Open Gem: The Podcast: Recent Episodes
Uncle Leon, Nyce & Bnag
Uncle Leon, Nyce & Bnag come together every Friday to bring you an engaging audio experience. They open to floor up to any and every discussion while dropping gems throughout each episode. Make sure you follow the podcast on Instagram & Twitter @opengempod, like and follow "Open Gem: The Podcast" on Facebook and subscribe to "Open Gem: The Podcast" on YouTube. For any inquires, contact opengempod@gmail.com.
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SUMMARY
If you could rewatch one movie for the first time, which movie would it be? (6:05) We started off with that question before getting into some hilarious talk about Astronomer CEO Andy Byron getting caught cheating at a Coldplay concert (16:18). We also talk about fighting for love (29:19), what's wrong with today's music (56:30) and so much more!
GEM OF THE WEEK
“The difference between ordinary and extraordinary is that little extra.” - Cam Thomas
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SUMMARY
Once we established that Sierra is now the main character of the pod, we gave our answers to how long we could run for our life before giving up (8:39). We also talked about what life statistics would be interesting to know (18:05) before getting into the verdict from Diddy's trial (22:20). From there we discussed how desirability plays a factor in dating nowadays (45:28), Nelly & Ashanti's parenting conversation (1:06:15) and so much more!
GEM OF THE WEEK
“Everyone ends up somewhere but only a few people end up there on purpose.” - Pastor Vernon Gordon
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SUMMARY
Do y'all think it's [redacted] for a man to pepper spray another man? (5:00) What's the pettiest reason you want to get married? (9:04) Those are the two questions we started with this week before getting into Teyana Taylor's divorce settlement and new relationship (19:29). We also talked about old dating shows that need to be brought back (28:45), why men say women are beautiful when they feel "bummy" (34:06), the Thunder winning the NBA title (1:00:25) and so much more!
GEM OF THE WEEK
“True power is displayed in not having to use it.”
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SUMMARY
With summer right around the corner, we had to kick things off talking about all the people hitting the gym at the last minute to get a summer body (3:01). From there we get into women asking "so are we done?" in the middle of losing an argument (23:52) and if the "hoe phase" is necessary (31:19) before being interrupted by some horny neighbors (45:11). We also discussed which athletes deserve a career do-over (47:17), touched on the ICE deportations (1:03:15) and so much more!
GEM OF THE WEEK
“Loyalty is only tested when things aren’t working in your favor.”
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SUMMARY
Would you rather have a pop tart or a toaster strudel? That's how we started the pod this week before Sierra shared how sad but inspired she is after going to the Cowboy Carter concert (6:30). We went on to revisit some of the greatest debut singles of all time (17:42), which made us realize that Soulja Boy might have one of the best debut albums of all time (23:15)! From there we got into the difference between bare minimum and princess treatment (46:20), Trump & Elon's breakup (1:03:11), our NBA Finals predictions (1:16:08) and so much more!
GEM OF THE WEEK
“The darkest hour has only 60 minutes." - Morris Mandel
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SUMMARY
We came back firing this week, as Nyce announced that he and his wife are expecting their first child soon (4:41)! We then went to joke about the guy who rode a mechanical bull 3 times on a first date (11:45), discussed how important it is to take accountability for our own actions (24:55) and sometimes the actions of other men (45:20), talked about the Streamer University experience (1:01:24) and so much more!
GEM OF THE WEEK
“A perfectionist is just a procrastinator with a mask on."
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SUMMARY
It was only right for us to start this week's episode with Nyce giving us the rundown of his recent trip to Charlotte for the Grand National Tour with Kendrick Lamar & SZA (13:38). From there we discussed a class-action lawsuit involving tequila-brands Don Julio and Casamigos (25:46), learned about Sierra's short-lived attempt at a calorie deficit diet (40:30), gave our reviews on the movie "Sinners" (52:00) and so much more!
GEM OF THE WEEK
“Both faith and fear demand you to believe in something you cannot see; you choose." - Bob Proctor
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SUMMARY
What's something that's not an official rule but you still hate when people break it? (12:10) We started off answering that question before discussing which movie villains were actually right (28:08) and Shannon Sharpe getting caught up being a freaky old man (34:58). We also got debated whether dating a neighbor is a good idea (1:01:30), why music from back in the day hit different now (1:08:35) and so much more!
GEM OF THE WEEK
“If you knew you were 10 failures away from the life you want to live, how fast would you move through those 10 failures?"
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SUMMARY
We opened up this week's episode sharing our least favorite things about adulthood (11:52) in hopes of scaring the kids straight. From there we got into a couple viral TikTok discussions about women in their 30s (22:45) and why the number of black men going to college is decreasing (53:44) before sharing our thoughts on Barbie releasing a LeBron James doll (1:08:45) and so much more!
GEM OF THE WEEK
“If I am worth anything later, I am worth something now. For wheat is wheat, even if people think it is a grass in the beginning." - Vincent Van Gogh
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SUMMARY
What's something that feels awkward or embarrassing that shouldn't be? That was the question that kicked off this week's episode (10:46) before we got into Anthony Edwards and all his baby mama drama (23:52). That conversation snowballed into discussions about the different lifestyle "celebrities" live (40:08), if there's a epidemic of lonely men (52:35), how social media changed the perception of success (1:12:51) and so much more!
GEM OF THE WEEK
"Don't walk into a sword just to see if the blade is sharp."
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SUMMARY
Even though she wanted to stay, Sierra came back from Jamaica to tell us all about her birthday baecation (1:30), which somehow lead to a us talking about eating some of the wildest animals (11:27). From there, we had a hilarious conversation about men getting a certain body part enhanced (21:10), filled out the BBL March Madness bracket that was circulating online (28:10), spoke on the mindset of YNs (1:06:23) and so much more!
GEM OF THE WEEK
"If February didn't march, April may."
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SUMMARY
After we started sharing random childhood memories (2:30), we had to celebrate Sierra's birthday by taking a shot (7:07) and talking about how much women spend on vacation prep (8:20). We also circled back to a conversation from last episode about stereotypes (31:48), asked Sierra to share some things she's learned from men (1:01:34), discussed leadership & submission in relationships (1:04:25) and so much more!
GEM OF THE WEEK
"If someone followed you around for a week, would they be able to tell you're serious about your goals?"
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SUMMARY
Our newest member (we won't say any names) put in PTO a week after joining the pod but we held it down without her (Sierra). After Uncle Leon talked about his recent visit to a massage parlor (9:35), we got into the weather starting to break (16:33) and the February 28th economic blackout (23:26). We also discussed the man who caught his wife cheating with Steve Smith (36:43), how men handle heartbreak (51:40), if everyone fits into a stereotype (1:08:36) and so much more!
GEM OF THE WEEK
"Sometimes a hypocrite is nothing more than a man in the process of changing." - Brandon Sanderson
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SUMMARY
The honorary 4th member of the pod, Sierra, came through this week to chop it up with us about everything from the Eagles winning the Super Bowl (12:20) and being stupid in love (14:40) to Kendrick Lamar's halftime performance (29:38). We also spent some time discussing the importance of platonic friendships with the opposite sex (55:10) and so many other side conversations!
GEM OF THE WEEK
"There is no remedy for love but to love more." - Henry David Thoreau
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SUMMARY
Valentine's Day is coming up so you know we had to get in on the fun (5:00) before giving our answers to the question: "If your life was a movie and you were the main character, what would the audience be screaming at you right now?" (18:50). We also get into the Luka/AD trade that shook up the NBA (28:26), Kendrick winning 5 Grammys (51:25), our love for the city and people of New Orleans (1:05:12) and so much more!
GEM OF THE WEEK
"You're never supposed to wish for it more than you're willing to work for it." - Inky Johnson
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SUMMARY
We started this week's episode talking about Gelo's song "Tweaker" (6:20) before discussing the collab meal between Popeyes & Don Julio (21:06). We also get into the airplane/helicopter crash in DC (26:10), the Contraception Begins at Erection Act in Mississippi (38:13), our Super Bowl predictions (1:02:06) and so much more!
GEM OF THE WEEK
"By choosing to make this the hardest year of your life, it can be one of your easiest." - Kobe Bryant
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SUMMARY
2025 got off to a crazy start but are we surprised? We came back from a 5-month hiatus to Richmond experiencing a water crisis (5:25) and LA being destroyed by wildfires (20:30). We also discuss Trump's first week antics (30:30), the lawsuit filed against Skip Bayless & FOX Sports (54:50), women's flirting techniques (1:01:32) and so much more!
GEM OF THE WEEK
"Every time you say yes to something, you say no to something else."
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SUMMARY
This week's episode was a therapy session. We didn't plan on being vulnerable but a lot has happened since the last episode so it was only right. Bnag kicked it off with his testimony (6:10), Uncle Leon explains why he's been feeling better lately (12:30) and Nyce details everything he's been through recently (19:55).
GEM OF THE WEEK
"Allow yourself to feel whatever it is." - Nyce
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SUMMARY
This week's episode features a friend of the show, Sierra (@sese_baby), who has been wanting to kick with us for a while now -- and she did not disappoint. After getting a few things off her chest about the male species (4:30), she fit right in as we dissected almost everything about the Drake-Kendrick beef (25:46). From there, she talked with us about prom now vs. prom back then (51:10), the teacher who was fired for allowing students to braid his hair (55:26), random childhood memories (1:03:03) and so much more!
GEM OF THE WEEK
"Don't worry too much about the past. Don't worry too much about the future. Focus on the now...it's a gift because it's the present."
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SUMMARYYou ever sign up to run a 10K and forget to train for it? Bnag came ready to tell his story from this past weekend (2:43) before Uncle Leon opened up about his recent struggles with change (13:10). The fellas then talk about men being limited to one heartbreak (28:43), how they'd spend $15 million in two hours (45:16), Joe Biden signing TikTok ban bill (1:12:57) and so much more!
GEM OF THE WEEK
"Don't commit to your pain so much that your healing doesn't stand a chance."
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SUMMARYWe got right into all the drama around J. Cole dropping "Might Delete Later" (4:00) and then apologizing at Dreamville Fest for dissing Kendrick Lamar (13:11). After a lengthy discussion, we talked UConn & South Carolina winning national titles (31:12), debated which superpower we'd take from the solar eclipse (47:35), recognized Meg the Stallion & Glorilla for bringing us the #WannaBeChallenge (1:11:04) and so much more!
GEM OF THE WEEK
"The misunderstanding is that winning always looks like winning." - Randall Ward
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SUMMARYWould you rather smoke crack before every family function or lick every doorknob you ever use? That's how we started this week's episode (6:00) before somehow transitioning into a preview of Dreamville Fest (18:30). We went on to discuss women's college basketball making history this week (28:50), how the "I'm just a girl" phrase has taken over (45:35), the current cost of living/inflation (51:25) and so much more!
GEM OF THE WEEK
"No matter what's brought your way in this life, if you can breathe...don't run." - Iman Shumpert
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SUMMARYThe house raid, the alleged getaway plane, the lawsuits...y'all already know we had to start this week's episode off talking about all of the drama surrounding Diddy (11:33). From there we get into Kendrick taking shots at Drake & J. Cole (28:02), Beyonce dropping "Cowboy Carter" (40:18) and March Madness (45:10). We also discuss the Francis Scott Key bridge collapsing (57:25), share our favorite white people sayings (1:04:11) and so much more!
GEM OF THE WEEK
"The struggle that you are in today is developing the strength you need for tomorrow."
