REPLAY: Checking In w Erica Campbell

Summary

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Podcast Summary: "Checking In w/ Erica Campbell" — The Breakfast Club (Replay)

Host: Michelle Williams
Guest: Erica Campbell (Grammy-winning artist, one half of Mary Mary)
Release Date: May 5, 2026
Podcast Network: The Black Effect Podcast Network & iHeartRadio

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Episode Overview

In this replay episode of "Checking In," Michelle Williams sits down with the esteemed gospel artist Erica Campbell. The conversation centers on Erica’s latest album "I Love You," her creative process, the importance of authenticity, faith, self-love, and mental health. Deeply personal, uplifting, and at times humorous, this episode provides a candid look at Erica's journey in music, her role as a pastor's wife, and her intentional efforts to remain grounded while balancing multiple roles.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Introducing Erica Campbell & Her Accomplishments

• Michelle highlights Erica’s impact as a multi-award-winning artist, co-host of the nationally syndicated radio show, and first lady at California Worship Center.
  “She does so much but yet maintains an amazing light about her, and she does not compromise the light within her at all. She's warm hearted. She's so positive and she gonna make you feel all right.” – Michelle Williams [02:18]

2. On the Creation of "I Love You" Album

• Erica discusses the album's evolution and integrating gospel roots (the Hawkins Family) with contemporary influences.
• She collaborated with artists like PJ Morton, Stevie Wonder, her sister Tina Campbell, and husband Warren Campbell (producer).
  • “When we did the 'I love you' song, Warren said, let’s put that with that ... it was a perfect marriage of that song with the ‘I love you’ song that I did.” – Erica Campbell [05:58]
• Erica is especially proud of this album:
  “I love this record. I am proud of this record. It is my ‘I Love You’ record because I love me, I love God, I love people.” – Erica Campbell [06:35]

3. Perfection vs. Passion in Music

• Erica reflects on being overly critical of her past work, wishing for perfection, but now values passion and authenticity in her records.
  • “You can't be obsessed with perfection. You have to allow heart and feeling, which means maybe a note ... may not be perfectly executed, but it may be passionate.” – Erica Campbell [08:17]
  • “People like passion. Perfection doesn’t always get attention.” [08:50]

4. Self-Love, Acceptance, and Growth

• Erica shares lessons on owning mistakes and not living in shame.
• She emphasizes the power of resilience and self-compassion:
  • “I can live anything down keeps me from running from what has been ... knowing that everybody has made a mistake.” – Erica Campbell [09:59]

5. Friendship and Allowing People to Grow

• The importance of supportive relationships that encourage growth, ownership of one’s voice, and boundaries.
  • “I love, love, love that my friends allowed me to grow ... Y' all, I'm growing up and I don't want to lose my friends because I'm growing up. Y' all grow with me.” [13:25]

6. Boundaries, Freedom, and Authenticity

• The struggle with being "nice" to please others is explored, and Erica dissects where that can lead to resentment.
  • “When you are quiet about your boundaries, in an effort to seem more likable or to avoid conflict, you will become more resentful.” – Michelle Williams [15:00]
  • “I've learned that it's okay to say ... you have to be aware of you and okay with being you.” – Erica Campbell [15:15]

7. Celebrating Individuality and Boldness

• Discussion of Erica’s vibrant persona, creative styling in music videos, and the joy of embracing creative freedom.
  • “Freedom is infectious ... when I am free, then I give other people license to be free.” – Erica Campbell [17:35]

8. Faith, Pressure, and Preparation

• Erica describes balancing her legacy with the need to evolve, the necessity of rest and therapy, and learning to be present:
  • “Lord, prepare me for what you have prepared for me.” – Erica Campbell [19:32]
  • She candidly shares about therapy, burnout, and using the pandemic for personal growth.

9. Crossing Genres & Cultural Criticism

• Erica and Michelle address criticism in the gospel community for artists crossing over into secular charts.
  • “We belong in those spaces ... if we’re trying to share this light ... we’ve got to go in spaces and be aware that there may be somebody that won’t understand it.” [24:08]
  • Calls out “hater” mentality and encourages artists to remain true to their calling and audience.

