Mr. Rick: The Voice of Legacy Behind The Original OGs (Chicago, IL) — In an era where podcasts are increasingly becoming powerful tools for storytelling, few hosts embody the essence of lived experience, history, and cultural responsibility quite like Mr. Rick, the charismatic and thoughtful voice behind The Original OGs. Based in Chicago, Mr. Rick brings a deeply personal and historically grounded perspective to his show—a podcast that doesn’t just inform, but redefines American history through the lens of Black experience.
A Chicago Native with Layers of Experience
Born and raised in Chicago, Mr. Rick’s background is steeped in the realities of street life, military service, and decades of work in the entertainment industry. With over 35 years in film, music, and promotions, he brings more than just a host’s presence—he brings production savvy, community insight, and a commitment to truth-telling.
“I’ve been here pretty much all of my life,” Mr. Rick shares. “Most of my life was connected to the streets, a military background… and then I started a talk show or a podcast called The Original OGs—and that’s where we are today.”
Telling History Without Filter
The Original OGs isn’t just a podcast—it’s a movement. The show is dedicated to telling the real history of America by centering Black voices and stories, especially those rooted in the community organizations and movements that are often mislabeled as “gangs.” Mr. Rick and his team reframe these groups as original community protectors—before systemic issues and infiltration altered their path.
“There can be no American history without Black history,” Mr. Rick explains. “We go back to the 1950s and walk forward. We don’t just tell the stories of the organizations—they called them gangs—we share the truth about why they existed and what they were originally created to do.”
From Sizzle Reel to National Reach
The podcast was born from frustration—and vision. After years of trying to get others to buy into their concept, Mr. Rick and his producing partner, a trained film producer from Columbia College, took matters into their own hands.
They shot a sizzle reel, shopped it around, and within a week, they landed a partnership with Atlas Entertainment. Today, the show is backed by heavyweights like Massive Impact and Culture Genesis, and it’s run as a full-scale production—not just a podcast with a mic, but a full-fledged media endeavor with cinematic reach.
A Positive Lens on Chicago’s Struggles
While the show does touch on violence and crime, it intentionally avoids sensationalism. Instead, Mr. Rick focuses on the positive community work being done—especially by original members of street organizations who are now involved in outreach and violence prevention.
“We don’t exploit violence,” he says. “We focus on those who are trying to prevent it. And my approach is simple—replace violence with skills. Give me your gun, I’ll give you a computer or send you to trade school.”
His philosophy is rooted in real opportunity. He believes meaningful resources—like vocational training and skill-building—are key to creating lasting change in Chicago and beyond. “When I was young, the lack of resources caused me to gravitate toward what was available—and that was the streets. We need to teach the value of a skill.”
The Definition of an Original Gentleman
While “OG” often brings to mind images of street respect, Mr. Rick and his team have redefined it: Original Gentlemen. For him, it’s about integrity, history, and leadership. That rebranding of what it means to be an “OG” is at the heart of the show’s mission. “Everything I’m giving to the public is meant to be educational and historical. Not negative.”
Final Thoughts
Mr. Rick and The Original OGs represent something rare: a platform that honors the past, confronts the present, and builds a foundation for a more honest future. With gripping stories, community insight, and cultural truth, Mr. Rick is more than a host—he’s a historian, a mentor, and a media visionary.
Listen to Mr. Rick on The Original OGs
Watch on YouTube: @theoriginal_ogs
Learn more at theoriginal-ogs.com
Mr. Rick: The Voice of Legacy Behind The Original OGs
