The No 4Play Podcast

The Locker Room with CBS 2's Camron Smith

Just in time for the NBA finals, we sat down with Chicago's own sports broadcaster CBS2 Camron Smith for his take on the market for ZO2s, reporters disrespecting black athletes, legendary sports stories, under recognized athletes, being a member of the press and more.

Listen in as we discuss:

• Big Baller Brand management (7:00)
• Entrepreneurship ain't for everybody (21:50)
• LeBron Five Star camp stories from back in the day (42:47)
• Revisiting the 2007 SIU basketball season (57:46)

Mentioned in this Episode:

Blessing Loom Scams

ESPN 6 PM with Michael Smith & Jemele Hill

Lenny Cooke Documentary IMDb

SIU 2006-2007 Season Highlights (Footage)

Quotes from this Episode:

"People will pay more to see the bad guy lose than they will to see the good guy win!" ~ Dion

"I need you to wear your [stuff] like no one else" ~Fresh

"How many successful waist trainer salesmen do y'all know?" ~Ant P

You can find CJ reporting live on CBS 2 Chicago or in a locker room near you, on Twitter at @Camronsmith and at camronsmith.com.

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Power in Transparency

Loyal listeners we want to thank you all for coming out to the No 4Play Skate Jam and click through for more Letters Week contributions on the site.

The truth is, our reactions to the nerve of certain people (their words and actions) elevate the wrong things. This episode we're taking back our power. We praise all of our beautiful black queens, the one and only Ant P (being the man, myth, and legend that he is) as well as call out white women who culture vulture and Funkmaster Flex speaking ill of the dead, smh.

Listen in as we discuss:

• The transparency of Letters Week (11:24)
• White girls running wild again (25:40)
• Black men still love the regular sisters (34:12)
• Funkmaster Flex…give it a rest (43:12)

Mentioned in this Episode:

DJ Toure / Jay Illa

YesJulz & Miley Cyrus

Post Malone

Antoinette Robertson

Funkmaster Flex Story

Quotes from this Episode:

"Cuz the room is waiting on you. It used to be you just came in the room and you were there. And now it's like where's ANT P?" ~Fresh

"I was thinking about how transparency is lacking. People being open is lacking…a lot of times, we give power to our secrets." ~ Dion

"People date who they interact with everyday. And I must say, we interact with beautiful black queens all the time." ~ Ant P

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This episode we returned to our ratchet roots. Our guest today, our good friend Tova Whitaker, tries (and fails) to convince us that money wouldn't change us (sheeeit). Tune in for instructions on customizing your pre-nup, giving bad sex feedback, what to do when you're buying or receiving a drink in the club, and learn which side we take in the Melo/LaLa separation.

Listen in as we discuss:

• Heartbreak Hit Makers (19:34)
• Marriage is a different set of nerves (23:45)
• Loyal mamas (34:00)
• Drink etiquette (35:24)
• Sexually empowering each other (43:08)

Mentioned in this Episode:

Sex Talk episode with Sexpert Tyomi

Quotes from this Episode:

"I'm officially a cheer dad. I still have on the wristband for this big ass cheer Bring It On 3 type of event… And she won't lose for nothing so I gotta keep going." ~Fresh

"Mary can bounce back, KC is always available." ~ Ant P

"Thank you brother Kendu [Issacs], for showing us the way." ~ Dion

"You're accustomed to doing your own thing before a man enters into your life and after a man [leaves] so you still have to do your own thing." ~ Tova

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For the Ears of Others with Assata Jones

Today's guest, singer Assata Jones has some wild stories of close encounters with your favs to share in this episode. From Rihanna to Maxwell, her journey has afforded her moments other artists are sure to envy. Enjoy our take on setting the mood, spitting game to badgalRiRi, a debate over who moves on faster (men vs women) and the male version of the glow up. And don't forget to purchase your tickets ASAP to this weekend's No4Play Skate Jam!

Listen in as we discuss:

• For Rihanna's ear (18:41)
• For Zaytoven's beats (34:18)
• For Maxwell's approval (37:25)
• Dating to find your muse (43:57)
• Moving on, no turning back (48:33)

Mentioned in this Episode:

No4Play Skate Jam Tickets (April 29th)

Unforgettable – French Montana ft Swae Lee

All By Myself – Assata Jones (video)

Molasses - Hiatus Kaiyote

Gills and Tails – Amel Larrieux

Producer Harry Fraud

Soulection

I Can Love You Better – Assata Jones (single)

Quotes from this Episode:

"I feel like I'm sacrificing my heart for the ears of others." ~Assata

"I know you've blown money on worse things. Like your 27 piece. Like your own child. " ~ Ant P

"[Rihanna's James Joint] makes you feel like a neck kiss is coming." ~Fresh

"[We men] expect no woman to ever really move on." ~Dion

Check out Assata's feature in The Source, her album Never Too Late on SoundCloud, and her social media pages can all be found using the handle @assatajones.

