The Breakfast Club - Jabari Banks Talks 'Bel-Air' Role, Lessons From The Fresh Prince, Freestyles + More

Episode Date: July 4, 2022

Belair's Jabari Banks visits the show and talks 'Bel-Air' role, lessons from the fresh prince, he even freestyles + moreSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. It's Teresa, your resident ghost host. And do I have a treat for you. Haunting is crawling out from the shadows, and it's going to be devilishly good. We've got chills, thrills, and stories that'll make you wish the lights stayed on. So join me, won't you?

Let's dive into the eerie unknown together. Sleep tight, if you can. Listen to Haunting 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 podcasts. Wake that ass up in the morning. The Breakfast Club. Morning, everybody. It's DJ Envy, Angela Yee, Charlamagne Tha Guy. We are The Breakfast Club. We got a special guest in the building.

Yes, indeed. From Bel Air, we have Jabari Banks. Welcome. What's going on? How you feeling, my brother? I'm great, man. How y'all? Man, blessed black and highly favored.

Yeah, exactly. Blessed to be here. Blessed to be with y'all. This is incredible. That's right. Congrats on the success of Bel Air thus far.. Yeah, exactly. Blessed to be here. Blessed to be with y'all. This is incredible. That's right. Congrats on the success of Bel-Air thus far. Thank you, man. Appreciate that.

Did you feel a lot of pressure having to play such an iconic role? Yeah, definitely the pressure. But, you know, many talks with Will, many talks with Morgan Cooper, our creator, and, you know, they just reminded me to just be me, you know, bring myself to the role. And, you know, it's exactly what Will was doing when he was being the Fresh Prince in the 90s. You know what I mean? He wasn't trying to be nobody else. So that's what I had to do how'd you get into acting I got into acting in high school and I sort of you know it's just like dollying around and

then I went to college for it cuz my mom needed me to go to college and I was like I'll go to college for acting and then I'm from Philly and I'm from Maryland and West Philadelphia born and raised yeah yeah I was crazy cuz I'm from Philly and I'm from Maryland. Oh, you're from Philly. Okay. West Philadelphia, born and raised? Yeah, yeah. It's crazy because I lived in West Philly with my Uncle Phil. Wow. But his name is James. Get the fuck out of here. It's what I got. It's what I got.

Stop. I don't believe you. I don't believe you. Listen, listen. His name is James. James Brogan, right? Yeah, okay. But we called him Phil because he lived in Philly and I lived with him for a long time.

That's wild because Uncle Phil's real name was James Avery. James Avery. Yeah, yeah. Wow. There's a lot of instances within the show, not just me, with everybody in the cast, you know what I mean? That kind of intertwined them with the story. But yeah, yeah, I went to school in Philly at University of the Arts, and then I fell

in love with it then. So did you tell people that story? Growing up being from Philly and having an uncle named Phil, did you? No, it didn't make sense. I mean, it didn't really register, you know what I mean? I wasn't really tripping off of it until everything clicked. And then it was like, oh, wow. Like, every part of my life has sort of led up to this.

Wow. You know? Now, you were a Fresh Prince fan, I'm assuming. Oh, yeah, for sure. Okay, all right. Now, according to the PhillyVoice.com, the director, Morgan Cooper, he had a $25,000 budget to do a feature film teaser for Bel Air with different actors. So how did that turn into this is going to be a show?

Well, so basically, you know, Morgan put the trailer out, you know, just out of love and out of a pure place. You know what I mean? He was just like, I love the Fresh Prince. I want to see this. I want to tell the story that I want to tell, you know. And he just he took that and he put it on YouTube. And I think within the first day, Will's company, Westbrook, they hit him up. And, you know, they were like, we want to, you know, talk with you and develop this thing. And, you know, I think a couple weeks after that, he was sitting with Will. And he was talking about, you know, where we want to take this story.

And, you know, years down the line, here we are. Totally different tone, though. Totally different tone. What did you think when you saw that? Yeah, break that down. Break down, if people haven't seen the show, the differences between what we've seen as a kid, Fresh Prince of Bel-Air and Bel-Air. Yeah, well, you know, Bel-Air 2022 version

is a dramatic retelling of the Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, the quintessential 90s sitcom. And, you know, it's all the characters that we know and love, but basically we get to dive deep into who they are and the actual stories that are going on in their lives. And, you know, it's a modern-day retelling of the Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, basically. And when you think of the story, you know, our showrunner, T.J. Brady, he said it perfectly.

