Unglossy

This week on Unglossy, we get rare, front-row access to hip-hop happening in real time. Tom and Jeffrey go full fly-on-the-wall as Bun B and Statik Selektah build TrillStatik 5 from scratch—live, unannounced, and completely unscripted—during Art Basel weekend in Miami.From surprise guests walking straight off the street into the booth, to verses written, recorded, and sequenced on the spot, this episode pulls back the curtain on what creative chaos looks like when mastery meets momentum. Bun breaks down the pressure of rapping on every track, the communal energy of artists who simply love to rap, and why TrillStatik is about execution, not exploitation.You’ll hear stories involving Tony Sunshine, Termanology, Robb Banks, Bone Crusher, and a legendary Busta Rhymes phone call that turned into a masterclass in respect, legacy, and bars. No rollouts. No safety nets. Just craft, competition, and culture—captured as it happens.If you’ve ever wondered how real hip-hop gets made when the clock is ticking and the mic is hot, this one’s for you. This is Unglossy. "Unglossy" is produced and distributed by Merrick Studio and hosted by Bun B, Tom Frank and Jeffrey Sledge. Tune in to hear this thought-provoking discussion on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you catch your podcasts. Follow us on Instagram @UnglossyPod to join the conversation and check out all our episodes at https://wearemerrickstudios.com/unglossy-pod. Send a text Support the show Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week on Unglossy, Tom, Bun B, and Jeff pull up chairs with DC’s own Noochie—the mind, mic, and movement behind Live From the Front Porch. What starts as a freestyle on his stoop evolves into one of the most important new stages in contemporary culture, drawing everyone from Big G and Raheem DeVaughn to Robin Thicke, George Clinton, and Snoop in a borrowed wheelchair.Noochie walks us through his origin story—growing up in the shadows of Go-Go royalty, navigating label highs and industry letdowns, learning audio engineering in a legendary studio, and building a creative work ethic forged in DC, Atlanta, and Hollywood. Then he breaks down how the porch became a cultural touchstone: a homegrown Tiny Desk with more bass, more soul, and far more neighborhood dogs walking by.We get into the Houston–DC connection, the power of place in hip-hop, the responsibility of curation, why artists feel like family by the time they leave his block, and how the front porch just touched the Kennedy Center and might soon hit the road.Burgers get discussed. Crabs get promised. A Bun B porch appearance gets… dangerously close to confirmed.Pull up—you’re home. "Unglossy with Bun B" is produced and distributed by Merrick Studio and hosted by Bun B, Tom Frank and Jeffrey Sledge. Tune in to hear this thought-provoking discussion on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you catch your podcasts. Follow us on Instagram @UnglossyPod to join the conversation and check out all our episodes at https://wearemerrickstudios.com/unglossy-pod. Send a text Support the show Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this special drop, Tom, Jeff, and Bun B introduce Two Mothers, One Aché: A Grief Dialogue, a powerful new series from Merrick Studios about love, loss, and the courage to heal out loud. You’ll hear why this show matters, why it belongs on our network, and why Bun is stepping up not just as a co-sign—but as a future guest.Then we get into last week’s headline: VIBE Magazine is teaming up with Rolling Stone. Smart evolution or culture grab? We break down what this means for hip hop journalism, why VIBE never lost its credibility, and who deserves the first cover when the new era begins. What do you think? We’re taking bets.And please, stay to the end for a sneak preview of Episode 1 of Two Mothers, One Aché: A Grief Dialogue. Tap in now to Unglossy. "Unglossy with Bun B" is produced and distributed by Merrick Studio and hosted by Bun B, Tom Frank and Jeffrey Sledge. Tune in to hear this thought-provoking discussion on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you catch your podcasts. Follow us on Instagram @UnglossyPod to join the conversation and support the show at https://unglossypod.buzzsprout.com/ Send a text Support the show Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

No guest, no fluff—just Bun B, Tom Frank, and Jeffrey Sledge turning up the signal and turning down the noise. We kick off with what’s cooking at Merrick Studios (Unglossy, Mixed & Mastered, Our Love/Hate Relationship with Comic Culture, Pitch Lab) and why podcasts are becoming the new cable. Then it’s Cardi B at Trill Burgers and the rise of celebrity cosigns as cultural currency. We get into comedy vs. consequence (Jimmy Kimmel’s suspension and the line between accountability and censorship), why Fashion Week’s real runway is now the sidewalk, and football’s full takeover of pop culture—from NIL swagger to breakfast kickoffs abroad. Plus: Jeffrey’s bionic-eye comeback, a pro-wrestling guest tease, and enough food talk to make you order something you’ll love and regret. "Unglossy with Bun B" is produced and distributed by Merrick Studio and hosted by Bun B, Tom Frank and Jeffrey Sledge. Tune in to hear this thought-provoking discussion on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you catch your podcasts. Follow us on Instagram @UnglossyPod to join the conversation and support the show at https://unglossypod.buzzsprout.com/ Send a text Support the show Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On this episode of Unglossy, hosts Bun B, Jeffrey Sledge, and Tom Frank welcome Hawaii Mike, a creative force whose journey spans road managing Mobb Deep to editing at The Source. Today, he is the founder of Chef for Higher, where hip hop, cannabis, and culinary arts come together to create community through dining. Together the crew reflects on the growth of the Unglossy network and dive deep into the evolution of hip hop culture, the challenges of the music industry, and the power of authentic storytelling. Hawaii Mike shares how he’s blended food, cannabis, and culture into unique experiences, while the hosts explore themes of self-awareness, identity, and personal growth. From fashion and community to the global reach of hip hop, this conversation is a celebration of culture, connection, and carving out new lanes. 🎙️ Tap in. This is Unglossy."Unglossy: Decoding Brand in Culture," is produced and distributed by Merrick Studio and hosted by Bun B, Tom Frank and Jeffrey Sledge. Tune in to hear this thought-provoking discussion on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you catch your podcasts. Follow us on Instagram @UnglossyPod to join the conversation and support the show at https://unglossypod.buzzsprout.com/ Send a text Support the show Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices