Scheananigans with Scheana Shay - Ta'Rhonda

Episode Date: July 3, 2018

Actress and Rapper Ta’Rhonda Jones and Scheana go over the things they would take to a desert island, the importance of being single to learn who you are, working with Terrance Howard, her love of pranking people, her music career, and some embarrassing Hollywood moments. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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on the survey banner. If you filled out a survey in the past before, we thank you, but we still need you to do it again. So you can do me and podcast one a huge favor by filling it out. Thank you guys for supporting my program and taking the time to complete this survey. From Vanderpump Rules to Vegas and everywhere in between, it's time to party with Sheena Shea. This is Shenanigans. And now, here's your host, Sheena Shea. We're good as gold. Because we're good as gold. All right.

And we're back here getting into some Shenanigans with my friend, actress, looking gorgeous, Miss Tyranda Jones from Empire. What's up? How are you? I'm fantastic. How are you? I'm good. You guys, like, you need to watch the little video clip I'm going to post because her outfit,

her hair, everything. Stop it. I'm looking at your body because I want to, like, take my head and swap our heads so I can have it. I've been working on getting my booty back. I put 10 pounds back on. Yo, I saw a picture you posted on Instagram with the little. Oh yeah, the jumpsuit. And hair. I saw it. It's there.

Working on it. The guys don't hate it. I am single, so. What? Yeah, you're single too, right? I didn't know you were single. Yeah, almost a year. This right? I didn't know you were single. Uh-huh, yeah. Almost a year. This August, it'll be a year. That's so, we gotta go out.

We gotta go get some menses. Seriously. I'm single as a dollar bill. Yes, me too. The next episode of my podcast I'm doing is a singles, like, dating in LA type of episode. Because I'm like, how have I not done that yet? I'm so single Sheena right now. I find that so hard to believe.

Yeah. I didn't know that. No, I was married, divorced, got right into another relationship. That lasted about 10, 11 months. And then that ended. And then I moved to Vegas. I did a show out there. And I learned, again, how much fun being single is.

It is definitely fun, but sometimes when you come home by yourself, it's a little— That's why you got to get a good rotation going, girl. It's a little lonely. Oh, my goodness. Sometimes it's a little lonely, but it's— Monday night, who's coming over? Just kidding. No, but no, it's definitely a good—I've learned it's a good thing being single.

Yes. I've found out who I am as a person. Definitely. Being alone. Yeah. So it's definitely a good thing for a certain period of time. And that's what I needed. I was single from like 20 to 26.

Then the first serious relationship I got in as an adult, I married him. Because I'm like, well, I'm in my mid to late 20s. And I'm grown. Yeah. So that's what you do. That's a natural transition of a relationship. a boyfriend, girlfriend, a fiance, a husband and wife. And then that didn't work out.

And yeah, like I said, I got right back in another one. But then since I've been single, I moved to Vegas. I just started working full time. I now have my podcast here. I'm just so much more focused on myself and my career that I'm enjoying it. And it makes those like lonely nights at home. I'm like, you know, I've learned to enjoy my alone time. I'm like, I need to finish 13 Reasons Why.

And if someone's sitting next to me, I'm not going to be paying attention. My mama, she talks through everything. Yes. Like, shut up. My mom, she gets so annoyed because we'll be watching something and then I'll pause it and let her finish. She's like, you don't have to pause it. I'm like, I'm missing what they're saying. And it was, it was, it was Jersey Shore family vacation.

Okay. But I'm friends with a few of them and I wanted to hear every part of the episode. And so then I rewound it and she gets so annoyed with me. So then she just went and put my dishes away and I was like, okay, do you let me watch my Jersey Shore? Okay. So, um, if you guys don't watch Empire, you should. It's one of the best shows on television. Duh.

So you play Portia Taylor, and you're Taraji's assistant. Correct. Okay, so tell me. On the show. Yes, on the show. On the show. The character she plays. And, okay, so you're a Chicago native.

I am. I know. I love Chicago. Gotta ask, Cubs or White Sox? Cubs. Okay. Same. Same.

But no, but it's a big thing at home because it's like, but you're not from up north. You're a South Sider. You gotta like the Sox. But my grandmother, she grew up, well, I grew up watching her watch the Cubs. So I grew up a big Cubs fan. Yeah. I actually threw out the first pitch for the Cubs one year. Stop it.

Yes, I did. It was amazing. It was the worst pitch ever, but it was amazing. That is such a bucket list thing for me. Like, Dodger Stadium, Angel Stadium, or Wrigleyville, I swear. Like, I went, I have a lot of friends from Chicago. So that's one of my favorite cities to visit. You gotta make it happen.

And we went to a game at Wrigley Field. We were like right behind the dugout. It's just that, it's such an iconic stadium. It was iconic for me because it was literally my first time at a baseball stadium. I've never been to a baseball stadium before. Really? I've never been to a Cubs game. I've never been to a Sox game.

So for me to be able to throw out the first pitch and actually sit down. I had a hot dog. I don't even eat hot dogs. You know what all kind of stuff is a hot dog? But if you're in a baseball game, you gotta get a hot dog. But I had a hot dog. I had my agent with me and we had a grand so it was amazing, man. That's so fun. It was amazing, yeah. Oh my god, I love that. So definitely a Cubs fan. Yeah, when I was

little, I played Little League. I was the only girl on the all-boys team. One of the teams I was on was the Cubs. Oh shit, you got a little time away. Are you okay? So ever since I was little, the Cubs have. I was the only girl on the all-boys team. And one of the teams I was on was the Cubs. Oh, shit. You got a little time on you. You okay? Yeah. So ever since I was little, the Cubs have always been one of my baseball teams. Nice. I rooted for it.

And then World Series a couple years ago. Oh, my God. That game. Did you watch it? Yes. Of course. I mean, just insane. I was in New York.

It was like 1 a.m. when the game was finishing. It was so much fun. But it got crazy because, you know, we have a big parade whenever a Chicago team wins. It was kind of crazy. Yeah. Oh, I can imagine. It was people on light poles. It was 102 years or something?