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Game Winning Plays with Aaron Jones

If you've ever wondered how the teens are handling the pressures of school, social media, extra curricular activities, their career outlooks and #bae, then tune in. We met our guest, St. Rita High School junior Aaron Jones last month at The Z Summit. Impressing us with his confidence and wisdom, he dropped bars at the summit and gems on today's show. Are you ready for the youth to restore your faith in the next generation?

Listen in as we discuss:

• #GoGetHer: High School Edition (14:08)
• What is up with education in America? (29:35)
• Brianna gets it. (37:00)
• 6'4" 306: Work harder. Play better. (43:31)

Mentioned in this Episode:

LINK Unlimited

The Z Summit

Mayor Rahm Emanuel & the new CPS Grad Requirement

Rapper Logic

Producer 20Syl

Quotes from this Episode:

"The game has changed. " ~ Dion

"I was a damn mute in high school. Let me not front." ~ Ant P

"We all didn't have this great confidence at this young age. And we also didn't have social media or come in contact with our favorite woman like [teens now]."~ Fresh

"Age is just a number and knowledge doesn't compare to that." ~ Aaron

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Time to Make a Change with Dr. Crystal Laura

Our very own Fat Maxwell (Dion) has slimmed down to Medium Maxwell. In this episode, we have a real conversation with tenured Chicago State professor Dr. Crystal Laura about the school-to-prison pipeline and how school leadership impacts our youth's chances of getting out of the streets. And we wouldn't be the No 4Play show if we didn't take the opportunity to discuss veganism, yoga practices that help your sex game, "eating the Wi-Fi" out of a woman and forgoing the gyro nachos.

Listen in as we discuss:

• The detriment of the Betsy DeVos hiring (35:02)
• The school-to-prison pipeline explained (43:30)
• Factors that make prison feel familiar (48:10)
• Adults dismiss students so creatively (55:02)
• Benefits of a yoga practice for Black lives (1:06:00)

Mentioned in this Episode:

Don't Turn Me Down by Mack Wilds

Being Bad: My Baby Brother and the School-to-Prison Pipeline

Assata's Daughters

Yoga for Black Lives

Wanderlust Chicago Festival

Quotes from this Episode:

"This poor little white woman has gone through so much scrutiny. Mother F***er that's a Wednesday for me. " ~ Ant P

"I try to help these adults who are powerful and have the capacity to do big things in schools and communities…seek out the resources and leverage the capital to let things be otherwise" ~Crystal

"Remember when Puff started doing yoga? That's cuz he got with Cassie and was losing it." ~Dion

Find our guest Dr. Crystal Laura latest book Being Bad: My Baby Brother and the School-to-Prison Pipeline on Amazon and BarnesandNoble.com and find her on social media at @crystallaura_zen on Instagram and Crystal T. Laura on Facebook.

Click through to find us on Facebook or Twitter @No4PlayShow. Help us out by subscribing and leaving us a review on iTunes and Facebook.

We, The Black and Brown People with Dr. Claudio Rivera

United we eat tacos, divided we fall. This episode, we converse with long-time friend, community advocate, and clinical psychologist Dr. Claudio Rivera about the issues that concern both black and brown communities in Chicago. He shares his views regarding at times conflicting policy interests, words of encouragement for college-interested individuals and looks out for us all with the only taco spot guide you will ever need.

Listen in as we discuss:

• Black & brown community struggles that overlap (12:17)
• Segregated vs. mixed neighborhoods (22:56)
• Conducting yourself in foreign territories (31:15)
• Cooperative economics & premium Back of the Yards Coffee (40:17)
• Taco etiquette and the blasphemy of flour tortillas (47:32)

Mentioned in this Episode:

Back of the Yards Coffee (Chicago Tribune Feature)

Watcha! Mag's Guide to Great Taco Spots

Peace and Education Coalition Scholarship

Dreamers & Allies Run Scholarship (Undocumented Immigrant eligible)

La Pasadita (off N Ashland & W Haddon)

Taqueria La Internacional (off S Ashland)

Quotes from this Episode:

"The coffee shop went straight to the plug, fam!" ~ Ant P

"Go in ready to listen and learn. You have to respect the culture and context of each area." ~Claudio

"I refuse to perpetuate that narrative of 'These hoods aren't safe' because I think it over-emphasizes that these neighborhoods are so terrible that they have no strengths or good [in them]." ~Claudio

"If I know I wouldn't even be over there, I'm not inviting you there." ~Fresh

"You don't go to someone's neighborhood and just take. And that's anywhere." ~Dion

We'll be sure to share when the Back of the Yards Coffee Shop grand opening will be held in the near future.

