This week on Unglossy, Bun B, Tom Frank, and Jeffrey Sledge sit down with Michael Ford, The Hip Hop Architect—a designer using rhythm and rhyme to reshape skylines. From leading tThe Hip Hop Museum in the Bronx to launching the Hip Hop Architecture Camp, Ford proves design can be culture, not just construction.

He shares how rap lyrics inspire real-world spaces, why representation matters in architecture, and how collaborations with Kurtis Blow, Lupe Fiasco and Herman Miller, and turn creativity into community impact.

The crew dives into Virgil Abloh’s legacy, Lenny Kravitz’s world-building, and Ford’s next blueprint: a Hip Hop Museum of the South in Memphis.

🎙️ Tap in as they connect bars to blueprints, showing how hip hop doesn’t just shape culture—it designs the future. 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/

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James Beard winner Chris Shepherd pulls up to Unglossy with Bun B, Jeffrey Sledge, and Tom Frank to talk real kitchen life—no foam, all flame. He traces the glide path from Tulsa dishwasher to Houston icon, why cooking clicked when school didn’t, and how using all five senses beats any recipe card. We dig into Underbelly’s whole-animal, write-the-menu-daily chaos; the gloriously unhinged One Fifth experiment (five concepts in five years); and the way Houston’s Vietnamese community reshaped Gulf flavors—from crawfish boils to kimchi on a “Chinese-Korean” menu. Bun and Chris revisit the night they wrote wine notes together (“that tastes red” is canon now), we adjudicate the great gravy debate (brown on almost everything; white strictly for chicken-fried), and Chris breaks down how Eat Like a Local can take a chicken-fried steak from 50 orders a week to 400. Most importantly, we go deep on Southern Smoke—emergency aid, mental-health care, real safety nets for hospitality workers—and how you can help. Come hungry, leave useful.

🎙️ 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/

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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/

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Chef Teach (Derrick Turton) pulls up to Unglossy with Bun B, Tom Frank, and Jeffrey Sledge to chart a wild route from Luke Records and Pitbull’s early grind to Miami’s cult-favorite House of Mac. We get into the origin of that legendary mac & cheese, the food-truck-to-brick-and-mortar leap, COVID pivots, DoorDash math, SOPs that save businesses, and why your playlist is part of the plate. Bun shares how a nudge turned into a movement—and how mentorship boomerangs. Plus: Trillburgers x KD “Easy Money” drop, MySpace with Lil Jon and E-40, and the hard truth about scaling without losing your soul—or your margins.

🎙️ 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/

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Hall of Fame wide receiver Andre Reed is back on Unglossy with Bun B, Tom Frank, and Jeffrey Sledge for Part 2 of our conversation. This time, the Bills legend opens up about life after football and the season ahead—mixing wisdom, humor, and a few bold predictions.

From surviving –43 degree temperatures in Alaska to calling a 13-4 record for Buffalo this year, Andre gives us his unfiltered take on extreme conditions, fantasy football sleepers, and why Kansas City is still the mountain the Bills must climb. He draws parallels between NFL rivalries and modern rap beefs, breaks down why the defensive line will decide Buffalo’s Super Bowl hopes, and explains why Bills Mafia is the best fan base in sports.

Along the way, Andre reflects on meeting his wife the day he got the Hall of Fame call, what legacy really means, and how authenticity defines both football greatness and life beyond the game.

🎙️ 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/

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Bun B makes it official as co-host of Unglossy, and we kick things off with a legend: Buffalo Bills icon and Pro Football Hall of Famer, Andre Reed. From a small-town kid in Allentown, Pennsylvania to four straight Super Bowl appearances and a gold jacket in Canton, Reed’s story is one of grit, growth, and giving back.

In this first part of our two-part conversation, Andre takes us through the real playbook behind his success—relationships, mentorship, and showing up when nobody’s watching. He reflects on the wisdom of his Hall of Fame coach Marv Levy (who just turned 100), weighs in on Micah Parsons’ contract standoff and the high-stakes “game within the game” of NFL negotiations, and breaks down how rule changes like the kickoff shift and the tush push have reshaped football forever.

We dive into what it was like lining up against Deion Sanders, Rod Woodson, and Darrell Green, the brutal six-week training camps of the ’80s, and the difference between recovering from injuries then versus now. Beyond the field, Andre shares the roots of his purpose—his years as a Boys & Girls Club kid, the founding of the Andre Reed Foundation, and the legacy he’s building with a park, a street, and a stadium all carrying his name back home.