100 and something. I'm not really sure, but it was 100 and something. But I know it was people on a light pole. I said, how the hell did you get all the way up there? How are you going to get down? Yeah. But it was super dope. It was peaceful.

Good thing it was peaceful, but it was super dope. Yeah. It was super dope. Everybody made a big, big deal out of it. That is. That's a huge deal. That's so cool. Shut up, y'all.

Bucket list. Got to throw out a first pitch. Just putting that out there, baseball teams. Okay, so here at Shenanigans, we like to start with a little game. So I thought doing like an icebreaker game would be fun and not get you into trouble. Because some of the games we play. You think I'm going to get in trouble? No, no, no, no, not with this one.

What kind of game are we playing? Okay, so if you were stranded on a desert island, I'm going to ask you a few things. What or who would you bring? Okay. Okay. What type of music? I love all kinds of music, but I am definitely- Only one, stranded on an island.

R&B, 90s, all day. 90s R&B music. Any musician can be on the island with you, though. Ooh. Who? Ooh. Ooh. Let me see.

Alive or dead? No, I don't want no dead folks with me now. No, I'll stick with the folks that's alive. It would definitely have to be Monica. Okay. I've met her in person, and she is one of the most dopest soul Ever met and not only that she's an amazing thing. I grew up into Monica. Oh me definitely be Monica only we buy Instantly when we form because we only know each other through Instagram. Yeah, we only knew each other through Instagram We will always compliment one another and then when we finally met in person was like finally. Oh my god

Finally, yeah, finally and we kicked it backstage And she was like, finally. I'm like, girl, finally. Yes, finally. And we kicked it backstage. It was a concert in Chicago. And I went. And we just vibed instantly.

We exchanged numbers. And ever since then, it's like, Merry Christmas. Happy New Year. I love that. She's a sweet soul. Every time we do The Boy Is Mine, like karaoke, I always do the Monica part. I've always been the Monica. Nobody want Brandi part. I'll take Brandi's part.

Okay, perfect. We'll save that for later. Okay, if you had to like watch one movie on this deserted island, but like over and over again, because it's the only movie you can watch. Twilight. Ooh, the original? Okay. Shut up!

Team Vampire or werewolf? Yo, I used to wear a shirt that said Team Edward all day long. Oh, my God, I love it. I was Team Edward. When I tell you, and then I was a huge fan of the movie The Lucky One, Zac Efron, only because that was my fairy tale. I always wanted a man to find, like, he literally walked miles to find this woman. And I said, I want somebody to look for me the way Zac Efron looked for this young

lady. I love romantic movies, corny romantic movies. But Twilight, that was my stuff. I love Twilight. The last book that I read fully was a Twilight series. When I tell you I couldn't stop reading them? And I don't read. I wish I

did more and I have this book that I started reading when I was in Vegas and then I was moving for like the last two months and I stopped reading it and I'm really trying to get back on it again. Sylvia Day. Awesome, awesome writer. Write it down. Sylvia Day. Bear to You. And it's like five sequels.

It's amazing. And I recently saw on the internet that she may be making a movie for her books. Oh, dope. It's called Bare to You. I've read all five of them. Okay. No, I'm on the fifth one. I've never read it yet.

I don't know what I'm waiting on. I'm waiting until I get extremely bored to read it. But when I got done with one book, it was literally on to the next one. And I was reading those books within a three day span time. That's how good they are. They're super good. It's super romantic. Okay. Alright, I've

moved to that. It's juicy, it's dark, it's sexy, it's like everything all in one. I like that. Yeah. Alright, TV show. Would it be your own? Um, no. Okay, yeah, I certainly would not have Vanderpump Rules on repeat TV show would it be your own um no okay yeah I certainly would not

have Vanderpump Rules on repeat on a deserted island unfortunately no um I am a huge power fan like I don't know if that's a big

controversy yeah no I'm very good friends with one of the main producers on that show oh good

can they give me a job yeah you know I can talk to them about that no um I think that like power like there's no it's always a cliffhanger always have you on good, ask them, can they give me a job? Yeah. I can talk to them about that. No, I think that like power, like there's no, it's always a cliffhanger,

always have you on the edge of your seat. What was the last show I was watching? Because I don't watch much TV, unfortunately. I don't want to get too sucked in into too much TV now. See, and then you get behind and my DVR is filling up. Yeah, but when there are things that are trending, because I know you're supposed to watch TV, but when there are things that are trending, I say, you know what, let me check it out, and then I'll watch them, you know, when I

get some time, but I'm not a big TV fan. I'm still old school. Like, I literally read the newspaper. Nice. Look for the crossword puzzles. Oh my God, that's awesome. I'm so old. I'm so old. My friend Robbie and I were flying back from Hawaii last month, and I look over, and he's

literally doing a crossword puzzle on the airplane. And I was like- My man. Wow. I was like, and I even, I Snapchatted it. He didn't even know. And I was like, I didn't know people still did these. Yes.

Do not judge. Okay. Do not. That takes brain activity that I think I just don't carry anymore. You got it. Trust me. You got it. I like the word searches, like finding the words and circling them. All that. I was always so good at those. Any word puzzle, any word game, any brain teaser. Yeah. I love it. Trust me. You got it. I like the word searches. Like finding the words and circling them.

Any word puzzle, any word game, any brain teaser. I love those. Okay. Drink. Oh, a caramel macchiato from Starbucks. That's my mom's drink. Is it? Upside down. Or a matcha green tea. Yeah, I love those.

A good old matcha green tea. What, I love those. A good old matcha green tea. Yep. What about food? It definitely have to be spicy. So I would say jerk Caribbean food. I love spicy food. Okay, I love spicy too. You do? I always put so much like red pepper. Oh, that would be amazing. Yeah, I always put so much red pepper in my

pasta when someone else tries to go to take a bite. I'm like, you don't like that, do you? No, don't do it. That's how I don't have to share my food. That's a lot. Feed the booty. Feed the booty. I'll tell you what does that because red pepper ain't going to do it.

The carbs. No. Cheese. I eat so much cheese. My aunt always say, don't eat so much cheese. That also goes to my little gut though. When I have too much cheese. That is the hardest thing to get rid of.

