Grits and Eggs Podcast – Episode 111: “No One Acknowledges The Master” ft. Ali Siddiq
Host: Deante’ Kyle
Guest: Ali Siddiq
Release Date: December 23, 2025
Episode Overview
In this wide-ranging, unfiltered conversation, Deante’ Kyle and celebrated comedian/storyteller Ali Siddiq dive deep into manhood, responsibility, community, the craft of comedy, and the pain and growth that come from hard-lived experience. Ali opens up about his path from the streets and prison to making four-part comedy specials, the meaning of leadership, and how being overlooked by his peers has fueled his legacy. The talk is full of sharp insights, ribald stories, and hard-won wisdom, making it both a masterclass and a meditation on masculinity, ambition, independent artistry, and Black cultural history.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. Family, Upbringing & Privilege
- Ali humorously criticizes his kids’ privilege and lack of chores ([00:43]).
- He examines the contradictions of monogamy vs. household roles for women and the transactional nature of relationships ([03:46]–[06:42]).
- Emotional attachment versus economic transaction in relationships:
“I can pay for sex. I can’t pay for emotional attachment.” – Ali ([06:31])
2. On Intimacy, Recognition, and Emotional Labor
- True intimacy is about shared history and support—Ali describes how his partner’s emotional investment can’t be bought ([07:45]–[08:47]).
- The difficulty of including loved ones in one’s personal goals ([09:49]–[10:58]).
3. Staying Authentic & Creating Legacy
- Ali discusses his decision to stay in Houston rather than chase industry validation in LA/New York ([11:11]–[12:17]):
“My whole goal is, I’ma show y’all that you can stay where you are and you can craft and you can build from here. And you will get honor in your own home.” – Ali ([11:30])
4. Overcoming Recidivism and Social “Scripts”
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Raw recounting of Ali’s release from parole and not succumbing to negativity from others still stuck in criminal cycles ([12:35]–[15:09]).
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How words and provocation can threaten progress, highlighting the need for self-control and healthy friendships ([15:19]–[19:19]):
“Some people don’t have a lot of men around them. They got males that just go with the flow... When people say steel sharpens steel, that’s a part of the challenge.” – Ali ([18:36])
5. The Responsibility of the Comic
- Rejects the idea of only seeking laughs, focusing instead on the weight and history of Black storytelling ([21:23]–[29:13]).
- Discusses how Dick Gregory’s uncompromising honesty in comedy inspired Ali’s own approach ([26:31], [29:13]).
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“Most comics don’t really understand why people gravitate towards me because I’m responsible. I’m not just saying random, random shit.” – Ali ([21:23])
6. Houston’s Influence & the Birth of Hip-Hop Independence
- Vivid perspective on witnessing the rise of Houston hip-hop, and the Texas ethos of “making your own lane” ([33:45]–[36:35]).
- The regional pride, the rise of UGK, and the crossover with Atlanta’s scene ([40:40]–[41:42]).
7. Street Life Reflections & Accountability
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Ali recounts harrowing stories of street life, the seductive cycles of crime, and “taking the exit” from that world ([47:48]–[57:41]).
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The heavy burden of the harm done to the community as a former drug dealer ([94:35]–[100:11]):
“I always think what was my contribution to that? ...What was my role in that, man?...What did you contribute to this, man, that’s continuing on?” – Ali ([95:56])
8. Redemption, Self-Forgiveness, Growth
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The necessity and difficulty of forgiving oneself for old mistakes ([132:05]).
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The ongoing, non-linear nature of healing, and the humility in carrying regret:
“Some shit you just can’t fix, but you can forgive yourself for the mistake... You’re not that mistake. I’m not that thing.” – Ali ([132:05])
9. Ali’s Career Blueprint & Industry Rebellion
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Pioneering the independent route in comedy; why he’s “repping for the independents” instead of chasing Netflix deals ([74:12]–[75:05]).
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The pain and fuel of being overlooked by other comedians:
"They never mention the competition or the master...I’m the only nigga that you still have fucking access to." – Ali ([89:18], [90:39])
10. On Legacy, Leadership, and Community
- His leadership in prison—organizing for solidarity and positive change among incarcerated Black men ([75:35]–[81:32]).
