The Herd with Colin Cowherd: Joe and Jada

Guest: Ciara
Date: October 28, 2025
Episode Theme:
An in-depth, vibrant conversation with multi-talented artist Ciara, reflecting on her two-decade career, the significance of "Goodies" and "Level Up," her independent journey, creative inspirations, cross-cultural impact, friendship circles (including Kim Kardashian), and the enduring power of music, dance, and self-determination.

Main Theme/Overview

This episode features Ciara joining Joe (Joe Crack/Fat Joe), Jada (Jadakiss), and a soulful NY crew for a wide-ranging, celebratory, and funny conversation. They reflect on Ciara’s journey from her Atlanta roots to chart conqueror to modern independent mogul, discuss age and artistic longevity, delve into her inspirations and business moves, unpack her ties to Africa, talk about creative friendships, and play hot new music. There’s discussion about the culture-shaping force of Black music and hip hop, and what it means to thrive—and stay inspired—as an artist in 2025.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

Artistic Evolution, Age, and Longevity

Ciara’s Perspective on Career Milestones and Age
- Ciara reflects on turning a milestone age, reaffirming that “music is ageless” and embracing every new era with gratitude and intent.
  - “Scorpios, baby. Scorpio's the best zodiac sign in the uni.” — Ciara [06:32]
  - “Music gives us such a gift to, like, go as far as we want to go.” — Ciara [14:19]
- Joe and Jada open up about mental health and insecurity regarding aging in the industry.
  - “When I turn 40… it was just like, we've been doing this since we were young. All I know is standing on couches and popping bottles. But that 40 hit you different… 50 felt better than 40.” — Joe Crack [06:42–08:17]
  - “In our game, we gotta get rid of the mindset that everything is a young person's game… we have to rewrite the constitution of the age limit.” — Jada [09:29]
- Ciara adds she finds more artistry with age:
  - “For some reason… I feel like I'm in my best pocket. My wisdom… how I pour into how I perform is different now.” — Ciara [17:03]

Inspirations, Influences, and The Power of Dance

Ciara pays homage to her formative influences:
- “My greatest influences on the D front was definitely MJ and Janet… they both did it all.” — Ciara [15:15]
- James Brown and Sammy Davis cited as inspirations, particularly for their iconic footwork.
She discusses the energy and universality of dance:
- “Dancing is a universal language… Even if you can't bust a full move, you gonna react to a record when it makes you feel a certain way.” — Ciara [17:03]

Atlanta Roots & Early Career

Atlanta’s culture, talent, and musical ecosystem:
- “Atlanta is special… even when you talk about the artists, the producers, the Dallas Austin of the world, the Tricky Stewarts… Jermaine Dupri…” — Ciara [19:47]
- Collabs and friendships: “We did Goodies together. We wrote the record.” — Ciara [20:12]

On Staying Relevant and Self-Belief

Experiences navigating industry skepticism:
- “I remember having someone question me in a meeting, like, ‘how are you going to stay relevant?’ … I felt really offended… to me the age limitation… that's within me and how I communicate to my fans.” — Ciara [13:08]
The transition to independence:
- “Being an independent artist, running my own label is not for the weak… the power, one, it all comes from God. He's the CEO of all CEOs, right?” — Ciara [33:29]
- On breaking away after “Level Up” was dismissed:
  - “Literally the day… I had one of the worst meetings in my career… I was so hyped up… and he basically was just kind of looking at me like… he didn't see the vision. … [But] next day, one of the best days. Because I started Beauty Marks Entertainment, my own label.” — Ciara [37:06–38:30]
  - The “Level Up” single became a major, independently owned hit.

Mentorship, Women in Music, and Business Moves

Harvard Business School/education aspirations:
- “I did this thing, it’s called the BIMS program… for business, entertainment, media and sports… I've always wanted to go to school.” — Ciara [32:27]
Empowerment via independence:
- “I asked for [my masters] gave it to me for free… Fast forward and now Level Up is almost four times platinum.” — Ciara [39:45–40:06]
She encourages other artists, especially women, to own their business and creative destinies.

