The Underground Lounge

• Soundtrack Of A Generation W/ Bryan Michael Cox | The Underground Lounge S3 E.13

  This episode dives deep into the legacy, discipline, and creative genius of Bryan Michael Cox, one of the most influential producers and songwriters in modern R&B. Bryan walks the crew through his early grind between Houston and Atlanta, breaking down how mentorship, structure, and relentless preparation shaped his direction long before the hits came. He talks about studying the greats, sharpening his pen, and the years of groundwork that positioned him for the run that would change the sound of a generation.From there, Bryan opens up about the making of some of his biggest records and the sessions that defined entire eras. He breaks down the creative process behind career-shifting albums, how one of the most iconic R&B projects almost went in a completely different direction, and the competitive studio energy that pushed everyone to level up. He explains the magic of honest storytelling, the instincts that guide timeless music, and why great records happen when artists stop following trends and start telling the truth.Bryan also shares the business and personal lessons learned along the way, navigating egos, protecting the craft, and maintaining longevity in an industry that moves fast and forgets quickly. From missed flights that turned into hits to late-night sessions that rewrote history, he gives a masterclass on collaboration, consistency, and staying grounded while shaping chart after chart.Packed with laughs, behind-the-scenes gems, and real game from a true architect of the culture, this episode is a deep look into how Bryan Michael Cox built a legacy that continues to influence the sound of R&B today.

  --------  

  1:36:38

  --------

  1:36:38
• Hollywood Highlights: One Life, Two Worlds W/Alex Thomas | The Underground Lounge S3 E.12

  In this episode of the Underground Lounge, Lou and Spank sit down with comedy legend Alex Thomas for a conversation that feels like a masterclass in culture, comedy, and survival. Alex takes the guys back to his childhood in South Central Los Angeles, where he was bused 40 minutes each day to become the first Black student at an elite Beverly Hills private school, an experience that shaped both his identity and his sense of humor.He talks about being raised by two supportive parents who kept him too busy for the streets, the reality of growing up surrounded by violence, and how staying active in sports, music, and after-school programs helped him avoid the fate of so many childhood friends. The conversation shifts into his early dance career, including how he became a breakout talent on Soul Train, his relationship with Rosie Perez, and the pivotal moment when the Wayans family encouraged him to try stand-up.Alex breaks down the unbelievable week where he bombed a major dance audition, got rained on with $60,000 in cash by Damon Wayans, booked his first-ever Hollywood audition, and accidentally landed one of the most iconic McDonald’s commercials of the ’90s.The episode goes even deeper when Alex talks about eventually writing for The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, how Will Smith discovered him on stage at the Laugh Factory, and what it was like to be the only non-Philly member of a creative team that turned into a brotherhood.Throughout the conversation, the guys touch on parenthood, the differences between public and private school, keeping kids safe in today’s world, and what it means to break generational cycles. Packed with laughs, real-life gems, hip-hop history, comedy stories, and authentic Underground Lounge energy, this episode is a must-watch for anyone who loves a good origin story rooted in hustle, culture, and heart.

  --------  

  1:40:22

  --------

  1:40:22
• Certified Vibe Setter W/ Eric Bellinger | The Underground Lounge S3 E.11

