1
00:00:01,101 --> 00:00:09,375
Songwriter is a...
Some form of therapy, for me, of
things that I have gone through

2
00:00:09,377 --> 00:00:11,610
some form of therapy, for me, of
things that I have gone through
and things that, you know,

3
00:00:11,612 --> 00:00:14,279
things that I have gone through
and things that, you know,
I didn't know I went through.

4
00:00:14,281 --> 00:00:16,615
And things that, you know,
I didn't know I went through.
When you're writing, you revisit

5
00:00:16,617 --> 00:00:18,283
I didn't know I went through.
When you're writing, you revisit
different places in your life

6
00:00:18,285 --> 00:00:19,918
when you're writing, you revisit
different places in your life
and things that you forgot

7
00:00:19,920 --> 00:00:21,220
different places in your life
and things that you forgot
about.

8
00:00:21,222 --> 00:00:24,490
And things that you forgot
about.
Kind of surface again.

9
00:00:24,492 --> 00:00:26,025
About.
Kind of surface again.
And you have a chance to deal

10
00:00:26,027 --> 00:00:27,993
kind of surface again.
And you have a chance to deal
with them, tell your story, get

11
00:00:27,995 --> 00:00:29,495
and you have a chance to deal
with them, tell your story, get
it off your chest.

12
00:00:29,497 --> 00:00:32,531
With them, tell your story, get
it off your chest.
And not only my life but looking

13
00:00:32,533 --> 00:00:34,533
it off your chest.
And not only my life but looking
out and seeing things that

14
00:00:34,535 --> 00:00:36,668
and not only my life but looking
out and seeing things that
others have endured, I think

15
00:00:36,670 --> 00:00:38,804
out and seeing things that
others have endured, I think
it's a form of therapy, freedom,

16
00:00:38,806 --> 00:00:40,806
others have endured, I think
it's a form of therapy, freedom,
and a chance to, uh -- to change

17
00:00:40,808 --> 00:00:42,341
it's a form of therapy, freedom,
and a chance to, uh -- to change
the narrative.

18
00:00:42,343 --> 00:00:46,111
And a chance to, uh -- to change
the narrative.
So writing, for me, is a little

19
00:00:46,113 --> 00:00:48,547
the narrative.
So writing, for me, is a little
piece of heaven.

20
00:00:48,549 --> 00:00:52,418
So writing, for me, is a little
piece of heaven.
What do I want my legacy to be?

21
00:00:52,420 --> 00:00:55,154
Piece of heaven.
What do I want my legacy to be?
A legacy that was not a selfish

22
00:00:55,156 --> 00:00:56,188
what do I want my legacy to be?
A legacy that was not a selfish
one.

23
00:00:56,190 --> 00:00:57,489
A legacy that was not a selfish
one.
A legacy that was for the

24
00:00:57,491 --> 00:00:59,491
one.
A legacy that was for the
people.

25
00:00:59,493 --> 00:01:02,361
A legacy that was for the
people.
Family, friends, loved ones.

26
00:01:02,363 --> 00:01:06,899
People.
Family, friends, loved ones.
And for the world.

27
00:01:06,901 --> 00:01:09,635
Family, friends, loved ones.
And for the world.
That I made it better.

28
00:01:09,637 --> 00:01:11,003
And for the world.
That I made it better.
When they needed something,

29
00:01:11,005 --> 00:01:13,038
that I made it better.
When they needed something,
I came through in the clutch,

30
00:01:13,040 --> 00:01:14,339
when they needed something,
I came through in the clutch,
and I made it better, one way or

31
00:01:14,341 --> 00:01:18,043
I came through in the clutch,
and I made it better, one way or
another, whether it was a song,

32
00:01:18,045 --> 00:01:19,211
and I made it better, one way or
another, whether it was a song,
I gave you the best haircut you

33
00:01:19,213 --> 00:01:22,681
another, whether it was a song,
I gave you the best haircut you
ever had, you had my collard

34
00:01:22,683 --> 00:01:25,684
I gave you the best haircut you
ever had, you had my collard
greens and my cabbage, or I just

35
00:01:25,686 --> 00:01:26,919
ever had, you had my collard
greens and my cabbage, or I just
honked the horn at you and made

36
00:01:26,921 --> 00:01:28,654
greens and my cabbage, or I just
honked the horn at you and made
your day better with a friendly

37
00:01:28,656 --> 00:01:30,155
honked the horn at you and made
your day better with a friendly
smile.

38
00:01:30,157 --> 00:01:31,090
Your day better with a friendly
smile.
You know?

39
00:01:31,092 --> 00:01:33,025
Smile.
You know?
"that guy, he was cool.

40
00:01:33,027 --> 00:01:36,228
You know?
"that guy, he was cool.
He was all right.

41
00:01:36,230 --> 00:01:38,430
"that guy, he was cool.
He was all right.
But he was a singing rascal."

42
00:01:38,432 --> 00:01:48,440
he was all right.
But he was a singing rascal."
♪

43
00:01:48,442 --> 00:01:58,450
but he was a singing rascal."
♪
♪

44
00:01:58,452 --> 00:02:01,937
♪
♪
♪

45
00:02:01,939 --> 00:02:02,020
--<font color="#ffff00"> captions by vitac</font> --
<font color="#00ffff"> www.Vitac.Com</font>

46
00:02:07,727 --> 00:02:12,531
♪ well, I'm goin' ♪
♪ do, do, do, do ♪
♪ down to the river ♪

47
00:02:12,533 --> 00:02:15,934
♪ do, do, do, do ♪
♪ down to the river ♪
♪ well, I'm goin' down to the

48
00:02:15,936 --> 00:02:16,702
♪ down to the river ♪
♪ well, I'm goin' down to the
river ♪

49
00:02:16,704 --> 00:02:18,270
♪ well, I'm goin' down to the
river ♪
♪ ooh ♪

50
00:02:18,272 --> 00:02:19,438
river ♪
♪ ooh ♪
that was one of the first songs

51
00:02:19,440 --> 00:02:21,140
♪ ooh ♪
that was one of the first songs
I ever sang.

52
00:02:21,142 --> 00:02:22,040
That was one of the first songs
I ever sang.
Yeah.

53
00:02:22,042 --> 00:02:23,442
I ever sang.
Yeah.
I was a singing barber.

54
00:02:23,444 --> 00:02:25,978
Yeah.
I was a singing barber.
Um...

55
00:02:25,980 --> 00:02:27,779
I was a singing barber.
Um...
Cutting hair was a -- was one of

56
00:02:27,781 --> 00:02:31,550
um...
Cutting hair was a -- was one of
the first jobs that I had.

57
00:02:31,552 --> 00:02:33,919
Cutting hair was a -- was one of
the first jobs that I had.
I taught myself with a big

58
00:02:33,921 --> 00:02:35,787
the first jobs that I had.
I taught myself with a big
razor and some scissors.

59
00:02:35,789 --> 00:02:38,957
I taught myself with a big
razor and some scissors.
It was a guy named sean who had

60
00:02:38,959 --> 00:02:40,425
razor and some scissors.
It was a guy named sean who had
the coarse -- he had this real

61
00:02:40,427 --> 00:02:41,994
it was a guy named sean who had
the coarse -- he had this real
coarse, thick hair.

62
00:02:41,996 --> 00:02:43,328
The coarse -- he had this real
coarse, thick hair.
I kept looking at him, I was

63
00:02:43,330 --> 00:02:44,930
coarse, thick hair.
I kept looking at him, I was
like, "man, I just want to cut

64
00:02:44,932 --> 00:02:45,364
I kept looking at him, I was
like, "man, I just want to cut
his hair.

65
00:02:45,366 --> 00:02:46,498
Like, "man, I just want to cut
his hair.
I want to give him a shape-up,"

66
00:02:46,500 --> 00:02:48,433
his hair.
I want to give him a shape-up,"
'cause it had grown out.

67
00:02:48,435 --> 00:02:49,902
I want to give him a shape-up,"
'cause it had grown out.
And one day, after school,

68
00:02:49,904 --> 00:02:51,937
'cause it had grown out.
And one day, after school,
I invited him over, and I cut

69
00:02:51,939 --> 00:02:52,905
and one day, after school,
I invited him over, and I cut
his hair.

70
00:02:52,907 --> 00:02:55,140
I invited him over, and I cut
his hair.
And I did a good job.

71
00:02:55,142 --> 00:02:57,042
His hair.
And I did a good job.
And from there, I started

72
00:02:57,044 --> 00:02:59,244
and I did a good job.
And from there, I started
picking up clippers and trying

73
00:02:59,246 --> 00:03:01,647
and from there, I started
picking up clippers and trying
to, uh -- to cut with clippers.

74
00:03:01,649 --> 00:03:03,182
Picking up clippers and trying
to, uh -- to cut with clippers.
Eventually went to barber

75
00:03:03,184 --> 00:03:04,583
to, uh -- to cut with clippers.
Eventually went to barber
school, a place called

76
00:03:04,585 --> 00:03:06,318
eventually went to barber
school, a place called
black world, where I met a lot

77
00:03:06,320 --> 00:03:07,719
school, a place called
black world, where I met a lot
of -- some of my best friends

78
00:03:07,721 --> 00:03:09,755
black world, where I met a lot
of -- some of my best friends
that I have still to this day --

79
00:03:09,757 --> 00:03:11,990
of -- some of my best friends
that I have still to this day --
ed d. Kane, ramon montgomery,

80
00:03:11,992 --> 00:03:16,028
that I have still to this day --
ed d. Kane, ramon montgomery,
chop, lamont staten -- and,

81
00:03:16,030 --> 00:03:17,963
ed d. Kane, ramon montgomery,
chop, lamont staten -- and,
yeah, we're still friends.

82
00:03:17,965 --> 00:03:19,364
Chop, lamont staten -- and,
yeah, we're still friends.
They were some of the rides to

83
00:03:19,366 --> 00:03:20,699
yeah, we're still friends.
They were some of the rides to
new york, those guys.

84
00:03:20,701 --> 00:03:22,701
They were some of the rides to
new york, those guys.
They believed in me a lot.

85
00:03:22,703 --> 00:03:23,902
New york, those guys.
They believed in me a lot.
But every day I came to that

86
00:03:23,904 --> 00:03:25,904
they believed in me a lot.
But every day I came to that
barber school and a barbershop,

87
00:03:25,906 --> 00:03:27,573
but every day I came to that
barber school and a barbershop,
you best believe I was gonna be

88
00:03:27,575 --> 00:03:28,740
barber school and a barbershop,
you best believe I was gonna be
singing.

89
00:03:28,742 --> 00:03:30,008
You best believe I was gonna be
singing.
Every song on the radio.

90
00:03:30,010 --> 00:03:32,044
Singing.
Every song on the radio.
[ chuckles ]

91
00:03:32,046 --> 00:03:33,145
every song on the radio.
[ chuckles ]
my favorite song to sing in the

92
00:03:33,147 --> 00:03:35,080
[ chuckles ]
my favorite song to sing in the
barbershop back then was

93
00:03:35,082 --> 00:03:37,349
my favorite song to sing in the
barbershop back then was
anything and everything jodeci.

94
00:03:37,351 --> 00:03:39,484
Barbershop back then was
anything and everything jodeci.
[ laughs ]

95
00:03:39,486 --> 00:03:40,485
anything and everything jodeci.
[ laughs ]
I thought I was in the group,

96
00:03:40,487 --> 00:03:41,520
[ laughs ]
I thought I was in the group,
man.

97
00:03:41,522 --> 00:03:42,688
I thought I was in the group,
man.
They're from charlotte,

98
00:03:42,690 --> 00:03:44,189
man.
They're from charlotte,
north carolina, so I'm like,

99
00:03:44,191 --> 00:03:45,023
they're from charlotte,
north carolina, so I'm like,
"oh, yeah."

100
00:03:45,025 --> 00:03:46,325
north carolina, so I'm like,
"oh, yeah."
I'm wearing my boots, and I'm

101
00:03:46,327 --> 00:03:47,859
"oh, yeah."
I'm wearing my boots, and I'm
cutting hair.

102
00:03:47,861 --> 00:03:50,095
I'm wearing my boots, and I'm
cutting hair.
And, yeah, I'm in the group, in

103
00:03:50,097 --> 00:03:52,097
cutting hair.
And, yeah, I'm in the group, in
my mind.

104
00:03:52,099 --> 00:03:54,199
And, yeah, I'm in the group, in
my mind.
My first record deal was

105
00:03:54,201 --> 00:03:55,934
my mind.
My first record deal was
uptown mca.

106
00:03:55,936 --> 00:03:58,036
My first record deal was
uptown mca.
It was like a dream for me.

107
00:03:58,038 --> 00:03:59,738
Uptown mca.
It was like a dream for me.
A dream label.

108
00:03:59,740 --> 00:04:01,940
It was like a dream for me.
A dream label.
Mary j. Blige, jodeci, heavy d,

109
00:04:01,942 --> 00:04:04,943
a dream label.
Mary j. Blige, jodeci, heavy d,
father mc, little shawn.

110
00:04:04,945 --> 00:04:08,146
Mary j. Blige, jodeci, heavy d,
father mc, little shawn.
So it was the label...

111
00:04:08,148 --> 00:04:10,249
Father mc, little shawn.
So it was the label...
That being signed to meant you

112
00:04:10,251 --> 00:04:11,817
so it was the label...
That being signed to meant you
had something.

113
00:04:11,819 --> 00:04:14,519
That being signed to meant you
had something.
They were taking over the whole

114
00:04:14,521 --> 00:04:17,055
had something.
They were taking over the whole
scene of music, from

115
00:04:17,057 --> 00:04:18,890
they were taking over the whole
scene of music, from
new jack swing going into

116
00:04:18,892 --> 00:04:21,093
scene of music, from
new jack swing going into
whatever jodeci created, it was

117
00:04:21,095 --> 00:04:22,194
new jack swing going into
whatever jodeci created, it was
something totally different.

118
00:04:22,196 --> 00:04:23,795
Whatever jodeci created, it was
something totally different.
And mary j. Blige with whatever

119
00:04:23,797 --> 00:04:25,030
something totally different.
And mary j. Blige with whatever
she was doing.

120
00:04:25,032 --> 00:04:26,632
And mary j. Blige with whatever
she was doing.
So, to be signed to that label

121
00:04:26,634 --> 00:04:28,133
she was doing.
So, to be signed to that label
let me know I had something.

122
00:04:28,135 --> 00:04:30,335
So, to be signed to that label
let me know I had something.
I was an opening act for jodeci

123
00:04:30,337 --> 00:04:33,405
let me know I had something.
I was an opening act for jodeci
on the freek'n you tour.

124
00:04:33,407 --> 00:04:34,806
I was an opening act for jodeci
on the freek'n you tour.
After that, you know, a few of

125
00:04:34,808 --> 00:04:36,808
on the freek'n you tour.
After that, you know, a few of
my deals kind of fell apart.

126
00:04:36,810 --> 00:04:39,278
After that, you know, a few of
my deals kind of fell apart.
I was still, you know, on a high

127
00:04:39,280 --> 00:04:40,646
my deals kind of fell apart.
I was still, you know, on a high
from being signed to uptown with

128
00:04:40,648 --> 00:04:43,482
I was still, you know, on a high
from being signed to uptown with
andre harrell, jimmy jenkins,

129
00:04:43,484 --> 00:04:45,117
from being signed to uptown with
andre harrell, jimmy jenkins,
and tim dog and all these guys,

130
00:04:45,119 --> 00:04:45,717
andre harrell, jimmy jenkins,
and tim dog and all these guys,
puffy.

131
00:04:45,719 --> 00:04:47,452
And tim dog and all these guys,
puffy.
There's a lot of great -- great

132
00:04:47,454 --> 00:04:48,153
puffy.
There's a lot of great -- great
guys.

133
00:04:48,155 --> 00:04:49,588
There's a lot of great -- great
guys.
Mark pitts.

134
00:04:49,590 --> 00:04:51,156
Guys.
Mark pitts.
Some of the greats that you see

135
00:04:51,158 --> 00:04:54,593
mark pitts.
Some of the greats that you see
now leading the way.

136
00:04:54,595 --> 00:04:58,397
Some of the greats that you see
now leading the way.
I remember being in the office,

137
00:04:58,399 --> 00:05:03,802
now leading the way.
I remember being in the office,
uptown, on broadway between 48th

138
00:05:03,804 --> 00:05:05,470
I remember being in the office,
uptown, on broadway between 48th
and 49th and broadway.

139
00:05:05,472 --> 00:05:07,572
Uptown, on broadway between 48th
and 49th and broadway.
And andre would tell me, "I'm

140
00:05:07,574 --> 00:05:08,807
and 49th and broadway.
And andre would tell me, "I'm
gonna have you around all these

141
00:05:08,809 --> 00:05:10,509
and andre would tell me, "I'm
gonna have you around all these
model chicks and all these

142
00:05:10,511 --> 00:05:12,177
gonna have you around all these
model chicks and all these
beautiful women, tall women,

143
00:05:12,179 --> 00:05:13,278
model chicks and all these
beautiful women, tall women,
like marvin gaye.

144
00:05:13,280 --> 00:05:14,079
Beautiful women, tall women,
like marvin gaye.
You gonna be it.

145
00:05:14,081 --> 00:05:15,213
Like marvin gaye.
You gonna be it.
We're gonna dress you up real

146
00:05:15,215 --> 00:05:15,747
you gonna be it.
We're gonna dress you up real
nice.

147
00:05:15,749 --> 00:05:16,782
We're gonna dress you up real
nice.
You gonna be a superstar.

148
00:05:16,784 --> 00:05:18,283
Nice.
You gonna be a superstar.
You're gonna be this.

149
00:05:18,285 --> 00:05:19,318
You gonna be a superstar.
You're gonna be this.
I'mma have you all aro-- all

150
00:05:19,320 --> 00:05:19,918
you're gonna be this.
I'mma have you all aro-- all
these women."