Africa, Afrobeats, and Global Inspirations

Ciara’s profound connection to Africa:
- “Africa's the best, man… the people, the sauce, the talent, the music… before Afrobeats was a thing in the U.S., I was on it.” — Ciara [42:57]
- She got dual citizenship in Benin and honors both the musical and personal impact of the continent.
- Ciara names key collaborators (Diamond Platnumz, Oxlade, Molly, Techno):
  - “Diamond Platnumz is on my song Low… Molly is from Ghana, and Oxlade is from Nigeria…” — Ciara [80:32]
Longtime roots in Afrobeats and cross-Atlantic collaborations:
- “I've been tapped in… shout out to Techno, because I did a record with him almost eight years ago.” — Ciara [48:53]

Music Industry Shifts & The Value of Independence

Industry now overwhelmed by new releases:
- “There’s a thousand songs that come out a day…” — Ciara [35:45–36:01]
Joe and Ciara agree: success as an independent comes down to fan connection, not label affiliation or hype:
- “Your fans… they do not care if you’re on Warner Brothers or… Tito Plato Records… they don’t care… If your video still fire, you working out, you’re good.” — Joe Crack [36:01]
Empowerment in self-determination:
- “That’s why the power of believing in yourself is so important, right?” — Ciara [42:19]

Culture, Friendship, and Notoriety

Ciara’s close circle & support network:
- “All my girls… when you're going through something, they're calling you… I've been so blessed to have such a strong support system… that are also bosses.” — Ciara [68:26]
Her enduring friendships include Lala and Kim Kardashian (discussed dance moves and influence):
- “Kim is actually fun… she'll do [dance] in her best way. But does Kim like hip hop? Of course.” — Ciara [69:45]

The Power and Reach of Hip-Hop

Hip-hop’s cultural dominance:
- “Hip hop has been stolen, used, and abused by every single genre in the world… every aspect of entertainment in this world needs hip hop.” — Joe Crack [70:26]
- Ciara reflects on hip-hop’s global and cross-genre influence and celebrates the intersection between hip-hop and R&B from Atlanta to NY to the world.

New Music, Touring, and Creative Excitement

CeCi Album:
- A project born from gratitude and fan appreciation after 21 years since “Goodies”
- Collaborators include Tyga, Diamond Platnumz, Oxlade, Molly.
- “CeCe is the product of that and my feelings… giving my project to my fans… a form of my gratitude to them.” — Ciara [33:29]
Performances & Listen-Alongs:
- “Low” (with Diamond Platnumz) and “Nice and Sweet” (with Molly & Oxlade) are played (see Timestamps below).
Teased upcoming tour/global performances for next year:
- “I'm actually planning on next year. … I haven't done, like, my own tour in a while… It's time for me to take Cece on the road.” — Ciara [60:43]

Navigating Fame, Adversity, and Keeping Perspective

On public attention, highs and lows:
- “If you live by the cheers, you die by the boos.” — Ciara [61:38]
- Adversity is universal for greats:
  - “The greater your great, the more they hate.” — Ciara [65:58]
  - “When you're great, and when you're a star, you're gonna always shine like a star… going to always cut through.” — Ciara [66:49]
- Joe references Jesus and Game of Thrones’ “walk of shame” to illustrate how even icons are targeted.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

On Ageless Performance
“Music is ageless, right? Music gives us such a gift to, like, go as far as we want to go.” — Ciara [14:19]
On Independence in Music
“Being an independent artist, running my own label is not for the weak… I'm incredibly empowered to be doing it my way.” — Ciara [33:29, 37:10]
On Africa & Afrobeats
“Africa's the best, man… I've been tapped in… shout out to Techno. We did a record almost eight years ago.” — Ciara [42:57, 48:53]
On Friendship & Support Systems
“…I've been so blessed to have such a strong support system of girls and friends in my world that are also bosses…” — Ciara [68:26]
On Hip-Hop’s Pervasive Influence
“Hip hop has been stolen, used, and abused by every single genre in the world…” — Joe Crack [70:26]
On Resilience and Success
“The greater your great, the more they hate.” — Ciara [65:58]
“If you live by the cheers, you die by the boos.” — Ciara [61:38]

