After surviving 17 years in Michigan prisons, Dawgface says the streets he returned to play by an entirely different set of rules. In this episode of Perspektives with Bank, Big Bank sits down with the self-described “ghetto spokesman” to unpack how street culture, prison, hip-hop, and social media have collided into what he calls an entertainment economy. Dawgface traces his journey from Pontiac to Detroit, entering the streets at 15, cycling through juvenile detention, and eventually serving a prison sentence from 1992 to 2009. He reflects on violence, carrying bullets in his back, Nation of Islam structure and self-policing behind the wall, and how fatherhood and a powerful letter from his grandmother helped change his mindset. His years studying history, religion, and politics would ultimately reshape how he viewed the world outside.

Dawgface and Bank then debate what happened to traditional street codes in an era where rap lyrics, podcasts, gossip, and social media can shape reputations, fuel character-assassination campaigns, and potentially become evidence in RICO investigations. They tackle gossip versus accountability, Atlanta’s real “trenches” versus the version outsiders see, rap personas versus street reality, and Bank’s responsibility as a media figure. For Dawgface, the biggest difference between yesterday’s streets and today’s culture is simple: everybody has a platform, everybody has a narrative, and the streets have become content. 

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In this bonus episode of Perspektives with Bank, Big Bank sits down with Detroit’s Mr. Beat The Odds, who shares his story of spending 14 years, two months, and 14 days in prison for a first-degree murder he maintains he did not commit. He details allegations of juror misconduct, guilt by association, withheld alternative-suspect evidence, and a recorded confession he says pointed elsewhere. Determined to prove his innocence, Mr. B taught himself the law behind bars, helped other incarcerated people pursue legal relief, filed 43 motions in his own case, and eventually represented himself before securing a dismissal that he says centered on Brady violations and interrogation evidence showing investigators had reason to believe he wasn’t responsible.

Now home for roughly two and a half years, Mr. B has turned his experience with the criminal justice system into a new purpose. A certified paralegal with a full scholarship to law school, he plans to become an attorney while helping others fight wrongful convictions and mentoring young people to avoid the circumstances that changed his life. He also discusses preparing a wrongful-conviction lawsuit, building his “Mr. Beat the Odds” brand, and telling his full story in his upcoming book, The Real Suffer the Most—transforming more than 14 years behind bars into a mission centered on justice, education, and giving others a second chance. 

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In this episode of Perspektives with Bank, Big Bank sits down with relationship coach and motivational speaker Tony Gaskins for an honest conversation about mental health, spiritual warfare, marriage, and the pressure of living publicly in front of millions of followers. Gaskins opens up about being an introvert who often masks stress, struggles to rest, and carries the emotional weight of coaching people around the world largely without a team. He reflects on his transformation from a scholarship athlete who became involved in the streets and struggled with infidelity to a major turning point in 2007, when his wife left and a robbery forced him to reevaluate his life, relationships, discipline, and the man he wanted to become.

Gaskins also breaks down his approach to discovering purpose through pain, overcoming adversity, identifying the lessons learned, and using those experiences to serve others. As he evolves beyond being known primarily for relationship advice, he discusses The Purpose Arc, his purpose seminar, and a new mission centered on helping people understand their calling. Big Bank and Gaskins also explore fatherhood and accountability, the power of disciplined language, skepticism surrounding online coaches and “scammers,” and the business behind Gaskins’ YouTube membership community and Destiny matchmaking app. The conversation ultimately reveals the personal growth, sacrifice, and responsibility behind building a life rooted in purpose rather than public perception.

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@tonygaskins

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In this episode of Perspektives with Bank, Big Bank sits down with Atlanta artist G5ive on the East Side for a candid conversation about growth, survival, and the experiences that transformed his outlook on life. G5ive reflects on growing up across Atlanta neighborhoods, early involvement in the streets, juvenile cases, and serving nearly five years of a six-year prison sentence, where gang politics, constant anxiety, and misplaced loyalty taught him difficult lessons about trust and survival. He also opens up about the car accident that left him in a wheelchair for five to six months, explaining how being forced to slow down gave him the time to reflect, mature, and reevaluate the direction of his life.

G5ive also shares how traveling to Africa and the United Kingdom expanded his worldview, from observing different approaches to healthcare and homelessness to developing a deeper interest in spirituality, history, and the world beyond his immediate environment. He explains why he now prioritizes respect, protecting his peace, and doing “good business,” while viewing music as both an expression of love and a form of therapy. As he discusses his latest release and the next chapter of his career, G5ive reflects on learning to choose his battles, move with greater purpose, and embrace adversity as part of the journey, encouraging others to “go through the fire” rather than allow difficult experiences to define them. 

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@4l_g5ive

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In this episode of Perspektives with Bank, Big Bank reconnects with Atlanta rapper Akbar V for a candid second take after their original conversation became more heated than intended. The two clear the air over past social media comments, a missed booking, and relationships within Atlanta’s entertainment scene before Akbar opens up about the different sides of her personality—Valerie, Akbar, and Joan. She reflects on growing up between Carver Homes and Cleveland Avenue, navigating her mother’s addiction, entering the streets at a young age, and cycling through jail, group homes, and survival mode. Akbar also addresses how being outspoken has fueled internet backlash and industry tension, while acknowledging that controversy can sometimes overshadow her talent and music career.

The conversation becomes a deeper examination of healing, accountability, faith, and personal growth as Bank challenges Akbar to step away from online conflict, release music consistently, and consider therapy as another tool for moving forward. Akbar discusses forgiveness, fasting, spirituality, marriage struggles, loyalty, and her desire for counseling, while reflecting on public conflicts involving Cardi B and Latto and the realities of navigating relationships in the music industry. Closing on the future, Akbar shares plans for new music and Blueprint Atlanta, celebrates milestones in her children’s lives, and considers what it will take to move beyond survival, protect her peace, and allow her purpose and artistry to speak louder than the drama. 

