The Underground Lounge

This week on The Underground Lounge, Lou and Spank sit down with one of comedy’s most authentic and versatile voices Lil Rel Howrey, a Chicago legend whose hustle, humor, and honesty made him a standout in Hollywood. From hoop dreams on the West Side to headlining major films and creating his own projects, Lil Rel opens up about the road that got him here, the highs, the setbacks, and the lessons learned along the way.

The conversation starts with basketball nostalgia, as Rel recalls his days playing high school ball in Chicago during the city’s golden era, when Kevin Garnett, Ronnie Fields, and other prep legends ruled the courts. That same competitive energy carried into his comedy career, where he wrote his first romantic comedy script at just 17 and started performing stand-up before most people knew what open mics even were.

Rel talks about betting on himself, walking away from day jobs, and carving out his lane in an industry that doesn’t always make room for originality. He breaks down his love for rom-coms, the grind of directing his own feature films, and the vulnerability that comes with being critiqued once your name’s in lights. From running his Chicago comedy festival to mentoring the next generation, his focus on giving back shines through every story.

But it’s not all serious talk, the laughs come nonstop as the crew swaps wild stories about college hoops, Chicago culture, internet trolls, and even the strangest rumors that have followed him through fame. Rel’s blend of humility, wit, and perspective makes for one of the realest and funniest conversations you’ll hear all season.

Whether you’re chasing your dream, finding your lane, or just here for the jokes, this episode is a reminder that the grind never stops, and neither do the laughs.

This week on The Underground Lounge, the crew sits down with actor, creator, and all-around entertainer Jackie Long for a real conversation that blends career wisdom, comedy, and heart. Known for his memorable roles in ATL, Idlewild, and countless cult classics, Jackie takes the Lounge deep into his journey, from growing up in Los Angeles to finding his lane in Hollywood through persistence, personality, and pure love for the craft.

Jackie opens up about how he got his first big break on Moesha, why he always viewed background acting as a stepping stone rather than a setback, and how mentorship, curiosity, and faith guided him through every stage of his career. He recalls learning from legends like Terrence Howard, André 3000, and Big Boi on the set of Idlewild, and shares stories from ATL, including how the cast bonded through skate camp and how that film still connects generations today.

The conversation also dives into Jackie’s collaboration with Paul George on the Podcast P Show, his thoughts on staying humble in an industry built on ego, and why fear has no place in chasing your dreams. He breaks down the art of auditions, the pressure of seeing big names in the waiting room, and the mindset that helped him overcome doubt and find confidence in front of any camera.

Beyond Hollywood, Jackie talks about family, faith, and legacy, crediting his grandparents for instilling the values that keep him grounded. The Lounge crew explores astrology, energy, and personal growth, leading to an unfiltered and hilarious exchange about life, purpose, and staying authentic even when fame calls.

From classic movie moments to motivational gems, this episode is packed with game, gratitude, and genuine laughs. Whether you know Jackie Long as Esquire from ATL or as one of Hollywood’s most consistent personalities, this sit-down proves why his story, and his spirit, still resonate today.

The Underground Lounge goes live from the Intuit Dome for an exclusive look inside LA Clippers Media Day, capturing authentic moments and unfiltered conversations with the players and coaching staff ahead of the new season.

In this special episode, hosts Lou Williams and Spank Horton sit down with Coach Tyronn Lue, Kris Dunn, Ivica Zubac, Bogdan Bogdanović, Bradley Beal, and Chris Paul for a series of candid interviews that go beyond the typical media day soundbites.

Coach Ty Lue opens up about setting the tone for the season, establishing chemistry, and leading a roster full of veterans with championship aspirations.

Kris Dunn discusses his defensive mindset and the energy he plans to bring to the floor each night.

Ivica Zubac reflects on his consistency and growth as the team’s anchor in the paint.

Bogdan Bogdanović shares insight on joining a talented lineup and the importance of bringing positive energy to the locker room.

Bradley Beal talks about fitting into the Clippers’ culture and his drive to compete at the highest level.

And Chris Paul, one of the game’s most respected veterans, reflects on returning to Los Angeles, the evolution of his leadership, and what it means to still be chasing greatness.

From laughs and behind-the-scenes stories to sharp basketball insight, this episode captures the personality, preparation, and purpose of a team built to win. Recorded live inside one of the NBA’s most anticipated new arenas, The Underground Lounge: Live from the Intuit Dome delivers exclusive access, authentic conversation, and a front-row look at the Clippers’ mindset heading into a pivotal season.

The Underground Lounge links up with two of hip-hop’s most respected producers and rappers, The Alchemist and Hit-Boy, for an unfiltered conversation that blends creativity, competition, and legacy.