Timestamps – Important Segments

[06:32] — Zodiac signs, age, and career perspective
[08:17] — Joe reflects on hitting 40, depression, evolving as an older rapper
[13:08] — Ciara discusses staying relevant despite ageism in the music industry
[15:15] — Influences: Michael Jackson, Janet, James Brown, and Sammy Davis
[19:47] — Atlanta’s impact on Ciara – producers, artists, community
[33:29] — Ciara opens up about the CeCi album and her gratitude for fans
[37:06–38:30] — Owning her masters; beginning Beauty Marks Entertainment
[42:57–44:16] — Africa’s influence, dual citizenship, and touring stories
[48:53] — Debunks claims she just recently connected with Afrobeats
[60:43, 61:38] — Global touring plans; living by the cheers vs. the boos
[65:58] — The more you succeed, the more the world challenges you
[69:45] — Friendship with Kim Kardashian, dance challenges, and shared hustle
[70:26–73:33] — Hip-hop’s influence across music genres
[74:00–79:30] — New music: “Low” with Diamond Platnumz
[80:10–83:43] — New music: “Nice and Sweet” with Molly and Oxlade
[84:01] — Celebratory wrap-up; Jada, Joe, and Ciara toast to life and artistry

Tone and Style

Candid, familial, energetic, and celebratory
Lots of laughter, warmth, shared memories, and mutual admiration
Blend of industry wisdom, life philosophy, cultural commentary, and real-life stories

Final Reflections

For anyone looking to understand Ciara’s multi-decade journey, this episode is rich with wisdom and stories. The crew’s candid, upbeat convo covers everything from navigating industry ageism and finding new business lanes, to celebrating the universality of music and dance, embracing African roots, thriving independently, and maintaining deep friendships. Ciara’s joy, wisdom, and gratitude shine, while Joe and Jada keep it 100% real and supportive throughout.

The Herd with Colin Cowherd: Joe and Jada

Main Theme/Overview

Key Discussion Points & Insights

Artistic Evolution, Age, and Longevity

Ciara’s Perspective on Career Milestones and Age
- Ciara reflects on turning a milestone age, reaffirming that “music is ageless” and embracing every new era with gratitude and intent.
  - “Scorpios, baby. Scorpio's the best zodiac sign in the uni.” — Ciara [06:32]
  - “Music gives us such a gift to, like, go as far as we want to go.” — Ciara [14:19]
- Joe and Jada open up about mental health and insecurity regarding aging in the industry.
  - “When I turn 40… it was just like, we've been doing this since we were young. All I know is standing on couches and popping bottles. But that 40 hit you different… 50 felt better than 40.” — Joe Crack [06:42–08:17]
  - “In our game, we gotta get rid of the mindset that everything is a young person's game… we have to rewrite the constitution of the age limit.” — Jada [09:29]
- Ciara adds she finds more artistry with age:
  - “For some reason… I feel like I'm in my best pocket. My wisdom… how I pour into how I perform is different now.” — Ciara [17:03]

Inspirations, Influences, and The Power of Dance

Ciara pays homage to her formative influences:
- “My greatest influences on the D front was definitely MJ and Janet… they both did it all.” — Ciara [15:15]
- James Brown and Sammy Davis cited as inspirations, particularly for their iconic footwork.
She discusses the energy and universality of dance:
- “Dancing is a universal language… Even if you can't bust a full move, you gonna react to a record when it makes you feel a certain way.” — Ciara [17:03]

Atlanta Roots & Early Career

Atlanta’s culture, talent, and musical ecosystem:
- “Atlanta is special… even when you talk about the artists, the producers, the Dallas Austin of the world, the Tricky Stewarts… Jermaine Dupri…” — Ciara [19:47]
- Collabs and friendships: “We did Goodies together. We wrote the record.” — Ciara [20:12]

On Staying Relevant and Self-Belief

Experiences navigating industry skepticism:
- “I remember having someone question me in a meeting, like, ‘how are you going to stay relevant?’ … I felt really offended… to me the age limitation… that's within me and how I communicate to my fans.” — Ciara [13:08]
The transition to independence:
- “Being an independent artist, running my own label is not for the weak… the power, one, it all comes from God. He's the CEO of all CEOs, right?” — Ciara [33:29]
- On breaking away after “Level Up” was dismissed:
  - “Literally the day… I had one of the worst meetings in my career… I was so hyped up… and he basically was just kind of looking at me like… he didn't see the vision. … [But] next day, one of the best days. Because I started Beauty Marks Entertainment, my own label.” — Ciara [37:06–38:30]
  - The “Level Up” single became a major, independently owned hit.