I know, because it's diet. It's exercise also, but it's diet. But squat. Yeah, I do that too. I hate squats. Yeah. Oh, my God. I did this workout class with my girlfriend Brittany the other day.

And honestly, I don't even know what it was called. But it was one of those machines that's like the size of this table. And it's like you do like different like leg things and you're pushing it's like a Pilates like machine it tilts they have this instructor who's like okay 10 more 10 more and it was like I'm still sore that I haven't been to the gym since

this no you're sore listen I did 10 sit ups in my stomach feel like somebody be stepping all on it I'm so literally so my cousin he's like no you gotta do them every day so every day I'll do like 10 yeah I'm like I can't I'm like I know I know I have the time like when I'm just watching TV or listening to music at home I can do it yeah but I never do you need to I've been trying so I have a trainer. He keeps me like... No, you look good, Trina. You look real good. Thank you. I'm wearing clothes.

Covers up all the parts I don't want you to see. You want to talk about spillage? Yep. Okay, last one for the deserted island. Which Empire castmate would you bring with you, and who would be the most useless if they were

there with you? It would definitely be... I would definitely take Gabba race to the bay that's my girl we do everything together uh the most useless yeah you're trying to get me in trouble um mark wanted to know this question i it's definitely i'm gonna say yes i'm gonna say yes only because one day he left me locked in a trailer. Oh, see, you don't want to be on a deserted island with someone who just is going to leave you. I think he was genuinely scared, but I don't know. One day I broke the latch inside my trailer and I was locked in my trailer. His trailer was literally next door from mine.

Oh, my God. So I started banging on the door like, hey, help! Help! And then he said, yo, yo. And you know about trailers. The walls are thin. You can hear everything. So he says, yo, yo, and you know the wall. You know about trailers. The walls are thin. You can hear everything. So he says, yo, yo, you hear that?

Somebody's screaming for help. Somebody was like, well, who do you think it is? He was like, I don't know. And then they continued on with their conversation. Oh, my God. So I'm like, are you serious? So I heard Jesse walking up the stairs, and I'm like, Jesse, help me! And then he said, yeah, is is somebody screaming help? He said,

yeah, they've been screaming help for like 15 minutes. Oh my God. But you know, I get it. You know, when you're from the hood it's like, when somebody screams for help, it's like don't get involved. Go the opposite way. Don't get involved. It's so bad. But I'm like, I'm in the trailer. Yeah. We're in the same place. On set. Let me out of here.

Yeah. So Jesse saved my life. Shout out to you, Jesse. Well, I'm glad you're out of here. Yeah. So Jesse saved my life. Shout out to you, Jesse. Well, I'm glad you're out of the trailer and here in the studio with me. Two years ago, two years later, I'm out. Yes. Yeah. So I was at, oh God, what was it? I think it was the Alma Awards.

This is like almost a decade ago. I was a trophy girl. A decade? Yeah. Oh, you, Shayna. And so I'm standing backstage and this guy comes up behind me and starts like singing and I look over and I was

like, this guy has a good voice and it was Terrence Howard. Oh, yeah. Wait, singing? Like he was just humming a little song or whatever, but it just caught my attention. It wasn't shaky? You thought it was good like that? It was very minimal, but it just caught my attention, right?

So I turned around, and I had recognized him from other movies and TV shows that I had watched. And there was like a pause in the show where we're like stuck backstage with each other for like 20 minutes. And he was so dope. He was so nice. So I wanted to ask you, because that was just an experience a long time ago. Yeah. What is he like working with? He's like a maniac genius yeah like when I see Terrence on set sometimes I go the

other way it's not a bad thing yeah it's a good thing because he will have your brain twisting and turning with the things that he talks about he is is not from Earth. He cannot be. He cannot be from Earth. I remember one time he told me, three is the highest number in a book. And I said, no, dog, four. The number after three is higher than three. So it's four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten.

But he was like, no, three isn't the highest number in the book. And then he began to explain to me how it is. And I was like, you know what, that makes sense. And then when I told somebody else, like, no, three isn't the highest number in the book. And then he began to explain to me how it is. And I was like, you know what? That makes sense. And then when I told somebody else, like, you know, three is the highest number in the book. They was like, how? Explain. I'm like, I can't.

I can't even do it. But he's really into numerology. He's just into astrology. He's into all these things. Oh, that's cool. Oh, he's super dope. But he's just like, he's too smart for his own good. So when I see him and he, he's super dope, but he's just, he's too smart for his own good,

so when I see him, and he'll be like, Ty, I'll be like, hey, and then I'll hurry up and run the opposite way. Yeah. I'll see you later. I gotta go get locked

in my trailer. I'll see you later. Right? Okay, so now that you're saying that, I don't remember what it was because, again, it was like a decade ago,

but I do remember part of our conversation when we were backstage, it was like he was asking me some weird off-the-wall questions, and I was like, okay, is this how we're starting a conversation? But I do remember like part of our conversation when we were backstage it was like he was asking me some weird like off-the-wall questions and I was like okay is this how we're starting a conversation but I do he's very he's a very interesting being like he he really wants to get to know you yeah he'll he'll like dig dig deep yeah like how when were you when you came out of your mother's canal and I'm like a, a newborn? Yeah. He'd be like, no, you were actually this.

Like, he'll break it down. I was like, who taught you this? Yeah. Who are you? Interesting. Now I want to have a longer conversation with him. No, he's an amazing human. Yeah.

He's an amazing human. So talented, too. I go the other way, though. Because some days I just, I'll be like, you know what? Right. I ain't got time. Because I don't. Mm-mm.

Mm-mm. So I know the show, it's based, like, it's in New York, but you film it in Chicago. Yes. So what is that like filming in your hometown? That's a blessing. Right. I don't have to spend any extra money that I don't need to spend. No, it's amazing.

Everything is so convenient. Mm-hmm. And I can't imagine being away from my family because i know uh most of the cast yeah come from a big family they always talk about how they can't wait to get home to see their family and be with their family and i just always you know i just i'm so thankful and grateful that i don't have to go through anything like that yeah like one day i know i'm gonna have to but right now it's just such a blessing to be at home and then for my family to experience it with me. Yeah.

