The Breakfast Club - INTERVIEW: Tink On Pulling From Pain On New Album, Jhené Aiko, Hitmaka, Men Lying In 2024 + More

Episode Date: July 24, 2024

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Had enough of this country? Ever dreamt about starting your own? I planted the flag. This is mine. I own this. It's surprisingly easy. 55 gallons of water, 500 pounds of concrete. Or maybe not. No country willingly gives up their territory. Oh my God.

What is that? Bullets. Listen to Escape from Zakistan. We need help! That's Escape from Z-A-Q-istan on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. Hey guys, I'm Kate Max. You might know me from my popular online series, The Running Interview Show, where I run with celebrities, athletes, entrepreneurs, and more. After those runs, the conversations keep going. That's what my podcast

Post Run High is all about. It's a chance to sit down with my guests and dive even deeper into their stories, their journeys, and the thoughts that arise once we've hit the pavement together. Listen to Post Run High on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. As a kid, I really do remember having these dreams and visions, but you just don't know what is going to come for you. Alicia shares her wisdom on growth, gratitude, and the power of love. I forgive myself. It's okay.

Have grace with yourself. You're trying your best. And you're going to figure out the rhythm of this thing. Alicia Keys, like you've never heard her before. Listen to On Purpose with Jay Shetty on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. like you to join us each week for our show, Civic Cipher. That's right. We discuss social issues, especially those that affect black

and brown people, but in a way that informs and empowers all people. We discuss everything from prejudice to politics to police violence, and we try to give you the tools to create positive change in your home, workplace, and social circle. We're going to learn how to become better allies to each other. So join us each Saturday for Civic Cipher

on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcast, or wherever you get your podcasts. Jenny Garth, Jana Kramer, Amy Robach, and TJ Holmes bring you I Do Part 2, a one-of-a-kind experiment in podcasting to help you find love again. Hey, I'm Jana Kramer. I'm Jenny Garth. 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, we want to help.

Listen to I Do Part 2 on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen to podcasts. Wake that ass up in the morning. The Breakfast Club. Morning, everybody. It's DJ Envy, Jess Hilarious, Charlamagne Tha Guy. We are The Breakfast Club. We got a special guest in the building. Big motherfucking tank. club morning everybody it's dj nv jess hilarious shalameen the guy we are the breakfast club we got a special guest in the building big motherfucking tink tink is here welcome tink good morning how you feeling i'm feeling good y'all i'm feeling refreshed why are you dropping winter's diaries fives in the summer for people to cry to all summer long they're supposed to be

outside having a good time yes yes my ladies. My ladies need it. Listen, my ladies need it. You know, when this diary can drop in the spring, the summer, the winter, you know, when it comes, it's just that type of music. It can drop anytime. Absolutely. How are you, first of all, though? I'm well, Charlamagne. Thank you for asking.

Still on the road? Still on the road. Jhene Aiko. Yes, I'm excited, y'all. I'm on tour right now with Jhene Aiko yes I'm excited y'all I'm on tour right now with Jhene Aiko the Magic Hour Tour and that's been

such a vibe such a blessing to be opening for my favorite artist I didn't know Jhene was your favorite artist of course of course

R&B girls know Jhene is the blueprint but this is an arena tour so this is so big for me and my fans and my supporters and it sells out

my daughter when she loved it she went to the Barclays show yes okay New York it was you Koyla Ray and Jhene

and she said it was just dope she said it was just like a huge women empowerment show it was just it was just a vibe the whole night she said she loved it yes

I feel like all my ladies we're getting our life every night on tour and we releasing all that toxic energy. You know, we just feeling the vibes. I need you to break something down for me. You just said Jhene Aiko was the blueprint for the R&B ladies.

I never heard that. Oh, yes. I want to break that down for you. Oh, yes. I grew up listening to Jhene Aiko back in her mixtape days. This was before albums on YouTube or albums on Apple Music. Jhene paved the way for a lot of girls. Wow. Yeah. Was it a sound? before albums on YouTube or albums on Apple Music. Jhené paved the way for a lot of girls.

Wow. Yeah. Was it the sound or content? What was it? The sound. I also think just the content, you know, the way she was approaching her music, stuff she was talking about.

Her first record was called Wait No More. That kind of took me over. But yeah, Jhené, honestly, she does it for the girls. Wow. I didn't know Tink was on the show because I would have called Tink. I knew she was on the show. I would have called Tink for tickets because my daughter wanted to go and I had to get tickets. I was like, damn, I don't know anybody on the show. Yeah, baby, you could have called me.

We're doing a big thing. But I heard the show was amazing. Now, we got to talk about your new mixtape, Winner's Diary 5. I don't even like to call it Winner's Diary mixtape. These would be like albums. These would be like soundtracks to these young ladies' lives. There's a lot of pain in that. Yes, this is the first album of Winner's Diary.