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@iamakbarv_

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In this episode of Perspektives with Bank, Big Bank sits down on Atlanta’s East Side with rapper Real Recognize Rio for a candid conversation about mental health, authenticity, trauma, and finding peace while navigating music and street culture. Rio reflects on growing up around Zone 6 and Flat Shoals, pushes back against misconceptions about the East Side, and explains why peace of mind is essential to his creativity. He shares how music and natural talent helped steer him away from deeper trouble, why he refuses to rely on gimmicks for attention, and how success, social media narratives, and changing relationships have forced him to become more intentional about who and what he allows around him.

Rio also opens up about survivor’s remorse and the devastating losses that shaped his life, including losing multiple family members and friends and the death of Scrap on Rio’s birthday. He discusses coping through isolation, getting high, and channeling pain into music, while acknowledging the value of eventually talking through his experiences and prioritizing healing. Big Bank and Rio also explore brotherhood, guidance, unity in Atlanta, and the responsibility that comes with wanting to provide opportunities for the people around you. Rio closes by discussing his album Heal the State (Real Recognize Rio) and clearing the air on a past misunderstanding involving a Duct Tape contract offer, bringing the conversation full circle around growth, loyalty, and moving forward. 

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@1realrecognizerio

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In this bonus episode of Perspektives with Bank, Big Bank sits down with Dre for a remarkable conversation about wrongful conviction, resilience, and rebuilding life after incarceration. Sentenced in Fulton County to life plus 105 years for murder, Dre recounts the shock of hearing his sentence, the emotional toll of repeated failed appeals, and the harsh realities of surviving prison. After spending 12 years behind bars, his case was reexamined by the Conviction Integrity Unit, where new DNA testing excluded both him and his co-defendant, and a key witness formally recanted prior testimony—ultimately leading to his release. Dre opens up about the trauma of incarceration, the challenges of institutionalization after returning home, and how violence, gangs, drugs, and prison conditions shaped his perspective on life.

The conversation also explores the power of faith, loyalty, and purpose as Dre credits his girlfriend, mentors, and unwavering support system for helping him endure years of imprisonment without losing hope. Reflecting on the myths surrounding street culture, he discusses how social media and rap can influence young people, why he now values peace over respect, and how his experience transformed his mission in life. Today, working alongside Dr. Barbara and community leaders, Dre is dedicated to mentoring youth, discouraging street violence, and ensuring his legacy is defined not by the years he lost, but by the lives he helps change. 

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@lifeplus105

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In this episode of Perspektives with Bank, Big Bank reunites with Dewberry before later being joined by Woody for a candid conversation about accountability, authenticity, and the influence of today's digital media landscape. The discussion examines how YouTube and podcast culture often rewards controversy over meaningful dialogue, while Bank explains why his interview style is centered on allowing audiences to form their own conclusions instead of fueling online conflict. Dewberry reflects on receiving a 28-year sentence for a crime committed at 15 years old, sharing how incarceration challenged his understanding of toughness, accountability, and what it truly means to stand on principles rather than reputation.

The conversation expands into the impact of social media on street culture, exploring topics such as online posturing, misinformation, loyalty, and the responsibilities that come with influence. Big Bank, Dewberry, and Woody also discuss the importance of forgiveness, private conflict resolution, and building stronger communities by investing in young people instead of perpetuating violence. 

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In this bonus episode of Perspektives with Bank, Big Bank sits down with Atlanta rapper EMan for a powerful conversation about redemption, resilience, and finding purpose after adversity. Representing Atlanta's Covington Road and Pittsburgh communities, EMan reflects on being drawn into street life at a young age, serving a 10-year prison sentence for armed robbery, and the harsh realities of incarceration. He shares how prison shaped his mindset, the constant pressures of surviving inside, and how gaining recognition behind bars unexpectedly led to support from artists, athletes, and people who believed in his story.

Following his release, EMan opens up about surviving a devastating car crash during a police stop that left him with a spinal injury and an initial prognosis that he might never walk again. He recounts his road to recovery alongside his father, the role faith and gratitude have played in rebuilding his life, and the ongoing work of overcoming trauma, reshaping his mentality, and rejecting the cycle of violence. The conversation also explores mental health, vulnerability, personal accountability, and EMan's renewed focus on music, upcoming collaborations, and discovering a purpose greater than his past. 

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@rose_eman5

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In this episode of Perspektives with Bank, Big Bank sits down with Troy Millings and Rashad Bilal, the founders of Earn Your Leisure, to preview Invest Fest and discuss how the event has evolved into one of the largest gatherings focused on entrepreneurship, investing, financial literacy, and wealth building. They break down the philosophy behind their "90/10" formula—leveraging celebrity appearances to attract audiences while placing the spotlight on education, networking, and expert-led conversations that deliver real value. The trio also discusses the importance of supporting small businesses through Invest Fest's expansive vendor marketplace, where hundreds of entrepreneurs have the opportunity to connect directly with customers and keep 100% of their sales.

The conversation expands into the principles that have sustained Troy and Rashad's three-decade friendship and business partnership, highlighting loyalty, ethics, consistency, and creating opportunities for others as the foundation of long-term success. They also examine the rise of toxic internet culture, the impact of bots and negativity on social media, and why meaningful content will always outlast controversy. Looking ahead, the founders share the vision behind Earn Your Leisure, Market Mondays, and Black Out, while discussing upcoming initiatives like a financial literacy curriculum for schools, EYL Africa, and the growing importance of artificial intelligence, financial education, and technology skills in preparing the next generation for the future. 

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