Black Entertainment Exclusive Tea (Loren Interviews Kandi Burress, Wallo and Gillie and Ciara at BET Media Room)

Summary

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

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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.

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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.

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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."

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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..."

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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."

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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."

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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."

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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.

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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.

Transcript

[Host 1]

This is an I heart podcast.

[Gilly]

Let's get to it. Time to do it.

[Host 1]

I'm the homegirl that knows a little.

[Lauren LaRosa]

Bit about everything and everybody exclusive.

[Wallow]

You know she don't lie about that, right?

[Gilly]

Lauren came in hot.

[Lauren LaRosa]

Hey, y' all, it's Lauren LaRosa. And this is the latest with Lauren LaRosa. As I always tell you guys, this show is. It keeps you up to date. Everything, pop culture, entertainment news. I'm your daily dig into all the things right. And all the conversations that shake the room.

[Wallow]

But.

[Lauren LaRosa]

But if we are doing a behind the scenes at a grind check in like we normally do. Low riders back on the grinding.

[Host 1]

I. I've.

[Lauren LaRosa]

I've talked enough for the. The week. Uh, but we had a. We are here in LA. We've had a really, really great past two days in the media room for the BET Awards. They're celebrating 25 years of 106 in park and some iconic moments that went down on the shelf. So there was so many amazing talent names that we got to speak to via the radio room or the media room for Breakfast Club and for the podcast. Just want to get into some of, you know, those interviews and those conversations because bringing you all the latest means I'm right there. It's happening in real time. And that is exactly what we did. So let's take a listen. I got done with Gilly and Wallow from million dollars worth of game and Gilly's daughter, New York la, who was a music artist.

[Host 1]

We talked about her career, but we.

[Lauren LaRosa]

Also got into the fact that Wallo done said, I don't take my job seriously as a journalist. So y' all know, I had to ask him, well, why you feel like that? And I got the family with me. Gilly, W. What's going on?

[Host 1]

Tell the people what you have going on right now. I want to throw to you first because I've been following you for some time on social media. This is my first time meeting you in person, but I am so proud.

[Lauren LaRosa]

Of you as a artist.

[Host 1]

As a female music artist, it is so different for a rap woman to break through. And you, you have such a cool audience.

[New York La]

Thank you.

[Host 1]

Talk to the people a bit about your music, where you are right now, and just being here at the awards with, you know, dad and Unc, the.

[New York La]

Whole process has been really, like, fun. I'm working. I'm working on dropping my debut album in July called Rain on my Parade and I'm dropping a fire single next week when my brother, Hit Maker called Bad Luck.

[Host 1]

So when you talk about working on your debut album, is it a little bit more nerve wracking than just dropping songs and kind of filling out your audience, putting together that, like, actual project Is. Is it pressure?

[New York La]

I feel like it's really been fun more than anything.

[Host 1]

I.

[New York La]

My. When I first started dropping music, I dropped two eps in the alternative and like, R B realm. So I feel like that's like, helped me to like, gauge, like, really like, what my fans want to hear.

[Host 1]

Yes. Well, let's talk about the alternative space and then I'm going to take it out here to you guys. Because also too, what I love to see is, is the fact that they push you. Y' all are like, she don't even need promotion. Y' all are walking billboards for her everywhere that you guys are, even if she's not there. But being in an alternative space also, too, as a black female artist, people are. I don't even think they're understanding it, but they're trying to. Now do you feel that turning point of, like, people understanding what you're doing, your aesthetic, your music, how you feel to your.

[New York La]

Absolutely. Absolutely. As I've been like, building my catalog and really like showcasing my art and what I'm about? Absolutely. I feel like it's translating really well.

[Host 1]

Got you now, Gilly. Congratulations.

[Gilly]

Thank you.

[Host 1]

On everything. Always.

[Gilly]

Congratulations to you. I see your podcast, you got a million streams like this. Congratulations to you. I watch everything. I mean, you. You court tv. Now you in recording, you everywhere.

[Host 1]

Because I heard you said I wasn't taking it serious.

