The Underground Lounge

• After Hours: Music, Motion & Motivation W/ Kalan.Frfr | The Underground Lounge

  In this candid late night conversation, Kalan.Frfr sits down in the Underground Lounge to talk life beyond the music, from his early days as a college athlete to finding his true calling as an artist, and the lessons that came with choosing a different path. He breaks down the meaning behind California Player, the mindset behind his West Coast sound, and why authenticity matters more than chasing trends.Kalan opens up about growth, discipline, and learning to appreciate how far you’ve come while still pushing toward what’s next. The conversation touches on staying focused in environments full of distractions, navigating politics in the music industry, and why staying out the way can sometimes be the smartest move. He also talks about making music that feels good, music for women, and creating records that reflect real-life experiences instead of forced narratives.Beyond the studio, Kalan shares powerful insight into giving back, community responsibility, and the importance of philanthropy. From organizing large-scale back-to-school events to supporting families and kids in underserved communities, he explains why reinvesting in where you come from is a responsibility, not an obligation. The episode also explores how exposure, education, and seeing different worlds can completely change perspective and ambition.As the night unfolds, the conversation naturally drifts into relationships, honesty, loyalty, and the balance between ambition and gratitude. With humor, real stories, and unfiltered moments throughout, this After Hours episode offers a deeper look at who Kalan.FrFr is beyond the music, thoughtful, self-aware, and grounded in purpose.

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• Lights, Music, Action W/ Trevor Jackson | The Underground Lounge S3 E.15

  In this week’s episode, the crew sits down multi-talented actor and singer Trevor Jackson who opens up about the most personal chapter of his life, the creation of a deeply vulnerable breakup album written during a season of heartbreak, injury, and self-reflection. He talks about crafting the project while recovering from an Achilles tear, why the music poured out of him faster than ever, and how being forced to slow down reshaped him mentally and spiritually.They get into his journey from tap dancing as a kid in Indiana to Broadway, early record deals, and eventually landing major film and TV roles. He shares the story behind his audition for one of his biggest movies, the long grind of acting, and how certain roles pushed him to grow in ways he wasn’t expecting.The conversation takes its usual Underground Lounge detours, from sobriety challenges and self-discipline, to wild dating debates, to whether 30 days without sex is even realistic. There’s plenty of honest talk, plenty of jokes, and a real look at how men process heartbreak, growth, and the pressure to keep going.The episode closes with dreams of future superhero roles, creative reinvention, and the importance of being ready when your moment comes. Authentic, funny, and unexpectedly deep, this one has everything.

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• AFTER HOURS: Game You Can't Google W/ Lewis Belt | The Underground Lounge

  This After Hours session goes completely off the rails in the best way possible. The crew taps in with Bay Area comedian Lewis Belt who walks in ready to talk his talk, stir the room up, and turn the night into a full-blown unfiltered hangout. From the moment he sits down, the conversation jumps from jokes to real-life lessons, setting the tone for an episode that feels like a mix of storytelling, therapy, and pure late-night chaos.The crew dives into everything, relationships, sex, social media, how men and women move differently in today’s world, and why everybody swears they’re “raised by OGs, not IG.” Holly brings her signature honesty, breaking down dating from a woman’s perspective, while the guys talk about aging out of the nightlife, why some cities make dating easier than others, and why nobody wants to be the “old player” still acting young.Things get even crazier when Lewis opens up about his time on a reality dating show, explaining how being locked in a house with no phones, no music, and no distractions changes the way you connect with people. The crew laughs at the wild stories, but also taps into real lessons about communication, growing up, recognizing patterns, and learning what you actually want from someone.The episode winds through strip club culture, city to city dating differences, old flings, new standards, and the hilarious misunderstandings that happen between men and women every day. Every topic turns into a story, every story turns into a debate, and every debate turns into a moment that could only happen After Hours.This is one of those episodes where you feel like you’re sitting on the couch with the crew, laughing at the madness and picking up gems at the same time.

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• Finding The Funny W/ Deon Cole | The Underground Lounge S3 E.14

  This week on The Underground Lounge, Lou and Spank sit down with the legendary Deon Cole for a conversation that’s equal parts hilarious, insightful, and absolutely unpredictable. From the moment he steps into the Lounge, Deon brings that unmistakable Chicago energy and a lifetime of stories from the road, including his early days grinding in the Chicago comedy scene, rocking Timbs on stages that demanded suits, and literally changing the culture just by showing up as himself.Deon opens up about discovering stand-up almost by accident, the moment he realized comedy was his purpose, and the unforgettable Def Jam tour experience that pushed him to level up his writing and craft. He breaks down how embracing silence became his comedic superpower, the origins of his iconic notebook on stage, and why he sometimes enjoys bombing on purpose just to keep audiences honest.Lou and Spank dig into Deon’s wild journey from the clubs to becoming one of the most respected writers in the game, from helping craft Ricky Smiley’s classic prank call CDs, to joining Comic View, to eventually making history as the first Black writer on Late Night with Conan O’Brien. Deon shares behind-the-scenes stories from the writers’ room, how one unexpected bit turned into Emmy nominations, and the moment he almost quit the show before everything changed overnight.The conversation goes even deeper as Deon talks about landing Angie Tribeca, becoming “Charlie” on Black-ish (a role originally written for Charlie Murphy), and navigating Hollywood in a way that’s stayed authentic to who he is. Along the way, the guys swap stories about clubs, cities, strip lounges, and why Chicago produces some of the funniest comedians in the world.This episode is packed with gems for comedy fans, creators, and anyone who appreciates a raw, unfiltered look at the grind behind the glow-up. Deon’s honesty, humor, and perspective shine from start to finish, making this one of the most entertaining and inspiring sit-downs ever in the Underground Lounge.Tune in now and enjoy the ride.

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• 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.

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