What began as a creative collaboration between two friends has blossomed into a powerful platform for authentic male voices. In this season finale, we take you on a journey through the growth, challenges, and triumphs of our first year bringing the Family Business Podcast to life.

The conversation flows naturally through workplace stories that reveal the struggles of maintaining composure in high-pressure environments, to vulnerable moments of emotional release, and finally to celebrations of personal and collective achievement. You'll hear firsthand how taking leaps of faith – whether in podcasting, relationships, or careers – has shaped our paths and strengthened our bonds.

We open up about the power of being challenged by those we trust, sharing how constructive criticism has pushed us beyond our comfort zones and elevated our work. "I don't want to be a wanter, I want to be an earner," emerges as a powerful mantra that encapsulates our approach to growth and success.

Perhaps most significantly, we celebrate the community that has formed around this podcast – artists supporting each other's work, mentors providing guidance, and listeners offering encouragement. The culture we've cultivated together has become something special that extends far beyond the microphones.

The episode concludes with an unconventional but heartfelt prayer for our listeners, acknowledging the various struggles many face while offering hope for the journey ahead. We invite you to provide feedback on our first season as we prepare to return with even more meaningful conversations.

Whether you've been with us from the beginning or this is your first time tuning in, thank you for being part of our family business. The journey continues, and we're just getting started.

The moment PBE Messico sits down on the Family Business Podcast, his energy fills the room. This isn't just another release day interview – it's a coming-of-age story told through music.

"This shit is more important than breathing for me," Messico declares with unflinching conviction. "If this music stuff don't work, kill me bro. I don't want to do nothing else." His debut mixtape, Purple Heart Tape, represents not only his artistic vision but his lifeline – a way out of the streets and into something greater.

Growing up quite literally surrounded by music (his father describes baby Mexico sitting on his lap at the mixing console), his path wasn't always clear. Despite excelling in sports and attending college for football, Messico couldn't escape his musical calling. "I literally put football off just so I could write more songs and sit in my dorm," he reveals. The passion was undeniable.

What makes this conversation so compelling is Mexico's raw honesty about straddling two worlds. "It felt like a race to see if I'm going to go to jail first or am I going to blow up first," he admits, discussing the pull between street life and his creative aspirations. This tension infuses every track on Purple Heart Tape, particularly standouts like "Spin," "What's Going On" and the introspective closer "Somebody Save Me."

The familial element adds another rich dimension – working alongside his father (who doubles as manager and mentor), Messico navigated the challenging transition from independent creation to professional production. Their occasional studio arguments – vividly described with both frustration and laughter – resulted in some of the project's strongest moments. Through this process, Messico learned perhaps his most valuable lesson: "Shutting the fuck up is a skill."

Stream Purple Heart Tape now on all platforms and witness the evolution of an artist who's just beginning to realize his potential while honoring where he came from.

Shorty Drew brings his unstoppable energy to The Family Business Podcast, sharing the journey behind his rising "Celebrity Mode" movement that's capturing attention across Chicago and beyond.

From his studio in Chicago, Drew reveals the origins of terms like "Celebrity Mode" and "Meet the Blicks," showcasing his natural talent for creating infectious phrases that resonate with audiences. "I created a lot of words," he explains, demonstrating the wordplay versatility that makes his music distinctive and memorable.

What truly sets Drew apart is his grassroots approach to building a fanbase. Rather than waiting for industry recognition, he takes his music directly to the streets, performing impromptu shows everywhere from downtown Chicago to Outback Steakhouse. This direct connection with listeners builds what he calls "real love" – a genuine connection he values more than traditional fame. "I don't even call them fans, I call them lovers," Drew shares, highlighting his appreciation for authentic support.

The conversation reveals a major announcement: Celebrity Mode Volume 2 drops May 13th, featuring collaborations with 600 Breezy and other artists. Unlike his previous project focused on street narratives, this new release aims to deliver celebratory anthems that showcase his versatility as an artist. "I'm talking that money shit, shit that people can have fun to," Drew explains, demonstrating his evolution while staying true to his roots.

Perhaps most powerful is Drew's message to aspiring artists navigating Chicago's challenging landscape. Drawing from wisdom passed down by his grandmother, he emphasizes persistence through inevitable setbacks: "An ill, and another ill, and another ill come with your win." His philosophy—"No risk, no reward" and "You can't wear your crown with your head down"—encapsulates the mindset driving his unstoppable rise. Download Celebrity Mode Volume 2 on all streaming platforms May 13th and witness a star in the making.

From the streets of Chicago to television screens nationwide, TTG Louie's journey is a masterclass in believing in yourself when no one else will. Sitting down with The Family Business Podcast, Louie opens up about his remarkable path through the music industry, acting world, and his tireless commitment to mentoring others.

Growing up on Chicago's West Side, Louie had a front-row seat to hip-hop history at George's Music Room, where legends like Twista, Do or Die, and a young Kanye West would gather. "I was just a kid on stage with celebrities," he recalls, not fully grasping the significance of these encounters at the time. These early experiences planted seeds that would later flourish into his multifaceted creative career.