He was like, we all know the story of the Joker. You know what I mean? But when we see Juan Quixote do what he was doing, it was like, did you really think about it? You know what I mean? And so, like, we get to see the story. We get to see how Will ends up in Bel-Air. And it's going to be super exciting for, like, old fans and new fans. And, man, it's been crazy to love see the story. We get to see how Will ends up in Bel-Air. And it's going to be super exciting for old fans and new fans.

And man, it's been crazy to love around the project. Were you afraid to turn something that I guess was so happy? So I'll call it bright. I'll call Fresh Prince of Bel-Air bright. Were you afraid to turn something like that dark? No, I wasn't afraid of it. Because when I had seen Morgan's trailer, I was like, oh, I get it. I get it.

And I was like, shit, I get it. I get it. And I was like, shit, I'd watch that. You know what I mean? And so I think it's important because it's a reflection of our world. You know what I mean? And I think, you know, it's important to see that. 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. 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 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 are 55 gallons of water for 500 pounds of concrete. Everybody's doing it. I am King Ernest Emmanuel.

I am the Queen of Laudonia. 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? Be part of a great colonial tradition. What could go wrong? 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 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 iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.

What's up, 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 going to toss it over to the host of Historical Records, Nimany, to tell you all about it. Make sure you check it out. Hey, y'all. Nimany 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. 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 was called a moment. 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 iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. Hi, I'm Dani Shapiro, host of the hit podcast, Family Secrets. How would you feel if when you met your biological father for the first time, he didn't even say hello? And how would you feel if your doctor advised you to keep your life-altering medical procedure a secret from everyone? And what if your past itself was a secret and the time had

suddenly come to share that past with your child? These are just a few of the powerful and profound questions we'll be asking on our 11th season of Family Secrets. Some of you have been with us since season one and others are just tuning in. Whatever the case, and wherever you are, thank you for being part of our Family Secrets family, where every week we explore the secrets that are kept from us, the secrets we keep from others, and the secrets we keep from ourselves. Listen to season 11 of Family Secrets

on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. How hands-on was Will Smith during the taping and all that? Man, he was, you know what? I always say this. It was great that he wasn't because he really gave us, he really left our retelling and our creation of these characters to our own volition.

You know what I mean? And so that allowed us to create these, you know, characters that ourselves are in. You know what I mean? He didn't have his thumb on it, hella. You know what I mean? And so I feel like that's what I appreciated about him. But, you know, he definitely gave us a lot of tips.

What about the other characters? Carlton and all of them? Any of them come on set? Yeah, we had a few talks with the original cast. So it was definitely a blessing to get their blessing and to see that torch pass. You know what I mean? I always wonder, you know, and I would love to ask Will this,

but maybe he told you I wonder what he Have played that character differently Now because you know, oh he's older now and he always said that back then he was he was pretending to be somebody He wasn't right. I wonder what he played at approached that character different now Definitely, you know like when he when he was you know doing the Fresh Prince thing He had no acting chops at all. Yeah, you know, like when he was, you know, doing the Fresh Prince thing, he had no acting chops at all. Yeah. You know what I mean?

And so he was just kind of up there just trying to figure it out. And I definitely think knowing what he knows now, it definitely would have been different, but it wouldn't have been as raw. So you got acting chops. So you weren't doing what Will could. But he said Will used to be saying everybody's lines. It was a little different for me. It was a little different for me because I was a theater actor. Oh. And so, this was my first time being in front of a camera,

in front of a 40 person, you know, camera crew. And so, that was definitely a learning curve for sure. How'd they discover you? I just,

you know, I just sent them my audition. Oh. You know, I had a manager, I had an agent that I got through a showcase. Mm-hmm.

And, you know, they sent me the call. They were like, yo, there's this show called Bel-Air and for this character Will. And I was like, hold on, Bel-Air, Will, what? And I me the call they were like yo there's this show called bel-air and for this character will and i was like hold on bel-air will what and i saw the call and i was like okay okay i could do this i knew it was me i just had to prove to everybody else but i thought that they wanted like a big name you know what i mean i thought that they wanted somebody who

was recognizable to everybody else and so i was like i don't know how i'm gonna get this role but you know i mean i just had to surrender to the whole process. And so I sent him my call. And a couple weeks down the line. What did you have to do on that first tape? Do you remember? Yeah. It was a couple of scenes. Did you have to rap?