Mentorship, Women in Music, and Business Moves

Harvard Business School/education aspirations:
- “I did this thing, it’s called the BIMS program… for business, entertainment, media and sports… I've always wanted to go to school.” — Ciara [32:27]
Empowerment via independence:
- “I asked for [my masters] gave it to me for free… Fast forward and now Level Up is almost four times platinum.” — Ciara [39:45–40:06]
She encourages other artists, especially women, to own their business and creative destinies.

Africa, Afrobeats, and Global Inspirations

Ciara’s profound connection to Africa:
- “Africa's the best, man… the people, the sauce, the talent, the music… before Afrobeats was a thing in the U.S., I was on it.” — Ciara [42:57]
- She got dual citizenship in Benin and honors both the musical and personal impact of the continent.
- Ciara names key collaborators (Diamond Platnumz, Oxlade, Molly, Techno):
  - “Diamond Platnumz is on my song Low… Molly is from Ghana, and Oxlade is from Nigeria…” — Ciara [80:32]
Longtime roots in Afrobeats and cross-Atlantic collaborations:
- “I've been tapped in… shout out to Techno, because I did a record with him almost eight years ago.” — Ciara [48:53]

Music Industry Shifts & The Value of Independence

Industry now overwhelmed by new releases:
- “There’s a thousand songs that come out a day…” — Ciara [35:45–36:01]
Joe and Ciara agree: success as an independent comes down to fan connection, not label affiliation or hype:
- “Your fans… they do not care if you’re on Warner Brothers or… Tito Plato Records… they don’t care… If your video still fire, you working out, you’re good.” — Joe Crack [36:01]
Empowerment in self-determination:
- “That’s why the power of believing in yourself is so important, right?” — Ciara [42:19]

Culture, Friendship, and Notoriety

Ciara’s close circle & support network:
- “All my girls… when you're going through something, they're calling you… I've been so blessed to have such a strong support system… that are also bosses.” — Ciara [68:26]
Her enduring friendships include Lala and Kim Kardashian (discussed dance moves and influence):
- “Kim is actually fun… she'll do [dance] in her best way. But does Kim like hip hop? Of course.” — Ciara [69:45]

The Power and Reach of Hip-Hop

Hip-hop’s cultural dominance:
- “Hip hop has been stolen, used, and abused by every single genre in the world… every aspect of entertainment in this world needs hip hop.” — Joe Crack [70:26]
- Ciara reflects on hip-hop’s global and cross-genre influence and celebrates the intersection between hip-hop and R&B from Atlanta to NY to the world.

New Music, Touring, and Creative Excitement

CeCi Album:
- A project born from gratitude and fan appreciation after 21 years since “Goodies”
- Collaborators include Tyga, Diamond Platnumz, Oxlade, Molly.
- “CeCe is the product of that and my feelings… giving my project to my fans… a form of my gratitude to them.” — Ciara [33:29]
Performances & Listen-Alongs:
- “Low” (with Diamond Platnumz) and “Nice and Sweet” (with Molly & Oxlade) are played (see Timestamps below).
Teased upcoming tour/global performances for next year:
- “I'm actually planning on next year. … I haven't done, like, my own tour in a while… It's time for me to take Cece on the road.” — Ciara [60:43]

Navigating Fame, Adversity, and Keeping Perspective

On public attention, highs and lows:
- “If you live by the cheers, you die by the boos.” — Ciara [61:38]
- Adversity is universal for greats:
  - “The greater your great, the more they hate.” — Ciara [65:58]
  - “When you're great, and when you're a star, you're gonna always shine like a star… going to always cut through.” — Ciara [66:49]
- Joe references Jesus and Game of Thrones’ “walk of shame” to illustrate how even icons are targeted.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

