
Loading summary
Lauren LaRosa
This is an iHeart podcast.
Rick Ross
Let's get to it.
Kirk Franklin
Time to do it.
Lauren LaRosa
I'm the homegirl that knows a little bit about everything.
DC Young Fly
And everybody, you know, she don't lie about that, right? Lauren came in hot.
Lauren LaRosa
Hey, y'. All, what's up? It's Lauren LaRosa. And this is the latest with Lauren LaRosa, your daily dig on all things pop culture, entertainment news, and the conversations that shake the room. Baby, now we are here. We're back top of the week for another episode of the Latest with Lauren LaRosa. It on right into the latest. Wow. If you guys have not checked out this series yet, I've been telling everybody I know about it, especially if you are a black man, I think that this series is for you. Kirk Franklin has this series that he does on his YouTube channel called Den of Kings. Now, this series features several conversations between black men. And it's been, you know, I've only. There's only been two episodes, and it's been centralized and very deep, thoughtful. Reflect, reflecting, reflectful, if reflect for a word. Try to see. Denny King's got me trying to sound all deep, like it's been centralized in conversations that really matter. That's basically my point. In the first episode that I watched of Den of Kings, I believe we mentioned or, you know, featured some of that here on a previous episode. Make sure you guys go take a listen to that. On his first episode, he had country wayne. He had D.C. young fly. He had Deval Ellis. And man, when I tell y', all, this second episode is Kirk Franklin has not been disappointed with these drops. So on the second episode, he's seated at dinner because that's the setting of the conversation. They're always at dinner at a home, and it's very like, yo, come over. Let's. Let's, you know, politic. Let's have some good conversation, have some good food. And that's what it feels like. So there's Tyler Perry, there's Jeezy, and there's Derek Hayes, who is the husband of Pinky Cole, who also owns Dave Cheesesteaks. He owns a cheesesteak business and a bunch of other investments out of Atlanta. He's been moving. He's from Philly. So they all sit down in conversation, and before they even sit down, the conversation gets. It's there. Kirk Franklin starts to have a conversation about just how he handled his business as an artist and one of his biggest regrets. Let's take a listen.
Kirk Franklin
Fellas, fellas, while y' all fix your plate. It's I know that one of the biggest mistakes I made at 23 years old, I messed up then all my publishing, did all this music and didn't have the money that I could have had. I. I missed the opportunity to really.
Tyler Perry
Be a boss at 23. What. What. What album was that?
Kirk Franklin
The first record. The first record.
Tyler Perry
Why We Sing.
Kirk Franklin
Why We Sing.
Lauren LaRosa
You.
Tyler Perry
You didn't or you still don't own it?
Kirk Franklin
I just started to own my publishing. Guess what song was my first song? Owning.
Tyler Perry
What's that?
Kirk Franklin
Take Me to the King.
Tyler Perry
You kidding me?
Kirk Franklin
So from my 20s to my 40s, I owned none of my publishing. Now, of course, you know, is I got my songwriters part right, But I didn't get what is the most important part that I. People. Right, right. That, that, that copyright. And then here's also another thing is because I did not always have the money that I should have had said that I didn't have the money I should have had. A lot of times you got to act as if, right? You see what I'm saying? You got to keep the kids Lace. You got to keep wifey Lace. You got to act as if because everybody's expecting you to have something because you got these plaques, these. These awards. So my opportunity to really own something, I didn't have enough confidence to fight for what I felt like I deserved. Right?
Tyler Perry
But you got to give yourself grace for that because you were number one. You were 23 years old, and what you didn't know, you didn't know that part. So you got to give yourself grace for that, for sure.