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SUMMARYIt's been a few weeks since we kicked it but we made sure to come back with a good one! MACHINEMOOK joined us this week to talk how he got started in music (5:25), what artists inspired him (9:20) and the process/motivation behind his debut EP "Honeymoon" (20:23). He also chimed in to discuss the difference between a hit and a classic record (49:30), the "Quiet on Set" documentary (1:13:40) and so much more!
GEM OF THE WEEK
"There is no right way to success." - MACHINEMOOK
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SUMMARYWe're a little late to the party but we had to recap the Chiefs winning Super Bowl LVIII (7:10) and Usher's halftime performance (15:42) to start this week's episode. We also talked about the "Who TF Did I Marry?" story that went viral on TikTok (19:50), how we survived an actual pandemic (35:45), what a real-life trade deadline would look like (44:40) and so much more!
GEM OF THE WEEK
"Standing in your truth does not make you noble." - Shalon Jackson
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SUMMARYWhat's one basic thing that you're terrible at? (9:22) That's the question that kicked off this week's episode before we give our thoughts on karma (18:26) and the Nicki-Meg beef (24:15). From there we try to figure out why our generation is so unhappy (33:11), talk about tax season (46:52), preview the Super Bowl/Usher's halftime show (1:00:36) and so much more!
GEM OF THE WEEK
"When you stop enjoying things like you did when you were a kid, your life gets boring. I'm going to watch wrestling forever." - A$AP Yams
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SUMMARYHave y'all noticed that drinking games are getting hornier and hornier these days? (8:01) Or that sports betting is hitting the streets like crack in the 80s? (26:06) Those were just a couple topics brought to the discussion as a part of the "Hear Me Out" segment that was started last week. We also previewed of the NFL conference championship games this weekend (50:27), spoke on what we'd ask if we decided who gets into heaven (1:04:41) and so much more!
GEM OF THE WEEK
"Success and failure are on the same road. Failure is just an earlier exit." - Jack Hyles
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SUMMARYThis week's episode started off with us recapping MLK Day (3:05) and the first round of the NFL playoffs (7:47) before we each gave our biggest "hear me out" takes (16:45). We also went on to discuss viral tweets about broke women (31:08), studs not being held to the same standards as men (46:24), the best lines from Ghost in "Power" (56:44) and so much more!
GEM OF THE WEEK
"Don't look back, you're not going that way." - Mary Engelbreit
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SUMMARYIt's the first episode of 2024 so we had to update y'all on what's been going on (3:10), talk New Year's resolutions (12:11) and get into Katt Williams' interview on Club Shay Shay (21:21). We also joke on Noah Knigga going viral for his last name (44:51), talk about why men hate being gifted (56:01), discuss the girl who lied on her ex's HIV status (1:07:41) and so much more!
GEM OF THE WEEK
"The mystery of life isn't a problem to solve, but a reality to experience." - Frank Herbert
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SUMMARYWould you rather receive $100K right now or flip coin for a chance to win $10 million? That's how we started off this week's episode (4:15) before somehow getting into how we'd survive a zombie apocalypse with zombies of all shapes and sexual orientations (19:12). We also answer if we'd let our girls get into a fight if we could stop it (38:00), talk about Nelly & Ashanti inspiring people to spin the block (44:34), discuss the importance or teachers and parents working together (1:01:02) and so much more!
GEM OF THE WEEK
"Don't begrudge your process."
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SUMMARYIs it just us or has the temperature dropped to disrespectful levels lately? We can't even warm up while we share what we did for Thanksgiving (10:15) before we get into the allegations surrounding Josh Giddey (28:39) and how bad it's getting for Diddy (36:40). We also share our advice for women when entering relationships (1:06:14) and so much more!
GEM OF THE WEEK
"Mindset is what separates the best from the rest."
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SUMMARYWe know it's been a minute so we had to kick things off with an update of what we've been up to over the last month and a half (4:50) before getting into Keith Lee causing chaos in Atlanta (22:27). We also talk our favorite Thanksgiving dishes (40:30), Drake & J. Cole going on tour (52:27), Draymond Green choking Rudy Gobert (53:49) and so much more!
GEM OF THE WEEK
"You have to go through it in order to get through it." - Ida Linehan Young
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SUMMARYIt had been a while since someone posed "Would You Rather" question, so Uncle Leon kicked this week's pod off with one that had everyone stuck (20:25). We then got into the "girl math vs. boy math" trend that took over social media this week (39:49), which turned into us making fun of women losing friends on girls trips (50:18). We also talked Trump being found guilty of fraud (1:05:49), Dame Lillard getting traded to the Bucks (1:15:50) and so much more!
GEM OF THE WEEK
"True friends are like stars, you can only recognize them when it's dark around you." - Bob Marley
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SUMMARYBnag got his wisdom teeth removed last week and came back with a story about how he recovered in reverse (3:45). We also got into why men approach women in "chill clothes" (12:43), Deion Sanders leading a revolution at Colorado (23:26), the best and worst cereals of all time (38:25), why people care so much about celebrity breakups (47:12) and so much more!
GEM OF THE WEEK
"True power is displayed in not having to use it." - From the TV show Billions
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SUMMARYWould you rather never change your underwear again or never brush your teeth again? That's the question that kicked off this week's pod and somehow led us into a full conversation about tighty-whities (6:10). From there, we talked this generation of pastors (24:20), Sha'Carri Richardson returning to the spotlight (43:20), Mitch McConnell shutting down during a press conference again (1:05:45) and so much more!
GEM OF THE WEEK
"Never become so thirsty that you drink from any cup presented to you. Be selective." - @MazikodeThah
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SUMMARYThings were a little slow this week but we made the most of it by giving our thoughts on Usher and Keke Palmer being petty in the music video for his new single "Boyfriend" (8:25). We went on to laugh at Big Boogie's $15 million-dollar lie (22:25), dish out some advice to all of the 20-25 year olds out there (32:16), talk about Michael Oher being blindsided by his "adoptive family" (43:12) and more!
GEM OF THE WEEK
"Stay afraid, but do it anyway. What's important is the action." - Carrie Fisher
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SUMMARYY'all already know we weren't talking about anything other than the brawl that took place at the Montgomery Riverfront (6:52) to start off this week's episode. After a bunch of laughs, we get into Jamie Foxx's "controversial" IG post (31:20), Beyoncé's tour (52:47), Tory Lanez being sentenced to 10 years (1:03:55) and so much more!
GEM OF THE WEEK
"Of all the liars in the world, sometimes the worst are our own fears." - Rudyard Kipling
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SUMMARYWe came back ready to pod this week, starting off with a recap our experience at NBA player Keldon Johnson's youth basketball camp (10:20) and the Spence vs. Crawford fight that went down last weekend (22:13). We also choose which Olympic sport we'd choose to compete in (40:18), debate if Tubi should be accepted in the black community (45:42), talk about Carlee Russell's kidnapping being a lie (51:50) and so much more!
GEM OF THE WEEK
"What triggers you, controls you. Heal." - Candace Cotton
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SUMMARYWe didn't have a lot of set topics this week so we laid out a few hypothetical scenarios to get things started, discussing our answers to what we'd google search in 2023 (), where we'd rather be stuck () and if we'd want to share our unfiltered thoughts at all times (). We also get into the whole story about Carlee Russell and if it was all fake (), how it reminds us of Jussie Smollett () and so much more!
GEM OF THE WEEK
"Accepting the emotion you're feeling gives the power back to you. To avoid is to amplify and to acknowledge is to release." - J. Mike Fields
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SUMMARYIf you were throwing a party and needed three comedians to headline, who are you choosing? We give our answers to that (8:01) before jumping right into Keke Palmer's baby-daddy drama (24:20), Jonah Hill's ex-girlfriend showing old screenshots of his "boundaries" (40:08) and LightSkinKeisha's fiancee talking crazy (57:25). We also talk about the weird trend of using the Remini app to predict how your kids will look (1:11:48), how tipping has gone too far (1:18:20) and so much more!
GEM OF THE WEEK
"The bad news is time flies. The good news is you're the pilot." - Michael Altshuler
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SUMMARYWhat's something you think people pretend to enjoy? We each had to give our answers to that question (8:18) before getting into Elon Musk & Twitter vs. Mark Zuckerberg & Threads (21:30). We also recap our day trip to DC over the weekend (30:30), debate the possibility of scoring 15 points in an NBA game for $20 million (36:20), discuss being the evil villain in someone else's story (45:55) and so much more!
GEM OF THE WEEK
"Stop using your energy worry. Instead, use your energy to believe, create, love, grow, glow, manifest and heal."
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SUMMARYWe jumped right into the story of the missing Titan submersible that took the world by storm this week (3:30). From there, we recapped what we did for Father's Day (39:00), had a real convo about Pride Month (1:03:49), went in on everyone who failed to unbig their backs before summer started (1:16:35) and so much more!
GEM OF THE WEEK
"The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others." - Mahatma Gandhi
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SUMMARYWe kicked off this week's episode by showing love to our fathers ahead of Father's Day (12:15) before getting into some serious talk about YK Osiris and DJ AONE harassing Sukihana (24:23). From there we got into a funny conversation about if your girl could actually find a better man when it comes to some things in a relationship (50:00). We also talked about the Nuggets winning the NBA title (1:15:33), the recent passing of Jacky Oh (1:22:08) and so much more!
GEM OF THE WEEK
"Thank people for the small things they do that make you feel good."
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SUMMARYThere was no doubt that this week's episode was going to start with us discussing the tragic shooting that ruined a high school graduation in Richmond (18:00). From there we talked about Travis Rudolph being found not guilty (42:47), Zion Williamson's side chick drama (49:20), the Canada wildfires affect the air quality here in the States (1:08:05) and so much more!
GEM OF THE WEEK
"It takes 20 years to build a reputation and 5 minutes to ruin it." - Warren Buffett
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SUMMARYAn early joke from Bnag about being "the father that stepped up" (2:27) led to an unexpected conversation about stepfathers, single mothers & parenthood as a whole. Of course we had to give a play-by-play of the perfect date with a single mother (33:31) before getting into MLB player Tim Anderson's side-chick drama (42:38) and the murder trial involving former NFL player Travis Rudolph (59:48). We also talk Shannon Sharpe leaving "Undisputed" (1:21:08), the Nuggets/Heat NBA Finals matchup (1:29:45) and so much more!
GEM OF THE WEEK
"Life may not always give you what you want, but it does give you what you need." - Leon Brown
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SUMMARYThis weeks' episode starts off with a conversation about what we would do if a church accidentally sent us $10,000 (9:40), which led Bnag to tell a hilarious story about a church he used to attend (13:05). We eventually get into how many punches we think it'll take to knock Mike Tyson out (27:27), why men don't share their locations (38:48), Ja Morant not being able to put the guns down (52:45), the NBA Playoffs (1:10:06) and so much more!
GEM OF THE WEEK
"Friendship means little when it's convenient" - Shimazu Koji (John Wick 4)
Don't forget to follow us on Instagram & Twitter @opengempod and to subscribe to our YouTube channel "Open Gem: The Podcast."
SUMMARYWould you beat up 15 third-graders for $20,000? Would you do crack for $600 million? How much would it take for you to never bring up slavery again? These are hard-hitting questions we asked this week before questioning why some people become elitist after getting into therapy (24:50), previewing Mother's Day plans (33:20) and debating who's the realist mother from all of the Power series (37:10). We also send our well wishes to Jamie Foxx (56:45), talk Diddy & JD finally setting a date for their Verzuz matchup (1:01:40) and so much more!