On Ageless Performance
“Music is ageless, right? Music gives us such a gift to, like, go as far as we want to go.” — Ciara [14:19]
On Independence in Music
“Being an independent artist, running my own label is not for the weak… I'm incredibly empowered to be doing it my way.” — Ciara [33:29, 37:10]
On Africa & Afrobeats
“Africa's the best, man… I've been tapped in… shout out to Techno. We did a record almost eight years ago.” — Ciara [42:57, 48:53]
On Friendship & Support Systems
“…I've been so blessed to have such a strong support system of girls and friends in my world that are also bosses…” — Ciara [68:26]
On Hip-Hop’s Pervasive Influence
“Hip hop has been stolen, used, and abused by every single genre in the world…” — Joe Crack [70:26]
On Resilience and Success
“The greater your great, the more they hate.” — Ciara [65:58]
“If you live by the cheers, you die by the boos.” — Ciara [61:38]

Timestamps – Important Segments

[06:32] — Zodiac signs, age, and career perspective
[08:17] — Joe reflects on hitting 40, depression, evolving as an older rapper
[13:08] — Ciara discusses staying relevant despite ageism in the music industry
[15:15] — Influences: Michael Jackson, Janet, James Brown, and Sammy Davis
[19:47] — Atlanta’s impact on Ciara – producers, artists, community
[33:29] — Ciara opens up about the CeCi album and her gratitude for fans
[37:06–38:30] — Owning her masters; beginning Beauty Marks Entertainment
[42:57–44:16] — Africa’s influence, dual citizenship, and touring stories
[48:53] — Debunks claims she just recently connected with Afrobeats
[60:43, 61:38] — Global touring plans; living by the cheers vs. the boos
[65:58] — The more you succeed, the more the world challenges you
[69:45] — Friendship with Kim Kardashian, dance challenges, and shared hustle
[70:26–73:33] — Hip-hop’s influence across music genres
[74:00–79:30] — New music: “Low” with Diamond Platnumz
[80:10–83:43] — New music: “Nice and Sweet” with Molly and Oxlade
[84:01] — Celebratory wrap-up; Jada, Joe, and Ciara toast to life and artistry

Tone and Style

Candid, familial, energetic, and celebratory
Lots of laughter, warmth, shared memories, and mutual admiration
Blend of industry wisdom, life philosophy, cultural commentary, and real-life stories

Joe and Jada - Ciara on "Goodies" to 'CiCi' journey, story behind "Level Up" & Kim Kardashian

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Summary

The Herd with Colin Cowherd: Joe and Jada

Main Theme/Overview

Key Discussion Points & Insights

Artistic Evolution, Age, and Longevity

Inspirations, Influences, and The Power of Dance

Atlanta Roots & Early Career

On Staying Relevant and Self-Belief

Mentorship, Women in Music, and Business Moves

Africa, Afrobeats, and Global Inspirations

Music Industry Shifts & The Value of Independence

Culture, Friendship, and Notoriety

The Power and Reach of Hip-Hop

New Music, Touring, and Creative Excitement

Navigating Fame, Adversity, and Keeping Perspective

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

Timestamps – Important Segments

Tone and Style

Final Reflections

Summary

The Herd with Colin Cowherd: Joe and Jada

Main Theme/Overview

Key Discussion Points & Insights

Artistic Evolution, Age, and Longevity

Inspirations, Influences, and The Power of Dance

Atlanta Roots & Early Career

On Staying Relevant and Self-Belief

Mentorship, Women in Music, and Business Moves

Africa, Afrobeats, and Global Inspirations

Music Industry Shifts & The Value of Independence

Culture, Friendship, and Notoriety

The Power and Reach of Hip-Hop

New Music, Touring, and Creative Excitement

Navigating Fame, Adversity, and Keeping Perspective

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

Timestamps – Important Segments

Tone and Style

Final Reflections