Check Out Lloyd Ahlquist’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Lloyd Ahlquist.

Hi Lloyd, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I moved to LA in 2005 after touring the country for several years performing improv comedy with a group of my best friends in a troop we called Mission IMPROVable.

After moving to LA, I soon began working at a small comedy club in Santa Monica. A few years later in 2009 myself and the other members of my improv group were able to purchase that comedy theater and after rebranding it, M.i.’s Westside Comedy Theater was born. I worked at the theater as the general manager and artistic director until 2010 at which point a youtube project I co-created called Epic Rap Battles of History became my full time job. That series, known online fondly as ERB, was born on stage at the Westside Comedy Theater and now has amassed over 4 billion views. The series has earned 14 gold records, 2 Emmy Nominations and continues to be followed closely by it’s 15 million youtube subscribers.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The road has definitely not been smooth but I never really expected it to be. Becoming a Youtube personality was not in my career plan and if you had told me when I first moved here that my future was to become a historical battle rapper I probably would have called you crazy. All that said, the journey has been a joyful one mostly because I’ve continued to work with my friends and together we’ve have been able to build places where diverse communities of great people can be creative together. Both online via the Epic Rap Battles of History and in person at the theater and during the thousands of live performances and events we put on every year. I’m able to work in what feel like small family businesses while living in a city that can often times breed loneliness. I feel pretty lucky to be able to say that.

We (my business partners and I) also own a bar in Burbank! In 2022 all the owners of the M.i.’s Westside Comedy Theater were able to expand and we opened a great bar/restaurant in Burbank called the Inkwell Tavern. It’s a lovely watering hole for locals who like a good meal and cocktail and it’s been the perfect additional to our business.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
Lloyd Ahlquist aka, EpicLLOYD, is a multifaceted talent based in Los Angeles. Renowned as the co-creator and star of the widely acclaimed YouTube series “Epic Rap Battles of History”. With an impressive resume boasting 14 Certified Gold Records, 2 Emmy nominations, 4 PGA nods, 5 Streamy Awards, 4 Webby Awards, 15 million subscribers, and over 4 billion views, Epic Rap Battles of History has solidified itself as one of the most successful digital series to date.
Beyond his work on ERB, Lloyd maintains a vibrant online presence through his personal channel, YouTube.com/EpicLLOYD, featuring original music and the popular anti-bullying series “Dis Raps For Hire.” Additionally, Lloyd is a founding member of the esteemed improv comedy company Mission IMPROVable, which not only boasts five thriving touring groups but also owns and operates M.i.’s Westside Comedy Theater in Santa Monica, CA—a hub for professional comedians and aspiring performers alike.

What quality or characteristic do you feel is most important to your success?
I feel like I’m a very loyal person. That has served me very well. I’d rather help the people I live and work with all rise together than claw my way to the top alone.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://westsidecomedy.com
• Instagram: @theepiclloyd
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/erb
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/inkwell-tavern-burbank