Former MMA fighter and viral TikTok food critic Keith Lee had nothing but praise for Cardi B after the pair collabed. “She is exactly who she says she is,” Lee stated on a livestream after being asked for his thoughts on Cardi. Earlier this week, the pair tried out a collection of burgers together and appeared to have a great time doing it. Did you enjoy the pair’s collab? Let us know in the comments.
As mentioned, Lee began his career as an MMA fighter. However, he quickly transitioned to food content on social media. His honest reviews of food, especially soul food in the American South, quickly went viral on TikTok. However, not everyone is a fan of Lee’s work. Restaurants often beef with him if he doesn’t like their food. There is no better example of this than Atlanta’s Milk & Honey, whose beef with Lee became a bizarre, unmissable saga online.
Another person who Lee didn’t get along with was former NFLer Chad Johnson. Lee responded to Johnson after he expressed his disdain for Lee’s review content. “You must have never heard of me, but if you have heard of me, why is this your first time speaking on me? Why haven’t you spoken about the positive things we’ve done with this platform?” the former MMA fighter asked the retired wide receiver. Lee went on to cite examples such as helping fund cancer treatment for one restaurant owner and helping a schoolteacher retire.
However, Lee even had backup – from Johnson’s own daughter no less. “Listen, we team Keith Lee over here,” Johnson claimed his daughter had texted him. “My daughter got on my head about this. And when your daughter get you on about something like this, you know you never gonna win,” Johnson continued. Other famous daughters have also gone after Johnson. A TikTok from the daughter of Jalen Rose has garnered hundreds of thousands of views.
There are food critics, and then there is Keith Lee. The TikTok sensation has amassed 16 million followers across the platform and 700 million video impressions. Although Lee doesn’t claim to be a food critic, his stamp of approval can skyrocket any culinary establishment.
As Congress debates banning the app in the US, he managed to snag a collaborative video with Cardi B. Yesterday (March 18), the pair’s long-awaited joint review of good old-fashioned burgers. The “Enough (Miami)” rapper’s love for cheeseburgers is well documented. If you need the proof, look no further than her McDonald’s meal with her husband and fellow rapper Offset.
The clip opens with a disclaimer from Cardi to let viewers know her thoughts on the Los Angeles, California, culinary scene. “Y’all know how I feel about LA food,” she said. “It’s not my favorite.”
That’s where Lee’s list of recommendations comes into play. As the duo taste-tests selections from Eat Street Burgers, Cardi finds herself eating her words. After the first bite, Cardi was in carnivore heaven. Earlier, she claimed to have had the best burgers ever while visiting Colombia, but the LA restaurant’s jalapeno burger was reminiscent of her hometown classic—a chopped cheese.
Despite calling the burger “perfect,” Cardi’s official rating was a 9 out of 10. It looks like Cardi could come around to love LA food after all. Next up, a British food do-over.
Keith Lee is an American professional wrestler and food reviewer known for his remarkable agility, charisma, and physical prowess. He has achieved a net worth of $4 million in 2024, as detailed by Eric Singer. As a towering figure in the wrestling world, Lee’s journey began through various wrestling promotions. This has culminated in his success in major leagues like WWE, emphasizing a career defined by hard work. Further, his story is compelling about how dedication and passion for one’s craft can lead to substantial success and financial stability.
A Meteoric Rise In Professional Wrestling
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – JUNE 29: TikTok food reviewer Keith Lee is interviewed after attending a game between the. New York Liberty and the Las Vegas Aces at Michelob ULTRA Arena on June 29, 2023 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Aces defeated the Liberty 98-81. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
Keith Lee’s ascent in professional wrestling is a testament to his exceptional skill set and magnetic personality. Beginning his career on the independent circuit, Lee quickly made a name for himself with his unique combination of size, speed, and agility, traits not often seen in a wrestler of his stature. His performances in promotions such as Ring of Honor (ROH), Pro Wrestling Guerrilla (PWG), and ultimately NXT and WWE, showcased his ability to captivate audiences and work matches that defied the expectations for athletes of his size. Lee’s historic win as the first-ever double champion in NXT, holding both the NXT Championship and North American Championship simultaneously, marked a significant milestone in his career and solidified his status as a major player in the industry.
