HYFINated Conversations

I sat down with artist Buddy Red, though he’ll tell you himself that the title “artist” only scratches the surface. We dug into his new single “Soul His Soul”, a track sparked by a powerful conversation with his brother that lit a fire in him to speak boldly about the music industry, authenticity, and his own creative identity. While many first met him as Messiah Harris, son of hip-hop legend T.I. and stepson of Tiny Harris, on their reality show “T.I and Tiny:The Family Hustle”, Buddy Red makes it clear that he isn’t building his brand on anyone’s name but his own. In our conversation, he opens up about what it means to be a rocker raised in a home rooted in R&B and hip-hop, how he carved out space for a sound that didn’t match his surroundings, and how picking up a guitar, and stepping fully into blues, rock, and psychedelic funk helped him find his voice, his purpose, and his freedom of expression. We discussed how he came up with his unique name and why he chose to keep it rooted in family. You can catch Buddy Red as a feature performer at the Folk Alliance in New Orleans and at SXSW in 2026.

When you sit down with a legend like Boney James, you can feel the music before a single note is played. The four-time GRAMMY-nominated saxophonist has been blending R&B, soul, and contemporary jazz for over three decades and on November 13, he’ll bring that unmistakable sound to the Marcus Performing Arts Center in Milwaukee. We talked about the journey behind the smooth, how a young kid with a saxophone turned passion into purpose.Inspired by the greats, from Grover Washington Jr. to Earth, Wind & Fire and Morris Day and the Time, Boney carved out a lane that’s all his own. His music doesn’t just fill a room; it creates a space where melody meets memory.Our conversation also turned to his latest chart-climbing single, “All I Want Is You,” featuring October London. The track has quickly become a fan favorite, landing in the Top 10 on the R&B charts.

On this HYFINATED CONVERSATION we chop it up with the incredibly talented actor, singer, and songwriter, Tim Johnson Jr.,@cityboyjr to discuss his diverse career and his sensational genre-bending and soulful new album, My Desire. Tim, who got his start playing young Simba in The Lion King in Las Vegas at just 10 years old, reflects on his journey from Philadelphia to becoming a multi-hyphenated (!!!) artist. He recounts the nerve-wracking yet exciting process of rolling out this special album, which is a vulnerable and honest way for people to get to know his heart. His music is deeply influenced by his musical family, including his Pops who was in a gospel group and helped him produce his records, sharing the timeless influences and sounds of Motown, Stevie Wonder, and MJ. Getting thumbs up and stamps of approval from Eddie Murphy, Stevie Wonder and Mike Tyson. This classic soulful foundation is evident in his music, including a wonderful Al Green cover, as the young brother aims to create a "future nostalgia" sound. Tim also discusses his role as the voice of Chris in the animated Paramount Plus series, Everybody Still Hates Chris. He shares the surreal experience of getting the part, which was affirmed by Chris Rock himself, who called him "funny" and "the guy". Working alongside legendary talent like Tichina Arnold and Terry Crews. Tim's preparation involved listening to Chris Rock's comedy specials to capture the heart and timing of the character, ensuring his portrayal honors the original series while still being his own. Cannot front he is pretty spot on with his rendition of Chris’ iconic voice. Comparing his work to theater, he explains that voice acting can often be "larger than life". His new album, My Desire, is a collection of deeply personal songs—some dating back to 2022—that form an "evolution of life". With his new project released on all streaming platforms, Tim's goal is to continue performing, eventually touring the WORLD, and building a family "empire" alongside his creative siblings and ever supportive family!!!

Mahari Takai is a renowned designer and absolute style icon who rocketed into the spotlight on the competitive NBC show, On Brand with Jimmy Fallon. But Mahiri’s story is the stuff of legend: after a modeling scam left him with just $20 and no place to live, he spent a year homeless in New York City. He channeled the pain and disappointment from his past into the grit needed to survive, deciding he'd rather be a "failure" in New York than go home—a testament to his incredible will. This resilience and his passion for style, inherited from his dad who "gets dressed up for no reason," fuel his design philosophy. He took that passion and turned it into the successful Men's Fashion Week Dallas. For Mahiri, great branding, like those unforgettable Doritos or Disney commercials he loves, isn't about logos; it's about creating a powerful identity and using authentic storytelling to make people feel a connection to your product.