No, I didn't have to rap. No, no. I just, it was a couple of scenes. It was actually a scene with LeBron in it. LeBron was supposed to be in the first episode. Really? But, you know, it was, you know, budget and, you know. Well, he was supposed to be playing one of the people you were playing ball against? No, no, no, no. He was supposed to be at the first episode. Really? But, you know, it was, you know, budget and, you know. Well, he was supposed to be playing

one of the people you were playing ball against? No, no, no, no. He was just supposed to be at a Bel Air party. He was like, yo, that's LeBron. Oh, gotcha, gotcha. You know what I mean? So I did a scene where LeBron was in it. And I mean, as soon as I read the scenes,

when I first got the script, I was like, oh, this show has something to say. Expound on the surrendering to the process. Yeah. For me, it was like, as an artist, we're always fighting against something when you're, like, an upcoming artist. You know what I mean? It's either, like, time, money, or resources. You understand?

And so it always felt like there was a push and pull with me. It was like, ah, I wish I could do this, but I need this. Or I wish I could do this, but I need that. And I was like, I don't know how I'm going to get where I'm going to get, but I felt myself get in there. You know what I'm going to get where I'm going to get, but I felt myself get in there. You know what I mean? And, you know, because when it comes to, like, opportunity, like, it really just, like, a lot of the times, like, I feel that, you know, it's about, like, someone, like, reaching out sometimes and, like, being, like, giving this person, like, okay, I see you and I see your talent. I'm going to take a chance on you. And I didn't know how I was going to get to that point.

So I remember there was a point in time where I was walking around this track in North Philly, the Temple's campus that I found, and I was studying my lines for the script, right? And there was a bee that flew across my face. And a lot of the times when bugs fly across me, they get close to me, I'm like, eh. I swat, I tense up when there's cold water. I tense, you know what I mean?

I want to stick a toe in. And I was like like i'm going to surrender to the universe to the to nature and i'm just going to and that was like a big learning uh lesson for me throughout the whole process was like i don't know how i'm going to do it like you know what i mean that's okay i'm okay with not knowing you know what i mean because like now like it's not in my hands it's in the universe's hands it's in god's hands whatever you believe you know what i mean and and um just knowing that gives you peace and so through that i i was able to just focus on me because i feel like a lot of times as artists you know like you know the comparison is the thief of joy basically you know what i mean and so when you see yourself auditioning you're

like oh no he got more to look you know i mean oh he got more acting chops or he's done more things than me you know what i mean and so you sort of just start tearing yourself down in that way which was i was blessed enough because it was over zoom that i didn't have to see the competition so it was just me versus me and so i just surrendered to the whole process and i was like i was like i don't know i was okay with not knowing how long did you let the beat sit there nah i was it was 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 are 55 gallons of water for 500 pounds of concrete. Everybody's doing it. I am King Ernest Emmanuel. I am the Queen of Laudonia. I'm Jackson I, King of Kaperburg.

I am the Supreme Leader of the Grand Republic of Mentonia. Be part of a great colonial tradition. The Waikana tribe own country. My forefathers did that themselves. What could go wrong? No country willingly gives up their territory. I was making a racket 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. 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. 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. 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 iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. What's up, 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 going to toss it over to the host of Historical Records, Nimany, to tell you all about it. Make sure you check it out.

Hey, y'all. Nimany 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. Bash, bam, another one gone. The crack of the bat and 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 iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. Hi, I'm Dani Shapiro, host of the hit podcast, Family Secrets. How would you feel if when you met your biological father for the first time, he didn't even say hello? And how would you feel if your doctor advised you to keep your

life-altering medical procedure a secret from everyone? And what if your past itself was a secret and the time had suddenly come to share that past with your child? These are just a few of the powerful and profound questions we'll be asking on our 11th season of Family Secrets. Some of you have been with us since season one, and others are just tuning in. Whatever the case, and wherever you are, thank you for being part of our Family Secrets family, where every week we explore the secrets that are kept from us, the secrets we keep from others, and the secrets we keep from ourselves. Listen to Season 11 of Family Secrets on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.

It was flying. It was buzzing. It was buzzing. I was like, you know what I mean? Oh, okay. I thought you said it sat on your face. No, it sat on my face. It flew by.

It flew by, but it was hovering. You know how bees be. You know what I mean? They just be around. You just weren't scared. Yeah, I wasn't scared. I was just like, I'm just going to keep walking, doing me. You know what I mean?

