Certified Convo's Curated By Nyla Symone

On this episode of Certified Conversations, I sit down with a true R&B legend, Raheem DeVaughn. We talk about his 20-year journey from college student to Grammy-nominated “Love King,” the making of his debut album The Love Experience, and how he’s now the voice of the original Quiet Storm on WHUR in D.C.

Raheem breaks down what it’s like to merge his brands as both a recording artist and radio host, why he doubled back to re-record “You” for its 20th anniversary, and how he’s navigating the new music ecosystem through independence, platforms like UnitedMasters and EVEN, and true ownership of his masters. We get into legacy, toxic vs. timeless R&B, showmanship on stage, and what it really takes to survive two decades in one of the most cutthroat industries.

From dealing with Twitter backlash to choosing not to feed negativity, to giving game on digital real estate, mental health, and financial literacy, this episode is full of gems. If you love real conversations about artistry, business, Black media, and love songs that actually feel like something, this one’s for you.

In this interview, I sit down with Crystal Waters, a true legend, to talk about her journey from a shy kid in a jazz family to becoming one of the defining voices of house music.

Crystal opens up about growing up surrounded by music—her father a jazz musician, her aunt Ethel Waters a pioneering Black actress and singer, and her uncle part of MFSB. Even though she was quiet and stayed in her room with headphones on, she was obsessed with albums and knew music was a core part of her life.

We get into how moving to New York pulled her into what was then an underground dance scene. At that time, what we now call house music wasn’t on mainstream radio—it lived in clubs and late-night sets. Crystal explains how “Gypsy Woman” became one of the first tracks to really cross that line and bring the sound into the mainstream while the culture stayed rooted in the underground and later exploded in Europe.

One of the most powerful parts of our conversation is when she breaks down the real inspiration behind “Gypsy Woman.” She takes me back to her kitchen table, writing to a track, humming “la da dee, la de da,” and needing lyrics that fit. That led her to think about a homeless woman she used to pass in Washington, DC—always put together, singing gospel for money. After reading an article about how quickly that woman’s life had fallen apart after losing a retail job, Crystal’s perspective on homelessness shifted. That story became the heart of the song and its opening line, and it honestly made me hear “Gypsy Woman” in a whole new light.

I ask her about coming from such a strong jazz background, and she admits there was some pressure and confusion from her family about her going into dance music and electronic production. They wanted “real” music with instruments. But after she signed her deal in the late ’80s and “Gypsy Woman” blew up in 1991, the success spoke for itself.

We also talk about the legacy of “Gypsy Woman”—how wild it is to both of us that the record is still being sampled and referenced by artists across genres: TI, Alicia Keys, Mary Mary, Doja Cat, and beyond. From my hip hop perspective, it’s powerful to connect the dots between a classic house record and how it continues to shape new music.

A big theme for us is who gets credit for house music. Crystal is clear that house started here, in American Black and brown communities in Chicago and New York. She pushes back on the idea that it began in Europe and talks about that infamous news piece that credited David Guetta with starting house—something the community immediately rejected. She sees it as her responsibility, while she’s still active and visible, to keep telling the truth about the culture’s roots.

We dive into her live orchestra show in New York, which brings together an all-star lineup of women in dance music—Robin S, CeCe Peniston, Barbara Tucker, and more. From my POV, this is a big deal: we don’t often get to see all these women, who helped build this genre, share a stage in this way. Crystal describes it as more of an experience than a typical concert, especially for New Yorkers who’ve never seen house music presented with a full live orchestra.

I bring up Beyoncé’s Renaissance and artists like Kaytranada, and we talk about how they’ve revived and reframed house in the Black community. As a Black woman, once I realized just how many of these foundational house records were created and carried by Black women like Crystal, it shifted how I saw the whole space—and it’s exactly why I wanted her on my show and why I plan to be front row at her tour. Crystal gives Beyoncé full credit for helping people put a name to the sound and reconnect it to its roots.

This interview with Chris Patrick, hosted by Nyla Symone, dives deep into the artist’s journey, from his early days in music to career-defining moments, including touring with Russ and the viral “Man in the Garden” freestyle. Chris reflects on the ups and downs of his rise, the profound influence of family and friends (especially his father and late grandmother), and how patience, perseverance, and community support have fueled his artistry. The candid conversation also unpacks themes behind his latest project “Pray for Me,” meaningful collaborations with Marco and Conductor, and the challenges of balancing ambition with authenticity. Personal anecdotes, humorous memories from the road, and Chris’s vision for both his legacy and the future of hip-hop round out this inspiring episode.