Atmosphere's Slug is on the road for the "Dank Days of Summer" tour, a traveling festival that he feels embodies the spirit of 1990s hip-hop. The tour, which also features Cypress Hill, Lupe Fiasco, and The Pharcyde, feels special to him because it brings together artists from different "branches" of hip-hop who are all proven headliners. Slug appreciates the opportunity to play for new audiences and sees a unique connection happening at these shows, with parents sharing the music with their kids. This experience, he believes, is the closest he's seen to the kind of collaborative, genre-blending tours that were common in the '90s. Slug also reminisced about the early days of Rhymesayers Entertainment, which started out of necessity because no one in Minneapolis was paying attention to them. While he helped found the label, he has since stepped away from the day-to-day operations, believing he would just get in the way. He maintains a deep bond with his collaborator, Anthony "Ant" Davis, viewing their relationship as more like a brotherhood. For them, making music is a cherished hobby, while touring is the job that allows them to do it. He even shared a wild story about a time he woke up in Milwaukee after a night out in Chicago, not realizing he was in a different city. Hilarious! Slug also discussed his upcoming album, "Gestures," which is set to be released on September 19th. While he didn't delve into details about the album, he emphasized that making music with his long-time collaborator, Ant, is a cherished hobby for the two of them. Their tours are a job that supports their passion for creating songs, which they do simply because they love it. He also briefly touched on his relationship with the record label he helped found, Rhymesayers Entertainment, explaining that he's stepped away from the day-to-day operations to focus on his artistry and let the label's team handle the business side. Artists take note on how to build longevity through necessity!

Atmosphere's Slug is on the road for the "Dank Days of Summer" tour, a traveling festival that he feels embodies the spirit of 1990s hip-hop. The tour, which also features Cypress Hill, Lupe Fiasco, and The Pharcyde, feels special to him because it brings together artists from different "branches" of hip-hop who are all proven headliners. Slug appreciates the opportunity to play for new audiences and sees a unique connection happening at these shows, with parents sharing the music with their kids. This experience, he believes, is the closest he's seen to the kind of collaborative, genre-blending tours that were common in the '90s. Slug also reminisced about the early days of Rhymesayers Entertainment, which started out of necessity because no one in Minneapolis was paying attention to them. While he helped found the label, he has since stepped away from the day-to-day operations, believing he would just get in the way. He maintains a deep bond with his collaborator, Anthony "Ant" Davis, viewing their relationship as more like a brotherhood. For them, making music is a cherished hobby, while touring is the job that allows them to do it. He even shared a wild story about a time he woke up in Milwaukee after a night out in Chicago, not realizing he was in a different city. Slug also discussed his upcoming album, "Gestures," which is set to be released on September 19th. While he didn't delve into details about the album, he emphasized that making music with his long-time collaborator, Ant, is a cherished hobby for the two of them. Their tours are a job that supports their passion for creating songs, which they do simply because they love it. He also briefly touched on his relationship with the record label he helped found, Rhymesayers Entertainment, explaining that he's stepped away from the day-to-day operations to focus on his artistry and let the label's team handle the business side.

This HYFINated Conversations with the Kentucky Gentlemen is very insightful and we are so excited to be chatting with these truly trailblazing artists. We're here with Brandon and Derek Campbell, better known as the dynamic duo, The Kentucky Gentlemen. They'll take the stage in Milwaukee ahead for a LIVE performance for the Friends of Lake Park's Musical Mondays series, Monday August 4th, where they'll be bringing their unique sound to the Summer Stage at Lake Park as part of the Lake Park Friends Milwaukee Monday series. Hailing from Versailles, Kentucky, these twin brothers are redefining country music by blending their roots in country with '90s R&B, pop, and a soulful swagger that is all their own. They've been praised by everyone from Billboard to Rolling Stone for their powerful harmonies and honest storytelling, and they've made it their mission to create a space in country music for black and queer artists. From their independent debut EP to performing at major festivals and working with Grammy-nominated producers, The Kentucky Gentlemen are on an wildly ascending journey, and we are so thrilled to have them here today to talk about their music, their story, and what we can expect from their show here in Milwaukee!!!

Join host Tarik Moody for an inspiring episode of HYFINated Conversations featuring the remarkable Afua Richardson, a Juilliard-trained flutist who transformed from performing at Carnegie Hall by age 11 to becoming one of the first African and Indigenous American women to work as a penciler, inker, and colorist for Marvel Comics. In this candid conversation, Richardson shares her journey from touring with musical legends like Stevie Wonder and Parliament-Funkadelic to creating influential comic art that helped shape the Wakandan language in the Black Panther films. She opens up about navigating industry barriers, from music executives who didn't understand her electronic funk style to breaking into comics through sheer persistence and self-taught skills. Richardson discusses her pioneering work introducing Adinkra symbols to the Marvel universe, her advocacy for better artist healthcare and representation, and her current passion project "Aquarius: The Book of Merr," which blends African and Indigenous water myths with music and visual storytelling. Throughout the interview, she offers practical advice for young Black artists, shares her unique creative process of using music to stimulate her visual imagination, and reflects on receiving the Nina Simone Young, Gifted, and Black Award. This conversation is essential listening for young Black professionals, artists, and anyone interested in authentic representation, creative perseverance, and the power of embracing a "hyphenated" career path that refuses to be limited by traditional boundaries.

