About this episodeComedian Lenell L. L. discusses her upcoming headlining performance at the Apollo Theater, reflecting on her r…AI summary
Comedian Lenell L. L. discusses her upcoming headlining performance at the Apollo Theater, reflecting on her resilience and career longevity while sharing personal anecdotes about her family and industry relationships. The conversation covers her stance on industry dynamics, her perspective on racial tensions and social movements, and a detailed discussion on revitalizing Oakland through political engagement and community investment.
Key takeaways 5
Lenell L. L. emphasizes that New York City remains the ultimate proving ground for comedians, stating that success there validates a comic's ability to perform anywhere.
She distinguishes herself as a 'mercenary' for the people rather than the industry, noting she has never been part of TV casts (like 'Living Single' or 'Black-ish') but maintains a direct, loyal relationship with her audience.
Regarding the Cat Williams/Shannon Sharpe controversy, Lenell argues that truth inevitably surfaces in the digital age and that individuals are responsible for their own actions when shady behavior is exposed.
She reflects on the Black Lives Matter movement, noting that the silence of white friends was painful and led to a tattoo of Prince's 'The Revolution' to symbolize that historical period.
Lenell advocates for grassroots political involvement in Oakland, suggesting that community members need to run for city council and fund programs like roller rinks to address youth issues and restore city pride.
Notable quotes 5AI-generated: wording and quote attribution may be wrong. Use the play link to verify.
“If you can make it here you can make it anywhere... You really ain't [ __ ] if you ain't came and cracked New York.”
▶ 0:05Lenell explains why performing in New York is essential for a comedian's credibility and success.
“I'm a mercenary, a slave for the people, not for the industry.”
Describing her career philosophy of prioritizing live audience connection over Hollywood industry validation.
“If you're doing shady [ __ ] it's GNA catch up with you at some point... don't blame a [ __ ] because they said you know I saw you over there doing that.”
▶ 19:21Her perspective on the Cat Williams interview and how the internet makes it impossible to keep secrets.
“I felt like we was in a revolution... I'm going to get this tattoo to remind me of that time in history.”
▶ 23:18Explaining the origin of her Prince 'Revolution' tattoo during the George Floyd protests.
“We need boots on the ground... we need to get in that city council... part of it is to get those roller rings to get the funding to do those programs.”
▶ 53:47Her proposed solution for revitalizing Oakland's community infrastructure and youth engagement.
Chapters & Sections (41)▼
0:00Celebrating Resilience and Success in New Yorkchapter3
0:00Celebrating Resilience and Success in New York
2:45Comedian Danny Garrett Shares Iconic Performance Story
5:33Upcoming Comedy Show at the Apollo Theater
7:05Dana's Interview with D'Angelo and Friendschapter2
7:05Conversation between Dana and D'Angelo
9:46Comedian Discusses Residency and Personal Life
11:41Celebrity Reflects on Oakland TV Station Historychapter3
11:41Nostalgic Memories of KDAY and Local Radio
13:30Comedian Reflects on Career and Industry Changes
14:42Reflecting on Life's Unexpected Opportunities
16:15Discussion about Cat Williams and Shannon Sharchapter3
16:15Discussion about Cat Williams and Shady
18:04Celebrity Interview and Past Collaborations
19:21Rap Beef and Internet Drama Discussion
21:18Racial Tensions and Personal Reflectionschapter3
21:18Personal Responsibility and Conflict Resolution
22:59Racial Tensions and Personal Identity Crisis
24:21Diamonds and Nightlife
25:40Overcoming Nerves as a Professional Comedianchapter2
25:40Nervousness and Expectations for Upcoming Performance
27:40Comedian Discusses Vulnerability and Career
30:08Striving for Representation in Late Night TVchapter3
30:08Striving for Representation in Late Night TV
31:39Dave Chappelle Special with Comedian
33:34Celebrity Radio Show Conversation
35:42Personal Call to a Loved Onechapter3
35:42Personal Phone Call with Romantic and Flirtatious Tone
37:03Celebrity Radio Show with LL Cool J
38:50Comedian Discusses Age and Comedic Timing
40:41Comedian Discusses Inspiration and Personal Lifechapter2
40:41Fan Call-In Show with Comedian
42:31Celebrity Discussion and Personal Relationships
45:53Discussing Las Vegas Residency and Broadcastingchapter2
45:53Planning a Las Vegas Residency
47:51Celebrity Discussion and Personal Opinions
50:21Celebrity Endorsement and Promotion Discussionchapter4
50:21Celebrity Promotion and Endorsement Discussion
52:15Concerns about Oakland's decline and identity
53:34Community Revitalization and Youth Empowerment
55:38Community Involvement and Leadership Discussion