10. Maintaining Balance: Family, Faith, and Career

• Managing multiple responsibilities (music, church, family), Erica underscores the importance of discernment and boundaries.
  • On handling fame and expectations: “I know who I am and I know who I'm not.” [28:21]
  • “If ever I'm gone too long, [my husband] just hops on a plane ... We make our moments. ... When you leave, just make it count.” – Erica Campbell [30:53]

11. Mental Health and Self-Care

• Erica offers a heartfelt message of hope for listeners battling anxiety or depression.
  • “You don’t have to do this by yourself... I hope you shine, I hope you thrive, I hope you overcome, I hope you walk in your wealthy place in your divine purpose and look cute doing it.” – Erica Campbell [32:40]

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “People like passion. Perfection doesn’t always get attention.” – Erica Campbell [08:50]
• “Freedom is infectious ... when I am free, then I give other people license to be free.” – Erica Campbell [17:35]
• "I love this record. I am proud of this record. It is my ‘I Love You’ record because I love me, I love God, I love people.” – Erica Campbell [06:35]
• “I know who I am and I know who I’m not.” – Erica Campbell [28:21]
• “You prayed for this opportunity. ... God, give me strength to do this, to know when to set boundaries.” – Erica Campbell [27:35]
• “You don’t have to do this by yourself.” – Erica Campbell [32:40]

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Timestamps for Key Segments

• Introducing Erica Campbell & New Album: [02:18] – [05:06]
• Album Creation & Roots: [05:53] – [07:36]
• Perfection vs. Passion: [07:36] – [09:21]
• Self-Compassion & Growth: [09:49] – [10:56]
• Friendship & Growing Pains: [10:56] – [14:18]
• Boundaries & Resentment: [15:00] – [16:18]
• Celebrating Boldness & Freedom: [17:35] – [19:22]
• Faith, Pressure & Preparation: [19:32] – [23:07]
• Crossing Genres & Criticism: [24:08] – [25:25]
• Handling Fame & Balance: [25:41] – [30:53]
• Family, Marriage, and Support: [30:53] – [32:10]
• Mental Health & Closing Words: [32:40] – [33:56]

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Tone & Final Thoughts

The conversation is intimate, upbeat, and laced with wisdom. Erica’s honesty about her artistic process, imperfections, and self-discovery earn both laughs and enlightenment from Michelle and listeners. In true gospel spirit, the episode closes with prayerful encouragement and a call to self-love, affirming the transformational power of faith, community, and authenticity in all aspects of life and career.

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Transcript

[Michelle Williams]

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[Michelle Williams]

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[Erica Campbell]

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[Erica Campbell]

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[Erica Campbell]

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[Michelle Williams]

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[Erica Campbell]

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[Michelle Williams]

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[Erica Campbell]

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[Kel Penn]

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[Michelle Williams]

checking in with Michelle Williams, a production of iHeartRadio and the Black Effect. There are some people that I admire from afar and I'm so glad that you know when I get a chance to spend time with them that they are that same person that I admire from afar. That's who they are up close. This woman has a lot of balance. She does so much but yet maintains an amazing light about her and she does not compromise the light within her at all. She's warm hearted. She's so positive and she gonna make you feel all right. I'm so excited for y' all to tap in, lock in to see who I get to talk to next on this episode of checking in. Hey, everybody. Good morning, good afternoon, good evening, wherever you are. I'm so excited about this episode. I say it every episode because every episode that I have a guest, it's always somebody that I look forward to talking to. So I'm always excited about talking to my guest. This next guest is one of the most respected artist I feel like in gospel. I feel like in every genre. I feel like people love them. Some Erica Campbell, the Grammy award winning, stellar award winning, Dove award winning artist, Erica Campbell, one half of the duo Mary Mary. Listen, y'.

[Erica Campbell]

All.

[Michelle Williams]

You wait a minute. Pastor's wife. Are you co pastor yet? How that go?

[Erica Campbell]

Don't pass his wife. Just pastor's wife.

[Michelle Williams]

Just pastor's wife. Listen, child, listen. First lady of California worship Center. And guess what? Yes. National syndicated radio host of get up in the morning, get up mornings with Erica Campbell. And I am excited. I have done. I could go on and on and on about Erica Campbell, but y', all, she is here. She has an amazing new album that is out right now. Give it up, everybody, and welcome Erica Campbell to checking in.

[Erica Campbell]

Thank you. I'm glad to be here. I was so excited when I saw this on my itinerary.

[Michelle Williams]

Oh, my itinerary. Yes. Well, I love your album. It was so soothing. I listened to it on the plane. I think I was traveling back from Dallas to Atlanta. And I love it. The title of it is I love you.

