Kodak Black has been through a lot in his life, seeing all the highs and lows of fame along with a string of personal issues and run-ins with the law. While many might solely attribute this to his own choices, there are a lot of folks within the hip-hop community and outside of it with genuine concern for his well-being and a desire for him to get better. For example, Gillie and Wallo recently sat down to talk to Yak, and the latter gave an impassioned speech to him about his purpose, his special nature, his commitments, and his potential.
“Look at me, man,” Wallo said as he stretched his hand out to Kodak Black. “Listen. You special. Don’t ever doubt yourself. You got them babies counting on you. Now, it’s gon’ be times when you gon’ doubt yourself. You gon’ be in pain. But them babies counting on you. You got to be here. And I’m telling you that because a lot of people get around you and they see your success. A lot of people need you, and they’re yes men. I ain’t here to ‘Yes, man.’ You know me, every time we connect. You know I got love for you. Not because I need you. I got love for you ’cause you a young cat, and I was young, Gil’ was young. Live. Live!
Elsewhere, Wallo remarked on how Kodak Black lights up when he hears about his children and how people show love whenever they see him. He also told the Florida rapper to not focus on the Internet mobs laughing, mocking, or criticizing at his expense, as neither they nor Wallo truly know his pain. But Kodak has people counting on him, and also a lot of special talent that many similarly talented folks in his position didn’t get the chance to fully benefit from. In addition, the podcaster told the artist to help change the narrative around the community and foster a more positive outlook and example for their peers.
“Don’t hurt yourself, brother, and that’s why we come down here,” Wallo told Kodak Black. “It’s about what you feel inside of yourself.” At the end, they stood up and embraced in a show of love and support, which we hope to see more of down the line.
“The road to hell is paved with good intentions,” reads the first sentence of Wallo 267’s, born Wallace Peeples, new book, Armed With Good Intentions, an exploration of his life, the decisions he made, and finding his purpose to inspire others after his release from prison. He’s used his platform, Million Dollaz Worth Of Game, the podcast he co-hosts with his cousin, Gillie Da Kid, to not only share his story but also provide others with the opportunity to share theirs. Artists like Lil Durk, Pooh Shiesty, and countless others have sat down to absorb their knowledge as elder statesmen and share their own gems.
“Like you have these good intentions, but you still get caught up sometimes being the environment we have. I had to share my story – not just the book – but before the book, online, because I wanted these young people to learn from my story, but don’t live my story, you know?” he explained to Hot New Hip Hop over Zoom. “Because a lot of them live in the story in real life. They live in the street game. They try to figure it out, and it’s like, yo, it ain’t even worth it, you know?”
The honesty and rawness of Wallo and Gillie’s approach to Million Dollaz Worth Of Game is hyperfocused in Armed With Good Intentions. Released through 13A Gallery, Wallo deconstructs the cause-and-effect of his decisions that shaped his trajectory and turned him into a guiding light for the youth and a proponent of change, one who now serves as the CMO of REFORM Alliance, a Cultural Advisor to YouTube, and the founder of YouTube Avenues. We recently caught up with the Philadelphia native to discuss his new book, guiding the youth with honesty, Pooh Shiesty, and more.
This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.
Courtesy of 13 A
HotNewHipHop: How long was this book in the works?
Wallo: You know what’s crazy? It wasn’t that long. Last year it came about, [and I] just went in. You know, knocked it out, got straight to it. The opportunity came to get with Simon & Schuster 13A Gallery Books, and went right at it, you know. And it just came out smooth, you know?
How long was the process of writing it?
Not that long. I’d say less than a year.
What was the feeling like once your reached the end of the editing process and seeing the final copy?
I think not just the copy. I think it was when I finished the audiobook before the copy. Seeing the final copy was just like ‘wow,’ you know? Because it was just like talking, feeling the emotions, and all that stuff through the audiobook. It was like, “Yo, this thing is really real. Like, it’s game time.”
Would you have ever imagined writing your own book 20 years ago?
No, no, no. You don’t – no. Being in prison, naw, you don’t. I remember, I did read one book when I was in prison, and it was written by somebody when they was in prison. I don’t know if you remember Monster [by Sanyika Shakur]. I was like, damn. You know, he wrote that when he was in prison. So it was like you think but you never know that your story would be that interesting, being somebody in jail. So you just be like, “ahh.” This dude was talking about something totally different, like the gang-banging stuff so it was just different. But never, never did I think that.
