Sitting down with a Humboldt Park legend, we reach our first mid-season finale. He tells us all about his humble beginnings, becoming famous, getting signed, losing it all and rebuilding everything. This is one episode you want to sit back and take in as he drops keys and keys to success in this cutthroat industry.
This week we have another one of my co-workers from The Local Artist Show: Gene 'G-Da-Man' Hicks. We rewind 18 years back to 1996 with his first CD and starting with the Paign Family. G was also the first person to have his FCC license and have a call-in line at his radio show. He also threw the hottest parties in Champaign and was never shut down. He's also a rapper with an extensive history as an independent artist and in groups. He has a new album coming soon. Read more here: https://mellystarz.com/2025/03/03/g-da-man-on-mellys-couch/
This week we sit down with Epik1 who previously performed at the season four wrap party. We take a deep dive into his history and growth in the hip hop space. We start with a quote that encompasses his music and viewpoint on the craft. We also talk about the transition from Underpaid Productions to Its For Us. Since Epik has a bio we break things down into chapters, and Melly adds a chapter at the end.
While Romel Chriss has waited many months to get on the Couch, and he was not ready for us to take a deep dive. We discuss his career starting over ten years ago with 'Fucked a bad bitch' up to his most recent songs 'Scat pack' and 'Bet it Up'.
In part two, Nai and Melly break down every project, music video, and almost every song in her catalog. They also have a fan girl moment and start singing one of their favorite artists. Nai shares a personal story you can only listen to or watch during this episode. It is her story and must be heard in her words.
On the longest interview to date, NaiTheMostHigh and Melly Starz become besties while uncovering all of the ups and downs of Nai's life and career. In part one they discuss college, musical influences, Most High Presents and all of her other side quests. They end the episode starting to break down music but then they need a refresher.
Masani Imani visits Melly's Couch to talk about her career. She has been a performer since the age of 9 and has stuck to those roots in adulthood. She lived in California chasing her dreams but as life would have it she had to make her way to Chicago. She moved in February 2024 with no job, income, and just a couple of suitcases. Every step she took on the Chicago scene led to something bigger. We break down performances and her history. While on the Couch she drops a hint to her future residence exclusively for Melly Starz. Stay tuned as her album Liberation Music drops later this year.
Dj Taye visits the Couch to discuss his epic career starting in high school. He has traveled the world and somehow found his way to the Couch. He isn't keen on doing interviews but was gracious enough to sit with us and discuss old and new projects. We also get a couple of exclusives. We end the interview with a twist…..instead of a freestyle at the end…..we learn to footwrok!
