Transcript: Underground Power Talks Podcast

Host: Ray “The Realmist” Baptiste
Guest: Shanelle Black

Location: New York

Ray: Welcome back, folks, to another episode of Underground Power Talks, where we go deep into the minds of some of the most intriguing and sometimes elusive figures in the underground world. If you haven’t already, please subscribe to get all the updates on our latest guests and upcoming events. Now, today, we have an absolute gem of a guest, someone who’s remained a bit of a mystery in New York but has been buzzing on the underground radar for some time now, Shanelle Black. Founder of Queen Luxury Lifestyle, an online sanctuary for female empowerment and elevation. She is the author of the bestselling book Code Black: Living a Private Life. She is known for her work as a ghostwriter for some of the top networks. Join me as I uncover the secrets behind Shanelle’s life of luxury, power, and privacy, and learn how she’s reshaped what it means to live a life of ultimate control. Welcome Shanelle.

Shanelle: Thank you for having me.

Ray: Not many people have had the chance to sit down with you; it's a privilege for me to do so today.

Shanelle: (a few moments of silence) Yes, it is.

Ray: I met you a few months ago at the St. Regis, the one spot on 5th Avenue where everything is just a little too perfect.

Shanelle: (light laughter)

Ray: I was there for a business dinner with a friend of mine, he’s the one who mentioned your name to me. He said, "You need to meet her, man. She's the real deal. She's not who you think she is." And, uh, let me tell you, after a conversation with you, I realized exactly what he meant.

Shanelle: (light laughter)

Ray: When I walked into the hotel lobby that day and saw you, I’m not gonna lie, you caught my attention immediately. And then, I saw your bodyguard. For all my listeners out there, I plan to try absolutely nothing. (laughter). Let's just say... I don’t get intimidated often, but he’s a pretty intimidating guy. Anyway, enough of me being a fanboy. Let's get into it.

Shanelle: Let’s…

Ray: So, Ms. Black, I read your book, and this whole “living a private life” thing you’ve got going on, it's honestly kind of mind-blowing. The whole idea behind your book, Code Black: Living a Private Life, is about privacy, secrecy, and control. What inspired you to share that with the world? I’m sure you could’ve kept it to yourself, right?

Shanelle: It’s not about sharing, Ray. It’s about teaching the few who understand. Privacy is power, and power is control. Sharing it with the right people is part of the strategy.

Ray: Damn. That’s some cold wisdom. I like it.
(pauses)
Okay, I gotta ask. I don’t know what you have on, but it smells…(shakes head) incredible. I’m not trying to get all weird about it, but it’s like—
(laughs awkwardly)
You walk in here, and it takes over the room. What is that?

Shanelle: It’s a blend of things, my special mix.

Ray:
It’s in the air.

(Both laugh)

Ray: Now, about this bodyguard, I'm sure I’m not the only one who’s curious about him. I mean, he's... yeah, he makes a statement, right?

(distance chatter in the background)

Shanelle:
He does his job. Protecting what needs to be protected. Don’t focus on him too much. I’m the one you should be paying attention to. (Eye wink)

Ray Randle: (nodding) You’re right (laughs), but seriously, your life is the kind of thing people dream about. This book, Code Black, it’s about privacy, living with secrecy, all while being at the very top of your game. But when you’re a person like you, how do you avoid the risk of people digging too deep?

Shanelle: I don’t avoid it; I just control it. People can dig if they want, but they’ll be digging for something that doesn’t exist. I make sure they stay lost.

Ray: I’m not trying to dig, Shanelle. But man, I’m so curious. I’m sure a lot of listeners want to know, too, how do you balance this private life of yours with normal life? Are there any cracks in the facade, or is it all just... smooth?

Shanelle: (pauses for a moment, then speaks)
Everything you see, is well thought out. Even you. My "normal life" isn’t so different from anyone else’s. It’s just strategic, that’s it.

Ray: (leans in) Strategic. I like that. So, what is it about you that makes men go crazy? What do you do differently that has them...obsessed, really?

Shanelle: It’s not about what I do. It’s about what I don’t do. They’re obsessed because I don’t give them what they expect. I don’t need them to give me anything. I don’t follow the usual rules. I don’t want to be their wife, girlfriend, or lover. Those titles are…(silence)…mediocre. My ability to be their (pause) private sanctuary is what makes them want to keep coming back.