The first line of the book, “The road to hell is paved with good intentions,” embodies the title of the book. What’s the significance of that proverb to you and how has it shaped your outlook these days as a mentor and a community leader?
You know, that’s how it be, man. Like you have these good intentions, but you still get caught up sometimes being the environment we have. I had to share my story – not just the book – but before the book, online, because I wanted these young people to learn from my story, but don’t live my story, you know? Because a lot of them live in the story in real life. They live in the street game. They try to figure it out, and it’s like, yo, it ain’t even worth it, you know? And that’s what some of the messaging was over the years on social media, was like, “Yo, that sh*t ain’t worth it, man. Go another route.”
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – JUNE 29: Wallo267 (L) attends the BET Experience Celebrity Basketball Game on June 29, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Randy Shropshire/Getty Images for BET)
In the book, you mention how you realized that a lot of the old heads in your community lied to you or led you astray in certain ways. In the position you’re in now and with the network of people that you reach, how do you impart this type of wisdom that you have to the youth in a way that strays them away from the inevitable outcome of the streets?
Being raw with them, sharing my story, being straight up, and not trying to be cool. I think a lot of times, a lot of old heads or OGs try to maintain that cool thing. And sometimes, [when] you try to maintain that, you won’t tell a person what the real is, that “Yo, you should be doing this dumb sh*t.” That’s the difference [with] me. Me, I’m an elder to these young cats, so I’m always going to tell them. I’m not trying to be no young person. I embrace my age, I embrace that I’m older. I love where I’m at, and I’m gonna tell them what it is because I already know where they going.
Do you feel like that’s the key to the success of Million Dollaz Worth Of Game? The first person that comes to mind is Pooh Shiesty and a lot of the younger artists that have appeared on the platform. Do you think it’s more effective and the words land better because you’re not sugarcoating anything?
See, one thing I know is that a lot of times, though, Aron, some people really gotta go through it. No matter who you talkin’ [to]. But I always feel good knowing that I told people exactly what it is. I ain’t bullshit. I ain’t bullshit Pooh Shiesty. I ain’t bullshit none of these young cats. I tell them exactly what’s going on, how it’s going on, and why it’s going on, you know what I mean? So I always feel good. I don’t want the outcome to be sometimes the wrong way [of] what it is but it’s like, as long as I feel like I know I’ve done my job because I felt the energy and I felt that I needed to say certain things based on what was going on. You know, I feel good about that.
What part of this book was most difficult to see on paper?
You know, talking about my brother, Steve. Because Steve is always a soft spot for me. You know, ‘cause anytime he’s mentioned, I get emotional because I’m thinking about just our upbringing, our journey. You know, that’s something, you know, that’s just something personal.
The book also recollects a lot of the decisions that led to your incarceration. How do the lessons you learned from those moments weigh against the regrets you might have?
You know, it’s deep. It’s real oxymoronic. It goes both ways because it’s like, I don’t regret nothing then it’s like yeah, I needed to go. So it’s wild. It’s unexplainable because you’d be like ‘I learned a lot,’ but then it be like, ‘You know, I had to go through this.’ And even with the regrets, you’d be like, ‘damn, I regret doing this.’ And you’d be like, ‘Damn, if I didn’t do this, I probably wouldn’t have made it here,’ to be able to learn through and grow through the shit. So it’s a lot, you know?
What’s the most rewarding aspect of growing Million Dollaz Worth Of Game for you?
Being able to see how it impacts culture. How you see people in real life and they was like, “Yo, man, I needed that.” That was like seeing them at the airport, seeing them in the market. It’s like, “okay, this works,” like a lot of people are listening.
Is there a particular instance that sticks out to you in terms of realizing and understanding your own impact on culture?
You know what, it’s so crazy. There have been so many, it’s hard to pick one. It’s hard to pick one.
What about the first time?
The impact? I think the first time was when my grandma basically understood what I was doing, and she was proud of me, that I was finally doing [something]. I was like, “Yo, sh*t, this sh*t is real.” She really respected it so, like I think it was different from then.
What was that conversation with her like?
You know, I was on the front page of The Daily News, and somebody called to tell her. She was like – she thought I did something wrong, or something. Like, “he on the news. What did he do?” My life had changed, for real. It wasn’t even about me doing nothing wrong so it wasn’t even about that. So it was just… it just was different, man. It was amazing, though.
