The Breakfast Club - INTERVIEW: Rotimi On Fatherhood, Bringing Afrobeats To America, 50 Cent's Marketing Genius, New Album + More

Episode Date: November 15, 2024

The Breakfast Club Sits Down With Rotimi To Discuss Fatherhood, Bringing Afrobeats To America, 50 Cent's Marketing Genius, And New Album. Listen For More! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hey, y'all. Nimini here. I'm the host of a brand new history podcast for kids and families called Historical Records. Executive produced by Questlove, The Story Pirates, and John Glickman, Historical Records brings history to life through hip hop. -♪ Flash, slam, another one gone, fast bam, another one gone. -♪ The cracker, the bat, and another one gone.

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Morning everybody, it's DJ Envy, Jess Hilarious, Charlamagne the Guy. We are the Breakfast Club. We got a special guest in the building today. We got Roe Timmy. Roe Timmy. Yes, sir. I'm good, brother. How you doing?

How you doing, family? I'm good. Good to see you. Good to see you. It's been a couple years. Yeah, I know, you been working. I'm doing what I can. You talking about family life? Because last time we seen him here, he wasn't married. He had no kids.

No, he can't do it. Are you talking about the music part? I'm talking about both, but I'm talking about like, he has the husband and dad glow. That's right. So that's amazing. Thank you, thank you. That's good.

Being a father, man,, it's changed my life man because having a three year old boy and a two year old girl, like I'm just learning so much about myself as a man and it just does it. So anybody, fathers man, like please spend time with your children because at this age I'm seeing how much it is

that it affects them that I'm not there. So it's a beautiful thing just to see him grow and them both grow. Yeah, now is it a difference? because at this age I'm seeing how much it is that it affects them that I'm not there. So it's a beautiful thing just to see him grow and them both grow. Yeah, now is it a difference, like I know you had your son first. Yeah. Was it, did anything change when you had your girl?

So yeah, so being in a Nigerian mind now, you have wisdom of parenting, that you know, but my son, like, so I'm blessed because my son is actually a genius. So like, and everybody say that about their kids. I was about to say that. Everybody's a genius. No, like we really can't put him in school because his brain, the way he takes information is at an eight year old level. Damn. So we had to take.

So he's doing preschool just to be around other kids for social. For the social, yeah. But in terms of we have to get a tutor because it's too advanced. So he's doing his alphabet backwards. He's speaking Spanish, learning Swahili at three. So like, and so I tell him things and he gets it once. So I'm blessed. But then the funny thing is my daughter is actually faster because she's watching her brother.

So now they're both going through the same thing. So it's a blessing because it's like- So they in the house teaching y'all shit. Yes, yes. You're like, oh dad, X, Y, Z, G teaching y'all shit. Yes. Yes, you know that um XY ZZ GV and that's not I know my CBA It's been beautiful man, but I'm done with to though yeah, I'm finished You just told us how much love

What an experience I'm done I'm done because this generation done. Because this generation, dude, it's too many. You need to focus on what you can. I'm already gone, so I'm already at a disadvantage. So just making sure two is good in this time, then I think that's enough for me, personally. That's what I said at first, too. And then you had K. And I have six.

Six. I had two at first, I got a 23. She just turned 23 yesterday, a 23, a 21. And then we waited like 10 years, and I got a 11, a 10, a eight, and a two year old. I love being a father, like being a father is, it keeps you young, it keeps you on your toes, it just, it keeps you hungry as well.

And I enjoy it. Now your wife said that after two days of meeting you, she knew you were the one. Did you know she was the one after two days? Oh boy. Don't get him in trouble. He's in trouble. That breath is in trouble.

Yes. Not because of her, because I wasn't ready for what she already was ready for. And usually women are smarter than us. You get what I'm saying? So like she saw it, I knew it, I fought it. You know what I mean? I knew that I'd never experienced something like that.

I knew that I met someone that was already challenging me as a person in spiritual, like she's a prayer warrior. So like, her whole thing was we speaking in tongues for an hour and a half. We going, we reading the Bible together. Like, so she approached me on a way that like, it made me say, damn bro, you really aren't

who you think you are as a person, you're still a boy. You know, and so she made me mentally level up. So I still was like, nah, she's lit, but everybody, then I'm like, oh my God, I can't stop thinking, I can't stop vibing, I can't stop, I don't want nothing else. It was a gradual. How did y'all meet?

We met at Essence Fest, so, so V is a, she's an artist, but she retired. But she's an artist and she was headlining as well on the main stage at Essence. It's a funny quick story that I was there for power, but I was also performing. So I went to a private party. Okay, I'll stop and talk. I went from a private party and I actually had a girl there with me. Oh damn. Like a nice little weekend vibe. I was still in my, the whole Timmy days. You know what I'm saying?

Whole Timmy. Whole Timmy days. I was in the whole Timmy days. So no, I was still violent, you know, but it was, Shorty was like, yo, I don't feel too well. I'm going to stay in. And I was like, well, I got to go to this Spotify party really quickly. I'll be there 10 minutes. I'll meet you in a bit. She's like, I don't feel like going. But'm gonna stay in. And I was like, well, I gotta go to this Spotify party really quickly, I'll be there 10 minutes,

I'll meet you in a bit. She's like, I don't feel like going, but she was with me the entire day. I go to the party and all my power crew was this way and I was like, man, I just seen all these niggas. I've seen them, I'm good, let me just do my own thing. And there she is, like literally sitting on a pool table. And it was just like, oh wow, who is this?