It started as a mixtape back in 2012. So you can imagine just how long it's been since I've released the Winner's Diary. My last one was in 2016. So this is the fifth edition of Winner's Diary. The girls that know me from Treat Me Like Somebody days. That was Wyrn's Diary 1. The original Authentic days, like I say mixtape days, I feel like that's where my fan base really grew. So this is very special to my day one. Are you still going through the pain now? Because we heard a lot of pain in them what 15, 16 songs you put

out there? Absolutely. And that's what it is. It's a diarrhea. So this album is much different than the others. There's a lot of pain. There's a lot of storytelling and honesty, things that I don't like to talk about all the time.

And that's what makes it special. It's just raw and uncut. But I'm in a much better space. I wanted to wait to drop this album till now, till I could really... Till you got in that space? Exactly, y'all, till I was in that space. Had to do some healing. Had to do some, like I say,

refreshing of myself. And I feel so much better now that I'm able to drop it in a space where I'm not just angry and upset. It's more so like reflecting. And I'm teaching, and I'm able to drop it in a space where I'm not just angry and upset it's more so like reflecting and I'm teaching and I'm trying to tell my girls what to do and not to do now was it a bunch of relationships or just one relationship because you said it was 2016 so was it a bunch of messed up relationships yeah I pulled from everything y'all I pulled from old relationships new relationships

things I'm going through and sitting in at the moment um but this album honestly was I feel like just me revealing what happened to me in the past year so a lot of a lot of the stories are fresh and that's why it's just it's just so um it's just so triggering and I think you know we need that in R&B I'm not trying to sugarcoat anything I'll put you in the same boat tank

as Mary J. Blige and Keisha Cole and that's heavy thank you Seanamé sadly you make the best music when you going to sadly it's crazy

that's crazy right that crazy it's sad that when you hurt you make some powerful music absolutely the best music

to me comes from my pain. And I appreciate that market for me. I think the girls, we relate to it. You know what I mean? I'm not the artist that's trying to be bubblegum. And I'm not a pop artist. I come from Chicago, the streets of Chicago. Queen of Chicago, G Herbo just called you.

Thank you, my brother. Yeah, my perspective is different, and that's why this album important, y'all. You know, I know it's girls in the trenches that's going through the same things that I've dealt with, and every day ain't sunny. So Winter's Diary is for my real ones. I need to know what the studio session

for songs about you was like. Was you and Summer together, drunk off tequila, venting about dudes? What was that about? You know what? I wish we were. I actually sent her a couple of songs. Summer has a crazy schedule. I love my girl Summer Walker. She is a mom. You know what I mean? She's also

an R&B artist working, putting in work. So a lot of times, artists, we have to send records through the email and we get on the phone and chop it up. So I recorded that record um I had two records I sent her stressing and songs about you she really liked songs about you and um like I say she sent it back it was a very easy process with summer she's a girl's girl so I appreciate her. A lot of people try to pin us. You know, they try to compare us a lot, our music and our styles. So it was really, really dope to come together.

So what was the inspiration for that song? Was it an argument with somebody? Were you mad? Like, did you go straight to the studio? Did you let it simmer for a minute? Oh, yeah. It has to simmer. You know, the song is really about when you're in a club or wherever you are and you get in your bag, you have a drink,

and you start thinking about one person. Yeah, that nigga. Oh, fuck. Uh-huh. And it's always, you know, sometimes it's the toxic one, but it's always one person you call. And that's why that song really hits home because it's summertime. We outside having our vibes.

And it's always one person you want to go home with. You know what I mean tell me what was the her record about like what I want to know what her inspired that record

it's her huh what did you say to the brother what did you say to the brother that he goes huh that made you be like

oh hell no huh is really triggering for me I think all my ladies it's not it's not y'all y'all laughing It's not funny, you're right.

Y'all laughing too hard. You're right. You're right, that wasn't funny. No, but my ladies understand, you know, these day and age,

men are quick to, you know, huh? What was the huh? What? Did you ask him where he was or let me see your phone? you can hear.

If you heard, you can hear. You can hear. You know, I like to, I like to be real in my music. That's's that's what does it for me when it's honest and I was going through a period of time I was asking questions what's going on what we doing where you at with it and yeah plain and simple is huh damn so yeah that day is home for a lot

of women relationships y'all I feel like me and you, it's very hard for y'all to be honest out here. So, hun is a lot of times the response. Here's the thing about hun sometimes. I really might not have heard you. That's a lie. Charlamagne, please. I'm just saying. That's a lie.

You need a second to think about what your answer going to be so that hun gives you that little second. Please. Exactly, Envy. That's what it is. You just out here snitching. What's up with you? We changed.