In this episode, I’m chopping it up with La Reezy, one of the brightest new voices coming out of New Orleans. We talk about how he went from being voted “Most Likely to Be a Rapper” in 8th grade to actually living it, why he quit gaming cold turkey to bet on his music, and how Tyler, The Creator inspired him to start producing his own sound on a $200 keyboard he still uses today.

La Reezy breaks down his projects “Louisiana” and “Louisiana Shakedown,” working with PJ Morton in the country with no distractions, and what it felt like to be honored with the Rap Next Generation Award from the Hip Hop Museum. He also shares the wild story of meeting Kendrick Lamar and finding out Kendrick already knew who he was, plus why he’s so intentional about showing a colorful, spiritual, 2025 version of New Orleans to the world.

If you care about story, hunger, and city pride, this is one you don’t want to skip.

Nyla Symone sits down with LIFEOFTHOM, a rapper and producer from Washington Heights, NYC, to discuss his journey in the music industry. LIFEOFTHOM reflects on his 10-year career, which began in 2016, sharing his experiences performing at open mics, festivals, and collaborating with other artists. He highlights his work with Plain Pat and the creation of his album “Driving Blind,” a project that represents perseverance and faith.

Throughout the conversation, LIFEOFTHOM opens up about his production process, musical influences, and the meaning behind his cover art. He also emphasizes the importance of community, continual learning, and staying true to yourself while navigating the music industry. 

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In this episode of We Need To Talk, Nyla Symone sits down with Ruben Vincent and legendary producer 9th Wonder to unpack the creative journey behind their collaborative album, Welcome Home. The conversation explores the deep bond between artist and mentor, revealing how authenticity, faith, and brotherhood shaped both the music and their growth as individuals. Ruben and 9th share insight into their creative process, the storytelling behind the project, and the lessons learned along the way. They also reflect on the evolution of hip-hop, the importance of cultural integrity, and how legacy drives their purpose. This inspiring dialogue offers a behind-the-scenes look at what it truly means to create timeless music with meaning. Tune in and comment in the socials below. 

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In this episode of We Need To Talk with Nyla Symone, rising R&B artist Khamari opens up about his musical journey, from his early influences in Boston to building a career in Los Angeles. He reflects on the creative process behind his latest project, the role of spirituality in shaping his sound, and the lessons learned along the way. Khamari also shares his aspirations for the future and offers an honest look at the challenges and triumphs that have defined his path as an artist. Tune in and comment in the socials below. 

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In this candid interview, Atlanta rapper Marco Plus discusses his new project "Marco Plus vs. the Underworld," revealing his journey from technical rapper to intentional songwriter. He opens up about mental health struggles, the pressures of the music industry, and his experiences growing up in Atlanta's underground scene. Marco Plus shares his ambitious goal of becoming the greatest rapper of the 2020s, discusses the importance of vulnerability in his music, and reflects on relationships, spirituality, and the challenges of breaking through in today's competitive landscape. The conversation also touches on his collaborations with artists like Smino and JID, upcoming tour plans, and his perspective on what separates good rappers from great artists. Tune in and comment in the socials below. 

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On this episode of WNTTLK, Nyla Symone sits down with influencer and streamer Zoe Spencer to discuss her rise in the digital space, her personal aspirations, and relationship perspectives. The conversation explores the music that inspires her, the role TikTok plays in shaping trends, and her ambitions to break into acting—all delivered with a lighthearted, relatable vibe that captures Zoe’s personality and vision for the future. Tune in and comment in the socials below. 

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In her interview with Lecrae, Nyla Symone dives into the rapper’s journey, creative evolution, and upcoming album Reconstruction (out August 22). Lecrae opens up about breaking into mainstream hip hop with Church Clothes, navigating the “Christian rapper” label, and choosing authenticity over chasing fame. He unpacks the meaning behind Reconstruction, emphasizing that broken people can be rebuilt, and shares personal stories—including the loss of his cousin to fentanyl. The conversation also touches on Lecrae’s faith-driven approach to music, his thoughts on collaborating across genres, and a humorous moment involving Kendrick Lamar mentioning him during the Drake beef. Lecrae reflects on his growth, saying he’s at peace being in the tension between worlds, as long as he stays true to who he is. Tune in and comment in the socials below. 

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