The Breakfast Club - Grammy Weekend Exclusive ( Interview with Ashley Christopher, Brian Michael Cox and Jon B)

Episode Date: February 2, 2026

Today on the show, Loren Lorosa gave us the exclusives during Grammy Weekend where she interviewed Ashley Christopher the founder and CEO of HBCU week, award winning and legend producer Brian Michael Cox, and RnB singer Jon B, while attending an event to help raise money for HBCU's.YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BreakfastClubPower1051FMSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This is an I-Heart podcast. Guaranteed Human. 1969, Malcolm and Martin are gone. America is in crisis. At a Morehouse college, the students make their move. These students, including a young Samuel L. Jackson, locked up the members of the Board of Trustees, including Martin Luther King's Senior.

It's the true story of protests and rebellion in black American history that you'll never forget. I'm Hans Charles. I'm Manilic Lamouba. Listen to the A building on the I-Hearton. Cart Radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. Black History lives in our stories, our culture, and the conversations we still having today. This Black History Month, the podcast, I didn't know.

Maybe you didn't either. Digs into the moments, perspectives, and experiences that don't always make the textbook. Let me tell you about Garrett Morgan. Brough had to pretend he didn't even exist just to sell his own invention. Listen to I didn't know. Maybe you didn't either. the Black Effect Podcast Network, on the I Heart Radio app, Apple Podcast, or simply wherever you get your podcast. When segregation was a law, one mysterious black club owner, Charlie Fitzgerald, had his own rules.

Segregation and the day integration at night. It was like stepping on another world. Was he a businessman? A criminal. A hero. Charlie was an example of power. They had to crush him. Charlie's Place from Atlas Obscura and visit Myrtle Beach. Listen to Charlie's Place on the IHeart Radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. This is Ryder Strong, and I have a new podcast called The Red Weather. In 1995, my neighbor and a trainer disappeared from a commune.

It was nature and trees and praying and drugs. So no, I am not your guru. Back then, I lied to everybody. They have had this case for 30 years. I'm going back to my hometown to uncover the truth. Listen to the red weather on the IHeart Radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. I'm a homeguard that knows a little bit about everything and everybody. You hear that excuse?

You don't know if you're going to lie about that, right? Lauren came in hot. Hey, y'all, what's up? It's Lauren LaRosa, and this is the latest with Lauren the Rosa. This is your daily dig on all things, pop culture, entertainment news, and all of the conversations that shake the room baby so bringing some conversations to you that are going to shake a room a two or three live from the Grammy weekend here in LA this year's Grammys I mean I mean anytime I'm somewhere even if it's not supposed to be about everything black I'm gonna make it that way

but this year's Grammys to me was very unrued for everybody black and they winning period we had so many different people nominated across categories from R&B to hip-hop to music scores with centers. Shout out to the clip. Shout out to Kendrick Lamar. Yeah, it just was a great year for the Grammys. Everything, the production of the show was great. We did a full breakdown over at the Breakfast Club. Make sure you guys check me out over there. But here, exclusively, and only for you, my podcast listeners. I have a few interviews that I got a chance to do throughout some of the Grammy weekend events. So I sat down with a woman named Ashley Christopher. Ashley Christopher owns an organization called HBCU Week.

HBCU Week is an organization that is near and dear to my heart because they were formed and they operate out of Wilmington, Delaware. HBCU Week, owned by Ashtra Christopher, who is also from Wilmington, Delaware, gives a ton of scholarships to students in need who are trying to get to college, not just get to college, but get through college and be successful. She has a college fair that she does, and just per year at that college fair, they offer over 2,000 acceptances to HBCU, historically black college and universities.

And she's awarded over $12,000 at that college fair alone. Not to talk about the $40 million to be able to offer 40 students, $1,000 STEM grants that she has outside of that fair. This program is moving it and shaking, and it's just one of those things that if you're going to support something, support the people that's actually in the trenches doing it. And Ashley is boots on the ground. not letting up. She has all of my support and now I want to introduce her to you guys.

