We talk New Year’s goals and plans, break down global power moves involving oil, money, and the U.S. dollar, and dig into celebrity rumors, accountability, and the danger of jumping to conclusions. We also cover the Power universe, the Diggs brothers, and why power never really dies — it just changes form.

⚠️ NOTE: Due to a software change, the full video episode is available on Facebook (and YouTube).

If you’re listening here, go watch the full show to catch everything.

New year. New alignment. No Brakes

On this episode of A Pod Named Kickback, No Brakes Nu and the squad dive into mental calibration — the connection between what you think, what you say, and what you do… and how aligning those three shapes who you’re becoming. We break down real-life conversations around growth, discipline, and moving like your future self.

We also talk Dave Chappelle and the outrage over his Saudi Arabia comments, separating facts from emotional overreactions. Jacq (J-A-C-Q — spell it right 😤) weighs in as we discuss perception, intention, and people hearing what they want to hear.

From there, we get into the real reasons Nicki Minaj has lost the plot, her political alliances, and why accountability still matters — especially when Black communities are impacted. We call out Trump’s record on Black America, cut through the fear-mongering accusations, and keep it honest about what’s actually happened.

We also touch on Welcome to Derry and why the IT universe is way deeper than just a clown, react to the final stretch of Power Book IV: Force and Tommy’s run, and close out with new music and good energy — Payroll Giovanni, Conway the Machine, Wale, 21 Savage — setting the tone as we move into 2026 focused, aligned, and behaving like who we’re becoming.

Brick by brick. No brakes.

On this episode of A Pod Named Kickback, No Brakes Nu and Jack break down what it really means to evolve when the very mindset that once saved you can destroy the life you’re building now.

We talk about pulling from your future self, not your past survival instincts. About knowing when to put the boat down once it’s gotten you to shore. About why the streets fed us when we were hungry—but can’t raise us when we’re trying to build.

From rappers finally saying what they’ve lived, to navigating corporate America without dragging street responses into grown-man rooms, to why real progress requires letting go—this episode is about elevation, not erasure.

If you’re still clinging to what kept you alive instead of what will help you thrive… this one’s for you.

Fuck the streets. Long live the future. Brick by brick.

Inspired by a Joe Budden Podcast moment, we jump into a heated real-world debate sparked on Facebook: Is a $400 tomahawk steak appropriate on a first date? What started as jokes turned into a serious conversation about dating culture, entitlement, character, and expectations. Is it about affordability… or principle?

The debate spills into the studio as Randy joins the conversation live, with Jacq adding perspective, and we break down what first dates should look like, how men are being judged by spending instead of substance, and why Uptown DC “talk-your-way-in” culture sees things very differently.

From there, we pivot into the 50 Cent–produced documentary Diddy: The Reckoning — unpacking power, abuse, motivation, bias, and accountability. We acknowledge the layers: Diddy as a victim who became a perpetrator, and how cycles of harm often create more victims. The conversation gets heavy, honest, and necessary.

We close with motivation for the final stretch of the year — how to finish strong, reflect honestly, and set yourself up to win going into next year. Plus, quick hits on new music from 21 Savage, Nas & DJ Premier, Conway the Machine, Max B, and French Montana.

Heated debates. Real talk. Good energy.

This is the Kickback.

We dig into how the world has shifted so far into scrolling and swiping that we barely talk anymore — not deeply, not intentionally, not romantically, not platonically. And that’s the real issue: not what the connection is based on, but the fact that most people ain’t connecting at all.

From there, we take it deeper —

• Family, legacy, and building the right business that gives the right reward

• Why we still chase the creative itch, whether it’s music or content, and how it means something different now than it did when we were younger

• And ultimately, why humans still want to be part of something real… something meaningful… even if it costs us pieces of our old identity

This ain’t just a conversation — it’s a reminder that purpose, connection, and community still matter. That’s why the Kickback exists. That’s why you pull up every week. #Kickbackers

They break down Netflix’s thriller “All Her Fault,” diving into the twists, misdirections, and the kind of plot tricks that make you question everything you think you saw. Nu’ and Jacqui imagine what life would look like for the characters a year later… ten years later… and how the story would really play out after the credits roll.