NEW YORK, NY – SEPTEMBER 23: Wallo267 speaks onstage during Global Citizen Week: At What Cost? at The Apollo Theater on September 23, 2018 in New York City. (Photo by Noam Galai/Getty Images for Global Citizen)
At the beginning of Armed With Good Intentions, you mention how you’re on parole until 2048. It reminded me heavily of Meek Mill’s situation and I know the two of you have a good relationship. With your role at REFORM, what is change for you and what are your goals?
So the whole thing is, like, I think it already happened. You know, I’m saying it already happened on the aspect of just seeing all the changes that already came in a short period of time. Just being a part of that in any type of way, that’s everything.
What are you most proud to accomplish so far with them?
I think it’s just the connection and giving people hope. I think that’s the accomplishment, even before I went there. Giving people hope that they have something, somebody there to fight for them.
You’ve taken the role of the cultural advisor of YouTube and the founder of YouTube Avenues. As someone who is in touch with the youth and has seen how a lot of kids have gone from aspiring to be a rapper to wanting to become streamers and YouTubers, what similarities do you see between the hustles of trying to come up as a rapper and trying to become a YouTuber from the ground up?
It’s similar because everybody trying to grind, but I think [becoming a] YouTuber is way easier because you don’t have to – [being a] rapper is a lot. You gotta be entertainment, you gotta be believable, you gotta be energetic. It’s like YouTube, you can sit in your crib and do content based on something totally different and blow up. Or you could be playing games.
It feels like a lot of YouTubers can expand outside of just content creation and YouTube provides them with a platform to do so. Based on your interactions with the community, how do you feel about these YouTubers expanding their platforms into other avenues?
They not playing, I love it. I love seeing Kai. Like, I know Kai, we had him on the show and just talking to him and seeing how this thing is like, it’s opening up the game for a whole new outlet, a whole new revenue stream for young kids to go after.
What’s the main objective of this role? What is your long-term goal for, not only yourself but the community at large?
I just want to let people know that they got a shot. Coming from where I come from, the ghetto, it’ll have you believing that it’s over. It’s just beginning. So if I could get out there and let our people know, “Listen, you got a shot, no matter the circumstances.” No matter if you was a drug abuser, no matter if you went to jail, no matter – you got a shot. That’s my main thing, letting people know it’s never over until you stop breathing.
Final question: what do you have planned after this book? What can we expect from you in the foreseeable future?
A lot. Documentaries, you know, a lot of new stuff coming down the pike. Sometimes I don’t even speak on it, I just let it happen.
Is there anything in particular you’d be willing to tell us about?
Wallo267 Foundation. I’ll be helping you juvenile offenders get back, reintegrate back into society and stuff like that.
Gillie Da Kid is having a bit of fun on social media. In the wild world of hip-hop and street legends, there’s no shortage of stories and surprising journeys to the top. Wallo 267, now a celebrated motivational speaker and the charismatic host of the viral podcast Million Dollaz Worth of Game, is no exception to this rule. Moreover, before he became a public figure in the culture, he did time. In fact, he served a 20-year sentence in the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections for an armed robbery conviction. Wallo’s life story took a sharp turn as he entered prison at the tender age of 17 and emerged as a free man at 37. This was documented in a Change.org petition. Currently, he’s navigating the terrain of probation, and his tales from behind bars have become legendary. They’ve been featured as hilarious segments on his popular podcast.
However, Gillie Da Kid, a Philly rap figure who’s no stranger to the industry, and part of the Major Figgas group with Wallo, recently took to social media for some playful fun at his cousin’s expense. Gillie da King is playfully poking fun at his cousin Wallo for his extensive prison term. Gillie humorously captioned an Instagram post featuring R. Kelly singing “Bump and Grind,” suggesting that Wallo’s prison talent show wins might not have continued if R. Kelly were his competition. Regardless of how entertaining Wallo’s performances were. This lighthearted banter showcases the strong family bond and the unique humor within the hip-hop community.
“@wallo267 won 3 straight prison talent shows he wouldn’t of won a 4th with R in there I don’t care how much twerking Lo Did,” he wrote. Gillie shared an Instagram post featuring R. Kelly, the R&B maestro, belting out his classic hit “Bump and Grind” acapella. It’s clear that the two never miss an opportunity to tease each other. However, in this case, Gillie playfully suggests that Wallo’s prison talent show victories might have met their match if he had to contend with R. Kelly’s vocals behind bars.
It’s all in good fun, and this light-hearted banter between the two cousins showcases the resilience, humor, and camaraderie that exists within the hip-hop community. Even when recounting tales of life behind prison walls. Wallo’s journey from incarceration to podcast stardom is nothing short of inspirational, and it’s heartwarming to see his family members, like Gillie, celebrating his success with a sprinkle of humor.