What truly stands out about Louie isn't just his versatility as an artist, songwriter, actor, and entrepreneur—it's his unwavering belief that anything is possible. "I never told myself no," he explains, a philosophy that has guided him through music production, acting roles, and even commercial truck driving. This mindset has been the foundation of his success across multiple industries and his ability to continuously reinvent himself.

Perhaps most remarkable is Louie's dedication to lifting others as he climbs. Throughout the conversation, both hosts share personal stories of how Louie directly impacted their careers—teaching photography skills, providing studio time, and offering genuine mentorship when others wouldn't. "The best way you can show a person that you call your brother that you got their back is by having their back—not talking about having their back," Louie emphasizes, revealing he's helped over 65 artists create their first songs.

When discussing fatherhood, Louie brings the same thoughtful approach, advocating for patience, understanding, and leading by example rather than demanding respect without giving it. His parting wisdom for young people without guidance resonates powerfully: seek mentors who genuinely want to help you overcome challenges, and don't be afraid to make difficult choices to change your circumstances.

Connect with TTG Louie on Instagram @ttglouiee and hear firsthand how embracing possibility can transform your life. This conversation isn't just about music or acting—it's a blueprint for believing in yourself when the world tells you no.

What happens when two friends decide to hit record without a plan? Magic, growth, and unexpected opportunities.

In this special intermission episode, DJ Trouble Kid and Marquett Wizard take a breath to reflect on their journey creating The Family Business Podcast. They share candid thoughts about what it's been like to build something from scratch—starting with just one microphone between them and developing into a platform that's creating real impact in their community.

The conversation reveals how they've navigated challenges like developing patience, learning to be authentic on-mic, and finding their unique interview style. Both hosts acknowledge their growth throughout the first seven episodes, pointing to moments where they've had to step back, let each other shine, and create space for their guests to tell meaningful stories.

Beyond the technical aspects of podcasting, they explore the deeper significance of what they're building. "This thing is bigger than both of us," they emphasize, discussing how their conversations are providing value to listeners of all ages and walks of life. The hosts also share exciting updates about their individual music projects, including collaborations they've developed alongside the podcast.

What shines through most clearly is their friendship and mutual respect. They take time to acknowledge each other's contributions, celebrate their growth, and express gratitude for the journey they're on together. Their closing message feels like both a personal mantra and an invitation to listeners: "Take a chance on yourself and see it through. It won't be easy, but it's worth it."

Whether you're a creative looking for inspiration, an entrepreneur building something new, or someone who appreciates authentic conversation, this episode offers valuable perspective on what it means to start something meaningful and stick with it through challenges and victories alike.

When your childhood friend becomes the artist everyone's talking about, there's a different kind of conversation waiting to happen. That's exactly what unfolds as KB joins us for an intimate look at his journey from the neighborhood kid labeled "the bad one" to a rising hip-hop artist with a clear vision.

The brotherhood is palpable from the first moment – not just podcast hosts and guest, but true family with shared history and last names. KB opens up about growing up between Chicago and Minnesota, revealing how these dual influences shaped both his life perspective and musical style. With disarming honesty, he reflects on how the company you keep inevitably shapes your path: "Even if you consider yourself a strong person, if the group around you don't do the right shit, you ain't going to do the right shit either."

What stands out most is KB's commitment to accountability. "Standing on business" isn't just a catchphrase but a hard-learned principle guiding everything he does. This determination shines through as he discusses his recent EP "Loyalty Over Love" and the breakthrough track "Back Down" – a song that, surprisingly, he personally doesn't favor despite its popularity with fans. This perfectionist streak pushes him constantly forward, never fully satisfied even as his audience grows.

KB doesn't shy away from industry realities either. He breaks down the strategic investments required to build momentum – from quality production to paid promotions – dismantling the myth that great music simply finds its audience without effort. "Nobody owes you shit," he emphasizes, underscoring the necessity of both financial and time investments in building meaningful connections.

Listen for the powerful advice KB wishes he could give his 16-year-old self: "Chase your motherfucking goals, don't let up." It's a reminder that resonates regardless of your passion or path – tomorrow's responsibilities have a way of pushing today's dreams to the back burner if we don't prioritize them now.

When passion meets purpose, magic happens. CEO Doughboy (aka Doughboy the Boss) brings us inside his world of music, family, and entrepreneurship with raw honesty and wisdom earned through years of independent grinding.

What happens when you surprise your audience with new music? Doughboy walks us through the unexpected drop of his "Six-Piece Spicy" EP – a project that came together through his deep creative chemistry with producer DJ Tay and engineer KD Yonkaki. The trio's unspoken understanding creates a space where beats guide the creation process rather than forcing it: "The beat talks," Doughboy explains, "it's going to tell you what to do or what to say."

But the heart of our conversation reveals something even more powerful – how Doughboy has transformed his musical journey into family business. His daughters, operating as "The Mayberry Mob," are naturally following his footsteps without pressure. "I'm able to live out my dreams through my kids and have fun with it," he shares, illuminating how the artistic torch passes between generations when creativity runs in the bloodline.

