Orlando Jones talks about LAUNCHING his record label GSR Records, MadTV, his iconic speech in American Gods and more with Young Deuces

Sitting down with Orlando Jones was one of those interviews where you realize you’re talking to someone who’s truly left a mark on multiple corners of the culture. Actor, comedian, writer, producer—Jones has been a creative force for decades, and this conversation dives into the mindset behind that legendary run.

Right away we got into his iconic career moments, starting with how he approaches building characters. One of the most fascinating parts of the conversation was breaking down his unforgettable opening speech as Mr. Nancy in American Gods. If you’ve seen that scene, you already know how powerful and layered it is. Jones shared insight into how he prepares for moments like that—how he taps into the energy of the character and locks into the emotion needed to deliver something that resonates far beyond the screen.

Of course, we couldn’t talk about Orlando Jones without diving into MadTV. For fans of sketch comedy, that era was special, and Jones was part of the original eight cast members who helped launch the show. What’s wild is that despite only being there for two seasons, his presence still carries legendary status among fans. As someone who proudly calls themselves a MadTV warrior, it was incredible getting to talk with one of the people who helped shape that early run and establish the show’s voice.

But the main focus of our conversation was Jones’ latest venture: GSR Records (GangStir Rock Records). What started as an unexpected opportunity turned into something much bigger for him creatively. Rather than simply running a label in the traditional sense, Jones sees GSR as a launching pad for artists and creatives—a place where talent can develop, experiment, and build something meaningful.

Throughout the interview, you can tell that empowering other creatives is something he genuinely cares about. After decades in entertainment, Jones understands the importance of mentorship, opportunity, and giving artists a space to grow.

We covered a lot of ground in this conversation—from sketch comedy history to powerful performances to building platforms for the next generation. If you’re a fan of Orlando Jones, MadTV, American Gods, or just hearing from legends who are still pushing the culture forward, this is definitely an interview you want to tap into.

Make sure you check it out and show some love to GSR Records as well.