And that was just a big learning lesson for me. Like, I'll never forget that day. Dope. Now, with Bel-Air, are they recreating episodes that were done? Because there's so many iconic episodes. You know. The father episode. Right.

The pool hall episode. The drugs episode. Yeah. Are they recreating or are they doing new episodes? They're doing new episodes, but they're recreating moments, I would say. You know, moments that are recognizable. They're going to be like, oh, okay. So if you've seen the pilot episode, there's a moment where Will is on the plane,

and there's a glass full of OJ, you know, champagne glass full of OJ. And that's just a callback to the original song, you know. And there's just moments, little small moments like that, that are going to get the audience hyped. I mean, the OG fans, you know what I mean? Did you have to learn how to rap or did you know how to rap did you have that part done no I was a rapper before I was actor oh he's right okay so you rap what was your rap name I'm big back now I've

been through many rap names I used to call myself an indie the philosopher actually Jabari banks in my rap name don't say that fast we want to hit slow that down to Indy the philosopher Yeah, I was in middle school. Ask Charlamagne what his rap name was. Ask Charlamagne what his rap name was. What was your rap name? Dizzy Van Winkle. Like Dick Van Dyke? No, like Dizzy.

Like Rip Van Winkle mixed with Dizzy Devil. Dick Van Dyke. Remember Dizzy Devil from Looney Tunes? It was Tasmanian Devil, but did I think he had a son named dizzy van winkle yeah dizzy van winkle it was wild like you know rip van winkle was sleep for mad long and so i always felt like you know i was sleep for mad long and then i woke up like mentally confused so i was dizzy oh okay got you because they were sleeping on you no i got you i understand you know what i mean i was like okay they're sleeping on you. I was in middle school. We was in middle school.

You did some wild shit. That works better for him. I think that's your name. Now, you said that you learned so much from Will in five months. What are some of the things that Willy Llama taught you? Willy Llama, right? Yeah. Nah, yo, it's been super enlightening for sure.

You know, I feel like one of the bigger lessons that I've been taking with me, you know, I've been thinking about that a lot, is that he says, you know, don't let the success get to your head. Don't let the failures get to your heart. You know what I mean? And I've taken that with me. I'm just like, man, like, there's a lot of noise, a lot of noise. And there's a lot of things that come into this business that aren't about the work.

You know what I mean? And to just stay about the work because that's how you elevate, you know what I mean? That's how you, you know what I mean, inspire. That's what we do. That's why we do what we do. Absolutely. You know what I mean? Everything else around us kind of surrounding it, and it's like, okay, cool.

That comes with the territory. It's interesting, right? Because you want accolades, but those same accolades can make you a prisoner to the opinions of other people. Yeah. And you don't really want that. Yeah, no, no, no. You got to stay in here with yourself. Yeah, right. Yeah, I mean, accolades can make you a prisoner to the opinions of other people. Yeah. And you don't really want that. Yeah, no, no, no. You got to stay in here with yourself.

Right, yeah. I mean, accolades are just, they're nice, you know what I mean, when they come around, but it's definitely all about the work for me. For me, you know what I mean? Because that's where I find my joy at. Like, you know what I mean? I find joy being here, you know what I mean, just talking. But, you know what I mean, when I'm doing my work,

when I'm doing something that makes me happy, that's what it's all about for me. But the awards, come with it. You know what I mean? Come with it. When you thought about taking this or trying out for this, did you ever get nervous that you'd be always stuck as that character? Like you look at Jaleel White, he's always stuck as Steve Bercow.

No, no, no, no. I'm too dynamic for that. I knew that about myself. I'm an artist that that is transformative you know what i mean like i think i think you'll see that through throughout the throughout the years you know i mean i i i can transform and i always knew that about myself like i was a totally different person a year ago two years ago you know i mean you'll look at that person like who the hell is that you know what i mean and like and so i feel like down the line, I want to take on roles that are going to give people a different perspective about how a black person can be.

You know what I mean? I'm super interested in being in fantasy movies. You know what I mean? Fantasy science fiction. Fantasy science fiction. Show, you ever seen Lovecraft Country? Hell yeah. Lovecraft Country.

