The Underground Lounge

After a much-needed hiatus, Lou Williams, Spank Horton, and Holly reunite to kick off Season 4 from their brand-new studio and finally answer the question everyone has been asking: Where have y’all been?The crew discusses why stepping away was necessary, how the break helped them avoid burnout, and what they've been building behind the scenes during the show's biggest transition yet. From a new location and expanded production plans to the continued growth of the Underground Lounge brand, they share what’s ahead for this next chapter.The laughs keep coming as they recap their trip to Roots Picnic, including VIP adventures, celebrity run-ins, hometown love in Philadelphia, and Spank’s unforgettable festival fashion choices. They also dive into internet culture, debating why people are so quick to form opinions about experiences they never actually had, while touching on celebrity boxing, AI, content creators, and the ever-changing entertainment landscape.New studio. New energy. New season.

The Underground Lounge hits a major milestone with its 100th episode, and this one is nothing short of legendary.Pulling up as a friend, not a superstar, Kevin Hart joins the room for a real, unfiltered conversation about the journey, from the grind of “Lil Kev the Bastard” to becoming a global force in comedy and entertainment. This episode is packed with stories you don’t usually hear: the early days of passing out flyers at malls, MySpace promo hustles, buddy pass flights, cheap hotels, and building a career from the ground up with nothing but belief and a tight circle.Kev breaks down the truth behind success, the accidents that changed everything, the setbacks that turned into opportunities, and why consistency, hunger, and surrounding yourself with the right people matter more than anything. The crew also dives into friendship, loyalty, independence, and what it really takes to grow without losing your foundation.From comedy clubs to arenas, from bootleg movies to box office hits, this episode is a full-circle moment that celebrates the grind, the wins, and everything in between.100 episodes in, and this is just the beginning.MAKE SURE YOU LIKE, COMMENT, & SUBSCRIBE for more episodes of the Underground Lounge!Subscribe now at: Patreon.com/TheUndergroundLoungeFollow Us:Instagram: / undergrndloungeTwitter: / undergrndloungeFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?...

This week in the Lounge, the guys tap in with music executive and LVRN co-founder Justice Baiden for a conversation that goes way beyond the music industry.From his early days making mixtapes and realizing he had an ear for talent, to building one of the most influential creative collectives in the game, Justice breaks down what it really takes to turn passion into a career.The episode is full of real stories that show how unpredictable the journey can be. Justice talks about taking bold risks, including booking last-minute international flights just to chase an opportunity, and why putting yourself in position is the only way the universe can meet you halfway.The conversation also dives into the reality of today’s music business, where analytics and social media metrics often outweigh true artist development. Justice keeps it honest about the lack of passion in the industry, the importance of having people who genuinely care about the art, and why artists need to be more intentional about who they do business with.Along the way, the guys touch on everything from first artist experiences and building buzz from nothing, to discovering talent in unexpected places and turning small moments into major opportunities. There’s also insight into balancing management and label roles, navigating relationships in the industry, and why staying solid with people can come full circle in ways you never expect.As always, the episode is packed with laughs, unfiltered moments, and real-life gems, blending game, storytelling, and perspective in a way only the Underground Lounge can.

In this episode of the Underground Lounge, the crew sits down with Big Boss Vette for a conversation that blends wild humor with real-life depth. The episode kicks off with jokes, off-the-cuff stories, and hilarious takes on everything from nights out to relationships, keeping the energy loose and entertaining from the start.But the tone shifts as Vette opens up about her battle with stage four sinus cancer—a rare and aggressive diagnosis that had already spread by the time doctors caught it. What began as what seemed like normal sinus issues turned into a life-threatening situation, with her facing a 50/50 chance of survival. She shares the moment she found out, the emotional weight of it all, and what it was like going through chemo, radiation, and the physical toll of the fight.Even in the middle of such a serious journey, the conversation never loses its personality. There are real laughs woven throughout as she finds humor in the experience, and the crew keeps things balanced without taking away from the gravity of her story.By the end, Vette shares her victory, beating cancer and stepping into a new chapter with a stronger mindset and a powerful story to tell. It’s funny, raw, emotional, and inspiring all at once, everything you expect from the Underground Lounge.

