SUPER BOWL SOULFUL CELEBRATION 25TH ANNIVERSARY: Red Carpet Recap

NFL STARS SHINE BRIGHT: SUPER BOWL SOULFUL CELEBRATION HOSTED BY CEDRIC THE ENTERTAINER AND TICHINA ARNOLD HONORS C.J. STROUD, DAMAR HAMLIN, MARKQUESE BELL, NATE BURLESON, AND ESSENCE GLASS CEILING BREAKER AWARDEES DASHA SMITH, KIMBERLY FIELDS, AND SANDRA DOUGLASS MORGAN.

Super Bowl Soulful Celebration, formerly Super Bowl Gospel Celebration (SBGC), is founded and executive produced by Atlanta-based marketing consultant Melanie Few. Conceived in 1999 as a gospel brunch in Miami, Super Bowl Soulful Celebration continues as the only multicultural program and inspirational event sanctioned by the NFL during Super Bowl weekend. The evening brings together an ensemble of NFL players, gospel/contemporary Christian performers, comedy, and award-winning musicians spanning all genres on one stage for a spectacular show filled with song, hope, laughter, and uplifting messages of inspiration.

JUST BELIEVE: THE SUPER BOWL SOULFUL CELEBRATION 25TH ANNIVERSARY SCORES BIG WITH 25 YEARS OF STAR POWER

THE SUPER BOWL SOULFUL CELEBRATION 25th ANNIVERSARY prepares to illuminate screens nationwide for its Silver Anniversary broadcast as a special one-hour program on CBS Television Network* on Saturday night, February 10, at 8 pm ET/7C.

Taped in front of a live audience on Wednesday, Feb. 7 at Pearl Concert Theater, Palms Casino Resort during Super Bowl LVIII week, this milestone event is hosted by the dynamic duo of Cedric the Entertainer and Tichina Arnold, stars of the CBS hit series “THE NEIGHBORHOOD.” Anchored in the theme of “Just Believe,” the show features performances from artists T-Pain, Rachel Platten, and Mickey Guyton, who join previously announced acts Earth, Wind & Fire, Kirk Franklin, Mary Mary, Robin Thicke, and The Players Choir are in the blockbuster talent lineup. Resonating with faith, football, and the belief that every obstacle can be transformed into an opportunity for greatness, this celebration of music is also a testament to the power of collaboration between art and corporate goodwill. A diverse slate of corporate and philanthropic partners have joined the broadcast, adding to its depth and meaning with a series of uniquely sponsored segments.

Crown Royal, a brand rooted in generosity, will present the “Lifetime of Inspiration” award to former partner, NFL player, CBS Mornings Co-Host and Host of NFL Today, Nate Burleson. Crown Royal will make a meaningful donation of $25,000 from The Crown Royal Generosity Fund to an organization personally selected by Mr. Burleson. Nate, a symbol of inspiration on and off the field, will receive this prestigious honor presented by football legend Fred Taylor. Amazon Prime steps forward to present the “New Beginnings” spotlight, honoring Buffalo Bills player Damar Hamlin. His story of resilience and family triumph will be shared in a powerful segment, reflecting the spirit of overcoming obstacles and finding new beginnings. C.J. Stroud, a rising star from the Houston Texans, will be honored with the esteemed “Faith in Action” Award. This recognition underscores his commitment to philanthropy and community service through the C.J. Stroud Foundation, which has become a force for meaningful change and exemplifies the profound impact athletes can have in creating a better world.

P&G brands play a significant role in shaping the SUPER BOWL SOULFUL CELEBRATION 25TH ANNIVERSARY experience. Leading the way is Febreze, bringing its unique touch to the celebration with an electrifying performance by the legendary Kirk Franklin and the all-NFL Players Choir, featuring the Southern University ‘Human Jukebox’ Band Drumline. In addition, Febreze proudly collaborates with the talented Howard University alumna designer, Rachel Motley, to create custom-designed cardigans that add a stylish and distinctive flair to the musical experience, ensuring that the performers are “Fresh as Febreze” while on stage. Mielle and King C. Gillette will host a beauty and grooming lounge to get all of the honorees and performers ready for their big moment.