My lowriders, let's listen to Ashley Christopher from HBCU Week at the pre-Grammy brunch presented by Brian Michael Cox, who is a music legend. They did a lot to support Ashley within this event, including raising $50,000 in less to four minutes because music artist tank was like, if we're going to do this, we're going to do it. Let's take a listen. This is Ashley Christopher, founder and CEO of HBCC. CU Week Foundation where our laser focus is to get black students to and through their choice HBCU with no student debt. Since 2017, we've been able to offer more than 12,000 college

acceptances on the spot at our college fair, and we have raised and awarded more than $150 million in scholarships. So, stay connected. You can find us on any social at HBCU Week, or check out the website, HBCUweek.org. Brian Michael Cox, his brunch, actually turned to 20 years old this year. So it's very incredible to be even thought of or seen in that way to be a part of it. He is an HBCU alum. We've honored him in the past at our gala. And we partnered to expand our arts and entertainment scholarship. And it was the most legendary brunch I've ever been to. He had Tank raised $50,000 for HBCU week in four minutes. Like, never seen anything like this. The energy was so crazy. they stopped at 50,000 because that was the scholarship goal.

So he got the 50 and stopped in four minutes. And to be in a room so powerful with so many executives, so many people behind the scene, the creatives that are determining which way the culture shifts on any given day. To have that support of those people to lean into what my little old foundation founded in Wilmington, Delaware. It's for kids that want to go to HBCUs. it meant that much to them that they would challenge each other to rise to the occasion. $50,000 in four minutes. Talk about that show.

Because one of the things that I love about HBCU Week is that you keep it centered at home in Delaware. You bring. Anthony Anderson came for the HB Gala. He went to the cast bar. He did. He did. He did. He did.

So crazy. It was such a crazy night. Bringing, I mean, A-list level talent and support from brands from company, AstraZeneca, like all these big-name companies. Yes. Who normally, they give a little cute little coins to like the little black things here and there. Yeah. But you're not treated that way, right?

Yeah. Talk about just being able to do that from home base, from Women's in Delaware, and like what that says to people who feel like they got to leave home to figure out any dream they had. Oh, my gosh, you never have to leave. You never have to leave. if you do step out maybe temporarily, but it's never like I must leave, like if I don't leave, I won't succeed.

That's never going to be it, right? I mean, for me, like I knew I had to impact the kids in my hometown. It didn't make sense to do it in any other place. I mean, it could expand to there, and those places, like, are welcome to be included. But the purpose was for the kids in my community that looked like me. So, like, what do I look like picking that up? and taking that away from them.

I mean, it's anticipated every year now. No. It was built for you, and that's where it's going to stay. And I hope that people look at me as an example of not like, oh, my gosh, that's so amazing, but it's possible. It's possible. You don't have to leave. A black student, a black woman, into a room like this.

Is this her first Grammys? Yes. Is this your first Grammy? Yes. Yes. So this is her first Grammy, a Grammy Week, right? So not only are you helping her to and through college, not only she at USC right now, but now she's getting experience a room like this Brian Michael Cox brunch. This is our first

Grammys. What does, you know, we talk a lot about HBCU, but Ashley Christopher as a human being, what does your heart like echo when you get to watch her experience all the things like that. I mean, honestly, I'm just so grateful for her. You know, she showed up and she was prepared for the opportunity. She was an incredible high school student. always outperformed, you know, her peers in every way, just the top of the top, the cream of the crop. And it was an honor to be able to support her through her choice, HBCU. And it happens to be my alma mater, Howard University. So because of our scholarship opportunity, she received the $40,000 Fossi Scholarship,

which is awarded to students who study STEM. She graduated from Howard debt-free. And now she's at USC pursuing her doctorate in occupational therapy. So she'll be a doctor in two and a half years. she's gone from graduating from Howard Debt Free to Dr. Kayla Bell Davis. That's her name. So, I mean, to be able to pour into that and just be the vessel to serve as an honor. So I never look at these opportunities or these experiences and say, oh, my gosh, look what I did, because it's not me.

Just a vessel. Just doing what I'm told. But Kayla is just a clear opportunity of an example for what happens when you just. listen and honor, you're calling. Like, it's amazing. And she's one of several hundred. Like, she's not, like, the only one. So I'm so grateful.