151
00:05:19,920 --> 00:05:21,153
I'mma have you all aro-- all
these women."
I said, "sir, I didn't come here

152
00:05:21,155 --> 00:05:21,787
these women."
I said, "sir, I didn't come here
for no women."

153
00:05:21,789 --> 00:05:22,988
I said, "sir, I didn't come here
for no women."
I said, "I came here to do

154
00:05:22,990 --> 00:05:23,989
for no women."
I said, "I came here to do
music."

155
00:05:23,991 --> 00:05:25,624
I said, "I came here to do
music."
and the look on his face at that

156
00:05:25,626 --> 00:05:27,426
music."
and the look on his face at that
moment was like, "okay.

157
00:05:27,428 --> 00:05:29,061
And the look on his face at that
moment was like, "okay.
So he's really serious about it.

158
00:05:29,063 --> 00:05:30,362
Moment was like, "okay.
So he's really serious about it.
So I don't have to gas him up

159
00:05:30,364 --> 00:05:31,530
so he's really serious about it.
So I don't have to gas him up
with stuff.

160
00:05:31,532 --> 00:05:32,364
So I don't have to gas him up
with stuff.
He's a real one."

161
00:05:32,366 --> 00:05:35,367
with stuff.
He's a real one."
and, from then on, he'd take me

162
00:05:35,369 --> 00:05:37,703
he's a real one."
and, from then on, he'd take me
everywhere -- to the hamptons,

163
00:05:37,705 --> 00:05:40,138
and, from then on, he'd take me
everywhere -- to the hamptons,
to russell simmons, to different

164
00:05:40,140 --> 00:05:42,374
everywhere -- to the hamptons,
to russell simmons, to different
meetings, and places where he

165
00:05:42,376 --> 00:05:43,909
to russell simmons, to different
meetings, and places where he
felt like I could benefit and

166
00:05:43,911 --> 00:05:44,943
meetings, and places where he
felt like I could benefit and
learn.

167
00:05:44,945 --> 00:05:46,878
Felt like I could benefit and
learn.
He could trust me 'cause I

168
00:05:46,880 --> 00:05:48,747
learn.
He could trust me 'cause I
wasn't -- I wasn't really in it

169
00:05:48,749 --> 00:05:50,549
he could trust me 'cause I
wasn't -- I wasn't really in it
for the -- for the mess.

170
00:05:50,551 --> 00:05:52,050
Wasn't -- I wasn't really in it
for the -- for the mess.
Although I saw some fine women

171
00:05:52,052 --> 00:05:53,085
for the -- for the mess.
Although I saw some fine women
on the way.

172
00:05:53,087 --> 00:05:54,820
Although I saw some fine women
on the way.
[ laughs ]

173
00:05:54,822 --> 00:05:56,822
on the way.
[ laughs ]
I did have my eye open.

174
00:05:56,824 --> 00:05:57,923
[ laughs ]
I did have my eye open.
But I didn't want to be

175
00:05:57,925 --> 00:06:00,058
I did have my eye open.
But I didn't want to be
distracted.

176
00:06:00,060 --> 00:06:01,560
But I didn't want to be
distracted.
But I got distracted anyway.

177
00:06:01,562 --> 00:06:04,162
Distracted.
But I got distracted anyway.
[ laughs ]

178
00:06:04,164 --> 00:06:06,565
but I got distracted anyway.
[ laughs ]
you know, being on uptown and

179
00:06:06,567 --> 00:06:09,267
[ laughs ]
you know, being on uptown and
the relationship between uptown

180
00:06:09,269 --> 00:06:11,770
you know, being on uptown and
the relationship between uptown
and mca, it was dwindling, and

181
00:06:11,772 --> 00:06:13,739
the relationship between uptown
and mca, it was dwindling, and
it was taking a turn for the

182
00:06:13,741 --> 00:06:15,941
and mca, it was dwindling, and
it was taking a turn for the
worse, and I got caught up in

183
00:06:15,943 --> 00:06:18,510
it was taking a turn for the
worse, and I got caught up in
that, so instead of letting me

184
00:06:18,512 --> 00:06:21,480
worse, and I got caught up in
that, so instead of letting me
go, mca decided to keep me and

185
00:06:21,482 --> 00:06:23,181
that, so instead of letting me
go, mca decided to keep me and
see what they could do with my

186
00:06:23,183 --> 00:06:24,316
go, mca decided to keep me and
see what they could do with my
career.

187
00:06:24,318 --> 00:06:26,718
See what they could do with my
career.
But at that moment, nobody --

188
00:06:26,720 --> 00:06:27,853
career.
But at that moment, nobody --
they didn't feel attached to it

189
00:06:27,855 --> 00:06:28,987
but at that moment, nobody --
they didn't feel attached to it
because they didn't work on it.

190
00:06:28,989 --> 00:06:31,957
They didn't feel attached to it
because they didn't work on it.
It was worked on by uptown, and

191
00:06:31,959 --> 00:06:33,225
because they didn't work on it.
It was worked on by uptown, and
people who were at uptown were

192
00:06:33,227 --> 00:06:33,992
it was worked on by uptown, and
people who were at uptown were
in love with it.

193
00:06:33,994 --> 00:06:36,795
People who were at uptown were
in love with it.
So mca kind of -- pretty much

194
00:06:36,797 --> 00:06:38,430
in love with it.
So mca kind of -- pretty much
just kind of had me sitting

195
00:06:38,432 --> 00:06:40,699
so mca kind of -- pretty much
just kind of had me sitting
around, kind of shelf life.

196
00:06:40,701 --> 00:06:41,933
Just kind of had me sitting
around, kind of shelf life.
And that's how it got over --

197
00:06:41,935 --> 00:06:43,535
around, kind of shelf life.
And that's how it got over --
over to mca.

198
00:06:43,537 --> 00:06:44,536
And that's how it got over --
over to mca.
But there was no real

199
00:06:44,538 --> 00:06:46,605
over to mca.
But there was no real
connection, you know?

200
00:06:46,607 --> 00:06:47,305
But there was no real
connection, you know?
And I get it.

201
00:06:47,307 --> 00:06:49,040
Connection, you know?
And I get it.
If you didn't work on it, there

202
00:06:49,042 --> 00:06:50,409
and I get it.
If you didn't work on it, there
was no blood, sweat, and tears

203
00:06:50,411 --> 00:06:51,877
if you didn't work on it, there
was no blood, sweat, and tears
going into it, how could you

204
00:06:51,879 --> 00:06:54,379
was no blood, sweat, and tears
going into it, how could you
really be attached to it?

205
00:06:54,381 --> 00:06:56,314
Going into it, how could you
really be attached to it?
Actually, "xtc" was never

206
00:06:56,316 --> 00:06:57,215
really be attached to it?
Actually, "xtc" was never
released.

207
00:06:57,217 --> 00:06:59,351
Actually, "xtc" was never
released.
It leaked.

208
00:06:59,353 --> 00:07:00,952
Released.
It leaked.
There was a single,

209
00:07:00,954 --> 00:07:02,454
it leaked.
There was a single,
"nobody else."

210
00:07:02,456 --> 00:07:03,822
there was a single,
"nobody else."
that was released, and there was

211
00:07:03,824 --> 00:07:05,957
"nobody else."
that was released, and there was
a single from

212
00:07:05,959 --> 00:07:06,958
that was released, and there was
a single from
"new york undercover,"

213
00:07:06,960 --> 00:07:07,959
a single from
"new york undercover,"
"I will go," featuring

214
00:07:07,961 --> 00:07:10,729
"new york undercover,"
"I will go," featuring
terri robinson, that was

215
00:07:10,731 --> 00:07:12,864
"I will go," featuring
terri robinson, that was
released on the soundtrack.

216
00:07:12,866 --> 00:07:14,299
Terri robinson, that was
released on the soundtrack.
But the actual album never came

217
00:07:14,301 --> 00:07:15,867
released on the soundtrack.
But the actual album never came
out.

218
00:07:15,869 --> 00:07:17,335
But the actual album never came
out.
There's sightings of it.

219
00:07:17,337 --> 00:07:19,137
Out.
There's sightings of it.
[ chuckles ]

220
00:07:19,139 --> 00:07:20,472
there's sightings of it.
[ chuckles ]
"xtc" is floating around

221
00:07:20,474 --> 00:07:22,841
[ chuckles ]
"xtc" is floating around
somewhere, and, uh...

222
00:07:22,843 --> 00:07:25,110
"xtc" is floating around
somewhere, and, uh...
Yeah, I heard it sold for $800

223
00:07:25,112 --> 00:07:26,344
somewhere, and, uh...
Yeah, I heard it sold for $800
one time.

224
00:07:26,346 --> 00:07:29,714
Yeah, I heard it sold for $800
one time.
So, that album was amazing.

225
00:07:29,716 --> 00:07:31,616
One time.
So, that album was amazing.
I worked with tone and poke of

226
00:07:31,618 --> 00:07:33,285
so, that album was amazing.
I worked with tone and poke of
the trackmasters, who were

227
00:07:33,287 --> 00:07:35,153
I worked with tone and poke of
the trackmasters, who were
killing it back in the day, from

228
00:07:35,155 --> 00:07:36,455
the trackmasters, who were
killing it back in the day, from
everybody from nas to

229
00:07:36,457 --> 00:07:38,423
killing it back in the day, from
everybody from nas to
will smith, just so many.

230
00:07:38,425 --> 00:07:40,192
Everybody from nas to
will smith, just so many.
They were running things back

231
00:07:40,194 --> 00:07:42,093
will smith, just so many.
They were running things back
then.

232
00:07:42,095 --> 00:07:43,094
They were running things back
then.
So there was a lot of

233
00:07:43,096 --> 00:07:45,730
then.
So there was a lot of
anticipation.

234
00:07:45,732 --> 00:07:48,033
So there was a lot of
anticipation.
That album would've been put up

235
00:07:48,035 --> 00:07:49,234
anticipation.
That album would've been put up
against d'angelo's

236
00:07:49,236 --> 00:07:51,002
that album would've been put up
against d'angelo's
"brown sugar."

237
00:07:51,004 --> 00:07:52,904
against d'angelo's
"brown sugar."
I remember being in the studio

238
00:07:52,906 --> 00:07:56,141
"brown sugar."
I remember being in the studio
with tone and poke, and kadar

239
00:07:56,143 --> 00:07:57,342
I remember being in the studio
with tone and poke, and kadar
would come over and play some of

240
00:07:57,344 --> 00:07:59,177
with tone and poke, and kadar
would come over and play some of
d'angelo's music.

241
00:07:59,179 --> 00:08:00,779
Would come over and play some of
d'angelo's music.
It was almost like a -- like a

242
00:08:00,781 --> 00:08:01,246
d'angelo's music.
It was almost like a -- like a
battle.

243
00:08:01,248 --> 00:08:02,914
It was almost like a -- like a
battle.
Like, it was our own "verzuz"

244
00:08:02,916 --> 00:08:04,216
battle.
Like, it was our own "verzuz"
back in the day.

245
00:08:04,218 --> 00:08:06,151
Like, it was our own "verzuz"
back in the day.
And, uh, I was like, "all right.

246
00:08:06,153 --> 00:08:07,486
Back in the day.
And, uh, I was like, "all right.
Cool.

247
00:08:07,488 --> 00:08:08,286
And, uh, I was like, "all right.
Cool.
He's good."

248
00:08:08,288 --> 00:08:09,120
cool.
He's good."
[ laughs ]

249
00:08:09,122 --> 00:08:11,156
he's good."
[ laughs ]
he's really good.

250
00:08:11,158 --> 00:08:13,625
[ laughs ]
he's really good.
He came out and blew up, and I

251
00:08:13,627 --> 00:08:14,292
he's really good.
He came out and blew up, and I
had another failed record deal.

252
00:08:19,916 --> 00:08:23,668
>> hamilton: People glorify
whatever success.
When you're coming from nothing

253
00:08:23,670 --> 00:08:25,871
whatever success.
When you're coming from nothing
and you see these guys with the

254
00:08:25,873 --> 00:08:28,173
when you're coming from nothing
and you see these guys with the
cars and the money and the women

255
00:08:28,175 --> 00:08:30,108
and you see these guys with the
cars and the money and the women
and just look like they're

256
00:08:30,110 --> 00:08:33,044
cars and the money and the women
and just look like they're
living the best life, you kind

257
00:08:33,046 --> 00:08:35,347
and just look like they're
living the best life, you kind
of want to see what it's about.

258
00:08:35,349 --> 00:08:36,848
Living the best life, you kind
of want to see what it's about.
People respected a lot of the

259
00:08:36,850 --> 00:08:39,818
of want to see what it's about.
People respected a lot of the
hustlers, and so I tried it.

260
00:08:39,820 --> 00:08:41,453
People respected a lot of the
hustlers, and so I tried it.
And I realized it just wasn't

261
00:08:41,455 --> 00:08:42,120
hustlers, and so I tried it.
And I realized it just wasn't
for me.

262
00:08:42,122 --> 00:08:44,990
And I realized it just wasn't
for me.
It was short-lived, and, uh,

263
00:08:44,992 --> 00:08:47,058
for me.
It was short-lived, and, uh,
I didn't really make a lot.

264
00:08:47,060 --> 00:08:48,560
It was short-lived, and, uh,
I didn't really make a lot.
It was a'ight -- $500,

265
00:08:48,562 --> 00:08:51,997
I didn't really make a lot.
It was a'ight -- $500,
a thousand here, $1,500, $2,000.

266
00:08:51,999 --> 00:08:53,698
It was a'ight -- $500,
a thousand here, $1,500, $2,000.
But the thing about it, for me,

267
00:08:53,700 --> 00:08:56,001
a thousand here, $1,500, $2,000.
But the thing about it, for me,
was to see myself hurting people

268
00:08:56,003 --> 00:08:57,936
but the thing about it, for me,
was to see myself hurting people
that I loved and people that

269
00:08:57,938 --> 00:09:00,572
was to see myself hurting people
that I loved and people that
were family and people that were

270
00:09:00,574 --> 00:09:02,407
that I loved and people that
were family and people that were
close to me, friends.

271
00:09:02,409 --> 00:09:04,276
Were family and people that were
close to me, friends.
And their parents.

272
00:09:04,278 --> 00:09:05,710
Close to me, friends.
And their parents.
I just couldn't --

273
00:09:05,712 --> 00:09:06,945
and their parents.
I just couldn't --
that wasn't my thing.

274
00:09:06,947 --> 00:09:09,114
I just couldn't --
that wasn't my thing.
I think I cared too much.

275
00:09:09,116 --> 00:09:12,117
That wasn't my thing.
I think I cared too much.
I'm glad I did, you know?

276
00:09:12,119 --> 00:09:13,451
I think I cared too much.
I'm glad I did, you know?
'cause it ultimately saved my

277
00:09:13,453 --> 00:09:14,119
I'm glad I did, you know?
'cause it ultimately saved my
life and saved a lot of theirs.

278
00:09:19,408 --> 00:09:27,732
>> hamilton: Yeah, my dad, um...
I remember growing up, and we
didn't have a really very close

279
00:09:27,734 --> 00:09:29,100
I remember growing up, and we
didn't have a really very close
relationship at the time.

280
00:09:29,102 --> 00:09:30,669
Didn't have a really very close
relationship at the time.
I knew him, and, you know, I

281
00:09:30,671 --> 00:09:32,037
relationship at the time.
I knew him, and, you know, I
knew him to be dad.

282
00:09:32,039 --> 00:09:34,773
I knew him, and, you know, I
knew him to be dad.
And the times that I -- that I

283
00:09:34,775 --> 00:09:35,840
knew him to be dad.
And the times that I -- that I
spent with him.

284
00:09:35,842 --> 00:09:38,443
And the times that I -- that I
spent with him.
I'd hear him singing in the car,

285
00:09:38,445 --> 00:09:41,079
spent with him.
I'd hear him singing in the car,
old motown and all these amazing

286
00:09:41,081 --> 00:09:42,480
I'd hear him singing in the car,
old motown and all these amazing
songs.

287
00:09:42,482 --> 00:09:44,749
Old motown and all these amazing
songs.
And he had a voice that

288
00:09:44,751 --> 00:09:47,185
songs.
And he had a voice that
I wasn't, uh...

289
00:09:47,187 --> 00:09:48,887
And he had a voice that
I wasn't, uh...
I was surprised, actually, to

290
00:09:48,889 --> 00:09:50,355
I wasn't, uh...
I was surprised, actually, to
hear that coming from someone

291
00:09:50,357 --> 00:09:52,057
I was surprised, actually, to
hear that coming from someone
that I knew that close.

292
00:09:52,059 --> 00:09:53,358
Hear that coming from someone
that I knew that close.
He almost got signed to motown.

293
00:09:53,360 --> 00:09:54,826
That I knew that close.
He almost got signed to motown.
He was in a group, called

294
00:09:54,828 --> 00:09:56,094
he almost got signed to motown.
He was in a group, called
the showstoppers.

295
00:09:56,096 --> 00:09:58,229
He was in a group, called
the showstoppers.
And they didn't take the guy

296
00:09:58,231 --> 00:09:59,197
the showstoppers.
And they didn't take the guy
serious.

297
00:09:59,199 --> 00:10:01,900
And they didn't take the guy
serious.
It was an agent for motown, and

298
00:10:01,902 --> 00:10:03,101
serious.
It was an agent for motown, and
they didn't go back to meet up

299
00:10:03,103 --> 00:10:06,171
it was an agent for motown, and
they didn't go back to meet up
with him, so that deal kind of

300
00:10:06,173 --> 00:10:07,472
they didn't go back to meet up
with him, so that deal kind of
got away from them.

301
00:10:07,474 --> 00:10:09,507
With him, so that deal kind of
got away from them.
You know, it stuck with me, the

302
00:10:09,509 --> 00:10:11,076
got away from them.
You know, it stuck with me, the
memories of hearing him sing and

303
00:10:11,078 --> 00:10:12,577
you know, it stuck with me, the
memories of hearing him sing and
then realizing that I had that

304
00:10:12,579 --> 00:10:15,080
memories of hearing him sing and
then realizing that I had that
same gift.

