Podcast: "Grammy Whammy" (The BackBeat)

In this week’s episode, we breakdown the 2017 GRAMMY nominations from Beyonce, Kanye West, Drake, Chance the Rapper, Rihanna, and Adele leading the pack to some of the omissions including Laura Mvula, Alessia Cara, and Travis Scott. We also get into J. Cole’s new album, Jeremih getting kicked off PartyNextDoor’s tour, and Nicki Minaj coming under fire for posting an Instagram video of a mentally ill woman.

Enjoy the episode!

Podcast: "Google Me Baby" (The Backbeat)

In this week’s episode, we discuss Kanye West and Azealia Banks reaction to the Trump Presidency. We get into Aretha Franklin’s beautiful rendition of the national anthem at the Detroit Lions Game. Speaking of legends like Ms. Aretha Franklin, we discuss the upcoming VH1 Hollywood Divas special with performances from Mariah Carey, Teyana Taylor, and more. Next, we get into Jay Z’s multi-million dollar bid for Prince’s unreleased music before we end by talking about new music from Alicia Keys, Tinashe, Emeli Sande, Bruno Mars and The Weeknd. We hope you enjoy the episode!

Podcast: "Bad Decisions" (The BackBeat)

This week’s episode we get into Sevyn Streeter being unable to sing the national Anthem at 76ers game, Amy Schumer attempting to get in “Formation,” Ice Cube putting his own twist on a forthcoming Disney musical adaptation of “Oliver Twist, as well as Kevin Gates getting sentenced to 6 months in jail for kicking a fan in the chest. We also talk briefly about Raven Symone leaving The View for a “That’s So Raven” spin-off, JLO starring in NBC’s forthcoming live musical adaptation of “Bye Bye Birdie,” and Ciara’s buddle of joy!

Also don’t forget to check out our songs of the moment from Meek Mill, Joe Budden, NoName, Emeli Sande, H.E.R., and Tamar Braxton.

Podcast: "For Us" (The BackBeat)

In this week’s episode, we discuss Nicki Minaj’s new interview with Marie Claire in which she talks about being an entrepreneur and the double standards for black women in the entertainment industry. We touch upon Kid Cudi’s new video “Frequency” and the awareness he is bringing to mental health. Next, we discuss Emeli Sande’s new song “Garden” ft. Jay Electronica and her upcoming album, which we can’t wait to hear. We run through the nominees for the 2016 American Music Awards--where Drake and Bryson Tiller scored huge nominations. Finally, we plug Michel’le’s movie “Surviving Compton,” which airs on Lifetime this Saturday (October 15th) at 8pm.

Don’t forget to stay tuned in until the end of the episode to hear our Songs of the Moment. Marcus chooses cuts from Aretha Franklin, Mary J Blige, Whitney Houston, and DVSN. Kyera gives us some of her favorite songs from Mahalia Jackson, Solange Knowles, and Vince Staples!

Enjoy!

Podcast: "Dey Know" (The BackBeat)

This week on The Backbeat, we get into Mary J Blige singing to Hillary Clinton, Solange dropping her new album A Seat At the Table, as well as new music from The Weeknd. We also talk about Tinashe exposing sexism within the music industry and give a shout out to Shawty Lo who recently passed away in ATL.

Be sure to tune into the end of the episode where Kyera gives us songs of the moment from Shawty Lo, Usher and Mac Miller. Marcus also gives us some jams from SZA, SG Lewis featuring Gallant and a collaboration between Yuna and Usher.

Enjoy!

Podcast: "Girl Down" (The BackBeat)

This week, we briefly get into the VMAs and discuss Lady Gaga’s latest career and new song Perfect Illusion, which is an interesting fusion of pop, rock, and disco. We also get into Kanye West’s Yeezy 4 Fashion Show, which has been getting more criticism than praise. Next, we discuss Tyga signing to Good Music and Ariana Grande’s upcoming tour and her new skills as a rapper. We end our hot topics with a discussion of Sean Paul’s critiques of Drake and Justin Bieber in regards to the appropriation of dancehall in mainstream music.