Over the weekend, Portnoy found himself at the center of a feud with Angel Reese. Following Reese’s taunts of Caitlin Clark, Portnoy called Reese classless and idiotic. Many felt that it was a racially motivated comment, and the backlash has lasted all the way to today. Consequently, Gillie Da Kid and Wallo have been hit with some second-hand backlash. This subsequently led to a response in which Gillie and Wallo addressed their fans. Below, you can see Wallo explain how they don’t stand for what Portnoy said. Moreover, they made it clear that they own 100 percent of their podcast and that the deal with Barstool is simply for licensing.
Gillie Da Kid & Wallo Speak
Gillie & Wallo speak on barstool sports president Dave Portnoy calling Angel Reese “a classless piece of shit” after she taunted Caitlin Clark pic.twitter.com/Z1t3QeEx4l
— Shannonnn sharpes Burner (PARODY Account) (@shannonsharpeee) April 3, 2023
Throughout the clip, Gillie can be heard saying “we love you Dave.” Overall, fans were not happy with this response or attitude. Immediately after the clip started making the rounds, Gillie Da Kid and Wallo were ripped to shreds for their commentary. Various fans felt that Gillie is typically very loud, but when it comes to the money source, he is extremely quiet. Furthermore, some Twitter users felt like the two are selling out black women for their brand. Needless to say, they have only entrenched themselves deeper into the controversy.
It is certainly not the best look when you think about the conversation surrounding Reese. Many are making some ugly claims about the LSU champion. Additionally, Barstool’s problematic history is being placed at the forefront. At this point, it remains to be seen whether or not Gillie Da Kid and Wallo will reconsider their partnership with Barstool, especially when you consider the recent backlash. Subsequently, let us know your thoughts on the situation, in the comments below.
Everybody knows what barstool stands for and what they are on. When you decide to get money with them you decide to endorse this type of bullshit. I don’t wanna see none of these videos no more. Stand on your decision or separate but stop playing both sides. https://t.co/QfpWcgjsEt
Kanye West has kept to himself over the past few months, for the most part. Following a tumultuous end to 2022, Ye seemingly decided to take a break from the media circuit and social media which undoubtedly got him into hot water. However, during his recent public outings, he had his phone in his hand. Though that’s rather common for most people living in the 21st-century world, Ye has bigger plans, according to Wallo267.
The Million Dollaz Worth Of Game co-host recently detailed a meeting he had with Kanye West. Wallo explained that he met a producer whose job was to solely film Ye with an iPhone. The footage apparently is being used for a new documentary on the Yeezy founder. “I was with Ye months ago. This mothaf*cka had a white bull, right? Me and this bull talkin’. This white bull got an iPhone that’s all day… He documenting everything. This gon’ be the documentary, the iPhone,” he said holding up his iPhone.
Kanye West’s Documentary Teaches Wallo A Valuable Lesson
Wallo explained that the individual he spoke to has “hard drives of hard drives” of content surrounding Ye. “When I’m talkin’ to Ye, Ye’s like, ‘Do you mind if I record this?’ Nah, he could record,” he recalled. “He like this all day, he don’t say nothing,” Wallo said, mimicking the videographer’s actions as he held up his phone. Though Wallo didn’t get the scoop on when this documentary might drop, he explained that it was impressive to see this type of dedication. Ultimately, Wallo said that witnessing the documentary being filmed became a valuable lesson to “document everything.”
It will certainly be interesting to see how this documentary turns out. Last year, Netflix debuted the three-part Jeen-Yuhs documentary, directed by Coodie Simmons and Chike Ozah, who began documentary Kanye’s career before he signed with Roc-A-Fella. However, Ye took issue with the final product, demanding Netflix and the directors to give him access to the editing room so he could have the final say in what is and isn’t included. Ultimately, Coodie and Chike refused to give Ye creative control of their project.
The streets are waiting for Pooh Shiesty to come home. In a short amount of time, he became one of the most promising figures in the South with the success of his single, “Back In Blood” ft. Lil Durk. Unfortunately, the rapper was derailed after he was sentenced to five years in prison after pleading guilty to a federal conspiracy charge. The conviction related to an incident in Miami in 2020 where he discharged a firearm. The incident was caught on camera and immediately spread across social media. Nonetheless, he hasn’t allowed his current situation to prevent him from releasing new music.
