Stanford alumnus and content creator Norris Johnson ’23 is known for his podcast “Come Get a Sip” where he discusses the hottest music, entertainment and television shows under the name Norris Jay. He has amassed millions of views across social media platforms with his coverage of how Black culture is portrayed in television shows, music and entertainment.
The Stanford Daily sat down with Norris Jay to discuss his content creation journey and how his video reaction to Beyoncé’s album “Cowboy Carter” album was featured on NBC’s “The Today Show.”
The interview has been lightly edited for clarity and concision.
The Stanford Daily [TSD]: During your time at Stanford, you ran your podcast “Come Get a Sip.” Could you describe your process in creating the podcast?
Norris Jay [NJ]: I started “Come Get a Sip” in 2019 under a different name, “Came Thru Sippin’ (Sip Sip).” I wanted something different so I changed it to “Come Get a Sip.” And, basically, I wanted to do a podcast that covered topics like entertainment, music, Black culture and television in a way that was uplifting, but also fun.
TSD: Since you started your podcast you’ve received numerous shout-outs from major celebrities such as Cardi B, Phaedra Parks, Karen Huger and more. How has that impacted your work?
NJ: It’s been amazing. Cardi’s shout out was beyond amazing because it was so unexpected. I posted it and a couple of days went by where it didn’t pick up much traction. It was a remix to her song “Up.” I was just doing it for fun, and then one of my friends texted me and was like, “Oh, my gosh! You’re on Cardi B’s Instagram story!” And moments like that really just validate that I’m doing the right thing, you know. In those moments, it feels like the podcast was worth all the hours of editing that goes into it. All the music is worth the hours that go into writing and recording.
TSD: You have amassed over 31,000 followers across social media platforms. Can you describe your journey in building your social media presence? What challenges have you faced, and what lessons have you learned?
NJ: It’s been a really beautiful journey. I started the podcast in 2020 after being sent home from school and social media was the way people connected to people to find community.
I was also trying to bring voice to things that I felt needed to be spoken. There are so many topics that I feel don’t get spotlighted at all — maybe — things that get brushed under the rug. Whether it’s people in Black culture who haven’t received a lot of credit or just favorite TV shows, there were so many things I wanted to discuss and I’m really grateful for the platform that I have.
But for me, it’s bigger than the platform. Even if five people watch the video I make celebrating Venus Williams and Trina, I know I’m doing my part of the scheme to give back to the culture and the community that’s done so much.
TSD: In March 2024, your video reaction to Beyoncé’s newly released album “Cowboy Carter” was featured on NBC’s “The Today Show.” How would you describe this moment for you? How did your family and friends react?
NJ: I was surprised. My family saw it before me. I have always loved “The Today Show” and morning shows, but I’m not an early riser so it’s hard for me to catch those morning shows live. My sister-in-law sent me the video from a friend of hers who had seen it on the news.
My reaction video featured me in a cowboy hat, and there were no edits or anything. I was just talking about the album. And for me, I love Beyoncé and how she has done so much to empower the Black community. So for me, anytime I can show her love, I will. So I was really grateful that particular moment got picked up the way it did.
TSD: During your Stanford experience, what were your favorite staff or courses that influenced your career in entertainment?
NJ: My major advisor Dr. Michele Elam is the best advisor I ever could have asked for. She always expected the best of me, but also allowed me to not always be at my best and still encouraged me and saw the value in me.
TSD: Do you have any upcoming projects that you want to share?
NJ: Season 3 of my podcast “Come Get a Sip” is airing now. Check it out! Season 4 will mark my fourth year making music, and I am very excited to share it soon!