GEM OF THE WEEK
"Some things don't need prayer, they need discipline. God already gave you the play, He's just waiting on you to run it." - Samantha J. West
Don't forget to follow us on Instagram & Twitter @opengempod and to subscribe to our YouTube channel "Open Gem: The Podcast."
SUMMARYIt was only right we started this episode off by acknowledging Cinco de Mayo and sharing what our plans are to celebrate (7:15). From there we sent our condolences to the late great Jerry Springer (14:15), recapped the Tank/Garcia fight (24:00) and gave our thoughts on the series finale of Snowfall (32:30). We also talked NBA Playoffs (53:20), Dillon Brooks' release from the Grizzlies (1:01:48), how A.I. is taking over (1:08:42) and so much more!
GEM OF THE WEEK
"Once you're finished changing, you're finished." - Benjamin Franklin
Don't forget to follow us on Instagram & Twitter @opengempod and to subscribe to our YouTube channel "Open Gem: The Podcast."
SUMMARYTo all the fellas out there, who's winning the fight between you at age 25 and your dad when he was 25? We kicked off this week's episode giving our answers (9:20), which led to Nyce sharing a classic story about the time he tried his dad over a church plate (16:09)! From there we get into the upcoming Hulu documentary about Freaknik (27:40), men getting surgery to be taller (57:00), Draymond's suspension and all the other NBA Playoff drama (1:05:05), the shooting of Ralph Yarl (1:21:11) and so much more!
GEM OF THE WEEK
"The world has no sympathy for the validity of your excuses."
Don't forget to follow us on Instagram & Twitter @opengempod and to subscribe to our YouTube channel "Open Gem: The Podcast."
SUMMARYWe came back this week asking the important questions, like why can't adults outside of the education field have a Spring or Summer break? (5:07) Or what would you do if you and your significant other tried crack together and ONLY they got addicted? (1:01:50) Real questions that need real answers! We also recapped our experience at Dreamville Fest (17:56), talked LSU's title and all the Angel Reese controversy (47:15), congratulated the UConn men on their championship run (57:25), dove into the drama surrounding Jonathan Majors (1:11:00) and so much more!
Rest in Peace to our Hampden-Sydney brother Karlton Davis! Sending all of our love and light to his family and friends! You will be missed! ❤️
GEM OF THE WEEK
"See it as high as you can see it -- be delusional even." - J. Cole
SONG OF THE WEEK
1:33 | J. Cole - In the Morning (feat. Drake)
Don't forget to follow us on Instagram & Twitter @opengempod and to subscribe to our YouTube channel "Open Gem: The Podcast."
SUMMARYWe jumped right into the next set of 100 episodes with a goodie! We were joined on the grey couch this week by the one and only JaMyra, a longtime friend of the pod who recently revealed her new fitness business "Chase the Burn." We got into why she wanted to start helping others (16:12), how being a mother has influenced her fitness journey (24:27) and her favorite & least favorite things about chasing the burn (34:30). She also gives her thoughts on why people tend to hit the gym right after breakups (1:00:40), what you can expect when you purchase her guide (1:15:20) and so much more!
GEM OF THE WEEK
"Fuck what people think." - JaMyra
SUMMARYIt's our 100th episode so y'all know it was a celebration! We toasted some champagne, poured up a few shots and had a few friends join the production. We started by thanking all of our former guests before sharing how we've grown throughout the journey and recapping some of our favorite moments. There was also some talk about 6ix9ine getting jumped at LA Fitness, Larsa Pippen saying she had sex 4 times a night for 23 years and so many other random conversations!
GEM OF THE WEEK
"No amount of regret can change the past and no amount of anxiety can change the future."
MUSIC
1:05 | Drake - We Made It (feat. Soulja Boy)
SUMMARYFellas, when's the last time you did something that wasn't for the attention of a woman? That question stumped us for a good while (33:00) after we took some time out to show some love to March being Women's History Month (23:30). From there, we talked about the new seasons of BMF & Snowfall (38:36), Ja Morant's shenanigans (1:03:45), Shawn Kemp's old ass antics (1:17:40), Dreamville Fest (1:24:18) and so much more!
GEM OF THE WEEK
"Celebrate your small wins."
MUSIC
2:23 | SHRETA - Cruise
3:02 | J. Cole - Too Deep for the Intro
3:52 | Jacquees - When You Bad Like That (feat. Future)
SUMMARYWe were down in New Orleans celebrating Uncle Leon's 30th birthday last week so we came back with a full-length recap. There was a lot of food consumed (17:38), a lot of beads thrown on Bourbon Street (25:13) and a lot of silence during a comedy show (36:55). We also talked about how we stole a section at Treehouse (41:02), Uncle Leon and Bnag missing their initial flight on the way back (59:11), Nyce's rough Wednesday morning (1:03:29) and so much more! Before closing out though, we had to take a second to congratulate Alex Mack on his song "Young Man" reaching 1 million streams (1:35:28)!
GEM OF THE WEEK
"Shit doesn't happen in a day, but if you let the days go by it won't happen in a year either."
MUSIC
2:20 | YN Jay - Perc & Sex
3:16 | Drake & 21 Savage - Rich Flex
4:30 | Cordae - Two Tens (feat. Anderson .Paak)
SUMMARYThe fellas talked about everything under the sun this week but it was only right they started off by acknowledging LeBron becoming the NBA's all-time leading scorer (17:55) and Beyoncé now holding the record for the most Grammy wins ever (36:56). Black history at its finest! From there, they talk Valentine's Day (1:05:00), the Big Red Boots (1:18:30), tax season (1:22:45), Super Bowl predictions (1:29:50) and so much more!
GEM OF THE WEEK
"If you have time to whine, then you have too much time."
MUSIC
3:36 | SZA - Snoze
4:35 | Beyoncé - CUFF IT (WETTER REMIX)
6:57 | PARTYNEXTDOOR - Her Old Friends
SUMMARYThe fellas finally got back to the grey couch so it was only right they gave updates on how the new year has been treating them so far. Bnag talked about his choice to cut sugar out of his diet (8:55) before Uncle Leon shared that he now has Invisalign (25:05), which somehow led to a hilarious conversation about the terrible eating habits in our community (34:50). After that, the floor was given to Nyce so he could go into detail about his recent trip to LA to work on AT&T's "Dream in Black" campaign as an Art Director (48:05)!
GEM OF THE WEEK
"The distractions not going anywhere. Up the discipline." - @_BrittneyCarter
MUSIC
3:45 | Vince Staples - LEMONADE (feat. Ty Dolla $ign)
4:59 | Chris Brown - Psychic (feat. Jack Harlow)
6:19 | Victony - Chop & Slide
SUMMARYThe fellas came back for a buzzer-beater episode right before the New Year to talk everything from why they took a break (14:12) to what they're looking forward to in 2023 (58:40). They also recapped their short Christmas break (17:15), reflected on their goals from this past year (40:22), discussed Tory Lanez being found guilty (1:15:05), Britney Griner being released from Russian custody (1:24:20) and so much more!
GEM OF THE WEEK
"Greatness is sifted through the grind, therefore don't despise the hard work now for surely it will be worth it in the end." - Sang Jendayi
MUSIC
4:40 | Seddy Hendrix - Body 2 Body (feat. T-Pain)
5:58 | K CAMP - Bullseye
7:10 | Toosii - end of discussion
SUMMARY
The week's episode starts off with Uncle Leon & Bnag giving a terrible preview of their upcoming trip to Cancun (13:25) before the fellas talk about the tragic death of Shanquella Robinson in Cabo (22:28) and the senseless shooting that took three lives at UVA (32:51). To brighten up the mood, they shift to GloRilla's new EP "Anyway, Life's Great" and her Grammy nomination (41:55), review Drake & 21 Savage's album "Her Loss" (53:15), give their thoughts on Black Panther: Wakanda Forever (1:09:10) and so much more!
GEM OF THE WEEK
"Madness and greatness are separated only by the degree of success."
MUSIC
3:38 | Drake & 21 Savage - Spin Bout U
5:03 | GloRilla - Tomorrow 2 (feat. Cardi B)
6:15 | Lil Baby - Not Finished
SUMMARY
It's been a minute since the fellas spent time on the grey couch so it was only right they let the people know what they've been up to (11:10). From there, they give their predictions on the new NBA season (27:14), touch on the Airbnb vs. Hotel debate (35:10), acknowledge November being men's health month (48:02), talk the tragic death of Takeoff (51:20) and so much more!
GEM OF THE WEEK
"Where there is no faith in the future, there is no power in the present." - Halford Luccock
MUSIC
1:27 | Quavo & Takeoff - Bars into Captions
2:53 | Quavo & Takeoff - Two Infinity Links
4:00 | Migos - Bad and Boujee (feat. Lil Uzi Vert)
SUMMARY
What's the male equivalent to receiving flowers? It's universally known that a man can rarely go wrong with getting a woman a nice bouquet. But what's that one thing women can buy or do for men to show their appreciation? After the fellas try to answer that question (24:32), they somehow stumble into the never-ending conversation about love/money/relationships (30:00). From there, they give their thoughts on the Jeffrey Dahmer series on Netflix (49:36), discuss the season change and how it correlates to where they are in life (1:07:03), send their prayers to everyone affected by Hurricane Ian (1:12:02) and so much more!
GEM OF THE WEEK
"Go where you're valued."
MUSIC
4:49 | Megan thee Stallion - Not Nice
5:53 | Future - THE WAY THINGS GOING
6:59 | Chris Brown - Possessive (feat. BLEU & Lil Wayne)
SUMMARY
If there was a fruit draft, what fruit would be your first pick? That's the question that kicked off this week's pod (16:45) before the fellas got into a deep conversation about the death of PNB Rock (27:00). From there, they talked LeBron's family on the cover of Vanity Fair (45:30), gave their thoughts on what it means to be a man (48:39), described what post-nut syndrome is really like (1:04:15), shared their NFL season predictions (1:27:29) and so much more!
GEM OF THE WEEK
"Sometimes problems don’t require solutions. Instead, they require maturity to outgrow them." - Steve Maraboli
MUSIC
3:45 | PNB Rock - Hanging Up My Jersey (feat. Ty Dolla $ign)
4:51 | Meek Mill - Dangerous (feat. PNB Rock & Jeremih)
6:09 | PNB Rock - I Need More
SUMMARY
The fellas had a very similar but different experience this past Labor Day Weekend so it was only right they talked about it on the grey couch (16:34). After the brief recap, they touch on the new iPhone 14 release (27:20), give their take on the tense situation between Kanye and Adidas (39:08), discuss the importance of September being Suicide Prevention Month (55:07) and so much more!
GEM OF THE WEEK
“The smart people listen. The stupid ones think they know better. Learn to listen.” - The Fresh Fiend
MUSIC
2:50 | Rory - I WANT YOU BUT YOU'LL NEVER KNOW... (feat. Shelley FKA DRAM & Alex Isley)
4:01 | KYLE - Shiesty
5:03 | Beyoncé - CUFF IT
SUMMARY
For the first time in a long time, the fellas were actually vulnerable and shared how they were feeling to start the episode. Uncle Leon talked his way through feeling like an impostor after losing in the championship game (10:50), Nyce revealed that someone recently hit his car (20:25) and Bnag admitted to getting a speeding ticket (21:45). From there, they discuss what they underestimated the most about adulthood (26:17), women having higher standards (39:23), men being wined & dined now that it's "Take a Man on a Date Month" (50:00), JAY-Z's verse on DJ Khaled's new album (1:03:25) and so much more!