Despite his legal issues, the rapper appears to be in good spirits. Last week, the rapper issued a lengthy statement on social media where he reflected on the wealth he amassed at a young age while assuring his fans that jail hasn’t impacted him mentally. “King Shiesty tappin in from the middle of the pennititary aka Hell where they say i cant go, jailing no telling!!” Pooh wrote. “I still remain Untouched, Millions still in double digits! Tell google fix my net worth we can verify that shit right now. Yeah I’m locked up not fucked up. I was 21, up 8 figures; Jay-Z can’t even relate. My money triple my follwers.”
Wallo is among the legion of fans calling for Pooh Shiesty’s freedom. The podcast host revealed that he recently linked up with Pooh Shiesty’s father to speak at Capitol Hill about prison conditions. Wallo explained that he and Pooh Shiesty’s dad spoke to 11 representatives to discuss prison reform in an attempt to address the conditions inside correctional facilities across America.
Additionally, Wallo revealed that he also spoke to Pooh Shiesty on the phone. “We just got off the phone with Pooh. He’s in good spirits. We making some moves. Listen, just stay tuned,” he said. Hopefully, the conversations that Wallo and Pooh Shiesty’s father are having will help push forward the conversation surrounding prison reform. Check out Wallo’s post above and sound off with your thoughts in the comment section below. Do you miss Pooh Shiesty?
Just before Quavo took to the Grammys stage to memorialize Takeoff and other musicians we lost last year, J. Prince sat down with Million Dollaz Worth of Game. It’s an interview that has quickly swept through Hip Hop as Prince opened up about the night Takeoff was murdered in Houston at the top of November 2022. The Migos star was said to have been an innocent bystander at a private event when he was shot and killed. Reports claim there was a verbal disagreement about a dice game that Takeoff wasn’t even a part of.
J. Prince’s son was at the scene and was spotted on video walking past Takeoff’s body. People called him out for alleged callous behavior, but Prince insisted they did all they could. Elsewhere, he also called out Offset for speculated tension with Takeoff just prior to his death. “In reality, the truth of the matter is you wasn’t really right there with Takeoff when he was alive, you know what I mean?” said Prince.
Prince added, “So for you to be taking these positions that you’ve taken—and I’ve got people everywhere, so I hear all kinds of things—I’mma just say this to you. Don’t ever put me in no position where I have to defend myself. That wouldn’t be healthy for you. I have to say that.” Offset clapped back, but among conversations from fans have been criticisms toward Gillie Da Kid and Wallo. The Million Dollaz Worth of Game hosts were called out for allegedly facilitating a space where a potential beef could brew.
The podcast has long attempted to educate those in the streets about making better choices. Gillie and Wallo deliver inspiring messages to those who have faced trouble with the system, and their critics questioned this interview with allegations of divisiveness. They haven’t addressed the backlash just yet, but comments continue to pour in. Check out a few reactions below, and let us know if you think the J. Prince interview was inappropriate.
Not one lie was told! Wallo & Gillie allowing J Prince to come on their platform & call people snitches is bottom tier coonin!! Nobody cares about who snitched when somebody innocent died on your watch, a innocent woman was also shot in the head, luckily she lived https://t.co/FuF3yqM7AFpic.twitter.com/RS8Wt6Y6Ow
I’m so disappointed in @mworthofgame The fact that Gillie can think J Prince speaking with P from QC can make right the death of Takeoff to then give him a platform is insane. J Prince needs to be speaking with Takeoff’s parents, who gives a damn if he and P see eye to eye. SMH pic.twitter.com/94StXpKkeA
Ain’t no mfer way Gillie and Walo let J Prince come on they podcast and threaten Offset and take no accountability for Takeoffs death Fuck type shit is that you niggas ain’t bout shit boy …
Gillie and Wallo terrible for this interview. Folks was tough as hell on YSL and civil as hell with J Prince . And this why young niggas don’t respect old niggas.
Who yall niggas is, John Gotti Offset and Takeoff’s relationship was family business and J Prince should not have spoken on that. But let’s discuss how Gillie was looking at Mike Prince and them newborn baby tears.
Gillie and Wallo some hoes! Wallo was in tears during Durk’s interview about stop the violence. Real tears! And I felt that, but ain’t have shit to say to J Prince old ass threatening to harm MORE BLACK PEOPLE. The industry crazy.
(@MrWayneWoo) 
. And this why young niggas don’t respect old niggas.
Offset and Takeoff’s relationship was family business and J Prince should not have spoken on that. But let’s discuss how Gillie was looking at Mike Prince and them newborn baby tears. 