My Story
What’s good? I’m Aaron “A.B.” Brown—family-taught from the kitchen and grill, and to the camera. I’m a cook, restauranteur, and content creator sharing real-deal, simplified cooking with over 3.7 million subscribers on YouTube and 2.1 million on Facebook. My channel leans heavy into Southern and Soul Food, because that’s where the heart is—but don’t get it twisted, Smokin’ and Grillin’ is my true passion. Whether it’s cast iron cookin’ in the kitchen or fire on the pit, I’m all about bringing flavor home.
Where the Journey Began
My culinary journey began long before I ever picked up a camera or fired up a grill. It traces back through generations of my family—starting with my great-grandmother, whose love for feeding people set the tone, my grandmother and mother, who nurtured it in the kitchen, and my grandfather, who shaped my foundation in barbecue.
As a kid, I spent countless hours in the kitchen with my grandmother, especially during summers and holidays. What felt like simple family time—watching, learning, handing over utensils, and helping wherever I could—was quietly laying the groundwork for everything I do today. From basic cooking techniques to baking, those moments became the backbone of my confidence in the kitchen.
Outside, my grandfather was teaching me a different kind of cooking. His barbecue style, patience, and deep respect for the craft showed me that great food takes time, intention, and pride. That’s where my BBQ knowledge comes from, and it’s a tradition I carry with me every time I light the pit.
By the time I graduated from high school, I wasn’t just someone who liked to cook—I was already becoming the cook I am today, rooted in family, tradition, and a lifelong love for bringing people together through food.
The idea for my YouTube cooking channel started as a challenge. Someone told me I wouldn’t do it—and that was all the motivation I needed. Back in the early days of YouTube, I talked for years about creating my own BBQ Sauce and sharing it with the world. Eventually, someone called me out and said I was all talk. Instead of backing down, I took action. I launched my channel and posted my first video within three weeks. From that moment on, there was no turning back.
Grab my official bio here.
Aaron “A.B.” Brown is a self-taught culinary creator and the face behind Smokin and Grillin with AB, one of the most influential food channels on YouTube, with over 3.7 million subscribers worldwide and 2.1 million followers on Facebook for over 1 Billion views. Known for his approachable teaching style, Aaron has built a loyal audience by taking the mystery out of cooking and empowering everyday home cooks.
Aaron’s love for food began in childhood, shaped by time spent in the kitchen with his grandmother and strengthened by family traditions passed down through generations. By the time he graduated high school, cooking was already second nature—a passion that would later become his purpose.
His journey into content creation started with a challenge that pushed him to take action. That spark led to the launch of his YouTube channel, which quickly grew into a trusted destination for simple, flavorful, no-nonsense recipes. From weeknight meals to holiday favorites, Aaron’s content is rooted in authenticity, accessibility, and real-life cooking.
Diversity, culture, and seasonality are central to his culinary philosophy. Aaron encourages cooks to embrace their roots while building confidence in the kitchen. He’s also widely known for his restaurant-inspired copycat recipes, recreating popular dishes with his own signature touch.
Beyond YouTube, Aaron’s influence has opened doors to professional culinary ventures, including his popular Las Vegas food truck, AB’s BBQ Fusion, serving up his signature BBQ Infused Southern Cuisine. He proudly holds the distinction of leading the largest African American food-focused channel on YouTube, while remaining grounded in the same mission that started it all—helping people cook better food with confidence.
Through Smokin and Grillin with AB, Aaron continues to educate, inspire, and connect with millions, proving that great cooking doesn’t have to be complicated—it just has to be real.
I Bet You Didn’t Know…
I bet you didn’t know, that when it comes to a seafood restaurant, Pappadeaux’s is hands down my favorite restaurant! Whether it’s their fresh Gator Bites, Blackened Catfish, and or Red Beans and Rice, flavorful dishes take me home with flavors and dishes like my grandma use to make and they always deliver an unforgettable dining experience. If you haven’t tried it yet, you’re missing out!
Cooking means the world to me. It’s opened doors, allowed me to meet incredible chefs, and taught me the science of food.
When you watch my videos, you can expect authenticity. What sets my channel apart from the rest is that I stay true to myself. I’m not trying to be anyone else. I embrace my own style and add unique elements like background music, which some people questioned at first. But I believe it adds a special touch to my content.
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