GEM OF THE WEEK
"Everybody’s sore. Everybody’s tired. Everybody has an excuse. Don’t be everybody." - Lewis Caralla
MUSIC
3:06 | DJ Khaled - GOD DID (feat. Fridayy, Rick Ross, Lil Wayne, JAY-Z & John Legend)
SUMMARY
The fellas stumbled into a debate on whether Nickelodeon or Disney had the best TV shows before the intro music even came on (0:01). Once they finished going down memory lane, Bnag couldn't help but tell a joke (12:50) before it was time for Nyce to give a recap of he and his fiancée's weekend trip to Vegas (15:02). The fellas went on to talk about what they want to accomplish before summer ends (29:40), discuss the Season 2 finale of P Valley (42:46) and so much more!
GEM OF THE WEEK
“Stop being afraid of what could go wrong, and start being excited of what could go right” - Tony Robbins
MUSIC
4:32 | Joey Bada$$ - Head High
5:38 | Big K.R.I.T. - Rhode Clean
6:51 | Kodak Black - He Love the Streets
SUMMARY
It took a little while but the fellas finally found some energy to pod once Uncle Leon asked for some advice (10:35). From there, they recognize their 2-year anniversary (30:42), discuss Angela Yee leaving The Breakfast Club (53:36), talk Serena Williams announcing her retirement (59:30), give their take on Brittney Griner being sentence to 9 years in Russia (1:16:05), examine the arrival of Monkeypox in the US (1:29:02) and so much more!
GEM OF THE WEEK
"It had happen the way it did in order for you to become who you are meant to be." - Evan Sanders
MUSIC
1:20 | Frank Ocean - Novacane
2:55 | Rich Gang - Lifestyle (feat. Rich Homie Quan & Young Thug)
4:00 | YG - Left, Right
SUMMARY
The fellas were right back with another guest this week as "Big Flex Lex" sat down to talk about her journey to becoming a certified lash technician, owner of "The Glam Spot" and host of the "Be Your Own Boss (BYOB) Brunch." She discusses her rough start in the lash world (22:10) and what led her to opening her own glam space (23:50) before getting into her love for traveling / girls trips (39:33), what really happened to all of her Telfar bags (54:29) and so much more!
GEM OF THE WEEK
"Be consistent." - Lex
MUSIC
1:50 | SiR - Fire
2:56 | K CAMP - What's on Your Mind (feat. Jacquees)
3:52 | Kenyon Dixon - Love on Replay (feat. Tiffany Gouché)
FOLLOW OUR GUEST ON INSTAGRAMPersonal Page: @lexbeautykills
Lashes by Lex: @_lashesbylexx
The Glam Spot: @theglamspotrva
SUMMARY
The fellas welcomed a few guests to the pod this week, as Richmond's own Chris Scholar pulled up alongside his wife, Bevin Brown, and artist, Drew Ashby, for a dope conversation. Chris gave a brief history of how he got started in the music industry (20:45) before he and Bevin described what it was like to direct the music video Nelly and Florida Georgia Line's hit song "Lil Bit" (36:50). They dished out some marriage advice (57:44), Chris detailed the time he was in the studio with Usher (1:13:18), Bevin joined in to talk about the couple's production company "By the Booc" (1:28:00) and so much more!
GEM(S) OF THE WEEK
"Rule #1: Never give up. Rule #2: Never forget Rule #1." - Bevin Brown
"Always add value wherever you are." - Chris Scholar
"Once a task has begun, do not stop until it's done. Whether the task is big or small, do it right or not at all." - Drew Ashby
MUSIC
2:57 | Chris Scholar - Jumping
4:08 | Chris Scholar - Northside
5:28 | Chris Scholar - I Like You
FOLLOW OUR GUESTS ON INSTAGRAMChris Scholar - @chrisscholar
Bevin Brown - @justbevin
Drew Ashby - @drewashbyy
By the Booc - @bythebooc
SUMMARY
Plans to have a guest fell through at the last minute so the fellas decided to freestyle the entire episode this week, which of course led to a bunch of relationship talk. They continued a pre-pod conversation about honesty in relationships (27:44) before getting into which gender cheats better (43:31), which rich woman they'd date solely for their money (58:25), why women say they hate men nowadays (1:07:00) and so much more!
GEM OF THE WEEK
"Necessity is the mother of invention."
MUSIC
3:55 | PARTYNEXTDOOR - PERSIAN RUGS
4:58 | Bryson Tiller - Don't
6:17 | dvsn - Halluciantions
SUMMARY
The fellas got back to the shenanigans this week, starting off with Uncle Leon describing last week's work trip up to DC (15:05). From there, they get into a debate on wedding objections (36:42), talk Elon Musk pulling his $44 billion offer to buy Twitter (46:31), review Brent Faiyaz's new album (1:07:33), recap P Valley (1:19:00), discuss the #PutYourShoesOnChallenge from TikTok (1:32:38) and so much more!
GEM OF THE WEEK
"Actions prove who a person is. Words prove who a person pretends to be."
MUSIC
1:50 | TPS Kobe - Fishscale
2:56 | SleazyWorld Go - Step 1 (feat. Offset)
3:52 | Duke Deuce - JUST SAY THAT (feat. Glorilla)
SUMMARY
It was only right that Uncle Leon & Bnag came back with a detailed recap of their recent trip to Miami (18:30). After a bunch of reminiscing, the fellas get into some serious talk about Roe v. Wade being overturned (47:30) and the sentencing of both R. Kelly and Ghislaine Maxwell (1:08:16). They then get into Mario & Omarion's Verzuz battle (1:17:40), new music from Chris Brown, Drake & Beyoncé (1:24:15) and so much more!
GEM OF THE WEEK
"Stop having people at your shows that wasn't at rehearsals." - Big Sean
MUSIC
2:40 | Beyoncé - BREAK MY SOUL
3:55 | Drake - Sticky
5:05 | Chris Brown - Call Me Every Day (feat. WizKid)
SUMMARY
Bnag almost got fired this week, Nyce went to the doctor for the first time in 10 years and Uncle Leon hasn't been keeping up with his gym routine. The fellas came to pod this week, as they kicked things off with a debate on how men and women are wired (25:05) and if Yung Miami & Diddy's "relationship status" is going to have any influence (45:34). They also talk NBA Finals (50:31), gas prices (1:02:10), Father's Day (1:09:15), Juneteenth (1:16:00) and so much more!
GEM OF THE WEEK
"Don't let people who don't know you influence your mood."
MUSIC
3:23 | Usher - Superstar
4:29 | Aaliyah - Rock the Boat
5:51 | 112 - U Already Know
SUMMARY
This week's pod started off with a hilarious discussion on whether or not the fellas would sell crack right now for 15K a week (15:25). They go on to say their RIPs to Trouble (23:40), discuss the importance of Pride Month (31:38), talk about Apple adding the unsend option (39:00), detail the hardest part about after a breakup (49:18) and so much more!
GEM OF THE WEEK
"Everything will be OK in the end. If it's not OK, then it's not the end."
MUSIC
3:55 | Chris Brown - WE (Warm Embrace)
5:04 | Queen Naija - Hate Our Love (feat. Big Sean)
6:02 | Mario - Get Back (feat. Chris Brown)
SUMMARY
There were a few things to talk about this week but nothing more important than Nyce proposing to his now fiancé in Jamaica! He talks about their week in Ochos Rios (18:40) before giving a breakdown of how he popped the question (32:44). After a million airhorn and applause soundbites, the fellas stamp "FNF" as Song of the Summer (57:35), anticipate the return of P-Valley (1:03:20), give their predictions on the NBA Finals (1:10:50), discuss the mass shooting in Uvalde (1:21:50) and so much more!
GEM OF THE WEEK
"Pray and be thankful."
MUSIC
2:33 | Next - Wifey
3:50 | Jagged Edge - Let's Get Married (Remix) [feat. Jermaine Dupri & Rev Run]
4:59 | John Legend - A Good Night (feat. BloodPop®)
SUMMARY
There wasn't too much fun to be had this week, as the fellas came back to the couch to discuss the tragic mass shootings that took 10 innocent lives in Buffalo, New York and one in Orange County, California (11:15) . From there, they touched on Kendrick Lamar's new album (24:45), Young Thug & Gunna getting caught up in a RICO case (33:48), Nike suing Stock X (45:15), their NBA Playoffs predictions (56:22) and so much more!
GEM OF THE WEEK
"Control what you can control."
MUSIC
2:55 | Kendrick Lamar - Father Time (feat. Sampha)
3:59 | Kendrick Lamar - N95
5:08 | Kendrick Lamar - Silent Hill (feat. Kodak Black)
SUMMARY
The fellas were a little tired this week but at least they felt better than the dude who attacked Dave Chappelle on stage (13:00) and the man whose wife got a DM from Drake (24:15). After getting some laughs off, they discussed people thinking the grass is always greener somewhere else (29:24), shared something they want to fix about themselves (49:02), spoke on the leaked Supreme Court vote to overturn Roe v. Wade (1:02:30) and so much more!
GEM OF THE WEEK
"Fear isn't real. It's just an irrational thought of what may lie in our future." - Unknown
MUSIC
4:00 | Future - WAIT FOR U (feat. Tems & Drake)
5:08 | Lil Baby - In a Minute
6:27 | Lil Durk - No Interviews
SUMMARY
After a week off, the fellas got back in "The Gem" to discuss everything from what's in their summer starter packs (21:17) to how pollen has been affecting these women out here (33:45). They also talk wanting the ongoing case between Meg thee Stallion and Tory Lanez (47:12), Pusha T's new album (50:50), the NBA Playoffs (53:55), Elon Musk buying Twitter for $44 billion (1:09:20) and so much more!
GEM OF THE WEEK
"What starts as an excuse can easily become a habit. Don't let a bad day become a lifestyle." - James Clear
MUSIC
2:18 | Elliott Trent - Computer Love
3:15 | EASTMAN - WAVEY
4:11 | JVCK JAMES - Basement
SUMMARY
After watching a TikTok compilation of people before and after drinking too much liquor, the fellas had to talk about how nights with so much potential can quickly turn into a disaster (29:05). From there they discuss Druski's recent skit that he took down after receiving backlash (58:50), explain the reasoning behind all of the recent inflation (1:07:20), send their prayers and condolences to the family and friends of Dwayne Haskins (1:20:45) and so much more!
GEM OF THE WEEK
"The pain just means you're alive."
MUSIC
4:27 | Ari Lennox - Blackberry Sap
5:42 | Drake - N 2 Deep (feat. Future)
6:48 | Tone Stith - FWM
SUMMARY
After Uncle Leon started the pod off with hate, the fellas began to show love by listing some of the things they've learned from women over the years (16:46). From there, they get into what men deserve in relationships (32:08), the Lakers missing the playoffs (43:01) and UNC losing to Kansas in the national title game (54:29). They also discuss Dreamville Fest and the label's surprise mixtape (1:09:19), Ketanji Brown Jackson being named to the Supreme Court (1:16:36), Chris Smalls starting Amazon's first union (1:22:20) and so much more!
GEM OF THE WEEK
"Be honest, not perfect."
MUSIC
2:57 | Rotimi - Love Riddim
4:07 | Koffee - Toast
5:06 | Tems - Free Mind
SUMMARY
The fellas got right to the shenanigans this week with their opinions about Will Smith slapping the laugh off Chris Rock's face at the Oscars (20:37). They also took time to remember Nipsey Hussle (50:20), questioned the showrunners' decision to bring a tiger into the Snowfall storyline (1:07:07), discussed whether or not they would want to be with a woman who has never had a healthy relationship (1:12:04) and so much more!