Then things take a left turn as Nu’ shares the return — and sudden disappearance — of one of his legendary “best eaters.” She texted she was on the way… and then ghosted with zero explanation. No call, no show. Subscription canceled. The crew debates whether Nu’ was too tough or just keeping the rules consistent.

Short episode, big laughs, wild honesty, and a little petty energy.

Tap in and get ready for the next one — because the Kickback never stops.

The crew gets real about what it means to be a man battling silent struggles: from being told “don’t cry” as boys, to unlearning that conditioning as grown men. Nu opens up about his own mental health journey — from dark moments and suicidal thoughts to finding healing through therapy, Tupac’s music, and real support.

They dive into how to show up for the men in your life, how anger often masks pain, and why acknowledging emotion is strength — not weakness. The episode also touches on Antonio Brown’s spiral, Ketanji Brown Jackson’s policy debates, fake pregnancies, and the reality of people going hungry due to delayed benefits.

It’s an open, honest kickback centered on one truth: Black men deserve to heal too

From there, the crew flips into a packed Kickback: celebrating SNAP benefits staying intact (and saying fuck Trump for trying to starve the people), breaking down new music from rising artist Chino, and sharing Nu’s Halloween movie review of X — the wild horror flick about a killer old lady with a thirst for sex.

Nu’ also opens up about his love for romance stories with Ruth & Boaz, the upcoming New Edition x Boyz II Men x Toni Braxton tour (and his real-life connection to every one of them), and how October turned out to be his best month yet — in sales, in streaming, and in spirit.

Now he’s claiming “Nu’-vember” as the next level. Manifestation in motion. No brakes, no limits.

Then we dig into relationships and purpose: What does it really mean to be equally yoked vs opposites attract? Can you have different beliefs but still align in values and vision? The nuance matters.

We also celebrate D’Angelo’s life and influence, unpack Stephen A. Smith’s political tap-dance and why the apology ain’t enough, and call out the racist young Republican email scandal. Jackie puts us onto a heartbreaking but necessary Netflix documentary about racial violence and the pursuit of justice.

And hip-hop got its flowers this week with an unforgettable Cash Money vs. No Limit moment — pure nostalgia, pure culture. No winners or losers… just classics, memories, Southern greatness, and two dynasties showing why we loved them then and still love them now.

Legacy. Love. Accountability. Music. We’re back — and we’re getting the A, brick by brick.

From there, we get into the ugly online feud between Nicki Minaj and Cardi B—two grown women dragging each other’s children into the beef. We talk about how the industry used to keep kids out of it, and why this new era of low blows is disgusting.

We also touch on the heartbreaking case of Trey, the young man found hanging at State University. The autopsy confirms he was beaten and strangled before being hung, disproving the lazy and insulting “suicide” claim.

Then we look at ICE raids in Chicago, where helicopters and officers terrorized Black neighborhoods late at night, dragging families into the streets over warrants—another example of Trump-era policies resurfacing.

On a lighter note, we lighten the mood with a conversation about sex and emotions—how good sex can create feelings that shouldn’t exist, how emotionless sex can be toxic, and how negativity during intimacy can ruin the experience.

We close with new music drops from Doja Cat, Blxst, and Leon Thomas—and a confession: Parker McKenna is officially my new celebrity crush. She’s grown, fine, and grown again.

Plus, the live chat was lit with audience takes all night.

Two hangings of young Black men in Mississippi that go unanswered and unexplored. 

Then we dive into the heavy lifting: calling out Charlie Kirk, boycotting Hulu and Disney, and refusing to let Trump act like a dictator who censors culture. We speak truth on Gaza and Israel—naming genocide for what it is, no matter how uncomfortable. The episode balances laughs with hard truths, and ends with a reminder: the truth can always be questioned, but it must always be told.

All that, plenty more, and of course the brand-new drop inspired by Thugger himself: “Whoop-Dee-Doo.” Some things just ain’t worth stressing — and we’re calling it like it is.

Then we got into the culture: Young Thug’s court case, pillow talk gone public, and why snitching ain’t always what it seems. We also debated Ciara changing her son’s last name to Russell Wilson’s, what it says about Future, and whether that’s parenting or just bitter energy.

All that plus plenty more Kickback energy. Pull up, pour up, and let’s talk about it.