305
00:10:15,082 --> 00:10:17,182
Then realizing that I had that
same gift.
Yeah, it made me want to check

306
00:10:17,184 --> 00:10:18,650
same gift.
Yeah, it made me want to check
my gift and take it to the next

307
00:10:18,652 --> 00:10:19,484
yeah, it made me want to check
my gift and take it to the next
level.

308
00:10:19,486 --> 00:10:22,988
My gift and take it to the next
level.
Not just for me but for him, and

309
00:10:22,990 --> 00:10:23,955
level.
Not just for me but for him, and
he's proud of me.

310
00:10:23,957 --> 00:10:26,291
Not just for me but for him, and
he's proud of me.
We've become really close as of

311
00:10:26,293 --> 00:10:29,194
he's proud of me.
We've become really close as of
lately, the last -- well, 17

312
00:10:29,196 --> 00:10:30,595
we've become really close as of
lately, the last -- well, 17
years.

313
00:10:30,597 --> 00:10:32,263
Lately, the last -- well, 17
years.
We're pretty tight.

314
00:10:32,265 --> 00:10:33,298
Years.
We're pretty tight.
He's gonna teach me how to play

315
00:10:33,300 --> 00:10:35,567
we're pretty tight.
He's gonna teach me how to play
golf before he gets arthritis,

316
00:10:35,569 --> 00:10:36,434
he's gonna teach me how to play
golf before he gets arthritis,
he says.

317
00:10:36,436 --> 00:10:38,870
Golf before he gets arthritis,
he says.
[ laughs ]

318
00:10:38,872 --> 00:10:41,573
he says.
[ laughs ]
my mother. Um...

319
00:10:41,575 --> 00:10:42,874
[ laughs ]
my mother. Um...
She raised me.

320
00:10:42,876 --> 00:10:44,376
My mother. Um...
She raised me.
I was one of three.

321
00:10:44,378 --> 00:10:46,711
She raised me.
I was one of three.
She raised us the best she

322
00:10:46,713 --> 00:10:48,046
I was one of three.
She raised us the best she
could.

323
00:10:48,048 --> 00:10:51,149
She raised us the best she
could.
A single family.

324
00:10:51,151 --> 00:10:52,617
Could.
A single family.
And just -- I don't know.

325
00:10:52,619 --> 00:10:54,285
A single family.
And just -- I don't know.
She had a bout with not having

326
00:10:54,287 --> 00:10:57,055
and just -- I don't know.
She had a bout with not having
the best relationships, so it

327
00:10:57,057 --> 00:10:58,356
she had a bout with not having
the best relationships, so it
took a toll on her.

328
00:10:58,358 --> 00:10:59,924
The best relationships, so it
took a toll on her.
There was a moment when, you

329
00:10:59,926 --> 00:11:02,661
took a toll on her.
There was a moment when, you
know, she tried to soothe with

330
00:11:02,663 --> 00:11:05,897
there was a moment when, you
know, she tried to soothe with
alcohol, and, you know, it took

331
00:11:05,899 --> 00:11:07,232
know, she tried to soothe with
alcohol, and, you know, it took
a turn for the worse for a

332
00:11:07,234 --> 00:11:08,099
alcohol, and, you know, it took
a turn for the worse for a
minute.

333
00:11:08,101 --> 00:11:09,901
A turn for the worse for a
minute.
She got herself back together,

334
00:11:09,903 --> 00:11:12,070
minute.
She got herself back together,
and, uh...Yeah.

335
00:11:12,072 --> 00:11:13,471
She got herself back together,
and, uh...Yeah.
She made -- she made the best

336
00:11:13,473 --> 00:11:14,839
and, uh...Yeah.
She made -- she made the best
with what she had.

337
00:11:14,841 --> 00:11:16,441
She made -- she made the best
with what she had.
I lost her to cancer maybe six

338
00:11:16,443 --> 00:11:18,109
with what she had.
I lost her to cancer maybe six
or seven years ago.

339
00:11:18,111 --> 00:11:19,911
I lost her to cancer maybe six
or seven years ago.
Um...

340
00:11:19,913 --> 00:11:22,080
Or seven years ago.
Um...
Lung cancer.

341
00:11:22,082 --> 00:11:24,649
Um...
Lung cancer.
She was a smoker.

342
00:11:24,651 --> 00:11:27,252
Lung cancer.
She was a smoker.
And, uh -- but she could cook.

343
00:11:27,254 --> 00:11:28,586
She was a smoker.
And, uh -- but she could cook.
You know, in between cigarettes,

344
00:11:28,588 --> 00:11:30,755
and, uh -- but she could cook.
You know, in between cigarettes,
I'd smell fried chicken and

345
00:11:30,757 --> 00:11:33,158
you know, in between cigarettes,
I'd smell fried chicken and
collard greens pinto beans.

346
00:11:33,160 --> 00:11:34,459
I'd smell fried chicken and
collard greens pinto beans.
My mother was funny.

347
00:11:34,461 --> 00:11:36,361
Collard greens pinto beans.
My mother was funny.
I think I get a lot of my humor

348
00:11:36,363 --> 00:11:37,829
my mother was funny.
I think I get a lot of my humor
from my mom.

349
00:11:37,831 --> 00:11:39,831
I think I get a lot of my humor
from my mom.
And my daddy was like, "your

350
00:11:39,833 --> 00:11:41,099
from my mom.
And my daddy was like, "your
mama was crazy."

351
00:11:41,101 --> 00:11:42,300
and my daddy was like, "your
mama was crazy."
[ laughs ]

352
00:11:42,302 --> 00:11:44,869
mama was crazy."
[ laughs ]
she was in love, and she acted

353
00:11:44,871 --> 00:11:46,404
[ laughs ]
she was in love, and she acted
out a few times.

354
00:11:46,406 --> 00:11:48,073
She was in love, and she acted
out a few times.
Some of the stories were pretty

355
00:11:48,075 --> 00:11:49,441
out a few times.
Some of the stories were pretty
funny.

356
00:11:49,443 --> 00:11:51,042
Some of the stories were pretty
funny.
Ola pearl hamilton -- that was

357
00:11:51,044 --> 00:11:52,677
funny.
Ola pearl hamilton -- that was
my mother's name.

358
00:11:52,679 --> 00:11:56,548
Ola pearl hamilton -- that was
my mother's name.
My dad, ronnie -- ronnie boyd.

359
00:11:56,550 --> 00:11:59,084
My mother's name.
My dad, ronnie -- ronnie boyd.
Well, my upbringing, it was

360
00:11:59,086 --> 00:12:01,286
my dad, ronnie -- ronnie boyd.
Well, my upbringing, it was
pretty peaceful.

361
00:12:01,288 --> 00:12:02,520
Well, my upbringing, it was
pretty peaceful.
Slow-motion.

362
00:12:02,522 --> 00:12:04,289
Pretty peaceful.
Slow-motion.
My family was southern, from

363
00:12:04,291 --> 00:12:07,092
slow-motion.
My family was southern, from
south carolina and the southern

364
00:12:07,094 --> 00:12:09,194
my family was southern, from
south carolina and the southern
part of north carolina.

365
00:12:09,196 --> 00:12:10,695
South carolina and the southern
part of north carolina.
We grew up church -- church

366
00:12:10,697 --> 00:12:11,629
part of north carolina.
We grew up church -- church
folk.

367
00:12:11,631 --> 00:12:15,133
We grew up church -- church
folk.
Happy, close, lots of food.

368
00:12:15,135 --> 00:12:17,001
Folk.
Happy, close, lots of food.
Sunday mornings were definitely

369
00:12:17,003 --> 00:12:18,670
happy, close, lots of food.
Sunday mornings were definitely
biscuits and grits and

370
00:12:18,672 --> 00:12:20,805
Sunday mornings were definitely
biscuits and grits and
james cleveland playing in the

371
00:12:20,807 --> 00:12:21,806
biscuits and grits and
james cleveland playing in the
background.

372
00:12:21,808 --> 00:12:23,575
James cleveland playing in the
background.
So I had a pretty -- pretty

373
00:12:23,577 --> 00:12:27,045
background.
So I had a pretty -- pretty
even-balanced childhood.

374
00:12:27,047 --> 00:12:29,481
So I had a pretty -- pretty
even-balanced childhood.
A lot of freedom to go and do as

375
00:12:29,483 --> 00:12:30,348
even-balanced childhood.
A lot of freedom to go and do as
I please.

376
00:12:30,350 --> 00:12:32,350
A lot of freedom to go and do as
I please.
Run through the woods,

377
00:12:32,352 --> 00:12:33,918
I please.
Run through the woods,
hide-and-seek.

378
00:12:33,920 --> 00:12:36,988
Run through the woods,
hide-and-seek.
And shaking down apple trees is

379
00:12:36,990 --> 00:12:39,257
hide-and-seek.
And shaking down apple trees is
one of my favorite things to do.

380
00:12:39,259 --> 00:12:40,925
And shaking down apple trees is
one of my favorite things to do.
Yes, my grandmother was a

381
00:12:40,927 --> 00:12:42,994
one of my favorite things to do.
Yes, my grandmother was a
stickler for being a part of the

382
00:12:42,996 --> 00:12:44,896
yes, my grandmother was a
stickler for being a part of the
church, not just being in the

383
00:12:44,898 --> 00:12:45,563
stickler for being a part of the
church, not just being in the
church.

384
00:12:45,565 --> 00:12:47,132
Church, not just being in the
church.
You had to be a part of it and

385
00:12:47,134 --> 00:12:48,800
church.
You had to be a part of it and
participate and do something for

386
00:12:48,802 --> 00:12:49,768
you had to be a part of it and
participate and do something for
the lord.

387
00:12:49,770 --> 00:12:51,202
Participate and do something for
the lord.
If you wanted to get blessed,

388
00:12:51,204 --> 00:12:53,538
the lord.
If you wanted to get blessed,
you had to do the work, and

389
00:12:53,540 --> 00:12:55,039
if you wanted to get blessed,
you had to do the work, and
being on the choir was my first

390
00:12:55,041 --> 00:12:56,307
you had to do the work, and
being on the choir was my first
job at the church.

391
00:12:56,309 --> 00:12:57,809
Being on the choir was my first
job at the church.
She heard something in me.

392
00:12:57,811 --> 00:12:59,410
Job at the church.
She heard something in me.
I think, just around the house,

393
00:12:59,412 --> 00:13:01,045
she heard something in me.
I think, just around the house,
listening to music and mimicking

394
00:13:01,047 --> 00:13:02,647
I think, just around the house,
listening to music and mimicking
what I heard coming through the

395
00:13:02,649 --> 00:13:04,149
listening to music and mimicking
what I heard coming through the
speakers, she knew I had

396
00:13:04,151 --> 00:13:06,251
what I heard coming through the
speakers, she knew I had
something, a gift, so I had to

397
00:13:06,253 --> 00:13:09,087
speakers, she knew I had
something, a gift, so I had to
sing on the church choir or get

398
00:13:09,089 --> 00:13:09,921
something, a gift, so I had to
sing on the church choir or get
that switch.

399
00:13:09,923 --> 00:13:11,556
Sing on the church choir or get
that switch.
[ chuckles ]

400
00:13:11,558 --> 00:13:12,957
that switch.
[ chuckles ]
'cause grandma wasn't playing.

401
00:13:12,959 --> 00:13:14,259
[ chuckles ]
'cause grandma wasn't playing.
She wasn't playing no games.

402
00:13:14,261 --> 00:13:18,263
'cause grandma wasn't playing.
She wasn't playing no games.
I think that moment in my life,

403
00:13:18,265 --> 00:13:21,966
she wasn't playing no games.
I think that moment in my life,
when I was adopted, very young,

404
00:13:21,968 --> 00:13:24,002
I think that moment in my life,
when I was adopted, very young,
my mother was trying to get it

405
00:13:24,004 --> 00:13:24,903
when I was adopted, very young,
my mother was trying to get it
together.

406
00:13:24,905 --> 00:13:26,004
My mother was trying to get it
together.
And at that moment, I needed

407
00:13:26,006 --> 00:13:27,005
together.
And at that moment, I needed
stability, and I needed

408
00:13:27,007 --> 00:13:30,542
and at that moment, I needed
stability, and I needed
somewhere that I could grow into

409
00:13:30,544 --> 00:13:32,177
stability, and I needed
somewhere that I could grow into
who I believed I was at that

410
00:13:32,179 --> 00:13:33,878
somewhere that I could grow into
who I believed I was at that
age, even.

411
00:13:33,880 --> 00:13:36,514
Who I believed I was at that
age, even.
A family took me in, the way

412
00:13:36,516 --> 00:13:37,882
age, even.
A family took me in, the way
family.

413
00:13:37,884 --> 00:13:40,552
A family took me in, the way
family.
And the hard part about it was

414
00:13:40,554 --> 00:13:42,921
family.
And the hard part about it was
to be in a courtroom, you know,

415
00:13:42,923 --> 00:13:44,055
and the hard part about it was
to be in a courtroom, you know,
looking at my mom and saying,

416
00:13:44,057 --> 00:13:47,091
to be in a courtroom, you know,
looking at my mom and saying,
"hey, I'd rather go here and

417
00:13:47,093 --> 00:13:48,860
looking at my mom and saying,
"hey, I'd rather go here and
stay with this family than to go

418
00:13:48,862 --> 00:13:50,361
"hey, I'd rather go here and
stay with this family than to go
with her," that was her and my

419
00:13:50,363 --> 00:13:51,629
stay with this family than to go
with her," that was her and my
sister.

420
00:13:51,631 --> 00:13:52,964
With her," that was her and my
sister.
That was the hard part.

421
00:13:52,966 --> 00:13:54,866
Sister.
That was the hard part.
I still wish I could take that

422
00:13:54,868 --> 00:13:56,734
that was the hard part.
I still wish I could take that
moment back, but it was the best

423
00:13:56,736 --> 00:13:58,436
I still wish I could take that
moment back, but it was the best
for me at the time.

424
00:13:58,438 --> 00:13:59,737
Moment back, but it was the best
for me at the time.
At the time, it was the best for

425
00:13:59,739 --> 00:14:02,240
for me at the time.
At the time, it was the best for
all of us, because I think it

426
00:14:02,242 --> 00:14:04,943
at the time, it was the best for
all of us, because I think it
made us look into our lives, our

427
00:14:04,945 --> 00:14:07,812
all of us, because I think it
made us look into our lives, our
situation, and to get better.

428
00:14:07,814 --> 00:14:09,747
Made us look into our lives, our
situation, and to get better.
I stopped feeling guilt a

429
00:14:09,749 --> 00:14:11,983
situation, and to get better.
I stopped feeling guilt a
while -- a while ago.

430
00:14:11,985 --> 00:14:13,985
I stopped feeling guilt a
while -- a while ago.
We became one big happy family,

431
00:14:13,987 --> 00:14:15,753
while -- a while ago.
We became one big happy family,
and my adopted brother even

432
00:14:15,755 --> 00:14:17,722
we became one big happy family,
and my adopted brother even
lived with my mother at a time

433
00:14:17,724 --> 00:14:18,823
and my adopted brother even
lived with my mother at a time
when he was trying to get his

434
00:14:18,825 --> 00:14:19,991
lived with my mother at a time
when he was trying to get his
self together.

435
00:14:19,993 --> 00:14:21,826
When he was trying to get his
self together.
Yeah, so it became one seamless

436
00:14:21,828 --> 00:14:25,029
self together.
Yeah, so it became one seamless
family, one complete blanket of

437
00:14:25,031 --> 00:14:27,999
yeah, so it became one seamless
family, one complete blanket of
individuals who made -- made the

438
00:14:28,001 --> 00:14:30,134
family, one complete blanket of
individuals who made -- made the
best texture out of what we had.

439
00:14:30,136 --> 00:14:33,671
Individuals who made -- made the
best texture out of what we had.
At the age of 7, a man named

440
00:14:33,673 --> 00:14:39,043
best texture out of what we had.
At the age of 7, a man named
herman, my uncle jes, he was --

441
00:14:39,045 --> 00:14:42,013
at the age of 7, a man named
herman, my uncle jes, he was --
he was a hunter and worked at,

442
00:14:42,015 --> 00:14:44,182
herman, my uncle jes, he was --
he was a hunter and worked at,
I think, edward lumber company.

443
00:14:44,184 --> 00:14:45,450
He was a hunter and worked at,
I think, edward lumber company.
And my aunt --

444
00:14:45,452 --> 00:14:46,885
I think, edward lumber company.
And my aunt --
well, my cousin.

445
00:14:46,887 --> 00:14:48,386
And my aunt --
well, my cousin.
I called her my aunt because she

446
00:14:48,388 --> 00:14:52,390
well, my cousin.
I called her my aunt because she
always looked older -- marie.

447
00:14:52,392 --> 00:14:53,591
I called her my aunt because she
always looked older -- marie.
It was her husband.

448
00:14:53,593 --> 00:14:54,993
Always looked older -- marie.
It was her husband.
Herman was a really nice man,

449
00:14:54,995 --> 00:14:57,028
it was her husband.
Herman was a really nice man,
and he called me "golf ball,"

450
00:14:57,030 --> 00:14:59,931
herman was a really nice man,
and he called me "golf ball,"
because every time I saw him,

451
00:14:59,933 --> 00:15:02,333
and he called me "golf ball,"
because every time I saw him,
I was sure to get a golf ball.

452
00:15:02,335 --> 00:15:04,235
Because every time I saw him,
I was sure to get a golf ball.
But he and uncle jes had had a

453
00:15:04,237 --> 00:15:07,105
I was sure to get a golf ball.
But he and uncle jes had had a
falling out, and I believe

454
00:15:07,107 --> 00:15:09,874
but he and uncle jes had had a
falling out, and I believe
uncle jes said, "come outside."