GEM OF THE WEEK
"You will never change your life until you change something you do daily. The secret of your success is found in your daily routine." - John C. Maxwell
MUSIC
3:48 | Ludacris - Slap
4:54 | Nipsey Hussle - Double Up (feat. Belly & DOM KENNEDY)
6:05 | Mozzy - Straight to 4th
SUMMARY
The fellas came back with another guest this week, this time being joined by the "multi-talented, highly opinionated and super dope" Amari on the grey couch. Amari starts things off with how she began creating funny content on social media (21:34) and how she balances / decompresses from all of her different ventures (25:04). The conversation then turns to the recent drama between Lil Baby and Jayda (34:30), how men have been using their podcasts to bash women (45:23), the "Best Worst Advice" segment (58:55) and so much more!
GEM OF THE WEEK
"Make that money, don't let it make you." - Amari
MUSIC
4:58 | Roddy Ricch - slow it down (feat. Alex Isley & Ty Dolla $ign)
5:50 | Don Toliver - Swangin' on Westheimer
7:30 | Aminé - Dididumduhduh
FOLLOW OUR GUEST ON INSTAGRAMPersonal: @kiaundraa_
SUMMARY
The fellas welcomed "one of SoVa's very own" to The Gem this week, as Beezy chopped it up with the fellas about his experience in sports betting. He details how he got started (16:03), explains the basic betting terminology (17:50) and talks some of his highs and lows so far (28:40). Beezy also describes his approach to betting (33:42), helps the fellas with their new Best Worst Advice segment (45:10) and so much more!
GEM OF THE WEEK
"Never take anything in life for granted." - Beezy
MUSIC
3:15 | Kanye West - City of Gods (feat. Alicia Keys & Fivio Foreign)
4:30 | J. Cole - 9 5 . s o u t h
5:36 | Kodak Black - Super Gremlin
FOLLOW OUR GUEST ON INSTAGRAMPersonal: @beezy2live
SUMMARY
The fellas returned to the grey couch this week to talk about everything from wanting a certain lifestyle opposed to wanting love (15:45) to Kanye's documentary Jeen-Yuhs (35:30). They also get into the drama between Ukraine, Russia and the United States (53:24), Joe Biden hiring a chief prosecutor to investigate into the PPP frauds (1:00:31) and so much more!
NOTE: This episode abruptly ends due to unexpected software issues. We apologize in advance.
MUSIC
0:17 | Skip Marley - Slow Down (feat. H.E.R.)
1:24 | Bobby V - Slow Down
2:46 | VanJess - Slow Down (Remix) [feat. Lucky Daye]
SUMMARY
The fellas traded in the grey couch for a green velvet couch this week, as they visited Bree the Goat at her candle workshop Wick & Sip to talk about everything from how she became an entrepreneur (15:20) to the challenges she faces as an owner of three businesses (29:09). Bree also gives a breakdown of what a typical Wick & Sip event looks like (38:55), talks where she would like to see her business ventures in the next few years (46:46), previews her upcoming "Girls Night Out" event (55:42) and so much more!
GEM OF THE WEEK
"Use your failures as motivation." - Bree the Goat
MUSIC
3:04 | Larry June & Cardo - Saturday Night Interview
4:10 | Wiz Khalifa - The Kid Frankie, Pt. 2 (feat. Chevy Woods)
5:16 | Curren$y - Never Had
FOLLOW OUR GUEST ON INSTAGRAMPersonal: @breethegoat_
Wick & Sip: @wickandsiprva
The Self Love Company: @theselflovecompany
Love University: @loveuniversityrva
SUMMARY
Of course the fellas had to talk about how they spent their Valentine's Day (13:45) to start things off this week. From there, they congratulate the Los Angeles Rams on winning the Super Bowl (39:02), spoke on the scuffle between DaBaby and DaBrother at the DaBowling Alley (46:35), discuss Miguel and Nazanin getting back together (48:20) and so much more!
BHM FACT OF THE WEEK
Charles Drew was a well-known surgeon and medical researcher who was responsible for improving techniques for blood storage and developing large-scale blood banks during the early stages of World War II. Drew took a huge stand when resigned from his role with the American Red Cross as a protest against racial segregation in blood donation.
MUSIC
1:22 | Xavier Omär & Sango - Deep End
2:27 | Baby Keem - lost souls
3:50 | SZA - I Hate U
SUMMARY
With Valentine's Day around the corner, it was only right the fellas started off talking about the holiday and how women and men can put their own twist to it (11:27). From there, they get into the most recent episodes of Power and Euphoria (32:06), how Biden allegedly spent $30 million on crack pipes (1:07:35), Kanye's drama (1:15:00), their Super Bowl predictions (1:22:34) and so much more!
BHM FACT OF THE WEEK
Wilson Smith made history when he became Nike’s first Black designer in 1983. His most-known shoe designs include the Nike Uptempo's, Jordan 16's & 17's and Nike Air Max CB 34's. Smith, currently a Senior Designer and the Department of Nike Archives Design Specialist, is going on 39 years with the company.
MUSIC
1:50 | Chris Brown - Iffy
3:01 | Jagged Edge - Where the Party At? (feat. Nelly)
3:50 | DJ Khaled - Wild Thoughts (feat. Rihanna & Bryson Tiller)
SUMMARY
After almost two hours of content that was cut and will NEVER be released to the public, the fellas finally starting speaking on things that won't ruin every relationship they have. They talked Black History Month (7:50), congratulated Rihanna and A$AP Rocky on their pregnancy (18:48), checked in on their 2022 goals (26:05), briefly reviewed Episode 4 of Euphoria (38:00) and so much more!
GEM OF THE WEEK
"Lord, grant that I may always desire more than I can accomplish." - Michelangelo
MUSIC
2:00 | Rick Ross - Rapper Estates (feat. Benny the Butcher)
2:49 | Russ - Sheep
4:21 | Benny the Butcher - Johnny P's Caddy (feat. J. Cole)
SUMMARY
So y'all never went a day without brushing y'all teeth either, huh? Stop the cap! The fellas were right back at it this week, starting with a special shoutout to Ms. Peah for her gracious contribution to the podcast's Cash App (9:18) before taking a moment to remember and celebrate the lives that were lost in the 2020 helicopter crash that killed Kobe & Gianna Bryant (14:30). They go on to give a quick rundown of the an exciting weekend of NFL football (25:52), debate what it means for a person to be submissive to their partner (45:50), review the most recent episode of Power (1:09:28) and so much more!
GEM OF THE WEEK
"What most people don't understand is at the end of the game, the king and the pawn end up in the same box anyway. It won't be about what piece you were, it'll be about how big your impact was while you were on the board." - Mez
MUSIC
5:00 | JAY-Z - Smile
6:02 | 6LACK - Know My Rights (feat. Lil Baby)
7:08 | Meek Mill - Blue Notes 2 (feat. Lil Uzi Vert)
SUMMARY
The fellas were joined this week by the one and only Alexander Mack, a rising artist originally from Blackstone, Virginia who has already made a name for himself in the music industry. Mack kicked things off by explaining how he got started in music (17:08) and where he got his stage name from (22:17). From there, he described what it was like to get verified on Instagram (32:48), hinted at some big things he has planned for the new year (42:40), gave insight into how he got people to take his music seriously (1:06:30) and so much more!
GEM OF THE WEEK
"Remain yourself even as the world around you changes." - Alex Mack
MUSIC
2:38 | Alex Mack - Another Day // Staring at the Ceiling
3:50 | Alex Mack - The Higher Ups (feat. Lamont Wiley)
5:01 | Alex Mack - Bag of Chips
SOCIAL MEDIA
Instagram: @easyalexmack
Soundcloud: Alexander Mack
Twitter: @easyalexmack
YouTube: Alexander Mack
SUMMARY
Before the pod even started, the fellas got into a hilarious debate on whether or not Russell Westbrook is a top-30 player in the NBA today. Once the intro music faded out, Nyce detailed what it was like to have COVID and then kicked off a brief discussion on what he's expecting from the new year. The fellas also sent out their condolences to the families of Betty White, Sidney Poitier, Bob Saget & Tatina Buddington, spoke on a price-fixing scandal that spans across at least 16 colleges/universities, discussed the newest episodes of Power Book II: Ghost & Euphoria and so much more!
GEM OF THE WEEK
"A lot of people no longer hope for the best. They just hope to avoid the worst."
MUSIC
4:00 | Muni Long - Hrs and Hrs
5:08 | Blxst - About You
6:10 | Gunna - too easy (feat. Future)
SUMMARY
The fellas got back into "The Gem" after a week off and jumped right into some COVID talk (8:18) before mixing together their recaps of 2021 / previews of 2022 (21:05). From there, they remember the life of NFL legend John Madden (41:00), give insight into what they like to do when they need peace & quiet (49:25), discuss the Insecure finale (1:03:46) and so much more!
GEM OF THE WEEK
"Go for what you want."
MUSIC
3:10 | Mac Miller - God Speed
3:56 | Juice WRLD - Rockstar in His Prime
SUMMARY
This week's episode fell a couple days after Bnag celebrated his 29th lap around the sun, so it was only right he gave a recap of his birthday weekend (8:20). Once that was done, the fellas jumped into Steph breaking the NBA 3-Point Record (26:50), Travis Hunter committing to Jackson State (33:06) and President Joe Biden not extending student loan relief (40:38). They go on to have an in-depth discussion on if college is the best way to go (53:18), how bad things have to get for a man to actually break up with a woman (1:06:30) and so much more!
GEM OF THE WEEK
"Don't forget that sometimes with comfort comes slack."
MUSIC
3:10 | DOM KENNEDY - Don't Walk Away (feat. Quentin Miller)
3:56 | Migos - Picasso (feat. Future)
5:05 | K CAMP - Privacy (feat. Trey Songz)
SUMMARY
This week's episode starts off with the fellas revisiting their weekend in NOVA (14:30), which led to a discussion on how getting older has affected the idea of the "club life" (23:00). They then tackle the never-ending discussion about splitting a restaurant bill with a large group of people (33:44), thank "essential workers" for their services (1:00:10), stumble into a recap of the latest Power Book II: Ghost episode (1:08:00), discuss the responses from their IG questions/polls about women going with the flow (1:22:37) and so much more!
GEM OF THE WEEK
"You've got to go through it to get through it."
MUSIC
1:45 | Case - Touch Me, Tease Me (feat. Foxy Brown & Mary J. Blige)
2:51 | King Combs - Love You Better (feat. Chris Brown)
4:00 | Rick Ross - Future Bright (feat. Bryson Tiller)
SUMMARY
The fellas came back from Thanksgiving break ready to pod, as they started things off with Nyce having a bone to pick with Bnag about his trip to California (9:28) and then recognizing the life and legacy of Virgil Abloh (19:12). From there, they talk the Rihanna pregnancy rumors (34:04), a hypothetical encounter with Draya Michele (39:33), the amount of information we consume daily (50:50), women finally catching on to men trying to "just go with the flow" (1:04:53) and so much more!
GEM OF THE WEEK
"Put your money where your mouth is."
MUSIC
4:00 | DMX - How's It Goin' Down (feat. Faith Evans)
5:15 | Moneybagg Yo - Scorpio
6:24 | Chris Brown - All I Want (feat. Tyga)
SUMMARY
The fellas didn't have any real topics queued up this week so they freestyled the entire episode. They of course talked about their Thanksgiving plans (7:00) and then Blamoh jumped into his toxic bag to ask why women aren't being women anymore (18:40), which led to the fellas discussing what they are manifesting in the perfect woman (29:16). They also get into the BMF season finale and return of Power II: Ghost (59:50), the film King Richard (1:08:00), the passing on Antwain Fowler (1:12:57) and so much more!