Beyond The Ring: Ventures & Endorsements
Further, Keith Lee has diversified his income through various entrepreneurial endeavors and endorsements. Leveraging his popularity, Lee has ventured into merchandise sales. This includes apparel and accessories branded with his catchphrases and persona. His involvement in video game appearances and partnerships with sports nutrition companies further exemplify his understanding of brand building and marketability. These ventures, alongside his wrestling career, have played a crucial role in building his net worth, demonstrating the importance of personal branding and entrepreneurship in the modern era of sports entertainment.
Legacy & Influence
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – MAY 07: Kevin Hart, Keith Lee and guests attend. Hart House Hollywood First-Look on May 07, 2023 also in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Jesse Grant/Getty Images for Hart House)
Keith Lee’s impact on professional wrestling extends beyond his in-ring achievements. He is known for breaking stereotypes about what heavyweight wrestlers can do. Additionally, Lee has inspired a new generation of athletes to pursue versatility and athleticism, regardless of size. His advocacy for positivity and perseverance, both in and out of the ring, has made him a role model. His contributions to wrestling also highlight a legacy that transcends his physical achievements.
Lee’s journey from the independent wrestling scene to the pinnacle of WWE, alongside his entrepreneurial ventures, paints the picture of a well-rounded individual who has mastered the art of personal branding and financial management. Overall, Lee’s story is not just one of financial success but a narrative that inspires perseverance, adaptability, and the pursuit of excellence.
TikTok’s popular food critic Keith Lee has been recognized with a nomination for an NAACP Image Award, highlighting his significant influence that extends well beyond just gathering likes on social media. The NAACP Image Awards took to their social media to applaud all the nominees, including Lee, under the Social Media Personality category. Fans and supporters are encouraged to view the complete list of esteemed nominees and participate in the voting process by visiting the official NAACP Image Awards website.
The celebrated food critic, has gained widespread acclaim not just for his engaging reviews but for the tangible impact he’s made on the family businesses he features. His insightful critiques and infectious enthusiasm have turned the spotlight on local eateries, often leading to a surge in customer support and helping these small ventures thrive in competitive markets. Lee’s honest blend of culinary insight and social media savvy has made him a pivotal figure in the food industry, fostering community growth and success.
Their influence goes beyond the likes. Congrats to the Social Media Personality nominees. View the full list of nominees and cast your vote now! #NAACPImageAwardshttps://t.co/ZVpvK59ime
Keith Lee has canceled his Bay Area food tour out of safety concerns and noted that it’s not “a place for tourists right now.” He also noted that he visited numerous restaurants and found it difficult to find anything positive or constructive to say about his experiences. Finally, Lee also referenced being hospitalized during the tour due to a shellfish food allergy.
“Unfortunately, the Bay Area stop on the Keith Lee and family food tour is officially over prematurely… I truly want to say from the bottom of my heart, I appreciate every single bit of love. The people of the Bay were absolutely amazing, And I’ll never forget the hospitality and the love that y’all showed me,” Lee said in a TikTok
ANAHEIM, CALIFORNIA – JUNE 23: Keith Lee speaks onstage at VidCon Anaheim 2023 at the Anaheim Convention. Center on June 23, 2023 in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Unique Nicole/Getty Images)
From there, he remarked that the “people of the Bay are just focused on surviving,” and added that the number of “tents and living structures and burnt-out cars that we saw people living in was shocking to say the least.” Of his disappointing dining experiences, he added: “We went to a lot of restaurants — popular restaurants, not popular restaurants, mom-and-pop shops — and this is the first city where I have over six videos that I don’t feel comfortable posting because nothing about my experience was constructive and nothing that I said was constructive.” Check out his full breakdown of the decision below.
Fans had mixed responses to Lee’s decision. One user commented: “Not even mad at this. When the vibe is off….. just roll out.” Another wrote: “As a native Bay Area kid, this breaks my heart to see my hometown like this. Hope yall are safe!” Be on the lookout for further updates on Keith Lee on HotNewHipHop.