Black men don't cheat. We changed. We supposed to be teaching you. We done did that in what it is. You just out here snitching. What's up with you? We changed. Black men don't cheat. We changed. We supposed to be teaching you. We done did that in our 20s. You're right. A lot of times I'm thinking about what you want to say. So yeah. You heard me.

You heard me. So let me ask. So I got to ask. So when it comes to all this, what kind of man is Tink looking for, right? Because you get sexy in here and you tell about what you want a man to do to you sexually, but you also talk about all these toxic relations. So it seems like you're looking for the toxic. No, never.

We running from the toxic this year, y'all. For me, it's really about being honest and true. I think in 2024, men are such liars. Come on now. Men are so quick to lie. Can I say it, huh? It's been boiled down to being honest. I like a man that's securing himself,

knows what he wants, isn't afraid to vocalize that in the beginning. And for me, I'm from Chicago. I like a man that has just a strong demeanor. I love a stand-up guy.

And like I said, y'all, be honest. A lot of girls just want somebody that's going to be real to them and not play with their feelings. I feel like you've been searching for love for a long time, Tink. When I think about when his diary won. Wait a minute. Wait a minute. It feels like the whole series is you I've been working all my life

I think I need to say that too It's so hard to find love when you're really Passionate in your career So it may seem Like I'm looking for love but honestly I'm just so grounded in my music I don't have time to date And I wish I did

So I just want to say that I'm not looking for anything but a chick. But you are a lover though. I'm a lover but I'm so focused on making it and succeeding. So a lot of times love just falls to the wayside

for me and people don't know that. My music is very, it can be very sappy sometimes but in real life emotion does not run me. I run my business. Thinks I'm a whole thug. Yeah, at times I have to be.

Yeah. Yeah, you know how this industry can be. I have a tough skin on me. So it may seem like that, like I'm yearning for love, but a lot of times, y'all, I am so focused on my next bag. So why is that such a recurring theme and just the yearning for love throughout the mixtapes? I feel like I know what women want to hear.

And in the past, my music has touched a lot of souls, so I got to cater to that. You know, I can't leave my women hanging. My music isn't about flashing money and jewelry and chains. It's about what they need and I make sure that um I remember that when I'm writing now what relationships is it both for you guys because it takes two to tango right is it just are you kind of toxic too are you are you part of the problem well I think in general everybody is capable of being toxic. We have days.

But I'm such a person that gives grace, and I'm trying to do the right thing. I'm a very positive person. I'm peaceful. You know what I mean? Like, I love good vibrations. Word. So I may have a day.

I think we all have our days. We all have a moment. But that is not how i enter a relationship or that's not how i move in general you know for me i want peace y'all i've been through so much in this industry and if you know my story you know i've just been through a lot of hardships so absolutely not i want somebody to bring me some peace. I have enough to struggle and deal with in life. I like the record Insane because it shows the contrast between physical and emotional detachment after a breakup.

And you say, I'm in love with a nigga that won't change. Can't promise that I'm all because if he come calling, I'm already on my way. And it's like insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results. Come on. Why was it necessary for you to talk about that aspect of it? To me, I was just giving people both perspectives.

You know what I mean? Like I say, it's a diary, so I have to be honest with myself. And a lot of these songs are stories, and there was a point in time where I was stuck to a person and I think a lot of women have been there especially when we young you know what I mean we're comfortable it it feels good at the moment and you don't realize until you step back like oh I was really in something something I shouldn't have been in um so that was me reflecting you know what I mean?

And I think, honestly, that's probably the best song that people really love on the album because it's just honesty, you know? Do you think guys be intentionally trying to fuck women over? Or do you think that, listen, there's guys, I might have the best intentions. I really like this woman, but then, you know,

sometimes I just make irrational decisions. You can say poor choices. Poor choices. Poor choices. You know? Because I'm not trying to break your heart. I think it's a bit of both. I think at a certain age, you know what you're doing.

You know, at a certain point in your life, you know, we're not in high school or grammar school. So everything is a choice. You know what we're not in high school or grammar school, so everything is a choice. You know what I mean? And for me, in 2024, it's just a toxic era. You know what I'm saying? A lot of it has to do with our influences and what we're listening to, what we're seeing on Instagram, and what we think is fly and cool to do.

A lot of men, you know, they'll hurt a woman just because that's what they guys is doing. That's right. You know what I'm saying? They feeding off of what everybody else is on. So it's a choice. It's a choice. I don't think, you know, like I said, guys know what they doing.

I agree with that wholeheartedly because, you know, I think that sometimes these dudes treat their homeboys better than they treat their girls, like the lady that you laying down with every night. Like, you'll be more loyal to your dudes. You don't want to lie to your dudes. You don't want to lie to your dudes. You don't want to do your dude dirty. But you don't got no problem doing that to your woman. That's crazy.

