The Underground Lounge

The fellas are joined by legendary R&B group 112 for a conversation packed with music history, hilarious stories, and real talk about surviving three decades in the industry.
With over 30 years in the game, the group reflects on their journey from Atlanta to becoming one of the most recognizable voices of the late-90s and early-2000s era. They talk about the early grind, how the opportunity that changed their lives came together, and what it was like stepping into the spotlight during one of the biggest eras in R&B and hip-hop.
The conversation dives into the making of some of their most iconic records, the stories behind the music, and how songs like Only You, Cupid, and Peaches & Cream became timeless records that still hit just as hard today. They also share what it was like touring during the peak of their success, the pressure that comes with global hits, and how fans across generations still show love whenever those records come on.
Of course, it wouldn’t be The Underground Lounge without the jokes. The hosts kick things off trying to audition as backup singers and dancers, leading to plenty of laughs before the conversation turns into a deep dive on longevity in the music business, the importance of brotherhood within a group, and what it really takes to keep a legacy alive in an industry that constantly changes.
From wild tour stories to reflections on building a catalog that defined an era, this episode gives fans a rare look behind the curtain from artists who helped shape the sound of modern R&B.
If you grew up on 90s and 2000s R&B, this episode is a must watch.

In this episode of Underground Lounge After Hours, the crew gets into an honest and hilarious conversation about relationships, situationships, and the moment when casual starts turning into something deeper. The discussion begins with a simple but loaded question: when do you actually start developing real feelings for someone? Is it about time, exclusivity, or just a vibe you can’t ignore? From long-term situationships to relationships that never officially get labeled, the crew shares their different perspectives on how men and women approach commitment.
The conversation also dives into the realities of dating in the social media era. Should you post your partner online, or does putting your relationship on display just invite outside opinions and unnecessary drama? The group breaks down why some people prefer to keep their love life private, how oversharing can bring both praise and criticism, and why sometimes the best relationships are the ones the public doesn’t know everything about.
As the discussion continues, the crew gets into ego, competition, and the dynamics that come with dating when you have options. They debate whether men naturally compete with each other over women, what it means to be “tender,” and why some people believe their success rate in relationships speaks for itself. The jokes and storytelling keep the energy light while still touching on some real truths about modern dating.
Of course, because it’s After Hours, the conversation doesn’t stay on track for long. Things eventually shift into behind-the-scenes podcast talk, habits in the studio, and the unfiltered banter that happens when the mics are on and nobody is trying to be politically correct. The result is a wild mix of relationship talk, personal stories, and the kind of off-the-cuff moments that make After Hours exactly what it’s supposed to be real, raw, and completely unpredictable.

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.