The fellas are joined by legendary R&B group 112 for a conversation packed with music history, hilarious stories, and real talk about surviving three decades in the industry.With over 30 years in the game, the group reflects on their journey from Atlanta to becoming one of the most recognizable voices of the late-90s and early-2000s era. They talk about the early grind, how the opportunity that changed their lives came together, and what it was like stepping into the spotlight during one of the biggest eras in R&B and hip-hop.The conversation dives into the making of some of their most iconic records, the stories behind the music, and how songs like Only You, Cupid, and Peaches & Cream became timeless records that still hit just as hard today. They also share what it was like touring during the peak of their success, the pressure that comes with global hits, and how fans across generations still show love whenever those records come on.Of course, it wouldn’t be The Underground Lounge without the jokes. The hosts kick things off trying to audition as backup singers and dancers, leading to plenty of laughs before the conversation turns into a deep dive on longevity in the music business, the importance of brotherhood within a group, and what it really takes to keep a legacy alive in an industry that constantly changes.From wild tour stories to reflections on building a catalog that defined an era, this episode gives fans a rare look behind the curtain from artists who helped shape the sound of modern R&B.If you grew up on 90s and 2000s R&B, this episode is a must watch.

Grammy and Academy Award-winning producer and entrepreneur DJ Paul steps into the Lounge for a powerful, wide-ranging conversation that goes far beyond music. From his early days in Memphis selling cassette tapes in school hallways and car stereo shops, to building one of the most influential movements in hip-hop history, he breaks down the blueprint behind the grind.Paul reflects on the origins of the sound that shifted the culture, creating his own bass-heavy production style, learning organ as a kid, and how linking with Juicy J helped form a legacy that would eventually earn an Oscar and multiple Grammys. He shares stories about the evolution of crunk music, the early independent hustle in Atlanta, and how records like “International Players Anthem” took on a life of their own. The episode also touches on the Verzuz moment, reality television before it was cool for rappers to do it, and what it felt like navigating success at the highest level.But this conversation isn’t just about plaques and trophies. Paul opens up about fatherhood, losing close friends and group members, and how those experiences pushed him to prioritize health and longevity. He speaks candidly about building wealth outside of music, owning 19 properties, remodeling homes, running a restaurant on Rodeo Drive, and embracing the mindset of having multiple streams of income. His approach to business is strategic, disciplined, and rooted in long-term vision.This episode is a masterclass in reinvention, ownership, and staying culturally relevant for decades. From Memphis to Hollywood, from underground tapes to global stages, the journey is proof that evolution is the key to lasting success.

On this episode of The Underground Lounge, Lou and Spank sit down with hip hop royalty as Layzie Bone steps into the lounge to tell the unfiltered story behind the rise of Bone Thugs-N-Harmony. What starts as a nostalgic conversation quickly turns into a masterclass on hunger, originality, and longevity in the music industry.Layzie takes it back to Cleveland talent shows, forming as kids, and the early grind that eventually led the group to Los Angeles with nothing but bus tickets, big dreams, and relentless belief. He breaks down how they chased down Eazy-E, why they were determined to sign with him specifically, and what it was like going from homelessness to platinum success. The story of how the group name evolved, the competitive spirit within the crew, and how their harmonized, melody-driven flow changed the sound of rap gives real insight into what made Bone different from everyone else at the time.The conversation also dives into the making of timeless records like “Crossroads” and “First of the Month,” the real-life pain and loss that inspired their biggest records, and why those songs still connect decades later. Layzie shares behind-the-scenes stories about working with icons like The Notorious B.I.G., 2Pac, and Mariah Carey, along with reflections on how the industry shifted from artist development to chasing trends. He speaks candidly about originality, “style biting,” independence, and why protecting your legacy matters more than ever.It’s funny, reflective, and full of game from a true pioneer who helped shape the sound of a generation. This episode is more than a trip down memory lane, it’s a real conversation about building something timeless and surviving every era of hip hop.