And then we spoke for three, four hours. So the illest thing that I did that I feel like changed the trajectory of our relationship was the fact that she was like look, I really wanna get to know you, I think you're super lit, let's see each other tomorrow and I said honestly, I have somebody here, I don't wanna cross ties, I don't wanna play you like that.

I don't wanna put you in a situation where you view me as this guy. So let me handle this first and then we can link whenever, when there's no distraction. So she remembered that, cause I know if she would've met me doing this, she would've been thinking forever that anybody's like that.

So that's how we met and we've been together ever since. And she wasn't living in the states at the time She was uh in Tanzania. So she flew out and yeah So the young lady that you left in the hotel I was sick. I was raised Why you gotta go out and leave me it could have been a headache from our drink It's you much you left the sick girl in the room Why'd I go out and leave me? It could've been a headache from our drinkin' too much. Why you gonna say, you left a sick girl in the room

and you wanted to go beg somebody else? You know what I'm sayin'? It was crazy, man. So how was that conversation with her? Cause now it's like, you know, if you wasn't sick, you could've been the one. Yeah, I don't even know she could've been the one. Okay.

But she was dope, but again, I wasn't in that mindset of anything. I just met someone that made me say, oh, this is different, bro. Don't lose this. But I do respect how you told V, like, I'm here with somebody made me say, oh, this is different, bro, don't lose this. But I do respect how you told V, like I'm here with somebody and I don't want y'all to cross ties.

I love that. And I feel like, again, the way you meet people sometimes, people never forget, because then it starts being like, okay, well you did this to me. So then everything has always been integrity. And so I wanted to start it off that way.

And then I had the conversation shortly, like, look, like, you know, this is a vibe, we cool. I had a good time, you know, I think we're just gonna, and she was like, yeah, what kind of problem? It wasn't deep, so. How long were you together with your wife before you actually asked the question? Ah, a year and a half.

And how did you know? Because nowadays I feel like people wait a lot longer because they want to make sure what, so many people talking about toxic relationships, so many people getting divorced. What say, this is the one and I want to do it now. He just said he was speaking tongues for four hours. That was it.

That was it. Lord, yes. Nah, you know, the earliest thing that I've always done in my career, personally, is I've always trusted my instincts, and I've always trusted my intuition. So I never second-guessed anything, you know? And that's, because I never took an acting class,

I never took music lessons. It was always, whatever, so this is no different, that I knew that it was, okay, this is the time. Oh, this is gonna be it, this is how it goes. And I'm very in tune with God. So everything was just like, okay, this is the time. Oh, this is gonna be it. This is how it goes, and I'm very in tune with God. So everything was just like, okay, this is who it needs to be, and this is who it is. So it was ordained, bro. I can't really tell you, like, yeah,

it was just like, this woman doesn't deserve to wait. You know what I'm saying? Like, what am I doing? I already know, so why waste time? So what is the Rotimi prayer? They've been asking the prayers for Sierra. Once they hear this man, the way he speak about V, his wife, they're gonna be asking for that prayer.

I wanna know how has being a husband and a dad affected your music? Did it change, make you wanna sing about different things? He keeps singing, he got like 19 songs. I know. But how does this impact your music now, the family life? Well I'm able to make records that, so for example I have a song called Bless, right? And it just basically says on the album, it basically says I have everything I need.

And it's a mixture of Afrobeat with gospel. That's the one version. Then I have a version of, when I met her in essence and I wrote from the perspective of I don't need nobody else, it's you, and put it on some cool drums. So that love has been easy to transcribe because it's just naturally what's going on. And me and Punch, we did this whole project together. So my stories are easy to convey to my brother. So we're able just naturally what's going on. And me and Punch, we did this whole project together, so my stories are easy to convey to my brother, you know?

So we're able just to get these going, but as a father, you know, like you said earlier, like before we even started, just being able to look in my kids' eyes and say, yo, like I have no choice but to win, yo. Like I have to do this. I don't have a regular nine to five where I can clock in, do what I need to do this. I don't have a regular nine to five where I can clock in,

do what I need to do and go home. I have to earn everything creatively and think ahead. So when I look at him and he's happy and he's doing his alphabets backwards, I'm like, I gotta fund this, you know what I mean? And so that mindset has made me an even bigger hustler when it comes down to it. And I was going through a lot of mental issues,

not issues, but mental moments where it was like COVID at the time and then dealing with a woman who I genuinely love for sure, but postpartum is a monster that men don't really talk about that we gotta deal with as well. And being and giving and giving and giving. So I was going through so much at the time that music was my therapy.

So that's why it took so long to make this next, this project now because one, I had to get myself right mentally and then make sure my family was good and then kill a lot of my bad habits of who I was before I go to the next stage now. Did you have to go to therapy? Yeah, I did, I did.

I tried it, I tried it. What made you try it too? Because I'm usually the guy that everyone goes to for answers, I'm usually the guy that everyone goes to for prayer, I'm usually the guy that everyone goes to like, yo, can you help me through this? When you're like a leader or who do you go to? You know, and my wife definitely is there,

but there's certain things men go through that no one else can really, and a lot of people don't go through the same things I deal with on a daily of fame and pressure and anxiety and you know, being around people that just clout chasing. It's a toxic industry. So when you go through so around people that just clout chasing. It's a toxic industry. So when you go through so much of that, no one really there to talk to.

