The Underground Lounge

Grammy and Academy Award-winning producer and entrepreneur DJ Paul steps into the Lounge for a powerful, wide-ranging conversation that goes far beyond music. From his early days in Memphis selling cassette tapes in school hallways and car stereo shops, to building one of the most influential movements in hip-hop history, he breaks down the blueprint behind the grind.
Paul reflects on the origins of the sound that shifted the culture, creating his own bass-heavy production style, learning organ as a kid, and how linking with Juicy J helped form a legacy that would eventually earn an Oscar and multiple Grammys. He shares stories about the evolution of crunk music, the early independent hustle in Atlanta, and how records like “International Players Anthem” took on a life of their own. The episode also touches on the Verzuz moment, reality television before it was cool for rappers to do it, and what it felt like navigating success at the highest level.
But this conversation isn’t just about plaques and trophies. Paul opens up about fatherhood, losing close friends and group members, and how those experiences pushed him to prioritize health and longevity. He speaks candidly about building wealth outside of music, owning 19 properties, remodeling homes, running a restaurant on Rodeo Drive, and embracing the mindset of having multiple streams of income. His approach to business is strategic, disciplined, and rooted in long-term vision.
This episode is a masterclass in reinvention, ownership, and staying culturally relevant for decades. From Memphis to Hollywood, from underground tapes to global stages, the journey is proof that evolution is the key to lasting success.

This episode of The Underground Lounge: After Hours turns into a soulful, grown, and wildly unfiltered conversation as the crew welcomes Grammy-nominated/Winner R&B staple Raheem DeVaughn to the couch. From the moment he steps in, the vibe is family. What starts with playful banter about his name and Ramadan quickly expands into a rich conversation about culture, hometown pride, and the evolution of DC nightlife, from mumbo sauce debates to the city’s go-go era and how things shifted post-Covid.
Raheem takes listeners back to his origin story, revealing how he went from being a scholarship track athlete to dropping out of college to pursue music full time, despite the understandable concerns from his parents. He opens up about grinding through open mics across DC, Baltimore, and Philly, moving CDs out the trunk before the industry caught up, and eventually landing his first major label deal.
The conversation then shifts into a powerful breakdown of independence, ownership, and why artists must understand the business as much as the art. Raheem explains his direct-to-consumer strategy, selling music through tiered fan support and physical collectibles, vinyl, CDs, cassettes, and exclusive drops, proving there’s still value in tangible art in a streaming era.
And because it’s After Hours, things don’t stay strictly business. The energy turns spicy when the crew addresses a viral clip from his live show, leading to candid talk about stage theatrics, intimacy, and the undeniable connection between R&B and real-life romance. Raheem breaks down the art of performance, studying comedians to sharpen his timing, and why creating an escape for fans, whether through laughter, music, or love songs, is the ultimate goal.
Insightful, funny, sensual, and packed with game, this episode blends grown man wisdom with After Hours chaos in the best way possible. When the Love King pulls up, the conversation doesn’t just flow, it pours.

On this episode of The Underground Lounge, Lou and Spank sit down with hip hop royalty as Layzie Bone steps into the lounge to tell the unfiltered story behind the rise of Bone Thugs-N-Harmony. What starts as a nostalgic conversation quickly turns into a masterclass on hunger, originality, and longevity in the music industry.
Layzie takes it back to Cleveland talent shows, forming as kids, and the early grind that eventually led the group to Los Angeles with nothing but bus tickets, big dreams, and relentless belief. He breaks down how they chased down Eazy-E, why they were determined to sign with him specifically, and what it was like going from homelessness to platinum success. The story of how the group name evolved, the competitive spirit within the crew, and how their harmonized, melody-driven flow changed the sound of rap gives real insight into what made Bone different from everyone else at the time.
The conversation also dives into the making of timeless records like “Crossroads” and “First of the Month,” the real-life pain and loss that inspired their biggest records, and why those songs still connect decades later. Layzie shares behind-the-scenes stories about working with icons like The Notorious B.I.G., 2Pac, and Mariah Carey, along with reflections on how the industry shifted from artist development to chasing trends. He speaks candidly about originality, “style biting,” independence, and why protecting your legacy matters more than ever.
It’s funny, reflective, and full of game from a true pioneer who helped shape the sound of a generation. This episode is more than a trip down memory lane, it’s a real conversation about building something timeless and surviving every era of hip hop.

On this episode of After Hours, the crew sits down with comedian Keon Polee for an unfiltered and hilarious conversation about stand-up comedy, confidence, bombing on stage, and the real difference between going viral and mastering the craft.
Keon takes us back to his early days, from chasing basketball dreams to realizing comedy was the lane he was truly built for. He explains how growing up competitive gave him thick skin, why bombing doesn’t shake him, and how missing shots in front of a crowd prepared him for silence in a comedy club. He shares the story of one of his worst bombs and why moments like that are necessary if you actually want to grow as a performer instead of just chasing quick laughs.
The conversation dives deep into the gap between internet comedians and true stand-ups. Keon keeps it honest about social media fame versus real stage presence, why some people want attention while others want to be elite at the craft, and how repetition and discipline separate professionals from personalities. He breaks down how he learned to work every type of room, from churches and clean corporate settings to hood rooms and late-night crowds, and why being able to adjust without losing your voice is a skill that takes years to build.
Beyond comedy, the episode takes a real turn into parenting. Keon talks about being the dad in the stands, choosing not to project his own expectations onto his son, and making sure the focus stays on fun and growth instead of pressure. The crew gets into failed dreams, overzealous sports parents, and how some adults try to relive their glory days through their kids. One of the standout moments is the reminder that parenting isn’t about control, it’s about communication. Keon shares the importance of actually checking in with your kids, asking them if you’re doing a good job as a parent, and being open enough to hear the answer. That vulnerability and accountability hit just as hard as any punchline.
This episode blends laughs with real perspective on discipline, ego, failure, fatherhood, and what it truly means to build something the right way. It’s funny, honest, and full of gems for anyone chasing greatness, on stage or at home.
If you’re a fan of stand-up comedy, real conversations, and After Hours energy with substance behind it, this is an episode you don’t want to miss.

The Underground Lounge links up with the crew from the Club 520 Podcast featuring 11-year NBA vet and NBA champion Jeff Teague, Bishop B Hen, and DJ Wells, for an episode that feels like a live locker room session mixed with a comedy show.
Recorded during the energy of NBA All-Star Weekend, this conversation goes way beyond just the festivities. The guys dive into how the 520 podcast really got started , from organic conversations between friends to building one of the most authentic player-driven platforms in sports media. Jeff opens up about the transition from being in the league to becoming a full-time media personality, how viral moments helped elevate the show, and why keeping it real, even when it’s uncomfortable is what made the audience connect.
The episode blends serious basketball insight with nonstop humor. There’s real talk about NBA culture, how media narratives are shaped, and the difference between how former players view the game versus how it’s discussed on television.
There are also stories from the early 520 days, reflections on building something from scratch, and conversations about friendship, loyalty, and navigating life after basketball. The back-and-forth feels natural, like friends roasting each other one minute and dropping real gems the next.
Once the “F**K IT BUCKET” enters the chat, the energy shifts immediately. What starts as a simple pull turns into one of the funniest stretches of the episode. It’s classic Underground Lounge chaos in the best way.
This episode isn’t just about All-Star Weekend. It’s about storytelling, evolution, media, and the kind of humor that only comes from real relationships. From hoops insight to laugh-out-loud moments, this one delivers from start to finish.