That's so awesome. Yeah. I'm from LA, so just outside of it. And so it's like, I'm one of the rare ones who does have my entire family and everyone just a 45 minute drive away. That's a blessing. It really is. I'm telling you.

And you know, some, some days I get, I did have the opportunity to bring some of my family members on set just so they could see some of the things and then, you know, see a girl in action. Yeah. And, um, the the the look on their faces were priceless yeah it was just like okay we proud of you oh it was it's super dope i love that yeah so not only are you an amazing actress but you also rap i do yeah i do what would you say your passion is more is it music acting or equal it? It's all equal. Everybody always asks me that. And for some reason, I still can't place the two because I love them both.

Even before I became an actress, I knew that I was born to be some form, shape, or benefit. Yeah. My grandmother would literally have me in the backyard like, oh, do this, do this. And it was like, okay. But I'm not going to do this too long. Like, give me a dollar. Right. You got $2 for me, I'll do it.

Yeah. So whenever her friends come over, they always have me entertain the family. But I knew, I knew. Like, you know when you feel that. Oh, yeah. I was the same way as a kid. I was supposed to be some form, shape, or fin of it. Whether it was rapping, whether it was acting, whether it's being a comedian, whether it's like whatever it is.

Yeah, just entertaining people. But it's all under the arts. Right, for sure. So it's being a comedian, whether it's whatever it is. Just entertaining people. But it's all under the arts. So it's all the same for me. So do you have plans to continue doing music? Absolutely. I'll never stop doing music. That's my first love. But I can't place a number or a level on how

much, like which one I love the most. But rapping will always be my first love. Music always my first love I want it can we get a clip of her song to play yeah yeah I should have done that ahead of time look at me slacking over here I was too busy getting my hair braided today thank you super cute speaking of hair your hair looks amazing. Thank you. So tell me about it. Her name is Destiny. Okay.

I like it. I was Sierra a couple days ago. Come on, Sierra. I was blonde. Whoa. Yeah. I've never seen you blonde. I was for two days.

Nice. Yeah. Nice. Her name is Destiny. She's fairly new. I'm channeling my inner Marilyn Monroe. I like it. But I just, you you know clip on and keep it moving yeah no but there's so many amazing wigs and stuff nowadays when i i just started wearing wigs uh i want to say a year ago a year literally a year ago yeah

because my last haircut was literally my, it was my grandmother's funeral. That was my last haircut. Yeah. So last year was the very first year that I started exploring in wigs. And now they're all over the house. Oh, yeah. They're hanging on the kitchen sink. They're hanging on the back door.

They're coming out of the drawers. And my best friend hate it. Oh, my God. Keep They coming out of the drawers. And my best friend hate it. Oh, my God. Keep your stuff out of my room. So does each wig have its own name? Every wig has its own name. Okay. I got a Diki.

I have an Inda. This is Destiny. I have a Shelby. I have quite a few. I like it. I have quite a few. Yeah, this was my first time doing it, but it was so fun. And so many people at the party were like, wait.

Did you feel weird? After a while, I even slept with it. No, Shayna, you're breaking the wig, Rose. I wanted to be blonde the next morning because my parents were coming over, and they're both blonde hair, blue-green eyes. I look nothing like them. And I was like, we need a family photo while I still have this blonde hair. blue-green eyes. I look nothing like them.

And I was like, we need a family photo while I still have this blonde hair. So, yeah. But what I was going to say is for those of you who are looking to not do a wig and just to have your own natural hair be healthier, have you heard of sugar bear hair vitamins? No, but I've seen

just hair vitamins. Yeah, okay. So these ones there are so adorable. They're little gummies. They're little bears. They're like teal. If your okay. So these ones, they're so adorable. They're little gummies. They're little bears. They're like teal. If your hair is damaged, dry, you know, doesn't cooperate, it's always good to have some hair vitamins.

See, Shana, a girl like me can't really take those vitamins because I'm a hairy woman. So if I'm trying to, like, keep my hair on my head healthy, my hair everywhere else will start growing out of control. Okay, so maybe not for you, but for the rest of you ladies. I mean, think about all of the celebrities with their amazing hair. I mean, they have stylists, but of course, you can bet that that stylist has clued them in to sugar bear hair. Sugar bear hair for some healthy hair.

Yes. So it's a bestseller on Amazon. Thousands of rave reviews. They taste like these little sweet, delicious candies with the juice of real berries. some healthy hair. Yes. Uh-huh. So it's a bestseller on Amazon. Thousands of rave reviews. They taste like these little sweet, delicious candies with the juice of real berries, but they're in the gummy form. They're so dope. I'm ignorant, and I'll probably eat it like it's candy and just really be healthy hair You only have a certain amount a day, you know, but they do contain everything you need

for stronger, healthier hair. There's as much vitamin A as four cups of broccoli, as much vitamin C as one cup of cranberries, and as much vitamin B12 as four organic eggs, all to help those luscious locks. Mm-hmm. Yeah. Yeah, I like the way that says. Yeah.

So the nutrients in sugar bear hair, fans also have found that it's good for nail and skin quality improvement. Yes, look at these nails. Yeah. They're horrible. No, your nails. Yeah. They're horrible. No, your nails look good. They're horrible. But maybe with some sugar bear, they could look even better.

So. I'll take that. I'll take the risk of growing hair all on my chin and chest. You know? Get those healthy nails, good skin. You can, everyone, go to sugarbearhair.com slash Sheena for beautiful hair and a healthier you. That's sugarbearhair.com slash Sheena for beautiful hair and to healthier you. That's SugarBearHair.com slash Sheena.

One more time, SugarBearHair.com slash Sheena. So just wanted to share that with you. It's one of my fave little things, and it's like candy, but it's vitamins. It's, you know. It's a meal. Uh-huh. You said four cups of broccoli. Yeah.