So then I was like, God help me. I did that at the time. I wasn't ready for that true conversation. Then I went and said, let me just talk to somebody. And it was great, but I think it's really important to have the right therapist too. Absolutely. You know, so it didn't really match and then that didn't work, but I could see how it does

work. Yeah. Then it was like, no, let me just go to the Bible, man. Let me just go to the Bible. And then I just opened up Peter and Peter became my therapist. You know what I'm saying? So I just kept reading the Bible. I read James and those two books changed my mindset

and just gave me the guideline of how to be a good man, a cerebral man. And so that changed my life, man. That genuinely changed my life. So therapy helped, it opened the door. But then I just used God and disciples as my therapist. Were you going through depression? Is that why you said I have to see therapy?

Was it something that you was like, I need some help? Like what got you to the point where it's like, I need this help? Was it anxiety? Was it? Yeah, it was anxiety. It was anxiety that I never felt before. It was feeling like at the time

I really couldn't speak to anybody. That the world is shut down. And then also I had a hit record, so In My Bed was going ridiculous at that time, but I couldn't travel. So I couldn't promote it the way it needed to promote. So you're seeing it go viral, but you're like, damn, I can't even really do anything.

And so that also played into it, but then it was also just like, you're not able to move, so you're starting to see the bank account go a little. So you're just like, damn, I you're starting to see the bank account go a little, you know, so you're just like, damn, I never felt this, I've always been good. And so being able to start viewing self-awareness, like okay, why do I feel this way? What are my triggers?

What do I go through that makes me say, okay, let me use this as an outlet? Who am I? And I didn't have those answers at the time. And I was praying, but I wasn't as close to God as I am now. And it was just like, man, I just need to talk to another person with an unbiased and just give me some advice.

And I did it and it was beautiful. It was just that I wish that, well, everything happens for a reason, but I can see how it works for people. And I just said, okay, no more trying to tough it out. Why, why am I toughing it out when I'm hurting myself? And I think as black men we need, and people in general, as black men,

we need to be okay with being vulnerable, we need to be okay with dealing with insecurities, because it makes you strong when you attack them, and starve the things that you think are vices. So I did that, I stopped drinking, stopped smoking, stopped doing everything I was doing and really just said, this two years is gonna be about me before I even write a record.

And that's when I got right, it was when everything just started falling together. Were you drinking too much, were you smoking too much, or was it controlling your life to the point where you was like, I have to stop? It wasn't like an addiction, right? But it was more of like, for 10 years of my life, through a whole power run,

through music, through having platinum records, you're in the club and doing this three, four days a week. So liquor becomes a vice. Liquor becomes, and then you're having, sometimes you didn't even realize social anxieties or things, so you're like, damn, I don't wanna really talk to these people, but this is soothing me, so let me drink this

to get through the moment. To get more comfortable talking to people. So you don't realize, and then you're like, damn, I got a show, I'm on tour, and then like, why do I feel like I need to drink a little bit before I hit the stage? Man, yep. You get what I'm saying?

You know, as a community, you know, you're on stage. I had the same thing, yep, yep, yep. And now I don't, well, when I was pregnant, of course I couldn't drink, but before that, I did stop like, yo, why do I need a drink before I go on? It's just like that nervousness and anxiety, and you didn't even know it was that until you go through something

and you're like, damn, I don't need that. Exactly, and so for me it was like, not again, it was a crutch, not a dicks, I didn't need it, but it was like, oh, this is good for me, but I need it right now. You know, and smoking and things like that, and it was just like escape, you know, and so when I realized, damn, I'm using this as an escape

rather than just for joy or pleasure or whatever, I don't want that. So how do you deal with it now? Because your life still wraps around clubs and the industry. Yeah, yeah. I'm sure you still have those anxieties of going to a club and not wanting to talk to people or performing on stage. How do you deal with that now?

I think I realized that vices and liquor and things are the, isn't the problem. I realized that there was, that's just the solution. It's not the problem. It's a deeper thing that it's me. So once I started getting me whole, once I started realizing, yo, you are enough, bro. Once I started realizing,

there's a relationship with God that needs to be tapped in more. Or once I started realizing that the devil's a relationship with God that needs to be tapped in more. Once I started realizing that the devil's a liar, once I started realizing self-awareness is going to change this, once I got me right, I didn't need those things. I liked how I felt better without them actually. You know what I mean? So it wasn't a solution, it was a solution to a problem that I had to work in within myself. And so once I realized that it took the power away

from anything, I didn't need validation even. And in this industry, you get so used to getting validated when you're lit, it becomes a, oh, this is how I need to feel. It's a normal thing, so when you're not getting that at times, it's like, what's wrong with me? What changed, what happened? And so even going through, it's like, what's wrong with me? What happened, what changed, what happened? And so even going through that, so just, I tell my boys and I tell people like, listen man,

it's okay to use these things as testimony because more people are going through these things than not. And so when you can see somebody who just happens to be in a public space, I'm no different from you. I just worked on myself, I did the little things. And again, this is not a saying that addiction, it's just I know that when there was an issue, I'd run to something.

And so I just would make it where I didn't run to anything. I just ran to God and I ran to myself and my family. So that was what it was. I love hearing that. You got the song Bestie. Yes, yes. You sampled from The Lauryn Hills, Killin' Me Softly. Did she need to hear that before you? Yes she did. Yeah. How was it working with her? Even just letting her hear that? So Bestie is one of

my favorite records on the album and it's one of those songs that is divine man. So Lauryn Hill went to my my high school. Okay. So we all went to me, SZA, Lauryn Hill, a lot of other people. You know what I mean? And so- Is that where Angel E went to? Yes, as well. Yeah, yeah, yeah.

