Shannon Sharpe’s Club Shay Shay welcomed two powerhouse artists—Teddy Swims and Coco Jones—for an in-depth conversation on music, perseverance, and personal evolution. The Grammy-nominated stars shared their journeys, struggles, and the lessons that shaped their careers.
Teddy Swims on Fatherhood, Lil Wayne & Finding Healing
Teddy Swims, known for his soul-stirring vocals, reflected on his rise from a small-town Georgia musician to global stardom. The “Lose Control” singer opened up about his excitement for fatherhood, revealing how impending parenthood is reshaping his outlook on life.
Before breaking into the industry, Teddy started as a cover artist, performing in a band and honing his craft. He credits vulnerability as the key to his artistry, allowing fans to deeply connect with his music. A die-hard Lil Wayne fan, Teddy even has Tha Carter III lyrics tattooed on his eyelids—a tribute to the rapper’s influence on his life.
Beyond music, Teddy discussed his interracial relationship with singer Raiche Wright, highlighting how love and therapy played a crucial role in his emotional healing. He also spoke about the profound impact of his grandfather, a minister, and how his upbringing shaped his perspective on life.
Before wrapping up, Teddy delivered a stirring live performance of “Bad Dreams” from his album I’ve Tried Everything But Therapy, leaving the audience captivated.
Coco Jones on Hollywood, Healing & Her Rise to Stardom
Coco Jones, the Grammy-winning R&B sensation, shared her evolution from child star to one of the genre’s most respected voices. Reflecting on her early years, she spoke about balancing sports and the arts, crediting her mother for instilling confidence and discipline. At just 17, Coco took a leap of faith, moving to Los Angeles alone to chase her dreams, navigating financial independence and the challenges of the entertainment industry.
She didn’t shy away from discussing the harsh realities of being a young Black actress, recalling her time at a predominantly white high school and the disappointment of losing Disney’s Next Big Thing. Coco revealed how she endured an eight-year career drought, the pain of being labeled a “has-been,” and how therapy helped her heal from a toxic relationship.
Addressing Hollywood’s beauty standards, she shared her thoughts on plastic surgery and reacted to SZA’s comments about regretting her BBL. Coco also reminisced about working with Victoria Monét at 14, starring as Hilary Banks in Bel-Air, and collaborating with industry heavyweights like Tabitha Brown, Kountry Wayne, and Ms. Pat.
On relationships, Coco shared her stance on 50/50 partnerships, her dating history with NBA star Donovan Mitchell, and her ideal first date. She also cleared up celebrity mix-ups—often being mistaken for Jennifer Hudson and Gabrielle Union—and addressed speculation about potentially playing Princess Tiana.
Closing out the conversation, Coco treated fans to an a cappella preview of “Taste” from her upcoming album Why Not More, teasing what’s next in her career.