Super Bowl Soulful Celebration will introduce the inaugural “ESSENCE Glass Ceiling Breaker Award presented by Mielle.” This award, as part of ESSENCE Black Women in Sports, recognizes outstanding women of color who have shattered barriers in the NFL and will be introduced by Caroline Wanga, ESSENCE Ventures President & Chief Executive Officer. Monique Rodriguez, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Mielle, will present this prestigious award to honorees Dasha Smith and Kimberly Fields from the NFL, and Sandra Douglas of the Las Vegas Raiders. These women, excelling in the field of sports, have paved the way for many others. The award presentation is a momentous highlight, continuing Mielle’s focus on inclusion and empowerment. In addition to music, the broadcast highlights partnerships, shared values, and a commitment to uplifting communities. Lexus brings its ethos of blending performance and soulful experiences, becoming a resonant voice in the celebration. Comforting Peanut Butter M&M’s will sponsor the “HBCU Spotlight,” shining a light on Markquese Bell, a Dallas Cowboys star and HBCU graduate of FAMU. Vibrant Emotional Health and former NFL player Brandon Marshall, CEO of I Am Athlete, share a powerful message on mental fitness with a call-to-action urging viewers to dial 988 if experiencing mental health challenges. The Huntsman Family Foundation, a Utah-based nonprofit, stands up for mental wellness and eradicating stigma, aligning its mission with a dedicated on-stage moment and message of hope presented by James Brown, veteran sportscaster and host of NFL Today.

In this collective moment, the Super Bowl Soulful Celebration amplifies a message of compassion and support. Disney helped Atlanta Falcons player Calais Campbell and his non-profit Charles Richard Campbell Foundation to create a magical experience, gifting a deserving family with a once-in-a-lifetime vacation to Disney World. Palms Casino Resort serves as the sponsor for red-carpet arrivals, adding an extra layer of glamour to the festivities. PlayersTV and Lionsgate will also play a vital role in supporting and enhancing the evening, contributing to the tapestry of the SUPER BOWL SOULFUL CELEBRATION 25th ANNIVERSARY. For a quarter-century, THE SUPER BOWL SOULFUL CELEBRATION has captured the hearts of millions through the shared love of music, faith, and the exhilaration of football. Bridging cultures and igniting inspiration, the Super Bowl LVIII-sanctioned special brings together NFL players with award-winning artists and acclaimed musicians from diverse genres onto a single stage. The result is an unforgettable evening that transcends boundaries and remains the sole multicultural and inspirational program sanctioned by the NFL during the electrifying Super Bowl week.

Tickets for THE SUPER BOWL SOULFUL CELEBRATION 25th ANNIVERSARY are on sale now and available to the public via Ticketmaster.com. Additionally, to mark this special occasion, exclusive commemorative 25th Anniversary limited-edition merchandise is available via the event’s official website SuperBowlSoulful.com, or on-site at the special taping in Las Vegas, allowing attendees to take home a piece of this historic celebration. Follow us @superbowlsoulful for updates and information. THE SUPER BOWL SOULFUL CELEBRATION 25th ANNIVERSARY is executive produced by Melanie Few, with Valarie Benning Thompson serving as producer. Veteran television creative Leon Knoles serves as Director, with Grammy-nominated artist Adam Blackstone serving as music director. *Paramount+ with SHOWTIME subscribers will have access to stream live via the live feed of their local CBS affiliate on the service. Paramount+ Essential subscribers will not have the option to stream live but will have access to on-demand on Pluto TV and CBS.com the day after the special airs.

