The Blackprint with Detavio Samuels

On this episode of The Blackprint, we’re highlighting moments from past conversations that explore what it takes to scale Black-owned brands without losing identity or intention. We're examining representation, excellence, and how authenticity can resonate globally while staying rooted in Black culture. Featured on this episode are De'arra Taylor, Lethal Shooter, Kenya Barris, and Fawn Weaver. Fol...

On this episode of The Blackprint, we’re highlighting conversations that explore how Black creators shape culture through storytelling, intention, and creative ownership. The episode examines why cultural specificity matters, how stories influence identity, and the responsibility that comes with telling Black stories in public spaces. Featured on this episode are Kenya Barris, Lena Waithe, and Lyn...

Kenya Barris sits down with Detavio Samuels and goes all the way in. He talks about growing up broke in Inglewood, his family, losing friends to gun violence, and how he finally decided to leave LA for Clark #Atlanta. He gets into how #Blackish almost didn't happen, why networks kept rejecting his scripts, and what it really took to get his stories told on his own terms. Kenya also shares his take...

On this episode of The Blackprint, we’re revisiting powerful moments from previous conversations that unpack why saying no is one of the most important skills entrepreneurs can develop. These clips focus on discipline, credibility, and how restraint helps protect brand trust and long-term vision. Featured on this episode are Everette Taylor, Fawn Weaver, and Tunde Balogun. Follow host Detavio Samu...

On this episode of The Blackprint, we’re pulling together standout moments from past conversations that challenge traditional ideas of legacy. We're reflecting on purpose, leadership, and long-term impact, from investing in people to building systems that outlast any single individual. Featured on this episode are Everette Taylor, Dre London, Lethal Shooter, Lynae Vanee, and Tunde Balogun. Follow...

Dr. Dharius Daniels joined the show for a powerful conversation about life and #faith. He talks about what it was like growing up in a very small town and how his father taught him to see a bigger world. We get into the real difference between your standard of living and your quality of life, and why emotional health is so important. He also shares his thoughts on forgiveness and how it is truly a...

Tunde Balogun, the CEO of LVRN (Love Renaissance), sits down to share his story. He’s the person behind some of your favorite artists like Summer Walker and 6LACK. Tunde talks about growing up in a very Nigerian household in Atlanta and what it was like being raised by a village. He shares his first hustles, from selling candy to throwing parties in his mom's basement. We get into how LVRN was cre...

On this episode of The Blackprint, Detavio Samuels talks with Melissa Proctor, the CMO of the Atlanta Hawks and State Farm Arena. Melissa shares her journey, which began when she decided she wanted a job in the NBA and became the Miami Heat's first-ever ball girl. She discusses growing up as a first-generation American and how her background became her superpower. Melissa explains how she navigate...

Chris Matthews, known as Lethal Shooter, sits down for a real conversation. He talks about his journey to becoming one of the most sought after shooting coaches in the NBA. He shares what it was like growing up in D.C. and dealing with a lot of personal struggles. After his own basketball career ended, he faced homelessness and a deep depression. He explains how he found his real purpose in teachi...

Lena Waithe sits down with Detavio Samuels for a real conversation. She talks about growing up in Chicago and what led her to become a writer. Lena gets into the tough, "bloody process" of finding her own creative voice. They discuss what it means to evolve and why it can be painful. She explains her idea of being a "glitch in the matrix" by defying society's rules to be free. Lena also shares the...

De'Arra Taylor sits down with our host Detavio Samuels to talk about her journey. She gets into how she started on YouTube and what it felt like to get her first big check. De'Arra explains why being her authentic self has always been her main strategy in her career. They also talk about the business side of things, like building a team and launching her own sunglass brand, Lorvae. She shares why...

Detavio Samuels sits down with the brilliant Lynae Vanee, host of REVOLT's "The People's Brief." She shares her journey from being a high school teacher to creating her viral series, "Parking Lot Pimpin'." Lynae gets real about why she chooses to be a disruptor rather than trying to fit in. She also opens up about her faith and how learning to surrender truly changed her career and her life. They...

#DreLondon sits down with Detavio to share his incredible journey from the projects in South London to becoming #PostMalone's manager and building his own tequila brand. He talks about coming to America as an immigrant, sleeping on couches, and going 18 months without buying anything to save money. Dre explains how he connected #FrenchMontana with producer Harry Fraud but learned the hard way abou...