1969, Malcolm and Martin are gone. America is in crisis. And at Morehouse College, the students make their move. These students, including a young Samuel L. Jackson, locked up the members of the board of trustees, including Martin Luther King's senior. It's the true story of protests and rebellion. in black American history that you'll never forget.

I'm Hans Charles. I'm Minnick Lamouba. Listen to the A-building on the I-Heart Radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. This is Ryder Strong, and I have a new podcast called The Red Weather. It was many and many a year ago in a kingdom by the sea. In 1995, my neighbor and a trainer disappeared from a commune. It was hard to wrap your head around.

It was nature and trees and praying and drugs. No, I am not your guru. And back then, I lied to my parents. I lied to police. I lied to everybody. There were years right where I could not say your name. I've decided to go back to my hometown in Northern California, interview my friends, family, talk to police, journalists,

whomever I can to try to find out what actually happened. Isn't it a little bit weird that they obsess over hippies in the woods and not the obvious boyfriend? They have had this case for 30 years. I'll teach you sons of a bit to come around. You're at my white. Boom, boom. This is the red weather.

Listen to the red weather on the Iheart radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. Segregation and the day integration at night. When segregation was the law, one mysterious black club owner had his own rules. We didn't worry about what went on outside. It was like stepping on another world. Inside Charlie's place,

Black and white people danced together. But not everyone was happy about it. You saw the KKK? Yeah, they were dressed up in their uniform. The KKK set out to raid Charlie, take him away from here. Charlie was an example of power. They had to crush him. From Atlas Obscura, Rococo Punch, and visit Myrtle Beach, comes Charlie's place.

A story that was nearly lost. to time. Until now, listen to Charlie's place on the Iheart radio app, Apple podcasts, or wherever you get your podcast. Talking to your kids about the dangers of vaping can be hard. Getting them to listen to hot gossip is easy.

So here's some drama you could share with your kid. Dude, did you hear about Cassie and Jake? No, but did you hear that vaping can cause irreversible lung damage and nicotine effects brain development? No, uh. You don't need to gossip if you want to have an open conversation

about vaping. So if you want to get tips on when and how to talk to your kids, visit Talkaboutvaping.org. Brought to you by the American Lung Association and the Ad Council. Now, of course, we had to hear from Mr. Brian Michael Cox, who Billboard just ranked one of the top producers of the 21st century for hip-hop and R&B. Brian Michael Cox is also a HBCU graduate, so it's near and dear to his heart, too, to make sure that programs like Ashley Christopher's HBCU, we get the love and support that they did. that they need but what touched my heart the most was I know coming from Delaware being in rooms like this with people with power and reach and finances doesn't

come as easy as it may seem or as it may sound because you got me and Ashley both here together right so it's amazing how he's gotten behind her program and also just kind of walked it into the door so many different doors to be able to be able to do so many different things since being honored by HBCU Week by one time prior Now, talk to Brian Michael Coxius about his motivation to get involved and what it's like for him as the person, as the man, not the myth and the legend, but as the person, what it's like for him seeing so much support being poured into HBCUs because of a brunch and a platform that he has. I mean, it's incredible for me because it's something I've always done. I've always poured into young people, even scholarships from my high school and things that nature. I've always, it's something that's been the center. of who I am as a person. So for me, that's easy.

That was, you know, that was, you know what I mean? Like, for me, it was like, let's just do it. Like when he stood up, I was like, I'm going to do this. So, okay, well, let's do it. I'm at you. You know, he said 10,000. I match your 10. And then everybody started, you know, it's for me,

somebody had to pour into me in that way, right? Whether it was time, whether it was money, whether it was whatever, somebody had to point to me in that way. And they did. And I'm the product of that. So for me, I don't ever take that lightly. you know what I'm saying? Well, I think, I mean, I'm a product of HBCU's.

Both my parents went to Pothoon Cookman, all my family, went to Famu, I went to Clark, Atlanta. So, like, I'm a product of the HBCU journey, the HBCU experience. So for me, I take a lot of pride in that. So when we started, you know, we connected and started doing things, they honored me one year. And I was just felt I was really, really just compelled to really get involved because, you know, I'm a product of that. You know what I'm saying? And I appreciate all the work that Ashley is doing and the HBCU week team is doing. You know what I'm saying?

