There was a time when the common YouTuber didn’t get much respect from the corporate world or Hollywood. Although YouTubers definitely started trends and blazed a trail for new career opportunities in the media and entertainment fields, some people watered down the passionate and often opinionated streaming community as a bunch of chatty patties with nothing better to do.
But, lo and behold, who joins the eccentric crowd of YouTubers as COVID-19 threatens to put some folks out of business and even make a few celebrities forgettable?
The list of entertainers turned YouTubers is spiking on the uptrend with the likes of rapper Lil Wayne, NBA player Carmelo Anthony and comedian Luenell getting into the online game.
While it’s admirable that these stars clearly appreciate the hustle, is it selfish and a little bit hypocritical that they’re becoming the very things that they used to loathe?
We’re seeing big timers become chatty patties talking about the latest gossipy headlines. Some of them are so bad at being YouTubers that they are simply place keepers taking up space, a space that belonged to the unknown personality from the middle of nowhere America and now is being chewed up and spit out by opportunists.
But, can we blame a celebrity for wanting to keep the fame and money train going? They have to eat, too, and if that means taking the little man’s spot, then so be it.
Below is a list of entertainers turned YouTubers, new and old:
The Joe Budden Podcast
Joe Budden was one of the first rappers to get into the podcast game. The Virgo is fairly entertaining for his thought provoking monologues and occasional vein popping rants. One thing you will always get from his podcast is the honest to god truth.
expediTIously with Tip T.I. Harris
T.I. is as pretentious as the title of his podcast and as stiff as the wrinkles around his eyes when he smiles, but it works. The rap legend locks down some of the biggest names in the industry for interviews and they’re pretty entertaining. The ATL activist often finds himself putting his foot in his mouth when it comes to issues about women and the black community, but his podcast is worth a listen.
Tunechi TV with Lil Wayne
Um, yeah. Lil Wayne is definitely doing this for the money and clout. The edgy voiced rapper talks about everything from sports to pop culture, depending on the guest. But, this podcast comes off as the kind you would only tune in for the guests. It’s just too taxing to hear the New Orleans bred Hip Hop artist express his unpopular opinions. It’s just not that entertaining and reminds us of the always high, airhead friend that you have to wait forever on to complete a thought. This podcast could only survive because of the guests and even that’s getting boring.
Willie D Live
Willie D from Houston’s very own The Geto Boys has a knack for storytelling. He simply sits in front of a camera, at what appears to be his home, and talks. Over time, the show has become predictable. It’s highly dependent on salacious headlines and race baiting stories, so without them the show is not a must-see.
The David Banner Podcast
David Banner is one rapper who has a lot of personality. His voice is entertaining and his topics are even more interesting. The God Box artist is self-made, but his show is a replica of another YouTuber’s podcast called Thought Crimez. Banner’s show leans away from chatty patty conversations, but instead, focuses on shedding light on the other side of stories. There’s potential for Banner to take his show curation to a bigger platform, such as Fox Soul or BET, simply because of his radical intellect and ability to keep the attention of the engaged listener.
Hey Luenell
We love us some Luenell. The beauty with a beautiful personality has a way of drawing in listeners. She’s tantalizing and gives positive vibes. Any podcast that brings that type of light is worth watching. However, just in her 19th episode, she has a lot of fine tuning to do. Her intros are often too drawn out and sometimes she rambles on about absolutely nothing of value. If she cuts down the episode time and creates a format with segments we can get familiar with, this could be a hit venture for the South Central L.A. queen. But, until then, we have to skip around to get to the point.
Noreaga’s Drink Champs
Drink Champs is a winner. The casual setting of old friends hashing out legendary Hip Hop stories at a table full of alcohol and sometimes, a smoke or two, is a hit with Hip Hop heads. Rapper Nore is one good host and he has the best laugh. The show was so good that it got the “Superthug” rapper a deal with Diddy’s REVOLT TV. The only criticism is that the two hour interview length is too damn long.
Carmelo Anthony’s What’s In Your Glass
Basketball player Carmelo Anthony should be a sports analyst. He’s good at talking, has great personality and his rolodex of celeb friends is on fire. Shot in Zoom meeting style, who can resist the charming smile of Melo the great? The NBA legend interviews rappers, athletes and entertainers about everything from career choices to the current state of the black community. It’s a fun show with perfect timing and great conversation. Worth the watch.
Pretty Big Deal with Ashley Graham
Plus-size model Ashley Graham sits down in an expensive version of the YouTube podcast to interview some great guests, including Demi Lovato, Liza Koshy, and Dapper Dan. Sometimes, the interviews come off as co-workers having hallway conversations, but it keeps you engaged. Uplifting, enthusiastic and fast-paced, the show is definitely one that we recommend to watch.
Hotboxin’ with Mike Tyson
If you’re not watching this, you’re missing out. Laid back Mike Tyson knows how to let his guests talk. He’s chill and it shows through his ability to empathize with guests and tell his truth without any filter. Sometimes, it feels like the guests can hardly understand him, but it’s all good because it just adds character to this gray filtered show. We highly recommend this podcast.