So we all from that cloth. And it was amazing because full circle really quickly, I was a freshman when she came and did her Hall of Fame speech. So I was third row sitting watching her get her speech and I'm like, man, I'm telling my boy, I'm like, yo bro, I'm gonna do that, bro. And they don't really give,

they give it like maybe every 10 years to somebody. And I was like, I'm just gonna be me, bro. And there's like 4,000 people that go to our school. So the odds of it being you is not really likely. So, and I just worked, worked, worked, and I did the little things, man. And in 2018, I was inducted to my high school Hall of Fame. That's dope.

Oh, wow. And I brought my boy who I told I'm gonna do. Told you, yo. That is what's up. I told him, you know, and then, but also that same year, SZA was invited as well to the Hall of Fame. So she, and a lot of people don't understand that when we grew up, like, I was a ball player singing girls, that popular kid.

And she was like the kind of like an outcast, you know what I mean? To herself really didn't and she'll talk about it. But I was always been like, yo, come hang out with us. Come kick it with us. When everybody was like pushing away, because we didn't understand the swag then. Like she was swaggy like this then. Oh, wow. Before that time. It was different, you know, and it was swaggy like this then. Oh wow, before that time.

Yeah, just different. And it was like, ah, whatever. So it was dope to hear, you know, acknowledge that in her speech too that, you know, like Ro took care of me when I was in school. But do you call her now, like, yo, sis, do you remember when the whole school was against you? I need that verse. I know you're talking about her, Natalie, right now. But remember your bro that held you down? Did you call and ask her? Of course! Oh, it's so dope because during the time that Love Rhythm was going crazy, In My Bed was

going crazy, and then she called me and was like, yo, I love what you're doing. Let's get it going. And then literally, like two weeks later, her stuff started going berserk. And it was like, okay, uh, hello, Selena. you remember that song that you said it goes in there's a meeting in my bed you know that one you know so it was it was cool but you have to respect it yeah yeah but sorry so Lauryn Hill she heard the record um thank God for Empire to clear it but she had to clear it first but um I wasn't there when she heard it though okay but um but yeah from what I heard it was Love and you know again like having a legend you know I've used her sample twice actually you know from In My

Bed. Oh yeah. You know and so it's always paying homage you know and so that record doing well was really cool but yeah it's been it's been a it's been a it's been a beautiful journey. Yeah. Beautiful journey. Speaking of In My Bed, do you ever feel pressure to match the success of Lover Dem or In My Bed? As a competitor, yes. You know what I mean? As a dog, yes, but it's this moment. Because they're-

Oh yeah, but the thing is too, I was making those type of records, right, while I was filming Power, right? So the label would be like, yo dog, you got two days to make a hit. Go to LA, do what you need to do. I was never able to comfortably make music like these other artists are able to do. So I was, thank God for the talent, I was able to go make a record, go back to set while while I'm making the record, studying my lines, in the booth, there's a meeting in my, all right, so Dre's supposed to, okay cool, got it.

Like I'm doing that, and thank God it was able to go platinum, but at the same time, I never had the opportunity that other artists had. So now I was like, Ro, let me get yourself right, take care of your family, this is a season that you're supposed to grow home because when it goes crazy again, the foundation gotta be solid.

That's why you sitting down, you know? So then it was like, okay, but in the meantime, let's make the best music possible. So that's why this project took two years because I wanted to make 18 in my bed moments. You know what I mean? With this double album. And so I feel comfortable,

I was able to take my time, visualize it, and the cool thing about it is that I was doing In My Bed and servicing my Afrobeat fans instead of the R&B side would be like, yo, where's our record? And so now we were like, let's literally make a double album, nine records Afrobeat, nine

records R&B. It's called In My Heart for the R&B side, In My Veins for the Nigerian Blood. So you get two versions of Real Timmy, full album, and these are my life stories. But then it was like, yo, some people just like the acting side. So I was like, well, let's figure this out. Let's fund and pay for every music video to be shot. So we put money down. We put, I put about a quarter million and make every video.

And then the label was like, yo, we got 10 songs for you, bro. We can only do 10. I was like, nah, I don't want to do 10. I want to do 18. Well, okay, well, you got to pay for it. Pay for the other eight. pay the producer, pay everything. So it was like, again, I tell artists or people, man, like you have to invest in yourself.

You gotta believe in yourself because I know what this is gonna do. And you may not see it right now, but I know what this is gonna do. So let me take this upon myself to make it happen with no questions. So they were like we could do two two videos I was like alright cool that's standard this is great stuff thank you you know what I mean but now we're doing 18 you know we're gonna service it out for everybody to be able

to to have a moment with their song because it's Rotimi acting as well so you get in the R&B side you get in the Afro B side and you get in the actor you know and I directed everything you know what I mean? And so, shout out to Beyonce, because I know Beyonce has done something where it's a double album, but what we're doing differently is, we're treating every song like a single.

So the album drops, every song is out, but every three weeks you're gonna get a new video. So you're gonna be getting new content from the same project for about seven, eight months. This is the real definition of a body of work. A body of work. I was like yo... Skylight frame is more than just a photo frame. It's the perfect way to keep loved ones close no matter the distance. With Skylight you can share the joy of a special moment, a silly snapshot, or a treasured memory instantly, making it the perfect present for anyone who values connection and family.