Men know how to be loyal. And that is, that's why I say it's a choice. Men know how to be loyal. They loyal to their members. They loyal to their guys. They loyal to their dog. You know what I'm saying? Hello.

They barber. Y'all know how to be loyal and y'all know how to stick to one person. So, hey, it's a choice. I agree. Do you think it's also hard dating somebody or being with somebody in the industry? Oh, yes. Because it's a total difference.

It's not an average life. It's more of a difficult life. And if you don't understand it, your insecurities take over. Absolutely. That has a lot to do with it on both sides. It's a lot harder. Like you say, you have to be secure and um it's so much temptation in this industry you know guys guys that are in the

industry they have a lot a lot more to offer so it's more women and it's more dms and it's more um like i say distractions and everybody is accessible in the industry so absolutely it's 10 times harder um but that's why i say i wouldn't mind i wouldn't mind dating a a regular guy you would date a nice hard-working nine-to-five brother i sure would a hard-working honest man okay would you date a guy in the industry again i'm not against it but i'm open to everything. I think the industry, like I said, it plays a part. The industry just plays a part, like the distractions. So I would totally date an honest working man. Okay, now let's get to it.

Which one of these songs is about hit makeup? Is it Huh? Is it Stressin'? Is it Bless Me, Don't Stress Me? Is it Lows and Highs? Is it Hit It Lick? Is it Make It Make Sense? Which one?

Charlamagne. Listen, I feel like the entire album could relate to him or to any man. You know what I mean? I purposely waited to drop this album so that it wasn't 14 songs about one person. But in this situation, if you know our our history we went through a lot of turmoil so there's a bit of him in a lot of these a lot of these records um and he knows that we worked on the album together how was that and uh that process was different for me um it took a lot of maturity for me to get in that booth and for us to come to agreement on these songs.

We had hard days where he had to walk out. And that's just what it is. I couldn't. I couldn't. Did y'all have to have a conversation before? Because, I mean, y'all were together. Like you said, it was toxic at times. But y'all make great music with each other.

Most people would have been like, F that. I ain't working with him. You know, most women probably would have been like, I can see him again but y'all were able to how was that conversation and who put that together where y'all said you know let's squash this out and do this together yeah i had to take uh take the emotion out of it and uh we were already in a in a contract so um there were obligations and that's what I think the world doesn't know. You know, we already had ties and things were already in motion. Um, so like I say, it took a lot of maturity to say, Hey, I'm gonna go in this booth. I'm gonna do,

I'm gonna do my best today. You know what I'm saying? Whatever I can give, if it's 10%, 20%, that's the best I can give. And, um, you know, that and that's also why it did take some time because I needed time away to get my mind together I can't look at you today I can't be around you listening to what you want to say right now so I give God a lot of credit

it took a lot for me to put this album out. When did that happen? When did you make that call to be like look let's put the bullshit to the side and F you F me let's just make this album. How did that happen? When did you make that call to be like, look, let's put the bullshit to the side and F you, F me, let's just make this happen. How did that happen and what was that call like? Did he call you? Did you call him? Was it management?

Was it the label? Yeah, he actually reached out to me. And it took for us to sit down and really have just a long conversation. I'm talking hours of talking. And it took maturity. You know, like most people would have thought to tell, I'm not hours of talking and um it took maturity you know like most people would have through the towel I can't I'm not speaking to you again but I had to think about my career I had to think about um like I say I was in a contract already so I had to put on put on my um my poker face and get in the field and you know do what wasn't popular at the time. It wasn't cool to say, hey, I'm going in the studio with Hitmaker today.

So, you know, I took a lot of, I took a lot of, I had a lot of people dropping opinions in my ear, and I had to kind of just tunnel vision it and focus on the end goal. I want my album out. I want to have an album that feels elevated. And for that reason, I went ahead and we worked did you say is it true that is it true that he asked you for two million dollars because he was hey guys i'm kate max you might know me from my popular online series the running interview show where i run with celebrities athletes athletes, entrepreneurs, and more. After those runs, the conversations keep going.

That's what my podcast, Post Run High, is all about. It's a chance to sit down with my guests and dive even deeper into their stories, their journeys, and the thoughts that arise once we've hit the pavement together. You know that rush of endorphins you feel after a great workout? Well, that's when the real magic happens. So if you love hearing real, inspiring stories from the

people you know, follow, and admire, join me every week for Post Run High. It's where we take the conversation beyond the run and get into the heart of it all. It's lighthearted, pretty crazy, and very fun. Listen to Post Run High on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. Is your country falling apart? Feeling tired, depressed, a little bit revolutionary? Consider this. Start your own country. I planted the flag.

