Club Shay Shay – Mike Epps Part 1

Host: Shannon Sharpe
Guest: Mike Epps
Date: January 7, 2026
Podcast: Club Shay Shay (iHeartPodcasts & Shay Shay Media)

Episode Overview

Shannon Sharpe hosts comedian, actor, and entertainment entrepreneur Mike Epps for an in-depth conversation. They address personal history, lessons from their respective industries, comedy’s inner workings, the “Friday” and “All About the Benjamins” films, the impact of Cat Williams' viral interview, survival and responsibility in the Black community, and the psychology of entertainers. The episode brims with candid humor, honesty, and insights into both fame and adversity, reflecting the real-life chemistry between two men who came from humble backgrounds and made it to the top in their fields.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Squashing Beef: Setting an Example (03:20–13:47)

• Addressing Public Perception & Real-Life Tension:
  Epps and Sharpe talk openly about a supposed beef stemming from Katt Williams’ infamous interview. They clarify that although there was tension, they resolved it privately, showing maturity and responsibility for younger generations.

• The Importance of Peace Over Violence:
  They discuss the tendency in the Black community to solve disputes violently and stress modeling nonviolent conflict resolution.

  Quote:

  “One of the most important things that came out of that is we got a chance to show these little youngsters out here that, guess what? It ain’t always got to end in no violence. Or fighting each other, putting our hands on each other. ’Cause at the end of the day, we still all Black men… we still all examples in front of millions.”
  — Mike Epps (10:01–10:20)

• Role-Modeling for the Community:
  Both express a sense of duty to handle disagreements respectfully because they know the youth are always watching.

  Quote:

  “We all are responsible for the youngsters out here because they watching us. You know, if you are somebody that the kids are watching, whatever you do, they gonna do it.”
  — Mike Epps (12:12)

2. Inside Comedy: Rivalries, Recognition & Cat Williams’ Interview (13:47–21:49)

• Katt Williams' Viral Interview:
  Sharpe reflects on the explosive impact, explaining his intention was not to incite or “set up” comedians but to create conversation.

  Quote:

  “Because I think what Katt did was peel a scab back that outside the comedic world, nobody knew about. Didn’t nobody know that there was this hostility or this butting of heads between comedians.”
  — Shannon Sharpe (06:50)

• Epps on Comedic Rivalry & Success:
  Mike Epps discusses how all comedians hustle for success in their own way and how generational clashes arise (e.g., his dynamics with up-and-comer Kevin Hart).

  Quote:

  “Kevin Hart knew how to do that show and that business, so he was able to get in there. And then I had to end up learning from him… The old learn from the new, the new learn from the old.”
  — Mike Epps (18:47)

• Survivor’s Remorse:
  Epps admits to feeling guilt after making it, especially when returning to his hometown.

3. Hollywood Stories: Roles, Auditions & Legendary Films (35:59–53:49)

• Landing “Friday” and “Next Friday”:
  Epps recounts his humble beginnings, from sleeping on friends’ floors in LA to nailing auditions with Ice Cube.

  Quote:

  “I rode a bus from New York to LA… sleeping on Red’s floor… I went up there, audition, and when I came off the stage, [my man said], Ice Cube wanna holler at you. And when I turned around… I seen Ice Cube and John Singleton standing there and almost peed on myself.”
  — Mike Epps (37:15–37:51)

• The Power of Ice Cube & Comedians in Film:
  Discussion on why Ice Cube gravitates towards comedians and how he became a launching pad for many careers.

  Quote:

  “Cube has the ability to keep creating, he gonna squeeze the juice out of this.”
  — Mike Epps (51:32–51:48)

• On Improvisation and Set Life:
  Cube often allowed major ad-libs in his productions, amplifying the authenticity and humor.

  Quote:

  “I remember I went in the script… and he just took the script out my head and threw the ball. He said, come on, let’s go.”
  — Mike Epps (52:44–53:06)

4. The Comedian’s Burden: Darkness Beneath the Laughter (33:54–36:15)

• Darkness as Fuel:
  Epps talks about the sadness many comedians carry and how painful experiences fuel stand-up.

  Quote:

  “That’s one of the hardest things about being a comedian. And they call it tears of a clown, you know, because… you gotta be sad to make me laugh. You can’t be happy and make me laugh.”
  — Mike Epps (33:59–34:20)

5. Navigating Hollywood: Money, Growth, & Ownership (49:12–53:49)

• Pay in Movies & The Bigger Payoff:
  They address rumors that Ice Cube doesn’t pay his actors well. Epps points out the exposure led to much greater rewards on the road.