About Super Bowl Soulful Celebration

SUPER BOWL SOULFUL CELEBRATION, formerly Super Bowl Gospel Celebration (SBGC), was founded and executive produced by Atlanta-based marketing consultant Melanie Few. Conceived in 1999 as a gospel brunch in Miami, Super Bowl Soulful Celebration continues as the only multicultural program and inspirational event sanctioned by the NFL during Super Bowl weekend. The evening brings together an ensemble of NFL players, gospel/contemporary Christian performers, comedy, and award-winning musicians spanning all genres on one stage for a spectacular show filled with song, hope, laughter, and uplifting messages of inspiration. For more information and updates, visit SuperBowlSoulful.com or follow @superbowlsoulful on social media platforms.

How To Find Your Ideal Type of Music

Music is something that many people find to be an incredibly important part of their lives. It’s something that makes them happy (even boosting their mood when they’re feeling down), it can help relax them, and it’s even something that can help with creativity or exercise. It’s motivating and, above all, it’s fun. 

Yet there are so many different styles of music in the world that it can be hard to work out what’s going to make you happiest and what’s going to be the most fun. Although it’s fine to like lots of different styles of music (and many people do), if you can work out what your favorite is – the ideal style for you – then you’ll always know precisely what to listen to when you need a boost. With that in mind, read on to find out more about how to find your ideal type of music. 

Photo by cottonbro studio

Think About Yourself 

One way to find your ideal type of music is to think about yourself and engage in some self-reflection. When you think about your particular personality, your emotions, and what you just like in general, you might be able to narrow down your music choices and listen to the things that really speak to you and mean a lot, rather than things that don’t do a lot to or for you, even if they’re pleasant enough to hear. Perhaps you’re an extroverted persona who’s energetic and loves dancing. In that case, you might like a different style of music compared with someone who is more introverted and likes to listen to music rather than move to it. 

When you understand more about how music makes you feel, and you know more about yourself, you’ll be able to match these two things up so that the music you listen to helps to give you the peace, happiness, and solace you’re looking for. 

Try Different Genres

Just because you’ve always listened to one particular type of music, that doesn’t mean it’s the one that’s going to be best for you. It can almost become a habit when you turn on the radio or download a song to ensure it’s in the genre that everything else in your collection is in.  

But what if you changed that? What if you decided that you would try an entirely different genre instead? You could search for the best music torrenting sites and find all kinds of new styles of music there with easy access. Pick one to begin with that you’ve never listened to before, and see what you can find. Not only will this be fun, but it will teach you a lot about music in general too. Of course, you might find that your old favourite genre is actually best, but equally, you might find something you like better that you would never have tried before if you didn’t specifically go exploring. 

Learn About Music History 

Understanding the origins of certain types of music and how that style has changed and evolved over the years can be fascinating, and it’s a great way to find new genres that might appeal to you. You can research the genres that you listen to most and then start to think about other types of music – you might even find they’re all linked in some way to help you determine what to look into next. Gaining this knowledge won’t just give you more appreciation for the music itself, but it will give you a good amount of insight into the emotions and themes you’ll find in the music too, and that can really mean a lot. 

Take classical music, for example. That has a long history that dates back many centuries, and there are some massively influential composers involved, like Mozart, Beethoven, and Bach, for example. Or what about jazz? Jazz has roots in African American history, and again, it goes back a long way, giving you a chance to understand more about all kinds of history from around the world and in various time periods. 

Go To Live Performances 

There’s something really special about live performances that can elevate any piece of music into something wonderful. That’s why it’s a good idea to go to as many concerts, musicals, and other events as you can. Not only will you hear the music, but you’ll see it performed, and that can give you a lot of information about how the piece has been created, and if the performer is putting energy and emotion into the song, it’s even better, and will stay with you for a long time. 

Try to see live events that encompass lots of genres, and go to small local gigs as well as big arena-based ones. You’ll be able to immerse yourself in the music, connect with the rest of the audience, and you might find a new style of music to love.

