Interviews Archives - HOT 97

KWN Breaks Down Steamy Kehlani Kiss & Reveals She’s the Jealous Type

Tai Marie — Wed, 28 May 2025 18:28:11 +0000

KWN stopped by HOT 97 to talk to Nessa about her new single Do What I Say, what inspired it, and who it might be about. She opened up about her relationship non-negotiables, whether a cheater can change, and the difference between being an artist and a producer.

She also talked about being named Billboard’s Rookie of the Month and how her music has evolved since her 2022 EP. She shared the backstory of working with Kehlani on the Worst Behavior remix, what it was like touring together, and what really went down in the music video—including that now-viral kiss. KWN revealed how many takes it took, whether it was planned to go that far, and how she’d handle it if she were in a relationship.

She also talked about her parents’ influence on her sound, her dream to work with Pharrell, and who she’d choose between Pharrell and Beyoncé. Plus, she played “Do What KWN Says,” giving advice on crushes, exes, and situationships. Stream Do What I Say out now!

The Cast Of The Chi Reveal Set Secrets & Season 7 Plot Twists

Tai Marie — Thu, 22 May 2025 17:26:30 +0000

The cast of The Chi—Lynn Whitfield, Luke James, Birgundi Baker, and Jacob Latimore—stopped by HOT 97 to talk to Nessa on May 14th, 2025, ahead of the premiere of the 7th season of The Chi on Showtime. They shared what fans can expect this season, including long-awaited answers from storylines going back to seasons 5 and 6, and how the power struggle shifts after Douda’s death. Lynn Whitfield opened up about her character Alicia’s grief and revenge, and how she taps into those emotions. She also reflected on generational differences in how relationships are handled and how she felt winning her NAACP award for her first season on the show.

Jacob and Birgundi discussed their characters preparing for a baby and the challenges that come with it, while Luke James shared what it was like singing with Brandy and how impactful that was for him. The cast also played a fun round of “Who’s Who” revealing who breaks character the most, who’s the biggest prankster, and more behind-the-scenes moments. They reflected on learning from each other, staying present, and working alongside icons like Phylicia Rashad. Season 7 of The Chi is out now on Showtime, airing Sundays at 9PM.

HOT 97 Presents: “Principal For The Day” ft. Yung Bleu (Episode 4)

Tai Marie — Tue, 20 May 2025 19:06:24 +0000

What happens when @bluevanddross becomes principal for the day at @capcs in Paterson, NJ? Let’s just say… the halls were never the same. From motivational gems to hilarious moments with students, this episode is full of surprises, energy, and heart. Watch the full episode now and see how Yung Bleu shut the school down—in the best way possible.

Hosted by DJ BOOGZ ( / djboogz ) Executive Producer JR ( / itsyourboyjr )

Sailorr Reveals Doechii DMs & Addresses Cultural Appropriation

Tai Marie — Sat, 17 May 2025 00:44:08 +0000

Sailorr stopped by HOT 97 to talk to Nessa about her new mixtape From Florida’s Finest. She shared how Florida has impacted her perspective and explained how she honors her Asian roots by styling her teeth, referencing the cultural history of women in Southeast Asia. She talked about her song “Grrl’s Grrl” and revealed it’s her favorite on the project—then admitted she has taken someone’s girl before. She also opened up about being inspired by poet and activist Nikki Giovanni when writing her song “W1LL U L13,” which came from a personal place during a long-distance relationship filled with broken promises.

She addressed critiques around cultural appropriation and spoke about how she navigates that space. Sailorr also shared how she was discovered through TikTok and how everything changed after getting a FaceTime from Bu. She reflected on impostor syndrome, staying grounded, and her hopes for her debut album. She talked about her remix with Summer Walker and the lessons she learned from observing her work ethic and team. Sailorr also shared the love she’s received from Halle Bailey, Doja Cat, Justin Bieber, Queen Latifah, and Doechii, who surprised her by showing consistent support online. In their “Toxic Talk” segment, she weighed in on texting exes, sharing your location, and how honest to be about gifts in a relationship. Sailorr says she hopes people connect with her writing and know she makes music for women. Stream her mixtape From Florida’s Finest now.