GEM OF THE WEEK
"Your brain is a super computer so you must update its software, clean its hard drive and protect its battery." - Jim Kwik
MUSIC
0:50 | Drake - Come Thru
1:46 | Isaiah Rashad - Wat U Sed (feat. Kal Banx & Doechii)
2:57 | PARTYNEXTDOOR - BELIEVE IT (feat. Rihanna)
SUMMARY
The majority of this week's pod was spent on the fellas holding men accountable for their actions. Whether they were speaking on the murder of Young Dolph (10:55), the horrific video of Zac Stacy physically abusing his ex-girlfriend (29:55) or DaBaby arguing with DaniLeigh on IG Live (40:33), they made sure to put the onus on men to do better. They also discussed Lawrence & Condola's fallout in Episode 3 of Insecure (49:30), chose their favorite out of the three upcoming holidays (1:06:50) and so much more!
GEM OF THE WEEK
"Promise less and deliver more."
MUSIC
1:20 | Young Dolph - Preach
2:38 | Young Dolph - Get Paid
3:38 | Young Dolph - Major (feat. Key Glock)
SUMMARY
Would you rather fight an orangutan with a sword once a year or fight a chicken every time you get into your car? That is what the fellas debate to start off this week's pod. From there, they talk the 11-year old who turned outsmarted his entire school for months (22:45), the tragedy that took place at Travis Scott's concert (39:00), Kanye's appearance on Drink Champs (54:57), why women don't like to admit they're drunk (1:06:45) and so much more!
GEM OF THE WEEK
"Preparation cures pressure." - Calvin Johnson
MUSIC
2:41 | Rod Wave - Tombstone
3:49 | Morray - Bigger Things
5:05 | Derez De'Shon - In My Feelings
SUMMARY
This week's episode starts off with Uncle Leon talking about the speeding ticket he got a few weeks ago (4:440), From there, the fellas discuss the Braves winning the World Series (11:13), what makes Atlanta such a special place (15:35), Yung Miami's new single "Rap Freaks" (29:00), Brittany Renner's interview with DJ Akademiks (41:50), new-age women and what they expect from their significant others (1:13:25) and so much more!
GEM OF THE WEEK
"Life is too short to do work you don't enjoy."
MUSIC
0:45 | Drake - Pipe Down
1:59 | J. Cole - Heaven's EP
SUMMARY
A comment from Uncle Leon about being tired of his own shit somehow led the fellas into a HILARIOUS segment about The Rose Toy (12:25). That was just the beginning of a pod that saw them discuss the fan who gave Brady his 600th ball back (20:16), the Season 5 premiere of Insecure (26:50), whether it's better to lie or tell the truth when trying to "get to know" a woman (46:40), what proper sex etiquette is (1:03:12), why your partner shouldn't be your everything (1:14:34) and so much more!
GEM OF THE WEEK
"I set clear boundaries for my own behavior and I cultivate a strong will by being true to myself."
MUSIC
5:50 | The Isley Brothers - Between the Sheets
7:02 | The Notorious B.I.G. - Big Poppa
SUMMARY
After missing two flights, having to give up all the change in his car and walking into a surprise birthday dinner, Nyce made it back to tell everything that went down in Atlanta over the weekend (16:22). Once story time was over, the fellas talked the new NBA season and what's going on with Ben Simmons (38:32), congratulated the Chicago Sky on winning the WNBA title (56:30), spoke on what's overrated as an adult (1:00:00), debated on whether they'd take the red or the blue pill (1:13:08) and so much more!
GEM OF THE WEEK
"Change is on the other side of comfort"
MUSIC
3:28 | GoldLink - Crew (feat. Brent Faiyaz & Shy Glizzy)
4:40 | 6LACK - Balenciaga Challenge (feat. Offset)
5:20 | Bryson Tiller - Outta Time (feat. Drake)
SUMMARY
In the spirit of getting old, this week's pod starts off with the fellas questioning Nyce on how it feels to finally enter the Dirty 30 Club (7:00). They also get into Fury vs. Wilder III (15:00), their thoughts on Dave Chappelle's new special and all of the backlash he's getting (27:00), what they think are red flags when dealing with women (1:10:08) and so much more!
GEM OF THE WEEK
"Do things from love, not for love." - Unknown
MUSIC
2:04 | Baby Keem - range brothers (feat. Kendrick Lamar)
2:18 | Q-Tip - Vivrant Thing
3:31 | Wale - Poke It Out (feat. J. Cole)
SUMMARY
The crew used one of their guest passes to get "G" into the gem this week as he prepares to drop some new BassLordz merch. They bump into a hilarious conversation early about growing in up in church (12:08) before sending condolences to the family of Miya Marcano and calling men out on their weird, predatory and violent behavior (21:10). The fellas go on to give their reviews of the TV series "Raising Kanan" & "BMF" (32:45), express their excitement for Summer Walker's upcoming album (52:45) and talk with "G" about his love for fishing and what's next for the BassLordz brand (54:35).
GEM OF THE WEEK
"Write a mission statement for your day-to-day life ... and I promise you'll see a difference" - Garry Jones
MUSIC
2:52 | Mark Morrison - Return of the Mack
3:54 | Maze featuring Frankie Beverly - Before I Let Go
5:10 | The Gap Band - Outstanding
SUMMARY
The fellas stuck to their word from last week and shot the 50th episode without the bandanas (Uncle Leon), the beanies (Nyce) and the caps (Bnag) -- so you know they came ready to pod! They started off by questioning the government setting a date for when it's going to run out of money (13:20) and discussing the rise in vaccination mandates (23:58). From there, they discussed Kanye editing "Donda" even after its been released (40:00), why men should start holding women accountable (47:30), R. Kelly facing decades in prison after being found guilty (1:04:35) and so much more!
GEM OF THE WEEK
"Intention is nothing without action, but action is nothing without intention." - Steven Bartlett
MUSIC
1:49 | Jay Rock - Wow Freestyle (feat. Kendrick Lamar)
2:40 | Wale - Cassius (Excellency)
3:39 | White Dave - Appraise (feat. Hit-Boy)
SUMMARY
Now that summer's over, the guys jumped right into discussing the season change and what they're most looking forward to this fall (10:38). From there, they talk Cole dropping "Heaven's EP" (18:40), Rihanna hinting at new music (28:10), and a potential Verzuz between Diddy vs. JD (38:45) before diving into a hilarious "Would You Rather" segment (55:37). They end things off by saying their RIPs to actor AJ Johnson & Jelani Day (1:19:45).
GEM OF THE WEEK
"It Couldn't Be Done" (Poem) - Edgar Albert Guest
MUSIC
1:35 | Capella Grey - GYALIS
2:15 | Moneybagg Yo - Wockesha
SUMMARY
This week's pod starts off on a number of tangents highlighted by Blamoh's recently run-in with a BBL vlog (13:06), Uncle Leon's story about his first time driving a Tesla (17:58) and Nyce taking back his take on Donda being better than CLB (31:50). From there, the fellas discuss the Verzuz between Ja Rule & Fat Joe (36:35), the fits from the Met Gala (50:25), the shift in how women are moving out here (1:01:30) and so much more!
GEM OF THE WEEK
"Yesterday's price is not today's price." - Fat Joe
MUSIC
4:50 | Ja Rule - Put It on Me (feat. Lil’ Mo & Vita)
5:40 | Fat Joe - What's Luv? (feat. Ashanti & Ja Rule)
6:30 | Ja Rule - I'm Real (Murder Remix) [feat. Jennifer Lopez]
7:28 | Terror Squad - Lean Back (feat. Fat Joe & Remy Ma)
SUMMARY
The fellas came back from a busy Labor Day Weekend and gave a very detailed recap of everything that went down (12:20) before getting into how they feel about the upcoming season change (46:00). They then review Certified Lover Boy (48:50), discuss Andre 3000's leaked verse on "Life of the Party" (1:06:10), acknowledge the sudden death of actor Michael K. Williams (1:11:09) and so much more!
GEM OF THE WEEK
"I will come again and conquer you because as a mountain you can’t grow, but as a human, I can.” - Sir Edmund Hillary
MUSIC
1:05 | Drake - Papi's Home
2:13 | Roddy Ricch - Late at Night
SUMMARY
There was a lot of music talk throughout this week's pod. After Uncle Leon gives a recap of trip to Chicago (10:14), the fellas talk their Donda reviews (17:53), what they're expecting from Certified Lover Boy (33:40) and Kendrick's verse on "Family Ties" with Baby Keem (51:05). They also send their prayers to those who have been hit hard by Hurricane Ida (55:51) before getting into their plans for Labor Day weekend (1:02:05), how social security is a scam (1:07:45) and so much more!
GEM OF THE WEEK
"Rule #1: Never give up. Rule #2: Don't forget the first rule." - Leon Hargrove, Sr.
MUSIC1:08 | Baby Keem - Family Ties (feat. Kendrick Lamar)
2:43 | Kanye West - Ok Ok (feat. Fivio Foreign, Lil Yachty & Rooga)
SUMMARY
It has taken over the internet over the last week so it was only right that the fellas kicked off the pod with how they feel about the Crate Challenge (15:30). From there they discuss Sha’Carri Richardson’s last-place finish (23:40), OnlyFans backtracking on their policy change for now (33:57), what brings them satisfaction (42:30), the final season of Insecure (1:16:05) and so much more!
GEM OF THE WEEK
"Every struggle in life has shaped you into who you are today. Be thankful for the hard times; they can only make you stronger." - Arnold Schwarzenegger
MUSIC
3:35 | Maleek Berry - Konnect
4:31 | Kranium - Gal Policy
5:28 | Burna Boy - 23
SUMMARY
Now that "Back to School" season is in full effect, the fellas brought Tamia -- a friend of the show who teaches -- on the podcast to talk everything from how she's preparing for the new school year (23:00) to her love for fashion (41:30) and traveling (1:13:55). She also joins the fellas' discussion on what they most looked forward to on that first day back to school (31:43), how they feel about the Taliban attacks in Afghanistan (1:03:41) and so much more!
GEM OF THE WEEK
"Tell some, keep some so you always have some." - Grandma Lovely
MUSIC
1:35 | Usher - Bad Girl
2:22 | Diddy - I Need a Girl (Part Two) [feat. Ginuwine, Mario Winans & Loon]
3:24 | 112 - Peaches & Cream
SUMMARY
It was a slow week so the fellas freestyled this week's episode, starting things off by recapping how they celebrated the podcast's one-year anniversary (15:45) before getting into some relationship talk as usual. They spoke on knowing when it's time to break up (34:49), gave their thoughts on love languages (52:55), debated whether there's such thing as a "nice guy" (1:06:33) and so much more!
GEM OF THE WEEK
"People grow where they are appreciated"
MUSIC
1:06 | Isaiah Rashad - RIP Young
2:25 | Vince Staples - MHM
SUMMARY
Tomorrow marks the 1-year anniversary of OGTP's first episode so the fellas had to share some of the lessons they've learned on this journey (14:47). They then get into the never-ending discussion on what women bring to the table (26:45), Emmitt and Tiff's relationship on "The Chi" (48:30), NBA free agency (1:05:48), Olympic updates (1:18:10) and so much more!
