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.