Four cups of cranberries. Yeah, all of that. B12 with your four eggs. Mm-hmm. I got it. That's a whole meal. Yeah, in of that. B12 with your four eggs. I got it. That's my whole meal. Yeah, in a gummy form. In a gummy form. It tastes delicious.

So what would you say is your favorite episode you've filmed so far of Empire? It would definitely have to be, it was the fourth season of Empire when Portia finally stood up to Cookie. I think it was episode four or seven. Okay. I may be wrong, but I think it was around that time. Yeah. It was an epic moment for myself and for my character. Yeah, for sure.

It was definitely something different. And I remember coming to work that morning and Taraji was like, somebody getting cursed out this morning. And I was like, somebody getting cursed out this morning. And I was like, you, you, you. And I remember the first take we did, everybody was like, and then Terrence, he said, my scene isn't until up next, so in a few hours. But I want to come down and sit here and support you. And I thought that was so dope of him. Yeah.

Because everybody was literally like, Jussie, Terrence, everybody came. Like, even on an off day, they came to sit and support Jussie to watch that scene. It was like, you did good. Yeah. You did good. I was like, thank you.

Thank you so much. Now, I see that you're with Gabby Sidibe, a.k.a. Precious, a lot. What is it like working with her? Oh, my God. She's a hoot. She is a hoot. She's like my auntie slash sister slash mom slash cousin.

She's like everything in one. The friend that you have. That one friend who just got everything in one. That's awesome. No, she's amazing. I remember she posted a picture and said, mentor and mentee, because it was her and I. And she said, mentor and mentee, mentor and mentee. Yeah.

And then she called me like, you see what I did there? It was, I'm your mentor, you're my mentee, and you're my mentor and I'm your mentee. And I was like, I'll take that if you can. I appreciate that. But no, we, you know, and she actually texted me today asking me, did I want to go to a brawl gym? A brawl?

It's like a self-defense kickbox class. But I'm like, no, I'm not in Chicago. I'm in LA. And then she gave me the two thumbs down and said, boo, bitch. When you get back. When you get back. Who's your favorite guest star who's been on the show? Alfre Whipper.

Ooh, yes. who's your favorite guest star who's been on the show alfrey whipford oh yes and i'm gonna tell you why it was the like the craziest thing um i was standing next to her and before they called action she was doing all kind of weird movement it was like and I'm like what the hell are you doing no I'm like what the hell is she doing but then I'm not used to the actors that I work with doing method acting so that was her I didn't know she was getting into character

when they get ready to call we just get really quiet when it's time to get into character she did she transformed into a whole she was an animal she was air When they get ready to call, we just get really quiet when it's time to get into character. She did. She transformed into a whole. She was an animal. She was air. She was a tree. She was a table.

She was everything. And I'm like, what the hell are you doing? And when they call action, it was like, I'm like, oh, no. Oh, no. Oh, no. So the next take, my ass was like ha ha and then one of the directors was like what are you doing I'm like what so it's okay

for her to do it and not for me to do it it's like no you can't do that you can't mock a legend like you can't I'm not mocking she just taught me something I'm learning so have you continued to do that alleged like you can't I'm like I'm not mocking she just taught me something I'm learning yeah

so have you continued to do that but and then she explained to me like no that's what I do to get in character and then like before they would call acting she kept like picking with my fingers and I'm like what are you doing but that was her getting into character before they actually called action I thought it was so dope she's's literally my favorite. That's so cool. Her and Forrest Whitaker. Yeah. Oh, yeah. When I tell you,

he is an amazing actor because he is so shy. And I've never met an actor or actress who's shy in person. Like, you're on TV all the time. And you've been doing this for years. He's a timid old man.

He's so shy. That's so cute. It's so cute. He's very respectableid old man. He's so shy. That's so cute. It's so cute. He's very respectable. He's just a sweet soul. Yeah. And it's like, oh, you little teddy bear. You're a gummy bear.

Aw. Little sugar bear, you. You doggone gummy bear. Aw, I like that. Yeah. Who would be your dream actor or actress to work with? In film, on Empire, just in general. I've always wanted to work with Denzel Washington.

Oh, who doesn't? He is one of the greats. He is one of the Jews that I grew up watching. Just amazing. And then I saw him singing Cardi B's, like, saying her lyrics. Yeah. That's what I mean. I'm like, wait, sit down, man.

Sit down. And I thought it was so dope. But Denzel Washington has always been my favorite, always will be. And then I always looked up to Taraji. So working alongside her. That's so awesome. Yeah. I remember, because she used to remind me of my sister.

And now I find out that my sister is much more crazier than she is. So it's like, nah, only on TV you that my sister is much more crazier than she is. So it's like, nah, only on TV you like my sister. My sister's a whole lot crazier. That's dope. So I see on social media that there are a lot of pranks that go down on set. What's been the best one? The one that almost got me beat up?

Yeah. It's called Liquid Ass Spray. Liquid? Writing that down. It's called Liquid Ass Spray. It smells like what it sounds like. It smells like a port-a-body.

It smells like garbage. that's like crap that sounds fun no no because someone actually pranked it on me and then i stole it from them and took it on set so what i did was i chewed up a snicker uh-huh smeared tissue and i set it by exhibits chair uh-huh because i'm like okay he's hardcore right he's like because I'm like, okay, he's hardcore. Right. He's a gangster in real life. He's a gangster on the show. Yeah. But he's like sweet in person as well.

But I said, I think I've pushed everybody's button on the show, but I've never pushed this button. I'm going to put this tissue right in his chair. And I said, no, because he's got to sit down and mess up his clothes and I'm gonna get in trouble yeah i'm gonna sit it right at the foot of his chair he's reading a book he sits in someone else's chair so i'm like okay that isn't gonna work but everybody's like what is that smell yeah so taraji comes she's having a fit, it smells like insides. It stinks in here. It smells like intestines. Like, something is dead. So everybody's like, Taraji, relax.

She's like, no, something is dead. She's the only, everybody else is just like, it stinks. But she's the only one freaking out like, something is dead. We got to find out what that is. This is horrible. So everybody is like pulling out like body spray, trying to spray. Oh, my God. But it didn't do nothing.