Now, taking it out of the HBCU world, even though we were still there within the same event. So still pre-Grammy brunch, still Brian Michael Cox, all the things, all the people, all the fun, all of the champagne toast in conversations. But I ran into John B. And the last time I saw him, we had a very, very extensive conversation just about R&B from the 90s, his relationship with Babyface or lack thereof, I found out. And where he's been and what he's been doing recently. So I had to get the latest. Him and Babyface, cool now? Or what's happening?

Let's take a listen. Peace, everybody. I'm John B. And I'm with my girl, Lauren the Rosa, man, right here. Hey, y'all, what's up? It's Lauren the Rosa. And this is the latest with Lauren the Rosa. And right now, the latest is on location.

We are in LA. It is Grammy Week. Actually, today is Grammy Day. The Grammys are about to start in probably about the next two to three hours. We're here at Brian Michael Cox's brunch that he does every year. That is so full of purpose, sponsored by HBCU Week. Shout out to Delaware. And I'm here with John B. the legend, the great.

Who's joined us on the Breakfast Club before? Yes, I was just with you, actually. You were. So since I've seen you last, what's new? Well, I got some time off. That's what's new. I had some time off to be able to chill with my family and we're doing some rebuilding in my studio and things like that. But other than that, you know, not much other than the new album being out and always on the road touring, you know. So that's what's keeping me busy. You're going to see me in a state near you, definitely, because I think I start next week. You know what I mean? Oh, that's my sense. Okay, so, I mean, I said, what's new?

What's the latest? I should say we branding this out. Now, the last time I saw you, I remember you were having a conversation with us about the fact that Tink hopped on your album that is out now and what that meant to you just inspiration-wise, right? And this year at the Grammys, R&B and the legends of R&B and the legends of hip-hop have such a center stage. And you know what I mean? Like, I feel like this year is our year. Just talk about being here in the midst of all of that And I know Tank was here at this event today

And you know Well, good to see Tank, man That's my brother from another mother I mean, he supported me so incredibly on my album Waiting on You, you know, available right now It's a new album, my 10th album He featured on the title track waiting on you And to have him feature was, you know,

A Dream Come True, I'm a huge Tank fan He's a huge influence to me, you know, as an artist As a vocalist And as a producer, and as a producer, I mean, he, you know, he came and he put the sauce on my song, you know, he put the extra, you know, silver lining on my record. So it was just incredible to have him as a presence on my album. And getting to see him tonight was great as well, you know, just shake a hand and just say thank you again. And, you know, as well as Brian Michael Cox, this is his party to honor him.

So many of my colleagues and people I've known in the business, I've been in the game 30 years now. It's my 10th album. So this is like extended family for me, you know. And when I say I'm R&B, I mean, I'm really R&B. Like I'm part of the R&B culture. And this is, you know, evidently the R&B culture. And, you know, in the United States and in L.A., you know, in New York City and wherever I need to be, you know. And I'm outside amongst my peers of my people, and I love that.

Have you been paying attention to the nominations for the Grammys? I have not paid attention. So a big conversation right now, R&B wise, is you know, you have K. Lonnie Folded, which, how do you feel about Kailani Folded? I feel like it's such a great song. Great song. There it is. I mean, absolutely. I think it's a great example of how you could be melodic still and how we can think in a sense, like we used to think in the 90s or early 2000s.

And be romantic at the same time. And you might not even be talking about being together. You know what I mean? Because she's talking about come get your things, you know what I mean? But at the same time, she's being romantic about it. So I love the dynamic of that record and the writing of that record and also the vibe of that record. I feel like the chords kind of remind me almost of my song They Don't Know a little bit.

When I hear that bass line, I'm like, I can't help but to hear the themes that we created in the 90s. You know what I mean? Reflected it through this new music. Well, she worked with a lot of, you know, people, OGs that created a lot of, like, soundless times from your time of, like, what you're talking about. Like, I believe Tricky Stewart was involved and, you know what I mean? Like, but also, too, you have Leon Thomas's, a lot of Leon Thomas's songs, like mud and different songs that are in that genre for Best R&B song. Yeah, mud is crazy. Do you see that?

