VladTV

In this classic 2017 VladTV interview, Tyrin Turner — best known for his role as Caine in Menace II Society — opens up about growing up in South Central Los Angeles and how his life changed after starring in one of the most iconic street films of the 1990s .Tyrin talks about being raised at 51st and Hoover in a Hoover Crips neighborhood, staying out of gangs despite peer pressure, and a childhood run-in with the law after stealing Vans that led to a harsh lesson from his mother. He explains how he discovered acting through a workshop, landing a major role in Janet Jackson’s “Rhythm Nation” video — earning $7,000 at just 18 — and nearly starring in Boyz n the Hood before losing the role to Cuba Gooding Jr.The interview dives deep into Menace II Society, including how the Hughes brothers cast him after seeing him in a music video and an America’s Most Wanted reenactment. Tyrin gives his firsthand account of Tupac Shakur originally being cast as Sharif, the reported conflict during rehearsals, and the alleged confrontation involving the Hughes brothers that followed. He reflects on the film’s $28 million box office success and how instant fame changed his life — including Leonardo DiCaprio reportedly knowing all his lines from the film.Tyrin also discusses playing Rico in Belly, originally being considered for the role DMX played, and how he and Hype Williams developed the look for his character. He speaks candidly about feeling overlooked by the Hughes brothers after Menace, missing out on films like Dead Presidents, and how his “boyish look” may have affected casting opportunities compared to peers like Omar Epps and Morris Chestnut.The conversation continues with Tyrin’s long-standing friendship and creative partnership with Jamie Foxx, helping write Foxx’s stand-up material and working on projects like All-Star Weekend alongside Snoop Dogg, Eva Longoria, Jeremy Piven, and Robert Downey Jr.Finally, Tyrin discusses his own rap career under Rap-A-Lot Records as “Kane,” discovering producer Seven (who later worked with Murder Inc.), and supporting his son Lil Kane’s emerging music career — including collaborations with 808 Mafia and Chief Keef.From South Central to Hollywood to hip-hop, Tyrin Turner shares an unfiltered look at legacy, missed opportunities, loyalty, and reinvention.

DJ Vlad and Wil Milz dive into a wide-ranging conversation covering celebrity scandals, public perception, media narratives, and accountability. The discussion opens with reactions to resurfaced allegations involving major public figures, including debates around Michael Jordan, R. Kelly, Chris Brown, and Donald Trump. Vlad and Wil examine how fans often overlook or rationalize controversy when they admire someone’s talent or status.The conversation shifts to the Diddy documentary, with both criticizing it for lacking new information and questioning whether it functioned more as a smear piece than investigative journalism. They also address how social media amplifies rumors and narratives, including speculation surrounding Meek Mill and Kanye West, and explore how sexuality-related allegations can permanently shape public perception regardless of evidence.Later in the episode, Vlad and Wil discuss the sensationalism around the Epstein files and the tendency for audiences to react emotionally without fully researching the facts. They debate the impact of cooperation (“snitching”) in the music industry, referencing figures like Gunna and Tekashi 6ix9ine, and how street credibility and public image collide in modern hip-hop culture.Additional topics include Vlad’s voting experience and critique of campaign strategies, Adam22’s headline-grabbing antics compared to the Paul brothers’ influence in boxing, and financial cautionary tales involving celebrities like Floyd Mayweather and Redd Foxx. Vlad also reflects on maintaining friendships in business, the dangers of entitlement, and why hiring competent professionals over friends is often the smarter long-term move.The interview closes with a lighter “This or That” segment ranking stand-up comedians, blending humor with sharp commentary in classic VladTV style.

Back in 2020, Tiny came through for yet another VladTV interview, and this time around, she spoke about the new show she created, "The Mix." Tiny also delved deeper into her background, growing up in Atlanta with interracial parents and later forming Xscape. Tiny detailed the highs and lows of the group, including group members fighting one another, and Kandi Burruss not returning for a previous reunion. Elsewhere in the interview, Tiny spoke about Biggie dissing Xscape and apologizing just minutes before he was killed. She then went into the story of meeting her husband T.I., doing a reality show together, and filing for divorce. Tiny explained how they were able to work through things and call off the divorce, which you can hear more about above.

In this in-depth VladTV interview, West Coast legend MC Eiht breaks down his upbringing in Compton, the crack epidemic’s impact on the city, and how gang culture shaped an entire generation . Growing up near Alameda and Greenleaf, Eiht describes how the late ‘80s crack boom escalated violence, territorial conflicts, and drive-bys, turning Compton into a war zone.Eiht opens up about joining Tragniew Park Crips at 13, explaining the realities of gang affiliation, street politics, and survival. He details how crack money intensified conflicts between neighborhoods and how music ultimately became his way out. Inspired by early hip-hop like Run-DMC and West Coast pioneers, Eiht formed Compton’s Most Wanted, carving out a lane separate from N.W.A. while still paying homage to Eazy-E and Ice Cube .The interview also dives into Eiht’s legendary rap beef with DJ Quik, revealing how misunderstandings escalated into diss records like “Death Wish” and “Dollars & Sense,” and how the tension was eventually resolved face-to-face. Eiht reflects on the dangers of gang affiliation in hip-hop, commenting on artists who adopt gang identities later in life and the real-life consequences that can follow.Eiht also shares insight into working on Menace II Society, Tupac’s originally intended role in the film, and how industry politics and personality clashes altered the cast. He gives his perspective on Tupac’s gang affiliation in his final years, explaining how stepping into real street conflicts can have irreversible consequences.This interview blends West Coast rap history, street reality, industry politics, and firsthand accounts from one of Compton’s most respected voices.

Javier Panama, a former drug kingpin, sits down with VladTV to tell the story of his violent past, lengthy prison sentence, and eventual deportation. Born in Santa Cruz, Panama, Javier describes beginning a life of crime at just 14 years old, robbing tourists before escalating into drug trafficking and armed robberies. By 17 and 18, he had already been shot by police, setting the tone for a life shaped by conflict and survival.After moving to the United States—first to Brooklyn and later to Washington, D.C.—Javier became deeply involved in the drug trade. He speaks about his role in multiple violent crimes, including the murder of Billy Ray Tolbert and a kidnapping-for-ransom case involving a Colombian national. Arrested in 1991, Javier was sentenced to 113 years in prison for multiple murders and drug trafficking charges. Despite pressure to cooperate with authorities, he refused, citing loyalty to his principles.The interview also explores Javier’s encounters with notorious D.C. figure Wayne Perry, intense prison politics, and violent altercations behind bars—including a stabbing incident that left both men injured. He discusses alleged prosecutorial misconduct, claims of racial bias during jury selection, and the plea deal that ultimately reduced his sentence and led to his deportation back to Panama.Post-release, Javier faced cultural shock and little reentry support, forcing him to rebuild his life from scratch. Now focused on redemption and storytelling, he emphasizes the importance of recognizing one’s potential, the role of family support, and learning from past mistakes. Javier is currently working on a series to share his story, hoping it serves as a cautionary tale and a message of transformation rather than glorification.