As the founder of BCE (Boss City Entertainment), Doughboy's vision extends beyond personal success. He's building a world and inviting others in – all while maintaining complete independence and betting on himself when others wouldn't. "You betting on yourself, like you the house," he reminds fellow entrepreneurs.

For anyone balancing creative pursuits with parenting, career ambitions with family priorities, or trying to build something authentic in a world of shortcuts, this conversation offers both practical wisdom and soulful inspiration. Stream "Money Run" from the Six-Piece Spicy EP now, and stay tuned – the full album is on the horizon.

Growth isn't always visible in the day-to-day, but when you step back and look at where you were months or years ago, that's when you truly see how far you've come.

After a short break to reset and get our lives in order, we're back to discuss the unexpected ways life has evolved for us. From exciting new DJ gigs and music features to overcoming injuries that became blessings in disguise, we share how the challenges of the past four years have shaped our present reality.

Remember the early pandemic days? We reflect on that surreal period when the world seemed to pause, and how it forced us to distinguish between our wants and needs. Those moments of isolation and self-reflection laid the groundwork for the clarity we now feel about our purpose and direction.

There's power in vulnerability and sharing mistakes. One of us opens up about a sketchy online dating situation that went wrong during the pandemic, offering it as a cautionary tale but also as evidence of how much wiser we've become. Meanwhile, what seemed like a devastating hand injury unexpectedly accelerated healing through continuing to pursue passion projects – sometimes your medicine is found in doing what you love.

The conversation takes a heartwarming turn as we celebrate the rising talent in our community, from PB Mexico's upcoming mixtape "Purple Heart" to watching the next generation of artists impact audiences in real-time. These moments remind us that success isn't just about personal advancement but about uplifting those around you.

Ready for some real talk about growth, resilience, and finding purpose? Subscribe now and join the conversation about turning life's challenges into stepping stones toward your destined path.

There's something magnetic about an artist who refuses to compromise. Meet Loyalty - a Chicago R&B vocalist whose journey from the projects of Cabrini Green to the stages and studios of the Windy City reveals what genuine musical dedication looks like in an age where authenticity is increasingly rare.

From his first childhood performance singing Boyz II Men at the Chicago Hilton to transforming a $7 investment in blank CDs into a street-hustling empire, Loyalty shares the unfiltered story of building a career one fan at a time. While everyone around him gravitated toward rap, he remained steadfast in his commitment to soul-stirring R&B, becoming the go-to hook singer for countless Chicago artists while developing his own distinctive sound.

The conversation explores how Loyalty's natural talent for melody often emerged spontaneously during studio sessions - humming hooks that would eventually become centerpieces of songs. We dive into the creation of his breakthrough track "Blazer," which began as a humorous studio exchange before evolving into a club favorite. Loyalty also shares vocal maintenance secrets (avoid dairy!), memories of celebrity encounters on Michigan Avenue, and his experience transitioning from group member to solo artist.

What resonates most is Loyalty's seemingly paradoxical combination of unwavering artistic principles and entrepreneurial adaptability. As he prepares to release his first solo EP, he offers powerful insights for any creative person navigating today's music landscape: stay true to your voice, maintain relationships that matter, and remember that sometimes the most direct path to your audience is simply showing up where they are.

Follow Loyalty's journey on Instagram @rnb_loyalty and listen to "Blazer" available now on all platforms. His debut EP drops soon.

The raw, unfiltered journey of an artist finding his voice stands at the heart of our conversation with Young Peso. What begins as a casual catch-up between old friends quickly evolves into a profound exploration of personal growth, artistic evolution, and the healing power of authentic expression.

Peso takes us through his transformation from Cash Camo—a young rapper making drill music to fit Chicago's popular sound—to Young Peso, an artist who channels genuine emotion into every bar. The turning point? A series of devastating personal losses that forced him to reconsider his approach to both music and life. Rather than numbing his pain, Peso discovered that pouring his grief into lyrics offered a path toward healing and artistic growth.

This transformation didn't happen overnight. During the pandemic lockdown, Peso established a disciplined creative routine, recording daily and honing his craft while the world stood still. "Spending my time in that way instead of being in the crib and getting high and not doing shit brought Young Peso to the forefront," he reflects, highlighting how dedication to his art became a lifeline during difficult times.

What resonates most powerfully throughout our conversation is Peso's unwavering commitment to authenticity in an era dominated by fleeting viral moments. "Being true to yourself is what's going to keep your mental and emotional self good at the end of the day," he asserts, offering wisdom that extends far beyond music into every aspect of life. His perspective challenges listeners to question whether they're following their own path or simply chasing trends.

Looking ahead, Peso shares details about multiple projects in development, including a special dedication album releasing July 23rd in honor of his mother. This deeply personal work promises to showcase the full range of his growth as both an artist and a human navigating life's most challenging experiences.

Tune in to witness not just an interview, but a genuine moment of connection between artists supporting each other's journeys—and perhaps find inspiration for your own path toward authentic self-expression.