But every time they spray, I spray. So it didn't make it no better. And they like, what is that? That's amazing. And people are eating and they just like, oh, God. We can't take it. So finally, Exhibit sits in his chair. He looks down.

He said, oh, no, we got a problem. And he gets up and he walks away. I'm like, that's it? You mean to tell me I went through all of this just for him to say, oh, no, we got a problem and walked away? I said, the Lord is really working on him because I would have cursed up a storm. Somebody would have got it, but he was just too cool about it. And Grace was the only one who knew my secret because I told her. Okay.

Because she was sitting next to me because she kept saying, what are you doing? I'm like, can you just leave real quick because I'm trying to do something. Finally, I said, I'm trying to prank you guys. And she was like, oh, yeah, let me know because I just don't want to know. So she was the only one in on it. And she was like, yo, he was way too calm about this

whole situation. I'm like, I did all of of this for nothing but the person who was so upset with saraji finally when we told her like it's a prank and she looked she was like don't ever do that again that wasn't funny she was like that's that's killing me it's killing me i can't i can't remember my i need to go home i can't remember my life she's not a character anymore she kept saying party over she kept saying party over over. She kept saying, party over. But, you know, at the end of the day, we all ended up laughing about it, but everybody is like, yo, you got to chill

on these pranks. Yeah. They going too far. You got to chill. Oh, my gosh. But I don't know how. I'm the middle child. I don't know how. Do you have plans for your next prank? Yes. I can't tell you that. No, I just want to know if you already have a plan now. Every day is something.

That's why people, when I come, they be like, what's next? It's like, Ty's here. All right. What are you doing today? Some people will come to me like, what you doing today? Because I want in on this. Like, nope. You don't get in on it.

All right. So you guys need to start following these pranks on social media to find out which one is next. Mm-hmm. What is your favorite and least favorite Portia look? following these pranks on social media to find out which one is next. What is your favorite and least favorite Portia look? My least favorite would

be when I had on this ridiculous wig. It was like silver, pink, purple, and then I had on this like silver jacket with silver shorts. I looked like a walking robot. Yeah.

It was a little crazy. What about favorite? My favorite look was, it was actually this past season, and I had on, like, an ice blue two-piece. Ooh. And it was a long jacket. It reminded me of Diana Ross back in the day. Yeah.

And I had the big red curly hair. It was beautiful. And then, you know, I was working It was beautiful. And then, you know, I was working out around that time, so you know I thought I was finished. Nice. I like that. What do you think's been the biggest change in your life since landing this amazing

role on a huge show? It's so many. One thing I've learned is It's so many. One thing I've learned is there is no looking back. There is no holding back. There is no – when you're going down a certain path and when you're taking a certain journey, you got to remember fear doesn't exist. And I've realized that ever since I've landed this role on Empire, fear does not exist.

Fear is just another fictitious thing that have us convicted in our thoughts. Where we think, oh, everything could possibly go wrong, which make us not want to do something. We're not going to do it because I know it's going to go wrong. I always ask myself, what's the worst that can happen? Somebody going to tell me no? Somebody going to close the door on my face? Okay, if they do, kick the door open. Yes, I like that.

Fear does not exist. And I'm learning that. And the moment I took that role, because I had no clue what this role had in store for me. Right. And it has done so much for me. I just bought my first home. Yay, congratulations. I just bought my first home. Today is the 25th. What's today's day? Yeah. Today makes a month that I've been in my first home. Yeah. And I took that and it took me. I always wanted a house. My dream was to have a huge house.

and I am learning that little is much in the master's hands. And I'm a girl, a church girl. You know, I grew up in church. Little is much in the master's hand, and I'm learning that when you take risk and when you just jump off a leap of faith, there are so many blessings that come with that. And I'm learning that when you take risks, so much comes out of it.

I don't have the words for what's happening in my life. No, I completely understand what you're saying because I've been more of just a yes man in my singlehood the last, like, nine, ten months. And I headlined in Vegas. Like, I took the audition. I sent in my tape And I had it. I headlined in Vegas. Like I took the audition. I sent in my tape. I said yes.

Like I was open to the possibility, not thinking it would actually happen. And then here I am on cabs and billboards and jumbo like headlining in Las Vegas. It was just like so cool. Just so I completely understand what you're saying. When you go after something, when you go after what you want. I'm not just going to say something because that don't mean nothing. But when you go after what you want, you'd be surprised at the outcome that comes out of it.

Fear does not exist, and I want everybody to know that. Yes, I like that. Do what you want when you want. Yep. Because my auntie say you do what you want when you're popping. Do you have any embarrassing Hollywood moments? Ugh, I just had one the other day.

I fell. Like, and it wasn't like a little cute fall. It was a nasty ass fall. Like on like a red carpet? Well, I have two of them, but this one was like embarrassing. And I was with my publicist. I was like, Mark! I was with my publicist, Mark, and I screamed his name like, Mark! Mark! As I was falling. I was with my publicist I was with my publicist Mark and I screamed his name like Mark

Mark as I was falling I was walking up the steps I'm already clumsy and I thought I had the walking in heels things down pack but apparently not apparently not but I don't know my feet were really oily in these heels I almost cursed

I'm so mad no but I don't know what happened that day. I think my equilibrium, I just got off the plane the night before. Maybe that was why. I don't know. I was all off that day.

But I walked up the step and when I took that last step up, my heel got caught in my bell bottoms. Oh, no. And it poked a hole, like it stuck a hole

in the bell bottom so my heel got stuck in the pants. And I didn't know. So as I'm trying to take the next step I ended up not taking a step because my shoe is caught in my pants and I fell for it and I literally kissed the ground but your teeth are intact you look good they better be they better be but I had a green tea in my hand and then I had my bag. Everything was still in my hand. Yeah.