Stay tuned to the end of the episode where we break down our favorite songs of the moment. Marcus chooses hits from Laura Mvula, 99 Souls, and Tinashe. Kyera’s favorite songs right now come from K. Michelle, Travis Scott ft. Andre 3000, and D.R.A.M ft. Lil Yachty. Enjoy the show!

Podcast: "Rock The Boat" (The BackBeat)

This week on The BackBeat, we get into Frank Ocean’s highly anticipated new album Blond, which has caused quite the commotion in the music industry. Find out what we love about the album. We also celebrate Aaliyah’s musical legacy after the 15th year anniversary of her passing. Finally, we commend Questlove for his new position as the first ever artist and strategic ambassador for Pandora. We can’t wait to tune in to his new radio program called Questlove Supreme on the streaming site.

Stay tuned to our Songs of the Moment. Kyera picks her favorite tracks from Frank Ocean while Marcus chooses cuts from Ocean’s album Blonde, The Get Down, and Janelle Monae. ENJOY!

Second Listen: "No Air" (Jordin Sparks & Chris Brown)

I was watching BET Soul last night and the video for Jordin Sparks and Chris Brown collaboration "No Air" came on during one of the channel's mixes and I was instantly reminded of this 2000s sweetheart classic.

Lifted from Jordin Sparks' debut album and produced by The Underdogs, this 2007 hit took me back a bit and I can't believe I forgot about this gem from Sparks and Brown. With that said, take a second listen below to "No Air" and Enjoy!

Podcast: "Irreconcilable Differences" (The BackBeat)

This week on The Backbeat, we talk about Jhene Aiko filing for divorce, Rihanna being cast in Ocean’s Ocho as well as receiving the 2016 MTV Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award. In addition we get into Jennifer Lopez being cast as Griselda Blanco in an HBO Original Film, Fantasia’s “The Definition Of…,” and Chance the Rapper’s Billboard cover story.

Make sure you stay tune until the end to hear songs of the moment from Marcus and Kyera. In a semi flashback friday edition, Marcus gives us selections from Tevin Campbell, Kelly Price, and Janet Jackson while Kyera touches on Monica, Drake, and Young M.A. who is a rapper on the rise!

New Video: Fuck Apologies" (JoJo)

Earlier today, JoJo released her new single "Fuck Apologies" with the assistance of Wiz Khalifa. While it's been a little while since we've heard from the vocal phenom, "Fuck Apologies" is the first single lifted from JoJo's highly anticipated third studio album, Mad Love, which is slated for release on October 14 via Atlantic Records.

Mad Love marks JoJo's return to music of sorts following a ten year hiatus since she released 2006's The High Road.  It will be JoJo’s first time releasing an album in ten years.

With that said, "Fuck Apologies" is a more mature record for the new 25 year old singer/songwriter and I am sure her fans who've been waiting patiently for over a decade for new music will be pleased with the single's release as well as her upcoming album release.

Watch and listen to JoJo's new single "Fuck Apologies" below and Enjoy!

Podcast: "Receipts Paid" (The BackBeat)

This week, we get into the moment the internet exploded with snake emojis after Kim Kardashian exposed Taylor Swift for lying on Kanye West. We talk about Lauryn Hill and financial literacy as well as Rihanna joining the new season of Bates Motel. We end with a shout-out to Rhapsody for signing to Jay Z’s record label, Roc Nation.

Stay tuned until the end of the episode to hear our songs of the moment. Marcus chooses cuts from Lil Kim, Ariana Grande, and Alicia Keys while Kyera highlights new songs from Kehlani, Lizzo, and SchoolBoy Q.

Enjoy!

Mashup: "Into You In A Million" (Ariana Grande & Aaliyah)

I don't know who came up with this brilliant mashup of Ariana Grande and Aaliyah but I really hope Ariana hears it and gives us a live remix of sorts with her current single "Into You" with Aaliyah's "One In A Million" beat.

With that said, this brilliant mashup "Into You In A Million" features both vocals from Aaliyah and Ariana Grande over Timbaland's brilliant production from "One In A Million". Take a listen below and cop the free download while supplies last!

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!