We also get into the wild “WTF Story” of Trump’s mysterious disappearance, the snitching chaos in Atlanta’s rap scene and YSL trial, and how history shows it could spiral if egos go unchecked. Plus: Coco vs. Naomi at the U.S. Open, the new Magic City documentary, and why locking in for the last month of Q3 is the key to winning the fourth quarter.

Tap in, Kickbackers—it’s grown talk, real talk, and the mindset shift you need to finish strong.

From the party life of Mykonos to the postcard beauty of Santorini, Heidi paints the perfect picture of Greece. We explore the culture of Turkey—spice racks, castles, shisha flavors, and the art of bartering—and dive into the romance (and grit) of Paris, where a dinner cruise with the Eiffel Tower as your backdrop is the ultimate date. Along the way, we accidentally discover that “The Eiffel Tower” is also a wild sex position 👀.

And then came the pistachio cream… a sweet liqueur in Florence that Heidi described as “a liquid dessert in her mouth.” That sent the convo down a hilarious, raunchy detour—almost turning Kickback Travel into Kickback After Dark.

We also get into:

• Solo travel safety tips for Black women abroad.
• Why Santorini is one of the most beautiful places on Earth.
• The sexiness (and realness) of Paris.
• Dream trips: Africa, Thailand, and beyond.

What was supposed to be a 20-minute check-in turned into a 90-minute laugh-filled, culture-rich kickoff to a whole new podcast journey.

From there, we pivoted to the culture—Trump’s political distractions versus the Epstein files, BigXthaPlug’s genre-bending rap-country album, Teyana Taylor’s beautiful but skit-heavy project, Ciara and Russell Wilson’s independent masterpiece, and Ghostface Killah stepping back into the Album of the Year conversation alongside Clipse, J.I.D., and Chance.

The episode brought unexpected laughs too—Nu’s high school girlfriend calling live on air just to check in (30 years later!), a spontaneous call about goat yoga (“goats chewing on your hair while you stretch?”), and back-and-forths with our live Kickbackers like Dialed In and Inside the Music.

We also announced new moves: Patreon exclusives like Random Ass Nu Thoughts and Kickback Travels, plus Jack’s new spinoff That’s That with Jacq, focused on sexual health and wellness.

It was a classic kickback—raw, funny, thought-provoking, and full of good energy. Make sure you’re tapped in: YouTube Live every Sunday at 7 p.m., then everywhere podcasts stream. Join the Patreon, hit that subscribe, and really be a Kickbacker.

We then dove deep into the difference between eudaimonic happiness—that purpose-driven, soul-aligned fulfillment—and hedonic happiness, those quick bursts of pleasure from a drink, smoke, or night out. We broke down why the first one lasts longer and how we can all do a better job chasing it.

From there, we got real about Trump’s plan to charge D.C. youth as adults starting at 14. While violent crime in my hometown is undeniably up, I questioned what federal control over D.C. would mean for our future—and for the rest of the country.

We also took a moment to honor Robert T. Hood, who was tragically killed in Atlanta, sending love to his family while steering clear of the rumor mill.

Finally, we gave y’all a peek at what’s next—relaunching the Patreon, bringing back Kickback Sports, new segments like That’s That with Jacq, and collaborations with other creators. The vibe’s different now that it’s me and Jack—and the Kickbackers seem to be loving it.

Special Note: The audio you’re hearing is just a snapshot. To watch the full episode, you gotta hit the YouTube channel: No Brakes Nu.
https://www.youtube.com/live/PiWpSk08OiM?si=QAN7BkrD6uoZhH3V

Then the convo shifts to the opposite—figures like Hulk Hogan and Neon, who used their platforms to demean Black people and now seek sympathy or silence. Nu keeps it real: if you were a piece of shit in life, don’t expect sainthood in death. Just because you shaped a childhood doesn’t mean you get a pass. Racism doesn’t come with a redemption tour over time—we don’t mourn you the same, and we don’t forget.

Jacq also breaks down the controversial “T-App,” a platform where women anonymously share dating info on men. We call out the corny, the lazy, and the dangerous, and talk accountability on all sides. Plus: heat check on the latest fire music from Chris Brown, Benny the Butcher, and Alfredo 2 by Alchemist x Freddie Gibbs—heavy contenders for album of the year.