[Erica Campbell]

Yes.

[Michelle Williams]

And I loved the. The integration of the music that we loved, the Hawkins, which I know if y' all know Erica Campbell, y' all know she love Hawkins. She loves the Hawkins. And so for you to integrate that and then your guest, PJ Morton, Stevie Wonder, your sister, Tina Campbell, your chairman producing. Come on, Warren. Like now. I don't know what y' all thinking, but can't be no Erica Campbell album without Warren.

[Erica Campbell]

Absolutely not. Absolutely not.

[Michelle Williams]

So I just wanted to tell you that, like, I loved how you int. The old. I wouldn't say. Well, the. The.

[Erica Campbell]

Yeah, it is old. It is. It is old.

[Michelle Williams]

The foundation.

[Erica Campbell]

Foundation. I like that. That's good. That's good.

[Michelle Williams]

The foundation was that planned.

[Erica Campbell]

This record literally kind of evolved. So when we did the I love you song, I remember singing dear Jesus, I Love you in tribute to Walter Hawkins when he passed. And I. I fell in love with the rendition that we had. And so when we did that song, Warren said, let's put that with that, because we were going to do the whole song. But it was a perfect marriage of that song with. With the I love you song that I did was so. It just is that the 1D smoke is on. Thank you. Yes. And the dear Jesus, I love you is what? Stevie Wonder record is still new. The record is still new.

[Michelle Williams]

It's still new. Yes.

[Erica Campbell]

But having Stevie Wonder and, you know, on a Hawkins song was, I thought, really, really cool. I just. I like this record. I do. I know sometimes you do. I have done records and been so critical. I really didn't listen to them very much because I wished I would have done something different or wrote a different lyric. But this. I love this record. I am proud of this record. It is my I love you record because I love me. I love God, I love people. And being able to share this with people. Far too many people have put love within the confines of their breakup or family issue or. Or even their lack of self. Self love. So they don't even believe in it. And I'm praying that this record gives me the opportunity to articulate God's love and self love with him at the center. Because our world is very me centered. Jesus is my center. I'm all right. Okay. Erica's okay. But put Jesus at the center, then I become something special. So that's the whole purpose of this I love you movement. The songs, all of it. Well, I.

[Michelle Williams]

First of all, I'm so shocked to hear you say that. On previous records, when you listen to them, you're like, man, I wish I would have done this. I wish I would have maybe layered this. I'm like, y' all have won awards because of your writing. Like, I am shocked that you are like, yeah, I wish I would have. And I want to. I don't want to put you on the spot, but I'm like, is there something that.

[Erica Campbell]

It's a part of a verse and can't give up now that I always wanted to sing over.

[Michelle Williams]

Really? Look at me now. I want to go and. And look it up.

[Erica Campbell]

I'm gonna have people looking for stuff,

[Michelle Williams]

but I gotta be present for the interview. But I'm a Google queen type. Like, wait a minute. Let me go. What?

[Erica Campbell]

Yeah.

[Michelle Williams]

Okay, okay, okay.

[Erica Campbell]

We were recording that song. Me and Tina were both in the booth at the same time, and apparently we weren't giving Warren what he was looking for. And so he's very. He's a lot of things in the studio, but I understand in order to get to a level of things that are special, because I don't want to say profession. It's not that it's perfect, what it's supposed to be. You can't be obsessed with perfection. You have to allow heart and feeling, which means maybe a note or a run may not be perfectly executed, but it may be passionate.

[Michelle Williams]

Okay.

[Erica Campbell]

You know what I mean? And he would always say, well, sure, if you want to sacrifice passion for perfection, go ahead. People like passion. Perfection doesn't always get attention. And so even some of the best records that we love by some of our greatest artists, maybe the drums weren't what they needed to be, or sonically, it was different, but there was something that had heart in it, and that's always what I'm after. So it's okay that my. My obsession with making sure it's all it's supposed to be. I can let it ride. Okay. That's passion, Eric. We're just gonna call that bad. No, passion.

[Michelle Williams]

Passion. Oh. So I guess when we have to. Maybe when we're in the audience and maybe someone is up singing or performing, you could be like, that Was that perfection?

[Erica Campbell]

So crazy.

[Michelle Williams]

That was passion. That's the new. Let the Lord use you, baby. That's all right. Amen. Take your time. We gonna say that that was passion. Oh, hallelujah. Amen. Amen. Amen.

