K. Michelle On LeBron, Memphis, Pooh Shiesty, Gucci Mane, IVF, Love & Hip Hop & Music Industry

K. Michelle attributes her fighting spirit and ability to navigate the music industry's challenges to her upbringing in Memphis. She emphasizes the city's rich culture and soul, despite its current struggles with violence, and expresses pride in its contributions to music.

K. Michelle states, 'If I wasn't from Memphis, I wouldn't be able to deal with being in the industry. There's no way possible.' She highlights Memphis's food, Beale Street, and the National Civil Rights Museum as essential experiences, and notes that the city's music sound is 'very Memphis driven' in hip-hop.

K. Michelle strongly criticizes what she terms 'black elites' who, after achieving success, look down upon other Black individuals and spaces. She specifically calls out LeBron James for his comments about not liking to play in Memphis, viewing it as a dismissive attitude that could harm the city's efforts to retain assets like the Grizzlies.

She quotes LeBron, 'Trying to pull one of the greatest assets from the predominantly black city has become you don't like the hotels is insane. It's a much deeper conversation.' She adds, 'To see him standing amongst other races speaking so bad about a city that we're already fighting.'

K. Michelle expresses deep understanding and empathy for artists who resort to extreme measures when their livelihoods are threatened by exploitative music contracts. She recounts her own experiences with unfair deals and her bold confrontation of a major record label.

She states, 'People will sign you up and take away your whole livelihood, how you take care of your family.' She describes being banned from the Sony building in New York after 'running up' to confront them about a wrong video submission, placing herself in the company of Michael Jackson and DMX.

K. Michelle openly discusses her extensive and costly journey with illegal silicone injections, which led to 13 reconstructive surgeries and ongoing health issues. She uses her experience to warn other women about the dangers and the permanent consequences of such procedures.

She reveals, 'I'm over 13 surgeries' and has spent over '$500,000' on reconstruction. She was told the injections were hydrogel but doctors found 'motor oil' when operating. She states, 'You'll never get silicone out of your body once it's in your bloodstream.'

K. Michelle describes her marriage as unconventional and built on radical transparency, including open discussions about sexual preferences and fantasies. She believes this approach eliminates common sources of conflict in relationships.

She states, 'My husband know everything. Do you know my husband? I was the girl he couldn't get in high school.' She explains her view on cheating: 'no one should tell me something about you that I don't already know.' She also reveals, 'I like to watch. I like to have my cup and then' during intimate moments involving her husband and others.

K. Michelle views her time as an exotic dancer as a profoundly impactful and positive experience that allowed her to fund her music career and gain valuable life lessons, despite societal judgment.

She recounts, 'The most impactful thing of my whole life was me being a stripper.' She used $10,000 from a breakup to pursue stripping, noting she was a 'counselor' to clients and danced to country music. She highlights other successful artists like Cardi B who also started as dancers.

K. Michelle secured a historic endorsement deal with Jack Daniels, becoming the first Black artist ever endorsed by the brand. She was instrumental in creating the Southern Peach flavor, which generated more income than her entire music career.

She states, 'I'm the first black ever endorsed by Jack Daniels period in life.' She negotiated for a gold cap and was paid 'off of every case sold,' making 'the most money I've ever seen in my whole life and career.' She notes Jack Daniels was created by a slave and that Black women were the number one buyers of Jack Daniels Honey.

K. Michelle acknowledges R. Kelly's profound musical mentorship and his role in helping her escape an abusive relationship, while simultaneously condemning his alleged actions and the role of enablers. She advocates for accountability for all involved.

She states, 'Man, that man taught me so much.' She learned from him to 'make a movie' in 3 minutes and 30 seconds and to 'write life and not music.' She also recalls him protecting her from industry abuse, saying, 'y'all not going to abuse that girl.' However, she asserts, 'I do not condone... anything that Rob allegedly has had going on.'