With The Grain Podcast

WTG Podcast is diving deep into a massive week in entertainment. We’re breaking down the latest drops, the viral roasts, and the charts. • Theron Thomas’s Favorites: We’re taking a look at the heavy-hitters songwriter Theron Thomas has been rocking with recently. His 2025-2026 run has been dominated by credits for major artists like Lizzo and Ciara, plus his history with tracks like "Locked Away." • The Iceman Era: Drake is officially back with his ninth studio album, Iceman, dropping May 15, 2026. We discuss the "vulnerable" tone of the project and the wild rollout involving ice sculptures in Toronto. • Rick Ross vs. Drake: Is the Rozay beef cooling down? We look at Ross’s recent radio interview where he dismissed the threat of Drake’s new album, but seemed to keep his tone more "direct than dramatic" compared to previous shots. • Chris Brown’s BROWN: Breezy just released a massive 27-track project titled BROWN (Break Rules Only When Necessary) on May 8. We’re vibing with features from Bryson Tiller, Sexyy Red, and YoungBoy Never Broke Again. • The Roast of Kevin Hart: Netflix just aired one of the most chaotic live events yet. From Tom Brady’s revenge to the shock appearance of Katt Williams—who officially put the "industry plant" beef to rest with a hug—nothing was off-limits.

Grab your flags and get your spirit right! In this episode of With The Grain, we’re diving headfirst into the legendary St. Thomas Carnival.

Whether you're a local, a member of the diaspora, or just love a good lime, this one is for the books.

Inside the Episode: • The Carnival Recap: From the Village vibes to the road march, we’re breaking down the sights, sounds, and scents of the season. • Breezy & Raino’s Wildest Moments: The guys get personal (and hilarious) sharing their own "you had to be there" experiences from the festivities. • Culture & Community: A deep dive into what makes the US Virgin Islands culture so unique and why Carnival is the ultimate celebration of VI pride.

Why You Need to Listen: It’s a feel-good, laugh-out-loud session that feels less like a podcast and more like a conversation on the porch with your best friends. If you want the real, unfiltered energy of the islands, you’re in the right place.

On this episode of With The Grain, we’re diving straight into the chaos—from viral tours to the industry’s messiest headlines. No scripts, no filters, just the real vibes you expect from us.

Inside the Episode:

• Speed Takes the Islands: IShowSpeed announces a Caribbean tour. Is the region ready for that level of energy, or is it a crash waiting to happen?

• Relationship Red Flags: We’re breaking down those "Time for a change" posts. What’s actually happening behind closed doors?

• The Smith Dynasty: Is it "Will & Jada Love" or something else entirely? Plus, the nepotism debate—is Willow truly "that girl" or is the connection doing the heavy lifting?

• N.O.R.E. Wildin’: Did he just blow the lid off the Offset & Saweetie drama? We’re dissecting the Drink Champs fallout. • Coachella Recap: The hits, the misses, and the moments that are currently living rent-free in everyone's head. It’s messy, it’s real, and it’s definitely unfiltered. You already know how we do. Tap in and join the conversation.

The WTG Podcast is back and we are NOT holding back. This week, we’re peeling back the layers on the stories dominating your timeline—from heartbreaking mysteries to the concert tour of the decade. Pull up a chair, because we’ve got a lot to get through.

Inside This Episode:

• Zanzibar’s Tragedy: The Ashlee Jenae Story We dive deep into the devastating news surrounding influencer Ashlee Jenae (Ashly Robinson). What was supposed to be a "soft life" birthday celebration and engagement trip in Zanzibar turned into a nightmare. We discuss the suspicious circumstances, the conflicting reports from authorities, and why her family is fighting so hard for the truth.

• The R&B Event of the Summer: Chris Brown & Usher It’s officially happening! Legends are colliding for "The R&B Tour." We’re breaking down the stadium dates, the inevitable "King of R&B" debate, and why fellas might need to keep a close eye on their girls once those tickets go on sale. Is this the greatest joint tour announcement in years?

• Deshae Frost & The Viral Assault Video The internet is in an uproar over the footage involving Deshae Frost. We discuss the fallout, the quest for accountability, and the dark side of being a public figure when your private life (and safety) goes viral.

• WTG v. Trinidad The rivalry you didn’t know you needed. We’re addressing the smoke, the vibes, and exactly what went down when WTG met the energy of the 868. Don't miss a second of the tea.

Listen now on all platforms! #WTGPodcast #JusticeForAshleeJenae #ChrisBrown #Usher #DeshaeFrost #Zanzibar #RnBTour #Trinidad

It’s another WTG Day , and you already know what that means—grab your seat because today’s conversation is about to be REAL, RAW, and UNFILTERED On this episode, we break down some of the most talked-about topics in music, business, and creator culture: Pooh Shiesty vs. Gucci Mane – the mentor vs. protégé dynamic, industry influence, and how loyalty and label ties play a role in artist development. Owning Your Master Rights – why owning your music matters more than ever, and how it impacts long-term wealth, control, and independence as an artist. Content Creators & Branding Rights – navigating the business side of content creation, protecting your image, and building a brand that actually lasts. We also dive into the bigger conversation: Who’s really winning right now—the Independent Artist or the Major Label system? And to close it out, we tap into some BONUS game : Essential tips for creators on how to stay authentic, consistent, and true to themselves while growing in a content-driven world. Tap in, think critically, and join the WTG conversation—because this one is for the culture

Yeah… this one getting real

“Losing My Wife to Breezy” — breaking down the viral Chris Brown incident… how you even compete with THAT?