[Gilly]

Listen, man, I did. You know, I'm gonna talk about that.

[Kandi Burruss]

Yeah.

[Gilly]

You want to talk about that?

[Host 1]

Yeah. I'll be waiting.

[Gilly]

I gotta make sure, you know, I'm real strategic. And I understand. I understand deals. I understand who watching and who not.

[Host 1]

Yeah.

[Gilly]

So I understand social posts. So you gotta be on point because you never know who your next partner may be.

[Sierra]

But let me tell you something. If he said you wasn't taking it serious, you know what that showed me?

[Host 1]

What?

[Sierra]

He lit a spark up under you.

[Host 1]

Oh. Because when I heard that, I said, hold on, wait, here we go.

[Gilly]

Don't post this. Post this.

[Lauren LaRosa]

Wait.

[Host 1]

Yeah. No, because I think for what I do, I think a lot of people don't understand that. Like, I come from TMZ and I come from this journalist background, but I also do come from the world of the Internet, and that's why you know what you're doing. I'll be like, yo, she's so fire. Because you have a way of Appealing to your audience that like a lot of artists. Artists aren't doing. I'm a journalist, but like, I'm doing it in a way that people don't even understand. Like people literally don't understand my trajectory. They don't understand the fact that I have a personality. But I'm also. I care about the facts. I care about good conversation. So a little bit of it, I was like, why Wallow giving me the old head and hip hop talk that don't understand the artist.

[Gilly]

No, no. This, the whole thing now you, if anybody know, you know, me and Gil understand culture now and tomorrow. That's why we be destroying it out here.

[Host 1]

Yes.

[Gilly]

I'm giving it to you on a tip. Like, I'm gonna give it to you more off of the offer here.

[Lauren LaRosa]

Yeah.

[Gilly]

But I understand you talking to the people that got the big money, the biggest money out here.

[Host 1]

Yes.

[Gilly]

Whereas though we know the deals, I understand what's important in the post and what's not. And it's like sometimes you gotta, you gotta, you gotta keep the main thing. The main thing.

[Host 1]

I get you.

[Gilly]

And that's the one that's really going to take you to the next level.

[Host 1]

Yeah.

[Gilly]

Sometimes the other stuff on the side be cool, but it's like that ain't why they gonna give you 10 million and 15 million.

[Host 1]

Yeah.

[Gilly]

So that's what I'm more on. Focus on that. The work is all that. But sometimes it be the extra stuff that be like, that's not necessary. Focus on this.

[Lauren LaRosa]

It's all love, though.

[Host 1]

Y' all know Gilly Wallow. They, they family.

[Lauren LaRosa]

I, you know, first of all, New York la, who is Gilly's daughter, she is dope. Please make sure you guys go and follow her. Her sound, her aesthetic, everything is fire. But y' all know Gillian Wallow are family is very much giving unk energy. So as I mentioned in an interview, I don't take anything personal. It's more so of like I understand it's all love. And I think people are just very.

[Host 1]

Protective of the space that I'm in.

[Lauren LaRosa]

Right now and want to see me doing well. And I appreciate the feedback. I get it all day long from people I respect. Um, and I appreciate just being in a space to have people want to pour into me in that way. Now, I talked to Kandi Burrs, the Kandi Burst. We got into some things. We talked about Othello on Broadway. Because my girl as a producer is just doing things that are so much bigger than I think what people give her credit for now. We also talked about the fact that the thing that made Kenya not be able to appear on the show in the first place, those photos. Britt Eady, who the photos were allegedly of, came out and said the photos weren't even her. And she dropped a $20 million lawsuit against Bravo because of that. Let's take a listen to Kandi and her reaction.

[Host 1]

Let's talk Othello.

[Kandi Burruss]

Let me say thank you to every single person that bought a ticket and helped us break records. Okay, tomorrow is our last show on Broadway. So we finish our. We finish our run tomorrow. And it's so crazy because everybody's like, oh, my God, you know, y' all gotta bring it back. But we knew when we started it that it was going to be a limited run, and I'm just thankful to be a part of it. Okay. To be able to say, you know, I was a producer on a show that starred Denzel Washington and Jake Gyllenhaal is, like, amazing.

