What began as a creative collaboration between two friends has blossomed into a powerful platform for authentic male voices. In this season finale, we take you on a journey through the growth, challenges, and triumphs of our first year bringing the Family Business Podcast to life.

The conversation flows naturally through workplace stories that reveal the struggles of maintaining composure in high-pressure environments, to vulnerable moments of emotional release, and finally to celebrations of personal and collective achievement. You'll hear firsthand how taking leaps of faith – whether in podcasting, relationships, or careers – has shaped our paths and strengthened our bonds.

We open up about the power of being challenged by those we trust, sharing how constructive criticism has pushed us beyond our comfort zones and elevated our work. "I don't want to be a wanter, I want to be an earner," emerges as a powerful mantra that encapsulates our approach to growth and success.

Perhaps most significantly, we celebrate the community that has formed around this podcast – artists supporting each other's work, mentors providing guidance, and listeners offering encouragement. The culture we've cultivated together has become something special that extends far beyond the microphones.

The episode concludes with an unconventional but heartfelt prayer for our listeners, acknowledging the various struggles many face while offering hope for the journey ahead. We invite you to provide feedback on our first season as we prepare to return with even more meaningful conversations.

Whether you've been with us from the beginning or this is your first time tuning in, thank you for being part of our family business. The journey continues, and we're just getting started.

The moment PBE Messico sits down on the Family Business Podcast, his energy fills the room. This isn't just another release day interview – it's a coming-of-age story told through music.

"This shit is more important than breathing for me," Messico declares with unflinching conviction. "If this music stuff don't work, kill me bro. I don't want to do nothing else." His debut mixtape, Purple Heart Tape, represents not only his artistic vision but his lifeline – a way out of the streets and into something greater.

Growing up quite literally surrounded by music (his father describes baby Mexico sitting on his lap at the mixing console), his path wasn't always clear. Despite excelling in sports and attending college for football, Messico couldn't escape his musical calling. "I literally put football off just so I could write more songs and sit in my dorm," he reveals. The passion was undeniable.

What makes this conversation so compelling is Mexico's raw honesty about straddling two worlds. "It felt like a race to see if I'm going to go to jail first or am I going to blow up first," he admits, discussing the pull between street life and his creative aspirations. This tension infuses every track on Purple Heart Tape, particularly standouts like "Spin," "What's Going On" and the introspective closer "Somebody Save Me."

The familial element adds another rich dimension – working alongside his father (who doubles as manager and mentor), Messico navigated the challenging transition from independent creation to professional production. Their occasional studio arguments – vividly described with both frustration and laughter – resulted in some of the project's strongest moments. Through this process, Messico learned perhaps his most valuable lesson: "Shutting the fuck up is a skill."

Stream Purple Heart Tape now on all platforms and witness the evolution of an artist who's just beginning to realize his potential while honoring where he came from.

Shorty Drew brings his unstoppable energy to The Family Business Podcast, sharing the journey behind his rising "Celebrity Mode" movement that's capturing attention across Chicago and beyond.

From his studio in Chicago, Drew reveals the origins of terms like "Celebrity Mode" and "Meet the Blicks," showcasing his natural talent for creating infectious phrases that resonate with audiences. "I created a lot of words," he explains, demonstrating the wordplay versatility that makes his music distinctive and memorable.

What truly sets Drew apart is his grassroots approach to building a fanbase. Rather than waiting for industry recognition, he takes his music directly to the streets, performing impromptu shows everywhere from downtown Chicago to Outback Steakhouse. This direct connection with listeners builds what he calls "real love" – a genuine connection he values more than traditional fame. "I don't even call them fans, I call them lovers," Drew shares, highlighting his appreciation for authentic support.

The conversation reveals a major announcement: Celebrity Mode Volume 2 drops May 13th, featuring collaborations with 600 Breezy and other artists. Unlike his previous project focused on street narratives, this new release aims to deliver celebratory anthems that showcase his versatility as an artist. "I'm talking that money shit, shit that people can have fun to," Drew explains, demonstrating his evolution while staying true to his roots.

Perhaps most powerful is Drew's message to aspiring artists navigating Chicago's challenging landscape. Drawing from wisdom passed down by his grandmother, he emphasizes persistence through inevitable setbacks: "An ill, and another ill, and another ill come with your win." His philosophy—"No risk, no reward" and "You can't wear your crown with your head down"—encapsulates the mindset driving his unstoppable rise. Download Celebrity Mode Volume 2 on all streaming platforms May 13th and witness a star in the making.