455
00:15:09,876 --> 00:15:11,142
falling out, and I believe
uncle jes said, "come outside."
and I didn't know what was

456
00:15:11,144 --> 00:15:12,644
uncle jes said, "come outside."
and I didn't know what was
happening, but I was looking out

457
00:15:12,646 --> 00:15:15,413
and I didn't know what was
happening, but I was looking out
my grandmother's front door.

458
00:15:15,415 --> 00:15:18,349
Happening, but I was looking out
my grandmother's front door.
Uncle jes was at the corner, and

459
00:15:18,351 --> 00:15:20,418
my grandmother's front door.
Uncle jes was at the corner, and
I heard a shot, with a shotgun.

460
00:15:20,420 --> 00:15:22,620
Uncle jes was at the corner, and
I heard a shot, with a shotgun.
And I saw herman lay down in the

461
00:15:22,622 --> 00:15:24,322
I heard a shot, with a shotgun.
And I saw herman lay down in the
street, and they put a pillow

462
00:15:24,324 --> 00:15:25,490
and I saw herman lay down in the
street, and they put a pillow
under his head.

463
00:15:25,492 --> 00:15:27,258
Street, and they put a pillow
under his head.
And I didn't really realize that

464
00:15:27,260 --> 00:15:28,593
under his head.
And I didn't really realize that
it was death that I was

465
00:15:28,595 --> 00:15:30,795
and I didn't really realize that
it was death that I was
witnessing -- or murder or

466
00:15:30,797 --> 00:15:31,996
it was death that I was
witnessing -- or murder or
whatever.

467
00:15:31,998 --> 00:15:34,065
Witnessing -- or murder or
whatever.
But I knew that, uh, I never saw

468
00:15:34,067 --> 00:15:34,465
whatever.
But I knew that, uh, I never saw
herman...Again.

469
00:15:41,857 --> 00:15:44,976
>> hamilton: Wow.
When I wrote and co-wrote
"u know what's up" for

470
00:15:44,978 --> 00:15:46,511
when I wrote and co-wrote
"u know what's up" for
donell jones, I was in the

471
00:15:46,513 --> 00:15:49,814
"u know what's up" for
donell jones, I was in the
studio with chris lighty and

472
00:15:49,816 --> 00:15:53,084
donell jones, I was in the
studio with chris lighty and
darren lighty and balewa -- some

473
00:15:53,086 --> 00:15:55,687
studio with chris lighty and
darren lighty and balewa -- some
great writers, producers.

474
00:15:55,689 --> 00:15:57,655
Darren lighty and balewa -- some
great writers, producers.
And I didn't have a lot going on

475
00:15:57,657 --> 00:15:58,923
great writers, producers.
And I didn't have a lot going on
at the time, but they believed

476
00:15:58,925 --> 00:16:01,693
and I didn't have a lot going on
at the time, but they believed
in me from hearing my "xtc" work

477
00:16:01,695 --> 00:16:03,394
at the time, but they believed
in me from hearing my "xtc" work
and writing I had done

478
00:16:03,396 --> 00:16:05,029
in me from hearing my "xtc" work
and writing I had done
and just knowing about me as a

479
00:16:05,031 --> 00:16:05,930
and writing I had done
and just knowing about me as a
vocalist.

480
00:16:05,932 --> 00:16:06,965
And just knowing about me as a
vocalist.
They invited me to come and

481
00:16:06,967 --> 00:16:07,565
vocalist.
They invited me to come and
write with them.

482
00:16:07,567 --> 00:16:09,200
They invited me to come and
write with them.
We were in new jersey.

483
00:16:09,202 --> 00:16:12,503
Write with them.
We were in new jersey.
And, you know, I had a chance to

484
00:16:12,505 --> 00:16:14,572
we were in new jersey.
And, you know, I had a chance to
say something on the -- on paper

485
00:16:14,574 --> 00:16:16,507
and, you know, I had a chance to
say something on the -- on paper
and pen, and it happened to be

486
00:16:16,509 --> 00:16:18,443
say something on the -- on paper
and pen, and it happened to be
that song, and it became a hit,

487
00:16:18,445 --> 00:16:19,911
and pen, and it happened to be
that song, and it became a hit,
and it's still a hit.

488
00:16:19,913 --> 00:16:21,512
That song, and it became a hit,
and it's still a hit.
And I think that was something I

489
00:16:21,514 --> 00:16:23,614
and it's still a hit.
And I think that was something I
needed -- to keep me going, to

490
00:16:23,616 --> 00:16:25,049
and I think that was something I
needed -- to keep me going, to
give me the motivation and be

491
00:16:25,051 --> 00:16:26,017
needed -- to keep me going, to
give me the motivation and be
like, "okay.

492
00:16:26,019 --> 00:16:27,418
Give me the motivation and be
like, "okay.
There's still a chance for you.

493
00:16:27,420 --> 00:16:30,922
Like, "okay.
There's still a chance for you.
There's still -- still hope.

494
00:16:30,924 --> 00:16:33,057
There's still a chance for you.
There's still -- still hope.
Your 40th record deal, but..."

495
00:16:33,059 --> 00:16:34,158
there's still -- still hope.
Your 40th record deal, but..."
[ chuckles ]

496
00:16:34,160 --> 00:16:35,560
your 40th record deal, but..."
[ chuckles ]
"but there's still hope."

497
00:16:35,562 --> 00:16:37,428
[ chuckles ]
"but there's still hope."
that's just a little sign from

498
00:16:37,430 --> 00:16:39,330
"but there's still hope."
that's just a little sign from
god he sprinkled on me at that

499
00:16:39,332 --> 00:16:39,964
that's just a little sign from
god he sprinkled on me at that
time.

500
00:16:39,966 --> 00:16:41,132
God he sprinkled on me at that
time.
And I needed it.

501
00:16:41,134 --> 00:16:43,901
Time.
And I needed it.
"po' folks" -- now we -- now we

502
00:16:43,903 --> 00:16:45,770
and I needed it.
"po' folks" -- now we -- now we
cooking with some grease.

503
00:16:45,772 --> 00:16:47,605
"po' folks" -- now we -- now we
cooking with some grease.
Nappy roots, man.

504
00:16:47,607 --> 00:16:49,640
Cooking with some grease.
Nappy roots, man.
I was put on that record without

505
00:16:49,642 --> 00:16:50,808
nappy roots, man.
I was put on that record without
them knowing it.

506
00:16:50,810 --> 00:16:52,710
I was put on that record without
them knowing it.
At this moment, I was signed to

507
00:16:52,712 --> 00:16:54,212
them knowing it.
At this moment, I was signed to
atlantic records.

508
00:16:54,214 --> 00:16:56,748
At this moment, I was signed to
atlantic records.
They were in the studio, and the

509
00:16:56,750 --> 00:17:00,451
atlantic records.
They were in the studio, and the
a&r at the time was mike caren.

510
00:17:00,453 --> 00:17:02,186
They were in the studio, and the
a&r at the time was mike caren.
He was in on that project.

511
00:17:02,188 --> 00:17:04,288
A&r at the time was mike caren.
He was in on that project.
I think they had released a song

512
00:17:04,290 --> 00:17:04,989
he was in on that project.
I think they had released a song
before.

513
00:17:04,991 --> 00:17:07,125
I think they had released a song
before.
Actually, "awnaw" came out, and

514
00:17:07,127 --> 00:17:07,959
before.
Actually, "awnaw" came out, and
it blew up.

515
00:17:07,961 --> 00:17:09,827
Actually, "awnaw" came out, and
it blew up.
And so it was the second single

516
00:17:09,829 --> 00:17:11,529
it blew up.
And so it was the second single
they wanted to put out, this

517
00:17:11,531 --> 00:17:12,663
and so it was the second single
they wanted to put out, this
"po' folks" song.

518
00:17:12,665 --> 00:17:14,866
They wanted to put out, this
"po' folks" song.
So, they put it out without me.

519
00:17:14,868 --> 00:17:16,300
"po' folks" song.
So, they put it out without me.
But he brought me to the studio,

520
00:17:16,302 --> 00:17:17,735
so, they put it out without me.
But he brought me to the studio,
he played it, and he said, "what

521
00:17:17,737 --> 00:17:19,070
but he brought me to the studio,
he played it, and he said, "what
do you think about these guys?

522
00:17:19,072 --> 00:17:20,872
He played it, and he said, "what
do you think about these guys?
You know, I kind of think they

523
00:17:20,874 --> 00:17:21,973
do you think about these guys?
You know, I kind of think they
have something."

524
00:17:21,975 --> 00:17:23,741
you know, I kind of think they
have something."
and, so, I went in the studio.

525
00:17:23,743 --> 00:17:25,076
Have something."
and, so, I went in the studio.
I said, "okay, I like it."

526
00:17:25,078 --> 00:17:26,544
and, so, I went in the studio.
I said, "okay, I like it."
and, so, he said, "what would

527
00:17:26,546 --> 00:17:27,345
I said, "okay, I like it."
and, so, he said, "what would
you do to it?"

528
00:17:27,347 --> 00:17:29,747
and, so, he said, "what would
you do to it?"
and he kind of snuck me in on

529
00:17:29,749 --> 00:17:31,783
you do to it?"
and he kind of snuck me in on
the record. San

530
00:17:31,785 --> 00:17:33,484
and he kind of snuck me in on
the record. San
a little stank on it.

531
00:17:33,486 --> 00:17:35,887
The record. San
a little stank on it.
But they hadn't heard it, and he

532
00:17:35,889 --> 00:17:38,022
a little stank on it.
But they hadn't heard it, and he
hadn't asked them either.

533
00:17:38,024 --> 00:17:39,557
But they hadn't heard it, and he
hadn't asked them either.
The first time I met

534
00:17:39,559 --> 00:17:41,726
hadn't asked them either.
The first time I met
nappy roots, I was flying from

535
00:17:41,728 --> 00:17:43,528
the first time I met
nappy roots, I was flying from
l.A., going to kentucky,

536
00:17:43,530 --> 00:17:45,129
nappy roots, I was flying from
l.A., going to kentucky,
lexington, kentucky.

537
00:17:45,131 --> 00:17:46,898
L.A., going to kentucky,
lexington, kentucky.
It was freezing, so I'm

538
00:17:46,900 --> 00:17:48,466
lexington, kentucky.
It was freezing, so I'm
thinking, "kentucky --" I hadn't

539
00:17:48,468 --> 00:17:49,967
it was freezing, so I'm
thinking, "kentucky --" I hadn't
really toured yet, the states.

540
00:17:49,969 --> 00:17:51,536
Thinking, "kentucky --" I hadn't
really toured yet, the states.
I'm thinking it's gonna be hot.

541
00:17:51,538 --> 00:17:52,336
Really toured yet, the states.
I'm thinking it's gonna be hot.
It's kentucky.

542
00:17:52,338 --> 00:17:53,838
I'm thinking it's gonna be hot.
It's kentucky.
It's hot, probably.

543
00:17:53,840 --> 00:17:55,239
It's kentucky.
It's hot, probably.
It was 12 degrees.

544
00:17:55,241 --> 00:17:57,475
It's hot, probably.
It was 12 degrees.
And here I am in all my dashiki

545
00:17:57,477 --> 00:17:58,076
it was 12 degrees.
And here I am in all my dashiki
shirts.

546
00:17:58,078 --> 00:17:59,811
And here I am in all my dashiki
shirts.
I must have put on about three

547
00:17:59,813 --> 00:18:00,478
shirts.
I must have put on about three
of them.

548
00:18:00,480 --> 00:18:01,479
I must have put on about three
of them.
I was freezing.

549
00:18:01,481 --> 00:18:03,281
Of them.
I was freezing.
And that was the morning I met

550
00:18:03,283 --> 00:18:04,248
I was freezing.
And that was the morning I met
the guys, man.

551
00:18:04,250 --> 00:18:05,917
And that was the morning I met
the guys, man.
And I'm sitting in the van, and

552
00:18:05,919 --> 00:18:07,652
the guys, man.
And I'm sitting in the van, and
they're looking at me like I was

553
00:18:07,654 --> 00:18:08,319
and I'm sitting in the van, and
they're looking at me like I was
the help.

554
00:18:08,321 --> 00:18:10,354
They're looking at me like I was
the help.
They said, "what's your name,

555
00:18:10,356 --> 00:18:10,888
the help.
They said, "what's your name,
man?

556
00:18:10,890 --> 00:18:12,957
They said, "what's your name,
man?
You part of the crew or what's

557
00:18:12,959 --> 00:18:13,291
man?
You part of the crew or what's
up?

558
00:18:13,293 --> 00:18:14,225
You part of the crew or what's
up?
What's your name?"

559
00:18:14,227 --> 00:18:15,093
up?
What's your name?"
I said, "no, I'm

560
00:18:15,095 --> 00:18:17,562
what's your name?"
I said, "no, I'm
anthony hamilton, actually.

561
00:18:17,564 --> 00:18:20,264
I said, "no, I'm
anthony hamilton, actually.
I'm singing on the song."

562
00:18:20,266 --> 00:18:21,833
anthony hamilton, actually.
I'm singing on the song."
and they said, "oh!

563
00:18:21,835 --> 00:18:22,767
I'm singing on the song."
and they said, "oh!
I ain't gonna lie."

564
00:18:22,769 --> 00:18:24,202
and they said, "oh!
I ain't gonna lie."
"big v" was like, "I ain't gonna

565
00:18:24,204 --> 00:18:24,535
I ain't gonna lie."
"big v" was like, "I ain't gonna
lie.

566
00:18:24,537 --> 00:18:25,870
"big v" was like, "I ain't gonna
lie.
When I first heard it, I ain't

567
00:18:25,872 --> 00:18:26,437
lie.
When I first heard it, I ain't
like it."

568
00:18:26,439 --> 00:18:27,004
when I first heard it, I ain't
like it."
[ laughs ]

569
00:18:27,006 --> 00:18:29,440
like it."
[ laughs ]
because he was singing on it.

570
00:18:29,442 --> 00:18:30,908
[ laughs ]
because he was singing on it.
But he was like, "it sound

571
00:18:30,910 --> 00:18:31,442
because he was singing on it.
But he was like, "it sound
good."

572
00:18:31,444 --> 00:18:33,111
but he was like, "it sound
good."
and from there, we became best

573
00:18:33,113 --> 00:18:33,744
good."
and from there, we became best
friends.

574
00:18:33,746 --> 00:18:35,646
And from there, we became best
friends.
Not best friends, but best

575
00:18:35,648 --> 00:18:36,948
friends.
Not best friends, but best
musical buddies.

576
00:18:36,950 --> 00:18:38,950
Not best friends, but best
musical buddies.
We all got along really well.

577
00:18:38,952 --> 00:18:40,451
Musical buddies.
We all got along really well.
We had the best time.

578
00:18:40,453 --> 00:18:43,654
We all got along really well.
We had the best time.
And after the video shoot, we

579
00:18:43,656 --> 00:18:45,123
we had the best time.
And after the video shoot, we
partaked in some bourbon and

580
00:18:45,125 --> 00:18:46,023
and after the video shoot, we
partaked in some bourbon and
some good food.

581
00:18:46,025 --> 00:18:48,926
Partaked in some bourbon and
some good food.
And we had another smash record.

582
00:18:48,928 --> 00:18:52,296
Some good food.
And we had another smash record.
You know, being a hat lover and

583
00:18:52,298 --> 00:18:55,633
and we had another smash record.
You know, being a hat lover and
watching my dad -- my adoptive

584
00:18:55,635 --> 00:18:58,069
you know, being a hat lover and
watching my dad -- my adoptive
father -- wear hats, mean hats,

585
00:18:58,071 --> 00:19:01,772
watching my dad -- my adoptive
father -- wear hats, mean hats,
and all the men from church and

586
00:19:01,774 --> 00:19:03,141
father -- wear hats, mean hats,
and all the men from church and
just in the neighborhood, all

587
00:19:03,143 --> 00:19:04,408
and all the men from church and
just in the neighborhood, all
the gentlemen had real nice

588
00:19:04,410 --> 00:19:04,809
just in the neighborhood, all
the gentlemen had real nice
hats.

589
00:19:04,811 --> 00:19:06,110
The gentlemen had real nice
hats.
And I always wanted to wear

590
00:19:06,112 --> 00:19:07,578
hats.
And I always wanted to wear
hats, but I never could find one

591
00:19:07,580 --> 00:19:10,148
and I always wanted to wear
hats, but I never could find one
that fit the way I wanted it.

592
00:19:10,150 --> 00:19:11,349
Hats, but I never could find one
that fit the way I wanted it.
And maybe it's just my

593
00:19:11,351 --> 00:19:12,817
that fit the way I wanted it.
And maybe it's just my
confidence at the time, but,

594
00:19:12,819 --> 00:19:14,318
and maybe it's just my
confidence at the time, but,
eventually, when I found that

595
00:19:14,320 --> 00:19:15,887
confidence at the time, but,
eventually, when I found that
hat, it wasn't a baseball hat.

596
00:19:15,889 --> 00:19:17,054
Eventually, when I found that
hat, it wasn't a baseball hat.
It was a trucker hat.

597
00:19:17,056 --> 00:19:18,556
Hat, it wasn't a baseball hat.
It was a trucker hat.
There was a difference in the

598
00:19:18,558 --> 00:19:19,090
it was a trucker hat.
There was a difference in the
fit.

599
00:19:19,092 --> 00:19:20,958
There was a difference in the
fit.
I got that from lexington.

600
00:19:20,960 --> 00:19:23,094
Fit.
I got that from lexington.
I put it on the morning of that

601
00:19:23,096 --> 00:19:24,896
I got that from lexington.
I put it on the morning of that
video shoot and I started

602
00:19:24,898 --> 00:19:25,796
I put it on the morning of that
video shoot and I started
wearing hats.

603
00:19:25,798 --> 00:19:27,465
Video shoot and I started
wearing hats.
What went into the making of

604
00:19:27,467 --> 00:19:29,167
wearing hats.
What went into the making of
"comin' from where I'm from"?