Ray: (laughs nervously)
There's just something about the way you control the room. But here’s the thing, I think what most people miss is the fact that you're more than just a mystery. You're an intellect, and that’s why people, especially the men you interact with, look at you as an asset. And that’s probably why your book is such a game-changer, right?

Shanelle: It's not a game-changer, it’s a rule-changer. Those who understand will use it to their advantage. Those who don’t? (Blank stare)

Ray: (grins) I’ve heard a lot of rumors about you being a ghostwriter. Some big names, have you really been behind some of the hottest scripts, movies, and shows recently? And I’ve seen you around at these elite events, mingling with some pretty important Hollywood people. What’s it like to be at these events?

(Gesture from Ms. Black’s security warning to cut the question)

Shanelle:
(pauses, then speaks)
Ray, I’m very particular about what I share. What happens at those events, who I meet, and who I work with isn't up for public conversation.

Ray: Of course, my apologies, Shanelle. I definitely understand your need for privacy, let's respect that.
(laughs awkwardly) You’ve definitely got us all intrigued, that’s for sure. I want to ask about something more personal, if that’s alright. I’ve heard you have a place down in Florida, where you lead a much more “regular” life. How do you hide all the wealth, the success, and still manage to stay under the radar in a place like that?

Shanelle Black: (pauses briefly, then answers)
It’s simple. I blend in. People believe what they see. In Florida, I’m just like anyone else, nothing flashy, nothing extravagant. I have everyday complications like everyone else. I’m a mother, a friend, a sister. I shop at the market and go to the mall just like everyone else. I’m involved with my organization and others. I have regular conversations. I just know how to turn off my Black when I need to. There’s no need to draw attention. The luxury comes in how I manage my life, not in how loud it is. Plus, I can be invisible in Florida.

Ray Randle: (leaning in) I can only imagine how much discipline that takes. And speaking of discipline, what about the people in your life who know the real Shanelle? The Shanelle back in Florida. How do they see you? And are they aware of your... other life?

Shanelle: (looks off for a second, then speaks) The people who know me in Florida? They know only what I allow them to. There’s a version of me that exists for them, just as there’s a version that exists for the world. The real Shanelle, if that’s what you mean, is a mystery even to those closest to me. To some people, I’m broke (laughter), to others, they sense the wealth, but what they see alters that thought, so they stay confused. I let them.

Ray: Do you travel with your security and driver in Florida?

Shanelle: (laughs) There’s no need for all that there. I like regular life, believe it or not.

Ray: I know we all want to know…why do you wear black all the time?

Shanelle: (silence…then speaks) In my book Code Black, I explain why I wear black.

Ray: Some would say you’re a witch.

Shanelle: (laughter) I can see why they would say that. Black can be intimidating.

Ray: I suppose it makes laundry day easier.

(Both laugh)

Shanelle: Yes, it does.

Ray: Let’s get into the men. I’ve heard that men have literally fought over you. Is this true?

Shanelle:
(pauses, then speaks)
Most men look for power, or validation, and a lot of them like control. What they don’t realize is that power isn’t something I need from them. I don’t let them fight over me. They fight for a place in my life, and that’s not the same thing. Those who understand that are the ones who stay. The others? They move on.

Ray: Do you plan on settling down anytime soon? Maybe get married again one day?

Shanelle: (long silence) Marriage? That's a tricky question, Ray. I've been there, done that, and it’s not something I feel I need in my life anymore. The idea of "settling down" has never really been my thing. I don't follow what everyone else is doing. I’m a grown woman and can do what I want with my life. If someone is worthy of my time and energy, they'll have to prove it; no more rushing into anything. I’m not interested in being confined or chained to anyone. The right connection might come, but it won’t be because I need to be married. It will be because we choose each other for what we bring to the table, without the ridiculous labels. I don’t chase a fairytale, I create my own reality.

Ray: Are you against marriage?