Second Listen: "Fake" (Alexander O'Neal)

Back in 1987, Alexander O'Neal released his biggest hits to date which was the infectious thumping joint "Fake." Peaking at number one on the R&B charts"Fake," which was produced by Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis helped spur sales of O'Neal's sophomore album Hearsay and would make him an international star.

"Fake"  still goes for me in my book and its Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis beat is still as fresh as it was back in 1987. With that said, take a second listen to the old-school jam "Fake" from Alexander O'Neal below and Enjoy!

Song of the Day: "Power of Love/Love Power" (Luther Vandross)

"Power of Love/ Love Power" - Luther Vandross

• Writers: Luther Vandross, Marcus Miller, Teddy Vann
• Producers: Luther Vandross & Marcus Miller
• Record Label: Epic
• Released in 1991 from Power of Love
• Peaked at #4 on the Billboard Hot 100 & #1 on the Hot R&B Singles chart

Interview: Kaytranada

Hailing from Montreal, Kaytranada and his 99.9% album are currently taking the music industry by storm. With features from Craig David, Anderson. Paak, Vic Mensa, Goldlink and many more the sound is genre bending and will have you on the edge of your seat with the turn of every track.

Joining Sway in the Morning he speaks on his childhood in Canada and how he came across Fruity Loops and began to make music. Taking inspiration from everything from The Neptunes to Michael Jackson to 90's pop, he began crafting a sound all his own.

Getting noticed on Soundcloud through his various beats and remix's he caught the attention of Janet Jackson and Madonna. Given the VIP treatment by Madonna while opening up for her he speaks on how touring opened up the door for depression after going through the same routine day in and day out. Revealing his sexual orientation to The Fader he opens up about how coming out of the closet helped ease his depression.

During the rest of his time he speaks on the different in the music scenes of Montreal and Toronto and jokes about making a giant Canadian collaborative album.

Watch his interview below from Sway in the Morning and if you haven't gotten his new album 99.9%, go check it out!

Podcast: "Express Yourself" (The BackBeat)

On this week’s episode of The BackBeat, we discuss the historic 2016 TONY Awards in which all four acting categories in a musical went to people of color. Next, we discuss VH1’s plan to bring back their Hip Hop Honors show with Queen Latifah as the first honoree this year. Do you remember Miki Howard? If you don’t we have you covered with a short review of her recent biopic, Love Under New Management. We take on the 2016 XXL Freshman Cover, which doesn’t feature any women artists before we discuss Prince’s induction into the Apollo Walk of Fame. We end with reflections on recent concerts from Anderson Paak and Beyonce!

Stay tuned until the end of the episode where we discuss our songs of the moment! Marcus chooses cuts from Chasing Destiny, Miki Howard, and Kaytranada. While Kyera takes us down south to New Orleans with bounce classics from Big Freedia, Nicky Da B, and Sissy Nobby.

Second Listen: "Keep It Between Us" (Kelly Rowland)

While Kelly Rowland is in the midst of working on her forthcoming studio album, I am still stuck jamming to her smooth cut "Keep It Between Us" from her third studio album Here I Am.

While "Motivation" really went hard on the charts from Here I Am, Kelly semi released "Keep It Between Us" from the LP and it really is my favorite release from her third solo album. With that said, you can take a second listen below to this solid cut and Enjoy!

Song of the Day: "Crown Royal" (Jill Scott)

"Crown Royal" - Jill Scott

• Writers and Producers: Jill Scott and Lee Hutson, Jr.
• Record Label: Hidden Beach Recordings
• Featured on 2007's The Real Thing: Words and Sounds Vol. 3

Second Listen: "All at Once" (Whitney Houston)

Whitney Houston's self-titled debut album spurred numerous #1 hits, but one of my favorite songs from her discography, "All at Once," never received the official single's treatment here in the States.

While it was released in several countries in Europe and was even certified gold in Japan, the Michael Masser and Jeffrey Osborne written ballad never got its just due and you can (re)visit this classic song from Whitney's discography below!