And it was a moment where it was like, oh, like, we can be, you know what I mean? We can exist in this type of, and it was like, this was a period piece, but it was also fantasy, but it was also drama, and it was also, you know, sci-fi. And it also lasted one season. It also lasted one season, right. Because HBO could not imagine seeing all these black people

doing this science fictional stuff. That's what it seemed like. Yeah, I think that came down to budget. You know what I mean? We had Ajnu up here the other day. And that's what she said. She said she feels like HBO couldn't see black people in that space for a long period of time.

I'm interested in opening up that realm. I'm interested in opening up that story. You know what I mean? And I feel like I don't ever want to get stuck in just the box. He's the Fresh Prince. He's doing story. You know what I mean? And I feel like I don't ever want to get stuck in just the box. He's Fresh Prince. He's doing this. You know what I mean?

That's not me. And I don't think I'll ever be that person. You know what's so interesting? That's such a great question, Envy asked, because it's like that role is so iconic, right?

Not just the role, because we're talking about there's a lot of iconic roles, but the person who played the role became an icon within itself. Yeah. So could you ever truly fill those shoes? I don't know if anybody would ever, and that's not a diss to you, I don't know if anybody would ever see you as the Fresh Prince. Yeah, no, I'm not interested in that.

I'm not interested in actually feeling, you know what I mean? I'm telling a story that I'm telling for a new generation at the end of the day, and this is opening up opportunity for me. You know what I mean? And this is giving me access for me to open up opportunity for the next person you know what i mean and so my story is my story will story is his story yeah we're not the same you know what i mean and like i'm telling this story of the fresh prince but like you know i'm telling this story of a 16 year old young man from philly you know gets sent to la but at the end of the day like

our stories aren't the same and i'll you know, nobody will ever be Will Smith. He's one-on-one. One-on-one. And Jabari Banks is one-on-one. Right. You know what I mean? So that's what I was going to say. I wonder if you could even tell this story if it wasn't for, like,

the reruns of Fresh Prince playing all the time now. Yeah, yeah. You know what I'm saying? Yeah, no, I know what you mean. Yeah. I wonder. Yeah. I wonder.

How much do you relate to the character? A lot. A lot, man. Okay. It's been a really meta experience bro you know what i mean in a way that it's like when you see will you know on moholland drive with jazz for the first time he's like damn this shit is fucking crazy it's crazy that's jabari too you know what i mean and so there's moments in the show where it's like will the characters having an experience and Jabari is having the same

experience and so it didn't feel like I was like you know what I mean were you having in real life I'm having in a real life real life but it didn't feel like it was like I had to act it's just like I had to exist you know what I mean I had to be you know I mean and so there's this it makes sense crazy yeah so you mean like coming from Maryland coming from Philly Philly and having the tape out there you like like like whoa yeah yeah I've seen you at the all-star game you're ringing the bell in Philly Philly yeah in LA now it's just a whole new life and how you know how are you adapting to that new world that new life new friends new

people in your life asking you people asking you for money? How is that? This shit definitely making me dizzy. You know what I mean? It's definitely making me like, you know what I mean? Van Winkle. Van Winkle, exactly. It's just, you know, I'm definitely grateful always.

That's what I'm moving. I'm moving gratefulness. But like, you know what I'm saying? It's a lot of smoke. It's hazy right now. You know what I mean? There's a lot of noise. You know what I'm saying?

And like, I'm just grateful that I met the people that i met i have a great support system and i feel like that's what's most important when you out in la and you knew and everybody wants a piece of you you know i mean it's like you gotta you gotta have people around you that remind you to stay grounded you know i'm saying because everybody's pulling you in three different directions like you know what i mean like uh and, yeah, I'm just happy. I'm happy. I'm happy. You know what I'm saying?

I can't say that I'm, you know what I mean, tired or I can't say that. Like, that's our duality. You know what I mean? Like, that just comes with the territory. You get tired sometimes, but I'm always happy to be here. You know what I'm saying? Gotcha. Like, I would never want to be in another position.

You know what I mean? Has being a Philly native helped you with the role? For sure. For sure. Definitely. In what way do you think? Well, I mean, just when it comes to slang, lingo, just the energy, you know what I mean?

It's very specific. And so, you know, being there and knowing the culture, you know what I'm saying? It was huge. It wasn't a – that's a hill, too, that you have to climb as an actor, too. And it's like, man, I'm not really from Jamaica, but you know what I mean? I got to put on that Jamaican accent. You know what I mean?

It's like, I'm not really from this, that. I didn't have to do that. But I'm interested in doing that as an actor, you know what I mean? It's hot in here. Well, take your denim off. 75 degrees today. You got that bubble-ass jacket. You got that bubble ass jacket. You got a bubble jacket?