Reality Star Destiny Payton Selected As Newest Ambassador for Atlanta Fibroid Center 

According to the National Institutes of Health, up to 80% of women will have uterine fibroids before reaching the age of 50, with an even larger percentage in African American women. Uterine fibroid embolization (UFE) pioneer Dr. John Lipman, MD, FSIR, is continuing to lead the charge in educating women about non-surgical treatment options for fibroids by signing Serial Entrepreneur, Singer, and Love and Marriage: Huntsville cast member Destiny Payton as an ambassador for the Atlanta Fibroid Center. As an ambassador, Destiny will publicly speak regarding her personal journey with fibroids and increase the awareness of nonsurgical treatment options like UFE. Dr. Lipman and Destiny initially met in 2022 while attending Cynthia Bailey’s4th Annual Fibroid Awareness Brunch, where Destiny became inspired to speak transparently on her personal struggle with fibroids and infertility. Cynthia Bailey found her fibroid relief with UFE with Dr. Lipman which was chronicled on Season 6 of Real Housewives of Atlanta.

“I’m so excited about this journey. I’ve been speaking with so many women who are in need of this information.” – Destiny Payton

Destiny is one of many African American women who suffered from uterine fibroids and was told by a previous doctor that a hysterectomy was her best option for treatment. Destiny understood that hysterectomy was a permanent solution, but losing her uterus was too big a price to pay; even if she didn’t have a child. Fortunately, she held out and was blessed with a son (who’s now 2 years old). “The doctor told me a hysterectomy was my best treatment option, and I just did not believe that. It felt like a fear tactic”, says Destiny.

“Numerous studies have shown that most women suffering with uterine fibroids will be given only the surgical options and not told about UFE”, says Dr. Lipman. “The uterus provides many other important functions outside of childbearing. Women should not have to lose their uterus in order to successfully treat a benign condition (fibroids). Women are entitled to know all of their options and not just the surgical ones.” Dr. Lipman speaks from over 30 years of experience, as the Founder and Medical Director of the Atlanta Fibroid Center, a state-of-the-art medical facility specializing in the non-surgical treatment of uterine fibroids. To date, Dr. Lipman has performed close to 10,000 uterine fibroid embolization procedures (UFEs), making him the world’s most experienced UFE physician. With Destiny on board, it is hoped that awareness for the UFE procedure and its accessibility will be enhanced greatly.

Dr. Lipman and Destiny have created ‘Dear Destiny’, a weekly Instagram livestream where they will connect and answer questions regarding uterine fibroids and procedures available to treat them. The livestreams will premiere in Summer 2023. Additionally, Destiny is offering a giveaway for a livestream participant to receive a free consultation by Dr. Lipman at the Atlanta Fibroid Center. “Our goal is to specifically target women who do not have accessibility to medical options outside of having hysterectomies and major surgeries”, says Dr. Lipman. For more information on fibroids, the UFE procedure, and updates, visit the official Atlanta Fibroid Center website at www.ATLii.com,and by following Dr. John Lipman on Instagram @dr_lipman.

All media inquiries should be directed to PRTeam@epimediagroup.com.

American Rock Legend STYX Performs At Wild Adventures Theme Park

The Wild Adventures LIVE! concert series presented by Valdosta TKO Nissan continues Saturday, April 22 as STYX takes the stage at the Wild Adventures Amphitheater.

American rock legends and multimillion-selling group STYX have recently released their 16th studio album The Mission. Drawing from over four decades of barn-burning chart hits, joyous singalongs, and hard-driving deep cuts, STYX promises an unforgettable performance for fans of all ages. Audiences can look forward to hits such as “Lady”, “Blue Collar Man”, “Lady”, “Come Sail Away” and “Renegade” to the Wild Adventures Amphitheater stage.

The concert is scheduled for Saturday, April 22 at 8 p.m. General Admission to the concert is included free with a 2023 Season Pass, and Gold and Diamond Passholders can purchase Reserved Concert Seats for just $5 in advance. Guests who do not have a 2023 Season Pass can purchase General Admission to the concert for $10 and Reserved Concert Seats for as low as $15 as an additional cost to park admission.

