Its business as usual at Soho Works, the chic coworking space was buzzing with entrepreneurs conducting meetings and banging buttons on their keyboards. In a private suite, Little Engine Media produced episode two of their conversation series PLLRS. Not to be confused with another celebrity worship podcast—the focus is on the architects, the silent strategists behind the brilliance. In its latest episode, host Keith Nelson Jr. sat down with Grammy-winning multi-hyphenate SAINt JHN and powerhouse publicist Simone King to break down the anatomy of real success.
PLLRS—short for “pillars”—is a platform designed to amplify the voices of those who sacrifice, strategize, and show up behind the scenes. In a world obsessed with the end result, PLLRS reminds us that real success is layered: it’s equal parts talent, teamwork, and tireless grind.
Throughout the evening, Saint Jhn spoke openly about the patience required to craft his path, resisting shortcuts and protecting his creative integrity. “Nobody wants to hear a rich n* cry”, said the self proclaimed world builder detailing the lonely nights in his villa. The price of fame can be expensive. In a moment of vulnerability, the Brooklyn bred artist shared “We strip people of their humanity because of their success”.
“You only get back what you put in”. – SAINt JHN
Simone King pulled the curtain back on the rarely discussed realities of the many hats she wears—balancing motherhood, ambition, authenticity, and pressure under public eye. “I am fully invested in his life- not afraid to be an assistant”. The conversation didn’t shy away from the ugly parts either: the late nights, the doubts, the times when the dream feels heavier than the hustle. “Sometimes the artist makes less than the team after everyone is paid”, expounded the Modern Day Mom.
The room felt intimate but charged. Industry insiders, creatives, and culture builders leaned in, taking notes. Laughter broke out when SAINt JHN shared coveted advice from JAY Z, but the underlying message was serious: behind every breakout moment is a long stretch of unseen sacrifice. I asked audience member and fellow visionary Juels Pierrot to name one of the PLLRS of his success, he replied with an acronym for LOVE, “Living our values everyday”.
By the end of the night, it was clear that PLLRS is not just a speaker series—it’s a necessary shift in the conversation about success. Biggest takeaway, every artist needs a Simone King.
