To Be Clear

From her early rise as a fearless writer at Ebony to her next chapter as an author. To Be Clear, hosts Dawn Montgomery and Freddie B sit down with Jamilah Lemieux to unpack a lifetime of clarity earned through experience, activism, and storytelling. First, we honor the life and legacy of Malcolm-Jamal Warner, reflecting on his tragic passing, his iconic role as Theo Huxtable, and his vast contributions to entertainment. Learning how to grieve in public while dealing with the complicated legacy of The Cosby Show. Jamilah also shares the journey behind her upcoming book, Black Single Mother: Real Life Tales of Longing and Belonging, out March 2026— The first non-fiction book about Black single moms from a major publisher. Dawn & FreddieBTV discuss co-parenting with integrity & how Jamilah raised her daughter with shared custody, despite heartbreak. Jamilah explains why Black single mothers are constantly villainized, and how her new book aims to change that. The real meaning of feminism and going beyond the “man-hater” stereotype. Finally we discuss the emotional labor of Black women, what rest really looks like, and why we rarely get to experience it. Jamila Lemieux is a cultural critic, writer, and editor whose work has helped shape 21st-century conversations around race, gender, and power. A former senior editor at Ebony and contributor to The New York Times, Essence, and The Nation, she’s also the author of the forthcoming book Black Single Mother: Real Life Tales of Longing and Belonging.

On this episode of To Be Clear, hosts Dawn Montgomery and Freddie B TV sit down with Grammy Award-winning DJ, producer, and creative visionary DJ Miss Milan! She’s the mastermind behind Doechii’s electrifying live sets, co-produced 'Boom Bap' on her Grammy-winning album Alligator Bites Don't Heal, and she’s held it down on the airwaves with residencies on Hot 97 and SiriusXM. DJ Miss Milan aka The Fairy Vibe Mother herself is known for curating energy at the intersection of club culture, Black girl magic, and global soundscapes. They dive deep into the Clipse’s viral Tiny Desk concert, unpack the legacy of Neptunes-era production, and explore how Milan’s Caribbean roots and NYC upbringing shaped her sound—from soca to Jersey club to futuristic bass. Miss Milan also shares her take on Doechii’s genre-bending live sets, how she builds her own mixes, and what not to request when she's spinning. From Doechii's live sets to her creative process, handling song requests, and the best events she's ever DJed. Tune in for a deep dive into the world of The Fairy Vibe Mother! With stories about the best parties she’s ever DJed, her dream events, and how she maintains her creative flow behind the booth, this episode is a must-watch for fans of female DJs, Gen Z nightlife, and the women shaping the next wave of global dance culture. Known for spinning for artists like Doechii and blessing festivals like Essence Fest, Miss Milan reflects on how her Caribbean-American upbringing, Brooklyn’s evolving soundscape, and early musical influences shaped her unique sonic signature.

On this episode of To Be Clear, hosts Dawn Montgomery and Freddie B TV break down the hottest headlines—from Klay Thompson and Megan Thee Stallion going Instagram-official with PDA shots from the Bahamas leading to gossip about Klay Thompson's and Megan Thee Stallion's dating history. Surprise hip‑hop concerts at SeaWorld, featuring artists like Soulja Boy, Bow Wow, Waka Flocka Flame, and the Ying Yang Twins for a fresh “SeaWorld hip hop concert series” angle. They also highlight Angel Reese’s historic NBA 2K26 WNBA edition cover, celebrating her milestone in racial and female athlete representation and dive into Kai Cenat’s rapid rise—using strategies from YouTube and Twitch that propelled him onto Time’s creator list. The episode takes a real‑world turn with a critical conversation about estate planning and preserving generational wealth. With only ~33–45% of Americans having a will or trust Dawn and Freddie discuss how you can help protect your loved ones, especially when it comes to preserving family homes.

Is this the messiest summer in Black celebrity history? 🫣 On this episode of To Be Clear, hosts Dawn Montgomery (Mississippi native + sports journalism vet) and FreddieBTV (Houston’s own culture commentator) unpack the internet-breaking feud between LeBron James and Drake, sparked by LeBron’s public support of Kendrick Lamar’s “Not Like Us.” What started as a courtside cosign has fans and pundits wondering: did LeBron pick a side in one of hip-hop’s biggest beefs? Then, the duo pivots into the Diddy civil trial verdict and what it signals for power, accountability, and celebrity protection culture in Black entertainment. How is the media narrative shifting? What responsibility do legacy outlets and new creators have? Finally, Dawn and Freddie reflect on Naomi Osaka’s emotional Wimbledon journey and her struggles with self-esteem—an honest reflection on motherhood, public pressure, and the long-term mental health impact of elite performance. From Osaka’s Olympic-era exit to her recent advocacy, the episode offers a grounded conversation on vulnerability, fame, and identity.

Hollywood veteran Malcolm D. Lee—director of The Best Man, Girls Trip, and Space Jam: A New Legacy—joins hosts Dawn Montgomery and FreddieBTV for a rich episode of To Be Clear. This week, the acclaimed filmmaker breaks down the debut of his new Best Man book trilogy, opening up about filmmaking, black masculinity, and his new boo First up, Dawn and Freddie wade into their Temperature Check with Malcolm D. Lee. Then, the crew tackles Target’s controversial return to Essence Fest—are big brands really supporting Black communities or cashing in on the culture? From viral tweets to emotional gaps in the 2025 NBA Draft, the team explores generational wealth, stoic athletes, and fatherhood in pro sports before diving deep into Malcolm’s personal reflections on masculinity and mental health—a recurring thread across his filmography. Finally, Lee unpacks his new book Unfinished Business, co-written with Jayne Allen, which extends the Best Man saga beyond the screen. For longtime fans of Harper, Jordan, Quentin, and the crew, this next chapter promises deeper emotional arcs and intimate revelations. Malcolm D. Lee discusses how he uses his stories to make it easier for black men to discuss mental health and emotional challenges.