[Host 1]

And it's Broadway. That's, like, for a lot of people. People are probably wondering, like, how did you even get into that conversation? Because people may think it's out of your wheelhouse, but that is such an epic thing for a person who's been on screen performing.

[Lauren LaRosa]

Right?

[Kandi Burruss]

Like, yeah. So my career has, you know, led up to this point. My first one was Thoughts of a Colored man. And that was when Broadway was, like, first coming back open after the Pandemic. And I mean, well, it was during the pandemic still. So that was the first one. And then we did the Piano Lesson, and we really started setting records and setting, you know, showing that shows that was starred black actors, directed by a black female director, had a black producing team that we could still sell tickets. And really. Because at that time, Piano Lesson was really selling crazy amount of tickets as well. And I think that was, like, the problem prior to people were scared to invest in shows that start all, you know, black talent.

[Host 1]

Another big part of your life for so long was Real Housewives of Atlanta. You decided to take a season.

[Kandi Burruss]

I did 14 seasons straight.

[Host 1]

I know looking at this season, you happy you stepped away?

[Lauren LaRosa]

Yes.

[Host 1]

Well, it recently came out that, first of all, Kenya being let.

[Lauren LaRosa]

Let.

[Host 1]

Let go from the show for the rest of that season. That those photos that they.

[Kandi Burruss]

Which I was upset about.

[Lauren LaRosa]

Yeah.

[Host 1]

You had talked about the fact that you felt like the network doesn't protect their talent, but now we're finding out that the photos weren't even Britney. Britney posted the statement saying that she was not in those Photos. And then she sued.

[Lauren LaRosa]

She sued or she.

[Host 1]

She dropped a suit against Bravo because.

[Lauren LaRosa]

Of, you know, the distress that it put her through because they allegedly were.

[Host 1]

Supposed to have done this investigation. I'm so confused how that happens.

[Kandi Burruss]

I'm confused, too. I don't know. I wasn't there, but, like.

[Lauren LaRosa]

But you get what I mean.

[Host 1]

It's like, if you're looking at a photo, you can tell whether it is or isn't a person. Right?

[Kandi Burruss]

Well, I mean, my thing is, I. I like, everything changed because I thought at one point they was trying to say she was underage in the. In the photos. So how did they know that if the photo wasn't even her? So who came up with that when? Remember, they was trying to really come down heavy on Kenya. They was trying to say, you know, that she put these photos out, which was inappropriate. And then they was like. And at one point, they was trying to say, and she was underage at the. And I'm like, well, who said she was underage then if that wasn't her in the photos? I don't know. My thing is, I went there. I'm glad I went there. And my name, Benny, I ain't in it. And we can move right along.

[Lauren LaRosa]

Y' all know I love a good housewives conversation. And I actually got to meet Kelly in person in the media room, and she is. She's a doll in person.

[Host 1]

She's actually a lot shorter than I thought she would be.

[Lauren LaRosa]

And Shamia finally met Shamia in person as well, too. Shamia says she wants to come here and do the podcast. Did not know. Shamia is a radio girly. She was there doing the media room.

[Host 1]

As well, doing some interviews and stuff.

[Lauren LaRosa]

So she wants to come and break.

[Host 1]

Down some topics on the podcast.

[Lauren LaRosa]

So we'll. We'll get our girl on soon. But in other news, the latest, if y' all don't know, Russell Wilson has brought his family to New York because he is playing for the Giants now.

[Host 1]

And I actually got to talk to.

[Lauren LaRosa]

Sierra about what that move to New York has been like for her and.

[Host 1]

The fam in New York now. Because I know.

[Wallow]

Yeah, we live in New York now. Yeah, we do.

[Host 1]

What is that adjustment been like for you?