Five years ago, in the middle of the pandemic, Hamilton streamed into our living rooms and shook the world, and me. I didn’t expect to fall for it like I did, but Renée Elise Goldsberry’s performance as Angelica Schuyler stopped me in my tracks. The tension between love and loyalty in her storyline haunted me in the best way. It was subtle, emotional, and unforgettable. Fast forward to now, and I’m sitting across from Renée for an interview. Talk about full-circle. She’s preparing to release her new album, “Who I Really Am”, a stunning blend of jazz, R&B, and soul that reflects every role she’s played: actress, mother, wife, creative, and future producer. We talked about growth, identity, and what it means to be seen for who you really are. And for me, this moment was a reminder: sometimes what starts in your living room becomes something bigger than you ever imagined.

Now in its second year, Summer of Soul is produced by Culture X Design kicks off with none other than Bilal as the opening night headliner. I sat down with the Grammy award winning soul artist ahead of his performance taking place just outside of the Marcus Performing Arts Center. Known for his genre-bending sound that fuses soul, jazz, funk, and experimental R&B, Bilal has worked with musical heavyweights including Erykah Badu, Common, Kendrick Lamar, and The Roots. His critically acclaimed debut album 1st Born Second established him as a cornerstone of a movement, and his contribution to Kendrick Lamar’s To Pimp a Butterfly earned him a Grammy Award.In our conversation, we talked about the personal experiences that have shaped his sound, the influence of family, and the dream collaborations still on his radar. Bilal takes the stage at 8:00 p.m. on Wednesday, July 2, at the Peck Pavilion following Milwaukee’s own Shonn Hinton, a celebrated guitarist and soul artist in his own right. This night stands to be the very definition of a Summer of Soul.

Before stepping onto the NIVA stage on June 24, 2025, at 1:15pm, I had the honor of sitting down with legendary producer and songwriter Jimmy Jam. Jimmy Jam is known for his iconic work with his partner Terry Lewis. They have written massive hits for artists like Janet Jackson, Michael Jackson, Boyz II Men, Mary J. Blige, Yolanda Adams, and Sounds of Blackness. In our conversation, we explored the roots of Jimmy's creative genius, from the songs he absorbed as a child through pop radio stations, to the local arts organizations that first exposed him to a world of artistic expression. Jimmy spoke with heartfelt conviction about the vital role independent music venues play in the music ecosystem. These intimate spaces powered by passion, community, and the love of live music have long served as incubators for the artists who shape our culture. As Jimmy reminded us, without these venues, we might never have witnessed the rise of icons like: Prince, Beyoncé, Kendrick Lamar, Doechii, Doja Cat, Tank and the Bangas and yes, even Jimmy Jam himself. His story is a testament to the power of grassroots art spaces and the enduring legacy of community-driven creativity.

I sat down with the queen of bounce, Big Freedia, for a conversation that revealed more than just her signature energy. We dove into her latest project, one that no one saw coming. In the midst of today’s social and societal division, Freedia reached back to moments filled with love, joy, and acceptance, ultimately leading her back to the church. With her two new singles, “Take My Hand” and “Sunday Best,” it’s clear that faith remains a powerful pillar in both her life and her music. We discussed how music from this deeply personal project landed her on the cover of Rolling Stone and how her collaboration with Tamar Braxton came to life. With music rooted in love, joy, and healing, creating this album felt like a natural step forward.

I had the luxury of sitting down with the incomparable Yola. Our conversation spanned her powerful personal journey, from her upbringing and navigating her mother’s mental health challenges, to pushing back against an industry that once pressured her to filter her music through a white gaze. A singer, songwriter, actress, and proud actor, Yola refuses to be confined to any one identity or genre. Her sound defies categorization, blending everything from soul and country to rock and pop. We explored her work on stage and in film, and unpacked the unique, unapologetic role she plays in reshaping the music industry from the inside out.