Before the STYX concert, guests can enjoy a live performance from Jacksonville, Florida southern rock group Whiskey Heart at the Water’s Edge Stage from 4 to 7 p.m. “Water’s Edge Brews and Bites serves freshly baked hand-rolled pretzels, local draft beer from Georgia Beer Company and refreshing wine slushies,” said Adam Floyd, sales and marketing director. “It’s the perfect spot to relax along the lake with refreshments and live music in between thrills and splashes in the park and a world-class concert from STYX.”

Families can enjoy every Wild Adventures LIVE! concert and unlimited visits to Wild Adventures Theme Park and Splash Island Water Park all season with a 2023 Season Pass on sale now at WildAventures.com.

Wild Adventures Theme Park is located at the halfway point between Atlanta, Ga. and Orlando, Fl. off Interstate 75 and is home to more than 40 family and thrill rides, hundreds of exotic animals, dozens of concerts and special events each year and Splash Island Waterpark, named as one of the “Top 30 Waterparks” in the country by U.S. News and World Report. Wild Adventures is ranked as one of the Most Affordable Theme Parks in America by Travel + Leisure, one of the Top 10 Most Affordable Water and Theme Parks in the U.S. by AOL.com and the Top Theme Park Deal in Georgia by Yahoo! Finance.

Covergirl Alexis Skyy: Journey to Transformation, Healing, and Success

Pivoting from a cast member of Love and Hip-Hop to the emerging multifaceted businesswoman gracing our timelines today, Alexis Skyy literally started her spiritual transformation right before our eyes. Accrediting her daughter with being a major influence for her holistic transformation, she has intuitively created the haircare line, The Hair Pot as an initial generational wealth builder for her firstborn Alaiya Grace.

Not only is Alexis curating ventures in hair care, real estate investment, and fashion, but the highlight of her journey is she is bringing other women along for the ride to spiritual healing. Creating safe, digital, and in-person spaces for trauma survivors to speak openly of their past experiences, Alexis is utilizing her platform of over 5 million followers to be an inspiration to women young and old.

Mariah Carey Shares Photo With Daughter in NYC

Mariah Carey shares a photo with her daughter Monroe as they were in NYC on Saturday, October 22nd, 2022.

PHOTO CREDIT: Mariah Carey via Twitter
About Mariah Carey
MARIAH CAREY is an author, entrepreneur, philanthropist, producer and multiple award-winning artist and songwriter. She is the best-selling female artist of all time with more than 200 million albums sold to-date and 19 Billboard Hot 100 #1 singles (18 of which are self-penned) – more than any solo artist in history. With her distinct five-octave vocal range, prolific songwriting, and producing talent, Carey is truly the template of the modern pop performance. Mariah is also an inductee to the Songwriters Hall of Fame, and has been recognized with multiple Grammy Awards, numerous American Music Awards, three Guinness World Record titles, both Billboard’s “Artist of the Decade” and “Icon” awards, the World Music Award for “World’s Best Selling Female Artist of the Millennium,” the Ivor Novello Award for “PRS for Music Special International Award,” and BMI’s “Icon Award” for her outstanding achievements in songwriting, to name a few.                                                        

Carey’s cultural impact has transcended the music industry to leave an indelible imprint upon the world at large. In 2009, Carey was recognized with the Breakthrough Performance Award at the Palm Spring International Film Festival for her critically acclaimed role in Lee Daniels’ “Precious.” A Congressional Award recipient, Carey has selflessly donated her time and energy to a range of philanthropic causes near to her heart including Save the Music, the Make-A-Wish Foundation, World Hunger Relief, and the Elton John AIDS Foundation, among many others. A tremendous supporter of children’s charities, both domestic and international, Carey founded Camp Mariah in partnership with the Fresh Air Fund, a retreat for inner city children to explore career development. In 2020, Mariah’s riveting memoir The Meaning of Mariah Carey was recognized as a New York Times #1 bestseller upon release. In 2021 she announced the launch of her foray into the world of spirits with Black Irish – an Irish cream with a name that serves as a playful nod to her family heritage.

