Lionel B (Lionel Barnes) went from being homeless and sleeping in his car to becoming one of the most popular YouTubers in a little over two years. The Lionel B Show has gained over 350 thousand subscriptions as fans flock to hear his unfiltered commentary on today’s urban culture.
In 2018, Lionel B lost everything. He lost his job as an IT associate. His girlfriend decided to move on from their relationship leaving Lionel and his son without a place to stay. Determined not to allow his current situation to define who he is as a man, Lionel B kept his unfortunate circumstances hidden from his friends and his mother.
“I didn’t want to face the embarrassment of people knowing I was homeless,” Lionel says. The Tampa native was unable to find a shelter that was willing to take him and his son, that he has full custody of. “Man, the first few days. I slept in the car. I had family in the city, but I didn’t have anywhere to go,” says Lionel.
Being creative at heart, Lionel B noticed a void in the way urban news was being presented on YouTube. With barely $50 in his pocket. Lionel invested in a small microphone. And began creating and editing videos from his phone. “I was grinding,” Lionel tells Chicago Defender. “Even with my phone service being off, I was using free wi-fi. I wasn’t going to let anything stop me.” After posting a few breaking news videos. Lionel says he began getting messages from other Youtubers. Telling him that his channel numbers are going crazy.
“I was surprised. It was crazy. I didn’t even know I was doing those types of numbers. I was just trying to get the next video out. My first check from YouTube was in the 6 digits. It was life-changing. Everything happened so fast. I wake up every morning, and it’s surreal. It’s a blessing.”
Lionel’s mother passed away due to complications from COVID-19 in June of 2020. “I lost my best friend,” says Lionel. We would talk every day. Sometimes many times a day. COVID is a very serious disease. We shouldn’t take it lightly. My mom was a fighter. She fought to the very end.”
“It’s all because of my mom. She raised a real one. She raised me to not cry and to get my butt up. She installed in me that don’t quit attitude. Even when I was homeless. Just remembering how she raised me. I figured out a way to pull myself up.”
For more information on Lionel B, visit The Lionel B Show.
Ali Bouldin is a freelance writer within the Black and Hip-Hop culture with featured articles in multiple publications. Follow his Instagram @Choose_Wisey2.