- The importance of a loyal, loving team (“Stop hiring these random ass n****s and hire that, that love you, that's invested in your thing.” – [118:18]).
11. Craft & Process: Comedy as a Practice
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Dismantling dogmas about how to perform comedy (“Everything they told me not to do in the comedy class, I watched you do it.” – [115:05]).
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Drawing on history: his specials pay homage to Richard Pryor, Cosby, and Hitchcock ([85:52]–[89:18]).
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Emphasis on never phoning it in, preparing thoroughly, and facing nerves every time ([127:41]–[128:40]):
“I want to do good…The fact that I could fail is enough to be nervous.” – Deante’ ([128:13])
12. Giving Back & Uplifting Others
- Lifting up other comics during the pandemic with virtual shows and direct aid ([144:59]–[147:04]).
- Posting the specials of legends like Patrice O'Neal on his YouTube, keeping their spirits and influence alive ([102:20]–[107:26]).
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
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On Emotional Value and Relationships:
- “I can pay for sex. I can’t pay for emotional attachment.” – Ali ([06:31])
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On Legacy & Independent Success:
- “They never mention the competition or the master...I’m the only nigga you have access to…but you rather pay homage to all these other [comedians] that you don’t have access to. My number is in your phone.” – Ali ([89:18]-[90:39])
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On Healing and Regret:
- “Some shit you just can't fix, but you can forgive yourself for the mistake… You're not that mistake.” – Ali ([132:05])
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On The Importance of Intentionality in Comedy:
- "I tell comics: stop hiring these random ass n**s and hire that, that love you that's invested in your thing." – Ali ([118:18])
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On Craft and Process:
- "Everything they told me not to do in the comedy class, I watched you do it.” – Ashton Womack, as relayed by Ali ([115:05])
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On Community & Social Impact:
- “What did you contribute to this, man, that’s continuing on? ...If I was never out there, I wouldn't think about it in that aspect because I wasn't out there giving nobody this poison, right? So when you really evolve past that and you really think about, man, the damage that you caused...it just becomes a heavy burden sometimes.” – Ali ([95:56]-[100:11])
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On Perseverance:
- "I want you to be the person everybody wanted to win." – D.L. Hugley to Ali, on why sometimes not winning a competition is better for your legacy ([110:22])
Timestamps for Key Segments
| Timestamp | Topic | |---------------|-----------| | [00:43] – [06:42] | Family privilege, house chores, and the transactional nature of relationships | | [09:49] – [11:11] | Including loved ones in personal goals, selflessness vs. personal ambition | | [12:35] – [19:19] | Life after parole; resisting negative cycles and provocation | | [21:23] – [29:13] | The responsible comic and Black storytelling tradition | | [33:45] – [36:35] | Rise of Houston hip-hop and the Texas independent spirit | | [47:48] – [57:41] | Street life, cycles of crime, brotherhood—“Taking the Exit” | | [74:12] – [75:05] | Ali’s rebellion against the entertainment industry—repping for the independents | | [89:18] – [90:49] | The pain of being overlooked; “they never mention the master” | | [102:20] – [107:26] | Honoring Patrice O’Neal and legends, the pain of missed connections | | [132:05] | The truth about healing, regret, and moving forward | | [144:59] – [147:04] | Pandemic innovations—helping comics perform and eat virtually | | [148:17] | The difference maker: speed from idea to execution |
Episode Tone & Style
The conversation is frank, reflective, humorous but also deeply serious—interspersed with Ali’s signature storytelling, Deante’s honest self-reflection, and both men’s commitment to truth-telling, growth, and accountability. The style is raw and conversational, laced with hip-hop and comedy insider knowledge, frank language, and generational wisdom.
Closing Reflections
Ali Siddiq’s appearance on “Grits and Eggs” stands as a testament to the evolving legacy of Black independent voices. His message: embrace your scars; make your own lane; uplift your circle; never stop growing, and recognize those who paved the way, even when the industry doesn’t.