[Erica Campbell]

I've had those moments. I've had those moments.

[Michelle Williams]

If I had 20 fingers, I probably could be like, yeah, yeah, I totally understand. I've had passionate moments.

[Erica Campbell]

But you know what? Learning to overcome them, learning that they are part of your story. The moments when you weren't 100%. Learning to accept that, I think has been so liberating for me. I was talking to someone about my mom earlier and saying how she's always said, you can live anything now, live anything down. Knowing that I can live anything down keeps me from running from what has been. You know what I mean? Keeps me from living in shame knowing that everybody has made a mistake. The scripture says it like this. For all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. When I allow myself that, then I don't have to make excuses or apologize overly apologize for something that kind of comes with life. Some people are so held hostage to their mistakes, which. I get it. Depending on how you were raised, that could mean like, my success or my failure because I made a mistake. But I Think the greatest people in the world have made mistakes and they got up and kept going.

[Michelle Williams]

And I think like you said, we can't make our identity based on our failures or mistakes, you know, because that's when it's like, okay, you are just a walking advertisement of shame or regret or hurt or pain. And so I totally get that. And I will say that there are some artists who openly show compassion and love and grace for some of everybody. You are one of them. Why do you do that? And I don't mean that like, why I, like, there's no shame if somebody's in the news for something crazy like you. Tasha Cobbs. There are so many people like, no, I'm standing with my brother. I'm standing with my sister. Yeah.

[Erica Campbell]

Because I'm not a real friend. If I'm only a friend when you're doing good, that's not a real friend. I'm not a real friend or a supporter. I'm not even a. In my opinion, that's not. You're not a good person if you throw people away because they made a mistake. You know what I'm saying? That's very self centered. And a lot of people's friendship is, I'm friends with you because I look good being friends with you. Let me stand in close proximity to you because you're something. And now they're going to think I'm something. Well, if you fail, if you have an issue, let me get away from you because I don't want to look bad. I'm not that kind of friend. You know, for one, I have my sisters, right? And so we're all different, have gone through. Gone through different things. And I'm always going to rock with my sisters. But I also have a core group of friends that I call the G's that I've known since childhood. And we've been through everything together. Divorces, breakups, successes, failures, misunderstandings and allowing us to grow. So one of my friends, as I was becoming myself, being okay with being myself, I began to speak up more. Well, they were used to the Erica that didn't speak up very much. They were used to me being the quiet Erica. They were used to me saying, oh, whatever y' all want to do, wherever y' all go. Well, I learned to say, well, now I don't like that. Well, let's go here. And at first they were like, uh, she changing because she's this. And I said, this don't have nothing to do with lights, camera, action and everything with me owning my voice. And liking it and knowing that it's okay and not having this private self conversation. Oh, what if they don't agree? Well, what if they don't think it's funny? Well, I won't say that and I won't do that. Just tear myself down once I got comfortable with me. I love, love, love that my friends allowed me to grow. I said, y', all, I'm growing up and I don't want to lose my friends because I'm growing up. Y' all grow with me. Allow me to grow. Allow me to speak my peace. Allow me to throw my opinion and it be okay because sometimes you have your opinionated friends, the quiet friends, the this, the that. And then we started and when I said that, then all of us started speaking up. Don't call me late friend. I know I'm late, but I don't want to be. And y' all laugh at it and it's something that I'm trying to change. You know what I mean? Or don't call me the friend. Don't say I'm dumb all the time because I actually kind of low key struggle with that. And so when people are surrounded by people they love, you can be the best honest version of yourself. I'm so blessed that I have friends where I can go and take the wig off. I can cry. I, I can talk about the industry and what I don't and what's confusing and what's hurt and what's hard. The fact that, I mean, you know, you can get on the, on a red carpet and be having a good moment, they're going to remind you of the worst moment in your career.

[Michelle Williams]

Yeah. The worst moment.

[Erica Campbell]

You know what I mean? If you're not strong enough, if you don't have a good center and good people around you, it could make some people crumble, some people who don't like interviews. But because I have people who love me and I know I can live anything down and I know I can still be kind. I don't have to be mean and nasty.

[Michelle Williams]

They just 25.

[Erica Campbell]

It's cool.

[Michelle Williams]

That's so good. Something you said about owning your voice and being okay with. Instead of being the passive Erica, you are now the bold, confident Erica who is obviously maybe has set some boundaries and you stand on those boundaries. It made me think of something Dr. Henry Cloud said. When you are quiet about your boundaries, in an effort to seem more likable or to avoid conflict, you will become more resentful.

