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.

After Hours takes a deeper turn as the crew sits with some of the most honest conversations yet. What starts as a discussion about parenting quickly opens into a real look at how kids are growing up in a world dominated by social media, constant access, and influences parents never had to deal with before. The group breaks down the challenge of raising children while accepting that this generation is living in a completely different reality.

From there, the conversation moves into fathers having uncomfortable but necessary talks, the differences in how sons and daughters are raised, and how early guidance or the lack of it can shape confidence, boundaries, and decision-making later in life. They reflect on growing up with strict parents versus “cool” parents, being overly protected versus left to figure things out alone, and how both extremes can leave lasting effects.

The episode also dives into relationships, sexual experiences, and the double standards that exist around them. The crew discusses how early encounters, power dynamics, and cultural norms affect men and women differently, and why certain experiences are normalized for one gender but stigmatized for the other. Therapy, compartmentalization, emotional triggers, and unhealed trauma all come up as they explore how people cope or avoid coping altogether.

As the night unfolds, the focus shifts to family dynamics, especially parent-child relationships. There’s an honest look at how siblings can grow up in the same household yet have completely different experiences, why parents show love in different ways, and how perspective changes with age. The episode closes with heartfelt reflections on aging parents, missed moments, and the importance of showing up while you still can.

Raw, reflective, and unfiltered, this After Hours episode blends humor with vulnerability and reminds you why these late-night conversations hit different.

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.

With Lou out of town, the After Hours vibes are still fully intact as Holly and Spank hold it down and welcome a seasoned comedian to the couch for a night of laughs, stories, and real conversation. What starts as a casual sit-down quickly turns into a free-flowing mix of comedy, reflection, and unapologetic honesty.

The episode dives into the early grind of comedy, bombing on stage, finding your voice, and learning how real-life experiences shape what hits hardest onstage. From messy relationships and workplace entanglements to checking phones, trust issues, and the chaos of group chats, nothing is off limits. The laughs come easy, but there’s also real insight on growth, fatherhood, love, and how life changes as you get older.

Even without Lou in the building, Holly and Spank keep the energy high, creating the perfect space for jokes, storytelling, and candid moments that feel like a late-night conversation with friends. Raw, funny, and relatable, this is After Hours exactly how it’s supposed to be.

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.

In this After Hours episode of The Underground Lounge, the crew kicks it with comedian Malik S for a late-night conversation that’s equal parts hilarious, insightful, and unfiltered. From the jump, the vibes are set as the group dives into everything from FaceTime etiquette and first impressions to the unspoken rules of dating in today’s culture.

The conversation shifts seamlessly between comedy and real life as Malik opens up about fatherhood, co-parenting, divorce, and what it really takes to grow after relationships change. He speaks candidly about accountability, learning how to listen more than talk, and the difference between standing on your truth and simply refusing to admit you’re wrong. The crew adds their own perspectives, turning everyday situations into laugh-out-loud moments that feel just like a late-night hang with friends.

Malik also takes time to talk about his brand-new comedy special, Laughing Voodoo, giving listeners an inside look at the inspiration behind it and the stories that shaped the material. He breaks down the creative process, the real-life moments that turned into jokes, and why this special represents a new chapter in his career. From navigating the business of comedy to choosing YouTube as the platform for release, Malik shares real insight on ownership, visibility, and why connecting directly with your audience matters more than ever in today’s entertainment landscape.

Things get even deeper as Malik reflects on his journey in comedy, from his upbringing and the influence of his mother to the work ethic that continues to drive him. He gives flowers to the comedians who paved the way, talks about building something that lasts, and keeps it honest about what success really looks like behind the scenes.

With stories about culture, travel, generational differences, and the realities of being a grown man still learning life in real time, this episode delivers nonstop laughs while staying grounded in truth. It’s funny, it’s raw, it’s reflective, and it perfectly captures what After Hours at The Underground Lounge is all about.

*PLEASE EXCUSE THE FIRST 16 min*

This week on The Underground Lounge, the fellas sit down with comedian and actor Tony Rock for an unforgettable conversation filled with laughter, real-life lessons, and behind-the-scenes stories from the heart of comedy culture. From growing up in a massive, close-knit family to navigating life in the shadow of legends, Tony opens up about what it truly means to build your own identity in an industry that constantly compares and measures success.

Tony takes us back to the very beginning, discovering comedy through icons like Richard Pryor and Eddie Murphy, learning how to command a room just by watching family members tell stories, and eventually finding the courage to step on stage himself. He shares how seeing his brother’s journey firsthand didn’t intimidate him it motivated him, proving that proximity to greatness can be fuel if you let it be.

The conversation dives deep into the realities of coming up in comedy: sneaking into clubs, studying greats like Seinfeld and Sandler from the back of the room, earning respect in the comedy hierarchy, and understanding when it’s time to stop being the student and become the mentor. Tony reflects on powerful moments touring and working alongside heavyweights like Tracy Morgan, and the life-changing lesson Tracy taught him about knowing when to push someone forward instead of holding them back.

Beyond the laughs, this episode is packed with gems for anyone chasing a dream. Tony breaks down how he creates material from everyday life, why comedians see the world differently, and how paying attention to the “elephant in the room” can turn ordinary moments into unforgettable jokes. He also talks about giving back to the next generation of comics, continuing the cycle of mentorship that helped shape his own career.

Whether you’re a fan of stand-up, a creative trying to find your voice, or just someone who loves a great story told the right way, this episode delivers on every level, humor, heart, and real insight into the grind behind the laughs.

The Underground Lounge: After Hours returns with another unfiltered, unpredictable late-night conversation featuring Lou, Spank, and Holly, and this one goes everywhere.

The episode kicks off with classic After Hours chaos as the crew catches up, jokes about creative process, procrastination, and what it really takes to get in the right mindset to create. From there, things quickly spiral into a hilarious debate about personal style, comfort versus fashion, and whether a real outfit can be put together on a strict budget. Holly throws out the idea of putting the guys to the test with a shopping challenge, while Lou and Spank defend their long-standing commitment to sweatpants, hoodies, and staying true to who they are, even if that means wearing the same look for the next ten years.

As the conversation continues, they dive into how people shop, why some stores get unfair reputations, and what it actually means to “get fly” without trying too hard. The back-and-forth turns into a deeper discussion about identity, confidence, and why comfort often wins over trends.

Later in the episode, the vibe shifts into tech, privacy, and content creation as the crew talks about Meta glasses, recording in public, and the blurred lines between documenting life and living it. From funny personal stories to unexpected scenarios, the conversation highlights just how strange content creation has become in the social media era.

The night takes an even deeper turn when the group reacts to a recent documentary that sparks an honest discussion about accountability, loyalty, public perception, and how opinions can change when new information comes to light. Each perspective brings a different lens to the conversation, from emotional detachment to cultural impact, resulting in a raw and thoughtful exchange that feels as real as it gets.

Funny, messy, thoughtful, and completely unscripted, this episode is a perfect example of why After Hours exists, real conversations, no filters, and no rush to wrap things up neatly.