I mean, just self-contained, you know, art is what I like to see, you know, because I'm a self-contained artist. I wrote my records, you know what I mean? You know, so when you're in the DNA of your music and it gets, you know, acknowledged like that, I think that that's the greater, you know, it's not about necessarily being the focal point of the star. It's like when you're part of the whole project, you know, you're part of the whole, you know, making of this thing, you know. And that's the real honor of it, I feel like. I know that's what it feels like for me when I, you know, I have my records that, you know, have related to the world, the world was related to my records.

It's just really about having that connection and be like, damn, you got me. You know what I mean? And how important is it for like even just artists? Okay, so we have Leon Thomas in the category when it comes to R&B and RB songs. You have Kalani with Folded. You have Summer Walker Heart of a Woman,

which is, I play that song multiple times a day, which is also another good song, right? But when you look behind the veil of all those songs, the chemistry behind the people that are making them with the artist, it speaks for itself. It's very important. You as an artist,

you say you're super involved in everything that you do, right? How important is it for, you know, the chemistry between the producer and the, you know, the engineer and, like... Yeah. Well, that's the special,

beautiful part of it is that, you know, the song is the, you know, is the equation of all of those beautiful energies being in the room at the same time and having a, you know, a sentiment that's very similar, You know, they all want to say, you know, you're all going for the same goal. And, you know, whenever you put two minds, you know, towards something,

I don't care if you're trying to build a house, paint a wall, whatever it is, you're going to have just a, there's more intention in that because there's two people that are trying for the same thing. And sometimes you get just an incredible outcome, not every time, but sometimes. And then you put multiple people in the room, you know, who all have just the same intention. And that's just that power that goes behind that record, really. That's what it ends up being is the power behind the record. So many minds coming together as one to make a sum, you know what I mean?

Now, I think what people think of John B, and they think of chemistry and partnership and relationship. Obviously, we go to Babyface. The last time I saw you, you were like, I don't want to talk about this, but we had a conversation. And I did see that it picked up, you know, pretty far, pretty wide. Is there an update? Like, what is the latest in, you know, that relationship with you guys? because I think for a lot of people, you guys are like a tell as old as time, like partnership-wise.

So you want to see it be a positive whatever, ending. And I wouldn't even say ending, like a positive update or progression in the situation. Is there anything new there to share? There's no update, really, other than just I feel very good about, you know, the way that I've represented our relationship because it's nothing but positive at this point. You know what I mean? I have nothing but. amazing things to say about my man, and I always have for the last 30 years.

So I don't want one moment to overshadow, you know, what 30 years has been of longevity. So that's where I'm here to be able to represent most definitely is 30 years of repping for each other, you know what I mean? And when John B, you know, who has been, you know, iconic in the space of R&B, iconic in the space of feel good music, sits at the Grammy. in 2026 where R&B and hip hop are such centerfold, right? Especially with like, you know, producers being in conversation from decades ago, artists being in conversations from decades ago.

What does John B as the artist say to these new up-and-comer artists who are not trying to get into the business, but are trying to create imprint and legacy in the business where they can do the same thing that we're seeing a clips do? You know what I mean? Like, bring the conversation back around because the talent is good. Well, I would say, man, stay in your lab, stay in your bag. Get your, you know, get, you got to get in there and make something from nothing, baby.

You know, don't wait for anybody to tell you it's okay, you know, and give you the permission or give you the inspiration. Just you got to find that stuff in yourself. And in this beautiful world that we've been, you know, blessed to be able to exist in, man. So I would say, make something from nothing and continue to, love what it is to be able to create, you know, just to even have a voice and have a chance to even do this, you know what I mean? Have machines, have tools, have, you know, this beautiful culture of this music to be able to speak to your friends and tell them what you're doing,

you know what I mean, about, you know what I mean? So that's what it's really about. It's just staying grounded with the things that got you to where you're at and keep it in touch with that so they can have longevity, you know, for the days to come. We love it. Thank you so much. 1969, Malcolm and Martin are gone. America is in crisis. At a Morehouse College, the students make their move. These students, including a young Samuel L. Jackson, locked up the members of the board of trustees,

including Martin Luther King Sr. It's the true story of protests and rebellion in black American history that you'll never forget. I'm Hans Charles. I'm Manilic Lamouber. Listen to the A building on the IHeart Radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. Segregation and the day integration at night.

