The B.i.G Podcast Michael Clark, Ci'Tara Lloyd

This week we get into Drake's new AI diss trying to lure Kendrick out of his lyrical miracle cubby hole, Chris Brown's crazy diss to Quavo, and 50 Cent quietly spearheading a black renaissance in television.

Ever felt a chill run down your spine after watching an ad that seemed a bit too intense? That's exactly what happened when we stumbled upon a YouTube commercial that left us with more questions than answers. In this episode, we delve into the curious world of advertising, and then seamlessly transition into the vibrant tapestry of Pittsburgh's Black community dialect and its profound influence on naming conventions. Our guest and I swap tales that weave through the cultural threads of identity and the unspoken stories encapsulated in names, offering a candid glimpse into the impact of these choices.

The rap game is a battlefield, with each verse and beat crafting the legacy of an artist. We dissect the intricate web of competition, honing in on the Drake vs. Kendrick saga with the precision of a lyrical surgeon. Our analysis doesn't stop at the surface; we probe deeper, teasing apart the role of authenticity and regional pride in hip-hop rivalries. Meanwhile, our guest enlightens us with their take on the latest from Drake, stirring up a hearty debate over hip-hop loyalty, and the art of crafting a response that resonates with the soul of the streets.

We wrap up with a heart-to-heart on societal challenges, from the often overlooked toxic feminine energy to the nuances of men's roles in relationships and success. It's a journey of reflection, as we confront the influence of family dynamics and the quest for positive role models. Together, we navigate the emotional and spiritual mazes of our time, striving for personal accountability amidst a backdrop of tension and striving for growth. Join us for a conversation that promises not just insights, but a transformative look at the virtues of being an upstanding citizen in today's complex world.

Don't Be Vulnerable Episode 6

Caught in the whirlwind of a career that drains your spirit as much as it fills your bank account? I've been there, teetering on the edge of financial security and creative fulfillment. In this heart-to-heart session, we wade through the murky waters of making tough choices that aftect both our wallets and our well-being. The path of a technical business analyst seemed bright with promise, yet the hurdles I faced along the way sparked a deep introspection into what truly makes a job worth its paycheck. As I navigate job transitions, the steep learning curves, and the demands of fatherhood, join me in dissecting the delicate balance of juggling life’s responsibilities and chasing the dream of impactful content creation.

This conversation goes beyond the paycheck; it's an honest exploration of career satisfaction and the toll it takes on mental health. I share the gritty reality of how a lucrative job can sometimes hold peace of mind hostage, and how that struggle spills over into family life. The allure of stability is potent, but what happens when that stability comes at the cost of your passion and mental space? As we peel back the layers on the pursuit of happiness through career choices, I reflect on what it means to carve out a fulfilling life while fostering a personal brand and YouTube channel—a life where the heart and the bank balance can coexist harmoniously.

Finally, I offer a candid look at the strategies for career longevity in an ever-changing job landscape. It's not just about landing the job, but about thriving within it. With an eye on the future, I unpack the importance of adaptability, research, and preparation. The journey through the tech industry as a business analyst without a degree has been fraught with ups and downs, but the lessons learned are invaluable. As we wrap up, I invite you to consider how you can add value to your career, even when the going gets tough, and ensure your family's needs are met without sacrificing your sanity. Join us as we chart a course for career resilience and personal growth, no matter the odds.

The Spitter's Section Episode 2

Feuds and authenticity in rap take the spotlight as we peel back the curtain on the music industry's burning issues. From Drake's vulnerable themes to the ethical quandaries that plague the scene, we're not holding back on the tough conversations. Brace yourself for a deep-dive into the Drake and Future tension, where I break down their lyrical warfare and what it could mean for the titans of hip-hop. While Drake's latest efforts stir debate over quality versus success, we question whether Future's understated genius is slipping under the radar. And it's not just the big names; the spotlight shines bright on NFL Partell's mixtape buzz and the fresh release from an artist who’s just traded prison bars for lyrical ones.