Access205 Magic City Classic Entertainment Guide 2022

The Magic City Classic is the largest historically black college and university (HBCU) football game in the country.

Alabama A&M University and Alabama State University play in the game annually at Legion Field in Birmingham, Alabama, and the winner could potentially earn a spot in the SWAC.

It’s not too late to purchase tickets (click on the images) and view the guide below.

Access205 Entertainment Guide:

1.  BBQ and Blues Festival with The Manhattans
Sunday, October 23th from 12 pm – 4 pm

2.  Stop The Violence featuring Master P
Tuesday, October 25th starting at 6 pm

3.  Alumni Block Party
Wednesday, October 26th, 7 pm – 10 pm

4.  2022 IGNITE Empowerment Summit (click on the image)
Tuesday, October 25th from 8 am – 3 pm

5.  Stokley Magic City Classic Tailgate Festival
Thursday, October 27th; Gates Open at 4 pm | Event Starts at 6 pm

6.  Magic City Classic Giveaway Wednesdays
** Online **

7.  The Ultimate King of Pop Experience
Thursday, October 27th Doors Open at 6 pm | Starts at 7 pm

8.  Magic City Classic Afrobeats Party by AfroLuzionz (click on the image)
Saturday, October 29th at 10:30 p.m. – Sunday, October 30th at 4 pm

9.  Magic City Classic Weekend “5th Annual” Friday Night Soiree at The Harbert (click on the image)
Friday, October 28th at 9 pm – Saturday, October 29th at 2:30 am

10.  Rickey Smiley Morning Show Live
Thursday, October 27th from 5 am – 9 am

11.  Welcome to Birmingham The Opening Ceremony (click on the image)
Thursday, October 27th from 8:30 pm to 12 am

12.  Thursday Night Live Karaoke Showcase (click on the image)
Thursday, October 27th from 6:30 pm – 7:30 pm

13. The Classic Kid Capri Party (click on the image)
Friday, October 28th from 9 pm – 2 am

14.  Sunshine and Wine
Friday, October 28th, 2 pm – 7 pm

15.  11th Annual Battle of The Choirs
Wednesday, 26th Doors Open at 6 pm

16.  Stardome Featuring:  Rod Man (click on the image)
Friday, October 28 – Saturday, October 30 | Doors Open at 5:45 pm, Show Starts at 7 pm

17.  Behind The Mask
Wednesday, October 26th Doors Open at 5 pm | Show Starts at 6 pm

18.  Magic City Classic Post-Game Concert
Saturday, October 29th

19.  McDonald’s MAGIC CITY CLASSIC 2022 (click on the image)
Tailgate starts at 10 am – 2 pm | Game begins at 2:30 pm

Additional Events for The Season:

Music Fest:  Turkey Day Classic 2022
Wednesday, November 23rd
Doors Open at 7 pm | Showtime at 8 pm

Access205, LLC. is a social media advertising and email blast company that specializes in designing and managing e-mail blast campaigns for events and businesses in Bham, AL. With our email blast campaigns and flyer distribution, your business and/ or events will receive great exposure and experience an increase among current customers and potential customers.

Kimberly West Agency™ is a boutique public relations firm specializing in brand design, image consulting, influencer marketing, media relations, social media planning, and special events planning.

Collaborative Post

Le Diner en Blanc Birmingham 2022: The City’s Elegant All-White Picnic

Elegance was the word used to describe Le Diner en Blanc Birmingham 2022.  On September 17th, the magic city was engulfed with several surprises during this exclusive event!

Arrivées

Table Leaders were amazed to arrive with their assigned group at Railroad Park.  For those that don’t know, Railroad Park is located in the heart of downtown Birmingham.  It was the PERFECT location for the elegant, all-white picnic!