Recently, Keith Lee took to social media to share a list of his top food stops of the year. The food critic was sure to remind fans that his opinions were based on a multitude of factors, including hospitality, diversity, and more. Regardless, his list is sure to spark some debate, as some cities didn’t rank as high as one would expect. According to him, the list is simply based on his likelihood to go back to a city strictly for the food.
Beginning with his least favorite city of the year, Lee put Atlanta at No. 8 on his list. He says that it was tough for him and his crew to find anything to eat, though he admits that when they finally did, it was “delicious.” Next up is New York, which he’s raised issues with in the past. He cites the “overwhelming feeling of being unwelcome” as a factor, noting how he doesn’t think he got an authentic experience.
He ranks Detroit at No. 6, claiming that while he loves his hometown, he found that it lacked diversity compared to other cities. Los Angeles came in at No. 5, with the personality noting how his mind was changed about the city, as he previously wasn’t impressed with its food. Next up is Vegas, which he says stood out for its wide array of options. He puts Chicago in at No. 3, claiming that everything he ate there was “absolutely delicious.”
Coming in second place is Houston, which Lee praises for its desserts. The TikTok star puts New Orleans at No. 1, claiming that their customer service is what puts them ahead of the pack. He also commends the city for being so “rich in culture.” What do you think of Keith Lee’s ranking? What city has the best food in your opinion? Share your thoughts in the comments section down below, and keep an eye on HNHH for more updates.
During his recent appearance on The Breakfast Club, Keith Lee got into a bit of a back-and-forth with DJ Envy. Envy claimed that the viral food critic reviews food “the hood way” when the father of two fired back. He accused the host of calling his reviews “ghetto,” which Envy quickly denied.
“I wouldn’t say the hood way, I just eat food,” Lee argued. Envy then asked him how service in NYC differs from that of other regions, which Lee said is all in the culture. “Culture is different, the people are different” he explained. “When I walked in you asked me or you said that I’m a ghetto food critic, so it’s like that alone embodies what New York is… New York is cold, they play with you a lot.“
“I didn’t say ghetto I said hood,” Envy interjected, prompting Lee to say “It’s the same thing.” The TikTok personality went on, claiming that he doesn’t like when small restaurants are given the same “energy” that Envy gave him, but he himself doesn’t mind it because he has “thick skin.” Envy eventually elaborated on his comments, stating that while he’s from the “hood” he doesn’t consider himself “ghetto.” Charlamagne Tha God disagreed, calling him “so ghetto.” Both Charlamagne and Lee then took aim at his outfit, arguing that wearing a wife beater when it’s cold and rainy is pretty “ghetto.”
The former MMA star made it clear that he didn’t appreciate being pigeonholed by DJ Envy. Countless social media users are weighing in on the debate, praising Lee for the polite way he handled the correction. Others think he misunderstood what Envy said, and came back a bit too hard. What do you think of Keith Lee and DJ Envy going back and forth during a recent episode of The Breakfast Club? Do you think the food critic’s response to Envy’s comment was warranted? Share your thoughts in the comments section down below, and keep an eye on HNHH for more updates.
It’s safe to say that not a lot of former MMA fighters have had the kind of career change Keith Lee has had. The man took the lemons life gave him, made lemonade, and has been running with it ever since. If you’re a TikTok user or use social media a lot, it’s highly possible you’ve come across him on your feed before. Basically, Keith Lee has created a niche for himself, and become a favorite of food enthusiasts around the world.
Lee is a huge trend right now, especially due to his most recent visit to Atlanta as a part of his food tour. Like a Black Santa Claus, Lee went on his merry way spreading love and light throughout ATL. However, he seems to have left a trail of restaurants shaken in his wake as well due to his criticism of Atlanta’s food scene. Even Cardi B has corroborated Keith Lee’s story about the restaurants in ATL. Now a renowned food reviewer, he has come a very long way from his MMA days. For those curious about the personality shaking up TikTok (and the ATL restaurant scene), here’s all you need to know.
Keith Lee’s MMA Beginnings
Born on October 4, 1996, Keith Lee first gained media attention duking it out with opponents in the MMA cage. Keith, who is the brother of MMA fighter Kevin Lee, has previously fought in both the Bantamweight and Featherweight divisions, going professional at the age of 20 in 2016. Known by the nickname “Killa,” Lee went on to partake in 13 MMA fights. Altogether, he holds a fair record, with eight wins and five losses. On TikTok, Lee shared how he secured a contract with Bellator MMA. “A day after Christmas (2019), I got a call from my manager and I earned a six-figure contract,” he said. Unfortunately, his contract with Bellator was terminated in August 2021, and he became broke again. However, that was probably the best thing to happen to him. The seemingly unfortunate event spurred Lee on to take a step that changed his life forever.
Keith Lee actually started posting content on his TikTok account way back in 2020. For most of his life, he had dealt with social anxiety and wanted to try conquering it through making videos of himself. In an interview with MMA Fighting, he shared, “I originally started doing TikTok to get more comfortable with doing interviews for MMA.” He explained further, “Because, at the time, all I was doing was MMA. Within that, it was about me learning how to slow myself down, how to speak at a more monotone tone. I usually speak this slow anyways, but when I get excited or I get nervous, I talk real fast.”
It would still take a while for the internet personality to finally settle on food reviews. He first pivoted to making more family-related content, often featuring his then-pregnant wife. Subsequently, the unusual cravings she had led Lee to start making cooking videos. Soon after, he was invited to appear on an episode of the popular YouTube show, People Vs Food.
“I was like OK, if I was to be on their show and I was a viewer, what would I look for if somebody was on a different platform?” Lee shared. “What would I look for in order for me to go to their platform and watch their videos? I was like, food reviews. I would watch somebody do food reviews all day. So let me start doing food reviews.”
For all of the long term members of the Lee family We thank you for being here during this whole journey For the new members Welcome to the family , we also thank you for being here. To myself Thank you for never giving up and trusting God , to my wife Thank you for trust me and what God has for us. To @REACT & @Disney I will see you soon God is amazing #thankful#storytime
Lee subsequently became an overnight TikTok sensation. On the platform, he achieved a followership gain of over four million between November 2022 and January 2023. In a vulnerable moment, the food critic shared with MMA Fighting, “I felt very expendable after I lost my contract with Bellator. I promised myself I’m going to build something that no one can take away from me.” Evidently, he has managed to do just that. If nothing else, Keith Lee is a man of his word.
Keith Lee’s rise since he started posting food reviews has been something straight out of a fantasy book. Audiences evidently love his honest reviews, and his followers have grown exponentially since January 2023. While all of this is great for him, perhaps the best part of it all is how he’s used his platform to elevate small food businesses. The Keith Lee effect is no joke, and he has used it positively ever since.
On his nationwide food tour, Lee recently shook the internet during his stop in Atlanta. In like fashion, the food reviewer intended to highlight food from as many places as he could, and honestly, too. However, he was faced with a surprising obstacle: the unorthodox, and sometimes ridiculous rules of some restaurants in Atlanta. This has since become a major hot topic on social media, garnering all sorts of responses from celebrities, as well as the general public.
Over time, Lee has been vocal about how he does not want to be given special treatment. However, since he has become such a recognizable figure, it’s hard to know whether or not he’s being treated specially. As a result, what he often does these days is have another member of his family place orders or walk into restaurants in his place. Several restaurants in ATL went on to state their rules, including things like limits on dine-in times, no reservations, no waiting areas, hour-long waiting times, etc.
These rules, however, were typically overturned whenever Keith Lee eventually revealed himself. Obviously, if someone was influential enough, these restaurants could break their rules, and Lee just wasn’t a fan of that. Consequently, he shared videos of every time this happened, and it was more than a few times. It happened at The Real Milk & Honey, Old Lady Gang, and Atlanta Breakfast Club, among others. Lee, hoping only to share his experiences at these establishments, always expressed that he did not condone any disrespect towards them. Regardless, chaos ensued, and Lee has said he may have to put his food tour on hold. He prioritizes honesty and transparency, and has since shared, “I’m going to be 100 percent transparent, 100 percent candid, me and my family will postpone touring if other cities are going to be like this. Every review [is] not going to be the best.”