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Adult Confidence

First, let's get one thing straight. Trust us. You have an ugly friend. And if you don't, then congratulations…on being the ugly friend. Secondly, maturity comes with age and experience. This episode, we share the wisdom gained from becoming men, fathers, mentors and professionals. We talk about ugliness and the humility that comes with it, dumb decisions that we have to protect our kids from making, the arrogance of Lavar Ball and what has shaped our adult confidence.

Listen in as we discuss:

• Ugly Friend Feedback (6:50)
• Facebook Live and protecting our kids (17:00)

*Trigger Warning: Sexual Assault current event discussed

• Earning your adult confidence (34:10)
• The antics of Lavar Ball & Sons (42:35)
• Fresh pays tribute to his student Laquan Allen (55:26)

Mentioned in this Episode:

You Got An Ugly Friend Blog Post

Lavar Ball and the Ball Boys

Quotes from this Episode:

"I understand we're in the era of political correctness and participation trophies. Honorable mention is honored. But that don't matter in real life when it comes to getting chose." ~Ant P

"[Say to boys] You have to realize at a young age, these women will hold you down. As these girls grow into women, they will hold you down before your partners." ~Dion

"14-year-olds aren't criminals." ~ Fresh

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Sneaker Heads Go Crazy

We have the well-respected Padded Room shoe shop owner and sneaker head, Bo in the studio. Many of us know the pairs that we wanted, finally got, or just missed out on. They are tied to our fondest or most devastating memories. In this episode, we discuss the business of selling deadstock, rare footwear, pricing integrity, and service. And to be honest, you have Jordans to thank for the good hygiene habits of your favorite middle school boy coming of age. Show some respect.

Listen in as we discuss:

• Gang culture influencing the rules of footwear (15:50)
• When drink spills happen to fresh pairs (18:45)
• What's your Grail? (22:47)
• Integrity in the sneaker game (29:10)

Mentioned in this Episode:

Jason Kid Flight 95s

Cool Grey Jordan 4s

Jordan Flu Games

Concord 11s

Royal Foamposites

Quotes from this Episode:

"When you love sneakers…or anything, you gotta let it go and come right back to it. " ~ Bo

"If I could go to work in joggers and Jordan's, I'd be so much more productive." ~Fresh

"Traveling for things lets you know how important [it] is to you." ~Dion

You can find our guest host Bo of Padded Room Chicago at mypaddedroom.com on Facebook @PaddedRoomChicago, Twitter @PaddedRoomChi, and Instagram @the_padded_room. Be sure to visit the store located at ‪2134 W 95th Street Chicago, IL and tell them the brothers of the No 4Play Show sent you.

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Prude Side Beware

Side chicks and nude resorts, we go there this episode. Writer and publishing mogul Jessica Watkins has authored over 25 urban fiction novels to date. Listen in as we discuss her most popular and controversial series Secrets of a Side B**** and the ways she handles criticism of her work, self-publishing, double standards in the perceptions of Romance novels written by white women vs black authors and more.

Listen in as we discuss:

• Handling critics of urban fiction (18:08)
• The crossover appeal of the bad boy (23:06)
• If our lives were audiobooks, who would tell the tale? (27:00)
• Hedonism vacations are apparently LIT (41:40)
• Real tips for side pieces (33:38) because we've seen a lot of…missteps.

Mentioned in this Episode:

David Weaver

The Tanning of America by Steve Stoute narrated by Kerry Washington

Hedonism II Resort Jamaica

Mocha Fest

Chicago Urban Book Expo

Quotes from this Episode:

"People think that urban fiction is like Love & Hip Hop vs Oprah. " ~ Jessica

"Side chicks, don't bash other side chicks. Think of yourself as a union."~ Fresh

"I don't like swinging. I don't like other people eating off my plate. "~ Fresh

You can find our guest host Jessica Watkins and her publishing company at jessicawatkinspresents.com

Facebook: @jwpresents Twitter: @authorjwatkins Her books are available through her website, Amazon, and Audible.com.

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