[Erica Campbell]

Yes. Yes.

[Michelle Williams]

So that's what made me think of

[Erica Campbell]

that you, you get angry. You really, really do. And I remember being that I remember being nice because it's not nice to say, well, I don't, I don't really rock with them very well. Oh, that's not nice. And so then I allow people in my space that don't mean me well, that don't mean my family well, because I don't want to be mean. But I know what I felt in my spirit when they walked in the room. You know what I mean? And so I've learned that it's okay to say, oh, I'm sorry, would you give us a moment? You know what I mean? I don't have to say your spirit off. I don't like your energy. I don't have to say that. I just, hey, can you give us a moment? Or if I'm having a certain conversation, you see people, it's just you have to be aware of you and okay with being you.

[Michelle Williams]

Yes.

[Erica Campbell]

Especially if it's coming from a good place. If it's coming from a good place, I should be able to say it. If I'm speaking it in love, I believe people will receive it. Sometimes they won't. And I have to be okay with that too because I don't want to leave going, I should have said. I should have, I shouldn't have went along with that. I shouldn't have agreed to it. It's not what I wanted to do. It's not how I felt.

[Michelle Williams]

And I think that's the key to even reducing the anxiety. And some of our anxiety is self induced because we won't say it, even afraid, you know, So I totally, I totally, totally get that. Thank you for sharing that. I was trying to focus on I love you, your album, but I love all the life moments and the gems that you give us. Congratulations for your single Positive, that was Grammy nominated and you actually won an NAACP Image Award for that song Positive. And y', all, the song Positive is the truth. You can see it in Erica's face and her countenance in her, the fruit of her life actually speaks to that. So congratulations to that. How you have fun, you have fun with your choices. I love it just there you got some freedom. And I think I'm just, I think I keep, maybe this interview keeps going back to the freedom and being bold and courageous for a reason. Can you share with us on that? Even like I said, the big hair, the colorful hair, the makeup, everybody in the, the video was having fun.

[Erica Campbell]

Yes. I think freedom is infectious. You know what I Mean, when I am free, then I give other people license to be free. You know, growing up churchy and growing up church of God in Christ, you can live your life with this tagline of, I don't want them to be mad. I don't want them to understand, not understand. You know what I mean? Every creative, God given, beautiful, amazing idea is followed up by who? But are they going to get mad? And I just think that you do the creativity a disservice by putting it in a box of people's misunderstanding. So I. I choose not to do it. I know. I just choose to be free. And in that song, I say it over and over again. I choose to be. I know who I am and I know. I know the difference between the two. I know who's on the throne. On the throne of my life. He tells me all the wrong lefts and when to go right. He's the king, he's the God, he's the biggest. He's the truth, he's the life, he's the realest. When he tells me he loves me, I feel it. Hey, you know, those lyrics have become true for me and I lived them before I sang them. So now that I'm singing them, I can share them with such passion. And that's why I knew this record had to be called I love you. And it's not just an album, it is a movement. People are afraid of love. They're scared of love. They don't understand it. But I say go back to the source. Go back to the fact that God is love. You know what I mean? Go back to the fact that we say, love is patient, love is kind. For God so loved the world that he gave. You know what I mean? Love takes its time. Love keeps no record of wrong. Right? Love doesn't walk around with his fists up. Don't you hurt me. I'm love. You can't hurt me.

[Michelle Williams]

That's so good with this album. Did you feel pressure? You've been in the game a long time. Are you still feeling pressure?

[Erica Campbell]

What did I feel? I feel like I always have to pay attention to what has been done, but also prepare for what is next. One of my prayers that we pray pretty regularly, especially at my church, is, lord, prepare me for what you have prepared for.

[Michelle Williams]

Lord, prepare. I would not.

[Erica Campbell]

Oh, no, you're so churchy.

[Michelle Williams]

I just. You said, lord, prepare me. So I was ready wins.

[Erica Campbell]

No, prepare me for what you have prepared for me. Got it? You know what I mean?

[Michelle Williams]

Yes.