Lauren LaRosa
Thank you. Now, let me tell you guys how insane that is. Number one. It's insane because if you do not know, and I don't know if. If you're listening to this podcast and you don't know the cultural impact of Kirk Franklin, I'm glad you joined us now. But how did you even get here? Because you got to be under a rock of some sorts. But Kirk Franklin's music and the era of his music that he is talking about, so big, probably the biggest of his career. He's done amazing things, you know, since. And all of his songs are big. But there were those integrals, like those integral years, like the, the. The. The songs that he is talking about that to this day, I don't know one person who can't sing word for word. I don't know one church that does not play these songs. I don't know one movie that does not bring these songs in. When you're looking for a gospel Soundtrack. This has literally been the God soundtrack of our lives. To not own a publishing and knowing that he could have. Wow. But this is how. And this is why I love the conversations that Kirk Franklin, you know, is having on this series. Because it's very honest and it's very like, here are all the things I wish I knew because I didn't know then and now I know. And it could have saved me so much or earned me so much. And it's very honest and it's very generational. Right. Like, because you have people of all ages sitting at these tables and of all success levels. So it's such a safe learning space where it's like, you know, a lot of times throughout this conversation, Derek, who is the husband of Pinky Cole, who does slutty vegan out of Atlanta, and, you know, he has his shesache brain as well. What was, you know, I think what was interesting to watch about the dynamic was he kept referring to the fact that, like, he's sitting with icons because you got to think about, you know, where A Jeezy is in his career today. Kirk Franklin, a Tyler Perry, all these different levels of success. And these men are here saying, here's what I didn't do well. Here's what my insecurities were. Being so vulnerable, y'. All. It's so fire. I gotta take a listen. But another point that I thought was good, that not good. But another conversation came up. Jeezy and. Jeezy and Tyler Perry and Kirk Franklin, all of the guys, they were having a conversation about just, like, what are you building for? Like, understanding that, like, number one, everybody can't go. And number two, you can't feel guilty about that. And you get to a certain point where you have to realize that. And. And, you know, you can't let your life experiences and people who've experienced certain things in your life tell you any different. So they begin to have a conversation. And Tyler Perry goes into what it has been like for him trying to employ family members. Let's take a listen.
Tyler Perry
I fired my aunt.
DC Young Fly
I feel him.
Tyler Perry
I fired my aunt.
DC Young Fly
She.
Tyler Perry
She. She said she wanted a job. She was. She was. She would always call asking for money, ask for money. I'm like, okay, I was sending the money. I was like, listen, I want to help you. I don't want to help you build this thing. Not. Not be welfare to you, so let me give you a job. She wasn't coming in, calling in all the time. I was like, okay, well, you gotta go. Cause you want me to hand you the money, but you don't want to work for it. See, that doesn't work for me. And it's the same way with my son. Like, he's 10 years old. Like, there's certain things that he wants. He has to do chores and work for it. I don't believe in giving us things that are just going to handicap us. That is the worst thing you can do. And I've had family members that I've done that to because my mother has asked me to. And when she passed away in 2009, I sent all of them letters saying, Listen, you got 60 days to become gainfully employed because I'm not gonna keep supporting you like this.
Kirk Franklin
Are you serious?
Tyler Perry
100%. They all got jobs, and it wasn't even jobs where they're making a lot of money, but it was a job. It was something else for them to do, to feel some pride in. That's the same thing I would want somebody to do for me.
DC Young Fly
But do you still. Do you still get like the backsplash from that? You know how you said they wasn't making a lot of money, then they could look at you and say, well, why I can't have more? Why am I working next to somebody to make more than that?
Tyler Perry
I have a family member got mad at me because I wouldn't give them a million dollars.
Lauren LaRosa
Now I thought that this was like so honest to Tyler Perry, number one. Because I think we all understand, like, as we maneuver through life, I think this has been one of my biggest things. It's like, I always want to help people, especially people who have been around who I think are so talented, so gifted, but might not always get the platform or the opportunity. And it has worked out for me in a lot of arenas, you know, where my friends who I've been doing this with and been maneuvering with, I've been able to employ them and pay them. And, you know, and I think at one point in time, you always remember, like, all we wanted to do at one point was be paid for this, be prayed for our art, for our talent. And if I'm able to be the person paying you and helping you pay your bills because of that, I would love to be. But then you get the hard truth of, like, you gotta set boundaries. And I, you know, oldest girl child in my family, I've always struggled with setting boundaries when it comes to family, like my immediate family, because I'm always feeling guilty about not being able to always be around time wise. I'm always feeling Guilty sometimes about choosing to pursue my own dreams over, you know, dedicating my life to the things that my mother and my grandmother have already set up for us, family business wise. And, you know, just not even being honestly even when it comes to that, because I still help out with things like, as far as, like, their businesses and running their businesses, but it's not how their businesses aren't ran how I would run mine. So a lot of times I take a big step back and it's tough to watch them experience different things or, like, you know, whatever, especially because they're older. But I've had to learn a lot of what Tyler Perry just demonstrated in this clip of, like, sometimes you can't. Nothing is given, everything is earned. And once a person shows you that they don't want to earn it, you gonna sink trying to save the ship. You cannot do it. You cannot do it. Now make sure y' all go take a listen again. This is the Denna King series on Kirk Franklin's YouTube channel. I don't know how often he drops them because the one I saw prior to this, it took. It was a while in between when this one that we're talking about dropped in the. The first episode I saw. But, baby, when they drop, they always good. I sat and watched it while eating yesterday and fully. And start to finish, about an hour long. Start to finish. I was. I was there. He had me on the edge of my seat now, talking about. I mentioned DC Young Fly earlier in this. If we look. Talking about DC Young Fly, he is in the latest. Okay. Because lately he has been making headlines because of these comments that he made while sitting down with Rory and Ma on their podcast. Let's take a listen.
