The BLC Pod: After Dark Edition

BLC309: Big Sean won’t Marry Jhene! Preggo Cardi Divorcing Offset? Van Jones, Tim Walz & more

On the ninth episode of the @theBLCPod, Nic Nice, Kim Jones, Just J, & Mr. Finley start the conversation with the Olympics and the storylines that resonated with them (06:52). For some, Noah Lyles winning the Gold after his remarks about the NBA champs not being true world champions stood out. Others highlighted some of the behind-the-scenes events that spilled onto the track, which was the case for Sha’Carri Richardson. And of course, the crew discuss the bounce back and dominance of Simone Biles, the offhand comments about her appearance, and plans for starting a family. The gang pivots to discuss Big Sean’s lackluster response to the marriage question when he sat down with Charlamagne Tha God (28:16). They address the comments around the internet about him making Jhene a baby mom and not wife, whether there’s merit to the conversation, and why men and women may look at this differently. They also discuss what responsibilities men have in leading a relationship, especially if marriage is something she wants, but something he doesn’t. Staying on the topic of relationships, the panel reacts to recent news that Cardi B is pregnant with her third child, while also going through a divorce with Offset (55:24). While making up and breaking up seems to be this couple’s bag, some are skeptical that the two will actually split and whether this was some sort of roll out. Others question the timing and whether it was responsible to get pregnant knowing that their relationship was on the rocks. Speaking of responsibly (or irresponsibly) creating life, the group digs into Van Jones and his “conscience coparenting” situation (1:08:57). They discuss whether he was being responsible with his seed when he agreed to father two kids with a friend, with whom he had no romantic or sexual relationship with. Some were surprised that he did so with a white woman, while others questioned whether that was on brand. The conversation takes an interesting turn when one of the panelists gives Van Jones his flower for stepping up and providing his , particularly in the wake of shortage of black sperm. He even posits that this could be the future ,and the conversation devolves from there. And last, but not least, Nic asks, “Who TF is Tim Walz (1:41:26)? It was recently announced that Kamala Harris chose Tim Walz as he running mate for her election against Donald Trump. Many believed he was a good candidate, even though his name wasn’t initially mentioned, primarily because of who he is, where’s his from, and the audience that he’ll speak to. And others question why he was chosen, and if he’ll make an impact in the outcome. Tune in for a different perspective and thought-provoking discussion that doesn't shy away from the tough questions and conversation. Be sure to Like, Subscribe, Follow and Engage!

BLC308: With Biden Out, Can Kamala Win? Sonya Massey’s Tragic End, & so much more!

On the eighth episode of the @theBLCPod, Nic Nice, SNM Jones, Kim Jones, & Just J start the conversation with Joe Biden’s announcement that he will step aside and not seek reelection for a second term (3:50). They delve into the President’s public address, the “real” reason for his withdrawal, the timing of this decision and the implications for Kamala Harris. Speaking of the VP, the crew discuss her chances of winning, the position she’s in, whether she can win, and the role that black men and women will play in this election (16:29). Taking more of somber tone, the group examine the tragic circumstances around the death of Sonya Massey at the hands of the police (53:53). They discuss the police officer responsible for her death, his checkered past, the role that the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act could’ve had in this case, and why voting in this election can impact the future of cases or circumstances like this. Towards the end of the show, the esteemed panelists talk about Blair Underwood and how he got married to his best friend of 40 years after being married for 27 (1:06:14). Was this a case of a friend waiting in the wings, overlap or monkey branching, or finding the one that was in front of you the entire time? Some question the ethics and impact of such a union and whether men and women can be friends, while others look at the situation with rose-colored glasses. Tune in for a different perspective and thought-provoking discussion that doesn't shy away from the tough questions and conversation. Be sure to Like, Subscribe, Follow and Engage!

BLC307: Trump Assassination Attempt, Amber at the RNC, & Is Common a F- boy?

On the seventh episode of @theBLCPod, the Fantastic Five unite for the first time after a short hiatus. After brief introductions and banter, Nic Nice, SNM Jones, Just J, Mr. Finley & Kim Jones start the show by discussing the assassination attempt on Donald Trump (7:18). They talk about whether people believed it was real when it first happened, why so many think it was staged or at the very least suspicious, who could’ve been behind it, the impact it might have on the election, and whether this sealed the deal for a Trump victory. The crew then pivots, albeit slightly, to Amber Rose’s appearance and speech at the Republican National Convention (46:10). While most question her authenticity and how big the bag was, the cast was somewhat split as to whether her appearance and support of Trump will have any impact. Questions about how she identifies when it comes to race was discussed, as well as the irony of having a woman who allegedly doesn’t claim her blackness speaking at the RNC to try to influence “black voters”, and whether it will work. And lastly, after Common’s recent interview where he somewhat discusses marriage possibilities with Jennifer Hudson, the crew is split on whether Common is lowkey a fuckboy (1:21:07). It was a surprisingly spirited and passionate conversation as they discuss what a fuckboy is, why Common might be exhibiting fuckboy behavior, why and how women should avoid them and ways that men can move to avoid being labeled as one. The cast also discusses whether Tiffany Haddish was hurt, hating, or both when she commented on his interview and the topic of marriage. Tune in for a different perspective and thought-provoking discussion that doesn't shy away from the tough questions and conversation. Be sure to Like, Subscribe, Follow and Engage!