605
00:19:29,169 --> 00:19:32,470
What went into the making of
"comin' from where I'm from"?
I think what made that album a

606
00:19:32,472 --> 00:19:35,339
"comin' from where I'm from"?
I think what made that album a
classic and heartfelt -- I

607
00:19:35,341 --> 00:19:37,675
I think what made that album a
classic and heartfelt -- I
think, at this moment, I was at

608
00:19:37,677 --> 00:19:39,810
classic and heartfelt -- I
think, at this moment, I was at
the end of just doing whatever I

609
00:19:39,812 --> 00:19:41,913
think, at this moment, I was at
the end of just doing whatever I
had to do, of just singing from

610
00:19:41,915 --> 00:19:42,747
the end of just doing whatever I
had to do, of just singing from
another place.

611
00:19:42,749 --> 00:19:44,348
Had to do, of just singing from
another place.
I wasn't singing to get a record

612
00:19:44,350 --> 00:19:44,782
another place.
I wasn't singing to get a record
deal.

613
00:19:44,784 --> 00:19:46,284
I wasn't singing to get a record
deal.
I was just putting my emotions

614
00:19:46,286 --> 00:19:47,485
deal.
I was just putting my emotions
out.

615
00:19:47,487 --> 00:19:49,887
I was just putting my emotions
out.
And I think of a really bad

616
00:19:49,889 --> 00:19:54,759
out.
And I think of a really bad
breakup, you know, moving from

617
00:19:54,761 --> 00:19:56,627
and I think of a really bad
breakup, you know, moving from
new jersey over to harlem,

618
00:19:56,629 --> 00:19:58,796
breakup, you know, moving from
new jersey over to harlem,
feeling that energy of new york

619
00:19:58,798 --> 00:20:02,033
new jersey over to harlem,
feeling that energy of new york
and, you know, mending my heart.

620
00:20:02,035 --> 00:20:05,069
Feeling that energy of new york
and, you know, mending my heart.
I think that raw place I was

621
00:20:05,071 --> 00:20:07,038
and, you know, mending my heart.
I think that raw place I was
in -- it sounded different.

622
00:20:07,040 --> 00:20:09,173
I think that raw place I was
in -- it sounded different.
I think people started to hear

623
00:20:09,175 --> 00:20:10,708
in -- it sounded different.
I think people started to hear
something different in me.

624
00:20:10,710 --> 00:20:12,276
I think people started to hear
something different in me.
I was singing from another

625
00:20:12,278 --> 00:20:12,810
something different in me.
I was singing from another
place.

626
00:20:12,812 --> 00:20:16,847
I was singing from another
place.
And I spared no one the stories

627
00:20:16,849 --> 00:20:20,384
place.
And I spared no one the stories
of heartbreak, of pain, and

628
00:20:20,386 --> 00:20:22,186
and I spared no one the stories
of heartbreak, of pain, and
things I had been through with

629
00:20:22,188 --> 00:20:24,055
of heartbreak, of pain, and
things I had been through with
the child, and all those things

630
00:20:24,057 --> 00:20:27,959
things I had been through with
the child, and all those things
together -- yeah, it was

631
00:20:27,961 --> 00:20:29,427
the child, and all those things
together -- yeah, it was
something that the world was

632
00:20:29,429 --> 00:20:30,094
together -- yeah, it was
something that the world was
ready for.

633
00:20:30,096 --> 00:20:31,729
Something that the world was
ready for.
And I think a lot of people felt

634
00:20:31,731 --> 00:20:33,231
ready for.
And I think a lot of people felt
like anthony hamilton at that

635
00:20:33,233 --> 00:20:35,166
and I think a lot of people felt
like anthony hamilton at that
moment.

636
00:20:35,168 --> 00:20:38,135
Like anthony hamilton at that
moment.
And so this album came out 2003,

637
00:20:38,137 --> 00:20:39,604
moment.
And so this album came out 2003,
and it changed my life.

638
00:20:39,606 --> 00:20:41,539
And so this album came out 2003,
and it changed my life.
I've been singing "charlene" and

639
00:20:41,541 --> 00:20:43,474
and it changed my life.
I've been singing "charlene" and
"comin' from where I'm from" and

640
00:20:43,476 --> 00:20:46,510
I've been singing "charlene" and
"comin' from where I'm from" and
these songs for almost 27 years

641
00:20:46,512 --> 00:20:47,511
"comin' from where I'm from" and
these songs for almost 27 years
now.

642
00:20:47,513 --> 00:20:50,348
These songs for almost 27 years
now.
Well, not 27. 17 years.

643
00:20:50,350 --> 00:20:52,717
Now.
Well, not 27. 17 years.
But being in the business

644
00:20:52,719 --> 00:20:54,719
well, not 27. 17 years.
But being in the business
27 years.

645
00:20:54,721 --> 00:20:56,454
But being in the business
27 years.
"charlene" -- yeah, at this

646
00:20:56,456 --> 00:20:59,457
27 years.
"charlene" -- yeah, at this
moment, it was a real moment.

647
00:20:59,459 --> 00:21:01,058
"charlene" -- yeah, at this
moment, it was a real moment.
Her name is not charlene, but

648
00:21:01,060 --> 00:21:02,693
moment, it was a real moment.
Her name is not charlene, but
it's a real moment where I had

649
00:21:02,695 --> 00:21:05,096
her name is not charlene, but
it's a real moment where I had
to decide whether I stay in this

650
00:21:05,098 --> 00:21:07,698
it's a real moment where I had
to decide whether I stay in this
relationship and, you know, be

651
00:21:07,700 --> 00:21:09,800
to decide whether I stay in this
relationship and, you know, be
in love and be comfortable there

652
00:21:09,802 --> 00:21:12,370
relationship and, you know, be
in love and be comfortable there
or do I continue to fight for

653
00:21:12,372 --> 00:21:14,939
in love and be comfortable there
or do I continue to fight for
music and be in love with music,

654
00:21:14,941 --> 00:21:19,210
or do I continue to fight for
music and be in love with music,
and, you know, go through the,

655
00:21:19,212 --> 00:21:20,878
music and be in love with music,
and, you know, go through the,
"you're not home enough.

656
00:21:20,880 --> 00:21:23,014
And, you know, go through the,
"you're not home enough.
Where are you?"

657
00:21:23,016 --> 00:21:25,082
"you're not home enough.
Where are you?"
you know, that type of thing.

658
00:21:25,084 --> 00:21:26,951
Where are you?"
you know, that type of thing.
I don't think I would have

659
00:21:26,953 --> 00:21:29,287
you know, that type of thing.
I don't think I would have
lasted long in the relationship.

660
00:21:29,289 --> 00:21:31,622
I don't think I would have
lasted long in the relationship.
Although, it hurt to leave it

661
00:21:31,624 --> 00:21:33,758
lasted long in the relationship.
Although, it hurt to leave it
and for them to decide to let it

662
00:21:33,760 --> 00:21:34,492
although, it hurt to leave it
and for them to decide to let it
go, too.

663
00:21:34,494 --> 00:21:37,061
And for them to decide to let it
go, too.
And "charlene" became a huge

664
00:21:37,063 --> 00:21:38,996
go, too.
And "charlene" became a huge
hit, and I started seeing my

665
00:21:38,998 --> 00:21:41,065
and "charlene" became a huge
hit, and I started seeing my
refrigerator started looking a

666
00:21:41,067 --> 00:21:42,933
hit, and I started seeing my
refrigerator started looking a
little different.

667
00:21:42,935 --> 00:21:44,969
Refrigerator started looking a
little different.
My shoe -- my shoe selection

668
00:21:44,971 --> 00:21:46,304
little different.
My shoe -- my shoe selection
became different.

669
00:21:46,306 --> 00:21:48,472
My shoe -- my shoe selection
became different.
And I became a household name,

670
00:21:48,474 --> 00:21:50,408
became different.
And I became a household name,
and that was the end of me

671
00:21:50,410 --> 00:21:52,376
and I became a household name,
and that was the end of me
walking to the store without

672
00:21:52,378 --> 00:21:54,512
and that was the end of me
walking to the store without
somebody pointing and saying,

673
00:21:54,514 --> 00:21:56,847
walking to the store without
somebody pointing and saying,
"there go anthony hamilton."

674
00:21:56,849 --> 00:21:58,249
somebody pointing and saying,
"there go anthony hamilton."
[ laughs ]

675
00:21:58,251 --> 00:22:00,584
"there go anthony hamilton."
[ laughs ]
but it's been good.

676
00:22:00,586 --> 00:22:02,086
[ laughs ]
but it's been good.
I appreciate it.

677
00:22:02,088 --> 00:22:04,355
But it's been good.
I appreciate it.
I was at a grammy brunch, right?

678
00:22:04,357 --> 00:22:05,823
I appreciate it.
I was at a grammy brunch, right?
Londell mcmillan's grammy

679
00:22:05,825 --> 00:22:06,390
I was at a grammy brunch, right?
Londell mcmillan's grammy
brunch.

680
00:22:06,392 --> 00:22:08,793
Londell mcmillan's grammy
brunch.
And it was a room full of

681
00:22:08,795 --> 00:22:11,996
brunch.
And it was a room full of
everybody.

682
00:22:11,998 --> 00:22:13,898
And it was a room full of
everybody.
And I had, you know, just been

683
00:22:13,900 --> 00:22:16,033
everybody.
And I had, you know, just been
working and writing prior to

684
00:22:16,035 --> 00:22:18,402
and I had, you know, just been
working and writing prior to
this, so to get invited here was

685
00:22:18,404 --> 00:22:20,237
working and writing prior to
this, so to get invited here was
another something that was a

686
00:22:20,239 --> 00:22:22,873
this, so to get invited here was
another something that was a
gift that I needed at the time.

687
00:22:22,875 --> 00:22:24,342
Another something that was a
gift that I needed at the time.
Invited me to sing.

688
00:22:24,344 --> 00:22:26,477
Gift that I needed at the time.
Invited me to sing.
I chose "comin' from where I'm

689
00:22:26,479 --> 00:22:27,144
invited me to sing.
I chose "comin' from where I'm
from."

690
00:22:27,146 --> 00:22:30,047
I chose "comin' from where I'm
from."
and we go there, and I'm looking

691
00:22:30,049 --> 00:22:30,981
from."
and we go there, and I'm looking
around.

692
00:22:30,983 --> 00:22:34,685
And we go there, and I'm looking
around.
There's alicia keys, kanye west,

693
00:22:34,687 --> 00:22:38,923
around.
There's alicia keys, kanye west,
prince, and kimora lee simmons,

694
00:22:38,925 --> 00:22:41,492
there's alicia keys, kanye west,
prince, and kimora lee simmons,
who was sitting backstage and

695
00:22:41,494 --> 00:22:42,226
prince, and kimora lee simmons,
who was sitting backstage and
staring at me.

696
00:22:42,228 --> 00:22:43,627
Who was sitting backstage and
staring at me.
And I'm like, "okay, I see her,"

697
00:22:43,629 --> 00:22:44,995
staring at me.
And I'm like, "okay, I see her,"
but I'm acting like I don't see

698
00:22:44,997 --> 00:22:45,396
and I'm like, "okay, I see her,"
but I'm acting like I don't see
her.

699
00:22:45,398 --> 00:22:46,731
But I'm acting like I don't see
her.
And, so, I'm sitting there

700
00:22:46,733 --> 00:22:48,566
her.
And, so, I'm sitting there
waiting to go on, and it was

701
00:22:48,568 --> 00:22:50,434
and, so, I'm sitting there
waiting to go on, and it was
isaac hayes who introduced me

702
00:22:50,436 --> 00:22:51,268
waiting to go on, and it was
isaac hayes who introduced me
onstage.

703
00:22:51,270 --> 00:22:53,237
Isaac hayes who introduced me
onstage.
I was like, "this can't be

704
00:22:53,239 --> 00:22:54,538
onstage.
I was like, "this can't be
happening."

705
00:22:54,540 --> 00:22:55,606
I was like, "this can't be
happening."
I go in.

706
00:22:55,608 --> 00:22:57,575
Happening."
I go in.
I sang my ass off.

707
00:22:57,577 --> 00:23:01,846
I go in.
I sang my ass off.
And right after the performance,

708
00:23:01,848 --> 00:23:03,080
I sang my ass off.
And right after the performance,
michael mauldin,

709
00:23:03,082 --> 00:23:04,749
and right after the performance,
michael mauldin,
jermaine dupri's father,

710
00:23:04,751 --> 00:23:05,683
michael mauldin,
jermaine dupri's father,
came to me.

711
00:23:05,685 --> 00:23:08,085
Jermaine dupri's father,
came to me.
He was like, "there's somebody

712
00:23:08,087 --> 00:23:09,820
came to me.
He was like, "there's somebody
you have to speak to."

713
00:23:09,822 --> 00:23:11,622
he was like, "there's somebody
you have to speak to."
and it was jermaine dupri.

714
00:23:11,624 --> 00:23:12,990
You have to speak to."
and it was jermaine dupri.
And he said, "this is what

715
00:23:12,992 --> 00:23:14,291
and it was jermaine dupri.
And he said, "this is what
you've been looking for.

716
00:23:14,293 --> 00:23:15,793
And he said, "this is what
you've been looking for.
I want you to meet this guy."

717
00:23:15,795 --> 00:23:19,296
you've been looking for.
I want you to meet this guy."
and maybe a week after, they

718
00:23:19,298 --> 00:23:20,831
I want you to meet this guy."
and maybe a week after, they
flew us to new york.

719
00:23:20,833 --> 00:23:22,333
And maybe a week after, they
flew us to new york.
We met up with him.

720
00:23:22,335 --> 00:23:23,434
Flew us to new york.
We met up with him.
I sang in the office.

721
00:23:23,436 --> 00:23:24,769
We met up with him.
I sang in the office.
He's like, "I can't believe

722
00:23:24,771 --> 00:23:26,504
I sang in the office.
He's like, "I can't believe
you're singing that -- looking

723
00:23:26,506 --> 00:23:27,671
he's like, "I can't believe
you're singing that -- looking
at me, singing it."

724
00:23:27,673 --> 00:23:29,407
you're singing that -- looking
at me, singing it."
and he took me into the office

725
00:23:29,409 --> 00:23:30,674
at me, singing it."
and he took me into the office
with l.A. Reid.

726
00:23:30,676 --> 00:23:32,009
And he took me into the office
with l.A. Reid.
I sang it again.

727
00:23:32,011 --> 00:23:33,277
With l.A. Reid.
I sang it again.
I may have sung

728
00:23:33,279 --> 00:23:34,945
I sang it again.
I may have sung
"comin' from where I'm from"

729
00:23:34,947 --> 00:23:37,114
I may have sung
"comin' from where I'm from"
maybe six times that evening.

730
00:23:37,116 --> 00:23:39,183
"comin' from where I'm from"
maybe six times that evening.
And every time, it sounded just

731
00:23:39,185 --> 00:23:40,418
maybe six times that evening.
And every time, it sounded just
like the record.

732
00:23:40,420 --> 00:23:42,453
And every time, it sounded just
like the record.
So, verbally, he had signed me

733
00:23:42,455 --> 00:23:43,421
like the record.
So, verbally, he had signed me
immediately.

734
00:23:43,423 --> 00:23:46,724
So, verbally, he had signed me
immediately.
I did a showcase at sob's,

735
00:23:46,726 --> 00:23:49,293
immediately.
I did a showcase at sob's,
lower new york, and they pretty

736
00:23:49,295 --> 00:23:50,928
I did a showcase at sob's,
lower new york, and they pretty
much bought all the tickets and

737
00:23:50,930 --> 00:23:52,463
lower new york, and they pretty
much bought all the tickets and
had the whole staff in there.

738
00:23:52,465 --> 00:23:53,931
Much bought all the tickets and
had the whole staff in there.
And I was like, "okay, he's

739
00:23:53,933 --> 00:23:55,566
had the whole staff in there.
And I was like, "okay, he's
really serious."

740
00:23:55,568 --> 00:23:57,334
and I was like, "okay, he's
really serious."
and I just felt comfortable

741
00:23:57,336 --> 00:23:59,470
really serious."
and I just felt comfortable
going with jermaine.

742
00:23:59,472 --> 00:24:01,472
And I just felt comfortable
going with jermaine.
He didn't want to change.

743
00:24:01,474 --> 00:24:03,607
Going with jermaine.
He didn't want to change.
He didn't want me to cut my

744
00:24:03,609 --> 00:24:04,241
he didn't want to change.
He didn't want me to cut my
hair.

745
00:24:04,243 --> 00:24:05,443
He didn't want me to cut my
hair.
L.A. Reid did.

746
00:24:05,445 --> 00:24:07,445
Hair.
L.A. Reid did.
He wanted me to have a shiny --

747
00:24:07,447 --> 00:24:11,115
l.A. Reid did.
He wanted me to have a shiny --
a shiny fade.

748
00:24:11,117 --> 00:24:12,550
He wanted me to have a shiny --
a shiny fade.
And he wanted me to dress like

749
00:24:12,552 --> 00:24:13,717
a shiny fade.
And he wanted me to dress like
this, but at the moment,

750
00:24:13,719 --> 00:24:15,219
and he wanted me to dress like
this, but at the moment,
jermaine dupri wanted me to look

751
00:24:15,221 --> 00:24:17,054
this, but at the moment,
jermaine dupri wanted me to look
exactly like the scrungy, grungy

752
00:24:17,056 --> 00:24:18,255
jermaine dupri wanted me to look
exactly like the scrungy, grungy
kid from charlotte,

753
00:24:18,257 --> 00:24:20,057
exactly like the scrungy, grungy
kid from charlotte,
north carolina, who just jumped

754
00:24:20,059 --> 00:24:21,659
kid from charlotte,
north carolina, who just jumped
out of the back of a pickup

755
00:24:21,661 --> 00:24:22,226
north carolina, who just jumped
out of the back of a pickup
truck.

756
00:24:22,228 --> 00:24:24,028
Out of the back of a pickup
truck.
That's what took the world by

757
00:24:24,030 --> 00:24:24,261
truck.
That's what took the world by
storm.