Join Detavio Samuels on The Blackprint as he sits down with the remarkable Fawn Weaver, CEO and founder of Uncle Nearest. In this episode, Fawn shares her journey, from her childhood and early entrepreneurial ventures to the challenges of building a whiskey brand. She dives into her philosophy on being authentic, the difference between equity and control in business, and the importance of storytel...

In this powerful episode of The Blackprint, host Detavio Samuels sits down with #EveretteTaylor, CEO of #Kickstarter, who shares his journey from homelessness in Southside Richmond to leading one of the world's most influential companies. Taylor talks about how discovering marketing at age 14 changed his trajectory, brings up the lessons learned from selling his first tech company, and offers thou...

In this episode of The Blackprint Live at REVOLT WORLD, NFL star Cam Newton opens up about his journey from college football to the NFL and beyond. He discusses the importance of betting on yourself, being authentic, and the art of reinvention after professional sports. Newton shares thoughts on getting over public embarrassment, the power of showing emotions as a Black man, and his new ventures i...

In this captivating episode of The Blackprint, rising hip hop star #LadyLondon shares her inspiring journey from aspiring doctor to viral rap sensation. She discusses her HBCU experience at Howard University, her decision to pivot from medicine to music, and the importance of mastering your craft. Lady London opens up about her faith journey, including her baptism at 23, and gives advice on buildi...

In this powerful episode of The Blackprint, host Detavio Samuels sits down with rapper and educator Dee-1 to discuss his journey from middle school teacher to Harvard fellow. Dee-1 opens up about overcoming suicidal thoughts after a disappointing BET Cypher performance and how his faith helped him stay true to his purpose. He shares the story behind his viral hit "Sallie Mae Back" and explains why...

In this episode of The Blackprint, Detavio Samuels sits down with DDG, a multifaceted entertainer who went from valedictorian in Pontiac, Michigan to YouTube sensation and chart topping rapper in LA. DDG opens up about his journey, sharing insights on cracking the YouTube algorithm, transitioning to music, and his approach to building generational wealth. He discusses the importance of consistency...

In this powerful episode of The Blackprint, rising star #Flaujae Johnson opens up about her incredible journey from Savannah to #LSU, balancing her dual careers in basketball and music. She shares how she turned personal tragedy into triumph, manifesting her success from America's Got Talent to becoming an #NCAA champion. Flau'jae discusses the importance of perspective, consistency, and disciplin...

In this episode of The Blackprint, host Detavio Samuels sits down with creative powerhouse #DonYeTaylor. From her early days as a MySpace designer to becoming a Forbes 30 Under 30 honoree, DonYé shares her journey of trusting her intuition, embracing uniqueness, and redefining success on her own terms. Discover how DonYé turned setbacks into opportunities, learn about her innovative "Brain Bank" p...

In this episode of The Blackprint, #TrevorJackson shares his incredible journey from child star to successful actor and musician. He talks the importance of staying true to himself in the entertainment industry, even if it means walking away from seemingly good deals. Trevor also opens up about his martial arts training, his process for creating authentic music, and his dream of winning 12 Grammys...

In this episode of #TheBlackprint, host Detavio Samuels sits down with award-winning actress #GailBean to discuss her inspiring journey from working in retail to becoming a Hollywood star. Gail shares how her unwavering faith, strong community support, and determination helped her navigate the challenges of pursuing an #acting career. She emphasizes the importance of trusting God's plan, being ope...

In this episode of The Blackprint, DeTavio Samuels sits down with R&B singer-songwriter SiR to discuss his incredible journey in the music industry. From his early days singing in church to battling addiction and homelessness, SiR opens up about the challenges he's faced and the lessons he's learned along the way. He shares the importance of having a strong foundation, the power of vulnerability i...

In this episode of The Blackprint, host Detavio Samuels sits down with singer, songwriter, and CEO Eric Bellinger. Eric shares his journey from growing up in the church and playing football to becoming a successful songwriter and independent artist. He discusses the importance of finding your why, surrendering control, and locking in on your dreams to make them a reality. Eric also talks about his...