Who is Jason Lee, the podcaster running for city council in California? He founded Rihanna-approved site Hollywood Unlocked and interviewed Cardi B – but why did he distance himself from Kanye West?
- The podcaster hit it off with Kanye West after an interview, becoming his head of media and partnerships – but resigned to launch his own talk show shortly before Ye donned a White Lives Matter shirt
- Hollywood Unlocked is one of the US’s most prominent Black-owned media and entertainment brands, with Lee having interviewed Cardi B and Tiffany Haddish – while Rihanna is a fan of the platform
Not to be confused with Hollywood actor Jason Lee, podcast host Jason Lee has made a name for himself by befriending A-list celebrities and delving into US politics, having secured his spot at the top of a Black-owned media empire. Prevailing over the trauma of his early years, Lee has become one of the most influential Black voices in America. Here’s what you need to know.
Jason Lee’s path to fame
The roots of Jason Lee’s Hollywood Unlocked
In 2015, Lee launched his entertainment site, Hollywood Unlocked. In January 2023, he raised US$1.7 million in seed capital, bringing the company’s valuation to US$50 million. PR Newswire has described it as “on a mission to create spaces for Black voices”. Variety reports that it is considered “one of the nation’s leading Black-owned media and entertainment brands” – having secured tell-all interviews with the likes of Cardi B, Tiffany Haddish and Ye (formerly Kanye West).
Forbes states that the site has “undeniable worldwide reach and cultural influence”, with Rihanna famously saying, “If I want to speak to my people, I come to Hollywood Unlocked.”