758
00:24:29,384 --> 00:24:35,022
>> hamilton: I think what the
hip-hop community -- what they
hear in my voice -- it's

759
00:24:35,024 --> 00:24:37,024
hip-hop community -- what they
hear in my voice -- it's
something that's reminiscent of

760
00:24:37,026 --> 00:24:38,526
hear in my voice -- it's
something that's reminiscent of
otis redding.

761
00:24:38,528 --> 00:24:41,295
Something that's reminiscent of
otis redding.
I sound like an old record.

762
00:24:41,297 --> 00:24:44,999
Otis redding.
I sound like an old record.
I sound like the sample that you

763
00:24:45,001 --> 00:24:46,867
I sound like an old record.
I sound like the sample that you
pay so dearly to use in these

764
00:24:46,869 --> 00:24:48,035
I sound like the sample that you
pay so dearly to use in these
hip-hop records.

765
00:24:48,037 --> 00:24:51,939
Pay so dearly to use in these
hip-hop records.
To get the real deal right now,

766
00:24:51,941 --> 00:24:54,308
hip-hop records.
To get the real deal right now,
you know, living and breathing,

767
00:24:54,310 --> 00:24:55,042
to get the real deal right now,
you know, living and breathing,
it's a gift.

768
00:24:55,044 --> 00:24:56,577
You know, living and breathing,
it's a gift.
You know, it's something that's

769
00:24:56,579 --> 00:24:57,144
it's a gift.
You know, it's something that's
special.

770
00:24:57,146 --> 00:24:58,846
You know, it's something that's
special.
And they recognize it.

771
00:24:58,848 --> 00:25:01,182
Special.
And they recognize it.
And they gave me even more value

772
00:25:01,184 --> 00:25:04,919
and they recognize it.
And they gave me even more value
to my sound by welcoming me to

773
00:25:04,921 --> 00:25:07,054
and they gave me even more value
to my sound by welcoming me to
the hip-hop community, from

774
00:25:07,056 --> 00:25:09,690
to my sound by welcoming me to
the hip-hop community, from
everyone from, like, jadakiss

775
00:25:09,692 --> 00:25:12,326
the hip-hop community, from
everyone from, like, jadakiss
and nappy roots, nelly,

776
00:25:12,328 --> 00:25:18,832
everyone from, like, jadakiss
and nappy roots, nelly,
busta rhymes, common, eve,

777
00:25:18,834 --> 00:25:21,468
and nappy roots, nelly,
busta rhymes, common, eve,
jermaine dupri, rick ross,

778
00:25:21,470 --> 00:25:22,870
busta rhymes, common, eve,
jermaine dupri, rick ross,
da brat.

779
00:25:22,872 --> 00:25:25,105
Jermaine dupri, rick ross,
da brat.
But, yeah, I've been on at least

780
00:25:25,107 --> 00:25:27,942
da brat.
But, yeah, I've been on at least
40 hip-hop records.

781
00:25:27,944 --> 00:25:30,110
But, yeah, I've been on at least
40 hip-hop records.
Easily.

782
00:25:30,112 --> 00:25:32,980
40 hip-hop records.
Easily.
And some of the current guys.

783
00:25:32,982 --> 00:25:35,482
Easily.
And some of the current guys.
Just did something with domani,

784
00:25:35,484 --> 00:25:37,718
and some of the current guys.
Just did something with domani,
t.I.'s son.

785
00:25:37,720 --> 00:25:40,020
Just did something with domani,
t.I.'s son.
Yk osiris.

786
00:25:40,022 --> 00:25:41,655
T.I.'s son.
Yk osiris.
Yung bleu -- got a call from

787
00:25:41,657 --> 00:25:42,089
yk osiris.
Yung bleu -- got a call from
him.

788
00:25:42,091 --> 00:25:44,592
Yung bleu -- got a call from
him.
And, yeah, the list keeps going

789
00:25:44,594 --> 00:25:46,594
him.
And, yeah, the list keeps going
on.

790
00:25:46,596 --> 00:25:47,595
And, yeah, the list keeps going
on.
But I love hip-hop.

791
00:25:47,597 --> 00:25:48,862
On.
But I love hip-hop.
I'm a hip-hop kid.

792
00:25:48,864 --> 00:25:50,831
But I love hip-hop.
I'm a hip-hop kid.
Being on a record with al green

793
00:25:50,833 --> 00:25:52,132
I'm a hip-hop kid.
Being on a record with al green
wasn't just for me.

794
00:25:52,134 --> 00:25:53,934
Being on a record with al green
wasn't just for me.
I think that was something that

795
00:25:53,936 --> 00:25:55,803
wasn't just for me.
I think that was something that
I knew my family would really be

796
00:25:55,805 --> 00:25:57,204
I think that was something that
I knew my family would really be
excited about, as well.

797
00:25:57,206 --> 00:25:58,639
I knew my family would really be
excited about, as well.
Although, he's one of my

798
00:25:58,641 --> 00:26:00,741
excited about, as well.
Although, he's one of my
favorites, hands down.

799
00:26:00,743 --> 00:26:03,077
Although, he's one of my
favorites, hands down.
One of the best vocalists to

800
00:26:03,079 --> 00:26:05,279
favorites, hands down.
One of the best vocalists to
even hit the scene.

801
00:26:05,281 --> 00:26:07,214
One of the best vocalists to
even hit the scene.
No matter how many records I put

802
00:26:07,216 --> 00:26:09,116
even hit the scene.
No matter how many records I put
out before that, when I did the

803
00:26:09,118 --> 00:26:10,851
no matter how many records I put
out before that, when I did the
record with al green, they said,

804
00:26:10,853 --> 00:26:12,253
out before that, when I did the
record with al green, they said,
"oh, maybe you somebody."

805
00:26:12,255 --> 00:26:14,788
record with al green, they said,
"oh, maybe you somebody."
[ laughs ]

806
00:26:14,790 --> 00:26:17,591
"oh, maybe you somebody."
[ laughs ]
al green was the stamp I needed

807
00:26:17,593 --> 00:26:20,094
[ laughs ]
al green was the stamp I needed
to get the full permission to be

808
00:26:20,096 --> 00:26:22,363
al green was the stamp I needed
to get the full permission to be
great in the hamilton family.

809
00:26:22,365 --> 00:26:23,764
To get the full permission to be
great in the hamilton family.
So thanks, al.

810
00:26:23,766 --> 00:26:26,300
Great in the hamilton family.
So thanks, al.
But to have a grammy with him

811
00:26:26,302 --> 00:26:27,935
so thanks, al.
But to have a grammy with him
was even bigger.

812
00:26:27,937 --> 00:26:31,538
But to have a grammy with him
was even bigger.
I got my best meal made, and,

813
00:26:31,540 --> 00:26:34,074
was even bigger.
I got my best meal made, and,
yeah, I think that singed me

814
00:26:34,076 --> 00:26:36,944
I got my best meal made, and,
yeah, I think that singed me
into a category of vocalists and

815
00:26:36,946 --> 00:26:41,315
yeah, I think that singed me
into a category of vocalists and
musicians and singers that most

816
00:26:41,317 --> 00:26:44,351
into a category of vocalists and
musicians and singers that most
people won't ever get a chance

817
00:26:44,353 --> 00:26:46,520
musicians and singers that most
people won't ever get a chance
to be affiliated with.

818
00:26:46,522 --> 00:26:48,722
People won't ever get a chance
to be affiliated with.
"american gangster" -- oh, what

819
00:26:48,724 --> 00:26:52,092
to be affiliated with.
"american gangster" -- oh, what
a classic.

820
00:26:52,094 --> 00:26:53,694
"american gangster" -- oh, what
a classic.
You don't get but so many

821
00:26:53,696 --> 00:26:57,164
a classic.
You don't get but so many
classics of that caliber in

822
00:26:57,166 --> 00:26:58,532
you don't get but so many
classics of that caliber in
one's lifetime.

823
00:26:58,534 --> 00:27:00,668
Classics of that caliber in
one's lifetime.
That movie was such a big,

824
00:27:00,670 --> 00:27:03,671
one's lifetime.
That movie was such a big,
pivotal part of my transition

825
00:27:03,673 --> 00:27:06,273
that movie was such a big,
pivotal part of my transition
from musician to being looked at

826
00:27:06,275 --> 00:27:08,876
pivotal part of my transition
from musician to being looked at
as an actor.

827
00:27:08,878 --> 00:27:10,210
From musician to being looked at
as an actor.
And it gave me a feeling that

828
00:27:10,212 --> 00:27:13,380
as an actor.
And it gave me a feeling that
music didn't -- couldn't give me

829
00:27:13,382 --> 00:27:15,282
and it gave me a feeling that
music didn't -- couldn't give me
to be alongside russell crowe

830
00:27:15,284 --> 00:27:17,184
music didn't -- couldn't give me
to be alongside russell crowe
and denzel washington and all

831
00:27:17,186 --> 00:27:20,654
to be alongside russell crowe
and denzel washington and all
the greats that were in that

832
00:27:20,656 --> 00:27:22,756
and denzel washington and all
the greats that were in that
movie.

833
00:27:22,758 --> 00:27:23,891
The greats that were in that
movie.
Yeah, it took me back.

834
00:27:23,893 --> 00:27:25,259
Movie.
Yeah, it took me back.
It was a period piece of the

835
00:27:25,261 --> 00:27:29,463
yeah, it took me back.
It was a period piece of the
'70s, where I'm playing someone

836
00:27:29,465 --> 00:27:30,931
it was a period piece of the
'70s, where I'm playing someone
born -- you know, living in the

837
00:27:30,933 --> 00:27:32,266
'70s, where I'm playing someone
born -- you know, living in the
'70s, when I was born in the

838
00:27:32,268 --> 00:27:32,700
born -- you know, living in the
'70s, when I was born in the
'70s.

839
00:27:32,702 --> 00:27:34,001
'70s, when I was born in the
'70s.
But I knew what the feeling

840
00:27:34,003 --> 00:27:35,336
'70s.
But I knew what the feeling
needed to be, what the voice

841
00:27:35,338 --> 00:27:36,403
but I knew what the feeling
needed to be, what the voice
needed to sound like.

842
00:27:36,405 --> 00:27:38,605
Needed to be, what the voice
needed to sound like.
And I think I was born to play

843
00:27:38,607 --> 00:27:41,208
needed to sound like.
And I think I was born to play
that -- that part in

844
00:27:41,210 --> 00:27:43,577
and I think I was born to play
that -- that part in
"american gangster," introducing

845
00:27:43,579 --> 00:27:49,149
that -- that part in
"american gangster," introducing
joe louis and, yeah, writing an

846
00:27:49,151 --> 00:27:52,086
"american gangster," introducing
joe louis and, yeah, writing an
amazing song, a james brown-type

847
00:27:52,088 --> 00:27:55,956
joe louis and, yeah, writing an
amazing song, a james brown-type
song, for the movie and singing

848
00:27:55,958 --> 00:27:58,192
amazing song, a james brown-type
song, for the movie and singing
a hit like "do you feel me,"

849
00:27:58,194 --> 00:28:01,595
song, for the movie and singing
a hit like "do you feel me,"
written by diane warren.

850
00:28:01,597 --> 00:28:03,497
A hit like "do you feel me,"
written by diane warren.
Yeah.

851
00:28:03,499 --> 00:28:04,832
Written by diane warren.
Yeah.
They chose me.

852
00:28:04,834 --> 00:28:08,168
Yeah.
They chose me.
"freedom" -- "django unchained."

853
00:28:08,170 --> 00:28:12,539
they chose me.
"freedom" -- "django unchained."
man, that movie was -- it was

854
00:28:12,541 --> 00:28:15,509
"freedom" -- "django unchained."
man, that movie was -- it was
put together pretty well.

855
00:28:15,511 --> 00:28:17,611
Man, that movie was -- it was
put together pretty well.
I'm a huge quentin tarantino

856
00:28:17,613 --> 00:28:18,178
put together pretty well.
I'm a huge quentin tarantino
fan.

857
00:28:18,180 --> 00:28:20,647
I'm a huge quentin tarantino
fan.
He's a fan of mine.

858
00:28:20,649 --> 00:28:23,250
Fan.
He's a fan of mine.
I've even seen him and rza in

859
00:28:23,252 --> 00:28:25,386
he's a fan of mine.
I've even seen him and rza in
the crowd for one of my

860
00:28:25,388 --> 00:28:26,320
I've even seen him and rza in
the crowd for one of my
performances.

861
00:28:26,322 --> 00:28:28,222
The crowd for one of my
performances.
When I got the call to be a part

862
00:28:28,224 --> 00:28:30,157
performances.
When I got the call to be a part
of that, I knew it was something

863
00:28:30,159 --> 00:28:32,626
when I got the call to be a part
of that, I knew it was something
big, 'cause he doesn't touch a

864
00:28:32,628 --> 00:28:34,595
of that, I knew it was something
big, 'cause he doesn't touch a
lot of stuff, but when he does,

865
00:28:34,597 --> 00:28:37,064
big, 'cause he doesn't touch a
lot of stuff, but when he does,
it's a masterpiece.

866
00:28:37,066 --> 00:28:39,566
Lot of stuff, but when he does,
it's a masterpiece.
But it was a movie that reversed

867
00:28:39,568 --> 00:28:40,701
it's a masterpiece.
But it was a movie that reversed
the roles a little bit.

868
00:28:40,703 --> 00:28:42,102
But it was a movie that reversed
the roles a little bit.
It was kind of interesting to

869
00:28:42,104 --> 00:28:45,739
the roles a little bit.
It was kind of interesting to
see a black superhero back in

870
00:28:45,741 --> 00:28:47,574
it was kind of interesting to
see a black superhero back in
the days of slavery.

871
00:28:47,576 --> 00:28:51,779
See a black superhero back in
the days of slavery.
And jamie foxx played an amazing

872
00:28:51,781 --> 00:28:55,015
the days of slavery.
And jamie foxx played an amazing
part -- kerry washingt.

873
00:28:55,017 --> 00:28:56,717
And jamie foxx played an amazing
part -- kerry washingt.
I'll forever be a part of that

874
00:28:56,719 --> 00:28:58,018
part -- kerry washingt.
I'll forever be a part of that
classic.

875
00:28:58,020 --> 00:29:02,289
I'll forever be a part of that
classic.
And the song "freedom" was the

876
00:29:02,291 --> 00:29:04,725
classic.
And the song "freedom" was the
perfect song for that moment,

877
00:29:04,727 --> 00:29:07,161
and the song "freedom" was the
perfect song for that moment,
segue from being captured and

878
00:29:07,163 --> 00:29:09,963
perfect song for that moment,
segue from being captured and
becoming free and gaining your

879
00:29:09,965 --> 00:29:11,899
segue from being captured and
becoming free and gaining your
power back and riding off into

880
00:29:11,901 --> 00:29:12,800
becoming free and gaining your
power back and riding off into
the sunset.

881
00:29:12,802 --> 00:29:14,501
Power back and riding off into
the sunset.
I'm the soundtrack to that

882
00:29:14,503 --> 00:29:16,570
the sunset.
I'm the soundtrack to that
moment.

883
00:29:16,572 --> 00:29:21,275
I'm the soundtrack to that
moment.
And forever grateful for it.

884
00:29:21,277 --> 00:29:22,709
Moment.
And forever grateful for it.
The hamiltones.

885
00:29:22,711 --> 00:29:23,911
And forever grateful for it.
The hamiltones.
[ chuckles ]

886
00:29:23,913 --> 00:29:25,779
the hamiltones.
[ chuckles ]
singing rascals, man.

887
00:29:25,781 --> 00:29:28,649
[ chuckles ]
singing rascals, man.
Some southern church boys who I

888
00:29:28,651 --> 00:29:31,118
singing rascals, man.
Some southern church boys who I
found along the way through

889
00:29:31,120 --> 00:29:33,687
some southern church boys who I
found along the way through
other band members.

890
00:29:33,689 --> 00:29:35,422
Found along the way through
other band members.
Kenny leonard, who was my m.D.

891
00:29:35,424 --> 00:29:39,026
Other band members.
Kenny leonard, who was my m.D.
For years, introduced me to

892
00:29:39,028 --> 00:29:43,163
kenny leonard, who was my m.D.
For years, introduced me to
these guys -- j. Vito, 2e, and

893
00:29:43,165 --> 00:29:45,833
for years, introduced me to
these guys -- j. Vito, 2e, and
lelo, tony lelo.

894
00:29:45,835 --> 00:29:48,268
These guys -- j. Vito, 2e, and
lelo, tony lelo.
And I've never heard such

895
00:29:48,270 --> 00:29:50,304
lelo, tony lelo.
And I've never heard such
harmonies from three

896
00:29:50,306 --> 00:29:51,672
and I've never heard such
harmonies from three
individuals.

897
00:29:51,674 --> 00:29:53,807
Harmonies from three
individuals.
I think the three of them can

898
00:29:53,809 --> 00:29:56,143
individuals.
I think the three of them can
sound like a choir, a 60-piece

899
00:29:56,145 --> 00:29:56,743
I think the three of them can
sound like a choir, a 60-piece
choir.

900
00:29:56,745 --> 00:29:58,445
Sound like a choir, a 60-piece
choir.
They harmonize that great.

901
00:29:58,447 --> 00:30:00,447
Choir.
They harmonize that great.
And just -- not only just having

902
00:30:00,449 --> 00:30:02,382
they harmonize that great.
And just -- not only just having
great voices, but the spirit

903
00:30:02,384 --> 00:30:05,819
and just -- not only just having
great voices, but the spirit
behind it to carry those voices

904
00:30:05,821 --> 00:30:08,288
great voices, but the spirit
behind it to carry those voices
to places that normal singers

905
00:30:08,290 --> 00:30:09,323
behind it to carry those voices
to places that normal singers
can't go.

906
00:30:09,325 --> 00:30:11,725
To places that normal singers
can't go.
They've spoiled me, actually.