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Listen to Escape from Zakistan. And we're losing daylight fast. That's Escape from ZAQistan on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. Sup y'all, this is Questlove and I'm here to tell you about a new podcast I've been working on with the Story Pirates and John Glickman called Historical Records. It's a family-friendly podcast. Yeah, you heard that right. A podcast for all ages. One you can listen to and enjoy with your kids

starting on September 27th. I'm gonna toss it over to the host of Historical Records, Nimini, to tell you all about it. Make sure you check it out. Hey, y'all, Nimini here. I'm the host of a brand new history podcast for kids and families called Historical Records. Historical Records brings history to life through hip hop.

' Flash slam, another one gone. Fast bam, another one gone. The cracker, the bat, and another one gone. The tip of the cap is another one gone. Each episode is about a different inspiring figure from history, like this one about Claudette Colvin, a 15-year-old girl in Alabama who refused to give up her seat on the city bus nine whole months before Rosa Parks did the same thing. Check it!

Get the kids in your life excited about history by tuning in to Historical Records. Because in order to make history, you have to make some noise. Listen to Historical Records on the iHeart Radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. On Thanksgiving Day 1999, a five-year-old boy floated alone in the ocean. He had lost his mother trying to reach Florida from Cuba. He looked like a little angel. I mean, he looked so fresh. And his name, Elian Gonzalez, will make headlines everywhere. Elian Gonzalez. At the heart Elian. Elian Gonzalez. Elian.

Elian Gonzalez. At the heart of the story is a young boy and the question of who he belongs with. His father in Cuba. Mr. Gonzalez wanted to go home and he wanted to take his son with him. Or his relatives in Miami. Imagine that your mother died trying to get you to freedom. At the heart of it all is still this painful family separation. Something that as a Cuban, I know all too well.

Listen to Chess Piece, the Elian Gonzalez story, as part of the MyCultura podcast network, available on the iHeart radio app, Apple podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. Jenny Garth, Jana Kramer, Amy Robach, and TJ Holmes bring you I Do Part Two, a one-of-a-kind experiment in podcasting to help you find love again. If you didn't get it right the first time, it's time to try, try again,

as they guide you through this podcast, Experiment in Dating. Hey, I'm Jana Kramer. As they say, those that cannot do, teach. Actually I think I finally got it right so take the failures I've had the second or even third or whatever maybe the fourth time around. I'm Jenny Garth. 29 years ago Kelly Taylor said these words, I choose me. She made her choice, she chose herself. When it comes to love, choose you first. Hi, everyone. I'm Amy Robach.

And I'm TJ Holmes. And we are well, not necessarily relationship experts. If you're ready to dive back into the dating pool and find lasting love. Finally, we want to help. Listen to I Do Part Two on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen to podcasts. Like if I'm if I'm gonna, I'm going to, I'm not going to come out and do everything that a regular artist go two weeks, they do promo and they don't hear nothing else. It's done. Nah, I worked too hard for this, yo.

I put my life on this. I put a half a million into this thing on my own. It has to work. So we're going to milk this, make it go, make the music undeniable. You're not a messy artist, you're not somebody that's gonna talk about somebody. Like I know bro, like I know I can get up here and have three strippers and put a thousand dollars on each of their ass and be like it's up, what's up. I'm single and it's gonna go viral and then listen to the breakup song

about my woman then everybody listen to that. I know I- We will take that clip and say that you wanted to bring the three strippers up here and put it down, down, down. We're gonna cut that up so go ahead, go. Yeah, yeah. Well, you know what I mean? I know I can do that. I know I can manipulate the system

because it's what it is. People like that type of stuff. And you have done that before because I was looking at an interview where you said it was 50s idea to say that you owe him money to keep the momentum of your records going. Yeah, yeah, yeah. So Loverdom was number one at the time and he was like, yo bro, honestly I got this idea man. Okay, I left, I got out my deal with 50.

Was it a one album deal or? It was a two album deal, but I had one more and I said, bro, I want to do this on my own. You know, I believe in this and. Why did you want to get out? Did you feel like? No, I think, I think at the time there was a lot, he had just fired everybody, you know? And so like there was a lot going on at the time and the show was so on fire that it was like, there's no way that there could be focus on what this is at this particular time,

especially because my character's going OD-Late. Crazy, yeah. You know what I'm saying? So I'm like, let me just take myself out of this, because the timing wasn't right to be a focus. So I was like, let me just bet on myself, you know what I mean? And thank God for his love for me and his wisdom. He was like, look, I'll let you out, but you know, mechanically you owe me $300,000 for the investment that I've put in it. So I had to pay him back mechanically. So from the sales of my product is how he'll get paid back, which is standard.

You know what I mean? So like, I didn't have to give him a $300,000 like this, but over time, whatever records I do work with, with whoever I work with next, he gets that money. So the record, we put the song out, Love Rhythm is number one R&B album, going crazy. And he calls me, he's like, look bro, I got this idea. I'm gonna say, I don't like you, I'm gonna say I wanna punch you in your nose, I'm gonna tell you, I don't rock with you,

what's in there, but the thing I'm gonna do is I'm gonna mention 25 times that how can this nigga not pay me when his album is number one So when he did that the psychological psychology of people is like what am I missing? Wait, we're got a number one album Where what's going on? Yeah, that's how it blew. Mm-hmm. You know I'm saying so that's jeans marketing It definitely is It definitely is. The 90,000, 5300,000 and his marketing. And my marketing right? So it worked because he got his money back in like four months.

