N.O.R.E. & DJ EFN are the Drink Champs. In this episode we chop it up with the legend himself, Tyson Beckford! Supermodel & actor Tyson Beckford joins us to share his journey! Tyson speaks on personal relationships and professional choices. In this episode he discusses his journey as one of the first male supermodels. He explains how he brought a hip-hop style to the fashion industry, showing up in baggy clothes, a backward Yankees hat, and Timberlands, which initially drew criticism from clients. His story highlights the importance of staying authentic while evolving to meet industry standards. Tyson Beckford shares his experiences dealing with jealousy from men whose girlfriends were attracted to him. Despite not knowing these women personally, he would receive threats and challenges. Reflecting on his past, Tyson recalls hanging out in areas like Lefrak City, where these incidents were more frequent, and emphasizes how he learned to handle these situations calmly, often offering to resolve conflicts peacefully. Tyson Beckford’s journey highlights resilience in the face of jealousy and industry challenges. From handling confrontations with calm confidence to breaking barriers as a male supermodel, Tyson’s story is one of authenticity and evolution. His experiences in the fashion world and on the streets shaped him into the icon he is today. Make some noise for Tyson Beckford!!! 💐💐💐🏆🏆🏆 *Listen and subscribe at https://www.drinkchamps.com Timecodes: 00:00:00 - Intro 00:01:15 - Tyson's impact on fashion and pop culture, breaking barriers as a Black model. 00:02:32 - Tyson reflects on New York's cultural staples like Timberland boots and shares his personal style evolution, including his shift to wearing a gun brand shirt. 00:05:16 - Tyson jokes about carrying guns and explains how his street persona influences his fashion choices. 00:08:41 - Tyson shares early life, including being wiretapped at 17 and growing up in Rochester. 00:12:39 - Career highlights: modeling, traveling, and living luxuriously, including driving Ferraris and AMG Benzes. Tyson contrasts his lifestyle with traditional corporate jobs. 00:19:58 - Tyson on tattoos: Why he doesn't have any, and how that decision shaped his image in the modeling and entertainment world. 00:23:15 - Stories from Tyson's modeling career, including wild encounters and his transition into acting. Discussion on blending street culture with high fashion. 00:30:34 - Nostalgia about the ’90s: Tyson reflects on the cultural shifts that shaped modern fashion and entertainment, including the influence of earlier decades. 00:38:02 - The hosts discuss representation in media, the possibility of a Black James Bond, and Tyson's thoughts on Hollywood's evolving inclusivity. 00:39:55 - Tyson Beckford receives his Flowers! 💐 00:45:08 - Tyson shares insights into balancing fame, being authentic, and adapting to changing expectations in the industry. 00:51:20 - Why Tyson turned down Zoolander 2—his reasoning focused on the script—and his thoughts on sequels like Biker Boys. 00:55:17 - Tyson discusses the grittiness of the biker scene and how it could inspire new movie ideas. 00:58:32 - Challenges of being a model and street-smart individual. Tyson shares stories of staying true to himself and navigating fame. 01:05:40 - Reflections on community struggles and systemic issues. Comparisons between public housing, schools, and prisons. 01:06:20 - Quick Time with Slime 🏆 01:13:09 - Tyson recalls positive experiences meeting Tupac and being part of hip-hop's evolution during the East Coast/West Coast era. 01:30:06 - Tyson's Caribbean roots: Frequent trips to Jamaica and Kingston, and the cultural connections that keep him grounded. 01:39:10 - Tyson compares iconic models like Naomi Campbell and Cindy Crawford. He discusses the hustle behind the scenes in the modeling world. 01:48:43 - The conversation pivots to colonialism's impact on identity and generational trauma. Tyson reflects on societal structures and how they shape individuals. 02:01:15 - Tyson jokes about career opportunities, including a residency at Chippendales and OnlyFans trends. 02:09:11 - Tyson shares insights into acting vs. modeling, preferring acting as a more fulfilling career path. 02:17:31 - Tyson dives into his love for vehicles, including high-powered bikes and cars. He shares his thrill-seeking adventures. Follow Drink Champs: https://www.instagram.com/drinkchamps https://www.twitter.com/drinkchamps https://www.facebook.com/drinkchamps https://www.youtube.com/drinkchamps DJ EFN https://www.crazyhood.com https://www.instagram.com/whoscrazy https://www.twitter.com/djefn https://www.facebook.com/crazyhoodproductions N.O.R.E. https://www.instagram.com/therealnoreaga https://www.twitter.com/noreaga