[Erica Campbell]

I can walk into this next season Freely. I did. If I can be honest, I will say I spent a lot of time with my vocal coach and some time in therapy, because when I first started doing the solo career, I was still doing Mary Mary. I was doing the reality show. I had just had a baby. I had just started the church and just started the radio show. So I was overwhelmed, and my body was stretched. I was like a rubber band about to pop. And most of the times when I got up to sing, I was just hoping my voice showed up. And a lot of times it did not, partially because I was way too nervous, partially because I wasn't resting enough. I knew I was supposed to keep going, but I probably should have taken some time to just rest and settle myself. But, you know, when you're doing a reality show, they push you. So there was that, which I'm not mad at because I said yes. So I can't be mad at them if I said yes. But during this process of getting ready for this record and, you know, the pandemic, which gave me time and space. Yes, I was able to really grow. I feel so much more comfortable with my voice. I feel like I've been in the best voice that I've been in my life. Like I said, this is the first time I've listened and not cringed a little bit or not, you know, like a lot, you know, wow.

[Michelle Williams]

That. Okay. So I am excited to go back and continue to listen and listen with this information, with this, you know, knowledge that you're giving us. From the standpoint, you feel more confident and, like, you just assured. And this is my voice, and this is. This is what it is. People don't. You were trained in classical music? You trained.

[Erica Campbell]

I did. I did. So I went to college for about three, four years before I left to do music and study classical. But when I first. You know, when you're singing in church, you don't use that part of your voice. Mary. Mary. I didn't use that part of my voice, and so I felt a little intimidated because everybody else was. And I was like, it's not really my strong suit. You know, I do it. But there's another side of me that I would love to share. But, you know, gospel art audiences, if you come out soft and beautiful, they waiting for the holler. They don't stand up until you holler. They don't stand up until you do 75 million runs. So you feel this bit of. And yes, even at where I am learning to be comfortable, that's what I was dealing with. That's where my mind was, not where I am now. But I'm aware that the enemy is always trying to tear you down. He's always trying to get you off course. And part of getting back on course is feeling comfortable in my own skin, embracing who I am. And when I started, when I didn't start there during the pandemic, but I went during the pandemic because I was like, nothing is wrong with something, right? And I believe that God was preparing me to pay attention to me differently so I could get I love you record.

[Michelle Williams]

You know, that's so good.

[Erica Campbell]

I feel really good about it.

[Michelle Williams]

We know of Erica Campbell, as I stated, one half of the duo Mary Mary and Mary Mary was able to cross over into what people would call secular, right? And then you, as a solo artist, you have been able to do the same thing to someone out here who feels like, by the way, y', all, they didn't purposely do it. I don't think y' all purposely was like, okay, we gonna put it make a trap beat so we can make sure we're on R B. The reason why I say that feel alright, you know, you spit number one, you know, on the Billboard gospel chart. But then there's possibilities with other songs on the record. It can be an R and B. And let's keep it real. There's been some criticism of folks that live on the R and B charts and the gospel charts. I get to say I think it's hater. Talk to me. To me.

[Erica Campbell]

I just think they don't understand a lot of wrong teaching. A little bit of jealousy mixed in there as well. But mostly wrong teaching on where our light belongs. You know what I mean? If we turn all the lights out in this room, it just takes one light to dispel the darkness.

[Michelle Williams]

That's it.

[Erica Campbell]

We belong in those spaces. We are supposed to go there. I wasn't mad when they told me they were playing Blame it on Alcohol and play God in Me. That didn't bother me because somebody heard God in me. It didn't minimize the God in me because what does somebody say before or after? And we've got to remember if we're trying to share this light with people that don't know, we've got to go in spaces and be aware that there may be somebody that won't understand it. They didn't all love Jesus. It was the Christians that said, crucify him. So it's okay.

[Michelle Williams]

Listen, what's great too, I can imagine if you're walking in the airport you know, y'.

[Kel Penn]

All.

[Michelle Williams]

We also get the chance to hear Erica every morning on Get Up, Erica, a listenership of 7 million viewers. So what I'm getting to is when you're walking in the airport because of who we know you to be as the artist and now who people will get to hear you to also be. Every day, you're gonna have people from all walks of life walking up to you, right? And I'm like, hi.

[Erica Campbell]

Oh, my gosh.

[Michelle Williams]

And then people go, oh, my gosh. Your music touched me in such an amazing way. But you have a way, I think that's amazing. It speaks to who you are. Yeah. Cause she got that side. She's from Inglewood, so she's got it.

[Erica Campbell]

It's in there.