DC Young Fly
You went and did a podcast, a white podcast. You sat your ass right there for almost two hours and didn't.
Kirk Franklin
And didn't leave.
DC Young Fly
And you talk and the white folk ask your ass, was you a fucking correctional officer?
Lauren LaRosa
Yeah.
DC Young Fly
We would have never asked you no shit. Like, that nigga got respect for you.
Lauren LaRosa
Right?
DC Young Fly
And you sat right there and you answered that question so eloquently.
Lauren LaRosa
Eloquently, Right.
DC Young Fly
You dig what I'm saying?
Lauren LaRosa
Yeah.
DC Young Fly
Like, it wasn't even disrespectful. Yeah. And then I get to sit back and watch that shit and be like, damn, what's the difference between them and us? Okay, Now I feel disrespected.
Lauren LaRosa
Right?
DC Young Fly
You feel what I'm saying? Because it's like, damn, that nigga as a man. My nigga. Come on. Don't say Money right? We got it right. You got it right. But, nigga, we fuck with you, bro. Don't do us like that. And it's still love. But, nigga, yeah, don't do us like that.
Lauren LaRosa
I respect that. I respect that. I don't think it was nothing wrong with what DC Young Fly said in this clip at all. I don't think so at all. I think that the 85 South show is entitled to feel away, not because of where Rick Ross went after interviewing them. I understand the point he was making is like, you know, culture is culture. We supposed to have us before anybody, but we took our time. Our reason. I don't think people understand content ain't free. We're paying our cameras to be here, our team to be here. We have a scheduled interview for a set amount of time. The least you could have done was let us know, hey, I only got but so much time, and we would have did what we needed to do. So Rick Ross didn't take too well to these comments of DC Young Flies. And he responded saying, this, little bro.
Rick Ross
Listen, man, I came to your podcast. I came for free, homie. No charge. I did on Face, Homie. I didn't ask you what your analytics was and this and that. I came on Face, homie, to show love and don't make it like I walked off on you. I left early. Well, they had some other things to do, too. But guess what? I came for free. I wasted that nice Gucci jacket on that look, man, I couldn't even really wear my Gucci jacket again. But I did it for love. And next time, I come for free. Lisa, I need some lemon pepper wingstop at that. You heard me. But I came for free. I ain't charging. You feel me? Don't talk about rose. Other business. I came and did that. And what is the analytics, how the show doing anyway, man?
Lauren LaRosa
And I normally like, you know, I'm normally like, here for Rick Ross and his witty responses and how he promotes the Bel Air when he does the responses. I thought this was corny, though. I thought that this was corny because I felt like he was trying to little bro them when, okay, you are older. You have been doing this. You are Rick Ross. You know what I mean? Like, you are the og and DC Young Fly gives you that. Like, he never does not give you that when he talks about this moment. But it was like, don't diminish what they've accomplished, because I don't even know what. Cause I was gonna say because you can't point to an accomplishment when they. For real, if you've been paying attention, 85 South show has been. They've been giving it up analytically. Like, their. Their stuff online is doing well. And forget online. Let's talk about real things. Like when they were on Netflix, I remember they were like, top 10 in the US on Netflix for their special. Like, they're super talented. They reach audiences. They reach masses. They, you know, like. And they're so unique in how they have that conversation. I just thought that it was. I thought it was like a. It was just corny. It was like you trying to throw your weight around. You trying to throw, you know, your celebrity around when they doing their thing, too. Don't do that. Because if you didn't feel like they weren't doing their thing, you wouldn't have came and sat on their show for free, as you kept mentioning. But I don't even got to defend how I feel. And this is. I mean, I don't personally know all of the, you know, 85 South show guys at all. So it's nothing personal. I'm just, you know, my opinion. It was corny. But I didn't have to even say all that because DC Young Fly responded in a way that I thought was genius. Let's take a listen, big homie.