You got a sweater on? I thought I was in New York. Now, on social media, there's been a conversation on if Will is wrong for dating Carlton's ex. What are your thoughts on that? You know what I mean? Not from a character perspective, either. From a real life. Real life?

Yeah. Shit happens, bro. That's like your brother, though. That's not my brother. You know what. Real life? Yeah. Shit happens, bro. That's like your brother, though. That's not my brother. You know what I mean? That's not my brother, bro. No, that's my cousin. I don't know him.

You know what I mean? I don't know him. And when you have a connection with somebody, you can't run away from that. It's like, damn, bro. That's your family, though. He's already wrecked his brain. It's like, damn, I see the history. I know the history.

You know what I mean? But when you have that connection with somebody it's like like what can we do yeah you felt that you felt that bro it's like i shouldn't be doing this right now but don't leave your girl around your bar yeah yeah come on come on you know this you know this though be honest with yourself but that lets that also there's always been that person in your life where you're like now i've been married 21 years, bro. Yeah, I married her. All right, now. You've been married 21 years.

Okay, he different. I married her. I've been with my wife for 24... We've been married since 2014. We've been together for like 24 years. But when you were 16? I was with my wife. I was 16.

She was 15. Try again. Holy shit. Hey, guys. I'm Kate Max. You might know me from my popular online series, The Running Interview Show, team, Draghi. Holy shit. 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 podcasts. I am King Ernest Emmanuel. I am the Queen of Ladonia. I'm Jackson I, King of Kaperburg. I am the Supreme Leader of the Grand Republic of Mentonia. Be part of a great colonial tradition. The Waikana tribe 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 warheads. Oh my God. What is that? Bullets. Bullet holes, yeah. 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 gonna 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. So 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 going to toss it over to the host of Historical Records,

Nemany, to tell you all about it. Make sure you check it out. Hey, y'all. Nimminy 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.

Bash, bam, another one gone. The crack of the bat and another one gone. pop. 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 iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. Hi, I'm Dani Shapiro, host of the hit podcast, Family Secrets. How would you feel if when you met your biological father for the first time, he didn't even say hello? And how would you feel if your doctor advised you to keep your life-altering medical procedure a secret from everyone? And what if your past itself was a secret and the time had suddenly come to share that past with your child? These

are just a few of the powerful and profound questions we'll be asking on our 11th season of Family Secrets. Some of you have been with us since season one, and others are just tuning in. Whatever the case, and wherever you are, thank you for being part of our Family Secrets family, where every week we explore the secrets that are kept from us, the secrets we keep from others, and the secrets we keep from ourselves. Listen to Season 11 of Family Secrets on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. Damn. Yeah, I don't know who I'm talking about. What are you trying to say, though?

You're trying to say, like, when you meet certain women, you just know. It's a connection that's undeniable. Yeah, it's undeniable. It's like, you know what I mean? It's just like a, you, it's not like, it just surpasses all, you know what I mean? Understanding it's like, yeah, I understand that there's this history there. Yeah. You know, have these feelings.

That's a good perspective. I didn't look at it like that. I looked at it like, yo, yo, cuz, that ain't the one you should wife because I smashed. Nah, yeah. Yeah, yeah, nah. I mean, I feel you. I feel you. You know, when Will first met Lisa, like, he wasn't like, oh, this is Carlton's ex. He was like, who is this girl? Yeah, yeah, yeah. I mean, I feel you, I feel you. But, you know, when Will first met Lisa, like, he wasn't like,

oh, this is Carlton's ex. He was like, who is this girl? You know what I'm saying? And, like, that initial thought is what's been driving him throughout the season. Got you. Got you. You know what I just thought?

It's ironic that your name, your last name is really Banks. Yeah. Wow. Yeah. You might have been really meant to play this role. You know what I mean? I feel that way. It's definitely been an experience that has been a spiritual one for all of us.

You know what I mean? Each player in our ensemble has something in our lives that has twisted us and intertwined us with this project and aligned us with this project. You know what I mean? So it's divine. What about the scene when Carlton's rapping with his white friends and allowing them to say the N-word? You ever been in that situation?