Arab Heritage Month — how Arab communities built ownership (gas stations, businesses) & the real power of moving together

STX Shooting — what’s going on in St. Croix? real talk from the community

Tommie Lee vs NY Nay — when social media beef goes too far

PJ Washington situation — should baby mama issues be public? who really gets hurt (especially the kids)?

No filters. Just real conversations from a Caribbean perspective

WE ARE back talking culture, trending topics, and real conversations.

We’ll recap our Atlanta trip, Kela’s first time in ATL, our visit to The Gathering Spot, and what we’ve been working on behind the scenes with new episodes and content dropping soon.

In trending topics, we’ll discuss Michael B. Jordan winning his first Oscar for Sinners and how only six Black men have ever won that award, with Will Smith being the last before him. We’ll also touch on the buzz around Big Fella’s food truck and the Meek Mill appearance.

In WTG News, we break down the Mac Restaurant dispute in St. Thomas and the bigger question: should outsiders face more restrictions when opening businesses in the Virgin Islands?

Then in Beneath The Service, we get into deeper topics about modern relationships, expectations on Black men, traditional households, and whether men should still be providers in 2026 or if relationships should be more equal.

Real conversations. Real perspectives. With The Grain.

Meet Cloey, the newest host of With The Grain Podcast, in her pilot episode! In this episode, the crew kicks back and gets into a real conversation comparing life in the States vs. the Virgin Islands — from culture and lifestyle to the differences in dating in the VI versus America .

They also break down some cultural contrasts that people from the islands notice when living stateside, plus share a few unfiltered perspectives and personal experiences along the way.

The conversation heats up with some hot takes on the Dwight Howard situation and other trending topics, keeping things honest, funny, and very much with the grain.

Tap in for a laid-back but thought-provoking discussion as Cloey officially joins the table

The Culture Clash Debate Everyone’s been talking about the Caribbean vs America conversation online… but now it’s getting deeper. Some Haitians feel offended and believe Virgin Islanders have an issue with them. Is this a misunderstanding, cultural pride, or something bigger? We’re breaking down the real differences between Caribbean and American culture and why this conversation has people heated. ⸻ Topics We’re Getting Into: Caribbean vs America Debate Why is this topic blowing up right now? Are people misunderstanding each other culturally? Haitian Reactions Some Haitians feel targeted in the conversation. Is there really tension between Haitians and Virgin Islanders or is social media exaggerating it?

50 Cent vs T.I. – Beef Breakdown T.I. finally responds to how the beef with 50 was handled. Did he move wrong? And how did King Harris get caught in the middle of it?

Is Jim Carrey a Clone? The internet is going crazy over this conspiracy theory.

We’re reacting to the claims and the wild theories behind it.

And more real conversations…

In this exclusive interview, ffawty sits down with With The Grain Podcast to talk about his journey as an artist from the Virgin Islands and what it meant to be selected to perform at Rolling Loud 2026.

He breaks down the discipline behind his grind, his gym journey, the process of being chosen for Rolling Loud, and the reaction that followed. He also opens up about fashion, inspiration, long-term goals, faith, and the impact he hopes to make as an artist over the next decade.

This conversation goes beyond music. It touches on purpose, consistency, and staying grounded while leveling up.

📍 Representing the Virgin Islands on a major stage, this is a must-watch for artists, creatives, and anyone chasing something bigger.

⏱️ Time Stamps

1:46 Intro

2:22 The Origin Story of the Name “ffawty”

5:20 Digital Real Estate with Premium IG Handles

6:33 Gratitude for a Community of VI Roots

11:16 How to Identify Your Unique Voice As A Global Artist

13:05 The Blueprint To a hit ffawty Record

15:30 Navigating The Music Business as an Independent Creator

16:26 Networking with Giants like Future

17:13 Mogul Mindset: Protect your energy for success

20:51 WTG WYM Segment

21:34 Closure (WYM)

23:43 Lean On WYM

24:39 Losing It WYM

25:49 Breaking Down 'Letting Go'

27:39 Truth Behind Fighting for Global Representation

29:24 High Performant Habits

33:24 No More Mosh Pits: ffawty's Energy

34:44 Building a Legacy While Representing The VI

40:21 The Reality of Scaling Your Brand Beyond The Islands

41:49 Pray for ffawty review

43:09 The Energy Needed For A Masterpiece

45:24 The Vulnerability Behind 'Anxiety'

50:25 Analyzing The Icons That Inspire His Performance

53:54 Industry Alliance with Loe Shimmy

56:20 Miami's Street Reaction

57:19 Living in Miami

1:02:24 Family Foundation of His Success

1:04:54 Thoughts On The Next Gen of VI Talent

1:07:29 The Crisis of WAPA in the VI

1:08:59 Creating New Paths for Caribbean Youth

1:10:39 Building Opportunities for Creative Caribbean Infrastructure

1:12:59 Tips for World Class Performances

1:14:23 Endurance & Impact: Physical Fitness Is Key

1:16:38 How To Secure A Rolling Loud Stage

1:18:36 Rolling Loud 2026

1:19:29 Who is ffawty When The Music Stops

1:20:43 Quiet Luxury

1:22:43 Dreams Beyond The Mic

1:25:55 Defining Long-Term Wealth and Cultural Impact

1:36:11 Music Business Blueprint for New Artists

1:36:42 Faith Foundation

#withthegrain #caribbeancreators #ffawty #rollingloud