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. Touching on everything from Chicago sports heartbreak to Hollywood adventures with Kyrie Irving and Shaquille O'Neal, Part 1 of Shannon Sharpe’s conversation with Lil Rel is full of laughs, insights, and Lil Rel's unique perspective on life and comedy. #VolumeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.