DC Young Fly
First of all, first of all, you know it look. Second of all, I got to call a spade when it's a spade. You see, you did it for free. Everybody do it for free. Ross, you ain't the only boosie did it for free. T. I do it for free. Busta Ryan did it for free. Snoop Dogg did it for free. Everybody who sat on that couch, do it for free. Now, when you. That wasn't the biggest moment. Now, that's one of the viral moments, but boosted episode. Eight million got Country Wayne. Like six, seven million. Like, we do numbers. We do analytics. Our analytics. We was the biggest before you came, and we was the biggest afterwards. So you always got room to come back to be on the biggest podcast in the world. Craig, you dig what I'm saying? But when you call a spade a spade, it get hot. And where you gotta go to cool off. I'm going to talk to my little homie DC in the pool because it's hot. I got to get in the pool.
Rick Ross
Because it's too hot outside.
DC Young Fly
And August 2nd, y' all make sure y' all go to his pool party, because I'm not gonna be there. But you said I was gonna be there, Ross. But that's. That's false advertising. I didn't say give me a check, but get the free promo. Cause we family. Push up to his pool party, y'.
Kirk Franklin
All.
DC Young Fly
Push up. Cause I'm gonna be in Philadelphia telling these jokes, but everybody can get some money. Push up to the pool party. But Ralph don't do that.
Lauren LaRosa
And.
DC Young Fly
And the jacket. You wore the jacket for no reason. Well, let me buy that Gucci jacket up off you, then, so I can tell my son I bought this from who left. He said that he wore it for no reason.
Rick Ross
It was a waste.
DC Young Fly
So since we didn't pay you, I'm gonna pay you for the Gucci jacket. Because if I give you some money, I'm gonna want something. Give me that jacket.
Lauren LaRosa
Now, I thought this was genius because, number one, DC Young Fly is funny as hell. And I think if you're a comedian and you're putting your space, you're putting yourself in a space as also a personality or, you know, a broadcast or like a talking head. Because now they have this podcast and are sitting down and doing interviews. You don't want to run from the smoke. You never want to run from the smoke. I mean, sometimes you can duck it if the smoke ain't going to do nothing. You know what I mean? But if it makes sense for you to address things head on, if you are a part of the news, you lean in and you being a part of the news. And that's exactly what he did. But at the same time, and being a comedian, it's like, give us the funny. And that's exactly what he did. But I also love that he kept it respectful, because at the end of the day, he said many times he's a fan of Rick Ross's music. Rick Ross, he still looks at him as the og, but he kept it very clear. Don't play with us, though. Not on a. Like, we got real beef, but just, like, don't disrespect or discredit what we've worked on and what we've built. You're not the only person who comes here for free. This. This show moves and did move with or without you. And after you decided to leave. And I thought the Gucci jacket thing was funny. Let's take a listen to that one more time.
DC Young Fly
And the jacket. You wore the jacket for no reason. Well, let me buy that Gucci jacket up off you, then, so I can tell my son I bought this from who left. He said that he wore it for no reason.
Rick Ross
It was a waste.
DC Young Fly
So since we didn't pay you. I'm gonna pay you for the Gucci jacket because if I give you some money, I'm gonna want something.
Lauren LaRosa
Give me that jacket because Ross made it such a big deal about this Gucci jacket. DC Young fly like, yo, come on in. Let me get that up off you like I got bread. So what's up? I thought it was genius. I thought the response was genius. But I also feel like this back and forth is kind of pointless. Like, Rick Ross shouldn't have took it as personal as he did because it's warranted. Like, you wasted their time, bro. Like, that wasn't cool. Let me know what y' all think, though. Take it to the streets.
