The Breakfast Club

Episode: New Levels New Devils (DMX Estate Property Feud/ Wendy Williams Update/ Serena Williams Being the Boss)
Release Date: April 14, 2025
Host/Author: iHeartPodcasts

1. DMX Estate Property Feud

The episode opens with Lauren LaRosa delving into the ongoing legal battle surrounding the late rapper DMX's estate. The core of the dispute lies between DMX's ex-wife, Tashira Simmons, and his fiancée, Desiree Lindstrom, over control of his intellectual property and legacy.

• Background:
  DMX passed away without a will, leading to contention over who holds rights to his music, trademarks, and overall legacy. Tashira, who was married to DMX from 1999 to 2014 and the mother of his children, initially claimed entitlement to 50% of DMX's intellectual property based on a divorce settlement from 2016. This claim would have granted her significant control over licensing and other decisions related to DMX's work.

• Court Ruling:
  [06:31] Patrick: “I'm overwhelmed with emotions. Sasha and I, who run the state, have fought silently for so long to protect Earl, his legacy, and his art. Now justice has finally been served. The court's decision is more than just a legal win. It's a moment of peace in the middle of so much pain.”

  The judge ruled in favor of Desiree Lindstrom, declaring that Tashira has no ownership over DMX's music rights or trademarks. This decision ensures that DMX's estate retains exclusive control over his intellectual properties, overriding previous claims made by Tashira.

• Implications:
  Lauren reflects on how this ruling shifts the control of DMX's legacy to Desiree, highlighting the emotional and legal complexities involved. She notes the potential impact on DMX's children, who are navigating this familial and legal turmoil.

• Notable Quote:
  [04:45] Lauren LaRosa: “As y'all can imagine, this is a devastating hit for Tashira. But Desiree, you know, who is his new life partner at the time, of course, she's looking at this as a win...”

2. Wendy Williams' Legal Struggles and Conservatorship

The discussion transitions to Wendy Williams, focusing on recent developments in her legal battles and the implications of her conservatorship.

• Current Situation:
  Wendy Williams has been navigating a conservatorship, limiting her autonomy. Despite previous assurances that she could see family and attend dinners, recent reports indicate she was denied the ability to dine with her attorney, Joe Taina, and her niece.

• Controversy:
  [10:15] Lauren LaRosa: “I'm telling y'all, from what I'm being told, how it looks is not exactly what it is, and it needs to be explained a bit more on the Breakfast Club.”

  The denial raises questions about potential retaliation or overreach by those managing her conservatorship. Contrarily, photos emerged showing Wendy dining with Don Lemon and her niece, sparking confusion and skepticism about the restrictions placed on her interactions.

• Legal Insights:
  Lauren highlights inconsistencies in the restrictions imposed on Wendy, suggesting possible motives behind limiting her interactions with certain individuals while allowing others, like Don Lemon.

• Upcoming Clarifications:
  [12:30] Patrick: “...they choose to be right here with me...”

  Lauren announces that Joe Taina will join a future episode to provide clarity on Wendy's situation, aiming to dispel rumors and offer a more transparent perspective on the legal proceedings.

• Notable Quote:
  [17:35] Lauren LaRosa: “Judge said her career is over. I don't believe that. I'm excited, excited to see what Wendy comes back with and does once she gets through all of this and figures it out...”

3. Serena Williams: Being the Boss

Shifting focus, the podcast features insights from Serena Williams' recent interview with People Magazine, where she discusses the costs and challenges of being a leader while balancing personal life.

• Key Takeaways:
  Serena emphasizes the sacrifices made in her career, notably the time spent away from her children to achieve professional success. She reflects on the constant weighing of personal relationships against career ambitions.

• Discussion:
  [14:43] Patrick: “We don't talk enough about what it means for women, especially women in the spotlight, to age on their own terms, to be seen without being picked apart...”

  Lauren connects Serena's experiences to broader themes of self-identity, societal expectations, and the pressures faced by women to maintain a certain image while pursuing their goals.

• Personal Reflections:
  Lauren shares her own struggles with balancing personal responsibilities and her aspirations as a creator. Inspired by conversations with Charlamagne Tha God, she emphasizes the importance of setting boundaries and making conscious choices to avoid unnecessary sacrifices.

• Notable Quote:
  [17:06] Patrick: “Yeah, it definitely costs a lot. I'm here now without my kids, and that's a big cost for me because I spend a lot of time with my children and they're very attached to me...”

4. Reflections on Adjusting and Growth

Throughout the episode, Lauren and Patrick weave in personal anecdotes and broader reflections on growth, adjustment, and resilience.

• Themes of Change:
  The episode is aptly titled New Levels New Devils, highlighting the inevitable challenges that accompany personal and professional growth. Lauren discusses the necessity of adjusting to new circumstances and the importance of maintaining alignment with one's core values and goals.

• Personal Growth:
  Lauren shares her journey as a young creator, balancing her platform with personal responsibilities. She draws inspiration from Serena Williams and Charlamagne Tha God, underscoring the power of choice and boundary-setting in personal development.

• Looking Forward:
  The hosts express optimism about navigating challenges, encouraging listeners to embrace change and use setbacks as opportunities for renewal and strength.

• Notable Quote:
  [20:50] Patrick: “So what are we taking away from episode 11, Lauren?”

  [20:52] Lauren LaRosa: “Adjustment is necessary. You can't escape it. But in learning that, I'm feeling, like, a sense of renaissance from this episode...”

Conclusion

The Breakfast Club episode titled New Levels New Devils masterfully navigates the intricate legal battles surrounding DMX's estate, the ongoing struggles of Wendy Williams under conservatorship, and Serena Williams' reflections on leadership and sacrifice. Through engaging dialogue and insightful reflections, Lauren LaRosa and Patrick offer listeners a comprehensive exploration of fame, legacy, and personal growth, enriched with notable quotes and thoughtful analysis.