GEM OF THE WEEK
"Wealth is of the heart and mind, not the pocket." - Billionaire Boys Club
MUSIC
2:20 | Yung Bleu - Baddest (feat. Chris Brown & 2 Chainz)
3:13 | YG & Mozzy - Perfect Timing (feat. Blxst)
3:42 | Birdman - STUNNAMAN (feat. Roddy Ricch & Lil Wayne)
SUMMARYThe guys had A LOT on the docket this week, as they talked about everything from Rolling Loud and the new delta variant of COVID (9:00) to how they would feel about their girls twerking on a gay male friend (1:13:20). They also get into DaBaby's ignorant comments (23:08), Simone Biles removing herself from the Olympics (34:55), Dr. Dre & Kelly Clarkson's spousal support (49:11), Issa Rae's extremely private wedding (1:08:24) and so much more! GEM OF THE WEEK"Everything you want is on the other side of hard." - Monty Williams MUSIC
1:49 | Future - Outer Space Bih
2:25 | SAFE - Paid in Full (feat. Playboi Carti)
3:15 | dvsn - No Cryin' (feat. Future)
SUMMARY
The fellas got back in the gem this week and had a lot to talk about, from the Bucks winning the NBA Finals (17:45) and Keldon Johnson making Team USA (28:20) to their thoughts on Space Jam: A New Legacy (31:45). They also discuss some of the new music that's dropping (43:30), what they imagine life will be like once they have kids (1:08:00) and so much more!
GEM OF THE WEEK
"Be careful of the snapshots you have of people" - Bnag
MUSIC
3:40 | Lil Baby & Kirk Franklin - We Win
4:27 | Wizkid - Essence (feat. Tems)
5:40 | Normani - Wild Side (feat. Cardi B)
SUMMARY
The fellas kick off this episode showing off their almost one-year anniversary gift from the girlfriends of the pod (4:10). After giving their acceptance speeches, Uncle Leon recaps his trip to Las Vegas (17:31), which leads to some talk about Team USA and their predictions on the NBA Finals (32:15). They then get into some talk about the viral post that listed some things men want women to know (39:35), how they used to handle rejection at parties (46:45), the difference between being single vs. emotionally available (1:01:10) and so much more!
GEM OF THE WEEK
"Nothing matters except what matters" - Uncle Leon
MUSIC
0:41 | Bas - The Jackie (feat. J. Cole & Lil Tjay)
1:45 | Brent Faiyaz - Wasting Time (feat. Drake)
SUMMARY
The fellas got back into The Gem earlier than usual this week since Uncle Leon is going on vacation to Las Vegas (11:55) but they picked up right where they left off. They got into some talk about Virginia decriminalizing weed (18:30), Sha'Carri Richardson missing the Olympics (26:44), having platonic friendships with women (47:15), the real reason behind high-waisted jeans (1:15:00) and so much more!
GEM OF THE WEEK
"Keep the main thing the main thing."
MUSIC
2:25 | Tyga - Hookah (feat. Young Thug)
3:05 | Rich Gang - Lifestyle (feat. Young Thug & Rich Homie Quan)
4:10 | Migos - Fight Night
SUMMARY
There wasn't much going on this week but the fellas made sure to put some respeck on Sha'Carri Richardson's name and what she's doing on the track (15:32). That conversation turns into them reminiscing about their track careers (22:22) before they get into some talk about non-sexual turn ons (32:45), how break-ups affect both parties (49:20) and more!
GEM OF THE WEEK
"What belongs to you will effortless flow into your life. Instead of worrying about how, just relax and be in a deserving state to receive it. Believe that it is yours. Start owning and being the energy that you want to receive. Start matching what you want to attract."
MUSIC
0:45 | Meek Mill - What's Free (feat. Rick Ross & JAY-Z)
SUMMARY
The fellas had to start this episode off by highlighting some of our black queens who have been making noise in their respective fields (9:07). They then debate what it means to settle down (17:48), talk how selfish it is to get caught cheating (30:11), randomly break out into a rendition of Mariah Carey's "We Belong Together" (41:20), discuss some of the most dangerous parties they've ever been to (42:44) and so much more!
GEM OF THE WEEK
"Be aware of your surroundings" - Uncle Leon
MUSIC
1:00 | Rich Homie Quan - To Be Worried
2:15 | Rod Wave - Gone Til November
SUMMARY
After reminiscing about the "good ole days" in college, the Gem Rats jump into some quick hitters. They talk J-Lo's ability to keep men crawling back (17:41), DC Young Fly knocking out a fan in Oakland (25:33), who belongs on the Hip-Hop's Mt. Rushmore of the 2010s era (31:10) and the Atlanta delicacy that is American Deli (41:45). The fellas then wrap things up with discussions about people's actions now that we're coming out of the pandemic (46:15) and how 78% of Americans live check to check (57:27).
GEM OF THE WEEK
"Don't just look the part." - Jonathan Benjamin
MUSIC
1:29 | Travis Porter - Ayy Ladies (feat. Tyga)
2:00 | French Montana - Pop That (feat. Rick Ross, Drake & Lil Wayne)
2:42 | A$AP Rocky - Fuckin’ Problems (feat. 2 Chainz, Drake & Kendrick Lamar)
SUMMARY
The Gem Rats come back after an off week and get the inside scoop from Nyce on his trip to Puerto Rico (10:07). They then give their NBA playoffs predictions (29:10), dive into Rory & Mal's response to Joe Budden (31:50), praise "The Off-Season" from J. Cole (46:30), give their thoughts on why men never really share with one another (55:05) and so much more!
GEM OF THE WEEK
"Speak positive things into your life" - Nyce
MUSIC
6:15 | Moneybagg Yo - Shottas (Lala)
6:58 | Pooh Shiesty - Box of Churches (feat. 21 Savage)
SUMMARY
The fellas kick this week's pod off with rather unenthusiastic recaps of their weekends (12:00) but pick up the pace when they begin talking about the gas shortage and all of its chaos (18:16). Nyce then previews his upcoming trip to Puerto Rico (31:20) before they get into the Joe Budden Podcast breakup (48:00), Tim Tebow still chasing the NFL (1:01:50) and and so much more!
GEM OF THE WEEK
"Treat everybody with kindness" - Nyce
MUSIC
3:22 | Siya - Big Win (feat. Eric Bellinger)
3:59 | Blxst - Forever Humble
SUMMARY
After a week off, the fellas picked up right where they left off thanks to Nyce's horrible attempt at speaking Spanish (9:15) and Bnag's pitch to Draya as to why she should come on the pod (16:00). From there they discuss J. Cole announcing his new album (21:10), which projects give them that nostalgic feel (28:30), Mother's Day (33:41), the aftermath of these PPP scams (48:00), when they realized hygiene was important as a man (54:00) and so much more!
GEM OF THE WEEK
"Keep your hands (and fingers) to yourself."
MUSIC
3:14 | J. Cole - i n t e r l u d e
SUMMARY
There's still a long way to go but the fellas acknowledged the glimmer of hope that came from Derek Chauvin being found guilty in the death of George Floyd (11:58). From there, they discussed Snowfall (20:18), Steph Curry reminding the league who he is (26:52), how men take better trips and are better friends than women (34:34), creating an illusion with your close friends on IG (1:08:01) and so much more!
GEM OF THE WEEK
"The audacity of youth..." - Joseph Conrad
MUSIC
3:05 | James Brown - Say It Loud (I'm Black and I'm Proud)
3:33 | Kendrick Lamar - i
4:14 | Angie Stone - Brotha
SUMMARY
Uncle Leon was the first of the crew to get the COVID-19 vaccine so he kicks off this week's episode by sharing how he's been feeling (10:07). The Gem Rats then discuss Johnson & Johnson recalling their vaccination (13:34), Usher allegedly throwing fakes one at the strip club (20:30), DJ Mustard's personal shopper running up his credit card (26:32), the death of DMX (41:00), the murder of Daunte Wright (50:00) and so much more.
GEM OF THE WEEK
"STAY KIND." - Uncle Leon
MUSIC
3:05 | DMX - Get at Me Dog
3:33 | DMX - What's My Name
4:14 | DMX - Party Up (Up in Here)
SUMMARY
The fellas get back into the Gem to discuss if they plan on getting the vaccine (8:00), the beatdown Baylor put on Gonzaga in the national championship game (16:55) and ESPN letting Paul Pierce go after his IG live (22:52). They also briefly recap the Earth, Wind & Fire / The Isley Brothers Verzuz battle (26:53), debate if women like to be "wooed" anymore (32:44), revisit some old views that may have gotten them canceled today (45:30) and so much more!
GEM OF THE WEEK
"Love yourself but never stop working on yourself."
MUSIC0:01 | Kendrick Lamar - DNA.
0:29 | J. Cole - KOD
1:23 | Future - Life Is Good (feat. Drake)
SUMMARY
The guys haven't been getting the recommended amount of sleep but they came ready to pod this week, discussing everything from the NBA Trade Deadline (13:56) to the all the rumors surrounding the Joe Budden Podcast (23:20). They also talk what makes them cry (37:42), if they think going back to an ex is a bad idea (54:15), the leaked video footage of Quavo and Saweetie in the elevator (1:03:30) and much more!
GEM OF THE WEEK
"Try before you die or always wonder what if?" - J. Cole
MUSIC2:20 | Tevin Campbell - Can We Talk?
2:53 | Soul for Real - Candy Rain
3:34 | Next - Too Close (feat. Vee)
SUMMARY
The Gem Rats were joined this week by Randall, one of the original members of their crew from college and someone who has seen success as an entrepreneur. Randall kicks the pod off by bashing Coming 2 America (16:03) and then shares his first impressions of Nyce, Bnag and Uncle Leon (22:15). The crew also gets into why women are getting tired of men (40:50), how entrepreneurs can find success in this new day and age (57:40) and so much more!
GEM OF THE WEEK
"Spread love and build good friendships" - Randall Ward
MUSICChris Brown - Indigo (3:35)
Gunna - DON'T PLAY AROUND (4:17)
Coi Leray - No More Parties Remix (4:38)
SUMMARY
The Gem Rats were in a good mood after going live on IG right before they recorded, so they had to start off by shouting out the Deltas down at Xavier University of Louisiana (7:18) for showing love. They then get into the situation between Kirk Franklin and his son (19:05), how they see themselves as parents (30:00), what it takes to get them out of the streets (44:21) and Nyce's commission piece that ended up on Davido's IG story (1:07:45).
MUSIC
Kirk Franklin - Revolution (0:01)
Kirk Franklin & God's Property - Stomp (0:36)
SUMMARY
President Biden signed the stimulus bill Thursday afternoon so you know the guys had to discuss how they're about to act when the stimmy finally hits (11:35). They also talk NBA All-Star Weekend (17:58), quickly hit on the Royal Family scandal (31:43), give a review of Coming 2 America (41:10) and some new music that dropped (47:22), debate Elmo vs. Barney (53:50) and much more!
GEM OF THE WEEK
"A rising tide raises all ships"
MUSIC
Lil Wayne - Let the Beat Build (0:01)
Drake - What's Next (1:47)
SUMMARY
The fellas are back and ready to talk everything from Texas' governor opening the state and lifting the mask mandate (8:55) to former Nike VP Ann Hebert having to resign due to the recent scandal (31:17). They also touch on Richmond possibly bringing it's first black-owned casino to the city (13:08), what it's like managing your money as an adult (44:35), the return of Snowfall on FX (49:12) and so much more.
GEM OF THE WEEK
"Wear your mask and don't be stupid." - Uncle Leon
MUSIC
Future - March Madness (0:01)
SpotEmGottem - BeatBox 2 (0:48)
SUMMARY
The Gem Rats came ready to pod this week, starting off with Uncle Leon sharing what he's most looking forward to now that he's 28 (16:00). The fellas then discuss if they would ever take Viagra (26:22), recap last week's episode with Esco (30:18), congratulate JAY-Z on his most-recent business transaction (44:26), welcome Bobby Shmurda home (54:00), anticipate the return of Snowfall (55:48) and so much more!