DC Young Fly
You for the tweets.
Lauren LaRosa
We outside. We outside. We outside. Outside in the tweets. Every other page, I go in the tweets at me. I'm Lauren LaRosa. L O R E N L O R O S A Everywhere. I want to hear from y'. All. Go watch Denny Kings with Kirk Franklin and Tyler Perry and all the guys, Jeezy and Derek Hayes. And then let me also know how you guys feel about this DC Young Fly 85 south beef with Rick Ross. Y' all feel like it's warranted? Is it even worth talking about who was wrong, who was right? I feel like Rick Ross was wrong. But, you know, thank you guys for tuning on in. I tell you, every episode, at the end of the day, you could be anywhere with anybody talking about all these things because there is always a lot going on. But you choose to be right here with me, my lowriders. I appreciate you guys. I will see you in my next episode. This is an I Heart podcast.
Podcast Summary: The Latest with Loren LaRosa
Episode Title: Kirk Franklin gets candid with Tyler Perry & Jeezy + DC Young Fly’s hilarious clap back to Rick Ross
Release Date: July 21, 2025
Host/Author: The Black Effect and iHeartPodcasts
Introduction and Episode Overview
In this engaging episode of “The Latest with Loren LaRosa,” host Lauren LaRosa delves deep into the current happenings in pop culture, entertainment news, and impactful conversations shaping the scene. This episode prominently features insightful discussions with gospel legend Kirk Franklin, renowned filmmaker and mogul Tyler Perry, hip-hop icon Jeezy, and comedian DC Young Fly. A significant highlight is DC Young Fly’s amusing yet sharp-tongued response to a recent interaction with Rick Ross, adding a layer of humor and tension to the episode.
Kirk Franklin’s Reflections on Ownership and Regrets
Lauren LaRosa introduces listeners to Kirk Franklin’s introspective moments from his YouTube series, “Den of Kings.” Franklin opens up about one of his biggest regrets in the music industry: not owning his publishing rights early in his career.
Kirk Franklin (02:22): “One of the biggest mistakes I made at 23 years old, I messed up then all my publishing, did all this music and didn't have the money that I could have had.”
Franklin discusses his initial hesitance to secure publishing rights, despite his rapid success and the widespread acclaim of his music.
Kirk Franklin (02:54): “So from my 20s to my 40s, I owned none of my publishing.”
He reflects on the importance of financial autonomy and the confidence needed to claim ownership of one’s work.
Kirk Franklin (03:40): “My opportunity to really own something, I didn't have enough confidence to fight for what I felt like I deserved.”
Lauren emphasizes the cultural and generational impact of Franklin’s music, highlighting his influence across churches, movies, and soundtracks.
Lauren LaRosa (03:48): “...it's very honest and it's very like, here are all the things I wish I knew because I didn't know then and now I know.”
Franklin’s candidness serves as a learning platform for both emerging and established artists, stressing the significance of business acumen alongside creative talent.
Tyler Perry on Business Decisions and Family Dynamics
The conversation transitions to Tyler Perry’s no-nonsense approach to business, particularly regarding family members requesting financial support. Perry shares his experiences of maintaining professional boundaries despite familial pressures.
Tyler Perry (06:21): “I fired my aunt. She was always calling asking for money... I want to help you. I don't want to help you build this thing. Not be welfare to you, so let me give you a job.”
Perry elaborates on instilling a work ethic in his children, emphasizing that everything must be earned rather than given.
Tyler Perry (07:11): “They all got jobs, and it wasn't even jobs where they're making a lot of money, but it was a job. It was something else for them to do, to feel some pride in.”
Lauren resonates with Perry’s perspective, drawing parallels to her own struggles with setting boundaries within her family and business endeavors.
Lauren LaRosa (07:20): “...sometimes you can't...nothing is given, everything is earned. And once a person shows you that they don't want to earn it, you gonna sink trying to save the ship.”
This segment underscores the importance of fostering independence and responsibility, both personally and professionally.
