just Hilarious]

Oh, my God.

[DJ Envy]

My mom always says that somebody's gone, you better stop.

[Tyson Beckford]

They're gonna be like, hey, when is Charlemagne and Tyson doing that podcast? We want to know the tea.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

I do want to know. What's one insecurity you had at the height of your career that Nobody would.

[Tyson Beckford]

Believe I was very shy when I first started. I was very not outgoing. And then I didn't want people to know that I always second guessed myself, you know? And then somewhere out of maybe the first year of the Ralph Lauren contract, I started to gain this confidence. Like I said, I looked in the mirror, didn't even recognize myself. And I'm like, yo, you used to be the shy Jamaican kid who. Who would laugh and cover his gap, and now it's. I'm not. I'm not that kid anymore. You know what I mean? So, you know, a lot of times when I run into people from my past, they're like, oh, my God, you're so. You're so vibrant. You're so out and lively now, you know?

[Charlamagne Tha God]

So I'm like, yeah, was it imposter syndrome?

[Tyson Beckford]

I don't know what it was, really, man. I really can't put a. Put a finger on what it was, but, you know, it was just. I guess being around, like, other confident people made me feel like I could be confident, too. And I think that a lot of young people struggle with this, whether it's them trying to figure out their sexuality, what they like. And, you know, high school is tough for people, you know, but, like, ninth grade, I struggled. Tenth grade, you know, I was in the new. I kept changing schools. And then by 10th grade, I was just like. Like, you know, starting to come into my own. And then the summer after 10th grade, I, you know, I started hitting the weights. And then by 11th grade, the women were, like, all over me. By that time, I was starting to build up more confidence, you know, but, yeah, I had. I had a good time in high school. And, you know, it was. It was. It was, you know, coming of age for me, you know, at this point.

[Just Hilarious]

Like, even on the show.

[Tyson Beckford]

Right.

[Just Hilarious]

Because these people, these women are already coming in knowing Tyson Beckford, right?

[Tyson Beckford]

Yeah, but they didn't know. They didn't know at the time who were. Who were murder kings on the show until they got there, until they came out and then you revealed and they saw us. So there's a lot of girls. You. If the camera catches their space, you'd be like, oh, my God, you know? Yeah, yeah, you get that oh, my God effect. And it was really. It was cool.

[Just Hilarious]

Yeah.

[Tyson Beckford]

You know, because they're probably thinking, to have. Why is he on a dating show?

[Just Hilarious]

Right.

[Tyson Beckford]

And then everyone in the world is thinking that.

[Just Hilarious]

Right, right. I was.

[Tyson Beckford]

Yeah, I know you were. You probably were like, yeah, what are you doing?

[Just Hilarious]

Right.

[Tyson Beckford]

But. But it's like, I'm not going to get tender or none of that other stuff. I'm. I'm so old school. I'll be there at the laundry, man, what's happening? You want to borrow my roller quarters? So, you know, you just. I usually meet people out and about supermarket. You know what I mean? Yeah, I met women at the supermarket. That's fine. No, I'm in Miami, so it's publix for me. So I met this fine lady at the bank one day, little Haitian lady. She was like. Like speaking to me in Creole. I was like, la, la. I don't know what I was saying to her, but she was smiling, though. Yeah. Hey, hey, hey, hey, hey, hey, hey. Charlamagne the God. So let me tell you, brother, we're on Bravo at 9pm on Sundays. Watch what happens lives right after that.

[Just Hilarious]

I love it.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

Oh, I got a couple more questions. Have you ever felt like the industry was more in love with your image than you as a person?

[Tyson Beckford]

Person? Yeah, I think that because they didn't. I didn't get to do interviews like this back then. I think they were more in love with what they saw and didn't know me. So then when a lot of people saw me and got to meet me, it was like, yo, he little thug. But he all right, though. You know, he's like sophisticated thug. So I think us being able to do these kind of things and now with social media, people get a better understanding of who you are.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

Yeah. Do you want to let people in now? Like, do you want.

[Tyson Beckford]

It's like, what my show, My shirt's at ass, you know?

[Charlamagne Tha God]

Come on, bro. Bro. When I say you want to let people in, do not turn around. Don't say, don't turn around.

[Tyson Beckford]

Read the shirt.

