Lupe Fiasco - Apple Podcasts

Unglossy with Bun B, Jeffrey Sledge and Tom Frank

Unglossy with Bun B, Jeffrey Sledge and Tom Frank

Bun B, Tom Frank, Jeffrey Sledge

6D AGO

Owen Hanson (The Cocaine Quarterback): Fame, Fallout & the Fight Back

This might be the wildest story we’ve ever told on Unglossy — and that’s saying something. This week, Bun B, Jeffrey Sledge, and Tom Frank sit down with Owen Hanson, better known as The California Kid or The Cocaine Quarterback. Once a USC walk-on turned national champion, Owen’s life took a sharp left turn from the football field into international drug trafficking, cartel money, federal prison, and headlines that sound fictional until you realize they’re not. Fresh off the Amazon Prime docuseries Cocaine Quarterback, Owen breaks his silence on what really happened — from how the documentary came together, to what it got right (and what it couldn’t fully show), to how you rebuild an identity when your name becomes a cautionary tale. This isn’t a glamorized crime story. It’s a raw conversation about ambition, ego, consequences, survival, and second chances. We talk life inside prison, hustling legally and illegally, the mindset it takes to endure a decade behind bars, and how Owen turned a mop bucket, protein powder, and sheer will into a legitimate business on the outside. From USC glory to federal time… and from rock bottom to redemption — this episode is about what happens after everything falls apart. No polish. No excuses. Just the truth. This is Unglossy. Send us a text Support the show

59 min
10/08/2020

Nino

Lupe gets a sword, and confesses to something he stole in Detroit. They discuss “Black Panther” & Royce’s unusual approach to movie-watching. Royce recalls his faux pas the time he met Wesley Snipes & Leon Robinson. The conversation ends on a more serious note, reflecting on Jacob Blake and the state of policing in the U.S., with Lupe, Tom and Royce each offering a unique viewpoint. The Lupe & Royce Show is a Say What Media production: https://www.saywhat.media. The presenting sponsor of this episode is Blue Microphones: https://www.bluemic.com Send us a text Support the show

39 min
10/08/2020

Cruise

In episode two, the fellas debate who would be hip-hop’s best candidate for U.S. President; Lupe challenges Royce and Tom to a fanciness contest; and Royce educates Lupe on the Boblo Boat and Detroit cruise culture. Mark your calendars for the “Live from a Cruise Somewhere” podcast special, downloadable on a phone near you in 2022! The Lupe & Royce Show is a Say What Media production: https://www.saywhat.media The presenting sponsor of this episode is Blue Microphones: https://www.bluemic.com Send us a text Support the show

24 min
DEC 13

Trill in Real Time: Inside the Making of TrillStatik 5

This week on Unglossy, we get rare, front-row access to hip-hop happening in real time. Tom and Jeffrey go full fly-on-the-wall as Bun B and Statik Selektah build TrillStatik 5 from scratch—live, unannounced, and completely unscripted—during Art Basel weekend in Miami. From surprise guests walking straight off the street into the booth, to verses written, recorded, and sequenced on the spot, this episode pulls back the curtain on what creative chaos looks like when mastery meets momentum. Bun breaks down the pressure of rapping on every track, the communal energy of artists who simply love to rap, and why TrillStatik is about execution, not exploitation. You’ll hear stories involving Tony Sunshine, Termanology, Robb Banks, Bone Crusher, and a legendary Busta Rhymes phone call that turned into a masterclass in respect, legacy, and bars. No rollouts. No safety nets. Just craft, competition, and culture—captured as it happens. If you’ve ever wondered how real hip-hop gets made when the clock is ticking and the mic is hot, this one’s for you. This is Unglossy. "Unglossy" 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 check out all our episodes at https://wearemerrickstudios.com/unglossy-pod. Send us a text Support the show

1h 10m
10/08/2020

Meat

In this episode, Lupe and Royce share their perspectives on drinking, explore why Royce never found his “signature drug,” discuss a must-visit city, talk about cars, and tell a “man massage story” that may or may not be podcast-appropriate. Grab your O’Doul’s and get ready to book your next basement haircut! The Lupe & Royce Show is a Say What Media production: https://www.saywhat.media The presenting sponsor of this episode is Blue Microphones: https://www.bluemic.com Send us a text Support the show

34 min
10/01/2020 · BONUS

Introducing The Lupe and Royce Show

Who thought it would be a good idea to give these two a show?! Introducing The Lupe & Royce Show: the first podcast from Lupe Fiasco (a rapper), Royce da 5’9” … also a rapper 😜and some white guy with two first names, Tom Frank. Send us a text Support the show