  Quote:

  “I didn’t get paid… the money that I made from being in the movie… Now you getting your money. In this business… you have to plant a seed for the flower to grow.”
  — Mike Epps (49:59–50:52)

• The Next “Friday” Installment:
  Epps confirms “Last Friday” is in development, with new comedians expected to compete for roles. (50:52–54:10)

6. Black Success and Survivor’s Remorse (57:51–61:53)

• Dealing with Success and Hometown Pressures:
  Epps details how fame created a rift and caused personal anguish, even relapse, as he tried to “make it up” to friends and family left behind.

  Quote:

  “I was so hurt that I left so many people back in my hometown, my friends. Cause I was really out here by myself, you know.”
  — Mike Epps (59:14–59:57)

• Crabs in a Barrel Syndrome:
  Sharpe and Epps discuss why successful Black men often feel exploited by their community.

  Quote:

  “We all came from a crab in the barrel syndrome. That’s what they do… if one of them get out, another one will grab his crab and pull it in.”
  — Mike Epps (61:04–61:50)

7. Fame, Acting, and Creativity (65:55–86:44)

• Hardships of Hollywood:
  Discussing the transition from small venues to major films and sitcoms, the challenges of learning lines, and the unpredictability of acting careers versus stand-up.

• Creativity & Sleep:
  Epps reveals insomnia from constant creative ideation.

  Quote:

  “No, not at all. I’ve been having sleep apnea my whole life because… you’re thinking about the next move.”
  — Mike Epps (81:45–83:20)

• Difference Between Black and White Audiences:
  Epps describes how laughs and energy manifest differently, requiring comedians to adapt.

  Quote:

  “When white people laugh, they say, ha, ha, ha ha. Black people… They hit each other…That’s us.”
  — Mike Epps (76:00–76:41)

Highlighted Segment Timestamps

• 03:20 – Mike Epps joins, playful banter about their "beef"
• 05:07–07:40 – Discussing Katt Williams’ interview’s impact on the comedy world
• 10:00–12:33 – Responsibility as role models, showing non-violent resolution
• 13:47–14:38 – Sharpe on handling interviews and not intending to incite
• 17:19–18:47 – Epps learning from Kevin Hart, older vs. newer generations
• 37:15–40:47 – Epps’ journey from struggling comic to landing “Friday”
• 46:34–47:06 – Ice Cube’s advice: “It’s not a race, it’s a marathon”
• 49:12–50:52 – Discussing actor pay and “planting seeds” in show business
• 52:44–53:20 – On improvisation and freedom on Ice Cube’s sets
• 59:14–61:53 – Survivor’s remorse, crabs in a barrel, and origin of jealousy in the community
• 65:55–66:03 – Sharpe’s HBCU experience: finding purpose and belonging
• 76:00–77:10 – Difference in audiences: white vs. Black crowds
• 81:45–83:20 – Insomnia and the curse/blessing of endless creativity

Notable Quotes

• “You was coming there anyway. But that was the thing, Shannon. One of the most important things that came out of that is we got a chance to show these little youngsters out here that, guess what? It ain’t always got to end in no violence… We still all Black men.”
  — Mike Epps (10:01)

• “Kevin Hart knew how to do that show and that business, so he was able to get in there. And then I had to end up learning from him… The old learn from the new, the new learn from the old.”
  — Mike Epps (18:47)

• “That’s one of the hardest things about being a comedian. And they call it tears of a clown, you know… You gotta be sad to make me laugh. You can’t be happy and make me laugh.”
  — Mike Epps (33:59–34:20)

• “We all are responsible for the youngsters out here because they watching us. You know, if you are somebody that the kids are watching, whatever you do, they gonna do it.”
  — Mike Epps (12:12)

• “I didn’t get paid… the money that I made from being in the movie [Friday] was now you getting your money… you have to plant a seed for the flower to grow.”
  — Mike Epps (49:59–50:52)

Memorable Moments

• Improvisation on Set:
  Epps recounts getting genuine reactions from extras and co-stars by surprising them with unscripted lines—Cube encouraged these moments.
• Survivor’s Remorse:
  Mike is deeply honest about feeling isolated by his own success and even relapsing as a result of the emotional toll.
• Comic Generational Rift:
  Sharing the stage (sometimes contentiously) with past and future greats, Epps unpacks the love, resentment, and learning on both sides.

Summary Takeaway

Mike Epps and Shannon Sharpe deliver an unfiltered exploration of comedy, fame, Black success, and resilience. Beyond the laughs, Epps reveals the vulnerability beneath his on-stage persona, offering powerful commentary on community, mentorship, and holding space for both old wounds and new growth. The humor never lets up, but the honesty makes this episode especially compelling for longtime fans and newcomers alike.

For further discussion—including behind-the-scenes on working with icons like Whitney Houston and Beyoncé, the challenge of sitcoms, and reflections on legacy—check out Part 2, now available.