[Just Hilarious]

Let me see.

[DJ Envy]

Keep your heart.

[Just Hilarious]

Three stacks.

[Tyson Beckford]

Keep your heart. Yeah, I'm a big fan of him, so. Yeah, and that's like one of my favorite songs.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

So do you think a Tyson Beckford could exist in today's era of male mind models?

[Tyson Beckford]

Yeah, I think he could. He could run court with all of them. Yeah.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

They might say you're too alpha, you know, this generation.

[Tyson Beckford]

Yeah, yeah, I am very alpha. So, yeah, no, I think. I think there's. There's. There's a. There's a position for somebody like me who's. Who's, you know, really alpha like that, you know? But yeah, I mean, a lot of the guys that I came up with in 90s, that's how we were. We were the beefcake models. We worked out. We Lift weights. You know, we. We did push ups before shows and, you know, we're back there working out. I think that's gone now. You know, guys don't want to be buffed like that no more. But, yeah, I mean, I got up this morning, did my 300 crunches and my 400 push ups, and, you know, I still, still do it because it's.

[Just Hilarious]

The R you gotta.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

Yeah, yeah.

[Tyson Beckford]

For me, it's mental, you know, so I need that. It gives me that get up and go in the morning, you know, get.

[Just Hilarious]

Ready for them two ladies.

[Tyson Beckford]

That's it.

[Just Hilarious]

That's right.

[Tyson Beckford]

I'm gonna need that.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

Listen, Tyson Beckford, ladies and gentlemen, it has been a pleasure.

[Tyson Beckford]

Yeah, bro, it's been a while, but thank you for having me up here. Y' all got new address, new building.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

Absolutely.

[Tyson Beckford]

It's really nice.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

New people. If you in.

[Tyson Beckford]

New people. Yes, yes, yes.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

Don't be a stranger. It might be stuff you want to get.

[Tyson Beckford]

I mean, yeah, I mean, if you want me to come, I'll always drop by, brother. Especially if I. I got something to talk to you about. You know what I mean? But, yeah, but I, I. If you ever do a podcast, call me and then I'll tell you everything.

[DJ Envy]

He owns a whole podcast network.

[Just Hilarious]

I know, but he trying to hire.

[Tyson Beckford]

He didn't invite me on yet.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

Yeah, you know, I think you should.

[Tyson Beckford]

Write a book like me and. Yeah, we write in the book, but me and Fat Joe, we got stories. By the way, check out rewind, rewind to 10 with me and Fat Joe and everybody.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

What do you mean you and Fat Joe have stories?

[Tyson Beckford]

We have stories. We like Bronx kids like you. Have you seen the podcast with Jada? And you know what's so funny? We got stories.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

You bought them, Fat Joe. It's gonna be people that watch this and be like, Tyson Capping, and they be thinking, fat Joe be Capp.

[Tyson Beckford]

No, Joe don't be.

[Just Hilarious]

Sound like that.

[Tyson Beckford]

But Joe, for real, is he funny? He's comical.

[Just Hilarious]

So it's like, yo, a lot of times I don't know what to take serious.

[Tyson Beckford]

Yeah, no, he's. He's for real Joe. I remember Joe back in the days, and, you know, he was. He was. He was gooning.

[Just Hilarious]

Did y' all go to high school together?

[Tyson Beckford]

No, we didn't go to high school together, but he was over there with them, and I was over there with the other thems and. And it was like, yeah, we was real goons. No, we never ran in the tr. Each other until, like, when Joe start Coming out with the music and then like showbiz, AG and all of them, because we were all Bronx kids and we all used to go to the Fever and all that stuff. So.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

Yeah, so what stories. Do you have a fat jo if y' all never ran into each other?

[Tyson Beckford]

No, I'm saying he has his set of stories. I have my set of stories as well. Yeah, so we, we definitely was. We was definitely in the streets. Yeah, was. I don't remember.

[Just Hilarious]

I was there.

[Tyson Beckford]

There was a doc series on the.

[DJ Envy]

Tunnel and they mentioned you in the series.

[Tyson Beckford]

I was there every night taking my tims off and getting searched. And, you know, we get the clack, clack in the car. Car, you know. No, I was outside. I was really outside. And I, when I think about it now, riding the train with. Because, you know, my street name was Two Guns at one point, and I.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

Was just like, I got two guns at one point.