The Underground Lounge links up with the crew from the Club 520 Podcast featuring 11-year NBA vet and NBA champion Jeff Teague, Bishop B Hen, and DJ Wells, for an episode that feels like a live locker room session mixed with a comedy show.Recorded during the energy of NBA All-Star Weekend, this conversation goes way beyond just the festivities. The guys dive into how the 520 podcast really got started , from organic conversations between friends to building one of the most authentic player-driven platforms in sports media. Jeff opens up about the transition from being in the league to becoming a full-time media personality, how viral moments helped elevate the show, and why keeping it real, even when it’s uncomfortable is what made the audience connect.The episode blends serious basketball insight with nonstop humor. There’s real talk about NBA culture, how media narratives are shaped, and the difference between how former players view the game versus how it’s discussed on television.There are also stories from the early 520 days, reflections on building something from scratch, and conversations about friendship, loyalty, and navigating life after basketball. The back-and-forth feels natural, like friends roasting each other one minute and dropping real gems the next.Once the “F**K IT BUCKET” enters the chat, the energy shifts immediately. What starts as a simple pull turns into one of the funniest stretches of the episode. It’s classic Underground Lounge chaos in the best way.This episode isn’t just about All-Star Weekend. It’s about storytelling, evolution, media, and the kind of humor that only comes from real relationships. From hoops insight to laugh-out-loud moments, this one delivers from start to finish.

On this episode of The Underground Lounge, the crew welcomes legendary producer, songwriter, and musical innovator Teddy Riley for a deep, unfiltered conversation that traces the roots of his genius and the realities behind a career that helped shape modern music.Teddy takes it all the way back to Harlem, breaking down how his environment, family, and community influenced his love for music at an early age. He talks about teaching himself multiple instruments as a kid, experimenting with sound before he even had access to real studio equipment, and how curiosity and discipline became the foundation of his creative process. From building beats with minimal tools to understanding how to “make the sound” instead of just chasing trends, Teddy explains what separated him from the pack early on.The conversation dives into mentorship, creative confidence, and the responsibility that comes with being both a producer and a composer. Teddy reflects on navigating the music business as a teenager, learning hard lessons early, and why ownership, loyalty, and trust matter just as much as talent. He opens up about working relationships, creative tensions, and how ego, envy, and business decisions can either strengthen or fracture collaborations.Beyond music, Teddy shares personal stories that shaped him off the stage, from life lessons learned on the road to moments of loss, reflection, and growth. He discusses health, discipline, spirituality, and why staying grounded became essential to his longevity in an industry that constantly changes. The episode also touches on touring stories, behind-the-scenes moments fans rarely hear, and the mindset required to keep evolving while honoring where you come from.Throughout the episode, the laughs are real, the stories are raw, and the gems are nonstop. Teddy Riley doesn’t just talk about success, he breaks down the sacrifices, the patience, and the perspective it takes to build something that lasts across generations.This is more than an interview. It’s a masterclass in creativity, resilience, and staying true to your purpose, classic Underground Lounge energy with one of music’s true architects.

In this episode of The Underground Lounge, Bow Wow steps into the Lounge for a raw, unfiltered conversation that spans his entire journey, from child stardom to global fame, and everything that comes with growing up in the public eye. With a career that crosses music, movies, touring, and television, he reflects on the pressure, the highs, the mistakes, and the moments that shaped him into who he is today.The conversation flows naturally as the drinks start pouring, touching on early industry experiences, wild touring stories, and how fame hits differently at various stages of life. Bow Wow opens up about maturity, fatherhood, personal growth, and learning how to balance fun with responsibility while still enjoying the ride. From legendary party moments to serious life lessons, nothing is off limits.True to Lounge form, the energy stays loose and honest, full of laughter, side stories, and real talk about relationships, trust, marriage, and navigating success when the whole world is watching. It’s reflective, funny, chaotic at times, and exactly the kind of conversation that only happens when the cameras are rolling and everyone’s comfortable.This is Bow Wow like you don’t usually get him, relaxed, candid, and fully in his element. Pull up, pour one, and kick it in the Lounge.