907
00:30:11,727 --> 00:30:13,360
Can't go.
They've spoiled me, actually.
It's hard to kind of have other

908
00:30:13,362 --> 00:30:14,962
they've spoiled me, actually.
It's hard to kind of have other
background singers after having

909
00:30:14,964 --> 00:30:15,863
it's hard to kind of have other
background singers after having
the hamiltones.

910
00:30:15,865 --> 00:30:17,364
Background singers after having
the hamiltones.
But there's still some great

911
00:30:17,366 --> 00:30:18,899
the hamiltones.
But there's still some great
guys out there playing.

912
00:30:18,901 --> 00:30:20,767
But there's still some great
guys out there playing.
They got to put on some mean,

913
00:30:20,769 --> 00:30:22,169
guys out there playing.
They got to put on some mean,
big boots...

914
00:30:22,171 --> 00:30:23,437
They got to put on some mean,
big boots...
[ laughs ]

915
00:30:23,439 --> 00:30:26,573
big boots...
[ laughs ]
...To come behind those guys.

916
00:30:26,575 --> 00:30:28,108
[ laughs ]
...To come behind those guys.
Working with shirley caesar --

917
00:30:28,110 --> 00:30:29,409
...To come behind those guys.
Working with shirley caesar --
wow.

918
00:30:29,411 --> 00:30:35,616
Working with shirley caesar --
wow.
Man, she's like gospel royalty.

919
00:30:35,618 --> 00:30:39,920
Wow.
Man, she's like gospel royalty.
And you can't out-sing her.

920
00:30:39,922 --> 00:30:41,388
Man, she's like gospel royalty.
And you can't out-sing her.
So don't even try it.

921
00:30:41,390 --> 00:30:43,423
And you can't out-sing her.
So don't even try it.
[ laughs ]

922
00:30:43,425 --> 00:30:45,392
so don't even try it.
[ laughs ]
she's one of the most powerful

923
00:30:45,394 --> 00:30:48,795
[ laughs ]
she's one of the most powerful
voices and spirits behind gospel

924
00:30:48,797 --> 00:30:49,363
she's one of the most powerful
voices and spirits behind gospel
music.

925
00:30:49,365 --> 00:30:50,964
Voices and spirits behind gospel
music.
She calls me "little boy."

926
00:30:50,966 --> 00:30:53,634
music.
She calls me "little boy."
"hey, little boy.

927
00:30:53,636 --> 00:30:56,436
She calls me "little boy."
"hey, little boy.
Hey, little boy.

928
00:30:56,438 --> 00:30:57,938
"hey, little boy.
Hey, little boy.
Sing higher."

929
00:30:57,940 --> 00:30:59,606
hey, little boy.
Sing higher."
so, I already recorded the song,

930
00:30:59,608 --> 00:31:01,108
sing higher."
so, I already recorded the song,
right?

931
00:31:01,110 --> 00:31:03,810
So, I already recorded the song,
right?
And we were singing it live.

932
00:31:03,812 --> 00:31:05,479
Right?
And we were singing it live.
So, what I did on the record was

933
00:31:05,481 --> 00:31:08,649
and we were singing it live.
So, what I did on the record was
good for the record, but, no,

934
00:31:08,651 --> 00:31:09,716
so, what I did on the record was
good for the record, but, no,
not with miss shirley caesar,

935
00:31:09,718 --> 00:31:11,251
good for the record, but, no,
not with miss shirley caesar,
not live.

936
00:31:11,253 --> 00:31:13,153
Not with miss shirley caesar,
not live.
"sing it higher.

937
00:31:13,155 --> 00:31:13,987
Not live.
"sing it higher.
Sing higher."

938
00:31:13,989 --> 00:31:15,422
"sing it higher.
Sing higher."
she kept saying me to sing

939
00:31:15,424 --> 00:31:18,458
sing higher."
she kept saying me to sing
higher, and I sung it higher.

940
00:31:18,460 --> 00:31:20,227
She kept saying me to sing
higher, and I sung it higher.
She brought out a can of "sing

941
00:31:20,229 --> 00:31:21,228
higher, and I sung it higher.
She brought out a can of "sing
it down, boy."

942
00:31:21,230 --> 00:31:22,996
she brought out a can of "sing
it down, boy."
you know, I had a can of "sing

943
00:31:22,998 --> 00:31:24,197
it down, boy."
you know, I had a can of "sing
it down, boy" in there.

944
00:31:24,199 --> 00:31:25,499
You know, I had a can of "sing
it down, boy" in there.
She wasn't expecting that.

945
00:31:25,501 --> 00:31:26,600
It down, boy" in there.
She wasn't expecting that.
She was like, "oh!

946
00:31:26,602 --> 00:31:27,768
She wasn't expecting that.
She was like, "oh!
You can get at it."

947
00:31:27,770 --> 00:31:29,436
she was like, "oh!
You can get at it."
you're not gonna embarrass me,

948
00:31:29,438 --> 00:31:30,504
you can get at it."
you're not gonna embarrass me,
miss caesar.

949
00:31:30,506 --> 00:31:31,538
You're not gonna embarrass me,
miss caesar.
[ laughs ]

950
00:31:31,540 --> 00:31:32,806
miss caesar.
[ laughs ]
but I love her.

951
00:31:32,808 --> 00:31:34,641
[ laughs ]
but I love her.
I loved singing with her.

952
00:31:34,643 --> 00:31:36,109
But I love her.
I loved singing with her.
She made me better.

953
00:31:36,111 --> 00:31:36,643
I loved singing with her.
She made me better.
She made me sing higher.

954
00:31:43,117 --> 00:31:50,657
Time when I had matured and I
had learned a lot about the
industry.

955
00:31:50,659 --> 00:31:53,460
Had learned a lot about the
industry.
My focus is set on it.

956
00:31:53,462 --> 00:31:55,128
Industry.
My focus is set on it.
And I think it's time now to

957
00:31:55,130 --> 00:31:56,396
my focus is set on it.
And I think it's time now to
have more ownership.

958
00:31:56,398 --> 00:31:58,098
And I think it's time now to
have more ownership.
You get older and you realize

959
00:31:58,100 --> 00:31:59,733
have more ownership.
You get older and you realize
you've sacrificed a lot and

960
00:31:59,735 --> 00:32:02,369
you get older and you realize
you've sacrificed a lot and
you've given a lot of what

961
00:32:02,371 --> 00:32:05,539
you've sacrificed a lot and
you've given a lot of what
should have belonged to me a lot

962
00:32:05,541 --> 00:32:07,240
you've given a lot of what
should have belonged to me a lot
sooner.

963
00:32:07,242 --> 00:32:10,277
Should have belonged to me a lot
sooner.
But now, looking forward, being

964
00:32:10,279 --> 00:32:11,912
sooner.
But now, looking forward, being
a businessman, it's something

965
00:32:11,914 --> 00:32:13,614
but now, looking forward, being
a businessman, it's something
very important to show my kids,

966
00:32:13,616 --> 00:32:15,148
a businessman, it's something
very important to show my kids,
to show them that daddy has

967
00:32:15,150 --> 00:32:18,151
very important to show my kids,
to show them that daddy has
ownership and he calls the shots

968
00:32:18,153 --> 00:32:21,088
to show them that daddy has
ownership and he calls the shots
and he took his career in his

969
00:32:21,090 --> 00:32:24,224
ownership and he calls the shots
and he took his career in his
own hands and stepped up to the

970
00:32:24,226 --> 00:32:24,958
and he took his career in his
own hands and stepped up to the
plate.

971
00:32:24,960 --> 00:32:26,259
Own hands and stepped up to the
plate.
It means a lot.

972
00:32:26,261 --> 00:32:28,562
Plate.
It means a lot.
My music box is something that

973
00:32:28,564 --> 00:32:31,398
it means a lot.
My music box is something that
will house a lot of talent from

974
00:32:31,400 --> 00:32:33,433
my music box is something that
will house a lot of talent from
north carolina, south carolina,

975
00:32:33,435 --> 00:32:35,035
will house a lot of talent from
north carolina, south carolina,
and run with the big boys.

976
00:32:35,037 --> 00:32:38,171
North carolina, south carolina,
and run with the big boys.
And to be, you know, partners

977
00:32:38,173 --> 00:32:43,143
and run with the big boys.
And to be, you know, partners
with bmg -- it's -- yeah,

978
00:32:43,145 --> 00:32:45,078
and to be, you know, partners
with bmg -- it's -- yeah,
rollin' with two big dogs going

979
00:32:45,080 --> 00:32:48,448
with bmg -- it's -- yeah,
rollin' with two big dogs going
at it and delivering music all

980
00:32:48,450 --> 00:32:50,617
rollin' with two big dogs going
at it and delivering music all
over the world.

981
00:32:50,619 --> 00:32:53,787
At it and delivering music all
over the world.
Being endorsed by jordan --

982
00:32:53,789 --> 00:32:56,723
over the world.
Being endorsed by jordan --
wow! -- And not even an athlete,

983
00:32:56,725 --> 00:33:00,927
being endorsed by jordan --
wow! -- And not even an athlete,
it speaks a lot about him, his

984
00:33:00,929 --> 00:33:02,462
wow! -- And not even an athlete,
it speaks a lot about him, his
connection and love for

985
00:33:02,464 --> 00:33:04,297
it speaks a lot about him, his
connection and love for
north carolina, and for good

986
00:33:04,299 --> 00:33:05,365
connection and love for
north carolina, and for good
music.

987
00:33:05,367 --> 00:33:07,968
North carolina, and for good
music.
He took me in what would have

988
00:33:07,970 --> 00:33:12,205
music.
He took me in what would have
been a two-year deal.

989
00:33:12,207 --> 00:33:16,810
He took me in what would have
been a two-year deal.
It's been 10 years now and maybe

990
00:33:16,812 --> 00:33:19,479
been a two-year deal.
It's been 10 years now and maybe
300 pairs of sneakers later.

991
00:33:19,481 --> 00:33:22,015
It's been 10 years now and maybe
300 pairs of sneakers later.
Brand jordan and, you know, his

992
00:33:22,017 --> 00:33:26,353
300 pairs of sneakers later.
Brand jordan and, you know, his
whole team, everyone from

993
00:33:26,355 --> 00:33:30,390
brand jordan and, you know, his
whole team, everyone from
fred whitfield to seth, charles,

994
00:33:30,392 --> 00:33:32,793
whole team, everyone from
fred whitfield to seth, charles,
reggie, h, so many amazing

995
00:33:32,795 --> 00:33:35,495
fred whitfield to seth, charles,
reggie, h, so many amazing
people who took me in and made

996
00:33:35,497 --> 00:33:37,264
reggie, h, so many amazing
people who took me in and made
me feel like home.

997
00:33:37,266 --> 00:33:39,966
People who took me in and made
me feel like home.
Michael jordan is a competitor

998
00:33:39,968 --> 00:33:42,869
me feel like home.
Michael jordan is a competitor
in everything.

999
00:33:42,871 --> 00:33:44,571
Michael jordan is a competitor
in everything.
We were down -- I remember we

1000
00:33:44,573 --> 00:33:46,306
in everything.
We were down -- I remember we
were down and we were playing

1001
00:33:46,308 --> 00:33:47,107
we were down -- I remember we
were down and we were playing
some games.

1002
00:33:47,109 --> 00:33:48,241
Were down and we were playing
some games.
Like, I think it was

1003
00:33:48,243 --> 00:33:49,876
some games.
Like, I think it was
"family feud," and I was on his

1004
00:33:49,878 --> 00:33:50,343
like, I think it was
"family feud," and I was on his
team.

1005
00:33:50,345 --> 00:33:52,379
"family feud," and I was on his
team.
And I must have got an answer

1006
00:33:52,381 --> 00:33:53,447
team.
And I must have got an answer
wrong or two.

1007
00:33:53,449 --> 00:33:55,515
And I must have got an answer
wrong or two.
I feel this pop on the back of

1008
00:33:55,517 --> 00:33:56,450
wrong or two.
I feel this pop on the back of
the head.

1009
00:33:56,452 --> 00:33:58,218
I feel this pop on the back of
the head.
"god dog it, anthony."

1010
00:33:58,220 --> 00:33:59,219
the head.
"god dog it, anthony."
[ laughs ]

1011
00:33:59,221 --> 00:34:01,788
"god dog it, anthony."
[ laughs ]
he wants to win everything.

1012
00:34:01,790 --> 00:34:03,857
[ laughs ]
he wants to win everything.
Even if it's walking, he wants

1013
00:34:03,859 --> 00:34:06,059
he wants to win everything.
Even if it's walking, he wants
to out-walk you, and whatever it

1014
00:34:06,061 --> 00:34:08,228
even if it's walking, he wants
to out-walk you, and whatever it
is, it's a competition and he's

1015
00:34:08,230 --> 00:34:09,463
to out-walk you, and whatever it
is, it's a competition and he's
really about it.

1016
00:34:09,465 --> 00:34:10,964
Is, it's a competition and he's
really about it.
But he's a lot of fun.

1017
00:34:10,966 --> 00:34:12,799
Really about it.
But he's a lot of fun.
You know, it's good for your

1018
00:34:12,801 --> 00:34:13,366
but he's a lot of fun.
You know, it's good for your
morale.

1019
00:34:13,368 --> 00:34:15,001
You know, it's good for your
morale.
If you're gonna be a part of a

1020
00:34:15,003 --> 00:34:16,603
morale.
If you're gonna be a part of a
team, you're not just gonna be

1021
00:34:16,605 --> 00:34:17,637
if you're gonna be a part of a
team, you're not just gonna be
wearing a jersey.

1022
00:34:17,639 --> 00:34:18,705
Team, you're not just gonna be
wearing a jersey.
You came out to win.

1023
00:34:18,707 --> 00:34:20,307
Wearing a jersey.
You came out to win.
And everything he does, he wants

1024
00:34:20,309 --> 00:34:22,075
you came out to win.
And everything he does, he wants
to win and makes you a winner.

1025
00:34:22,077 --> 00:34:23,577
And everything he does, he wants
to win and makes you a winner.
The t.A.S.T.E foundation,

1026
00:34:23,579 --> 00:34:24,745
to win and makes you a winner.
The t.A.S.T.E foundation,
anthony hamilton's

1027
00:34:24,747 --> 00:34:26,613
the t.A.S.T.E foundation,
anthony hamilton's
t.A.S.T.E foundation -- it's a

1028
00:34:26,615 --> 00:34:29,116
anthony hamilton's
t.A.S.T.E foundation -- it's a
foundation that I wanted to take

1029
00:34:29,118 --> 00:34:31,284
t.A.S.T.E foundation -- it's a
foundation that I wanted to take
a step to elevate, and that's

1030
00:34:31,286 --> 00:34:36,389
foundation that I wanted to take
a step to elevate, and that's
what it does -- to take you from

1031
00:34:36,391 --> 00:34:38,225
a step to elevate, and that's
what it does -- to take you from
your life and a place where you

1032
00:34:38,227 --> 00:34:40,127
what it does -- to take you from
your life and a place where you
feel like it's at the lowest and

1033
00:34:40,129 --> 00:34:41,895
your life and a place where you
feel like it's at the lowest and
bring you up to a place where

1034
00:34:41,897 --> 00:34:43,630
feel like it's at the lowest and
bring you up to a place where
you feel good about yourself,

1035
00:34:43,632 --> 00:34:46,032
bring you up to a place where
you feel good about yourself,
whether it be allowing you to

1036
00:34:46,034 --> 00:34:48,435
you feel good about yourself,
whether it be allowing you to
have food and things that you

1037
00:34:48,437 --> 00:34:51,705
whether it be allowing you to
have food and things that you
need or mental health or love or

1038
00:34:51,707 --> 00:34:54,741
have food and things that you
need or mental health or love or
a place to stay or just someone

1039
00:34:54,743 --> 00:34:56,076
need or mental health or love or
a place to stay or just someone
to talk to.

1040
00:34:56,078 --> 00:34:57,444
A place to stay or just someone
to talk to.
We want to make sure you have

1041
00:34:57,446 --> 00:34:58,912
to talk to.
We want to make sure you have
those tools and the things that

1042
00:34:58,914 --> 00:35:01,348
we want to make sure you have
those tools and the things that
you need to make your life

1043
00:35:01,350 --> 00:35:02,282
those tools and the things that
you need to make your life
better.

1044
00:35:02,284 --> 00:35:05,051
You need to make your life
better.
I don't mind giving back,

1045
00:35:05,053 --> 00:35:06,653
better.
I don't mind giving back,
because I've been at a place

1046
00:35:06,655 --> 00:35:09,122
I don't mind giving back,
because I've been at a place
where it had to be given to me.

1047
00:35:09,124 --> 00:35:12,125
Because I've been at a place
where it had to be given to me.
And I know what, you know --

1048
00:35:12,127 --> 00:35:14,127
where it had to be given to me.
And I know what, you know --
what that feels like to get it

1049
00:35:14,129 --> 00:35:15,896
and I know what, you know --
what that feels like to get it
at a time when you feel like...

1050
00:35:15,898 --> 00:35:16,696
What that feels like to get it
at a time when you feel like...
[ sighs ]

1051
00:35:16,698 --> 00:35:18,698
at a time when you feel like...
[ sighs ]
..."it's getting a little dark

1052
00:35:18,700 --> 00:35:19,566
[ sighs ]
..."it's getting a little dark
outside.

1053
00:35:19,568 --> 00:35:21,802
..."it's getting a little dark
outside.
That meal come through right

1054
00:35:21,804 --> 00:35:24,271
outside.
That meal come through right
now, it would be so necessary."

1055
00:35:24,273 --> 00:35:26,706
that meal come through right
now, it would be so necessary."
and to be there for somebody --

1056
00:35:26,708 --> 00:35:28,975
now, it would be so necessary."
and to be there for somebody --
it's something that you can't

1057
00:35:28,977 --> 00:35:31,812
and to be there for somebody --
it's something that you can't
even -- you can't explain it.

1058
00:35:31,814 --> 00:35:33,180
It's something that you can't
even -- you can't explain it.
It's just something you have to

1059
00:35:33,182 --> 00:35:35,048
even -- you can't explain it.
It's just something you have to
feel.

