Merrick Studios Launches Hip-Hop Podcast Network with Bun B & Jeffrey Sledge
Podcasting has become one of the fastest-growing mediums in digital media, and 2025 marks another historic moment as Merrick Studios officially enters the scene. Launched on August 22, 2025, this new Houston-based podcast network aims to reshape the way creators connect with audiences by merging hip hop culture, storytelling, and cutting-edge technology.
At the heart of Merrick Studios is a vision that celebrates authentic conversations, cultural impact, and community-driven content creation. This is not just another podcast network; it’s a creator-first ecosystem, built to empower hosts and listeners with quality production, monetization tools, and cross-promotion opportunities.
On August 22, 2025, Merrick Studios officially launched with a star-studded leadership team and an impressive lineup of original shows. The initiative is spearheaded by Grammy-nominated rapper and entrepreneur Bun B, music industry veteran Jeffrey Sledge, and creative strategist Tom Frank.
Unlike many new podcast startups that start small, Merrick Studios debuts with a full-fledged slate of shows, advanced AI tools, and a strong creator community. The network is positioned to be a culture-forward platform, rooted in hip hop values of collaboration and creativity, while catering to a broad global audience.
Co-founder Bun B emphasizes the collaborative spirit of Merrick Studios, saying:
“At Merrick Studios, we’re not just building a network of shows — we’re building a family of creators. When you’re part of this network, you have the full weight of our production team, promotional reach, and monetization strategies behind you, plus the ability to collaborate and cross-promote with other hosts. That’s how great conversations find bigger audiences.”
What Makes Merrick Studios Different from Other Podcast Networks?
In a crowded podcasting market, Merrick Studios stands out by prioritizing creators and culture. Here’s what makes it unique:
✅ Creator-First Approach
Offers end-to-end support for podcast hosts.
Provides professional production services with state-of-the-art studios.
Helps creators with distribution, marketing, and audience growth.
✅ AI-Powered Production Tools
AI-driven editing and post-production.
Smart audio enhancement for studio-quality sound.
Audience analytics to help creators optimize their content strategy.
✅ Full-Service Promotion & Monetization
Cross-promotion across multiple shows within the network.
Sponsorship and brand deal opportunities for creators.
Community-driven approach that eliminates isolation in podcasting.
Tom Frank, co-founder, sums it up:
“Podcasting can be isolating when you’re doing it alone. We’re here to change that. By bringing shows together under one roof, giving them the resources to create world-class content, and amplifying their reach through the power of the network, we’re creating something bigger than any one show.”
Hip-Hop at the Core: Why Culture Matters
Hip hop is not just a genre of music; it’s a global cultural movement influencing fashion, language, and storytelling. By placing hip hop at the heart of its identity, Merrick Studios is ensuring that authentic voices and cultural narratives are amplified in the podcast space.
Bun B’s vision is to create a platform where conversations go beyond music, embracing entrepreneurship, social issues, art, and creativity.
The Star-Studded Podcast Lineup for Fall 2025
One of the most impressive aspects of Merrick Studios is its launch lineup of shows, covering everything from music and culture to entrepreneurship and sports.
1. Unglossy
Hosts: Bun B, Tom Frank, and Jeffrey Sledge
Focus: In-depth conversations with cultural powerhouses like Keenan Scott II, Marcus Samuelsson, Eric Liedtke, and Andre Reed.
What Makes It Unique: Raw, real, and unfiltered talks about influence, creativity, and success.
2. Mixed and Mastered
Host: Jeffrey Sledge
Focus: The music executives, producers, and creatives shaping modern sound.
Audience: Music industry insiders and fans of behind-the-scenes stories.
3. Pitch Lab
Theme: Entrepreneurs and creatives present and refine ideas through candid critique.
Why It Stands Out: Perfect for innovators, founders, and anyone interested in startup culture.
4. The Love/Hate Relationship with Comic Culture
Hosts: Pete Rock, Mickey Factz, Tat Wza
Discussion: Comics, movies, fandom, and everything in between.
Audience: Comic book enthusiasts and pop culture fans.
5. Pendulum Podcast
Powered By: Pendulum Ink, a school for lyricism.
Highlight:Guest lectures from some of the greatest rappers of our time.
6. PlaceShaper
Focus: Real estate, design, and community redefinition.
Audience: Home design lovers, investors, and urban development enthusiasts.
7. The Juniata Men’s Basketball Show
Theme: Inside access to one of Division III’s standout programs.
Audience: Sports fans and aspiring athletes.
8. Two Mothers, One Aché: A Grief Dialogue
Hosts: Yvette Dávila and Dionne C. Monsanto
Topic: Honest conversations about loss, love, and healing.
Impact: A safe space for emotional growth and support.
9. The Grey Area
Host: Dante Ross
Theme: Exploring the common ground where artists from all walks of life connect, collide, and create.
Business Model: How Merrick Studios Empowers Creators
Merrick Studios isn’t just about hosting podcasts; it’s about building sustainable careers for creators. The network offers:
Revenue Sharing Models for ad-based income.
Brand Sponsorship Opportunities.
Content Syndication to reach larger audiences.
Cross-promotion across the network ensures new creators aren’t left behind, giving them a real chance to build loyal audiences and monetize their passion.
Technology-Driven Podcasting: AI Meets Creativity
Merrick Studios leverages AI-driven tools for:
Audio editing and enhancement.
Voice clarity improvements.
Audience engagement analytics.
This fusion of technology and creativity ensures that creators focus on storytelling while the platform handles the technical heavy lifting.
Industry Impact: Why This Launch Matters in 2025
Podcasting is projected to generate over $5 billion in ad revenue globally by 2027, and networks like Merrick Studios are setting the stage for the next evolution—where culture-driven content meets technology-driven distribution.
By centering hip hop and cultural narratives, Merrick Studios stands apart from generic podcast networks, creating authentic voices for a global audience hungry for real stories.
What’s Next for Merrick Studios?
The founders have big plans:
Expanding beyond Houston to national and international markets.
Collaborating with major brands and influencers.
Launching exclusive podcast events and live recordings.
Final Thoughts: Merrick Studios Is More Than a Podcast Network
Merrick Studios represents the future of podcasting—a blend of culture, creativity, and technology. With Bun B, Jeffrey Sledge, and Tom Frank at the helm, the platform is poised to become a cultural powerhouse in the digital media space.
