Podcast: "For The Culture" (The BackBeat)

On this week’s episode, we breakdown some of 2018’s newest music. We fan out over the Bruno Mars and Cardi B collab “Finesse.” We also debate whether or not Bruno Mars appropriates black music and culture. Next, we get into Justin Timberlake’s “Filthy” and his upcoming Superbowl performance that should include an appearance from Janet Jackson. We, also, stan over the latest release from H.E.R. We end the episode with the albums we are most excited about this year. We can’t wait to check out new music from Ariana Grande, Cardi B, Toni Braxton, Celine Dion Camilla Cabello, Migos, Nicki Minaj and more.

Podcast: "Less Than Smart" (The BackBeat)

On this week’s episode, we discuss Tina Campbell’s less than smart choice to vote for Donald Trump for president. We discuss Azealia Bank’s apology to Nicki Minaj and beef with Cardi B. Speaking of Cardi B, we praise her achievement of securing the first number 1 record by a solo female rapper since Lauryn Hill’s Doo Wop (That Thing) in 1998. We end the episode with a brief discussion of Jhene Aiko’s top 5 debut for her new album, Trip.

Stay tuned to the end of the episode to hear our songs of the moment. Marcus chooses new cuts from Tamar Braxton, Ledisi and Kygo. Kyera breaks down her favorite songs by Jamila Woods, Ravyn Lenae, and Daniel Caesar.

Enjoy!

Podcast: "Caught Up" (The BackBeat)

This week on The Backbeat, we get into Usher's herpes scandal, R. Kelly's cult, Jay Z's 444 & Tidal issues, and Justin Bieber being banned from China.

Also make sure you tune into the end of the episode when we get into our songs of the moment from Meek Mill, 2 Chainz, Sza, Demi Lovato, and Cardi B.

Podcast: "Summer Madness" (The BackBeat)

This week on The BackBeat, we get into Sza’s Ctrl Tour (which sadly we didn’t get tickets for), Jay Z’s 4:44 bonus tracks and upcoming feature for the album, delve into new music from Kesha, and talk about Sevyn Streeter releasing her highly anticipated and delayed album Girl Disrupted. We also talk about Pharrell getting in the studio to work on new albums with Ariana Grande and Justin Timberlake.

As always, make sure you stay tuned until the end of the episode for songs of the moment that include Mya, Swae Lee, Drake, Cardi B, Jessie Reyez, and 2 Chainz.

Podcast: "Stay Woke" (The BackBeat)

We’re back! This week we get into Ian Connor getting dragged by Amber Rose over rape accusations, Justin Timberlake getting his White Privilege checked, Azealia Banks admitting to skin bleaching, Apple getting into preliminary talks to buy TIDAL, Frank teasing us with a possible release date this month, and Jennifer Hudson signing to Epic Records. Also make sure you catch our songs of the moment where Kyera introduces us to Kamaiyah, Little Simz, and touts the rapper of the summer Cardi B. Marcus, remembers the late Luther Ronzoni Vandross, Jr. (April 20, 1951 - July 1, 2005) with three selections; one which is a must for any fourth of July BBQ playlist!