Maybe You’re the Problem

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

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

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

On the fourth episode of @theBLCPod, Nic Nice, SMN Jones, Penny Finley, & SB Roberts start by discussing Eboni K and comments she made regarding how some black women are men in skirts, while trying to define certain behavior of black women as masculine (03:37). The crew pushes back on her comments and ponder the impact her ideas may have on other women, who may not be in the same position as her. They also discuss the trope of the strong, independent black woman, its root, and impact on today’s conversations. They also talk about the idea of being a boss (or leader) and whether being one is based on masculine archetypes, or real characteristics of masculinity. The crew then pivots to another clip from Eboni K about how some black women don’t see the intrinsic value in marriage (36:53). Some disagreed with her comments and discussed the importance of marriage, particularly in the black community. Nic ponders what are the intrinsic values in marriage, and why so many see it as nothing more than a piece of paper. The conversation gets heated when discussing real life situations where men aren’t pulling their weight, tropes against accountability, and the double-standard nature of the conversation. And closing out the show, the crew discuss Michael Rainey, Jr. being groped (or SA’d) on Ty Ty James livestream, the double standard when it comes to gender and sexual misconduct or assault, and the inequities in the criminal justice system regarding sexual assault cases (01:31:35). Tune in for a different perspective and thought-provoking discussion that doesn't shy away from the tough questions and conversation. Be sure to Like, Subscribe, Follow and Engage!

On the third episode of @theBLCPod, Nic Nice, SMN Jones, Penny Finley, & Just J start by somewhat congratulating the employees at Revolt for gaining equity in the company from Diddy’s share, while also trying to discuss new allegations against the Diddler (03:52). From there, they discuss the allegations made against singer, songwriter, & super producer The Dreams by Chanaaz Mangroe (09:06). At the heart of the conversation is why women may take time before reporting, the implications for some if it’s criminal versus civil, the power dynamics at play, & why powerful men need to be more careful. The also discuss the sexual harassment accusations made against Kanye by his assistant (38:55). The conversation turns to the WNBA and Caitlin Clark, and whether black women are hating on her, the physicality in the women’s game, gender biases, and the role that race plays (54:34). And for the final topic, the crew Discusses Eboni K’s recent baby bump pictures, her choosing to become a single mom, the implications for other women, if this is a trend that will pick up, and so much more (1:27:38). Tune in for a different perspective and thought-provoking discussion that doesn't shy away from the tough questions and conversation. Be sure to Like, Subscribe, Follow and Engage!

In the second episode of @theBLCPod, Nic Nice, SNM Jones, Mr. Finley and Mr. Brown delve into Donald Trump’s conviction on 34 counts, becoming the first president to be guilty of a felony, how that affects his ability to run and win, why his support among black people have grown and whether criminality plays a role. The group shifts gears and talk about black people traveling and moving abroad to places like Medellin, Costa Rica, looking for lower cost of living and higher quality of life. They also discuss the benefits of travel and broadening one’s horizons, as well as the importance of getting to know the culture and being respectful, as well as the impact of “Passport Bros”, and the perceptions of Americans. From Colombian courtesan’s, the group pivots to discussing Vivica A. Fox’s recent interview discussing her current dating status, what she’s looking for, and whether she wasted her best years to only loosen her “standards” now that she has less options. Tune in for a different perspective and thought-provoking discussion that doesn't shy away from the tough questions and conversation. Be sure to Like, Subscribe, Follow and Engage!

In the first episode of season 3 of @theBLCPod, Nic Nice, SNM Jones, Just J and Mr. Finley delve into the recent controversy surrounding P. Diddy. The episode begins with an analysis of Diddy's public apology video, exploring the hosts' varied reactions to his attempt at addressing the situation. The conversation takes a turn as they focus on the shocking video of Cassie Ventura being beaten in a hotel, reflecting on the impact of such graphic evidence and the shift that occurred amongst Diddy's allies and the public in general. The hosts then transition into a broader discussion on colorism, past rumours associated with Diddy, star power, and briefly touch on the role of religion in providing a sense of absolution for some individuals or being used as a cover to regain public acceptance versus facing consequences. A particularly provocative segment examines the uncomfortable reality of women being complicit in abuse, whether through silence or direct involvement, and what it means for the broader fight against domestic violence. Finally, the hosts speculate on what lies ahead for P. Diddy, considering the potential fallout and long-term repercussions of these events on his career and legacy. Tune in for a different perspective and thought-provoking discussion that doesn't shy away from the tough questions to include the loyalty to celebrities such as R.Kelly, Trump and so much more. Be sure to Like, Subscribe, Follow and Engage!

On the 12th episode of #saidNICEly, discover the power of effective communication. Nic Nice, aka Big Nic Energy, discusses the origin of #saidNICEly, shares his thoughts on crafting messages that resonate, and reaching people where they are. He also discusses how to engage in productive conversations and avoid misunderstandings, especially in this internet, social media age. Join the conversation and let's communicate respectfully! Don’t forget to like, subscribe, follow, share, and all that good stuff!

On this episode of #SaidNICEly, Nic calls the winner of the EPIC Kendrick Lamar vs. Drake rap battle, and the lessons or takeaways that we can glean from how it all played out. He discusses the real reasons behind the hate for Drake, how it came back to hurt him and why we should avoid creating new hater. He also talks about the importance of how the artists (or people) move before a battle or tough times, and the truth about objectivity in the music industry and those engaged in the conversation. For the second half of the conversation, Nic continues the takeaways starting with cautioning people against the Rush to Judgment, followed by how Strategy is King. He also provides a sixth and bonus takeaway, Silence is Golden. While the rap beef was interesting, Nic didn’t want to let this beef go to waste (Pause), without thinking about what we can learn from this experience. Hopefully you enjoy the conversation. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, follow, share & all that good stuff!!!

On the 11th episode of #SaidNICEly, and part 2 of the Take on Kendrick & Drake Rap Battle, Nic continues the takeaways starting with cautioning people against the Rush to Judgment, followed by how Strategy is King. He also provides a sixth and bonus takeaway, Silence is Golden. While the rap beef was interesting, Nic didn’t want to let this beef go to waste (Pause), without thinking about what we can learn from this experience. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, follow, share & all that good stuff!!!