[Tyson Beckford]

Yeah, I had to leave the guns. I had to leave the guns.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

Tyson, your name was not Two Guns.

[Tyson Beckford]

Look it up, look it up, look it up.

[Just Hilarious]

You know, you and Fat Joe need a podcast.

[Tyson Beckford]

That's the.

[Just Hilarious]

Need a podcast.

[Tyson Beckford]

You and I hope to get on there and talk with him and Jada, cuz I love them too. Why?

[Charlamagne Tha God]

Well, I guess this is my last question. Why didn't things really work out in Hollywood? Like, was it a role you turned down? Like, what was it?

[Tyson Beckford]

No, it's just that, you know, they're the gatekeepers. Hollywood is gatekeepers. They want to let who in when they want to let in. I mean, I did at least 20 something odd movies, like from Biker Boy Zoolander and all of that, but for me, I just never. Yeah, I'm, I'm still looking for that script, man. I'm looking for that right script to really take that role, you know? And I remember the late Andre Harrell used to always tell me, you need to play some psycho sexy killer. Every time Andre would see me, he would hit me with that line. I'm like, andre, you in Hollywood. You tell them, let's write the script. But it's. I feel like Hollywood is gatekeeping. They'll let who they want in. You know what I mean? Because I, I don't, I don't, I don't hate on everybody that's out there now. But, like, I, I, man, me and Idris used to go to Sue's rendezvous back in the day, you know, and then that's when Cardi and them was dancing and who else? Somebody else that was dancing too. But, yeah, we like back in the.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

Day, by the way.

[Tyson Beckford]

Yeah, Think about it, it was what, 2099 somewhere back then.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

Yeah. Cardi would have been like, no, I'm.

[Tyson Beckford]

Not saying she was there then, but I'm just saying when we used to go to Sue's. That's, that's a while back. Yes.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

You know, it's interesting you bought up Andre Harrell. Rest in peace, Andre Harrell. Yeah, because I'm listening to you talk and, and, and when I'm listening to you talk, it reminds me of somebody that Andre used to tell me about and it was Christopher Williams.

[Tyson Beckford]

Oh, yeah, Chris. I know Chris. We, me and Chris did a, a couple plays together and Chris is talented as him.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

But Chris was a goon.

[Tyson Beckford]

Chris was a. Chris is a goon.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

I don't know, I don't know him personally, but I'm saying I know him.

[Tyson Beckford]

Personally and I think it's because he was light skinned, had the curly hair, you know, I was a pretty boy. It's. We're forced into that because people want to pick on us. So you got to defend yourself. Like, my mom dropped me off at martial arts from when I was little. So I've been beating ass for a long time, you know what I mean? I've been in, I can count my street fights. I've been in 38 street fights, no losses. And I'm not out there looking for fights. But then I went to Golden Gloves and then I did, I crawl McGraw. I did all of that stuff, man. And what it does for you, it just keeps you right. Like now I train with members of SEAL Team 6 in Florida and you know, I train with Coast Guard and some Miami Dade pd and I'm now certified NRA instructor for carbine, shotgun and pistol. So, you know, I know my way around because it's something that you might use in Hollywood. I mean, look at Keanu Reeves. You know, he was, you know, he was like doing the surfer movies and stuff and then boom, look where he's at now. He's John Wick, one of the scariest man on the planet and he'd be riding the train. So. Yeah, I like to do normal things, but you also gotta be able to protect yourself at all times.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

Absolutely. Hey, King's Court is cool, but we need the Tyson.

[Tyson Beckford]

Beverly. Sunday, Sunday.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

We need the Tyson.

[Tyson Beckford]

That's what I'm trying to tell Andy Cohen. Andy Cohen. I'm telling you, I need my own show.

[Just Hilarious]

That's right. That's right.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

Check it out, man. 9:00pm On Sundays, Kings Court, Tyson it was a pleasure, brother.

[Tyson Beckford]

Yes, brother. Always.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

It's the Breakfast Club.

[Tyson Beckford]

Wake that ass up early in the morning. The Breakfast Club.

[Lauren LaRosa]

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[Tyson Beckford]

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[DJ Envy]

This is an iHeart podcast.