In this engaging conversation, Valerie delves into the inspiration behind her album "Owls Owls Owls and Oracles," sparked by meaningful owl sightings and their symbolism of wisdom and guidance. She also reflects on her groundbreaking achievement as the only artist to have a video simultaneously featured on CMT, BET, and MTV, highlighting her genre-defying artistry. Tune in to hear about her exhibit at the National Museum of African American Music, her connection to Milwaukee through Turnaround Arts, and her journey of learning to play guitar. Valerie also shares her love for travel, the experience of recording her latest album in analog, and the support she received from Dan Auerbach of The Black Keys. Finally, she offers a glimpse into her calming creative habits and her practices for maintaining mental well-being while touring, alongside her fun plans for the rest of 2025 as "Aunt V" to her nieces and nephews....and more

Soul Sessions: The Heart, Mind & Soul of Tank and the Bangas Join us for an intimate conversation with Grammy winners Tank and the Bangas, as they take us on a journey through the streets of New Orleans that shaped their groundbreaking album "The Heart, The Mind, The Soul." In this episode, frontwoman Tank opens up about her time in the Midwest, sharing personal stories and emotional truths that transformed into their genre-defying sound. From the vibrant energy of Super Sunday celebrations to electrifying performances like their recent stop at Milwaukee's Turner Hall, discover how this extraordinary band blends soul, funk, hip-hop, and spoken word into a spiritual offering that carries the essence of New Orleans to every stage they grace.

Bathe: Inside Voices Journey into the soulful world of genre-blending duo Bathe as they transform personal struggles into art with their latest album "Inside Voices." Join Devin Hobdy and Corey Smith-West as they candidly explore vulnerability, identity, and mental health through their unique fusion of indie, R&B, and alternative sounds. Discover how late-night conversations about masculinity and societal pressures evolved into deeply moving tracks like "Here" and "Capsized" – musical diaries that capture the experience of navigating internal storms while finding ways to stay afloat. This episode unveils how friendship, personal pain, and even anime influence shaped an album that serves as both artistic expression and emotional refuge.

Join Tarik Moody as he explores how AI’s bold ideas measure up against real-world constraints in Milwaukee County’s budget crisis. Hear insights from Rob Henken of the Wisconsin Policy Forum, and discover why technology alone can’t solve deeply human civic challenges.

Join us as we dive into the vibrant world of South African artist Moonchild Sanelly, creator of "future ghetto funk." In this exclusive interview, Moonchild opens up about her musical journey from jazz kid to global collaborator with Beyoncé and Diplo. Discover how her family's diverse musical background shaped her unique sound, her philosophy on authenticity, and why she describes her aesthetic as "Snow White turns 21 and the seven dwarfs become her strippers." From her fearless approach to taboo topics to finding humor in darkness, Moonchild shares the stories behind her colorful videos and reveals why she's currently "dating for content."

Join HYFIN's HYFINated Conversations for an intimate dialogue with jazz virtuoso Wynton Marsalis. Recorded before his captivating Milwaukee performance, this episode unveils the layers behind the nine-time Grammy winner's artistic evolution. From the vibrant streets of 1960s New Orleans to leading the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra, Marsalis shares profound insights about family influence, musical mentorship, and cultural preservation. Listen as he explores the delicate balance between tradition and innovation, revealing how his mother's wisdom and early jazz club experiences shaped his approach to music education and artistic expression. Through personal stories and reflections, Marsalis illuminates jazz's transformative power and its role in bridging generations. T his conversation celebrates not just musical excellence, but the deep cultural roots and ongoing evolution of America's most distinctive art form.

In this episode of HYFINated Conversations, host Tarik Moody sits down with Jeffrey Coleman and Tim Cole, founders of Milwaukee Wine Academy (MWA). Launched in September 2023, this groundbreaking venture is reshaping Milwaukee's wine culture through education and inclusion. The conversation traces MWA's origins from a pandemic wine certification study group to its evolution as a force for diversifying Milwaukee's wine scene. Coleman and Cole share candid insights about navigating predominantly white spaces, breaking down wine stereotypes, and creating welcoming environments for wine education. In a lively 'quick pairing round,' the founders offer unexpected wine recommendations for everything from lemon pepper wings to chitlins, demonstrating their mission to make wine accessible while maintaining educational rigor. They also discuss their upcoming Black Wine Producers celebration on February 16th at Radio Milwaukee, featuring wines from Dusty Baker's vineyard, Andre Houston Mack's MY0 Noir, McBride Sisters, and Mary J. Blige's Sun Goddess label. Through personal anecdotes, industry insights, and practical wine wisdom, this conversation reveals how Milwaukee Wine Academy is transforming the city's relationship with wine, one glass at a time. Tune in to hear how these entrepreneurs are creating culture and community in Milwaukee's evolving culinary landscape.