You know what I mean? So it worked but at the same time, yes, I know I can do those things. And for me, I was like the only way I can combat gimmicks and being messy and things is just make undeniable product that lives forever. That's why in my heart, in my veins, feels like that. And that's how I grew up. Being from Jersey, there was no cutting corners. You had to work for what you got.

Being Nigerian as well, I didn't cut corners. I did the little things. So that's what it was for me. I understood very very early. Like the little things is what keep you around. The longevity where, when was the last time you go to your job and you shake everybody's hand? You know, look everybody in the eye.

Remember everybody's name. That changes the room. That changes the energy. When is the last time you asked, how are you? And genuinely listen. You know what I mean? Like, so whenever I So whenever I carry those things and those principles got me to where I am

along with everything else, but those things people remember. So I was like, I'm not gonna cut no corners, let's do it, this is who I am, I am in a relationship, I do got kids, I am fly, I do make great music, I am an actor, let's write about it and let's talk about it and be pure about it. Now, an actor, do you like being the villain?

Because we've seen you in the villain in power shows. We've seen you even with Joyner Lucas. We've seen you as the villain. Yeah. And sometimes I don't like you. Yeah, I'm telling you, I ain't like this man for a whole season. No, the Joyner Lucas made me. I'm like, I don't like him too. Oh my God. And then I had to remember, oh, I know this nigga.

But it makes me not like him. Do you like playing the villain? Okay, yes, but in doses now. You know what I mean? When you play something like Dre, man, that's polarizing, bro. And I know that if I was just an actor, that would be the most amazing thing to deal with

of being like, damn, bro, you killed that. But I got a whole different other side, you know? So it made music 10 times harder, you know? You know, cause how you have, you got the number one show as a villain, but then you got a number one record as R&B in love. So it's like- You made me so mad on power, I ain't need one.

Listen to this. She's like, nah, nah. Exactly, but then when it come on, it's just like, mm. Yeah. You know what I'm saying? So like, that made it tougher. So I had to get over, I had a conversation actually with Tyrese about it, like, bro, how do you do this, man?

Like. That was a long conversation. I bet. I bet. I bet y'all just finished that shit. Just finished it. Damn. So I had a conversation with him,

I'm like, bro, how do you do this, man? It was lit how he explained to me, he was just like, carry the vessel that's bringing you to where you are, just carry that, make people wanna know who that person is, kill that to the point where, yo, who is this Dre guy? And then be ready with what you have.

That's the only way you can do both and be successful. So I took that and Jamie actually said the same thing too. So it was like, oh, this is how y'all did it. So when I got that information, it was body Dray and let people learn about Rotimi. And so to answer your question about the villain, Joyner Lucas, I said no twice. I was like, yeah, yeah, yeah.

I was like, nah. That video was dope. Like it's a dope, concept, dope video. It was incredible. Why'd you finally say yes? It was a good money. I was gonna say the bad guy, right? And I'm a fan of his, but I didn't wanna do videos.

Like I didn't wanna, and I wasn't- You was gonna be a video vixen. I didn't wanna be, exactly. Yeah. Exactly, I didn't know what I was walking into. You know what I'm saying? You know what I'm saying? I didn't want that, because I hadixen. I didn't want to be, exactly. Yeah, exactly. I didn't know what I was walking in to, you know what I'm saying? Right, right, right. You know what I'm saying?

I didn't want that, I didn't want that, because I had been so quiet musically for a while, I wanted the first thing that people see is that, like, oh, he's doing videos now. Like, I didn't, perception, you know, but the bread was amazing, then I actually heard the record as well, and I was like, oh, this is like a one-man show,

a straight monologue that I gotta really study, because it was about 15, 20 pages of transcribed lyrics and I gotta match his whole energy and switch up and I was like, oh this is gonna be fun. I think we should have won an Oscar. Yeah, usually Joyner's music videos are like motion pictures. It's phenomenal. It's phenomenal. It's like drama series.

It's phenomenal. It's phenomenal. Drama series. It's phenomenal. Yeah, so but at this point, I thank God for Lena Waif, man, because this new character that I'm playing on The Chi is completely different, you know? And so now I'm seeking roles that are completely the opposite way because there's so much more to me.

I can do that easy. I grew up around a lot of Dre's, you know what I mean? I grew up around niggas like this all the time. So for me, it's just like, let's show the other aspects of who Rotimi is That's I grew up around a lot of Dre's you know I mean I grew up around niggas like this all the time so for Me it's just like let's show the other aspects of who Rotimi is and all the ranges that I have so The newest character on the shy and it's been amazing man. We filmed season 7 I was only again this goes back to just being a good person like I met Lena 10 years ago at Sundance Me and John Boyega did a movie

Imperial Dreams, and she had won for Dear White People. And energy was, yo, how are you? You're amazing, you're great. And she was coming up, I'm coming up, and it was, we just stayed close and just making sure she was good. We haven't seen, I still haven't seen Lena since 2014. Still, but every year I'm saying happy birthday

having this, sending gifts, she's sending me kids, for my kids she's sending me things for you know Happy Father's Day all this so we love. Then she finally called like y'all got a role for you if you want to come do an episode you know episode or two. Are you working right now? I'm like no I'm not. She was like alright cool let's come to Chicago got something for you. That's dope. And two, again, you gotta take, I try to tell my story, but also give as much as I can, where I was only given two episodes, but with those two episodes, I bodied it to the point

where it's like I want him for the whole season, and hopefully God willing for beyond whenever, you know? But every time you get an opportunity in any field, you don't know who's watching. You don't know what's going on. You don't know what hand you just shook. You don't know how you impacted that person's life. You don't know how far this could go.