Shanelle: I’m not against marriage, but I do see it for what it really is, a contract basically. A lot of people enter into it without really understanding its weight. People think it's all about love and commitment, but it's just a legal agreement that binds you to someone. Marriage can be beautiful if it’s built on respect and mutual understanding, and business. But most people do it for the wrong reasons. They’re searching for validation, or they’re afraid of being alone, or they simply want possession. It’s a form of slavery. It’s like being a slave master, intentionally. I believe in personal freedom, and I refuse to let any institution dictate my worth or my choices.

Ray: Wow. (silence) What about those who have been married for fifty-plus years? Do you believe in “until death do us part”?

Shanelle: Look, I respect anyone who can survive fifty years of marriage, and heavy on the survive, but let’s not romanticize this idea of 'until death do us part' like it’s some holy vow. People change, situations change, and sometimes staying together that long isn’t about love; it’s about comfort, fear, or obligation. It’s easier to stay than to break the cycle. We’re conditioned to think we need to hold on to something just because we started it. But in my world? I believe in being true to yourself. If staying in that marriage no longer serves you, you're not a prisoner. Get out of it. You owe it to yourself to seek your own peace, your own growth. 'Til death' shouldn’t be a cage; it should be a choice. The question is: do you want to choose it, or do you feel stuck in it? That’s the difference between love and loyalty, and living a life that’s authentic. There are too many people and experiences to have to be tethered to just one person.

Ray: That’s powerful. Honestly, I don’t think I’ve ever heard anyone put it like that, but that’s the truth, right? We’re taught to cling to these lifelong commitments, like ‘till death do us part’ is some unbreakable bond. But what you're saying makes so much sense.
(pauses and nods)
It’s almost like we’re taught to fight for something that’s not even serving us, just because we started it, You don’t hold on for the sake of holding on. You prioritize yourself. That’s something most people are afraid to admit, because admitting it means acknowledging they’re stuck.
(leans back, thinking for a moment)
I get it now. You’re not just about loyalty for loyalty’s sake. You’re about living a life that serves you. If that marriage, or that commitment, no longer fits, you walk away. You free yourself to explore everything life has to offer.
(with a soft smile)
I respect that. And I think it’s a mindset we all need more of. ‘Til death’ doesn’t have to be a cage; it should be a choice. I’m taking that lesson with me, for sure.

Shanelle: Do you want to be a husband?

Ray: (laughs awkwardly, shifting in his seat)
Uh... wow, that’s... that’s a big question, Shanelle. I’ve... never really thought about it. I mean, the idea of being a husband, yeah, I guess it sounds nice in theory, but, uh, you know... life’s... busy, and there’s so much going on. I’m more focused on... well, getting my own stuff in order first, you know? So, the idea of committing to someone fully is a lot to consider. I guess... if I did want to be a husband, it would have to be to someone who really understands my world, right? Someone who could keep up. But... uh... yeah, I’m getting ahead of myself. I’ll, uh, leave that for the future, if it’s meant to happen. Didn’t you write a book about marriage?

Shanelle: My experience of marriage, yes.

Ray: What made you write about it and the cheating? And for those who aren’t familiar with her book, “Cheating at Its Best” is available on Amazon, guys, go buy the book, but back to you, Ms Black.

Shanelle: It’s relative. Cheating isn’t just about betrayal, it’s about power. It’s about understanding the primal side of human nature. Cheating isn’t some poor mistake, it’s a game. A dangerous game, Ray. You’re not just testing how faithful you can be, but you test your limits. People think it’s all about love. (laughs) It’s deeper. It’s about control. It’s about how easily someone can be manipulated into breaking everything they claim to care about. Most people cheat because they want something that’s missing, and it’s not always physical. Sometimes, it’s emotional, which to me is even more dangerous than sex. For a man, sex is external, he can wash it off. But when a woman has his mental, oh that’s another thing, because now she can contribute to his actions, where he spends his time, and how he feels. For a woman, it’s internal, it stays with her. That need to feel desired, that need to be seen and wanted in a way their partner can’t deliver. That’s what I wrote about. I understand it because I've seen it. I’ve been in rooms with men who wanted to break every rule for the rush, for the thrill of it. Their marriage doesn’t exist in that moment when they choose to cheat because marriage is a mindset, and it can be altered at any given moment. It’s not just about the affair. It’s about the game behind the affair. And trust me, when you play it right, you’re the one who walks away with everything.