2 min
11/12/2020

Dream

Señior Lupe describes a crazy dream he had recently, and makes a prank call that Royce does not find amusing. Lupe suffers a back injury, and he and Royce discuss past forays in fashion. The fellas talk about election fraud claims and the pageantry of politics, and William Howell joins as the show’s second guest. William is the Sydney Stein Professor in American Politics at the University of Chicago Harris School of Public Policy, a professor in the Department of Political Science and the College, and the director of the Center for Effective Government. Shoutout to Claude “Scorpion” Jennings — our audio engineer extraordinaire — it’s his birth-week! Love the show? Hit “subscribe,” leave us a review, and give us a shout on social using #lupeandroyce. The Lupe & Royce Show is a Say What Media production: https://www.saywhat.media The presenting sponsor of this episode is Blue Microphones: https://www.bluemic.com Send us a text Support the show

48 min
DEC 1

Soufiane “Souf” Bernoukh: Humor, Hoops, and Holy Buckets

Tom Frank, Bun B, and Jeffrey Sledge sit down with Soufiane “Souf” Bernoukh — the mind behind Halal Wrist and one of the most original voices in sports entertainment today. Souf shares how a childhood full of jokes, a late start in basketball, and the hustle of Division III ball shaped his creative path. He unpacks the creation of his signature trick shot, the midnight hotel-shift videos that ignited his rise, and the Ramadan clip that went viral enough for Drake to reach out. The conversation dives deeper into identity: how Souf navigates stereotypes, represents Muslim culture on a global stage, and uses comedy and craft to build connection. He discusses the growth of the Halal Wrist brand, lessons from running (and pausing) his restaurant, and the launch of the Helal Wrist Foundation — a mission to build courts, uplift communities, and create opportunity worldwide. With laughs, honesty, and plenty of basketball analogies, this episode explores how faith, culture, creativity, and brand storytelling come together in one of today’s most unique creator journeys. Tap in — when the prayers go up, the buckets come down. This is Unglossy. "Unglossy" 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 check out all our episodes at https://wearemerrickstudios.com/unglossy-pod. Send us a text Support the show

48 min
10/08/2020

Music

Lupe & Royce school Tom with a little Music 101, educating him on the nuances between artists, musicians, lyricists, songwriters, and singers. Royce reveals who he considers to be the greatest hip-hop producer of all-time — and which up-and-comer may be next. The fellas discuss why remakes create great hip-hop records, and discuss the role of the back office in the record business. Finally, they unpack the meaning of “relevancy,” and the genres that began and influenced music in Chicago and Detroit. Is “Kick Push” a relevant record? Listen to learn Royce’s hot take … and the origin story behind it and some of the dudes’ other most popular songs. The Lupe & Royce Show is a Say What Media production: https://www.saywhat.media The presenting sponsor of this episode is Blue Microphones: https://www.bluemic.com Send us a text Support the show

55 min
NOV 7

Greg Street: Culture, Connection, and the Code of the South

Before algorithms and playlists decided what we liked, DJs like Greg Street were the algorithm — breaking artists, building cities, and defining what hip hop felt like. In this episode, Bun B, Jeffrey Sledge, and Tom Frank sit down with the legendary DJ and radio personality whose career runs through every chapter of Southern music history. From Mississippi to Houston, Dallas to Atlanta, Street unpacks how the South built its own infrastructure, why authenticity always wins, and how community still moves culture more than technology ever could. This one’s a blueprint in conversation form. "Unglossy with Bun B" 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 check out all our episodes at https://wearemerrickstudios.com/unglossy-pod. Send us a text Support the show

1h 16m
MAR 12

Trump on defense over tariffs as markets plunge

MSNBC's Ari Melber hosts "The Beat" on Tuesday, March 11, and reports on the stock market plunge and Donald Trump's "triple legal blow." Plus, Grammy-winning artist Lupe Fiasco joins Melber. Jared Bernstein, Rick Wilson and Leslie Caldwell join. To listen to this show and other MS podcasts without ads, sign up for MS NOW Premium on Apple Podcasts. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