New Video: "Lake by the Ocean" (Maxwell)

After releasing his new single "Lake by the Ocean" a few months ago, Maxwell is back with the song's official music video. Directed by  Philip Andelman, the visual for "Lake by the Ocean" opens in a village that is in dire need of water. The visual then follows a beautiful woman from the village, as she heads out on her quest to see Maxwell perform at a distant café.

With that said the visual is both stunning and powerful, offering some social commentary in addition to a love story. Watch Maxwell's latest video for "Lake by the Ocean" below and lookout for the release of blackSUMMER'Snight when it's released July 1st!

Podcast: "Houston, We Have A Problem" (The BackBeat)

This week we get into Azealia Banks’ latest Twitter beefs, Whitney ‘Houston we have a problem’ hologram being cancelled from The Voice, Kesha getting banned and now reinstated to perform at the Billboard Music Awards, Ameriie’s comeback, Ghost Town DJ’s “My Boo” becoming a top 10 record two decades later, as well as a quick review of Ariana Grande’s Dangerous Woman.

Also stay tune until the end to hear our songs of the moment where Kyera raves about new music from Chance the Rapper's mixtape Coloring Book and Marcus revisits Ameriie, Whitney Houston, and Ariana Grande.

New Video: "Into You" (Ariana Grande)

After offering up a solid performance of her new single "Into You" at the 2016 Billboard Music Awards, last night, Ariana Grande released the official video for Dangerous Woman's second official single.

Featuring model Don Benjamin as her romantic interest, Ariana definitely turns up the heat a bit and I bet that this video will help push into you further up the Billboard charts possibly to a new top 10 position.

With that said, watch her new video for "Into You" below and if you haven't heard and/or purchased Dangerous Woman, there is no time like the present.

Trailer: "Mariah's World" (Mariah Carey)

Today marks the NBC Upfronts andMariah Carey's forthcoming E! docuseries Mariah's World was unveiled to advertisers.

Mariah's World  will feature eight one-hour episodes that follow Carey as she goes on her latest world tour the Sweet Fantasy tour in addition to planning  her wedding to James Packer.

Watch the teaser trailer below for Mariah's World and lookout for the series later this year!

Podcast: "Dammn Baby" (The BackBeat)

This week we get into Janet’s “Dammn Baby” music video and her pregnancy announcement, KRS Dismissing claims of Afrika! Bambaata’s sexual molestation, dueling Whitney Houston documentaries, Kylie Jenner being featured on the track "Beautiful Day "by Burberry Perry, new music from Alicia Keys & Ariana Grande, as well as getting a bit into Drake’s Views from the 6.

Also stay tuned to the end where Marcus gets into his songs of the moment from Gallant, Beyonce and Groove Theory, while Kyera gets into songs from Drake, Yo Gotti, and Justin Timberlake.

New Joint: "Into You" (Ariana Grande)

Everything I've heard from Ariana Grande's forthcoming third album Dangerous Woman has been on point and the latest teaser/buzz single "Into You" is no exception. Co-produced by Max Martin and co-written by Grande herself, the EDM fueled jam is a more grownup sound and lyrical bent to it than her previous album releases.

Featuring lyrics such as "a little less conversation/ a little more touch my body," Ariana is maturing lyrically and I'm excited that she is getting more involved in the writing process. With that said, take a listen to "Into You" below and lookout for Dangerous Woman when it's released May 20th!

Live Clip: "The Color Purple" (The Color Purple)

Earlier today after learning on the show's Tony Award nominations, the cast of The Color Purple took to NBC's The Today Show to perform the musical's title song "The Color Purple."

Led by Cynthia Erivo, the cast offered up a spell-binding performance which is even more amazing given the early call time as well as the fact that Cynthia herself was out and about on the town last night looking stunning at The Met Gala.

Watch this powerful rendition of "The Color Purple" below and Enjoy!

Live Videos of the Day: "Sometimes It Snows in April" (D'Angelo & Princess)

Earlier tonight, D'Angelo paid a moving tribute to Prince by covering his classic "Sometimes It Snows in April" with help from Maya Rudolph and Gretchen Lieberum's cover band, Princess, for The Tonight Show audience.