[Michelle Williams]

What you might think. But don't stereotype Inglewood. It's not all that. It's not all the. It's not. Let's not do that either. But I just want to speak to. Remember I said your music lives on so many genres. You know, how is that when the people walk up to you and you're like, okay, you definitely on the R and B side. Okay, you're in the gospel side.

[Erica Campbell]

You know what? It feels like love to me. You write songs and you create songs, and you hope and pray that it touches and reaches people. You know what I mean? I'm talking to them early in the morning, hoping that I'm saying something that they believe. I always ask, is this music usable? Can they use it in their life? What I'm saying, can they use it? Can they apply it to a situation or circumstance or even a problem? And so when they come up and say that, then I feel like, yeah, Erica, you did your job. So I give them a hug or talk to them or take a picture because I appreciate the fact that I have the opportunity to share with the world. You know what I mean? There was a time when I wanted to. When I was, you know, sitting on a bunk bed, holding a faultless spray starch can, hoping for the opportunity to sing for the world. And so now that I actually get to do it, I never forget that time. I never forget the apartment. I never forget that time when, you know, raggedy Toyota Tercel, waiting for my opportunity. I never forget when my lunch was a boiled egg, you know what I'm saying? While I'm doing hair, hoping for my chance. I never forget listening to stand in my car going, gosh, I thought I was doing everything right. Why is it taking so long? I started singing at five. My first album didn't come out till I was 28. So that's a lot of time, you know? But if you are patient with God's time and you remember that when I see people, I go, you waited for this. You prayed for this. So I'm tired sometimes. I'm overwhelmed sometimes, and, you know, it's not always easy, but I'm going.

[Michelle Williams]

You prayed for this.

[Erica Campbell]

You pray for this opportunity. Okay? Then my prayer becomes, God, give me strength to do this, to know when to set boundaries. And my team knows. If they hear me go, all right, that means I know I'm empty. I don't stay beyond my capacity. I understand my capacity. So sometimes I can say yes, sometimes I cannot. You know, even at my church at Cali, worship, at the end of service, I go to the back and I shake hands. Well, some days I go. I don't have enough today. I don't want to respond wrong. I don't want them to see. I don't. I don't have enough of that today. So husband or worship leader, you handle it. Because we gotta, you know, say goodbye and thank you for coming. But I'm very aware of, like I said, I know who I am and I know who I'm not.

[Michelle Williams]

Wearing many hats. Wife, mother, sister, friend, cousin. Okay. Artist, radio host, and first lady of Cali worship. And you just named something. I wondered, could you just be there and just be first lady? Or do people be like, okay, that's the artist. Can you be in that assignment, in that role of first?

[Erica Campbell]

I was blessed to have conversations with Cece Winans, who does it well, and with Karen Clark Sheard, who does it well. It is not easy, but I've got a great, great staff at the church.

[Michelle Williams]

She won't be singing every Sunday because you gotta buy her record.

[Erica Campbell]

But, you know, I do altar call, which means you're gonna exhort and sing, or, you know, or if I do our faith declar before offering time. And sometimes the power and presence moves or it's at a tail end of what the worship team was singing. So they started singing this song called, you Did More Than I Ever Expected by Judah Van. That song took me down.

[Michelle Williams]

I know. You went in.

[Erica Campbell]

Yeah, it took me down. So, yes, sometimes not the artist, but just Erica, who loves to sing for Jesus, just comes out. But it's never planned. It was never like, oh, lady, Erica Campbell is doing. I think the first time we're doing that is for this album. We were trying to decide where the release was going to be and why are we going to do it at the venue. And my husband was like, let's do it at the church. I was like, okay, come on.

[Michelle Williams]

I love that. And y', all, she is on tour as we speak. Yes.

[Erica Campbell]

So I've done New York at Sony hall, which was phenomenal. And then we did dc, Atlanta, Chicago. We'll do la, Sacramento. You know, the whole thing. You know how it goes. Just follow me on social media. You'll see there's a lot.

[Michelle Williams]

Do you feel like it's your lap? Well, the last album. Do you ever feel that way? Like, okay, I just want to be home, y'. All. Y', all, this. This is. This is it. Okay. I love that.

[Erica Campbell]

I love what I do. I absolutely love it.

[Michelle Williams]

Well, as we say in church, I won't belabor the time, but I'm mourning because it's helping me. Just for balance with everything that you do, it has to take an understanding spouse to cover you, push you and be like, I got you. Cause he. Like, I know she coming back home anyway, you know? And as a pastor's wife, how has that been so?