  The Underground Lounge is back with another classic. This time, the crew welcomes Grammy-winning singer, songwriter, and all-around R&B hitmaker Eric Bellinger to the couch for a full-on vibe session. From the moment he walks in, it’s clear this one’s about good energy, real music, and unapologetic conversation.Eric opens up about his journey from singing in church and earning a football scholarship to USC, to making the bold move to follow his passion for music—a decision that would eventually lead him to writing and performing hits for artists like Usher and Chris Brown. He shares how he first got noticed as a songwriter, what it was like giving away songs that later became global hits, and how he learned to balance being a behind-the-scenes pen with stepping into the spotlight as an artist.The crew dives deep into the evolution of R&B, from the era of slow jams and rain-soaked music videos to today’s viral hits, and why the genre is having a real resurgence. Eric breaks down how the club scene, R&B parties, and social media all helped bring that soulful sound back, and why the culture needed it. He also talks about his creative process, the importance of setting the right vibe in the studio, and how a little “trophy smoke” helps him tap into his most inspired zone.From there, things get hilarious. The conversation turns to karaoke horror stories, the real difference between singers and rappers, and why comedians never have panties thrown at them on stage. Eric also opens up about his viral Tiny Desk moment with Usher, explaining how that one surprise performance reset his career and introduced him to a whole new audience.The conversation doesn’t stop at music either. The crew gets into the business side—Eric talks about starting his label, mentoring new artists, and staying independent in an industry that’s constantly changing. They even explore the rise of AI in music, how it’s reshaping the creative process, and why real artistry will always win over algorithms.By the end, it’s clear why Eric Bellinger has remained one of the most respected voices in R&B, he’s talented, grounded, and still just as passionate about the craft as the day he started. Whether you’re a diehard R&B fan, a creative chasing your dream, or just here for the laughs, this episode delivers it all: game, humor, and heart.

  --------  

  1:08:33

  --------

  1:08:33
• Straight Out Of Inglewood W/ D Smoke | The Underground Lounge S3 E.10

  This week on The Underground Lounge, Lou Williams and Spank Horton welcome Grammy-nominated hip-hop artist, educator, and actor D Smoke into the Lounge for one of the most layered and inspiring conversations yet. Coming straight out of Inglewood, D Smoke opens up about growing up in a musical household led by his gospel-singing mother, who taught him and his brothers the fundamentals of music from an early age. From learning piano at five to earning a full academic scholarship to UCLA, he shares how his foundation in discipline and faith set the tone for everything that came after.D Smoke takes the crew through his early start in the industry, writing for Jaheim at 19, building a home studio with his brothers, and navigating the highs and lows of being young and talented in Los Angeles. He talks about the family legacy that runs deep through his bloodline, including his grandmother’s work with legends and the tough choices his mom made between touring with Stevie Wonder and raising her kids.The conversation dives into his time on Netflix’s Rhythm + Flow, where his viral exchange with Snoop Dogg and eventual win put him on the global map, and the lessons he learned from that experience about authenticity and preparation. D Smoke also discusses his passion for teaching and how his work as an educator helped him connect to his community beyond music.From mastering Spanish and bringing bilingual storytelling into hip-hop, to finding balance between the streets and spirituality, D Smoke breaks down how duality shaped his artistry and worldview. He also opens up about stepping into acting, from early roles as a teen to his recent work on Mayor of Kingstown, and how storytelling in all forms fuels his purpose.The Lounge closes out with real talk on faith, family, boxing, mentorship, and what it means to lead with integrity in an industry built on perception. It’s an episode that celebrates intellect, art, and the grind it takes to rise from Inglewood to international acclaim.

  --------  

  1:20:38

  --------

  1:20:38
• Halloween Special: Paranormal Activities W/ Daylen Spratt | The Underground Lounge S3 E.9

  The Underground Lounge goes ghostly for Halloween with a special guest who’s seen things most people wouldn’t dare to imagine. Paranormal investigator and Ghost Brothers co-founder Dalen Spratt steps into the lounge to talk spirits, energy, and the afterlife like you’ve never heard it before.Dalen breaks down how he went from working wardrobe on The Mo’Nique Show to becoming one of TV’s first Black ghost hunters, chasing shadows through slave plantations, cemeteries, and America’s most haunted places. He talks about using real tech to communicate with the dead, the emotional weight of helping families reconnect with loved ones, and what it’s like to stand face-to-face with energy that refuses to leave this world.From chilling stories about The Conjuring House and Emmett Till’s gravesite to exploring the line between faith, fear, and the unknown, this episode balances laughs, deep insight, and spine-tingling moments. The crew keeps it funny, honest, and just spooky enough to make you question what you believe.It’s the Underground Lounge Halloween Special, where comedy meets the paranormal and curiosity meets the afterlife. You might walk away believing… or still thinking it’s all cap. Either way, this one’s unforgettable.

  --------  

  50:52

  --------

  50:52

More Comedy podcasts

Trending Comedy podcasts

About The Underground Lounge