Ray: (silence)…what about those who would say it’s a sin?

Shanelle: Since when did making yourself happy become a sin? People use that word too loosely.

Ray: Why do you say that?

Shanelle: Most people don't even know where the term truly comes from, let alone what it really means. This whole concept of "cheating" is just another tool society uses to keep us in line, to make us feel bad for living in our true nature. It's a term created to control behavior, to make sure everyone conforms to some outdated script about loyalty and ownership. It’s all about possession, having someone, keeping them "faithful" like they’re a commodity. (laughs) But I don’t believe in the ownership of a human being. People cheat because they're not getting something they need, or they’re exploring the parts of themselves they’ve been taught to repress. What if it's not a betrayal? What if it's just a moment of truth, like self-expression, a natural desire to feel alive, Ray? There’s no sin in fulfilling yourself, we do it every day. We cheat every day. We always want more than what we have. The sin is pretending you’re something you're not for the sake of everyone else’s approval. That’s the real dishonesty, Ray. We are human, we’re not meant to be satisfied with just one.

Ray: Well…(silence)

Shanelle: Take your time.

Ray: You’ve got a point. The way society frames loyalty, commitment, and even love it’s all built around a system of control. I’m with you when you say "cheating" is just a label. And as for this whole idea of possession, man, you’re right. Trying to own another person, to lock them down as though they’re a piece of property, goes against everything true freedom stands for. But like you said, what’s the sin here? Pretending to be content when we’re not? Pretending that we can be satisfied with just one thing, when what we really need is the freedom to explore every part of ourselves? Maybe it’s time to start rethinking what we’ve been taught to believe is wrong.

Shanelle: (nods head)

Ray: Alright, Shanelle, let’s switch gears a bit. You’ve already blown us away with Code Black: Living a Private Life, but I’ve heard whispers about a new project you’ve got coming up, KING. It’s been the subject of a lot of curiosity, and honestly, I’m intrigued. Can you give us a little sneak peek into what KING is all about and what inspired you to write it?

Shanelle: (long silence) I’ll give you this, KING is about power, control, and the complexities of love. It’s about understanding the dynamics that exist between a woman and the man who wants to be everything to her. But not in the traditional sense. It’s not a fairytale book. It’s bout submission. And not the submission in the way people think. It’s about how two people can be equal and yet exist in this raw, magnetic push and pull that kind of keeps them moving forward. It’s more than just a romance. It’s a study in what it takes for a man to truly be a king, not just to his kingdom, but to the woman who holds his heart. The real power is in how he lets her be a queen, without needing to take away her autonomy to do so. But it’s also about the struggles that come with all that. Because when you’re powerful, and you come together with someone equally powerful, there’s a lot of friction, and that’s where the magic happens. (laughter) I wanted to explore the idea of power from both sides, not just from the man’s perspective. So KING is about giving women the space to be seen, to not feel diminished by the man they’re with. And the king, well, he shows how to protect her in ways beyond just financial or physical means. The real protection is knowing when to step back and let her shine.

Ray: That sounds intense, like something more than what people are used to. You’ve really got a way of flipping traditional narratives on their head, don’t you?
(laughs softly)
But what is it about this particular dynamic, the king and queen dynamic, that speaks to you so much that you’d make it the heart of your next book?

Shanelle: (pauses and then speaks quietly)
It’s the balance.

(long silence)

People love the idea of a king ruling. We’ve seen it in many movies. But the reality is, real power isn’t about domination. It’s about partnership. It’s about understanding that the queen isn’t someone who’s beneath the king. She’s his equal. She’s the force that complements him, the one he can’t live without. And that dynamic Ray, that’s what I want to showcase in KING. It’s also mental. I personify the subconscious and consciousness, the King and Queen.

Ray: Alright, Shanelle, I’ve gotta ask, KING sounds like an intense, complex figure, but I’m curious... is KING a real person in your life, or is he purely a character in your book? Does he represent someone you know, or is this just a creation from your mind, a sum of everything you’ve learned about power and relationships?

