"Unbroken Threads: A Woman's Journey Through Hardship and Purpose"

Get Lit!

I turn in early so that I can be ready for my 6 am call time. It's around midnight, I am knocked out and calling hogs when my phone rings. I'm pissed until she informs me that joining me for the interviews this week will be (Drum roll, please!) Classix.

Morning arrives and I am awake earlier than I've been in 10 years and on my way to the 99.9 studios to interview with the "Get Lit in the Morning." The show is meant to inspire people to be on fire for God straight out of the gate. I arrived first at 5:30 in the morning, 30 minutes before my call time.

I was greeted by Melinda (the PR Rep) The morning show cast was already on air and talking about our event. At about 15 minutes til, Melinda steps outside to take a call. 2 minutes later she walks in and who's that walking in behind her? Classix, y'all! I immediately rise to my feet as we greet one another. (did I push Melinda out of the way? Oops, I think that I may have! Sorry, girl!) Classix is looking extremely dapper today.

Classix and I are waiting to be called for our interview. Small talk ensues. We talk about the show and what type of food we're serving at the event. I didn't realize that we were serving food but immediately said soul food. Then in unison, we said, "Mac n' Cheese." (Jinx, you owe me a kiss) Just then, Melinda, who in my opinion was (blocking) handed us our cue cards to reference during the interview. Honestly, I didn't even glance at them as I was busy taking in the view.

Classix was even more beautiful in person and he smelt delicious. It was time. We began to walk towards the studio. Melinda went in before us, it was just me, Classix once again. I was so anxious that I fiddled with my hands and began pacing the hallway like a dog that needed to pee. Embarrassing.

What happens when your nerves start acting up? Yep, you guessed it! The urge to poop. Could things get any worse? This was my first ever interview and I was gonna spend it on the toilet. As I was about to run for the border, Classix stopped me, grabbed both my hands, and said let's pray. Instantly, the urge to poop went away. (Thank you, Jesus!) (unfortunately) my wedding band had been misplaced somewhere between Florida and New York so, there were no obvious signs that I was a married woman. (I know that's a little messed up but, if it's wrong...) Pray for me! (I rebuke you Satan in the name of Jesus!)

Here we were standing in the hall outside of the studio. We began to pray and thank God for the opportunity. In less than a minute we are wired and ready to begin the interview. The DJ just finished playing a mashup of Gospel hits. The show begins with the cast introducing us and relevant event info; date, time, location, artists performing, etc. The hosts plan to have us tell them more about it but, first, they ask me about my favorite Classix track.

"Mrs. Right," I replied (I didn't miss a beat). I loved the song "Mrs. Right" so much that I had written a poem in response to the song back in 2019 when it was released. I titled it; "I'll be that!" (Catchy, Right?) They all respond with excitement, whooping, and asking me to recite it. (Nope!) They insist that we do a Collab at the event. I look at Classix and say, "What do you think, can we make that happen?" Classix responds; we can definitely make that happen. (O---K!)

One of the show's hosts DJ Jazzy Stylez gets on the mic and poses the question of why I chose Classix to be a part of this event. (I can't tell if she is giving me the side-eye or trying to hook a Sista up) My answer; He's fly. Not only is he a multi-faceted talent but he is one of my favorite emcees. To have Classix here next to me now; is a dream come true! (Uh-Oh!)

There is nothing but Joy echoing in this room. (I love it) DJ Big Bro asks Classix why he chose to participate in the event. His response was, "I love her work, she's talented and has a beautiful spirit, check her out. At this point, I'm blushing and kekekeing. If he keeps smiling in my direction... (He betta stop!)

Mrs. Right by Classix is now playing in the studio. We are asked to hang out for a few and play a game. (We say "Okay" of course, like we have a choice) What's the game? Finish Line. (Here are the rules) Classix starts it off by spitting a bar about a pre-selected topic (ART) and I must finish the line with a follow-up rhyme. (Finish Line)

(Classix) Afra's like a work of art, that's from the heart; yo she smart and God's got her heart, his word hit her like a dart, Her grace catches your eye as she passes by, it's like a surprise! She caught my eye, she loves God and she so fly, oh my she might be Mrs. Right, my guy! (Did he say what I think he said?) O---K! Now, the spotlight is on me!

(My turn) A hard-working artist, with the hardest rhymes, he's loves thy devine, known worldwide for his climb; He's got a heart for God; for him, it's all God, his all and all; picking him up when he falls, he's tall like a tree with leaves that blow with God's gentle breeze. He moves with dignity...God moves, he moves, just like that!

Mine wasn't as good as Classix but everybody seems to be digging it so it's all good! The game only lasts for less than 30 seconds but it feels like a lifetime to me.

The interview is over. The cast of "Get Lit in the Morning" thanks us for coming and we head out to the lobby. We are joined by Classix's manager and Melinda (the PR Rep). Melinda congratulated us on a successful interview and informed us that we have roughly an hour before we are scheduled to be at the "A Table for 4 with Shelly" set. This time Classix and I will be riding together. That's about 20 minutes of car conversation time. (Lord help me!)