So maximize every opportunity you can because they don't come often. And so when I understood that, I realized, okay, you know, this is how you do it. But then also being a good person and also maximizing the moment, you know, it always happens. Now people were mad at you

because you said that you brought Afro Beats to America. You still stand by that? Absolutely. But the way it was worded was crazy, right? So I was the first American Nigerian to bring Afro Beats to a place where Americans were able to digest it on the radio, right? So for example, I was going to program directors and playing love rhythm and being they were like,

yo, I don't even know how to what's the beat on rhythm on this? This? What is this? I was in those moments. So when I started doing it, it became a, oh, I like this. Also doesn't mean that there weren't people before that were doing it had moments but because I am from here and because it's relatable because Mr. Butterscotch was doing what he needs they're so like and what I'm saying is digestible understood like it felt inclusive so it was a pacifier to start the movement here not necessarily them bringing it Wiz and they were lit, but in terms of the timing, Wiz then had the record with Drake. Then DeVito came out, so it was all the same time,

but for me it was, I remember going to program directors, they didn't even know what it was, and so now this record's going crazy, it becomes, oh, I like this, oh, that's what it was, yeah, okay, and then I came back in my bed, so it was like, oh, I was this. Oh, that's what it was. Yeah. Okay, and then I came back in my bed So it was like oh, I was the only one besides really Chris Brown. That's out here Yeah, that's really doing it where it feels like oh, it's a bridge So I was definitely would say I was the bridge in that however

The burners and Davido and whiz and all them. Yes, of course it affected the world But I remember going to those moments where they didn't hear the one dance yet The Burners and Davido and Wiz and all them, yes of course, they've affected the world. But I remember going to those moments where they didn't hear the One Dance yet. They didn't hear the- I gotta ask, people were upset with Chris Brown, right? Well, not upset with Chris Brown, the Academy, because they were saying that Chris Brown is an American artist and he shouldn't be in the Afro Beats category. What's your thoughts on that?

I believe that he definitely should. Music is music. Music is music. Music is music, bro. That's what I'm saying. We get so crazy with this trying to box people into things. Is it an Afrobeat record? Yes. Is it one of the best Afrobeat records? Yes. So yes, he should be in the Afrobeat category. And it goes the other way too, because last year Tyler won a Grammy over Sexy Red. Right, so it's like, if we can, you know what I'm saying? It's just still like a bridge.

Like if Afrobeat can win over, you went in the category where it's just, you know, what was that? I think it was like rap or new artists or something like that. Why can't Chris Brown win or even be nominated in the Afrobeat? No music has no bounds man. That's what makes it so beautiful Like music has no that's saying yo, you can't do this and you can't do that

Oh, you can't act and you can't sing or you can't be a host of a legendary show and then also be a DJ You can't do this and be like, yeah stupid. Yeah. No, I'm just dope You know, I mean? And so that's why for us it was like let's spoon feed the people. This is an R&B album. This is an Afrobeat album. If we win records on this, then we win records, I mean we win awards on this, then it's still the same project, but you put it where you want to put it. You know, and so that's how it was. But nah, definitely Chris Brown is one of the greatest to ever do it, bro.

Only few people can do it and be believed. And I believe it. And I feel like he's the only other one, for real. What is your favorite song on the album? Yo, honestly fam, we've constructed this album to be where I can sit with you and figure out what kind of music you love, and I'll be able to tell you these will work for you. I'll look at you and figure out what kind of music you love, and I'll be able to tell you like,

these will work for you. I'll look at you and be like, yo bro, what good vibe? Okay, these are your favorites. They're like my kids, I can't pick as my favorite, but there's no single, you know? Everything is a single. So if you're like, bro, I love classic R&B,

I got that for you. Like yo, I love poppy fill, I got that for you like yo, I love Poppy Phil I got that for you. I love hip-hop drums. I got that for you So like it's whatever it is. It's whoever I'm speaking to I'll make we've tailor-made it that way The album is a candy store. It's every type of candy chocolate. Yes Yes, I got the album of the year. I love that. I got the album of the year He said it I got the album of the year of the year. I love that. I got the album of the year. He said it. I got the album of the year. Genuinely. Well let's get into a record off that album. The album is out today. Yes sir. What do you want to get into today? Let's get into something off the Afrobeat side. Afrobeat side? Yeah.

Oh, which one we should start with? Let's start with, yeah let's go with I Wonder. I Wonder. Yes sir. Let's go with I Wonder. Not D. Yes sir. Let's go with I wonder. Not dirty December? Ooh, that's a good one. We can follow up. It is close to dirty December. It's almost dirty December. It is.

You choose, brother. I wonder, dirty December. Your choice, brother. All right, well let's get into it now. Before we leave, I also gotta tell you, so Christmas is around the corner. Yes sir. You have two kids and a wife.