I'm a G. Everything was. Expert father. I didn't spill. Not a drip. Not a nothing. But I had a hole in my pants and I had to do a panel on TV live. Oh my gosh. So I was sitting there with my legs crossed like, I hope these people don't see this hole

in my pants. Then people started coming out like, are you okay? I'm like, just leave me here. Let me laugh this off because this is this is crazy but the worst my first fall in Hollywood I was at the season one Empire premiere party uh-huh it was on a rooftop it was a pool it was beautiful I did not fall in the pool child I was this close oh my gosh and this was my first time walking actually walking in heels yeah but then i had this long ridiculous feather trail hanging off the back of my dress it was feathers everywhere somehow i tripped over the trail feathers the

trail of feathers and like i stumbled and i was trying to catch the fall but i kept falling forward and i was like i was like i gotta stop because i'm going towards the pool i don't know what stopped me but i fell and my hands were literally at the pool side oh my gosh my god mom was with me and she came to me and she was like bitch you fell i'm like yeah she was like get up, you fell. I'm like, yeah. She was like, get up. I'm like, I can't. I can't. Falling and I can't get up. For some reason, when I fall, I just lay there.

Like, just let me. She be like, but people are watching. I don't care. Let me laugh this off because this is crazy. I can't believe I fell. I walked a whole week in these shoes thinking I had it down pat. And clearly, I didn't. Mm-hmm.

Embarrassing. Wow. any shoes thinking I had it down packed and clearly I didn't embarrassing wow at least you didn't fall all the way I almost did and I kind of wish I did I kind of wish I drank me already it was horrible oh my god what's the most rebellious thing you've ever done

I'm not a rebellious person rebellious thing you've ever done? I'm not a rebellious person. Besides playing pranks, that's, I think, that's it. Okay. I don't really do too many rebellious things. Yeah, that's good. Worst date you've ever been on? Child.

You really want to know? Uh-huh. Okay. Now you got to tell the story. Now I'm very curious. It was actually a guy, Steve Harvey, tried to hook me up with. And I was being nice. Go to Steve.

I was being nice. No. No. Not good work. Horrible work. The guy is practically a stalker. Oh, wow. Yeah.

Yeah, it's weird. um it was raining really bad and he came he pulled up in front of my place and he opened the door he didn't get out the car he reached over and opened the door and was like come on and i was like what you ain't got no umbrella because i just got my hair did yeah I don't want to get my hair wet. Like, it's pouring down, raining. Yeah. And he's like, yeah, I got the umbrella. He reached in the back, grabbed the umbrella, opened it, and, like, stuck it out the passenger side.

I still got to walk in the rain, dude. Right? So he couldn't get out of the car with the umbrella and walk you into the car. I had an attitude. I had an attitude. So I got in the car. That just started off wrong. Yeah. I just said, you know what? Forget it. I'm going to get out of the car with the umbrella yeah i had an attitude i had an attitude so i got in the car that just started off wrong yeah i just said you know i'll forget it i'll just go to the car i'm gonna just get my hair wet whatever yeah i got in the car he was like hey loud like i can hear you hey i'm like hey he handed me some flowers and some chocolates. The flowers looked like they came from Walgreens. They were half dead.

No. It was horrible. They were half dead. They're like re-gifted flowers. It was sweet. It was sweet because I rarely get flowers. I don't really get flowers and chocolates from dudes. I don't date.

So it's the thought that counts. It was the thought that counts, but I was still mad about it. They were still dead. And then he took into consideration that I did say I love jerk food. I love Caribbean food. He took me to a Caribbean spot. But he was just doing so much. And they said, what do you like to drink?

I love ginger beer. I love ginger beer. So do I. Guy said, we don't sell this brand ginger beer. So the guy who I was on a date with was like, well, what kind do you have? He was so rude. Oh, my gosh. It was like, yeah, it's just ginger beer. So the guy who I was on a date with was like, well, what kind do you have? He was so rude. Oh my gosh. It was like, yeah, it's just ginger beer.

It's okay. He's like, no, what kind do you have? If the lady wants ginger beer, give her ginger beer. And I'm like, but if they don't have it, they don't have it. Yeah. It is all right. So they was like, oh, we have this brand.

I said, that brand is fine. It was just, it was kind of horrible. Wow. He was so weird. And then after that, I that I said I just I just don't want to I don't want to talk to you anymore and now like on Instagram he would like DM me and it's it's been literally but like two years like a year and a half wow it's probably been like a year and a half since I went on this date. And he's still hitting you up. My mans would be like, I miss our laughs. It's like, what? We didn't share anything.

We didn't share anything. And now my best friend, he would like DM my best friend. Like, what's up, bro? What? I miss our laughs. It's like like you never even met my mans well no he went on Steve Harvey with me so you met him one

time we didn't share anything it's weird it's so weird like to this day dating yeah he commented under my picture and was just like uh you something like get the strap or the belt that is it was like weird it was like now you

want to whoop me dude now you want to spank me get out of here get out of here yeah it's so weird i like guys today it's 2018 it's so many creepy it's just so many guys who are just there it's like they're corny now yeah dudes. Dudes are not the same. Like where are the gentlemen? Where are the like every, like a lot of dudes. Not in LA. I can tell you that.

Oh, I thought you were saying like, no, LA sucks. LA guys suck. Girl, tell me about it. I've been here my whole life.

There are some bricks. Vegas single. That was a lot of fun. LA. No. Like I don't, I don't get it. And then, you know, because like because like 2018 you know women are a little

bit more successful than men women are like up there now and that's another thing that's hard for guys to accept oh it's intimidating I can pick up my own bill like I can like treat you but it's like that's such a an emasculating thing to some men and it's just like you guys it's 2018 yeah and we're compromising yeah we are compromising yeah we'll make it work i do appreciate though when there is the guy who will still like put a little effort in put some put forth some kind of effort i don't know i don't know where those guys are like the cornfield is an all-time high. It's too many corn balls right now. Yeah. Dating. Too many corn balls. I've been on a couple dates recently, so I'm not one to date.

But at least you're dating. I'm just in the house. More like hangin' bangs. What? What the hell is that? Hangin' bangs? No, you hang out. Bang it out.

Bang it out? What's that? It's just sex, girl. Oh, Sheena. Yeah. No. Then you run into that awkward conversation. You're sitting across the table at dinner, like, trying to get to know each other.