Additionally, guests came together underneath the stars and gathered to live music, a 360 photo booth, and an adult moon bounce.  The best surprise was the giant hot air balloon that even captured the attention of the local news station, asking, “What is happening in the city tonight?”

Le Diner En Blanc Birmingham was hosted by the event management company, Destination Birmingham, owned by Jasmine and Lynda Allen.  The dynamic team not only coordinated the entire event but manages a group of dedicated volunteers!

La Conclusion

Above all, Le Diner En Blanc Birmingham was a successful and enchanting evening for those in Alabama.

Le Dîner en Blanc Birmingham

Photo Credit: Le Dîner en Blanc

 

Le Diner en Blanc Pro-Tip (s)!

  • Register with an email account that receives messages.
  • Guests should arrive in comfortable shoes and change for photos.
  • Try not to overcomplicate the packing process; have the DEB essentials.
  • Dress according to the weather in your region.
  • Do not forget to pack your umbrella.
  • Be mindful of the beverage selections but remember that you can bring your own sodas/water.
  • Purchase your cart, chairs, wagon, and table three weeks prior to the event.
  • Do not wear off-white; this is an all-white affair.
Diner en Blanc Traditions Birmingham
Le Dîner en Blanc is an elegant large-scale picnic from Paris

Most importantly, remember that Le Diner en Blanc is what you make of it!  jusqu’à la prochaine fois

If you like this post, click here:  Le Diner en Blanc Birmingham 2021- The Magic City Sparkled #DEBBHAM

Rapper Ye, Formerly Known As Kanye West Interview with ABC News Live

In case you missed it, this morning on “Good Morning America,” a portion of ABC News Live Prime Anchor Linsey Davis’ interview with Ye aired. In the clip, Ye discussed his social media use, co-parenting and more.

Watch more on ABC News Live tonight at 7 p.m. ET and tonight on “Nightline.””A Conversation with Ye: Linsey Davis Reporting,” a half-hour special on ABC News Live, airs at 8:30 p.m. ET and streams later on Hulu.

WATCH: https://gma.abc/3LwNkx2

Credit “ABC News//Good Morning America”

Ye opens up in ABC News exclusive interview

By Mark Guarino, Katie Conway

Ye said he has “new respect” for ex-wife Kim Kardashian and felt sorrow for causing stress in the relationship since Kardashian filed for divorce in February 2021.

“This is the mother of my children, and I apologize for any stress that I have caused, even in my frustration, because God calls me to be stronger,” Ye, the recording artist and entrepreneur formerly known as Kanye West, said in an exclusive morning interview that aired Thursday on “Good Morning America.” “I need this person to be less stressed and of the best, sound mind and as calm as possible to be able to raise those children at the end of the day.”

In a wide-ranging interview that covered Donda Academy, a school he started in California, to his plans to once again run for president, Ye repeatedly circled back to the responsibility that he has as a celebrity and his insistence that he have a say in the future of the four children he fathered with the global social media and reality TV star.

“As a dad and as a Christian. And I have a right to have a voice on what my kids are wearing, what they’re watching, what they’re eating,” he said. “I have a platform where I get to say what so many dads can’t say out loud.”

Ye said he “absolutely” wants his children to attend Donda Academy, “a gospel school” he created named after Donda West, his late mother who chaired the Department of English, Communications, Media Arts and Theatre at Chicago State University on Chicago’s South Side. She died in 2007.

“I’m their dad. It has to be co-parenting. It’s not up to only the woman. Like, men have a choice also. Men’s voices matter,” he said.

The private school, which Ye said was originally named the Yeezy Christian Academy, is located in Simi Valley, California. According to the school’s website, the academy’s mission is to help students “learn fundamentals, grow in their faith, and experience two enrichment classes.”

Ye said the school gives “kids practical tools that they need in a world post the iPhone being created.” He said the school is in its third year and has an enrollment of 82 students.