No, never. Okay. How would you have handled it? Probably the same way that Will did. You know what I mean? I've never been in that situation. I really resonate with Will in that situation. I think it's amazing that when I first read that scene,

I was like, oh, this show has something to say. You know what I mean? I feel like that's going to start a conversation, and I think that's how we grow as a community. That's how we grow as a people. It's like we have these type of conversations. You know what I mean? And that's unique, because I know that probably happened at that school. Oh, yeah, for sure. Remember when all the white kids wanted to be like Will? Yeah.

And then they started turning their jackets inside out and shit. Absolutely. Exactly. All right, well, Jabari, we appreciate you for joining us. What's next with Jabari? What's next with Jabari? Yes.

Clothing, coming soon. Music, coming soon. What kind of music? Because you know they're going to be expecting Fresh Prince. Parents just don't understand. Mama said knock you out. Oh, no, no, no.

It's totally different than that. You know what I mean? What kind of music? Will is one-on-one. Jabari is one-on-one. You know what I mean? So, yeah. It's totally different than that. You know what I mean? What kind of music? I said Willow's 101, Jabari's 101. You know what I mean? So, yeah, I'm doing my own stuff. You know what I mean? I feel like I'm marrying R&B and hip-hop in a way that hasn't been done before.

You know what I'm saying? I'm still trying to figure that out. You know what I mean? Still trying to find my voice in that. You know what I mean? It's like, I always say, like, I feel like Drake and Don Toliver are, like, marrying R&B and hip-hop in a specific way, but totally different ways. You know what I mean? Totally different voices. And I'm trying to find my voice in that you got you you know

pay homage to the og ja rule too yeah yeah yeah yeah now are they keeping you in the family like is charlie mack trying to manage you or is he managing yo you know what's crazy i auditioned for charlie matt he was he was making a a boy band called brotherly love and he was he was like developing this this band and i auditioned for him years ago. Wow. And I didn't make it. And I see them on the red carpet, and I was like, yo, Charlie, you remember me? He was like, yeah, I remember you.

You know what I mean? Wow. He was trying to hit on my mom and shit, but yeah. You know, Charlie. Yeah, you know, Charlie, you know. Charlie! No, Charlie's the guy, though. You know what I mean?

Yeah. Yeah. Okay. Shout out to Charlie Mack. Shout out to Charlie Mack. Big shout out to Charlie Mack. It's Jabari Banks. Serski. It's the guy, though. You know what I mean? Okay. Shout out to Charlie Mack. Shout out to Charlie Mack. Big shout out to Charlie Mack. It's Jabari Banks. Serski.

It's the Breakfast Club. Good morning. So Jabari's still here, ladies and gentlemen. And the last thing he says, y'all ain't gonna have me rap? We was trying to save you, Jabari. Sit your ass back down, Jabari. Did Jabari save you? Nah, sit your ass back down.

Oh, shit. Now, you know Charlamagne will give you, will fart on your bars if they're trash. Charlamagne don't fart on shit. Okay. That's what I asked for. Let me hear it. Let me hear it. Let me hear it.

I like. Turn me up. Turn me up. Yeah. Hold on. Here you go. Okay. Yeah.

Have you adjusted? They ask how you've been coping the past six months With everything that's been happening now Uh, yeah, now I'm back on they ass Hold on, alright, got you, uh Have you adjusted, they ask How you been coping the past six months With everything that's been happening now

Bar had been back on they ass Billboard hurting they necks Looking up, like how the fuck*** this s*** happened so fast Now I'm on Fallon doing dances I did in my room MJ sparkled his suit, uh Let's go, hold on, hold on Alright, let's go You get us on camera? Man, turn that s*** up

Ah, we freestylin', s***, I'm up now What's up? I said I'ma turn this world upside down Yeah, told the b****, that gins don't fuck with me. Yeah, I love that bitch. She lovely And she in love with me she noticed maybe I know you notice maybe I keep you focused Maybe I keep you loving me. Hold on all right, but um, I Need some water. I'm nodding my head to the beat now, not your ass. I just want you to see that. Hold on, hold on. I'm nodding my head to the beat. My fault, Michael.

You're crazy. 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 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 iheart Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. No country willingly gives up their territory. Oh, my God. What is that?

Bullets. Listen to Escape from Zaka-stan. Need help! That's Escape from Z-A-Q-a-stan 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. and it's going to be devilishly good. We've got chills, thrills, and stories that'll make you wish the lights stayed on. So join me, won't you? Let's dive into the eerie unknown together. Sleep tight, if you can. Listen to Haunting 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 QWard. 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 podcasts.