It’s a full-circle conversation on who we honor, who we hold accountable, and who we just keep it movin’ on from. Real talk. Real mourning. Real music. Real kickback.

#Kickbackers, tap in.

From the heartbreak of being kept from JB’s kids to the lifelong fracture with his own father, this one isn’t clean or polished—it’s raw, it’s jagged, and it’s real. The Clipse reunion album opens wounds about loss, love, and grief, reminding Nu of losing Aunt Joyce, his mother, and the emotional debris they left behind.

The episode also dives into the biggest stories of the week, including Trump reportedly destroying $97 million in contraceptives, new music from Raekwon, Benny the Butcher, Giveon, and Justin Bieber, plus thoughts on Love Analytics and the latest episode of BMF—with the usual BMF jokes about co-host Jacq, of course.

This is an episode where the birds didn’t sing—they screamed. And so did the truth

🔥 Topics:

• Dr. Bryant’s hypocrisy and the five-year entanglement
• Why real men protect women from themselves
• Angel Reese, RG3, and coonin’ in public
• Why Nu don’t string women along—and why that shouldn’t make him rare

This one is No Breaks Barred…press play, Kickbackers.

They also break down the Diddy case, the murky lines between justice and vendettas, and the chaos of public opinion in the Black community. Plus, a heroic father who saved his daughter earns this week’s Nipsey Hussle Award.

This episode is about truth, pain, growth—and most importantly, holding on when life gets dark. Tap in, Kickbackers.

The convo widens into a deep dive on the importance of therapy, vulnerability, and the misunderstood power of manifestation — not just wishing, but working for what you speak into existence.

Then things heat up as the squad breaks down Trump’s latest military aggression and the U.S.’s thirst for war, especially in the Middle East. Nu doesn’t hold back on the realities of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, calling out the historical and ongoing injustices with brutal honesty.

But it’s not all fire and fury — Billboard’s Top 75 R&B Artists list brings the laughs, eye-rolls, and passionate debates. How you got a Top 10 with no Luther? No Babyface? Miss us with that.

From deep soul wounds to soulful debates, this episode balances truth, humor, and healing. A grown-ass convo for grown-ass kickbackers.

Nu' breaks down his viral social media post and the firestorm that followed: men vs. women, assumptions vs. empathy, and what it really means to support a woman through postpartum when even she may not know she’s struggling.

“It’s not just crying in silence—it can be behavior that’s unsafe, unstable, and unpredictable. So how do we protect the baby, the mother, and the family unit?”

From there, the convo expands to:

How celebrity custody battles affect the children long-term
Diddy’s dark spiral and the bizarre pattern of free-for-all sexual requests
The ongoing genocide in Gaza, with heartbreaking footage of Palestinians being gunned down while trying to get food
The brewing cold war between Trump & Elon Musk—money vs. political power, and who really wins when billionaires and world leaders clash

It’s deep. It’s wild. It’s real.

And it’s a conversation you need to hear before forming your opinion.

🎙️ A Pod Named Kickback: Grown, sexy, ratchet, and responsible.

Then we get into the Top 5 stories of the week:

• Donald Trump’s wild wave of pardons—Larry Hoover, NBA Youngboy, and the Chrisleys? What’s really going on behind the scenes?

• New developments in the Tory Lanez case—Rep. Luna reveals evidence that could change everything. Is Tory innocent? What does that mean for Meg?

• Elon Musk steps down from the White House—wait, what? Is this about Dogecoin? Is it a distraction to protect Tesla? We dig in.

• My grocery delivery showed up mid-episode, so shoutout to Jack for holding it down while I ran to the door 😂

• We wrapped with new music recs, including heat from Coco Jones, and the latest drops added to our official Apple Music playlist.

https://music.apple.com/us/playlist/a-pod-named-kickback-playlist/pl.u-55D6x62HYRXb11

All that, plus your weekly dose of motivation, accountability, and real ones talking real life.