In this powerful episode of The Underground Lounge, the crew sits down with artist, educator, and cultural truth-teller Dee-1 for one of the most honest conversations we’ve had to date.Dee-1 opens up about his journey growing up in New Orleans, battling a rare medical condition that altered his athletic dreams, and how life setbacks, from getting cut from teams to personal heartbreak, ultimately pushed him toward purpose. He breaks down his transition from school teacher to recording artist, explaining how education shaped his approach to music, performance, and responsibility as a voice in the culture.The conversation dives deep into conscious rap, accountability in hip-hop, and the pressure artists face when their influence reaches millions. Dee-1 reflects on moments that forced him to reevaluate his lyrics, including a tough reality check from his mother, and why he chose to build a career centered on honesty, faith, and impact rather than trends or controversy.From awkward label meetings and viral breakout moments to being labeled “different” in an industry that rewards excess, Dee-1 speaks candidly about navigating criticism, standing firm in his beliefs, and embracing the idea of being human first before being an artist. The episode also touches on spirituality in today’s culture, the role of the church beyond the four walls, and how music can either numb or heal a generation.This is a thoughtful, funny, and introspective episode that challenges listeners to think deeper about what they consume, what they promote, and how they show up in the world.

This episode of The Underground Lounge is packed with laughs, insight, and unforgettable stories as actor and comedian Kel Mitchell steps into the lounge. The conversation takes listeners back to the very beginning of Kel’s journey, from getting his start performing in stage plays to the pivotal moment he met Kenan Thompson, a connection that would help shape an era of comedy. Kel reflects on those early days, the grind it took to get noticed, and how stepping into sketch comedy on All That became a launching pad for his career and cultural impact. As the episode unfolds, Kel opens up about growing up in the spotlight, navigating fame at a young age, and the lessons that came with success. The crew dives into how those experiences influenced his mindset, discipline, and approach to life both on and off camera. Along the way, Kel shares stories from his time on All That, the creative energy behind those moments, and how being part of such an iconic show helped define a generation. Beyond the nostalgia, the conversation also highlights where Kel is today. He talks about purpose, growth, and his newest chapter, including the release of his children’s book, and why creating positive, meaningful content for the next generation matters to him. Between the jokes, the reflections, and the real talk, this episode delivers a full-circle moment, showing how early passion, opportunity, and perseverance can lead to lasting impact. Funny, honest, and inspiring, this episode of The Underground Lounge blends classic moments with present-day wisdom, making it a must-listen for fans of comedy, culture, and real conversations.

In this episode of The Underground Lounge, the crew sits down with Bay Area standout LaRussell for a real conversation about independence, creativity, and building something from the ground up.LaRussell opens up about his insane work ethic, dropping multiple projects a year, his unique recording process, and why he believes in putting art out fast and trusting the moment. He breaks down how the pandemic pushed him to fully commit to music, the importance of documenting every step of his journey, and how turning his own backyard into a performance venue helped redefine what independence can look like for artists today.The conversation dives deep into ownership, rejecting bad deals, and building real community through his company and fan-first mindset. LaRussell also shares stories about unforgettable moments in his career, from artists pulling up to his childhood home to performing during All-Star Weekend in the Bay, and what it really means to create impact beyond streams and numbers.Of course, it wouldn’t be The Underground Lounge without laughs, so things get hilarious with stories about parenting, touring life, the infamous “F**K IT BUCKET,” and some wild island hypotheticals. The episode wraps with LaRussell flipping the script on the usual “F**K You Camera” and instead showing love to every obstacle that helped shape his path.This one is equal parts motivation, comedy, and real talk, don’t miss it.