Ever wondered how the persona of a rapper like Drake resonates with fans worldwide? I'm putting my own low-key love life on the line to contrast the high-profile romantic rollercoaster he often portrays. The authenticity of Southern rap, the artistic merit of recent albums, and the emerging talents that deserve your playlist—nothing escapes our scrupulous ears. We zoom out to view the bigger picture, examining whether the industry's output is living up to our expectations or if mediocrity is being masked by commercial success. Furthermore, as we venture into the achievements of J Cole's Dreamville roster and anticipate 'The Fall Off,' the conversation becomes a testament to the richness and diversity of hip-hop culture.

Switching gears, the episode takes an ethical turn as we salute Hardo's true-to-life storytelling and unwrap the disconcerting allegations casting shadows upon the industry. Reflecting on the not-so-glamorous aspects of the rap game, we consider how media narratives shape our anxieties and personal values. In anticipation of my co-host T’s return, we lay the groundwork for the next Spitter Section, ensuring that your hip-hop insights remain as sharp as your beats. Stay with us as we navigate the complexities of an industry as multifaceted as the artists it births, and remember, the search for the next anthem never sleeps.

Ever found yourself heightened to the subtle cues of danger on what should have been an uneventful evening? That's where our latest conversation begins, as T and I share the peculiar vibe we felt during a rare parents' night out, from the late-opened shop to our neighbor's odd behavior. We'll also navigate the uncomfortable social dynamics we encountered at the park, where our daughter's innocent interaction with another family unraveled into a complex dance of societal cues and potential racial undertones. These stories are not just recountings of everyday life, but a deeper examination of the instincts and social awareness that keep us vigilant and connected, especially in the age of social media.

Navigating the challenges of modern society, we peel back layers of systemic issues like racism and the power dynamics it perpetuates. We discuss how prejudice can be a ploy for control, yet we're reminded of the resilience in marginalized communities achieving success against the odds. Through personal anecdotes and a candid discussion on maintaining self-worth, we confront the psychological nuances behind disrespect and the importance of setting boundaries. This episode isn't just a narrative—it's an affirmation of our values and the resilience needed to uphold them in a divisive world.

Rounding out the episode, we grapple with the authenticity of our societal interactions, the illusions we're fed, and the self-affirmation that comes despite them. We'll unpack why standing up for oneself in the face of belittlement is crucial, and we hope to shed light on the universal struggle to maintain integrity amid life's distractions. It's an honest, introspective look at what it means to be true to oneself and the courage it takes to navigate a world that often challenges our core beliefs. Join us for an episode that's as much about personal journeys as it is about the larger societal tapestry we're all a part of.

Imagine yourself on a bus, the air thick with summer heat, your personal space non-existent. That's where my story kicks off, turning a mundane ride into a pulse-racing tale of an unexpected fainting spell right in the middle of rush hour chaos. We'll unpack the rollercoaster of emotions and the community spirit that emerges when public transportation throws a curveball. But that's just the beginning, as we segue into a lighter mood, chuckling over the escapades that follow a week's worth of stress—a reminder that sometimes, we all need a little escape.

Laughter and life lessons intertwine as we swap stories about the perils of overindulgence. Ever wondered about the blurry line between viral fame and personal folly in the digital depths of fan communities? We've got the inside scoop, complete with the highs, lows, and the oh-no-he-didn't moments. And if you think that's all, hold onto your headphones—we're also peeling back the layers of personal branding and content creation, with candid insights into the struggles and successes of carving out a digital identity.

As we wrap up this episode's journey, we confront the hard truths about entitlement, self-accountability, and the challenging role of parenting in today's world. We tackle the thorny issues head-on, questioning cultural narratives and societal expectations, all while keeping it real with personal anecdotes and a dash of humor. From the raw honesty of public emotional outbursts to the pitfalls of the entertainment industry, we cover it all—no filters, just the bold truths of navigating life's unpredictable bus rides and beyond.