I just kind of looked out of like, this is mine. I own this. It's surprisingly easy. There just kind of looked out of like, this is mine. I own this. It's surprisingly easy. There are 55 gallons of water for 500 pounds of concrete. Everybody's doing it. I am King Ernest Emmanuel. I am the Queen of Ladonia. I'm Jackson I, King of Capraburg.

I am the Supreme Leader of the Grand Republic of Mentonia. Be part of a great colonial tradition. Why can't I create my own country? My forefathers did that themselves. What could go wrong? No country willingly gives up their territory. I was making a rocket with a black powder, you know, with explosive warhead. Oh my God.

What is that? Bullets. Bullets. We need help! We need help! We still have the off-road portion to go. Listen to Escape from Zakistan. And we're losing daylight fast.

That's Escape from Z-A-Q-istan on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. As a kid, I really do remember having these dreams and visions, but you just don't know what is going to come for you. Alicia Keys opens up about conquering doubt, learning to trust herself and leaning into her dreams. I think a lot of times we are built to doubt the possibilities for ourselves. For self-preservation and protection, it was literally that step by step. And so I discovered that that is how we get where we're going. This increment of small, determined moments. Alicia shares her wisdom on growth,

gratitude, and the power of love. I forgive myself. It's okay. Like grace. Have grace with yourself. You're trying your best and you're going to figure out

the rhythm of this thing. Alicia Keys, like you've never heard her before listen to on purpose with jay shetty on the iheart radio app apple podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts hey what's up this is ramses job and i go by the name q ward and we'd like you to join us each week for our show civic cypher that's right we're going to discuss social issues especially those that affect black and brown people but in a way that informs and empowers all people to hopefully create better allies. Think of it as a black show for non-black people.

We discuss everything from prejudice to politics to police violence, and we try to give you the tools to create positive change in your home, workplace and social circle. Exactly. Whether you're black, Asian, white, Latinx, indigenous, LGBTQIA+, you name it. If you stand with us, then we stand with you. Let's discuss the stories and conduct the interviews that will help us create a more empathetic, accountable, and equitable America. You are all our brothers and sisters, and we're inviting you to join us for Civic Cipher each and every Saturday. With myself, Ramses Jha, Q Ward, and some of the greatest minds in America. Listen to Civic Cipher every Saturday on the iHeartRadio 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 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 2 on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen to podcasts. You were mad that you wanted to go do a project independently? Well, I will say that we did have a contract in place. The details of the contract are really personal, and that's that's where I was at fault at you know sometimes it's best to just lay low about details and things like that but um Hitmaker was paid and I think that's fair to say he knows it um and that's the reason I went forward because if I'm putting my money and I'm investing into something, I need all of mine in return.

I was going to ask, I was doing the album because you got a lot of sexual songs, right? Oh, yeah. And there's a lot of songs that are very intimate, very sexy. It puts you in that mood. Did y'all get to a point where it rekindled anything after going through all that at all? No, I haven't been in that space with Hitmaker for a long time.

And that's the gag that everybody doesn't know. Like, I've been so focused on the music, I don't have time to really even entertain him or vice versa. You know, I think it's best that we keep things business. And the pleasure is what I think made things go left. Because it's always that I want that old thing back on both sides. Absolutely, but I had to learn. That was a learning lesson, and I think for me that's the biggest gift.

Every album, every year, I'm getting smarter. Like, hey, I know my next venture. I know what to look out for. I know when to say no, or I know when to say no or I know when to hold back. So I needed to go through that. You know, I want other women to watch me and learn from my mistakes. You know, I'm here to be a lesson and a blessing. So I don't have any regrets.

What happened happened. I'm stronger. I'm smarter. I feel like now I know just how to play. Would you put your next relationship on the gram like this one was? Absolutely not. Because you guys, I mean, y'all would just take something, he'd say something return.

So when you get this nice UPS guy, right, you're not going to put that on the gram? Not at all. I'm going to post his arm. I'm going to post the back of his head Or You know I think privacy is so good

Privacy helps so much Y'all When the world knows It's It's an extra weight So To my ladies y'all Please

Save it for you Keep it Keep it private It's It's so much peace In privacy When you said on Instagram That

You were fighting so hard to release this album, was that the fight? Was that the only issue? Absolutely. Just the battle with people on the outside, you know what I'm saying, giving me their advice and you shouldn't be working with him or you know what I'm saying, just scrap the album, start over. I had a lot of dark thoughts about the album that sometimes I had to,

you know, I second-guessed it. And, hey, y'all, should we just go another route? Or, you know, that's what I mean when I say I had to fight. I had to push through those, you know, those moments where you're not sure. And, like I say, I really had to stand tall and just be strong and confident, even though the world, you know, might have had a different feeling at the time I had to push through that what was the most I don't want to say embarrassing but what was the thing that came out that you weren't most proud of I remember they said you put hands on him of course that honestly was the peak for me if anybody knows me y'all know