DC Young Fly’s Hilarious Clap Back to Rick Ross
The episode takes a humorous turn with DC Young Fly’s spirited response to Rick Ross during a recent podcast appearance. The exchange centers around Young Fly’s critique of Ross attending their podcast for free without contributing meaningfully.
DC Young Fly (10:11): “You went and did a podcast, a white podcast... Was you a fucking correctional officer?”
Young Fly expresses his frustration with Ross for appearing unprepared and seeking financial gain without proper engagement.
Rick Ross (11:55): “Listen, man, I came to your podcast. I came for free, homie. No charge... I did on Face, Homie. I didn't ask you what your analytics was and this and that.”
Rick Ross defends his intentions, asserting that his appearance was out of respect and goodwill, not commercial interest.
Lauren critiques Ross’s response as an attempt to diminish the accomplishments of the 85 South show, which has garnered significant online success and a strong audience following.
Lauren LaRosa (11:10): “I thought that it was corny because I felt like he was trying to little bro them when, okay, you are older. You have been doing this. You are Rick Ross.”
In a comedic and sharp retort, Young Fly reinforces his point while maintaining respect for Ross’s status in the industry.
DC Young Fly (14:24): “You ain't the only boosie did it for free. T.I. do it for free. Busta Rateen did it for free. Snoop Dogg did it for free...”
He humorously criticizes Ross for not valuing the platform he received and pokes fun at the situation, showcasing his wit and comedic timing.
DC Young Fly (16:07): “So since we didn't pay you, I'm gonna pay you for the Gucci jacket...”
This exchange not only entertains but also highlights the dynamics of respect and contribution within the entertainment industry.
Lauren appreciates Young Fly’s approach, noting the importance of addressing conflicts directly while maintaining humor and respect.
Lauren LaRosa (17:25): “...DC Young Fly like, yo, come on in. Let me get that up off you like I got bread. So what's up? I thought it was genius.”
Conclusion and Final Thoughts
Lauren wraps up the episode by encouraging listeners to engage with Kirk Franklin’s “Den of Kings” series and to share their opinions on the DC Young Fly and Rick Ross interaction. She emphasizes the value of honest and open conversations in navigating personal and professional relationships within the cultural landscape.
Lauren LaRosa (18:13): “Go watch Denny Kings with Kirk Franklin and Tyler Perry and all the guys, Jeezy and Derek Hayes. And then let me also know how you guys feel about this DC Young Fly 85 south beef with Rick Ross.”
She underscores the importance of choosing informed conversations over distractions, appreciating her audience for tuning in amidst the bustling world of pop culture and entertainment.
Lauren LaRosa (18:13): “You could be anywhere with anybody talking about all these things because there is always a lot going on. But you choose to be right here with me, my lowriders. I appreciate you guys.”
Key Takeaways:
Ownership in the Arts: Kirk Franklin’s regret over not owning his publishing rights underscores the critical importance of business knowledge in creative industries.
Boundaries and Responsibility: Tyler Perry’s experiences highlight the necessity of setting clear professional boundaries, even with family, to foster independence and self-sufficiency.
Respect and Contribution: DC Young Fly’s interaction with Rick Ross emphasizes the importance of mutual respect and meaningful contribution within collaborative spaces.
Humor and Honesty: The episode balances serious discussions with humor, demonstrating how candidness and wit can coexist to address and resolve conflicts.
Notable Quotes:
Kirk Franklin (02:22): “One of the biggest mistakes I made at 23 years old... I missed the opportunity to really own something.”
Tyler Perry (06:21): “I fired my aunt... I don't want to help you build this thing.”
DC Young Fly (10:11): “You went and did a podcast, a white podcast... Was you a fucking correctional officer?”
Rick Ross (11:55): “I came to your podcast... I did on Face, Homie. I didn't ask you what your analytics was and this and that.”
DC Young Fly (14:24): “You ain't the only boosie did it for free. T.I. do it for free. Busta Ryan did it for free. Snoop Dogg did it for free...”
Final Note:
For a deeper dive into these conversations and more, listeners are encouraged to watch Kirk Franklin’s “Den of Kings” series and stay engaged with the evolving dialogues in pop culture. Share your thoughts on DC Young Fly’s response to Rick Ross and join the community in discussing what matters most in today’s entertainment landscape.