So what do you do for Christmas time? Oh man. Whoo, this is a little, again, What traditions do you do for Christmas time? Oh man, whoo, this is a little, again I'll- What traditions do you have in the household? Well, we're still figuring out the tradition, you know what I mean? It's a new one, you get what I'm saying? So we're still forming it. So I personally, like honestly man,

she's such an incredible human being that whatever she wants to do, if she's like, babe for Christmas I wanna travel to, I wanna go home, let's go to Tanzania. She says, babe, I wanna just be in the crib and we all matching, whatever. Whatever she wants to do is the routine, bro, because she deserves that.

I rip and run too much for me to make every decision. So for her, it's like, my love, what you want. But whatever you wanna do. That's the tradition. I'm so happy for him. make every decision. So for her, it's like, my love, what you want. And that's the tradition. I'm so happy for him. What's the dumbest thing you've done as a husband or a father? When I mean dumb, I'm the dad. I dress up in a Ninja Turtle suit for Halloween.

I go to all the kids' school, embarrassed the ish out of them. Couple years ago, I dressed up in a baby outfit with a pamper. I embarrassed my kid. I love it. My kid's like, there's my dad. But I just, I try to create those memories that, you know, when I'm long and gone, they

be like, yo, you remember when dad came to school and it's like, I try to create that. What's the dumbest thing that you've done that you'd be like, this takes my Jersey cool power all the way away. Oh yeah. So me and my son and my dad, we all matched and I had them do the butterscotch, the butterscotch face. So they had baby butterscotch, butterscotch, and mini butterscotch. So like we all, they have no idea what they just did.

Within six years, seven years, they're gonna look and be like, dad, you just embarrassed me. Like, wow, you are a dickhead, bro. Like, why would you do this? It's forever there. So yeah, so that's probably what I said. Well, let's get into the joint right now. I wonder, the album is out right now.

Of course, it's a double album. In My Heart, In My Veins, R&B side, Afro-B side, and we appreciate you for joining us, bro. Thank you, bro, thank you, man. God bless y'all. All right, and I just wanna say one last thing. Rotimi is one of those artists that always call and check up on you.

Yeah. No matter what's going on in your life, good or bad, Rho Timmy will hit you, just check it up on you, brother. I want to make sure you're good. How's your mental, how's your health, how's the family? He always does that, so I just want to say I appreciate that. And I want to say I appreciate that too, because he's telling me, like, I don't know,

like, you're not my family, like, you don't check up on me too. Like, this is my friend. You don't know him. I do know him. You don't know him. What's his real name? Rho Timmy. Okay, all right.

YouTube me, yo. It's Rho Tim You do what you mean, yo. But yes. It's Rol-Ti-Me. It's The Breakfast Club. Good morning. Love. Wake that ass up. Early in the morning. The Breakfast Club.

Hey, y'all. Nimmini here. I'm the host of a brand new history podcast for kids and families called Historical Records. Executive produced by Questlove, The Story Pirates, and John Glickman, Historical Records brings history to life through hip hop. -♪ Flash slam, another one gone, fast bam, another one gone,

the cracker to bat and another one gone, a tip but a cap, there's another one gone. Each episode is about a different inspiring figure from history, like this one about Claudette Colvin, a 15 year old girl in Alabama who refused to give up her seat on the city bus nine whole months before Rosa Parks did the same thing. Check it.

And it began with me, did you know, did you know, I wouldn't give up my seat? Nine months before Rosa, it Claudette for my name. Get the kids in your life excited about history by tuning in to Historical Records. Because in order to make history, you have to make some noise. Listen to Historical Records on the iHeart Radio app,

Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. radio apps, Apple podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. The 2025 iHeart Podcast Awards are coming. This is the chance to nominate your podcast for the industry's biggest award. Submit your podcast for nomination now at iHeart.com slash podcast awards. But hurry, submissions close on December 8th. Hey, you've been doing all that talking. It's time to get rewarded for it.

Submit your podcast today at iHeart.com slash podcast awards. That's iHeart.com slash podcast awards. Hey, everyone. I'm Madison Packer, a pro hockey veteran going on my 10th season in New York. And I'm Anya Packer, a former pro hockey player and now a full Madison Packer stan. Anya and I met through hockey, and now we're married and moms to two awesome toddlers, ages two and four.

And we're excited about our new podcast, Moms Who Puck, which talks about everything from pro hockey to professional women's athletes to raising children and all the messiness in between. So listen to Moms Who Puck on the iHeart Radio app, Apple podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. From tips for healthy living to the latest medical breakthroughs,

WebMD's Health Discovered podcast keeps you up to date on today's most important health issues. Through in-depth conversations with experts from across the healthcare community, WebMD reveals how today's health news will impact your life tomorrow. It's not that people don't know that exercise is healthy. It's just that people don't know why it's healthy. And we're struggling to try to help people help themselves and each other. Listen to WebMD Health Discovered on the iHeartRadio app or wherever you get your podcasts.

Welcome to Gracias Come Again, a podcast by Honey German, where we get real and dive straight into todo lo actual y viral. We're talking music, los premios, el chisme, and all things trending in my cultura. I'm bringing you all the latest happening in our entertainment world and some fun and impactful interviews with your favorite Latin artists,

comedians, actors, and influencers. Each week, we get deep and raw life stories, combos on the issues that matter to us. And it's all packed with gems, sponge, straight up comedia. And that's a song that only nuestra gente can sprinkle. Listen to Gracias Come Again on the iHeartRadio app, Apple podcast, or wherever you get your podcast.