Shanelle: (long silence) KING is a bit of both. He’s a character, yes, but he’s also the sum of everything I’ve experienced in relationships. There have definitely been men in my life who have assumed that KING is about them, and, honestly, I find that amusing. Because while pieces of KING may mirror certain qualities or experiences, he’s not confined to one person. He’s an archetype, a representation of the kind of man who understands his power but knows how to use it in a way that doesn’t diminish the woman beside him.

(pauses for a moment)
So, no, KING isn’t one specific man. But there are definitely pieces of the men I’ve known, the lessons I’ve learned, and the power I’ve witnessed that find their way into this character.
(laughs softly)
But if anyone thinks KING is about them, they’re probably reading into things a little too much. But a lot of the scenes in the book are real experiences I’ve had.

Ray: Ah, so KING is a bit of an amalgamation of the men who have come and gone in your life, huh? I get it now. But speaking of KING, I’ve got to ask about the man on the cover of the book, who’s that? Is he a representation of KING as well, or is he someone else entirely?
(leans forward, curious)
I mean, every detail about this project seems intentional, so I'm guessing there's a story behind that image, too.

Shanelle: (silence while glancing out the window) The man on the cover, Santonio Clay, is actually an ex of mine from years ago. I chose him specifically. He was the one who marked the beginning of a time in my life when I truly understood what love and intimacy meant, not just the surface-level ideas, but real connection and being vulnerable, and the kind of trust that creates something deep and lasting. We’ve remained friends, a cordial friendship, really, even to this day. He’s someone who taught me a lot about love and intimacy. He’s not KING, but in many ways, he was the catalyst for me understanding what it means to truly connect with someone. He was the first man who allowed me to experience the kind of emotional depth and intimacy I talk about in KING. So, in a sense, yes, he’s tied to this journey I’ve been on, but as for the book? He’s simply a piece of my story, a reminder of that time in my life when everything began to shift.

Ray: I’m sure that experience played a huge role in shaping the way you approach relationships now. But I have to ask, does that connection, that kind of love, still play a role in your life today? Have you found that again with someone else, or has it changed the way you view intimacy altogether?

Shanelle: It has definitely changed how I view intimacy, Ray. After Santonio, I realized that true connection goes beyond the physical. It’s about the mental and emotional alignment, the way two people are in sync, in a way that transcends everything else. That kind of intimacy isn’t easy to find, and it’s not something I’m willing to compromise on anymore. I’ve had more experiences since then, some that still have me speechless to this day.

Ray: Well, I’m sure I speak for every man when I say Santonio is one lucky guy.

Shanelle: Oh, he’s blessed. Very blessed. (eye wink)

Ray: It sounds like we need to get him on the show. (Points to assistant) So, when can we expect KING to hit shelves, and what can readers expect beyond this powerful dynamic?

Shanelle: You’ll have to wait just a little longer for the full release, but trust me, it’s worth the wait. KING is just one chapter, but I’ve got a few more in mind, some that will challenge people’s perceptions, and others that will force them to confront their own beliefs about power, love, and intimacy. As for me? I’ll continue to write, to evolve, and to share what I know. There’s always more. I’m not done yet.

Ray: Well, Ms. Black, I can honestly say this has been one of the most captivating and mind-bending conversations I’ve had in a long time. You’ve truly got us all on a different wavelength, and I know our listeners are going to be left thinking long after this interview ends. There's so much more beneath the surface of your world, and I feel like we’ve only begun to peel back the layers. I have no doubt that KING will stir something deep within everyone who reads it. And I have to say, whatever comes next from you will undoubtedly be just as powerful. We’d love to have you back on the podcast to explore more of these intoxicating truths you’re uncovering. There’s still so much more that only you can reveal.

Shanelle: Thank you.

Ray: Before we wrap up, I want to encourage everyone listening to go buy her groundbreaking book, Code Black: Living a Private Life, a must-read for anyone serious about mastering the art of secrecy, control, and power. It’s available now on Amazon and Kindle, and trust me, you don’t want to miss it. And I just want to say, for everyone who might not fully understand who Ms. Black is, let me make it clear. She isn’t just any author; she’s a Mistress in every sense of the word. She’s a genius and a dominatrix. We’ll get into that next time. As always, this is Underground Power Talk, where the real gets realer. Til next time, folks!

(End of Interview)

This interview has been edited for length, syntax, and readability.