SN115: Why Criticism ≠ Hate & is Important for Growth: A Response to K Dot Fans

On this special episode of #saidNICEly, Nic begins by addressing some of the people that commented on his video about why he thought ‘Not Like Us’ was not ‘Like That’, the impact hate for Drake had on the success of the song and so on. One of the common accusations was that Nic was hating on Kendrick Lamar and he rebuts that he did no such thing. In fact, Nic expands the conversations and argues that we’re in a culture where anything that seems critical is perceived as hate and why that’s dangerous. He argues that criticism is needed for growth and discusses why it’s important to able to discern constructive criticism from hate. Join the conversation and let's communicate respectfully! Don’t forget to like, subscribe, follow, share, and all that good stuff!

SN114: How I Accidentally became a Passport Bro

On this special episode of #saidNICEly, Nic discusses his recent trip to Medellin, Colombia, which started with Costa Rica in 2016. From exploring alternative places to live with lower cost of living and higher quality of life to the emergence of Passport Bros to explosion of Digital Nomads and Expats, Nic talks about how he accidentally became a Passport Bro. He also talks about the impact of perception, how it affects us moving towards our goals, why travelling gives us more real-life experiences versus going off what people with limited information tell you, and the importance of respecting other cultures. Join the conversation and let's communicate respectfully! Don’t forget to like, subscribe, follow, share, and all that good stuff!

SN113: Why ’Not Like Us’ is not ’Like That”!

On this special, pop-up episode of #saidNICEly, Nic questions the impact of Kendrick Lamar’s mega diss against Drake, Not Like Us, and his concert at the forum on Juneteenth. While the conversation starts with whether the hype around the song is based on the song’s merits or hate for Drake, it evolves into larger issues including being prisoners of the moment & hyperbole around current events. Join the conversation and let's communicate respectfully! Don’t forget to like, subscribe, follow, share, and all that good stuff!

BLC306: Happily Never After: in the Dating Pool to Why Blacks are the Most Divorced

On the sixth episode of @theBLCPod, Nic Nice, SNM Jones, Just J & Kim Jones start the show talking about the popular internet dating show, Pop The Balloon, if it’s a microcosm of what’s happening in the dating space, the challenges people face in dating, and if there’s pee in the dating pool (02:47). After a complete breakdown, and questionable analogies, the crew shift gears to discuss if polygamous relationships is something black women and black people should consider (29:20). This topic was inspired, in part by last week’s discussion about why black women are the most single and being a solutions-oriented podcast, we wondered if this option could help solve that problem. It was also inspired by a conservative, black women, who appeared to be Muslim, talking about her willingness to share her man for the betterment of that women and society. Sexyy Red also recently declared that she was sharing Chief Keef with another. While the conversation started off as one would expect, you could slowly see the change in hearts and minds as the conversation continues, and some even learned a thing or two. Lastly, the group discusses why Black divorce rates are higher, in some cases, almost twice as high as their counterparts in America (57:03). While some could be contributed to COVID, statistical anomalies, the crew wonders and discusses the role race, programming, pop culture, and lack of role models play in the rise in divorces. Tune in for a different perspective and thought-provoking discussion that doesn't shy away from the tough questions and conversation. Be sure to Like, Subscribe, Follow and Engage!

BLC305: A Fairytale Ending: Why Some SBW🤦🏾‍♀️ like Ashanti Get Theirs & Some Don’t

On the fifth episode of @theBLCPod, Nic Nice, SNM Jones, & Just J welcomes new cast member, Kim Jones, to the show. Kim brought her experience and expertise to the discussion as they started the show with trying to answer the question of why black women are more single than other races of women as well as their male counterparts (04:21). Kim kicks off the discussion with a conversation about the incarceration rate and its impact on black women being single before all breaks loose. After Kim, SNM, & Just J gives their thoughts, Nic erupts in a classic rant that you don’t want to miss. Aside from the inherent ‘Toxique’ in the conversation, the group tries to provide solutions on how to solve the singledom problem amongst black women. From there, the crew discuss recent news of Ashanti reconnecting with former flame, Nelly, as it was discovered that not only were they expecting a child together, but they were also married (37:37). The crew gets into an interesting conversation about spinning the block, whether that’s a good idea or dating strategy, things someone should consider if they’re considering spinning the block, the upside and the downsides, and the role that the fairytale and desperation plays as women focus on their biological clocks. And finally, the crew discussed Juneteenth, whether it’s something that caught on, a bone that the Democrats threw to avoid addressing the real issues black America faces, and if marketing and lack of knowledge is part of the reason the holiday has yet to resonate (57:03). Tune in for a different perspective and thought-provoking discussion that doesn't shy away from the tough questions and conversation. Be sure to Like, Subscribe, Follow and Engage!