Lil Rel slides to Club Shay Shay and takes us on a hilarious and heartfelt journey through his life, starting from the tough streets of the Westside of Chicago.
He reflects on the impact of A Different World on his desire to pursue entertainment while recounting high school days filled with tragedy, dodging the pitfalls of gang life through the guidance of his dad. Lil Rel shares his parents’ economic strategy of Payless shoes over Nikes which lead to a private school education that transformed his dialect. With humor and humility, Lil Rel dives into the roots of his comedy passion, inspired by friends and late-night TV. He opens up about his mother’s unwavering support, tackling bullying, and discovering his comedic calling in high school. The episode explores Chicago’s comedy environment, citing comedic legends like Bernie Mac, while Lil Rel shares intriguing encounters with Katt Williams and R. Kelly.
Lil Rel offers reflections on Kanye West’s artistic impact, the struggle of losing a mother which both Chicago natives share and the turbulence of Ye’s personal and public lives. As Lil Rel unveils his Mount Rushmore of Chicago rappers, the conversation turns into a comedic congressional assembly because just four names is too limiting for Lil Rel’s list. Lil Rel continues the laughs and insights as he delves into his remarkable journey in the comedy world by discussing the multiple “big breaks” he’s had in Hollywood. Lil Rel discusses the reality of doing ComicView in New Orleans right before Hurricane Katrina. Lil Rel goes on to talk about building friendships with comedy giants like Kevin Hart and Cedric the Entertainer and gives his top 5 current comedians of all time.
He fearlessly addresses the generational gap in comedy, spills the tea on his beef with Katt Williams, and what it took to impress Keenan Ivory Wayans and secure a role on the In Living Color reboot. Lil Rel also explains why the reboot never made it to air. Lil Rel’s deep bonds with Jerrod Carmichael and Tiffany Haddish take center stage, providing a glimpse into the positivity and camaraderie that fuels his success.
He opens up about Hollywood’s pay disparities for Black entertainers, his role in Jordan Peele’s Get Out, and the unexpected turns in his career, from Free Guy with Ryan Reynolds to Bird Box with Sandra Bullock. With humor and candor, Lil Rel reflects on his personal life, from proposal antics at a Beyoncé concert to navigating the complexities of blended families. Don’t miss this captivating continuation, filled with laughter, behind-the-scenes tales, and Lil Rel’s unfiltered perspective on fame, friendship, and family dynamics.