In this episode, the duo opens up about their first time connecting and how mutual respect turned into collaboration, leading to the creation of their new joint album and short film. They share how the project came together, the inspiration behind the sound, and how their two worlds, Alchemist’s gritty, sample-driven soul and Hit-Boy’s polished, anthemic energy, merged to create something fresh for the culture.

The Alchemist talks about balancing multiple creative lanes, including his food how with Action Bronson where he explores culinary experiences around the world through the same lens he applies to music, curiosity, taste, and storytelling. He opens up about how staying creative outside of music feeds his artistry and keeps him evolving.

Hit-Boy reflects on his early beginnings, sharing stories about growing up around music and how his uncle’s success in a hip-hop group sparked his desire to make beats. He walks through his journey from bedroom producer to Grammy-winning powerhouse, breaking down how staying consistent and fearless allowed him to produce for legends and still innovate with each record.

Throughout the conversation, both producers talk about the friendly competition that pushes them to keep raising the bar, the respect they have for each other’s grind, and what it means to create music that stands the test of time. They speak on mentorship, influence, and how they view the next generation of producers coming up behind them.

Candid, funny, and filled with insight, this episode captures two musical giants at the top of their craft, discussing artistry, discipline, and the mindset it takes to stay relevant while remaining authentic. It’s not just a conversation about beats and bars, it’s a masterclass in evolution, collaboration, and creativity from two of hip-hop’s best.

The Underground Lounge presents a Special After Hours episode, co-hosted with Holly Joso, featuring Bay Area icon Too $hort. A pioneer whose name is etched into the fabric of West Coast hip-hop, $hort joins Lou, Spank, and Holly for an unfiltered conversation filled with history, laughs, and hard-earned wisdom from nearly four decades in the rap game.

Too $hort opens up about his early hustle selling tapes out of his trunk in Oakland, and how that grind set the tone for a career defined by independence, authenticity, and relentless determination. He reflects on what it took to put the Bay on the map, the cultural impact of his legendary “pimping” persona, and how he’s stayed relevant across generations while never losing his signature voice.

With Holly co-hosting, the dialogue dives deeper into the culture that shaped his artistry, the wild stories that built his legend, and the mindset that keeps him pushing forward after all these years. From building his brand before the industry caught up, to collaborating with some of music’s biggest names, Too $hort shares the triumphs, challenges, and lessons that come with longevity in hip-hop.

This After Hours episode is raw, hilarious, and insightful, an inside look at a rap pioneer who helped shape the West Coast sound and remains as unapologetic and influential as ever.

In this special episode of The Underground Lounge, Lou and Spank welcome an icon who truly needs no introduction: Flea, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame bassist for the Red Hot Chili Peppers. Known for his explosive stage presence and innovative bass lines, Flea takes us through the journey of his life and career with honesty, humor, and reflection.

The conversation begins with his early childhood and the jazz influences that shaped him, from Miles Davis to John Coltrane, and how picking up a bass in high school completely changed his world. Flea shares how his lifelong friendship with Anthony Kiedis sparked the foundation of the Red Hot Chili Peppers, and how their bond, while tested over the decades, has been the glue holding the band together through lineup changes, global tours, and creative evolution. He recalls the band’s rise from gritty L.A. clubs to massive stadiums, memorable festival moments, and the infamous chaos of Woodstock.

Beyond the music, Flea opens up about his personal growth. He discusses the turning point that led him to give up hard drugs in his 30s, the role of sobriety in helping him embrace health and creativity, and how fatherhood continues to shape his perspective. He emphasizes the importance of self-love, learning from childhood traumas, and finding joy in constant growth, whether through reading, exploring new art, or picking up a basketball to shoot around at 57 years old.

Naturally, basketball plays a big role in the conversation. A die-hard Lakers fan, Flea reminisces about the Showtime era with Magic and Kareem, the ups and downs of the team over the years, and his respect for LeBron James’s longevity and excellence. The discussion connects the worlds of sports and music, highlighting how teamwork, trust, and chemistry are just as crucial on the court as they are on stage.

The crew also touch on the cultural shifts in music, from the originality demanded in earlier eras to today’s algorithm-driven sameness, and Flea reflects on the importance of pushing boundaries and staying true to individuality. He also shines a light on his nonprofit, the Silverlake Conservatory of Music, which has been teaching hundreds of kids every week for over two decades, giving them the same gift of music that changed his own life.

From smashing guitars to smashing stereotypes, Flea proves why he’s one of the most compelling figures in modern music. This episode is equal parts funny, insightful, and inspiring, offering a rare glimpse into the mind of a rock legend who’s still as passionate, curious, and relentless as ever.

in this hilarious and inspiring episode of The Underground Lounge, Lou and Spank welcome comedian, entrepreneur, and cultural force KevOnStage. From his roots in El Paso to building his own entertainment empire, Kev shares stories of hustle, resilience, and staying true to himself.