And I'm like, I don't really care because, like, we're not going to really date. So you just have those guys where it's like the hang and bangs. I wish I was that. I'm just saying, just try it out. It's not bad. I don't know. I don't know if I can. Like, I always tell myself, if you can't look at yourself in the mirror, then just don't do it. So I don't know. I don't know if I can. I always tell myself, if you can't look at yourself in the mirror, then just don't do it.

So I don't know. I'm one of those girls who kind of beat herself up with her little stuff. But power to you. I love stuff like that. Hang and bang. We hanging and banging. Okay. So back to you. not about my dating life that's for the next podcast people tune in

if you weren't acting or rapping what like if you couldn't do that anymore in your life what would you do well before all of this i used to be a butcher and i was working at a nursing home oh i did I read that. As an assistant director of nutritional services. I loved what I did. Uh-huh. That was my thing. Yeah.

I would definitely still be cutting meat and feeding the old people. Yeah. Yeah. That's awesome. Look at you. So what are your thoughts, because I'm curious, on Mr. Kanye West? New music, album, the controversial comments he's made. Are you a fan of his?

Yeah, yeah. At one point, you know, when he first started going on his rants, I'm like, yo, leave the man alone. You know, he's depressed. We know he's bipolar. It's a Kardashian curse, you know. Well, no, I don't even go off the, like, I don't believe in that stuff. No, I know. Whatever.

But at one point, I was just, I was at the man's defense. And then when he made a comment, you know, the whole big thing that went viral, the TMZ comment. And then I kind of, I kind of was like, I kind of get where he's coming from. But then it's like, but why did you think that was okay to say? Right. Because he's kanye west and you can say whatever he wants and and it took me a while to just be like it's like it's kanye west yeah right it's kanye west because at one point i wasn't feeling him but then i was feeling

him but then when i heard his album it's kanye west he's and then he's a chicago native yeah that's my man exactly yeah he's a chicago. Yeah. That's my man. Exactly, yeah. He's a Chicago native. Although we don't agree with a lot of things, but musically, he's a genius. And we can't deny the fact that he is that. Are you excited for Scorpion to come out? Drake's new album. I'm a huge fan of Drake's.

Yeah. Drake never disappoints me when it comes to his album. Now, some people always say, it's trash. He too soft. And it's like, but but you know his biggest fan base are women knows what he's Records, you know what he doing? So I'm definitely excited. I just recently listened to Tiana's Taylor's album. It was pretty dope Yeah, so it's Some cool music. Mm-hmm. What about Beyonce and Jay-z? Oh Getting some cool music.

What about Beyonce and Jay-Z? I hope the Beehive don't get me, but I wasn't a fan of it. Yeah. It was trash. The video in the Louvre, that was dope. But, you know, one thing I love about Jay-Z and Beyonce, they know how, like, even if the music isn't that great, they know how to capture you visually when it comes to music videos. It was beautiful yeah it was art i've watched it so many times literally it was art literally like

the mona lisa is right there it was art and have you ever been to the louvre no okay so i've been there and so then like seeing them like the music we're just like oh my god like of course it's jay-z and beyonce of course they could just get the whole Louvre to themselves. It was amazing. But the album, I wasn't a big fan. It was probably two, three songs on the air that I liked. Okay. Yeah, it wasn't.

Last thing I want to ask you. Uh-oh. So I know you're very outspoken about gun violence. Yes. So you performed, right, at one of the rallies a few months back. Yeah, March for All Eyes.

Do you sense that there's like a change coming on or where do you think this country is going? Of course there's a change coming on. As far as where

this country is going? Mm-hmm. We going somewhere. Yeah. Four years after he's gone. Yeah. No, but even with the whole immigrant situation, and for him to double back and like, you know what, let me sign.

And I just want people out there to know that our voices, they matter. Yep. They really do matter. And what was it, 24 hours when those images yeah and within 24 hours when everybody was outraged about the whole image everything that was going on they like he was just like you know what let me sign the bill right and let me let me do something i don't think he like cared I just think he wanted everybody to simmer down. After he saw people of all ethnicity came together and was just like, this isn't right. This is wrong.

So for everybody to come together and use their voices, I thought it was just so liberating. And I want everybody out there to know that your voice, it does matter. When you think it doesn't, it does matter. So as far as gun reform, it's going to happen as long as we use our voices to make it happen. And especially for those of us who are public figures to use our platforms. Absolutely. It's so important.

Absolutely. And I'm thankful, although I'm not a huge fan of social media, but I am thankful for the platform that it has given a lot of people in order for us, because we wouldn't have known about a lot of situations. We would not know about a lot of situations that is going on in america oh if it wasn't for social media and if it isn't for all these different things that are circulating throughout the media yeah we wouldn't know what's going on no so and for people to just be like you know what pass this along repost it pass it and then everybody just doing it on a repetitive base is our voice matter it's our voice matter i don't care what nobody says and when you think repost it, pass it, and then everybody just doing it on a repetitive base.

Our voice matter. It does. Our voice matter. I don't care what nobody says. And when you think you're, like, if you think you don't have a voice, I'm here to tell you, you do. You can make a difference. We can make a difference.

Yes, I love that. Thanks. Thank you for being here. Thank you for having me. No, this was fun. We've been trying to coordinate with your schedule, my schedule. You're in Chicago. I'm here.

I was in Vegas. I'm here now. Yes. Thank you so much for being here. Thank you, Shayna. Tell everyone where they can find you on social media. You guys can find me Instagram, Twitter at TarondaJay, T-A-R-H-O-N-D-A-J-A-Y. On Facebook, it's just TarondaJones. Boom.

Bam. Yeah. And watch Empire, everyone. All right. Thank you. Yeah, that's just Taronda Jones. Boom. Yeah. And watch Empire, everyone. All right. Thank you. Yeah, that's my song. Yeah. Here we go.

We're ending it with her song. Thanks for listening to Shenanigans. Download new episodes every Tuesday and subscribe on the Podcast One app at PodcastOne.com or on Apple Podcasts. And don't forget to rate and review the show on Apple Podcasts. Or at Apple Podcasts. And don't forget to rate and review the show on Apple Podcasts. Outro Music