Status Spotlight: Najee Ellerbe & the Mind Over Matter Podcast

The Status Spotlight series has always been one of our favorite ways to shine light on the talented, driven people in the Status Apparel DC community. Today, we're revisiting a standout feature from June 2017 — Najee Ellerbe, a Washington, DC native whose work continues to resonate years later.

Meet Najee Ellerbe: Mind Over Matter

Najee Ellerbe is a Washingtonian through and through — someone who has made it his mission to live and breathe positivity and open-mindedness with everything he does. With a B.A. from Virginia State University and an M.B.A. from Georgetown University, Najee launched the Mind Over Matter podcast as an outlet for elevation and authentic conversation.

If you already follow him or have heard his podcast, you know that he has absolutely no filter. Najee isn't afraid to push the envelope, discuss topics that may seem taboo, or speak boldly about what he truly believes in. With his made-for-radio voice, he covers an array of topics — from relationship therapy and classic hip hop to mental health, personal development, and community issues.

Mind Over Matter: More Than a Podcast

Mind Over Matter represents the mindset that we can do whatever we see in our futures — and that we do not have to be the product of our given circumstances.

Anybody can change the path they're on with critical thinking, hard work, and determination. For Najee, the podcast wasn't just a platform — it was a movement.

The response to the podcast was so strong that Najee had the opportunity to host a live panel on one of his most talked-about topics, bringing young men and women together to discuss all aspects of life, love, relationships, and personal freedom. That's what community-driven media looks like — and it's exactly the kind of energy Status Apparel DC was built to support and celebrate.

Why the Status Spotlight Series Matters

The Status Spotlight series was created in 2017 to amplify the voices of talented Black creatives, entrepreneurs, and community leaders in Washington, DC and beyond. Status Apparel DC has always believed that community is the foundation of everything. Highlighting people like Najee wasn't just content — it was a commitment to the belief that real status is built through character, community, and lifting others up.

That same community-first energy lives on today in the Black Market Creatives Showcase — an annual event founded by Gabriel Massalley that continues to create platforms for Black creatives and entrepreneurs in the DMV. The showcase has grown from a 2016 Small Business Saturday pop-up in Mt. Rainier to a recognized Shop Small Neighborhood Champion.

Wear What You Represent

The Status Apparel DC Daily Motivation Series was built on the same values that Najee Ellerbe represents: the belief that mindset shapes your path, and that showing up for your community matters. These pieces were designed for the person who knows their status isn't defined by what they have, but by who they are.

• Daily Motivation Series — hoodies, tees, and crews built on purpose and community values. Shop at statusappareldc.com/daily-motivation-series

• Status Apparel DC Hoodies — premium DC streetwear for every season. Shop at statusappareldc.com/shop

• Status Socks — a fan favorite for comfort and style. Shop at statusappareldc.com/shop

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Status Spotlight series?

The Status Spotlight series was a blog feature launched in 2017 by Status Apparel DC to highlight talented Black creatives, entrepreneurs, and community leaders in Washington, DC. Each spotlight told the story of someone doing meaningful work — aligned with the brand's belief that true status is defined by character and community.

What is the Mind Over Matter podcast?

Mind Over Matter is a podcast founded by Najee Ellerbe, a Washington, DC native with an M.B.A. from Georgetown University. The podcast covers unfiltered conversations about relationships, community, mental health, personal development, and culture — built on the belief that mindset determines your path.

What is Status Apparel DC?

Status Apparel DC is a Black-owned lifestyle apparel brand based in Washington, DC, founded by Gabriel Massalley. The brand creates premium streetwear — including hoodies, tees, socks, and hats — with a message rooted in community, positivity, and personal growth. "Status: It's a Way of Life." Shop at statusappareldc.com.

Explore more Status Spotlight stories on the Status Apparel DC blog, and discover the full collection at statusappareldc.com/shop. Follow us on Instagram @statusappareldc.