About OZZz

Hoomes is a proud HBCU alumnus of Alabama State University. His ASU foundation has stayed with him throughout his life and continues to shape the voice, presence, and spirit behind OZZz.

He also holds a special place in ASU history as the very first mascot for Alabama State University — a role that connected him early to the school’s energy, pride, and legacy.

ASU helped prepare him for the evolution that would later become OZZz.

Along the way, three important pillars helped shape the foundation for what OZZz would become: Roger Chaney, Johnathon “Ball” Crum, and Ralph “Smashbrosradio” Mobley.

Roger Chaney was the initiator. After the two served together on a YMCA panel, Chaney invited Hoomes to join his podcast. What began as one opportunity turned into about twelve shows and gave Hoomes his first real experience behind the mic.

Later, Chaney became the producer of Hoomes’ first podcast, Listen to OZZz, which was filmed from his home. That early show gave Hoomes a place to begin shaping the voice, rhythm, and personality that would later become central to the OZZz brand.

During that season, Hoomes connected with Johnathon Demetrius “Ball” Crum, creator of the successful Facebook platform WTAT — Where They At Though. Crum was looking for voices to join his podcast, Out-Land-Ish Podcast, recorded live from the Smash Bros Radio studio.

That experience introduced Hoomes to Ralph “Smashbrosradio” Mobley, one of the founders of Smash Bros Radio.

Ralph and his brother, OT “Smashbrosradio” Mobley, have deep roots in Birmingham’s music community along with long-standing relationships and connections throughout the music industry. Their influence, platform, and connection to local, national, and worldwide music culture helped create the space where OZZz would continue to take shape.

On January 6, 2023, Ralph called Hoomes and asked if he was ready to do a morning show.

Of course, he was not.

But he said yes.

That morning show became known as The AMs with Hoomes.

For a little over a year, Hoomes showed up, had the conversations, built rhythm behind the mic, and continued developing the voice people were connecting with.

But OZZz was not new to him. Before the morning show, Hoomes had already created Listen to OZZz — a podcast name and personality that reflected the voice he resonated with most.

After that year on The AMs with Hoomes, he returned to the identity that felt most authentic.

And that is when OZZz fully took shape.

Got a question, story, life situation, or topic you want OZZz to speak on?

Bring it to the table for possible discussion on the podcast.

Whether it’s about relationships, family, personal growth, everyday challenges, or real-life experiences, your voice could become part of the conversation.