Four straight Super Bowls, seven Pro Bowls, and zero regrets—because whether or not the scoreboard went his way, the world was watching.

🎙️ 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/

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In this powerhouse episode of Unglossy, hip-hop icon and cultural heavyweight Bun B (aka Bernard Freeman) joins Thomas Frank and Jeffrey Sledge for a deep, funny, and wildly inspiring conversation that spans decades — and industries.

From his early days forming UGK with the late, great Pimp C to building Trill Burgers into America’s best burger brand (literally), Bun breaks down the milestones, missteps, and mindset that kept him both relevant and real. He talks about the origin of his rap name, the Houston culture that shaped him, what it really takes to build longevity in music and business — and why being trill isn’t just a brand, it’s a standard.

You’ll hear stories that have never been told, like the day UGK signed with Jive, how Bun became a professor at Rice University, why Ridin’ Dirty was their first real album, and the honest truth about whether he’d ever run for mayor of Houston.

And yes, there’s a surprise. Stay till the end to catch a major Unglossy announcement you won't want to miss.

This episode is a masterclass in authenticity, entrepreneurship, and cultural leadership — from a man who’s done it all and still shows up hungry.

🎙️ 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/

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In this week's episode of Unglossy, Tom and Jeffrey sit down with Keenan Scott II, a prolific playwright, poet, actor, director, and producer from Queens, New York. Keenan delves into his artistic journey, beginning with his early passion for visual arts and comic books, and transitioning into poetry and performance as he navigated his formative years in Maryland. His experiences at open mic nights in D.C. were pivotal, shaping his creative expression and laying the groundwork for his future in theater. Keenan also discusses the genesis of his renowned play, "Thoughts of a Colored Man," which started as college monologues aimed at authentically representing Black experiences absent from mainstream theater.

The conversation further explores the complexities and challenges of bringing a play to Broadway. Keenan sheds light on the logistical and financial hurdles, including navigating the influential theater families that control Broadway venues. Despite these challenges and the abrupt end to his play's run due to COVID-19, Keenan's work continues to make a significant impact. Looking ahead, he shares his excitement for future projects through his company, Project Toy Entertainment, aiming to fuse various artistic mediums and empower new creative voices. His advice to emerging artists—to believe in themselves and embrace perseverance—is a testament to his journey and dedication to the arts.

"Unglossy: Decoding Brand in Culture," is produced and distributed by Merrick Studio and hosted by Merrick Chief Creative Officer, Tom Frank, hip hop artist and founder of Pendulum Ink, Mickey Factz, and music industry veteran, 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/

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On the debut episode of "Mixed and Mastered," Jeffrey Sledge sits down with A&R visionary Sean Barron to uncover the untold stories behind modern music’s biggest stars. From discovering Drake on MySpace to shaping hits at Atlantic Records, Barron shares how instinct, hustle, and timing propelled him from Buffalo to the industry’s inner circle. With behind-the-scenes insights on working with talents like Miguel, Frank Ocean, and Bruno Mars, this episode offers a rare look at the art—and heart—of making music that lasts. 

Subscribe and listen to the full episode at https://mixedandmasteredpod.buzzsprout.com/

Unglossy will be back later this week with playwright, poet, actor, director, and producer, Keenan Scott II.

"Unglossy: Decoding Brand in Culture," is produced and distributed by Merrick Studio and hosted by Merrick Chief Creative Officer, Tom Frank, hip hop artist and founder of Pendulum Ink, Mickey Factz, and music industry veteran, 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/

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Unglossy presents a new podcast from Merrick Studios.

Mixed and Mastered is the podcast where the untold stories of the music industry come to life. Hosted by Jeffrey Sledge, a veteran music executive and former VP of A&R at Atlantic Records and Jive Records, each episode dives deep into the journeys, challenges, and triumphs of the people shaping the sound of today. From label executives and producers to artists, songwriters, and managers, Jeffrey brings you behind the scenes to meet the minds driving the industry forward. There’s a gap in the marketplace for these voices, and Mixed and Mastered is here to fill it—one conversation at a time. Because the best stories are told by those who lived them.

Mixed and Mastered is produced and distributed by Merrick Studio, and hosted by music industry veteran, Jeffrey Sledge. Tune in to the discussion on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you catch your podcasts. Follow us on Instagram @MixedandMasteredPod to join the conversation and support the show at https://mixedandmasteredpod.buzzsprout.com/

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