With that said, what the trio's touching tribute of "Sometimes It Snows in April" below and Enjoy!

Live Clip: "Dangerous Woman" (Ariana Grande)

Last night on NBC's The Tonight Show, Ariana Grande continued her promotional rounds for her forthcoming album Dangerous Woman and on the show, Ariana Grande belted out the title track to her upcoming third album.

With that said, watch Ariana Grande's powerhouse performance of "Dangerous Woman" below and Enjoy!

Podcast: "Music Is On Life Support" (The BackBeat)

On this week’s episode, we honor the late, great, legendary Prince sharing some of our fondest memories of the musical icon. In addition we briefly talk about Birdman giving the shortest interview in Breakfast Club history in addition to the casting news of BET’s New Edition miniseries.

We hope you enjoy!

Amazing Cover: "Purple Rain" (Jennifer Hudson & The Color Purple Cast)

Earlier tonight in New York City, Jennifer Hudson along with her fellow The Color Purple cast offered up a riveting tribute to Prince with his iconic classic jam "Purple Rain."

With that said, take a few minutes out of your mourning and watch Jennifer Hudson and her fellow cast members break it down on "Purple Rain" and let Prince continue to live on through his music!

New Joint: "Phenomenal Woman" (Laura Mvula)

I don't know about you but every single new single lifted from Laura Mvula's forthcoming sophomore album The Dreaming Room has been fire.

With that said, following her thumping joint "Overcome" and the powerful "People," that features a verse from Wretch 32, Laura is back with another powerful joint,  "Phenomenal Woman."

Deriving its title from the Maya Angelou poem of the same name, ""Phenomenal Woman" is another banger from Laura and if you haven't pre-ordered her upcoming album, I'd definitely head over to her website and do that now!

Either way, take a listen below to "Phenomenal Woman" and lookout for The Dreaming Room when it's released June 17th.

Song of the Day: "Do Right Woman, Do Right Man" (Aretha Franklin)

"Do Right Woman, Do Right Man" - Aretha Franklin

• Writers: Chips Moman & Dan Penn
• Producer: Jerry Wexler
• Record Label: Atlantic Records
• Released in 1967 from Never Loved a Man the Way I Love You
• Peaked at #37 on the Billboard Hot Rhythm & Blues Singles chart
• Ranked #476 on Rolling Stone's list of the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time

New Joint: "Let Me Love You" (Ariana Grande ft Lil Wayne)

We are almost a month away from Ariana Grande's Dangerous Woman era with the release of her third studio album on May 20th and ahead of the set's release, Ariana has released a new joint from her highly anticipated LP.

Entitled "Let Me Love You," the smooth mid-tempo joint features Lil Wayne and is reminiscent sonically for me of Kelly Rowland's monster smash "Motivation." With that said, take a listen below to "Let Me Love You" below and lookout for Dangerous Woman on May 20th.

Song of the Day: "The One I Gave My Heart To" (Aaliyah)

"The One I Gave My Heart To" - Aaliayh

• Writer: Diane Warren
• Producers: Daryl Simmons (album version); Guy Roche (single version)
• Record Label: Blackground
• Released in 1997 from One in a Million
• Peaked at #9 on the Billboard Hot 100 and #7 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart

New Joint: "People" (Laura Mvula ft Wretch 32)

I don't know about you, but I can't wait for Laura Mvula's forthcoming sophomore album The Dreaming Room, which is slated for release in the UK on June 17th.

With that said, a new single has been lifted from the project in the form of her Wretch 32 collabo "People" that lyrically is offering up some powerful food for thought.

Take a listen below to "People" where Laura vocally take you into a trace but her lyrics offer some serious cognitive dissonance and lookout for The Dreaming Room in June!

Song of the Day: "Emotional Rollercoaster" (Vivian Green)

"Emotional Rollercoaster" - Vivian Green

• Writers & Producers:Vivian Green, Eric Roberson, & Osunlade
• Record Label: Columbia
• Released in 2002 from A Love Story
• Peaked at #39 on the Billboard Hot 100 and #13 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart

New Joint: "Life Is Good" (Jazmine Sullivan)

Back when Jazmine Sullivan was signed to Jive Records and working on her debut album, it appears as though she linked up with Mike City to record some music.