As a result of his transparency, Keith Lee has managed to put several rising restaurants on the map. Particularly, many small-time spots have expressed their gratitude for his positive reviews, which has, in turn, boosted their clientele. However, his visit to ATL has led to many on social media to call out the pretentious façade of many restaurants in the city. Nonetheless, Keith Lee forges on, sharing his experiences, one spot after another.
TikTok star Keith Lee has responded to Chad Johnson expressing his disdain for Lee’s review content. “You must have never heard of me, but if you have heard of me, why is this your first time speaking on me? Why haven’t you spoken about the positive things we’ve done with this platform?” the former MMA fighter asked the retired wide receiver. Lee went on to cite examples such as helping fund cancer treatment for one restaurant owner and helping a schoolteacher retire.
However, Lee even had backup – from Johnson’s own daughter no less. “Listen, we team Keith Lee over here,” Johnson claimed his daughter had texted him. “My daughter got on my head about this. And when your daughter get you on about something like this, you know you never gonna win,” Johnson continued. Other famous daughters have also gone after Johnson. A TikTok from the daughter of Jalen Rose has garnered hundreds of thousands of viewers.
While Sharpe, as he often is with the topic of sexuality, was hesitant, Johnson voiced his full-throated support for the idea of his partner doing OnlyFans to help the family’s finances. He acknowledged that OnlyFans can be a way to find financial stability in a world where a lot of people increasingly find a lack of it.
It’s unsurprising that Johnson would support the notion. Johnson recently revealed that in 1997, while attending Santa Monica College, he worked as a stripper to help pay his bills. “I used to strip at The Right Track, I used to be a dancer. I could tell you cause we family. 1997, I was in LA. My mom was out there but I really couldn’t live with my mama, so I had a place in Santa Monica. Sometimes I was short on my light bill. Them candles, light em. I used to strip. I used to be a dancer. If anybody in the chat is from LA that’s a little bit older, I used to strip at The Right Track. I bullsh-t you not,” Johnson told a livestream back in September.
Keith Lee lit the culinary and pop culture world on fire when he, a popular social media food critic, reviewed a couple of Atlanta restaurants poorly. The issue wasn’t the food, though: it was the service, or lack of it, that he experienced. Moreover, this opened up a lot of debates around whether this is a valid criticism and whether it’s even reflective of the city’s restaurants. Furthermore, the latest celebrity to throw their hat into the ring is Chad Johnson, also known as Ochocinco, a football star with little connection to the A. Regardless, he told Shannon Sharpe in an interview that Lee was unfair with the issues that much of the food industry faces.
“Being a professional athlete, we get privileges sometimes at the restaurant that normal people don’t get. It happens!” Shannon Sharpe challenged to Chad Johnson. In fact, this clip is a strong debate between the basketball icon and the former NFL player with a lot of solid points on both ends. On one hand, Shannon believes that such critique is what restaurants ask for, and that people shouldn’t have to sugarcoat their criticisms because of a restaurant’s history or situation. The 45-year-old was more empathetic to the businesses that work very hard to get a name for themselves and face a lot of scrutiny as a result.
Not only that, but Chad Johnson also called into question Keith Lee’s authority as a “food critic.” As a counter to that, Shannon Sharpe expressed belief that he has all the authority he needs: he goes to a restaurant, decides whether it’s good, and posts it online. Overall, their argument centered around the limit to which a venue’s service and the attitude of their workers can be criticized. They also brought up that many of these could be Black-owned and run businesses, which in and of itself opens the debate up to more discrimination and bias.
Meanwhile, which side do you agree on with this debate? Should restaurants suck it up and aim to be better or are too many people too quick to judge? In any case, drop your thoughts in the comments section down below. For more news and the latest updates on Shannon Sharpe and Chad Johnson, stay posted on HNHH.
Testimony 
Im forever thankful 
(@laugh_track_nat)