41 min
NOV 22

Noochie: Roots, Reinvention, and The Power of the Porch

This week on Unglossy, Tom, Bun B, and Jeff pull up chairs with DC’s own Noochie—the mind, mic, and movement behind Live From the Front Porch. What starts as a freestyle on his stoop evolves into one of the most important new stages in contemporary culture, drawing everyone from Big G and Raheem DeVaughn to Robin Thicke, George Clinton, and Snoop in a borrowed wheelchair. Noochie walks us through his origin story—growing up in the shadows of Go-Go royalty, navigating label highs and industry letdowns, learning audio engineering in a legendary studio, and building a creative work ethic forged in DC, Atlanta, and Hollywood. Then he breaks down how the porch became a cultural touchstone: a homegrown Tiny Desk with more bass, more soul, and far more neighborhood dogs walking by. We get into the Houston–DC connection, the power of place in hip-hop, the responsibility of curation, why artists feel like family by the time they leave his block, and how the front porch just touched the Kennedy Center and might soon hit the road. Burgers get discussed. Crabs get promised. A Bun B porch appearance gets… dangerously close to confirmed. Pull up—you’re home. "Unglossy with Bun B" 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 check out all our episodes at https://wearemerrickstudios.com/unglossy-pod. Send us a text Support the show

1h 16m
05/27/2021

DETROIT

In this week's episode, the men discuss big sugar and their efforts to avoid it. Tom proclaims his stern dislike for the cicadas currently taking over the Mid-Atlantic. Lupe and Royce discuss the best recording studios they’ve been to, and spar endlessly about Detroit v. Chicago. Shinola, you listening? And finally, please take the last 9 minutes of silence to remember George Floyd and why we must continue to acknowledge systemic racism and inequality in order to fulfill the promise of American freedom and justice for every citizen. Watch to watch the video version? Check out this one and all our past episodes at https://www.youtube.com/c/SayWhatMediaPodcasts Email your questions to saywhatdotmedia@gmail.com OR leave us a voicemail at 707-276-6261. Shout out to the sponsor of today’s show, Magic Spoon: Go to magicspoon.com/lupeandroyce and use code LUPEANDROYCE at checkout for $5 off. The Lupe & Royce Show is a Say What Media Production: https://www.saywhat.media/ It is hosted by Lupe Fiasco, Royce da 5’9” and Tom Frank. It’s produced by Tom Frank and Lauren Sloat, and recorded and mixed by Claude Jennings. FOLLOW US: https://www.instagram.com/saywhat.media/ https://twitter.com/saywhatdotmedia Send us a text Support the show

1h 24m
07/16/2021

L&R: ZERO

Lupe, Royce and Tom have an uncanny (get it?!) conversation about zero sugar sodas. Lupe illuminates the fellas on his fashion foray with Virgil Abloh for Louis Vuitton, and shares a story about when he was mistaken for Wiz Khalifa. Showtime Shawn Porter joins the show to answer a listener question and tell the dudes about his upcoming broadcasting gig at the summer games. Questions? Comments? Email us at saywhatdotmedia@gmail.com, leave us a voicemail at 707-276-6261, and subscribe to Patreon (https://www.patreon.com/lupeandroyce) for bonus content & perks. Shout out to the sponsors of today’s show: BetterHelp: Use promo code “lupeandroyce” for 10% off your first month at http://betterhelp.com/lupeandroyceMack Weldon: Mack Weldon: Use promo code “lupeandroyce” for 20% of your first order: https://mackweldon.com/lupeandroyceThe Lupe & Royce Show is a Say What Media Production: https://www.saywhat.media/ It is hosted by Lupe Fiasco, Royce da 5’9” and Tom Frank. It’s produced by Tom Frank and Lauren Sloat, and recorded and mixed by Claude Jennings. Send us a text Support the show

1h 19m
OCT 28

New Era Energy: VIBE Reloads + Two Mothers, One Aché Debuts

In this special drop, Tom, Jeff, and Bun B introduce Two Mothers, One Aché: A Grief Dialogue, a powerful new series from Merrick Studios about love, loss, and the courage to heal out loud. You’ll hear why this show matters, why it belongs on our network, and why Bun is stepping up not just as a co-sign—but as a future guest. Then we get into last week’s headline: VIBE Magazine is teaming up with Rolling Stone. Smart evolution or culture grab? We break down what this means for hip hop journalism, why VIBE never lost its credibility, and who deserves the first cover when the new era begins. What do you think? We’re taking bets. And please, stay to the end for a sneak preview of Episode 1 of Two Mothers, One Aché: A Grief Dialogue. Tap in now to Unglossy. "Unglossy with Bun B" 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/ Send us a text Support the show