1060
00:35:35,050 --> 00:35:39,186
It's just something you have to
feel.
Casa -- count-appointed special

1061
00:35:39,188 --> 00:35:41,054
feel.
Casa -- count-appointed special
advocacy for kids in the

1062
00:35:41,056 --> 00:35:42,622
casa -- count-appointed special
advocacy for kids in the
foster-care system.

1063
00:35:42,624 --> 00:35:44,858
Advocacy for kids in the
foster-care system.
Just making sure that people who

1064
00:35:44,860 --> 00:35:47,761
foster-care system.
Just making sure that people who
are willing to adopt have the

1065
00:35:47,763 --> 00:35:51,398
just making sure that people who
are willing to adopt have the
means, make it easier, make sure

1066
00:35:51,400 --> 00:35:53,800
are willing to adopt have the
means, make it easier, make sure
that these kids have the proper

1067
00:35:53,802 --> 00:35:56,136
means, make it easier, make sure
that these kids have the proper
homes and love and things that

1068
00:35:56,138 --> 00:36:00,507
that these kids have the proper
homes and love and things that
they need and to make sure that

1069
00:36:00,509 --> 00:36:02,409
homes and love and things that
they need and to make sure that
kids are paired off with the

1070
00:36:02,411 --> 00:36:04,511
they need and to make sure that
kids are paired off with the
right families and that they're

1071
00:36:04,513 --> 00:36:06,746
kids are paired off with the
right families and that they're
not forgotten about.

1072
00:36:06,748 --> 00:36:10,050
Right families and that they're
not forgotten about.
And when they age out, make sure

1073
00:36:10,052 --> 00:36:12,319
not forgotten about.
And when they age out, make sure
that they have a safe landing

1074
00:36:12,321 --> 00:36:12,953
and when they age out, make sure
that they have a safe landing
pad.

1075
00:36:12,955 --> 00:36:15,355
That they have a safe landing
pad.
I think adoption is a beautiful

1076
00:36:15,357 --> 00:36:16,189
pad.
I think adoption is a beautiful
thing.

1077
00:36:16,191 --> 00:36:19,960
I think adoption is a beautiful
thing.
I encourage people to do it, if

1078
00:36:19,962 --> 00:36:21,461
thing.
I encourage people to do it, if
you don't have kids, and if you

1079
00:36:21,463 --> 00:36:24,064
I encourage people to do it, if
you don't have kids, and if you
do have kids, I think it's a

1080
00:36:24,066 --> 00:36:26,833
you don't have kids, and if you
do have kids, I think it's a
great thing to love a child and

1081
00:36:26,835 --> 00:36:28,401
do have kids, I think it's a
great thing to love a child and
give him a home.

1082
00:36:28,403 --> 00:36:30,971
Great thing to love a child and
give him a home.
Black lives matter -- it means

1083
00:36:30,973 --> 00:36:38,612
give him a home.
Black lives matter -- it means
to really be a part of my people

1084
00:36:38,614 --> 00:36:41,314
black lives matter -- it means
to really be a part of my people
being better, being a voice to

1085
00:36:41,316 --> 00:36:43,316
to really be a part of my people
being better, being a voice to
open up doors for people that

1086
00:36:43,318 --> 00:36:48,054
being better, being a voice to
open up doors for people that
look like me, who need that

1087
00:36:48,056 --> 00:36:51,358
open up doors for people that
look like me, who need that
extra push or that extra support

1088
00:36:51,360 --> 00:36:55,028
look like me, who need that
extra push or that extra support
or that extra care when things

1089
00:36:55,030 --> 00:36:57,797
extra push or that extra support
or that extra care when things
are -- you know, a lot of times,

1090
00:36:57,799 --> 00:37:00,433
or that extra care when things
are -- you know, a lot of times,
it seems to be against you.

1091
00:37:00,435 --> 00:37:02,302
Are -- you know, a lot of times,
it seems to be against you.
I have to be that person who can

1092
00:37:02,304 --> 00:37:04,070
it seems to be against you.
I have to be that person who can
walk in the room, who they may

1093
00:37:04,072 --> 00:37:06,573
I have to be that person who can
walk in the room, who they may
respect for being an entertainer

1094
00:37:06,575 --> 00:37:09,676
walk in the room, who they may
respect for being an entertainer
or whatever they see me as, and

1095
00:37:09,678 --> 00:37:12,045
respect for being an entertainer
or whatever they see me as, and
open my mouth and say something

1096
00:37:12,047 --> 00:37:14,648
or whatever they see me as, and
open my mouth and say something
that's not just for me.

1097
00:37:14,650 --> 00:37:15,982
Open my mouth and say something
that's not just for me.
Being proud of it.

1098
00:37:15,984 --> 00:37:18,018
That's not just for me.
Being proud of it.
Being proud of these big lips,

1099
00:37:18,020 --> 00:37:20,720
being proud of it.
Being proud of these big lips,
this wide nose, this hair that

1100
00:37:20,722 --> 00:37:22,722
being proud of these big lips,
this wide nose, this hair that
can get curly or nappy and

1101
00:37:22,724 --> 00:37:23,490
this wide nose, this hair that
can get curly or nappy and
straight.

1102
00:37:23,492 --> 00:37:26,760
Can get curly or nappy and
straight.
Yeah, walk with my chest up and

1103
00:37:26,762 --> 00:37:29,596
straight.
Yeah, walk with my chest up and
know that I deserve everything

1104
00:37:29,598 --> 00:37:30,163
yeah, walk with my chest up and
know that I deserve everything
that I've worked hard for.

1105
00:37:34,885 --> 00:37:41,041
>> hamilton: Wow.
Anyone in any genre I haven't
collaborated with that I'd love

1106
00:37:41,043 --> 00:37:42,208
anyone in any genre I haven't
collaborated with that I'd love
to.

1107
00:37:42,210 --> 00:37:44,044
Collaborated with that I'd love
to.
Wow, so many.

1108
00:37:44,046 --> 00:37:47,914
To.
Wow, so many.
I think me and john mayer could

1109
00:37:47,916 --> 00:37:49,816
wow, so many.
I think me and john mayer could
do something really amazing.

1110
00:37:49,818 --> 00:37:51,584
I think me and john mayer could
do something really amazing.
Ed sheeran, brittany from

1111
00:37:51,586 --> 00:37:52,986
do something really amazing.
Ed sheeran, brittany from
alabama shakes.

1112
00:37:52,988 --> 00:37:54,521
Ed sheeran, brittany from
alabama shakes.
I like her a lot.

1113
00:37:54,523 --> 00:37:55,655
Alabama shakes.
I like her a lot.
Kane brown.

1114
00:37:55,657 --> 00:37:56,957
I like her a lot.
Kane brown.
Drake.

1115
00:37:56,959 --> 00:37:59,225
Kane brown.
Drake.
Kanye west.

1116
00:37:59,227 --> 00:38:01,094
Drake.
Kanye west.
I love the music they make.

1117
00:38:01,096 --> 00:38:05,065
Kanye west.
I love the music they make.
And...

1118
00:38:05,067 --> 00:38:07,434
I love the music they make.
And...
Jazmine sullivan.

1119
00:38:07,436 --> 00:38:08,802
And...
Jazmine sullivan.
I like when you can sing like

1120
00:38:08,804 --> 00:38:10,136
jazmine sullivan.
I like when you can sing like
that.

1121
00:38:10,138 --> 00:38:11,705
I like when you can sing like
that.
I think I can bring the

1122
00:38:11,707 --> 00:38:13,773
that.
I think I can bring the
rolling stones back out and make

1123
00:38:13,775 --> 00:38:16,042
I think I can bring the
rolling stones back out and make
something amazing.

1124
00:38:16,044 --> 00:38:17,978
Rolling stones back out and make
something amazing.
And the neville brothers.

1125
00:38:17,980 --> 00:38:19,312
Something amazing.
And the neville brothers.
I can do it all.

1126
00:38:19,314 --> 00:38:19,779
And the neville brothers.
I can do it all.
I was born to do it.

1127
00:38:24,935 --> 00:38:31,624
>> hamilton: "love is the new
black" -- it's an album that's
been being created for a while

1128
00:38:31,626 --> 00:38:32,092
black" -- it's an album that's
been being created for a while
now.

1129
00:38:32,094 --> 00:38:33,893
Been being created for a while
now.
Going through the pandemic and

1130
00:38:33,895 --> 00:38:35,562
now.
Going through the pandemic and
all the racial injustice, I

1131
00:38:35,564 --> 00:38:37,497
going through the pandemic and
all the racial injustice, I
think it had a different tone in

1132
00:38:37,499 --> 00:38:38,498
all the racial injustice, I
think it had a different tone in
the beginning.

1133
00:38:38,500 --> 00:38:40,400
Think it had a different tone in
the beginning.
There was a lot of anger in it.

1134
00:38:40,402 --> 00:38:42,736
The beginning.
There was a lot of anger in it.
There was a lot of pain.

1135
00:38:42,738 --> 00:38:44,738
There was a lot of anger in it.
There was a lot of pain.
But it was until things started

1136
00:38:44,740 --> 00:38:46,606
there was a lot of pain.
But it was until things started
to turn around a little bit,

1137
00:38:46,608 --> 00:38:48,441
but it was until things started
to turn around a little bit,
some form of justice that I

1138
00:38:48,443 --> 00:38:52,479
to turn around a little bit,
some form of justice that I
decided to let up a little bit

1139
00:38:52,481 --> 00:38:54,848
some form of justice that I
decided to let up a little bit
on the heaviness and allow

1140
00:38:54,850 --> 00:38:56,416
decided to let up a little bit
on the heaviness and allow
people a chance to breathe.

1141
00:38:56,418 --> 00:38:58,184
On the heaviness and allow
people a chance to breathe.
And so I started creating songs

1142
00:38:58,186 --> 00:39:01,921
people a chance to breathe.
And so I started creating songs
that had more healing and more

1143
00:39:01,923 --> 00:39:03,256
and so I started creating songs
that had more healing and more
freedom to them.

1144
00:39:03,258 --> 00:39:05,859
That had more healing and more
freedom to them.
This album is a reminder that

1145
00:39:05,861 --> 00:39:08,561
freedom to them.
This album is a reminder that
love should be priority.

1146
00:39:08,563 --> 00:39:09,863
This album is a reminder that
love should be priority.
Like you put on that black suit,

1147
00:39:09,865 --> 00:39:11,097
love should be priority.
Like you put on that black suit,
that black leather jacket, and

1148
00:39:11,099 --> 00:39:13,967
like you put on that black suit,
that black leather jacket, and
those black boots, put on love

1149
00:39:13,969 --> 00:39:16,669
that black leather jacket, and
those black boots, put on love
every day and do it intentional.

1150
00:39:16,671 --> 00:39:17,871
Those black boots, put on love
every day and do it intentional.
This album is intentional.

1151
00:39:17,873 --> 00:39:19,272
Every day and do it intentional.
This album is intentional.
I can't wait for people to hear

1152
00:39:19,274 --> 00:39:21,341
this album is intentional.
I can't wait for people to hear
it, to sing alongside

1153
00:39:21,343 --> 00:39:23,676
I can't wait for people to hear
it, to sing alongside
jennifer hudson, to have

1154
00:39:23,678 --> 00:39:24,677
it, to sing alongside
jennifer hudson, to have
rick ross.

1155
00:39:24,679 --> 00:39:27,047
Jennifer hudson, to have
rick ross.
Even lil jon came to the table,

1156
00:39:27,049 --> 00:39:27,647
rick ross.
Even lil jon came to the table,
man.

1157
00:39:27,649 --> 00:39:30,250
Even lil jon came to the table,
man.
I think this album is something

1158
00:39:30,252 --> 00:39:33,720
man.
I think this album is something
that I can put and play beside

1159
00:39:33,722 --> 00:39:35,655
I think this album is something
that I can put and play beside
"comin' from where I'm from."

1160
00:39:35,657 --> 00:39:36,956
that I can put and play beside
"comin' from where I'm from."
it's my new classic.

1161
00:39:36,958 --> 00:39:38,658
"comin' from where I'm from."
it's my new classic.
Yeah, I have very six sons.

1162
00:39:38,660 --> 00:39:40,326
It's my new classic.
Yeah, I have very six sons.
Like, very, very -- they're

1163
00:39:40,328 --> 00:39:44,631
yeah, I have very six sons.
Like, very, very -- they're
very, very alive and very, very

1164
00:39:44,633 --> 00:39:48,768
like, very, very -- they're
very, very alive and very, very
energetic, starting at 8:30,

1165
00:39:48,770 --> 00:39:49,936
very, very alive and very, very
energetic, starting at 8:30,
9:00 a.M.

1166
00:39:49,938 --> 00:39:54,441
Energetic, starting at 8:30,
9:00 a.M.
My younger three -- 9 years old.

1167
00:39:54,443 --> 00:39:56,142
9:00 a.M.
My younger three -- 9 years old.
Then my twins will be 11.

1168
00:39:56,144 --> 00:39:59,212
My younger three -- 9 years old.
Then my twins will be 11.
Then I have 24, 30, and 32.

1169
00:39:59,214 --> 00:40:01,981
Then my twins will be 11.
Then I have 24, 30, and 32.
And, yeah, these younger three

1170
00:40:01,983 --> 00:40:04,617
then I have 24, 30, and 32.
And, yeah, these younger three
are -- they're different.

1171
00:40:04,619 --> 00:40:06,219
And, yeah, these younger three
are -- they're different.
They're a little different than

1172
00:40:06,221 --> 00:40:07,087
are -- they're different.
They're a little different than
my older boys.

1173
00:40:07,089 --> 00:40:08,621
They're a little different than
my older boys.
They're playing football now,

1174
00:40:08,623 --> 00:40:10,190
my older boys.
They're playing football now,
which is cool, 'cause I played

1175
00:40:10,192 --> 00:40:11,591
they're playing football now,
which is cool, 'cause I played
football, actually, in high

1176
00:40:11,593 --> 00:40:12,125
which is cool, 'cause I played
football, actually, in high
school.

1177
00:40:12,127 --> 00:40:13,793
Football, actually, in high
school.
I was a safety, tailback.

1178
00:40:13,795 --> 00:40:14,961
School.
I was a safety, tailback.
And I ran track.

1179
00:40:14,963 --> 00:40:16,129
I was a safety, tailback.
And I ran track.
I was a hurdler.

1180
00:40:16,131 --> 00:40:18,965
And I ran track.
I was a hurdler.
Ran the 110 hurdles, long jump,

1181
00:40:18,967 --> 00:40:21,768
I was a hurdler.
Ran the 110 hurdles, long jump,
and, yeah, first leg on the

1182
00:40:21,770 --> 00:40:22,802
ran the 110 hurdles, long jump,
and, yeah, first leg on the
4x4 relay.

1183
00:40:22,804 --> 00:40:25,238
And, yeah, first leg on the
4x4 relay.
So, I see my speed in them, as

1184
00:40:25,240 --> 00:40:26,840
4x4 relay.
So, I see my speed in them, as
well.

1185
00:40:26,842 --> 00:40:28,875
So, I see my speed in them, as
well.
So it's good to see myself grow

1186
00:40:28,877 --> 00:40:30,877
well.
So it's good to see myself grow
up again and seeing things that

1187
00:40:30,879 --> 00:40:34,114
so it's good to see myself grow
up again and seeing things that
remind me of myself and -- yeah.

1188
00:40:34,116 --> 00:40:36,316
Up again and seeing things that
remind me of myself and -- yeah.
Important lessons I've taught my

1189
00:40:36,318 --> 00:40:36,916
remind me of myself and -- yeah.
Important lessons I've taught my
sons.

1190
00:40:36,918 --> 00:40:39,152
Important lessons I've taught my
sons.
To love yourself enough.

1191
00:40:39,154 --> 00:40:41,721
Sons.
To love yourself enough.
I think self-love -- it goes

1192
00:40:41,723 --> 00:40:45,358
to love yourself enough.
I think self-love -- it goes
beyond just loving yourself.

1193
00:40:45,360 --> 00:40:48,761
I think self-love -- it goes
beyond just loving yourself.
I think it goes -- it's respect.

1194
00:40:48,763 --> 00:40:51,164
Beyond just loving yourself.
I think it goes -- it's respect.
I think it teaches people how to

1195
00:40:51,166 --> 00:40:52,132
I think it goes -- it's respect.
I think it teaches people how to
treat you.

1196
00:40:52,134 --> 00:40:54,534
I think it teaches people how to
treat you.
Don't be afraid to give, to know

1197
00:40:54,536 --> 00:40:58,805
treat you.
Don't be afraid to give, to know
who you are, and to -- yeah, to

1198
00:40:58,807 --> 00:41:01,875
don't be afraid to give, to know
who you are, and to -- yeah, to
treat women like flowers, take

1199
00:41:01,877 --> 00:41:02,475
who you are, and to -- yeah, to
treat women like flowers, take
care of them, respect them.

1200
00:41:04,011 --> 00:41:07,013
Every day you wake up, do it on

1201
00:41:07,148 --> 00:41:09,482
purpose, be intentional about

1202
00:41:09,617 --> 00:41:11,885
living your life the best way

1203
00:41:12,019 --> 00:41:15,155
you can, and make a way.

1204
00:41:15,289 --> 00:41:17,323
Create something that will allow

1205
00:41:17,458 --> 00:41:19,526
you to feed your family and feed

1206
00:41:19,660 --> 00:41:22,996
yourself and be self-sufficient.

1207
00:41:23,130 --> 00:41:24,030
Learn how to cook.

1208
00:41:24,165 --> 00:41:25,598
Don't wait on no woman to cook

1209
00:41:25,733 --> 00:41:27,267
for you and all that.

1210
00:41:27,401 --> 00:41:30,770
Learn how to hunt and fish.

1211
00:41:30,905 --> 00:41:32,472
Do some of the things that make

1212
00:41:32,606 --> 00:41:32,939
being a man amazing.