On this episode of We Need To Talk, Nyla Symone sits down with the legendary Smif-N-Wessun for a powerful conversation that bridges hip-hop’s golden era and the present day. Celebrating the release of their new project Infinityand the 30th anniversary of their classic album The Shinin’, the duo reflects on life in 90s Brooklyn, the energy of the era, and how the streets shaped their sound. They open up about their creative process, the influence of storytelling in their music, and the changes in both hip-hop culture and community safety over the years. With honesty and love for the craft, they discuss what it means to grow independently, carry the legacy of iconic labels, and stay rooted in a culture that continues to evolve. This episode is a celebration of resilience, reflection, and the power of passing wisdom to the next generation. Tune in and comment in the socials below. Be sure to subscribe, rate and share. Follow We Need To Talk: @wnttlk @nylasymoneee @realsmifnwessunSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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52:44
Love, Music, and Motherhood with Alex Eisley
In this heartfelt conversation on We Need To Talk with Nyla Symone, special guest Alex Isley opens up about her new single “Hands” and how embracing the present moment has shaped her artistry. She reflects on the deep influence of motherhood, her musical upbringing, and the personal growth woven into her songwriting. Alex shares how themes of love, healing, and self-awareness guide her creative process, and what it means to collaborate authentically in today’s industry. With honesty and grace, she speaks on navigating visibility, staying grounded, and finding peace through two of her favorite forms of therapy: music and cooking. Tune in and comment in the socials below. Be sure to subscribe, rate and share. Follow We Need To Talk: @wnttlk @nylasymoneee @lovealexisleySee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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27:24
15 Years of Soulection with Joe Kay
On this episode of We Need To Talk, special guest Joe Kay sits with Nyla Symone to reflect on the evolution of Soulection and its influence on the music industry. He shares his journey from curator to artist, emphasizing the importance of consistency, recognition, and authenticity in DJ culture. Joe discusses the challenges of mashup culture, the role of strong management, and the need to support emerging artists. He also dives into his collaborative approach to music, the value of community and trust, and what’s next for Soulection Records as it approaches its 15-year anniversary. Tune in and comment in the socials below. Be sure to subscribe, rate and share. Follow We Need To Talk: @wnttlk @nylasymoneee @joekay @soulectionSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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50:39
WNTTLK: Navigating The Friendzone with Dej Loaf and Jacquees
The Black Effect Presents... We Need to Talk! On this debut episode of We Need To Talk joining the Black Effect Podcast Network, Nyla Symone sits with R&B sensations Dej Loaf and Jacques to discuss Jacquees and Dej being back together and the energy is unreal. Their first collab back in 2017 left fans wanting more, and now, with F*** A Friend Zone Two, they’ve reignited that creative spark. In the studio, they picked up right where they left off, navigating life’s ups and downs while keeping their musical chemistry strong. You can feel the growth—this project brings a new level of maturity and depth, showing just how far they’ve come. Of course, we can’t talk about them without giving Detroit its flowers. The city’s hip-hop scene has been through it, but the grind is finally paying off. Detroit artists are getting the respect they’ve always deserved, bringing a sound that’s impossible to ignore. And with the ongoing creative exchange between Detroit and the Bay Area, we might be in for some legendary collaborations. Our convo dives into all of it—the personal stories, the struggles, and the wins that make Detroit’s music scene what it is today. Dej Loaf and Jaquees' 'F**k A Friend Zone 2' is out now! Tune in and comment in the socials below. Be sure to subscribe, rate and share. Follow We Need To Talk: @wnttlk @nylasymoneee @dejloaf @jaqueesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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48:50
THEY Got A Love Jones
Nyla Symone sits down with R&B duo, THEY to discuss their upcoming R&B album, Love Jones, diving into the nostalgia behind their sound, the art of storytelling, and the genre’s evolution. They explore the influence of old-school R&B, their creative process, and the themes of love and relationships woven into their music. The conversation also touches on live performances, AI in music production, masculinity, astrology, and personal growth—all with a mix of humor, insight, and memorable tour stories. Tune in and comment in the socials below. Be sure to subscribe, rate and share. Follow We Need To Talk: @wnttlk @nylasymoneee @theySee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
We Need to Talk is a thought-provoking podcast hosted by Nyla Symone, where culture and conversation collide. Each episode dives into the heart of music, culture, and the stories shaping today’s world. Known for her unique ability to blend insightful dialogue with an unfiltered vibe, Nyla explores everything from breaking down the meaning behind song lyrics to uncovering the journeys of rising artists and industry movers.
Whether she’s dissecting trends, amplifying emerging voices, or tackling topics that matter, We Need to Talk creates a space where authentic discussions spark new perspectives. Tune in for conversations that are bold, fresh, and always worth having.
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