With that said, a few days ago, Mike City released an unreleased gem from Jazmine that she recorded when she was 14/15 and it truly underscores the point that Jazmine is one of the greatest to ever touch the mic.

Regarding the unreleased song "Life Is Good," Mike City said the follow:

When you're in the presence of greatness, you usually know right away..I knew Jazmine was great immediately!! She was only 14-15 yrs old and was an absolute BEAST and she STILL IS..being that today (4/9) is her b'day, i wanted to let the real R&B/Soul heads hear how she was getting down BACK THEN...She cut her vocals in 1-2 takes and was under the weather too..#BEAST MC

Therefore, take a listen below to Jazmine Sullivan's "Life Is Good" and Enjoy!

Podcast: "Back To SUMMERS'night" (The BackBeat)

On this week’s episode, we welcome back Maxwell to the musical scene with his new single "Lake by the Ocean" and his tour kicking off this summer. We review Big Sean and Jhene Aiko’s new album Twenty88. Next, we discuss rumors of André 3000's new album as well as Beyonce’s Elle Magazine cover in which she discusses Formation and police brutality. We then update everyone on the latest developments in Kesha’s sexual assault case against Dr. Luke and Sony Music. Finally, we wonder if we will ever hear Tinashe’s Joyride album since she has postponed the tour to work on new music!

During our songs of the week segment, Marcus chooses cuts from Rihanna, Maxwell, and Jill Scott. While Kyera encourages us to listen to some Kaytranada, Drake, and Schoolboy Q.

New Joint: "Lake By The Ocean" (Maxwell)

After years of teasing and nearly seven years since Maxwell released his last album BLACKsummers’night, the GRAMMY-winning singer/songwriter is back with the lead single from his forthcoming album blackSUMMERS’night.

Entitled "Lake by the Ocean," the mellow jam is classic Maxwell and it's refreshing to hear his voice on some new music. With that said, blackSUMMERS’night is slated for release on July 1st and you can get the first taste of the second album in the trilogy below!

New Joint: "Ugly" (Fantasia)

Our favorite American Idol Fantasia is back with another new joint "Ugly," which is possibly lifted off of her forthcoming fifth studio album, which is due later this year.

Featuring a country-twang on the guitar structure of the song, Fantasia's soulful vocals fill out the sparse instrumentation of "Ugly" and really allows her voice to shine.

With that said, take a listen below to "Ugly" and lookout for Fantasia as she co-headlines a tour with Anthony Hamilton this spring when the tour kicks off at the end of the month (April 21st)!

Cut: "Gotta Get Up (Another Day)" (Jill Scott ft 4Hero)

In honor of Ms. Jill Scott's birthday today, I thought it would be nice to revisit some of my favorite joints from her throughout the day.

Back in 2001, Jill Scott released her live double album Experience: Jill Scott 826+ and while the set is best known for her live renditions and the single "Gimme," my favorite joint from the bonus studio LP has to be her 4Hero assisted joint "Gotta Get Up (Another Day)."

While the song was never released as a single and Ms. Scott has not performed it live to my knowledge, the song has such a necessary meaning and a dope beat to accompany it. With that said, take a listen to "Gotta Get Up (Another Day)" after the jump and Enjoy!

Second Listen: "Inner City Blues (Make Me Wanna Holler)" (Marvin Gaye)

"Inner City Blues (Make Me Wanna Holler)"was the third and final single lifted from Marvin Gaye's 1971 landmark album, What's Going On. Written by Gaye and James Nyx, the song depicted the ghettos of inner-city America as it discussed how the bleak economic situation would lead to someone wanting to holler and throw ones hands up. The song was recorded in a mellow funk style with Gaye playing piano. Several of the Funk Brothers also contributed, including Eddie "Bongo" Brown, and bassist Bob Babbitt.

The song helped Gaye make history by being one of the few artists to have three or more Top 10 songs off Billboard's Pop Singles chart peaking at #9 and one of the first to have three consecutive #1 hits on Billboard's R&B Singles chart where it stayed for two weeks. Although not certified by the RIAA at that time, all three releases from the What's Going On album gained Gold status by selling over 1,000,000 copies in the United States.

