HYFINated Conversations

In an exclusive and deeply personal conversation, R&B powerhouse Ari Lennox joined HYFIN Music Director, Anthony Foster to discuss her latest album, Vacancy, and her upcoming headlining tour stop in Milwaukee at the Landmark Credit Union LIVE, May 15th, 2026. Lennox shared that Milwaukee was the city she was MOST excited to visit on this tour, citing the city's "beauty and blackness" as a major draw for her first headlining performance here in the 414. The interview delved into her first new work in 4 years, and her evolution as an independent artist under the iconic Interscope Records, where she now serves as the "captain of the ship," moving beyond her foundational years with Dreamville to embrace full creative accountability. Speaking of ships we learned that she is an excellent boat captain as wellAri also offered a rare glimpse into her creative process, revealing that while Vacancy is firmly rooted in modern soul, it was originally inspired by the legendary sounds of the 1950s and 60s, specifically icons like The Supremes and Sam Cooke. From discussing the "agitation and beauty" of her current growth to her strict tour rituals, like avoiding candy (sour patch kids-her favorite) , getting massages, getting vocal rest, little talking and even fewer jokes. Ari painted a picture of an artist fully committed to delivering a "damn near perfect" experience for her fans. Enjoy this wonderful conversation with one of the leading voices in R & B music!!!! Don’t miss Ari Lennox LIVE, Friday, May 15th at Landmark Credit Union Live!

We recently sat down with IDK, a remarkable artist and producer whose journey is as compelling as his sound. Born in London and raised in the DMV, IDK has quickly become one of the most respected voices in the industry by blending raw honesty with high-level musicality. In this HYFINATED CONVERSATION, we discuss his latest project, the mixtape e.t.d.s (even the devil smiles)—a mixtape that challenges the traditional boundaries of the genre and features historic collaborations with legends like RZA, MF DOOM, Black Thought, and DMX .IDK shares the insights he gained while navigating the justice system, explaining how the "power of planning, patience, and persistence" transformed his life and led him to the stage . We also dive into his work with Harvard’s No Label Academy, his unique "instinct-first" studio process, and his plans to drop another project before the end of 2026 . From the influence of DC Go-Go to his performance on Jimmy Fallon, this conversation explores the evolution of an artist who is truly taking over the game. 

 I had the chance to sit down with Alan Mingo Jr., who brings a whole new energy to the Wizard in ”The Wiz”. Let me tell you, this is not the Wizard you think you know.We talked about how this reimagined version challenges everything we’ve come to expect. Alan shared that in early conversations with the director, it was clear from the start: this Wizard would be unlike any we’ve ever seen. Not just in performance, but in presence, intention, and depth.And you feel that the moment he steps on stage. This isn’t about recreating nostalgia, it’s about redefining it. Bringing new layers, new perspective, and a level of artistry that honors the legacy of The Wiz while pushing it forward. What stood out most was the intentionality behind everything from the set design to the song selection. Every choice, every note, every moment is rooted in something deeper.Take in The Wiz live here in Milwaukee at the Marcus Performing Arts Center, March 24–29. Tickets are available now. If you think you’ve already seen The Wiz… think again. 

I recently sat down with the incomparable Sherri Shepherd, actress, comedian, bestselling author, and all-around cultural icon, for a conversation that was equal parts hilarious, heartfelt, and real.Sherri has done it all: from scene-stealing roles in film and television, to her Daytime Emmy Award–winning talk show Sherri, to earning her well-deserved star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. She’s also the author of the bestselling memoir Permission Slips and the empowering children’s book The Sunshine Queens, and she continues to light up stages everywhere with her stand-up, including her comedy special Sherri Shepherd: Not Done Yet.In our interview, we talked about her upbringing on the South Side of Chicago, the lessons that shaped her confidence and faith, and we even got into The Sunshine Queens and why representation and joy matter so much for young girls. Yes, we also laughed our way into a candid conversation about what she’s looking for in a potential partner. You can hear all this and more during our full interview at HYFIN.org. And don’t miss your chance to see Sherri Shepherd live as she kicks off her brand-new comedy tour, Make it Make Sense on February 6, right here in Milwaukee at the Pabst Theater. Tickets are available now.

I recently sat down with Robin Hilton, one of the driving forces behind NPR’s Tiny Desk, for an insightful conversation about music, meaning, and the responsibility that comes with producing one of the most influential platforms in modern culture.We explored what it truly takes to fill the space of such that massive Tiny Desk stage, fyi it’s not just with talent. Robin shared the legacy he hopes Tiny Desk will leave behind, and what he wants audiences to remember long after the performances fade from the screen.For artists dreaming of submitting to Tiny Desk, he offered invaluable insight, what the platform is really looking for, what separates a good submission from a great one, and how authenticity remains the most powerful currency.

I recently sat down with the incomparable Leslie Odom Jr. ahead of his recent Wisconsin performances at the Orpheum Theater in Madison and the Fox Cities Performing Arts Center in Appleton. Our conversation took place in anticipation of the shows, offering insight to where Odom is creatively as he continues to evolve as both an artist and performer.A world-renowned actor, singer and songwriter, Odom rose to international acclaim for his award-winning portrayal of Aaron Burr in Lin-Manuel Miranda’s Hamilton, earning a Tony for Best Actor in a Musical and a Grammy for Best Musical Theater Album. On top of those, his performance captured in a filmed stage production for Disney+ earned him a Primetime Emmy nomination.During our interview, we discussed An Offering: Live at Speakeasy Studios, his latest release that captures standards and covers live in the studio to showcase his vocal precision and emotional depth.

I recently sat down with Jena Dawson to talk about his latest album, Glimmer of God. Our conversation dug into the duality that’s been present in his music from the very beginning. From his debut album “Bad Sport” to his latest album “Rock a Bye Baby: Glimmer of God” Jean has taken us on his journey of self discovery.Jean leans fully into the two sides of who he is: the masculine and the feminine, the raw and the reflective. He approaches life with a deeply therapeutic lens, constantly exploring, evolving, and searching for himself through sound. He creates without expectation, allowing listeners to take whatever speaks to them. Glimmer of God captures that growth in multiple forms, refusing to fit neatly into any box, and that’s exactly what makes it brilliant.

Fresh off her collaboration with Tyler, The Creator on “Don’t You Worry Baby,” Madison McFerrin is riding a wave of career-defining moments. The track helped propel his latest album to a No. 59 debut on the Billboard Hot 100—her first-ever chart appearance. Earlier this year, she wowed audiences with a soulful performance on NPR’s Tiny Desk, part of the rollout for her new album, Scorpio, released June 24.On Wednesday, August 13, McFerrin brings her signature mix of vulnerability and groove to Milwaukee’s Summer of Soul, headlining after hometown favorite Grace Weber. In our interview, she opens up about the whirlwind of her breakout year, the car accident that nearly ended her career, and the deep family roots that continue to inspire her sound. She also shares why her songwriting process is an immersive, soul-searching journey—one that turns personal truths into music that resonates far beyond the surface.