The conversation kicks off with Kev explaining how his stage name came about and why he chose to keep his comedy clean . He opens up about his early struggles, the first time he hit the stage, and how his faith and family shaped his approach to stand-up . The crew dives into his creativity during the pandemic, highlighting his groundbreaking “Keep Your Distance” comedy shows that kept laughter alive when the world was shut down.

Kev also talks entrepreneurship, selling candy as a kid, building his own studio, launching projects like Churchy, and creating opportunities outside of the Hollywood system . He reflects on the wins and the tough losses that come with blazing your own path , and the guys get into the competitiveness of comedy, dream lineups with legends like Dave Chappelle and Chris Rock, and why comedy festivals are so powerful.

Of course, no Underground Lounge episode is complete without games and fun. Kev takes on the infamous F**K It Bucket* and the “F**K You Camera,” delivering laughs while staying true to his clean style.

The episode closes with Kev speaking on loyalty, legacy, and why representation matters for the next generation of comics.

From behind-the-scenes gems to laugh-out-loud moments, this episode is a masterclass in comedy, creativity, and carving your own lane.

The Underground Lounge starts of Season 3 by welcoming NBA champion, entrepreneur, and media trailblazer Matt Barnes for a conversation that’s equal parts raw, insightful, and hilarious. Matt chops it up with the crew about life after basketball and how he and Stephen Jackson broke barriers by launching All the Smoke, turning it into a full production company that continues to change the way athletes control their own narratives. He reflects on the struggles of navigating traditional media, what inspired him to jump into podcasting, and why authenticity has been the key to connecting with fans.

From there, it’s story time with Barnes and Lou reliving their playing days together, including locker room chaos, wild rookie lessons, and behind-the-scenes moments with coaches like Mo Cheeks and Doc Rivers. They break down what really went wrong with the Clippers, how toxic locker rooms can derail success, and the impact of leaders who know how to build confidence in their players. Matt also opens up about the rise of Steph Curry, the evolution of the modern game, and the debate of today’s Warriors versus the ’90s Bulls.

Of course, no Underground Lounge episode is complete without laughs and unfiltered honesty. From drinking bets on team buses to the “Fuck You Camera” sendoff, Matt proves why he’s always been unapologetically himself, on and off the court. This one is a deep dive into the mind of a competitor turned culture shaper, and a reminder that the stories behind the game are just as powerful as the ones on the court.

In this special wrap-up edition of The Underground Lounge, Spank takes a moment to look back at everything that made Season 2 one for the books. From the ladies who brought their unique perspectives, to the athletes, actors, and comedians who sat down in the Lounge, he runs through the funniest, realest, and most unforgettable moments of the season. Along the way, Spank shares his personal favorite highlights and reflects on how each guest helped shape the Lounge into a space where comedy, culture, and conversation collide.

But he’s not just looking back, Spank also gives listeners a preview of what’s next. Season 3 is on the horizon, and with it comes bigger conversations, more guests, and even more reasons to tune in. Plus, for the die-hard supporters, he announces the launch of a brand-new Patreon, where fans can tap into exclusive shows, behind-the-scenes content, and never-before-seen Lounge moments.

If you’ve been rocking with the Lounge from the start or just jumped on in Season 2, this episode is the perfect bridge between what’s been and what’s coming next.

Lou and Spank wrap up Season 2 of the Underground Lounge with a mix of jokes, reflection, and real talk about how far the show has come. They look back on standout moments, from Tony Baker bringing the laughs, to unforgettable sit-downs with athletes, comedians, and entertainers who turned the Lounge into a must-watch. Favorite “F*** It Bucket” questions resurface, along with behind-the-scenes stories about guests, live shows, and even some unexpected gifts that sparked hilarious debates.

The duo also show love to the entire Underground Lounge team, from producers and editors to bartenders and photographers, acknowledging the hard work that makes each episode possible. They keep it transparent about the grind of building a podcast, balancing partnerships, and doing the work without a major network running things behind the scenes.

Looking ahead, Lou and Spank preview what’s next for Season 3, bigger names, more diverse guests, live activations in cities like D.C., Miami, Houston, and Toronto, and interactive elements to get fans more involved. They tease new Patreon content that gives a behind-the-scenes look at Spank’s stand-up life on the road and Lou’s coaching and family life, while also hinting at dream guests they’d love to land, from Michelle Obama to Katt Williams.

The finale leaves fans with gratitude, laughter, and plenty to look forward to. Season 2 may be in the books, but the Underground Lounge is only just getting started.