TT Torrez & Lisa Evers Drop Major Update on Day 2 of Diddy’s Official Trial

Tai Marie — Wed, 14 May 2025 22:44:07 +0000

In this exclusive update, TT Torrez and veteran journalist Lisa Evers break down everything that happened on Day 2 of the official trial involving Sean “Diddy” Combs. With Cassie at the center of the case, the courtroom drama intensifies as key testimony continues to unfold. Get the latest details on the trial, including what was said about Cassie’s allegations and how it impacts Diddy’s defense. Stay tuned for more updates as the case progresses.

Jim Jones Talks Dipset, Reinvention, Hustle, And His Legendary Grind | BACON EGG N CHEESE & JUICE

Tai Marie — Mon, 12 May 2025 20:38:34 +0000

Bacon Egg Cheese N Juice – Rapper PHresher chops it up with iconic guests over NYC’s go-to meal, diving into their real “Break Fast” life moments. Jim Jones pulls up to The PHresher Deli to talk Dipset legacy, trendsetting, reinvention, perseverance, and his nonstop grind through the game

Follow PHRESHER – / phresher_dg.

Follow @BaconEggCheeseNJuice – / baconeggcheesen

Kerry Washington On Winning The Met Gala, Working Alongside Method Man + ‘Shadow Force’

Tai Marie — Fri, 09 May 2025 18:52:21 +0000

Kerry Washington joins Ebro In The Morning to discuss the Met Gala, acting with Method Man and her upcoming film ‘Shadow Force’!

Comptroller Brad Lander promises To Bring Honest Leadership Back to City Hall | Meet The Candidate

Tai Marie — Tue, 06 May 2025 17:38:15 +0000

Destin Conrad Reveals Strip Club Details w/ Kehlani & Partying with Obamas

Tai Marie — Thu, 01 May 2025 14:30:00 +0000

Destin Conrad stopped by HOT 97 to talk with Nessa about his new album Love on Digital. He broke down how he wanted the project to feel fun and not sad—especially in the summer—and described it in three words: “fun, breezy, bad bitch.” He opened up about being emotional at a recent fan signing, why he used to feel embarrassed by his Vine days, and how he’s learning to be more open while managing ADHD.

He also shared memories of growing up on R&B, what it was like hanging out with Sasha and Malia Obama at his listening party, and how proud his mom and sister are of his journey. Destin got candid about working with Kehlani on the Bad Bitch video—yes, he rented out a strip club and admits he probably threw the most money. He also talked about PDA, his love for Brandy (who once looked at him and said, “You sing, huh?”), and how The Game randomly DMed him as a fan. He reflected on how far he’s come from Vine to now, spending money on clothes, manifesting a Grammy, and that time his mom signed him up to be an extra on Jessie. Stream Love on Digital now!

Jon B Freestyled w/ Tupac & Discusses White R&B Artists “No One Does What I Do”

Tai Marie — Mon, 28 Apr 2025 21:18:30 +0000

Jon B stopped by HOT 97 to talk to Nessa about his new album Waiting On You, his 10th studio project. He shared why it took over a decade—explaining he took time off to raise his daughters and how the pandemic shifted everything creatively. He said it was Brent Faiyaz who made him realize his impact on today’s singers. Jon also talked about reuniting with Tank, working with DJ Quik, and turning down million-dollar deals early on to stay loyal to Babyface, who signed him at 18 and helped shape his R&B sound. He also shared his thought on R&B music saying, “In terms of the white guys of R&B, I don’t feel like there’s no one that does what I do.”

He reflected on the 30-year legacy of his classics like They Don’t Know, Are U Still Down, Don’t Talk, Someone to Love, and Pretty Girl. Jon addressed being sampled by The Weeknd and Drake, and responded to Chloe Bailey and Gunna’s sample of They Don’t Know, saying he has love for them but feels lyrics should uplift—especially with his daughter listening. He also shared his R&B Mount Rushmore: Marvin Gaye, Luther Vandross, Stevie Wonder, and Donny Hathaway.