I'm not even the internet type of person. I go live maybe twice a year. So to be live doing that, it did strike a nerve in me because who I am as a person is so much better than that. And I'm very private, so it came as a shock. But I'm a real woman, and I want people to know that life is full of ups and downs lows and highs lows and highs thank you Charlamagne thank you that was perfect but yeah life is full of lows and highs and um I think it gave people just an insight of you know my reality I'm not just a perfect person I never want to come across like I'm perfect. So I don't regret it,

but that was like a peak moment that I look back and I say, I'm going to learn from that and do better. Last question about that. I just, before you move on. The time when y'all, I think you were out the country and ran into each other. Were y'all recording at that time

or y'all would just happen to just, y'all were out the country, just happened to see each other, just like happenstance? No, we just happened to see each other. I was there for my friend's birthday, so I had no idea he was in the same country as me. We had no clue, and it was just ironic.

Did you look at that for a moment and be like, damn, this is divine. Maybe it's meant to be for a second, for a split second. I mean, I guess so. I mean, it had to happen for me to learn. So maybe God was trying to pivot me. So like I say, it might have been divine timing so that I could see what was really happening in these streets. Were y'all still talking at that time?

Were y'all still trying to work it out? And he just happened to be there with another girl? Enough. Yeah. Enough. I can see her visibly upset. Yeah, it's triggering, y'all. I love hard. And people,

you know, when you're really invested in somebody, you expect them to love the way that you love them. So it's a triggering situation. And I'm just glad that I'm in this space now like I say y'all I've grown so much it's it's really I want to put it behind me um and it's sad like when you attach yourself to somebody everything comes back up every every interview is going to be a question

so I'm trying to move forward in the most peaceful way I really do wish him the best I hope he is you know I hope he's well and I'm moving forward when you when you talk about the song lows and highs have you healed from the things you you say in that record cuz you say still up on my grind can't get caught up in no feelings trying to move forward but my heart's still healing for real but you've been getting colder by the days Papa 30 for the pain are you out of that space? I think anybody that goes through something traumatic, you can be out of a space,

but there's moments where you'll have your days. So I'm healed, but hey, you know, tomorrow something, I might read something or I might see something that triggers me. I am so human, y'all. I don't have a filter on me, so I'm still healing. I'm in the process. What puts Tink in a happy space? What makes you happy?

What makes you calm and relaxed? You know what makes me happy? Seeing my fans and actually touching my fans. When I'm on the road, I'm the most calmest, nicest. It gives me so much joy y'all like when people relate to your music come up to you and say thank you I needed that song it makes everything worth it um and also just seeing my music elevate y'all this is my first time hitting number one congratulations you know what I mean that that takes a lot for me I'm an independent artist

I don't have a crazy um backing force behind me everything is done with my team and um that means the most to me when you kind of see your work being paid off because we work hard as women we work so hard and I don't want to say harder than guys but I'm gonna say it we work 10 times harder than the guys just for a little piece of respect so when you see your work being paid off is the ultimate the ultimate you know joy I also think people don't realize how successful you are like you a gold artist you got gold plaques you write for mad people like you on tour you just got a number one like you got a very successful career think Tink. No, I'm so blessed, y'all. Oh, yeah, you got platinum plaques, too.

Thank you. I'm so blessed. And it's just because I'm not super, super flashy, or I'm not on the gram trying to put it in their face every day. Yeah, I'm blessed. And I want people to know, like, it's cool to be humble. Everybody don't need to know, you know what I'm saying, your bank account. Like, I like to appeal to be humble. Everybody don't need to know, you know what I'm saying, your bank account.

I like to appeal to the trenches. And for me, I want to be relatable forever. I don't want nobody to think I ain't on your level. I'm with you. You know what I'm saying? So I'm humble with it. I wonder how that works for you, though, in this era. Because we are in an era where everybody cares about everything except for the music.

Even though you're super successful just because of your music. They do want you to be live. They do want you to be posting pics. It's the gift and the curse. For me, I'm not distracted by that. I get my joy from other things. Instagram does not run my life. And honestly, putting your business out on Instagram every day isn't even smart anymore.

People are pocket watchers. They're envious. They're haters. You have a lot of people that will try to come around you for the wrong reasons. And I want everything genuine. So I don't mind playing the humble route. It's working for me. Like I say, I'm blessed.

And that's what it is. I don't need approval from nobody you feel like people don't see the work that you put in or look past you right cause the way you came in the game you came in so strong right and it was like I mean you

you didn't did damn near everything you didn't work with every artist you wanted to work with you probably done written for every artist you platinum your gold your on tour. Sold out arenas, by the way. And when we say sold out, they say we just put the tarp on a third level. I mean, sold out, sold out.

