Podcast Summary

The Latest with Loren LoRosa

Episode: Kirk Franklin's Den of Kings Recap – Ray J, NLE Choppa, Jonathan Majors & More
Release Date: October 14, 2025
Host: Loren LaRosa (via The Black Effect & iHeartPodcasts)

Episode Overview

Loren LaRosa takes listeners on a deep dive into the latest viral episode of Kirk Franklin's Den of Kings, a roundtable-style YouTube series featuring prominent Black men in entertainment having raw, vulnerable conversations. In this episode, the lineup includes Ray J, NLE Choppa, Jonathan Majors, KevOnStage, and Dr. J Barnett. Loren unpacks the key moments, themes, and interpersonal dynamics while reflecting on broader issues of masculinity, mental health, faith, and generational perspective within the Black community.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

Personal Updates & HBCU Pride (02:13–11:32)

• Loren briefly recaps her own busy week: She’s prepping for a Tamron Hall appearance and shares excitement about behind-the-scenes podcasting (02:14–04:50).
• Delaware State University Homecoming: Loren describes the carefree energy of homecoming and the strength of HBCU and Divine Nine Greek life communities, recounting personal memories and the unique culture and pride involved (04:50–08:52).
  • “Homecoming is like the only time where you literally actually feel carefree... I’m just proud to be an HBCU alum.” (around 07:50)
• Underscoring the power of HBCU networks and dispelling old misconceptions about success post-graduation.

Introduction to Den of Kings & Episode Breakdown (11:32–22:50)

• Kirk Franklin’s Den of Kings: Loren explains its concept—a YouTube series spotlighting prominent Black men with diverse backgrounds and generational perspectives sharing honest conversations about manhood, vulnerability, and healing (11:32–12:18).
• Notable Guests This Episode:
  • Ray J (musician, entrepreneur)
  • NLE Choppa (rapper, young artist)
  • Jonathan Majors (actor)
  • KevOnStage (creator, comedian)
  • Dr. J Barnett (mental health advocate, Black Effect podcaster)
• Loren’s Observations:
  • “They do a really good job of... finding people who have these amazing stories that you would never think would like mesh together. ...But it worked so well.” (12:50)
  • The strength of different generations and life experiences converging in one room.
• Central Themes:
  • Struggle, Loss, & Vulnerability: Each guest opens up about personal struggles:
    • Jonathan Majors: Spoke about his suicide watch and public isolation during abuse allegations (13:50).
    • Ray J: Discussed the pain of losing family and challenges with co-parenting (15:25).
    • KevOnStage: The loss of his brother and sudden family tragedy.
    • Dr. J Barnett: The transition and sense of loss after football.
    • NLE Choppa: Shedding identities for mental wellness and grappling with death around him.
  • Knowledge vs. Life Experience: The episode inadvertently addresses how wisdom can be tied to both age and life events—a recurring, underlying debate.

Notable Quotes & Tense Moments

Jonathan Majors' Vulnerability (13:30–14:30)

“Within the first 20 minutes, we learned that Jonathan Majors had attempted to commit suicide. It was on suicide watch…”
— Loren LaRosa

Debate on Faith and Generational Knowledge (16:35–17:24)

• [16:35] NLE Choppa:
  “In Christianity, it’s a thing where people praise the Son more than they praise the Father. Why would I drop down and praise my brother instead of praising my father?”
• Jonathan Majors challenges NLE Choppa to read the Bible again, sparking a respectful but tense exchange about faith and generational interpretation.

Interpersonal Dynamics & Listening (19:40–21:07)

• [19:40] Ray J to NLE Choppa:
  “You, like you carved out your own way... You understand by being your own boss. So nobody can really tell you nothing.”
• [19:54] NLE Choppa (interrupting):
  “No, that’s not true... Let me just finish...”
• [20:22] NLE Choppa challenges Ray J:
  “Do you feel like you’re at that experience level to where you can give Jonathan some advice?”
  “I can only give where man is willing to receive.”

Loren’s Reflections on Generational Debate (21:07)

• “By the end of the conversation, even though it was... difficult at times... it was such a big brother, little brother love situation happening... They all were making space nonetheless, because it’s love.”

Final Reflections & Broader Takeaways (25:29–30:57)

• Space for Growth & Disagreement:
  • Loren admires how Kirk Franklin navigates dynamics, giving room to the youngest voice (NLE Choppa) and not dismissing his insights or zeal, while gently balancing ways of sharing lived experience.
    • “Kirk Franklin... gave him the space to say... For you to be so young, that’s kind of profound to hear from you. I want to understand that.” (paraphrased, 25:29+)
• Faith, Doubt, and the Church:
  • Many panelists express strained relationships with the church, with Ray J outright saying he hates the church and others discussing lost trust (25:29+).
  • Still, the environment Kirk creates enables honest conversation and healing—for churchgoers and skeptics alike.
• Lessons on Community:
  • “We all are in different places... We really are all at different points of this big mess we call life, and life be life’n, man... We can all learn from each other, and sometimes we just need to sit down...” (around 29:15)
  • Loren urges listeners to embrace listening to those they may disagree with, as mutual understanding and solidarity are always possible, especially within marginalized communities.

Additional Memorable Moments

Generational Wisdom and Listening

• Loren notes NLE Choppa’s eagerness to speak and sometimes not listen, while also recognizing the positivity and enthusiasm he brings.
• Despite tense exchanges, the table ultimately models respect—a “big brother/little brother” dynamic where love prevails over ego or division.

The Role of Kirk Franklin

• Loren describes Kirk Franklin as capable of being both “in control” and “relinquishing control” in a room, allowing younger voices to be fully heard yet gently guiding discussions toward collective healing.

Important Timestamps

• 02:13–11:32 – Loren’s personal updates, HBCU reflections
• 11:32–13:30 – Introduction to Den of Kings and Episode’s guests
• 13:30–16:35 – Vulnerable stories of loss, struggle, vulnerability
• 16:35–17:24 – Faith and generational knowledge debate; Bible reading challenge
• 19:40–21:07 – Ray J, NLE Choppa, and dynamics of giving/receiving wisdom
• 25:29–30:57 – Final reflections on disagreements, love, and creating space
• 29:15+ – Loren’s core takeaways on learning from each other, regardless of agreement

Conclusion: The Big Takeaway

• Loren leaves listeners with a plea for empathy and cultural solidarity:
  “I don’t gotta love you, I don’t gotta be besties with you, but I don’t gotta be the person making your life harder... sometimes we need to all sit down and all learn from each other...” (30:10+)
• Recommendation: Loren encourages checking out the full Den of Kings episode for even deeper context and understanding of the nuanced conversations and healing made possible in these safe spaces.

Tone & Style: Loren keeps the conversation lively, candid, and relatable with personal anecdotes, gentle humor, and a welcoming spirit—mirroring the vulnerable, brotherly, and at times fiery energy of the Den of Kings roundtable itself.