[Erica Campbell]

He is very, very understanding, so supportive of all that I do. And if ever I'm gone too long, he just hops on a plane. We were in Atlanta. Krista just turned 19. So he came and, you know, we had brunch with her and hung out and went to an event together. Smack dab in the middle of this promo schedule. So we make our moments. He was like, I'm the boss, and you're the boss. When we need to stop and see each other, that's what we'll do. And so using wisdom of when we need to take that time, you know, to reconnect, to make sure that. That we strengthen each other. Because that's how I see it. I see us as strengthening each other. And then, you know, we go out and conquer the world. He always says, make it count. He was like, just don't leave for nothing. And sometimes when it's hard, you know, and we don't want to leave each other or there's something going on, because now Zaya's performing, she's dancing. My son is producing. He's in the yola, which is Youth Orchestra of Los Angeles. You know, he says, when you leave, just make it count. So sometimes, even if there's a little sadness in my heart, I'll just go, all right, baby, I'll make it count. Because you have to. You know, when you commit to something, sometimes you say yes. When you don't realize I'm Going to be tired by the time this gig comes. And I honor my commitments. And, yeah, we just make good.

[Michelle Williams]

Erica, thank you so much for checking in. The foundation of checking in is about mental health. And so if you feel like someone could be tuning in today who's just been maybe having. Or feeling like they've been having some debilitating anxiety or just depression that is making them stuck, feeling stuck. Can you speak into them? Yes.

[Erica Campbell]

I would say that life and death lie in the power of the tongue. But I'll take it even further. It can lie in your thoughts, life and death. And you can decide to keep your mind stayed on him, and he'll keep you in perfect peace. And you can renew your mind and also go to therapy, but you can make some different choices of what you're watching, what you're seeing, and what you are saying about yourself. What you say to yourself about yourself is so important. I speak life, health and healing. I speak the love of God over your life, whatever it is that's plaguing you. The thoughts that won't go away, that keep you up at night. I pray the peace of God so that you rest. His word says he wants his beloved to have rest. Rest. We are beloved of God. You are fearfully and wonderfully made. Rest in that trust, that. Say that to yourself. Shut out the voices. You know, whatever you need to do, therapy, your prayer circle, your village, just don't try to do it by yourself. You don't have to do this by yourself. You know. Know that there are people praying for you and wishing you well. And I hope you shine. I hope you thrive. I hope you overcome. I hope you walk in your wealthy place in your divine purpose and look cute doing it.

[Michelle Williams]

Come on. Listen, I feel like I'm gonna sleep good tonight. I don't think I snore, but I think I might even get a little snoring. I mean, happy fast. I'm alone, so I don't know if I snore or not. Whoever is listening to if that prayer was for you and her, speaking life into you and over you. I pray that your sleep tonight is some of the best sleep you have ever had. Y' all please make sure you check out her new album. I love you. Her fall feel. All right, y' all make sure if you can. If you can check her out, go ahead and hang out. Okay. You could be ratchet. It's fine.

[Erica Campbell]

It's fine.

[Michelle Williams]

You good? You good, you good, you good. Thank you for checking in.

[Erica Campbell]

My pleasure. I love you, Michelle.

[Michelle Williams]

I love you. I'll see you soon. See there. I told y'.

[Erica Campbell]

All.

[Michelle Williams]

Listen, Erica Campbell just, that's just what she is. She's such a gift, and she just has a way about herself that just makes you feel better, better. And she lives what she sings about. And that's why when you're around her, if you're sad, you'll become happy, you'll be strengthened, you'll be inspired. And so I am just so praying that this episode does for you what the conversation with her has done for me. Yeah, there are moments where I have guests where I get a lot out of the conversation, too. All right, so just know that I love y' all so much and thank y' all so much for supporting checking in and downloading the episodes. I cannot wait for 2024. I'm already anticipating 2024 and the good things that we've got in store. So be patient with me as I make some pivots and all that stuff. We're, we're, we're working. We're working. We'. All right. I love you. Foreign. Checking in with Michelle Williams is a production of iHeartRadio and the Black Effect. For more podcasts from iHeartRadio, visit the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcast, or wherever you listen to your favorite shows.

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[Kel Penn]

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[Erica Campbell]

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[Erica Campbell]

all daily stuff no problem.

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[Erica Campbell]

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[Erica Campbell]

this

[Michelle Williams]

is an iHeart podcast.

[Erica Campbell]

Guaranteed human.