[Wallow]

Oh, my gosh. New York. What up? Listen, I love New York, really. The culture, the people, the food. It's amazing. Like, my dad's from New York.

[Lauren LaRosa]

Got you.

[Host 1]

Okay. I didn't know that.

[Wallow]

Yeah. So I've always had an appreciation for the city. I used to honestly be like, new York is Kind of overwhelming. And because I'm from Atlanta and I'm.

[Host 1]

Like, a lot of people don't feel.

[Wallow]

Like that it's dirty, like all these things. But then I'm like, now that I'm older, I appreciate everything that you should appreciate about the city from my perspective. And I'm excited for our new chapter in New York. I love the people. I love the accent. I love the culture. I just love. I'm excited.

[Host 1]

What's your favorite dish? Are you eating the, you know, bacon and cheese from the bodega?

[Wallow]

Bodega. I actually had someone gift me a bacon, egg and cheese sandwich. I was like, oh, this is kind of interesting. They. Well, they gave it to me as like a warming kind of moment, but I was like, I don't know which bodega you went to. No, but I. The pizza. The big cheese pizzas, big slices. My kids wanted me to take them, so we did that already. And I love the Italian vibes in New York. And I also love just everything in.

[Host 1]

This new chapter in life with Russia because I know that there's so much pressure on him right now. People are waiting to see what he's going to do. He delivers, like, what do you guys do just leisurely to kind of just.

[Wallow]

Oh, my gosh. We love our date nights.

[Host 1]

Okay.

[Wallow]

You know what Russ does is he's really good at it. Compartment. Compartmentalizing. He has his football. When he's in it, he's in it and he's super focused. He wakes up every day at 4:30 in the morning, and when he leaves football, he leaves it there. Like, I do like talking about football with him sometimes I'm like, I want to be a fly on the wall because I love what he does and I think he's the best at what he does. But when we're together, it's our chance to, like, just enjoy ourselves. And so we are really intentional about that. We love our date nights. We love going to the movies. We love just being with each other and just, you know, having our fun as best friends. It's a blessing.

[Host 1]

I love hearing you talk about him.

[Wallow]

Yay.

[Host 1]

Yes. Go up.

[Lauren LaRosa]

Not y' all Gifting Sierra a scene with Trina Bodega as a housewarming gift. That's low key. Kind of crazy. Like, I would be like, what? Why don't get me on sandwich? But Sierra was cool, though. It was a very light real life fan moment because I was such a Sierra fan for a long time. I thought I was going to be dancing in the next Sierra video. So to sit with her and have the conversation, I was just like, oh, my God. But that was the media room for me. Like, I'm such a fan of so many different people and these outlets and these platforms and the conversations. So getting to see a lot of the people in real life who I haven't met so far through the the Breakfast Club, I very much was in there, like, oh, wow, look, that's fire. Or meeting people in person.

[Host 1]

More so, though, y' all, as y'.

[Lauren LaRosa]

All heard with Candy, even finding out that certain people are, like, tuned in to, like, you know, me reporting on the Breakfast Club or the Diddy trial via social media or just anything freaked me out. Like, wait, I'm on your notifications list. But that's because we bring you guys the latest and we do such a good job here of it. So thank you guys for tuning in, because 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.

[Host 1]

That's. I left the radio room feeling like.

[Lauren LaRosa]

Okay, girl, you doing something, you doing it. Now make sure y' all tune into the BET Awards going down tonight, June 9th, 8:00pm Eastern Standard Time. I am so looking Forward to the.

[Host 1]

106 and park tribute.

[Lauren LaRosa]

Jim Jones will be performing on that to read as well, and we got.

[Host 1]

To talk to him, too. And I'll be backstage for bet, but.

[Lauren LaRosa]

Bringing, of course, some of that content right here on the Latest with Lauren LaRosa. Make sure you guys come on back. And I say it every episode. At the end of the day, there is always a lot to talk about, and you guys could be anywhere with anybody talking about it, but you choose to be right here with me. I appreciate you guys so much for that, and I will see you in my next episode. This is an I Heart podcast.