So do you feel like people look past you at times? I do, I do. I won't lie and be like, no, I feel like I'm getting all my just do. There are a lot of days where I want to be included in the conversation. And, um, for me, that is what keeps me working.

Like I'm not satisfied yet. I'm not throwing in a towel yet. I still got work to do. Um, but in the last few years, y'all, honestly, I feel like the attention is there.

My audience is growing the, um, the flowers are being given. So I don't mind taking the stairs. You know what I'm saying? The hard work is giving me so much discipline. So when you do see me getting that Grammy or getting that award, you'll know it's really hard work.

Nobody paid nobody to do this. You know what I mean? Nobody spoon fed me this. I really worked my ass off to make it here. So I don't mind it. A lot of people come up and it's just as quick as they come up. You know, they,

they, they can come down. So I'm not mad at my process. Every artist is different. You know, I'm a motivation for the girls just like me that ain't running around trying to make it in one day. You know, like, let's persevere, y'all.

Let's put the work in. I don't mind. That's why I was tripping when you said that about Jhene Aiko because I salute Jhene Aiko. I just never heard anybody say that. But I know a generation of girls who look at you like that. Like, you see all of these girls. They be like, tank that deal, tank that deal.

And it's not even just, you know, fans. It's actual stars. Like, I've seen Scissors say that. I've seen Cardi say that. Like, I've seen a bunch of people just give it up to you. So much love. But Jhené was that for me. Early in the game when Jhené was, you know, first dropping music,

it's not like she was just everywhere on every radio station. But her music resonated. So that's how I feel about my music. It's not about a look, an image. It's about what touches you and reaches you. So that's why she's, to me, like the blueprint for me because she never had to sell her soul. She never had to, you know, step out of her boundaries

to get to where she at. So, yeah, Jhené, she holds the flag for me. That's crazy, because all I think about, I mean, I love Jhené, but one of the biggest lines is, got to eat the booty like groceries. That's all you know. So it's kind of like she made that,

like, ass-eating go up big in the community. She did. You know what I mean? Look at that influence. And that's what it's about, y'all. Influence, it can come in different ways. Do you feel like the comparisons help or hurt, right? Because I think a lot of times we compare artists, and I think it's about, y'all. Influence, it can come in different ways. Do you feel like the comparisons help or hurt, right? Because I think a lot of times we compare artists,

and I think it hurts them. Because I remember when you first came out, they were like, she's the next Lauryn Hill, or she's the female Jay-Z. And it was like, why do we put those comparisons? Tink is tink, and she's dope. Absolutely. You know, it was too early, first of all,

to even say something like that. I think it was a statement about Aaliyah and I can say Lauren um and when you have a lot of work to do you know people are gonna jump on that attack that so um let let an artist be an artist everybody is different I'm trying to be who God made me to be um although I do take uh I do get influence from them, I am certainly not the next Aaliyah. I am Tink. So, yeah, that can definitely hurt a person's growth. Because people are then comparing their stats and their numbers.

And it's like, okay, well, she ain't making no progress. But in reality, you're doing it on your own terms. I agree. But more importantly is the feeling, right? Like if somebody says she's the next Lauryn Hill or she's like Aaliyah, we know how we felt

when we heard those records. So it's like now I'm looking for that feeling. So the music might be good, but if it don't give me that feeling, I'm going to feel let down. But it can never give you that feeling because you was at a whole different time

in your life when you was on Lauryn, when you was on Aaliyah. This is tank right now. That's right. That's it. Why do you keep the pencil writing in it that like that's like your little wayne lighter flick i love that yeah it actually is it's like the the brand for witness diary my first mixtape i came in with the pencil so you know as soon as you hit a pencil you know it's about to it's about to get real uh pretty girls. That feels like an affirmation song, encouraging

women to just prioritize themselves and self-love over toxic relationships. Absolutely. That's why it's the last song. I wanted to leave my girls with an uplifting message. After all the toxicity in the album, it's like, never forget who you

are and don't settle for less. And you know what I mean? If a man doesn't see your worth, he got to go. And I feel like that song resonates because as black women, we want to be told we pretty. And we want to hear that we worth something. So yes, pretty girls. Pretty girls.

We don't settle. We don't slip. We don't trip. And you't slip. We don't trip. And you don't get on social a lot, but you clearly pay attention because you got a lot of TikTokers on the album. Yes, yes. You sample a lot of them. Absolutely. I know the era we in.

