Den of Kings | Eric Bellinger, T.I., Jacquees and Jermaine Dupri on Where They’re From
Show Description
Den of Kings | Eric Bellinger, T.I., Jacquees and Jermaine Dupri on Where They’re From
Every story starts somewhere.
On this new episode of Den of Kings, Kirk Franklin sits with Eric Bellinger, T.I., Jacquees and Jermaine Dupri for a powerful conversation about the places, people and moments that shaped them.
From growing up in Atlanta and Cali, to early mistakes, mentors, music, and the lessons learned along the way, these kings open up about the experiences that built their confidence, tested their character, and helped define who they became.
They talk about surviving their environments, choosing purpose over pressure, navigating success, and returning home with new eyes.
This is a conversation about origin, identity, family, mistakes, redemption and the neighborhoods that raised them.
📌 Topics Covered
*The fundamental role of one's beginning/hometown in shaping identity.
*The duality of peace and pain when reflecting on childhood experiences.
*Personal journeys of progress, evolution, and becoming a "neighborhood superstar".
*The impact of childhood on fatherhood, including lessons to instill and generational cycles to break.
*The influence of mentors and a supportive "village" on success.
*Dealing with childhood trauma, hardship, and the concept of responsibility versus guilt.
*Strategies for instilling "grit" and the value of earning in children who are not raised in the 'hood'.
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📍 Chapters
0:08 - Welcome, Setting the Table, and Introducing the Episode's Theme
5:55 - Atlanta, D.C., and the Duality of Home (Chocolate City)
7:51 - Peace, Pain, and Progress: Perspectives on the Past
13:47 - Fatherhood: Lessons to Give and Lessons to Withhold
18:19 - Finding the Village and Key Mentors
23:38 - Childhood Realities, Hardship, and Education
28:00 - Overcoming Trauma and the Burden of Responsibility
37:22 - Breaking Generational Trauma and Instilling Grit
46:30 - Church, Spirituality, and the Pursuit of True Faith
51:10 - Conclusion: "Where I'm from made me..."
