Podcast Summary: "Black Entertainment Exclusive Tea" on The Latest with Loren LaRosa

Release Date: June 9, 2025
Hosted by: Loren LaRosa, The Black Effect and iHeartPodcasts

Introduction

In the June 9, 2025 episode of "The Latest with Loren LaRosa", Loren engages listeners with a dynamic conversation featuring renowned personalities Kandi Burruss, Gilly Wallow, and New York La, alongside Ciara at the BET Media Room. This episode, titled "Black Entertainment Exclusive Tea", delves into the latest updates in black entertainment, pop culture, and behind-the-scenes insights from major events like the BET Awards celebrating 25 years of 106 & Park.

Spotlight on New York La: Rising Music Artist

One of the episode's highlights is an in-depth interview with New York La, daughter of Gilly Wallow and an emerging music artist. New York shares her excitement about dropping her debut album, "Rain on my Parade", slated for July, and her upcoming single, "Bad Luck", set to release the following week.

Notable Insights:

• Album Pressure & Creative Growth: New York discusses the transition from releasing EPs in alternative and R&B genres to crafting a full-length album.

  [02:14] New York La: "I feel like it's really been fun more than anything. When I first started dropping music, I dropped two EPs in the alternative and like, R&B realm. So I feel like that's really helped me gauge what my fans want to hear."

• Audience Engagement: She emphasizes the positive reception to her evolving sound and aesthetic.

  [03:03] New York La: "Absolutely. As I've been building my catalog and really showcasing my art, I feel like it's translating really well."

Loren and the hosts commend New York for her strategic approach to music release and audience building, highlighting her and her family's supportive role in her career.

Gilly Wallow on Professionalism and Focus in Journalism

The conversation shifts to Gilly Wallow addressing earlier comments about not taking her journalism role seriously. Gilly clarifies her approach, emphasizing strategic engagement and maintaining focus on core objectives amidst the distractions of social media.

Key Points:

• Strategic Posting: Gilly stresses the importance of understanding which social media posts are pivotal for career advancement.

  [04:45] Gilly: "I understand social posts. So you gotta be on point because you never know who your next partner may be."

• Balancing Personal and Professional: She articulates her commitment to prioritizing significant work over ancillary activities to achieve substantial career progression.

  [05:06] Gilly: "Focus on the work, that’s all that. But sometimes the extra stuff be cool, but it's not necessary."

• Family Support: Gilly highlights the support from her family, reinforcing the collective focus of the Lowriders in making a significant impact.

  [13:12] Loren LaRosa: "Y' all know Gillian Wallow and the family is very much giving unk energy. So as I mentioned in an interview, I don't take anything personal. It's all love."

Kandi Burruss on Broadway Success and Representation

A standout segment features Kandi Burruss discussing her transformative journey in Broadway productions, particularly the recent run of "Othello". Kandi sheds light on producing high-profile shows starring icons like Denzel Washington and Jake Gyllenhaal, while championing black talent in theatre.

Highlights:

• Breaking Records and Barriers: Kandi reflects on the success of "Thoughts of a Colored Man" and "The Piano Lesson", noting the challenges and triumphs of promoting black-led productions.

  [06:26] Kandi Burruss: "My career has led up to this point. My first one was Thoughts of a Colored Man. And then we did The Piano Lesson, and we really started setting records..."

• Impact of Representation: She emphasizes the pivotal role of black actors, directors, and producers in achieving commercial success and changing Broadway’s landscape.

  [07:12] Kandi Burruss: "We showed that shows that were starred by black actors, directed by a black female director, had a black producing team could still sell tickets and set records."

• Reflection on Real Housewives of Atlanta: Kandi touches upon her extensive experience with the show, including recent controversies involving Kenya Moore.

  [08:04] Kandi Burruss: "I'm confused too. I don't know. I wasn't there, but like..."

Controversy Surrounding Real Housewives of Atlanta

The episode delves into the recent turmoil on Real Housewives of Atlanta, specifically addressing Kenya Moore's departure amid misleading photo allegations. The discussion clarifies that the photos in question were not of Kenya, leading to massive repercussions, including a $20 million lawsuit against Bravo.

Insights:

• Misidentification of Photos: Kandi Burruss expresses confusion over the network's failure to verify the authenticity of the photos before making allegations.

  [08:48] Kandi Burruss: "But y' all know Gillian Wallow and the family is very much giving unk energy... So how did they know that if the photo wasn’t even her?"

• Legal Actions: The conversation highlights Kenya’s response to the distress caused by the false allegations, underscoring the importance of media responsibility.

  [08:25] Kandi Burruss: "I'm glad I went there. And my name, Benny, I ain't in it. And we can move right along."

Personal Interactions and Community Connections

Loren shares her personal encounters with other celebrities like Kelly and Shamia, fostering a sense of community and mutual support within the entertainment industry.

Moments Include:

• Meeting Kelly and Shamia: Loren appreciates meeting Kelly in person and mentions Shamia’s interest in joining the podcast for future discussions.

  [09:36] Loren LaRosa: "I love a good housewives conversation. And I actually got to meet Kelly in person in the media room, and she is a doll in person."

Russell Wilson’s Transition to the New York Giants

The podcast also touches on NFL star Russell Wilson’s move to the New York Giants, discussing the impact on his family and their adjustment to life in New York City.

Highlights:

• Family Adaptation: Wallow shares her enthusiasm for New York’s culture and community, reflecting on the positive aspects of their relocation.

  [10:22] Wallow: "I love New York, really. The culture, the people, the food. It's amazing."

• Balancing Personal Life and Career: The discussion underscores Russell’s ability to compartmentalize his professional and personal life, ensuring quality time with family despite the pressures of professional sports.

  [11:33] Wallow: "He is really good at it. Compartmentalizing. He has his football. When he's in it, he's in it and he's super focused."

Conclusion and Upcoming Events

Loren wraps up the episode by celebrating the podcast’s milestone of a million downloads and anticipating the upcoming BET Awards.

Final Remarks:

• Acknowledging Supporters: Loren thanks her listeners for their continuous support and emphasizes the collective effort of her family, the Lowriders, in making meaningful strides in entertainment.

  [13:45] Loren LaRosa: "... everybody was saying, hey, congratulations on a million downloads on the podcast and just everything you have going on. So y' all, as a family, as the lowriders, we're making our mark."

• Promoting the BET Awards: She encourages listeners to tune into the BET Awards for the 106 & Park tribute and exclusive performances, including Jim Jones.

  [13:47] Loren LaRosa: "Make sure y' all tune into the BET Awards going down tonight, June 9th, 8:00pm Eastern Standard Time."

The episode concludes with Loren expressing heartfelt gratitude to her audience, promising more engaging content in future episodes.

Key Takeaways:

• Emerging Talent: New York La’s successful navigation of the music industry serves as inspiration for aspiring artists.
• Representation Matters: Kandi Burruss’s achievements highlight the significance of diversity and representation in mainstream media and Broadway.
• Media Responsibility: The Real Housewives controversy underscores the need for accurate reporting and accountability in entertainment journalism.
• Personal Balance: Insights into Russell Wilson’s life illustrate the importance of balancing professional demands with personal well-being.

This episode of "The Latest with Loren LaRosa" offers a comprehensive and engaging exploration of contemporary black entertainment, blending celebrity interviews with significant industry discussions.