This week’s conversation centers around the importance of knowing when to say goodbye — to people, habits, pain, and even parts of yourself. The crew also dives deep into:

• The latest revelations from Cassie’s testimony in the Diddy case
• How social media is turning a complex situation into another gender war — and why that’s hurting more than it’s helping
• New developments in the Tory Lanez / Megan Thee Stallion case — and what the bodyguard’s statement could mean
• The unbelievable survival story of a hiker stranded for weeks in the mountains
• The success of “Sinners,” a Black horror film making big box office noise
• Plus, the debut of Nu’s official new segment: RANT (Random Ass Nu’ Thoughts) — raw, honest, and unfiltered

In a heartfelt moment, Nu’ addresses the recent on-air tension with Randy T, and the two extend love, respect, and closure — reminding the #kickbackers what real brotherhood looks like.

This episode has laughter, accountability, vulnerability, and a brand new spark.

A reset for the pod.

A statement of growth.

A reminder of why you tune in.

Tap in.

Kickbackers, we back.

#APodNamedKickback #NoBrakesNu⛽️ #RANT #HeidiB #DiddyCassie #ToryLanez #KnowingWhenToSayGoodbye #KickbackersUnite #getfitwithjacq #kickbackers

To listen to our music playlist on Apple:
https://music.apple.com/us/playlist/a-pod-named-kickback-playlist/pl.u-55D6x62HYRXb11

To watch the podcast live on Sunday’s at 7PM and get your thoughts read live on the podcast subscribe to the vibe on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/live/CNxgY4RSVCU?si=v7am7o_i8MNd03t2

We reflect on the journey—from the pain to the purpose, the frustrations to the funny moments, the losses, the growth, and the love. We honor our brother JB, revisit our favorite episodes, and open up about the real-life challenges behind the mic. This one’s for the ones who never stopped believing—even when it got heavy.

It’s not a comeback—it’s a recharge. A reminder that sometimes you just need to breathe… not break. This is SoulFuel.

Subscribe to my YouTube channel to watch live and be a part of the podcast:
https://www.youtube.com/live/m809gWjNJ98?si=h8loFAnUxgRXYmTK

Wanna try the Red Queen’s BBQ sauce? 

Instagram.com/theredqueenkitchenrockville

https://music.apple.com/us/playlist/a-pod-named-kickback-playlist/pl.u-55D6x62HYRXb11

Podcast music playlist:
https://music.apple.com/us/playlist/a-pod-named-kickback-playlist/pl.u-55D6x62HYRXb11

Link to Brittani’s new YouTube channel:
https://youtu.be/OEP9zBn5ndQ?si=TIJiesvu7bUYQYD6

Social media, Twitter, IG, Tik Tok
@nobrakesnu
@getfitwith_jacq

Apple Music  playlist: https://music.apple.com/us/playlist/a-pod-named-kickback-playlist/pl.u-55D6x62HYRXb11

YouTube:
https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLS1mKzUYj2WX3763RCDpvbwmqS3rxobY5&si=xGNS6lM1R_qiVwBJ

YouTube: https://youtube.com/@nobrakesnu
@NoBrakesNu on Tik Tok, Twitter, Thread, and Spill. 

Oh and I’m on Threads and Spill @nobrakesnu

Here is the music playlist that’s updated EVERY Friday:

https://music.apple.com/us/playlist/a-pod-named-kickback-playlist/pl.u-55D6x62HYRXb11

YouTube: https://youtube.com/@nobrakesnu

https://www.youtube.com/live/PeghcXucEww?feature=share

Who’s Bad? episode 
https://youtu.be/XyQ8weifjrg

Cheating and Censorship with Xerlina Devine 
https://youtu.be/Aauw5wVccSI

Subscribe to our Patreon: A Pod Named Kickback is creating A podcast page | Patreon

Instagram @apodnamedkickback 
@nobrakesnu 
@iamsomelo
@ny4rm.Ny 
@jlew8509 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/APodNamedKickback/

Twitter: @apodnamedkb 

Our music playlist:
https://music.apple.com/us/playlist/a-pod-named-kickback/pl.u-MDAWedWt4D3aXX

@apodnamedkickback
@nobrakesnu
@iamsomelo
@jlew8509

Our guest 
@cocktailswithcarly_

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New merch available!
 Nu-fashion-statement.myshopify.com

On the final episode of the year Nu’ and JB discuss Ashanti’s covid diagnosis, super powers for Black people on 12/21, Proud boys in DC, lil Wayne gun charge, on our Netflix and chill segment we discuss American Skin and Canvas. We also say goodbye to 2020.