“So many schools are made to set kids up for industries that don’t even matter anymore,” he said, pointing out that the focus areas of the school is “on practical skills” such as engineering, computer programming and farming. He added that the school has tutors who focus on specific areas and could “actually turn your kids into, like, geniuses.”

“And if your kids are geniuses … they’re three grade levels ahead,” he added.

Ye told ABC News he hired a female basketball coach to help improve the skills of North, his 9-year-old daughter. He also helps coach North “every morning,” he said. The effort, Ye added, showed dramatic results. “She trained every day and I really stayed on her. And when she came back, she had the confidence,” he said.

Ye, who created the fashion brand Yeezy, also addressed the dissolving of his partnership with the Gap. Last week, Ye sent the Gap a letter terminating the 10-year partnership, saying the clothing retailer breached its contract to sell his Yeezy Gap line of apparel. Ye said he plans to open his own line of stores simply called YZY.

Mark Breitbard, Gap brand president and CEO, said the company and West are “not aligned” in how they work together, according to a memo sent to employees and reviewed by the Wall Street Journal. “Simply put…while we share a vision how we work together to deliver this vision is not aligned,” Breitbard wrote, according to the Journal.

It was all kind of a disregard for the voice of something that I co-created.

In addition to criticizing the Gap, Ye has recently criticized Adidas, a retailer that carries his apparel. Ye has been working with the athletic brand since their partnership was announced in 2016, but lashed out at Adidas when the brand released its Adilette 22 sandals, which resemble Ye’s Yeezy slides. Ye called their footwear “a fake Yeezy.”

“It was all kind of a disregard for the voice of something that I co-created. I co-created the product at Adidas. I co-created the product at Gap,” Ye said.

“That means that I was there for some specific agenda, not for Yeezy Gap to be everything that it could be, or this dream that I had about what the Gap could be,” he said. “It’s time for me to make my own thing.”

Adidas Chief Executive Kasper Rorsted said in August that West was probably the most important partner the company had, according to the Wall Street Journal. Adidas is trying to find a path toward continuing the partnership, the paper reported.

Since his ongoing battle with Adidas, Ye said he’s determined to learn more about what goes on behind the scenes of his brand.

“We had to level up,” Ye said. “Really show ’em who’s the new boss in town, that I’m the boss of me. I’m no longer just the man ridin’ atop the polo horse. I’m not just a mascot in the middle of the games, gettin’ the crowd hyped up sayin’, ‘Hey, wear this, do this,’ but you know, just learn financial engineering. Learn how to — learn how to really run a company.”

Ye added that he plans to move forward with an Oct. 3 fashion show in Paris that was initially planned in conjunction with the Gap. He secured a new producer for the event, he said, via Instagram.

Today, YZY Gap engineered by Balenciaga announced a new line of outerwear and knitwear, which will be made available online. YZY Gap engineered by Balenciaga also announced that YZY Gap will be available at stores outside of the U.S. for the first time at Gap’s Tokyo and Shanghai flagship stores.

Potentially, another presidential run

In November 2020, Ye conceded his run for president. He had loaned $6.8 million to his 2020 presidential committee, essentially self-funding his campaign during the first month and a half of his run, according to a Federal Election Commission disclosure filing.

Ye said he “absolutely” plans to run for president again but did not specify when.

“That time wasn’t in God’s time,” he said.

Ye said he is often misunderstood because of his adamancy for his Christian faith, which drives him to perform “Sunday Service” with a gospel choir at different locations around the U.S. He said he’s a “radical” for wanting to promote “the idea of family, the idea of God, the idea of protecting your children’s innocence for as long as possible.”

“When you remove the love and fear of God, you open up the love and fear of everything else. And it’s easier to have sheep when people don’t have God. It’s easier to control the people if people are not controlled by God. Because then they can be controlled by how many likes they have or whatever’s happening on their TikTok or how much money or the perception that people have,” he said.

“But we only have one audience here and that audience is God. And He’s watching us at all times,” Ye said. “He’s got my back.”