47 min
OCT 11

The Future Is Conversational: Cardi, Kimmel, and Football

No guest, no fluff—just Bun B, Tom Frank, and Jeffrey Sledge turning up the signal and turning down the noise. We kick off with what’s cooking at Merrick Studios (Unglossy, Mixed & Mastered, Our Love/Hate Relationship with Comic Culture, Pitch Lab) and why podcasts are becoming the new cable. Then it’s Cardi B at Trill Burgers and the rise of celebrity cosigns as cultural currency. We get into comedy vs. consequence (Jimmy Kimmel’s suspension and the line between accountability and censorship), why Fashion Week’s real runway is now the sidewalk, and football’s full takeover of pop culture—from NIL swagger to breakfast kickoffs abroad. Plus: Jeffrey’s bionic-eye comeback, a pro-wrestling guest tease, and enough food talk to make you order something you’ll love and regret. "Unglossy with Bun B" 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/ Send us a text Support the show

1h 14m
02/18/2021

Birthday

It’s Lupe’s 39th birthday extravaganza episode! Royce shares an update about his upcoming live eConcert, Tom plays a song about the show written by Jayvin the rapper, and then they welcome a lineup of guests from various parts of Lupe’s life: His podcast life (former podcast guests Tony Baker and Kaelin Ellis), his music life (fellow Chicago rapper Vic Mensa), and his childhood (his sister Ayesha, his fifth grade teacher Jerolyn Whitehead, and the grand finale: his mom!). Lupe recalls some of his favorite birthday traditions, Ayesha talks about her work with West Side United, and mom and Ms. Whitehead share some stories about young Lu. If you love the show, make sure to subscribe, leave us a review and give us a shout on social using #lupeandroyce. Email your questions to saywhatdotmedia@gmail.com. The Lupe & Royce Show is a Say What Media Production: https://www.saywhat.media/ It is hosted by Lupe Fiasco, Royce da 5’9” and Tom Frank. It’s produced by Tom Frank and Lauren Sloat, and recorded and mixed by Claude Jennings. Send us a text Support the show

1h 28m
OCT 17

Unglossy x Comic Culture: Multiverse

A stretch limo, three kids on bikes, and Pete Rock’s block—by the time the crew steps out, half the neighborhood’s there. That’s the energy of this Unglossy crossover: Tat Wza, Mickey Factz, Pete Rock, Bun B, Jeffrey Sledge, and Tom Frank colliding over comics, hip-hop, and the MCU with zero small talk. They go from childhood comics and bodega mystery packs to hot takes on Feige, Hulk’s nerfing, and whether Endgame was therapy or just fan service. Expect wild casting debates (yes, Doom gets his own mood board), sharp arguments, and a cliffhanger: Bun B’s secret Marvel cameo. Big stories. Bigger opinions. No filters. "Unglossy with Bun B" 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/ Send us a text Support the show

1h 12m
01/21/2021

Aquamistic

Lupe shouts-out Liquid Death, alludes to a forthcoming restock of his merch, and reveals his skull fixation. Royce sheds light on the hip-hop police and racial profiling while debating what racism means with Tom. Michael Ford joins the show to talk about Hip Hop Architecture Camp, a new collaboration with Herman Miller and the role rap can play in designing communities. Love the show? Hit “subscribe,” leave us a review, and give us a shout on social using #lupeandroyce. The Lupe & Royce Show is a Say What Media Production: https://www.saywhat.media/ It is hosted by Lupe Fiasco, Royce da 5’9” and Tom Frank. It’s produced by Tom Frank and Lauren Sloat, and recorded and mixed by Claude Jennings. Send us a text Support the show

1h 41m
12/17/2020

Kingpin

The episode opens with the men unpacking the origins of the moonwalk. Tom asks Lupe & Royce to collaborate on a new jingle for the show intro. Lupe shares a fun fact about Russia, prompting Tom to share some stories about his work in Georgia (the country, not the state) and Nigeria. Lupe talks about an unusual new hobby and the dudes discuss the role of trauma in creating social currency. The show wraps with a heated debate of the best dressed holidays — and don’t miss the NUMEROUS spontaneous musical interludes as Lupe gets fired up about past indiscretions … and his kiss from a seal. Love the show? Hit “subscribe,” leave us a review, and give us a shout on social using #lupeandroyce. This episode is sponsored by Better Help; Use discount code “lupeandroyce” for 10% off your first month: http://betterhelp.com/lupeandroyce The Lupe & Royce Show is a Say What Media Production: https://www.saywhat.media/ It is hosted by Lupe Fiasco, Royce da 5’9” and Tom Frank. It’s produced by Tom Frank and Lauren Sloat, and recorded and mixed by Claude Jennings. Send us a text Support the show

1h 23m

Lupe Fiasco on Apple