GEM OF THE WEEK
"How you do anything is how you do everything"
MUSIC
John Legend - Green Light (0:01)
Jamie Foxx - Unpredictable (1:17)
SUMMARY
This week, the guys welcome Esco -- who Nyce labeled an early candidate for "2021 Hustler of the Year" and "your favorite model's favorite model" -- to the podcast to talk about everything from her modeling career to her new sex toy line. They even gave her few minutes to speak on what she doesn't like about men (10:22) to somewhat combat all of the women bashing that has been done on the platform. There was also a Valentine's Day recap (22:58), a discussion about Savage x Fenty becoming a billion-dollar company (48:50), a lesson on what Esco looks at when first meeting a man (58:00) and so much more.
GEM OF THE WEEK
"Use your job to fund your business. Use your business to fund another business or hustle. Use that hustle to fund your investments. Use those investments to fund the lifestyle you want." - Dontez Akram
MUSICNipsey Hussle & JAY Z - What It Feels Like (0:01)
SUMMARY
After a longer-than-anticipated break, the guys return to talk briefly about the Super Bowl (5:15), Valentine's Day (11:39) and Gorilla Glue Girl (25:36) before getting into some HILARIOUS stories about the craziest things they've done to look good. They wrap things up by sharing what they believe a successful 2021 looks like (48:31).
GEM OF THE WEEK
"Sometimes you have to make peace with the fact that you're the villain in someone else's story."
MUSICTy Dolla $ign - Powder Blue (0:06)
Jack Harlow - Rendezvous (0:31)
Lil Durk - Switched Up (0:53)
SUMMARY
On the final episode of Season 1, the Gem Rats kick things off with a recap of Bnag's birthday weekend (7:45). From there, they talk their favorite moments of the year (17:30), what super powers they want to wake up with on the 21st (33:51), how many children they want (46:43), the bad things they did as kids (58:45), Bnag tells a story about the time he bit off more than he could chew (1:08:10) and more!
GEM OF THE WEEK
"Do whatever the fuck makes you happy"
MUSIC
Chris Brown - This Christmas (0:00)
Boyz II Men - Let It Snow (2:04)
SUMMARY
It was a slow week this week, but the Gem Rats still came in ready to talk about everything from the upcoming Verzuz battle between Keyshia Cole & Ashanti (14:17) to some of the their favorite moments from Season 1 (35:32), which led to a pretty lengthy discussion about expectations men & women have when getting into relationships and how it affects both parties in the long term (41:20).
MUSIC
REASON - Something More (0:19)
Benny the Butcher - Timeless (1:10)
J. Cole - Lion King on Ice (1:56)
SUMMARYThis week the Gem Rats jump right into how their Thanksgiving breaks went (5:00) before discussing why Nate Robinson got into the ring with Jake Paul (11:00). They then talk about the NBA coming back and all of the bags being handed out (20:42), have an unexpected rant about Netflix series Cobra Kai (41:35), take a look into how Larsa Pippen and Lori Harvey are moving out here (57:28), react to Funk Flex getting liposuction (1:09:00) and much more!
GEM OF THE WEEK"I can do hard things"
MUSICDJ Khaled - Pop Star (0:10)
Young Thug - Just How It Is (0:57)
21 Savage & Metro Boomin - Runnin (1:31)
SUMMARY
This week's episode is an installment of the "THREE IN THIRTY" series (although the Gem Rats needed a little more than 30 minutes to get through their topics). Nyce started things off with his recap of the Verzuz battle between Jeezy vs. Gucci (13:42), Bnag freestyles his topic about Black Friday (27:55) and Uncle Leon gets into Thanksgiving and what everyone has planned (37:14).
GEM OF THE WEEK
"The No. 1 factor as to why people won't show up at your funeral is the weather ... so why do we live our lives consumed with what other people think?"
MUSIC
Gucci Mane - First Day Out (0:32)
Jeezy - All There (1:15)
Gucci Mane - Truth (2:24)
Jeezy - Get Ya Mind Right (2:58)
SUMMARY
After sharing some terrible dad jokes, the Gem Rats question why 2020 feels like a decade (7:55), give the backstory and their predictions for Jeezy vs. Gucci (12:58), entertain the idea of being a one-hit wonder (25:09), review some of the new music that dropped (29:12), talk Ken Walker getting a little touchy feely (50:15) and more!
GEM OF THE WEEK
"Hungry people eat" - Daniel Ethridge
MUSIC
Nipsey Hussle - Late Nights & Early Mornings (1:44)
Nipsey Hussle - Dedication (2:26)
Nipsey Hussle - Count Up That Loot (3:05)
SUMMARY
After what seemed like more than a week off, the Gem Rats jump right back into action by discussing "WAP" vs. "Throat Baby" (7:45), when shooting their shot went wrong (24:00), Biden getting Trump out of office (55:40), what they would do if they were the First Gentleman of the United States (1:05:55), recent celebrity deaths (1:11:30) and more!
GEM OF THE WEEK
"Empty your mind. Be formless. Shapeless. Like water. If you put water into a cup, it becomes the cup. You put water into a bottle and it becomes the bottle. You put it in a teapot, it becomes the teapot. Now, water can flow or it can crash. Be water, my friend." - Bruce Lee
MUSIC
Maxwell - Fortunate (0:20)
Brandy - Full Moon (0:51)
Ray J - One Wish (1:27)
SUMMARY
This week, the Gem Rats introduce the first installment of THREE IN THIRTY, where they pay tribute to their drinking tradition by covering three topics in 30 minutes. Uncle Leon kicks things off with some Halloween talk (11:00), Nyce gives a recap of the 2020 BET Hip-Hop Awards (24:07) and Bnag closes it out with his final push to get people to the polls before Election Day (33:07).
GEM OF THE WEEK
"You gotta let it go before it get up in the way" - Lil Wayne
MUSIC
Jhené Aiko - Sativa (0:01)
SZA - Hit Different (0:41)
Lil Baby - Emotionally Scarred (1:17)
BeatKing - Then Leave (46:07)
A recap of last week’s shenanigans started things off (12:30) before The Gem Rats bump right into some Tory & Meg talk thanks to his IG live appearance (15:15). They then discuss if they've ever been "the wrong friend" (25:43), what they would do for a PS5 (41:37), men shamelessly asking women for money, the #EndSARS movement (1:05:17) and much more!
Gem of the Week
“Speak things into existence.”
Music
1st Song - Roll Some Mo (Remix) by Lucky Daye
2nd Song - John Redcorn by SiR
This was not your typical episode. Nyce was celebrating his 29th birthday so it was only right the Gem Rats got into some birthday talk (2:56) before taking, as they promised, three shots in thirty seconds (18:46). After that, the pod was all over the place. They reminisce on their go-to liquors from college days (21:55), celebrate finally reaching 100 subscribers on YouTube (33:05), give the "Word of the Day" (38:26), recognize the Lakers winning the NBA title (44:15) and so much more randomness.
Gem of the Week
"The world has no sympathy for the validity of your excuses." - Anonymous
The Gem Rats start off the 10th episode by discussing their favorite and least favorite things about adulthood (5:10). They also get into the characteristic that scares them the most about themselves (19:55), which cereal a serial killer would use to take out its victims (25:30), their most memorable "I'm never drinking again" moment (35:50), a mid-season recap of "Power Book II" (57:00), if their love is conditional (1:03:45) and so much more!
Gem of the Week
"Success isn't something that just happens. Success is learned, success is practiced and then it is shared." - Sparky Anderson
This week's pod opens with the fellas acknowledging International Podcast Day (4:30) right before they speak on Tory Lanez's decision to drop an album in response to his alleged shooting of Megan thee Stallion (9:05). They then get into NBA Finals predictions (21:00), the presidential debate (24:03), how they plan on ending the last quarter of the year (49:40), what's holding them back from reaching goals (58:47) and more!
Gem of the Week
"Never argue with a fool. Onlookers may not be able to tell the difference."
The Gem Rats kick off the episode with some wedding talk (9:20) before they get into Joe Budden starting his own network (24:05), Kanye's contract rant (31:30), the sad-but-expected ruling in the case of Breonna Taylor (38:15), if the "talking stage" is really that important (1:01:00), why women try to break your heart after the break up (1:18:45) and so much more!
Gem of the Week
"What would you do if you knew you couldn't fail?" - JAY Z
This week the Gem Rats talk Clippers blowing a 3-1 lead to the Nuggets (5:58), the return of the NFL and college football (13:27), Breonna Taylor's family receiving $12 million settlement from city of Louisville (25:00) and what life will be like when they get old (36:00), how they had to improvise due to lack of funds growing up (1:04:00) and so much more!
NOTE: We apologize for the distorted audio in advance. The mistake was not noticed until after the episode was finished.
Gem of the Week
"More smiling, less worrying. More compassion, less judgement. More blessed, less stressed. More love, less hate." - Roy T. Bennett
With everyone in a good mood, the Gem Rats jumped right into a conversation about when and how they lost their innocence (5:00). From there, they recap their weekend trip to Atlanta (15:52), fail at their attempt to preview Patti LaBelle vs. Gladys Knight (33:33), talk Tory Lanez's alleged "apology" (43:50), give their answer to a million-dollar scenario (1:06:45) and much more!
Gem of the Week
"You may not have what you need but you're never without the seed that will produce it."
The Gem Rats came in ready to laugh after some heavy talk last week, but they couldn't go too far without saying their RIPs to Chadwick Boseman, John Thompson & Cliff Robinson (11:00). From there they get into their recap of Brandy and Monica's historic Verzuz battle (19:03), some new music that recently dropped (31:10) and the importance of Joe Budden vs. Spotify (42:10). Things wrap up with the fellas debating who knows you better between your parents, your significant other and your friends (1:00:30).
Gem of the Week:
"Love Yourz" - J. Cole
There was no time wasted in this week's episode, as the Gem Rats jumped right into NBA teams boycotting Wednesday night's playoff games in the bubble due to the attempted murder of Jacob Blake (2:55), Meg confirming that Tory Lanez shot her (27:15), what black men can do to better protect and support black women (40:15), the Verzuz battle between Brandy and Monica (52:17), remembering Kobe Bryant (1:04:05) and more.
Gem of the Week:
"I will come again and conquer you. Because as a mountain, you cannot grow. But as a human, I can." - Sir Edmund Hillary
The fellas were a little tired from last week's shenanigans but they fought through to give insight on Jason Wright's hiring (4:30), why we should continue to say Breonna Taylor's name (12:10), Drake's new record "Laugh Now, Cry Later" (23:00), a Lil Baby mama drama (36:05), who Trey Songz and the Phoenix Suns have in common (48:10) and much more.
Gem of the Week
”Dreams are lovely. But they are just dreams. Fleeting, ephemeral, pretty. But dreams do not come true just because you dream them. It's hard work that makes things happen. It's hard work that creates change.” - Shonda Rhimes
While y'all were having a great week, the devil was doing every thing in his power to keep the fellas from bringing y'all brand new content. But they persevered through it all (non-stop audio & video problems, UNCLE LEON LOSING HIS LAPTOP!!! and so much more) to drop some gems on everything from the upcoming presidential election to the WAP heard around the world. Take a listen!
Uncle Leon, Nyce & Bnag welcome you to the first-ever episode of Open Gem: The Podcast, where they discuss everything from COVID-19's impact on 2020 to what they look for in a woman/relationship. How did they connect the two? Listen to find out!