Social media is running the world right now. So I made sure to include some voice notes that I felt were impactful. But absolutely, I tiktok however i can reach you i'm gonna reach you if i gotta go to tiktok route if i have to you know if i have to come see you on tour in person you know um however i can reach my girls i'm gonna get there and you asked on instagram you asked people which one the winner's diary was their favorite yes so people we gotta ask you which one is your favorite? Which one resonates with you the most?

Come on, y'all. The five. The number five. I feel like this is such progression. You know, my early mixtapes, I was in the basement. Audio was clipped. It was a lot of static. I think this album is so polished.

And it's so raw. You know, I tried to make sure that I made an album about all my phases. You know what I'm saying? The downs, there's the highs, there's the record player for my girls that like to get wild. It's such a, you know, just a well-cultivated album. I touched on everything in this one, so that's why it's going to be my favorite. Is this the last one? Never.

Okay. I feel like i still have more to say you know they really been pressing me for a deluxe so i got some more work to do um but it's never done for me my story will never be done i'm gonna take this to the grave y'all like i'm one of those artists i feel like i'm i'm i got so much more in me i'm just now touching that surface so i'm, y'all. This is not my last winter diary. So if you find love, which you will. Absolutely.

Will the pen change? Will those songs be about? Will they be like the greatest love songs we ever heard? Yeah, the pencil is still going to be there. Okay. But I love to make love songs. My earlier winter diaries, there were so many love songs. My earlier one is Diaries. There was so many love songs. H2O, I Like.

That'll always be. So, yes, they on the way. I just need some motivation. So somebody put me in that field, put me in that, you know, that space. Do you ever feel pressure? Because I ask guys this all the time. Like when guys make all these love-making records and they talk all this shit about what they're going to do

and they get in the band and then when you're writing Grip Tight and H2O and all that, do you feel the pressure to live up to that? I don't feel any pressure. But I will say it's definitely, it gives people something to look forward to. Because there are some songs on there that are freaky neeky,

freaky deeky. So I think it's just, it excites, you know, whoever I'm with. Not pressure for me, but I guess pressure for them to live up to what I'm on.

How often, how often has the pressure busted the pipe fast? I'm crying. What is that? Hey, Charlamagne. What the hell was that? It's too early. Tink,

new mixtape, Winter Diary 5 is out right now. What song you want to hear, Tink? Right now, I want to hear my new single, Songs About You, featuring Summer Walker. We'll get that on. And I think we should get her on, too. Who? Huh? Oh, yeah.

Oh, her is fire. Her is fire. Let's get her on. Her is fire. Much love to Tink always, man. You know, Tink, I'm a fan for a long, long, long, long time. Absolutely. I must say, Charlamagne has always been, as much shit people talk about Charlamagne,

he is a good brother to me. Thank you. And I really want to commend you for always checking in on me outside of radio, music. I just appreciate that. It's not a lot of people in the industry that, you know, on a personal level, care. So I appreciate you, Charlamagne.

Thank you, Tink. Alright. Well, it's the Breakfast Club. Tink, thank you so much. Thank y'all. I love y'all. It's the Breakfast Club. Good morning. Wake that ass up. In the morning. The Breakfast Club. Had enough of this country? Ever dreamt about starting your own? I planted the flag. This is mine.

I own this. It's surprisingly easy. 55 gallons of water, 500 pounds of concrete. Or maybe not. No country willingly gives up their territory. Oh my God. What is that? Bullets.

Listen to Escape from Zakistan. That's Escape from Z-A-Q-istan on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. Hey guys, I'm Kate Max. You might know me from my popular online series, The Running Interview Show, where I run with celebrities, athletes, entrepreneurs, and more. After those runs, the conversations keep going. That's what my podcast Post Run High is all about. It's a chance to sit down with my guests and dive even deeper into their stories, their journeys, and the thoughts that arise once we've hit the pavement together. Listen to Post Run High on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.

As a kid, I really do remember having these dreams and visions, but you just don't know what is going to come for you. Alicia shares her wisdom on growth, gratitude, and the power of love. I forgive myself. It's okay. Have grace with yourself. You're trying your best, and you're going to, and the power of love. I forgive myself. It's okay. Have grace with yourself. You're trying your best and you're going to figure out the rhythm of this thing. Alicia Keys, like you've never heard her before. Listen to On Purpose with Jay Shetty on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. Hey, what's up? This is

Ramses Jha. And I go by the name Q Ward. And we'd like you to join us each week for our show Civic Cipher. That's right. We discuss social issues, especially those that affect black and brown people, but in a way that informs and empowers all people. We discuss everything from prejudice to politics to police violence. And we try to give you the tools to create positive change in your home, workplace and social circle. We're going to learn how to become better allies to each other. So join us each Saturday for Civic Cipher on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcast. 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. Hey, I'm Jana Kramer. I'm Jenny Garth. 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, we want to help. Listen to I Do Part 2 on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen to podcasts.