Podcast Episode Summary: The Breakfast Club - THROWBACK INTERVIEW: Malcolm-Jamal Warner, Candace Kelley & Weusi Baraka On The N-Word, Vulnerability, New Podcast + More
Release Date: July 22, 2025
In this thought-provoking episode of "The Breakfast Club," hosts DJ Envy, Jess Hilarious, and Charlamagne Tha God engage in a deep and meaningful conversation with Malcolm-Jamal Warner, Candace Kelley, and Yasmeen Baraka from the "Not All Hood" podcast. The discussion spans a range of pertinent topics including the nuanced meaning of the term "hood," media stereotypes, black fatherhood, vulnerability in public discourse, and the controversial use of the N-word in contemporary music.
Challenging the Term "Hood"
The episode kicks off with a critical examination of the term "hood." Yasmeen Baraka emphasizes, “Hood comes from neighborhood” [04:04], clarifying that it's merely a geographical descriptor devoid of inherent negativity. Charlamagne Tha God adds, “Is it that we're not our environment?” [01:39], highlighting the distinction between individuals and the stereotypes often associated with their neighborhoods.
Malcolm Jamal Warner supports this by stating, “Hood is part of the community. When we speak of the black community, we tend to refer to it as if it's a monolith” [04:28]. This underscores the importance of recognizing the diversity within the black community and rejecting monolithic stereotypes.
Media Representations and Stereotypes
Candace Kelley shares personal anecdotes about her father's experiences facing racial profiling, stating, “This is back in the 70s... he stopped him” [03:08]. These stories illustrate how media and societal perceptions often lead to unjust judgments before individuals even enter a room. Yasmeen Baraka echoes this sentiment, noting, “We feel like a lot of media has been portraying us either like, you're hip hop... more than that” [01:50].
Origins of the "Not All Hood" Podcast
The conversation transitions to the genesis of the "Not All Hood" podcast. Malcolm Jamal Warner recounts meeting Yasmeen at the National Black Theater Festival, where they initiated the Midnight Poetry Jam [07:53]. Yasmeen explains, “We connected there... pulled Candace in” [08:01], highlighting the collaborative effort to bring diverse voices to the forefront.
Candace Kelly adds, “That first conversation... was just a good way to connect and get to know each other” [08:15], emphasizing the organic growth of their collaborative platform aimed at reshaping narratives about the black community.
Black Fatherhood: Navigating Different Ages
A significant portion of the discussion focuses on black fatherhood, particularly the dynamics of being older fathers with younger children. Yasmeen Baraka asks, “How you guys handling that?” [09:29], prompting detailed responses from the guests.
Malcolm Jamal Warner shares his approach to fatherhood, stating, “The biggest gift that I can give my daughter is a sense of self... she is not easily influenced by her surroundings” [16:10]. Charlamagne Tha God reflects on his transformation through fatherhood: “My two youngest get a version of me that did not exist 10 years ago” [10:54]. These insights highlight the profound impact of fatherhood on personal growth and community leadership.
Vulnerability and Honesty in Public Discourse
The hosts probe into the challenges of being vulnerable and honest on public platforms. Malcolm Jamal Warner admits, “This is the most vulnerable... I don’t worry about it” [21:05], discussing the backlash he faced when his comments about the N-word were misconstrued. This segment underscores the difficulty of maintaining authenticity amidst public scrutiny.
Charlamagne Tha God raises a pertinent question: “Are you afraid of being too honest or too vulnerable on these podcasts?” [21:38], to which Malcolm responds by emphasizing the importance of transparent dialogue despite potential misunderstandings.
The N-Word in Modern Music: Evolution and Controversy
A heated debate emerges around the use of the N-word in contemporary music. Malcolm criticizes its prevalence, stating, “Most of our black music today... it's anti-black” [22:42], advocating for a moratorium on its use. He elaborates, “I have a tune out... it’s not bringing, feeding you. It’s not feeding me” [26:43], expressing his frustration with the word's overuse in hip hop.
Conversely, Yasmeen Baraka points out, “It's a term of endearment... more interactions are about love” [35:23], presenting a different perspective within the black community. Malcolm maintains a firm stance against its usage, arguing for more respectful and meaningful language: “I am comrade... why do I want to borrow that particular word” [36:04].
Respectability Politics and Self-Respect
The discussion shifts to respectability politics, with Malcolm clarifying his stance: “I’m talking about our own level of self-respect” [44:22]. This focus on internal validation over societal approval encourages listeners to prioritize self-respect and community well-being.
Yasmeen Baraka reinforces this by stating, “We’ve got to center ourselves first... making our movements based around the greater good” [45:41]. This approach advocates for empowering the black community from within rather than seeking external validation.
Conclusion: Shaping the Narrative and Empowering the Community
As the episode wraps up, the guests and hosts emphasize the importance of owning their narratives and using platforms like podcasts to foster positive change. Malcolm encourages listeners to “use their voice to give shine to those” [31:09], advocating for uplifting community members and highlighting positive contributions.
Candace Kelley concludes, “You can’t just erase... it has a place... where you place it in your own life” [42:59], reinforcing the need for balanced narratives that acknowledge history while promoting progress.
This summary captures the essence of the episode, highlighting key discussions and incorporating notable quotes with timestamps to provide a comprehensive overview for those who haven't listened to the full episode.