When segregation was the law, one mysterious black club owner had his own rules. We didn't worry about what went on outside. It was like stepping on another world. Inside Charlie's place, black and white people danced together. But not everyone was happy about it. You saw the KKK? Yeah, they were dressed up in their uniform. The KKK set out to.

Ray, Charlie, take him away from here. Charlie was an example of power. They had to crush you. From Atlas Obscura, Rococo Punch, and visit Myrtle Beach, comes Charlie's Place. A story that was nearly lost to time. Until now. Listen to Charlie's Place on the Iheart radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcast. This is Ryder Strong, and I have a new podcast called The Red Weather.

It was many and many a year ago in a kingdom by the sea. In 1995, my neighbor and a trainer disappeared from a commune. It was hard to wrap your head around. It was nature and trees and praying and drugs. So no, I am not your guru. And back then, I lied to my parents. I lied to police. I lied to everybody.

There were years right where I could not say your name. I've decided to go back to my hometown in Northern California, to interview my friends, family, talk to police, journalists, whomever I can to try to find out what actually happened. Isn't it a little bit weird that they obsess over hippies in the woods and not the obvious boyfriend? They have had this case for 30 years. I'll teach you sons of a bitch to come around her in my wife. Boom, boom, this is The Red Weather. Listen to the Red Weather on the Iheart radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. Talking to your kids about the dangers of vaping.

can be hard. Getting them to listen to hot gossip is easy. So here's some drama you could share with your kid. Dude, did you hear about Cassie and Jake? No, but did you hear that vaping can cause irreversible lung damage and nicotine effects brain development? No, uh. You don't need to gossip if you want to have an open conversation about vaping. So if you want to get tips on when and how to talk to your kids, visit talk about vaping.org. Brought to you by the American Lung Association and the Ad Council. All right, guys, so that has been another episode of the latest with Lauren Rosa. This has been an exclusive conversation piece that you guys have gotten to dive into

as we headed on out to the Grammy Awards weekend in L.A. for the 68th Grammy Awards. I'm Lauren the Rosa and my lowriders. I tell you guys every single episode, y'all can be anywhere with anybody, but y'all choose to be right here with me. And I appreciate y'all for that. Every single time, every single episode, I will catch you guys in my next day. next one. 1969, Malcolm and Martin

are gone. America is in crisis. And at Morehouse College, the students make their move. These students, including a young Samuel L. Jackson, locked up the members of the Board of Trustees, including Martin Luther King Sr. It's the true story of protests and rebellion in black

American history that you'll never forget. I'm Hans Charles. I'm Mennelich Lamouba. Listen to the A-building on the I-Heart Radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. Black history lives in our stories, our culture, and the conversations we still having today. This Black History Month, the podcast, I didn't know.

Maybe you didn't either. Digs into the moments, perspectives, and experiences that don't always make the textbook. Let me tell you about Garrett Morgan. Brough had to pretend he didn't even exist just to sell his own invention. Listen to I didn't know. Maybe you didn't either. From the Black Effect Podcast Network on the I Heart Radio app, Apple Podcast, or simply wherever you get your podcast.

I didn't know. This is Ryder Strong, and I have a new podcast called The Red Weather. In 1995, my neighbor and a trainer disappeared from a commune. It was nature and trees and praying and drugs. So no, I am not your guru. Back then, I lied to everybody. They have had this case for 30 years. I'm going back to my hometown to uncover the truth.

Listen to the Red Weather on the IHeart Radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. When segregation was a law, one mysterious black club owner, Charlie Fitzgerald, had his own rules. Segregation and the day integration at night. It was like stepping on another world. Was he a businessman? A criminal. A hero. Charlie was an example of power.

They had to crush you. Charlie's place from Atlas Obscure. and visit Myrtle Beach. Listen to Charlie's Place on the IHeart Radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. This is an IHeart podcast. Guaranteed human.