In its unedited version as it appears on the album, the final minute of the song (and of the LP) is a reprise to the theme of "What's Going On", the album's first song, then segues into a dark ending. This final minute was cut off of the single version, as well as other sections of the song so the single edit runs under three minutes--this edit appears on subsequent reissues of the LP.

With that said, take a second listen to my favorite song from Gaye's discography and one of my top 5 favorite songs of all time and Enjoy!

A Cappella: "Ain't That Peculiar" (Marvin Gaye)

Marvin Gaye was one of the greatest male voices to ever grace the microphone and luckily for fans of the crooner, several of his classic songs have received the a cappella treatment.

With that said, below you will find an a cappella rendition of "Ain't That Peculiar" from Marvin and you should definitely take a listen or two for yourself as these vocals are killer in my book.

Listen below to this a cappella rendition of "Ain't That Peculiar" as we remember him today on his birthday!

Second Listen: "I Get Lonely" (Janet Jackson)

I had the pleasure of seeing Janet Jackson a few months ago at The Forum during her Unbreakable World Tour and one of the numerous standouts for me during her set had to be "I Get Lonely."

Lifted from her sixth studio album The Velvet Rope, the song was written and produced by Jackson, Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, and Jackson's then-husband, René Elizondo, Jr. (co-wrote).  Released as the album's third single, "I Get Lonely" expresses loneliness and the desire for an estranged lover and became Jackson's  eigthtteenth consecutive top ten hit on the Hot 100, setting a record as the only female artist to achieve that feat, surpassed only by Elvis Presley and The Beatles.

The song received a BMI Pop Award for "Most Played Song" and a Grammy Award nomination for Best Female R&B Vocal Performance. With that said, take a second listen to "I Get Lonely" below and Enjoy!

Live Clip: "Selfish" (Jhené Aiko & Big Sean)

Big Sean and Jhené Aiko released their secret collaborative project TWENTY88 last night and the duo offered up their first performance together on ABC's Jimmy Kimmel Live of their joint "Selfish."

Streaming exclusively on Tidal at the moment, TWENTY88 is currently #1 on iTunes at the moment and is a solid effort between these two stars. Jhené and Sean's musical chemistry is undeniable and "Selfish" is just one of the solid joints from their 8 track project.

Watch their performance below and go out and support them by streaming and/or buying yourself a copy of TWENTY88.

New Video: "Black Man In A White World" (Michael Kiwanuka)

British soul singer/songwriter Michael Kiwanuka announced yesterday that his sophomore album Love & Hate is slated for release May 27th. A followup to his 2012 debut Home Again, Love & Hate promises to be a more experimental than his debut as a press release references a 10-minute "opus" akin to Pink Floyd.

Either way the rest of the album turns out, the lead single "Black Man In A White World" is a powerful anthem and the accompanying music video which was shot in LA is just as powerful. Watch Michael's powerful video for "Black Man In A White World" below and Enjoy!

Live Clip: "No Time For It" (Fantasia)

While Fantasia is busy putting the finishes touches of her fifth studio album with the likes of mega producer Ron Fair, she found time to release a sublime acoustic performance of her current single "No Time For It."

Released last week to continue the buzz following Tasia and her forthcoming tour with Anthony Hamilton, I hope we get a video for "No Time For It" as it's been over two months since the single's original release in January.

With that said, watch Fantasia's powerful performance of "No Time For It" below and lookout for her on her joint headlining tour with Anthony Hamilton when it kicks off April 21st in Buffalo, New York!

Podcast: "Guess Who's Back?" (The BackBeat)

In this week’s episode, we remember Phife Dawg and honor his legacy with A Tribe Called Quest, get into release rumors surrounding Beyonce’s forthcoming sixth album, get into Azealia Bank’s SLAY-Z Mixtape, breakdown K. Michelle’s latest album More Issues Than Vogue, and celebrate Rihanna making Black Girl Magic History!

During our songs of the week segment, Kyera introduces us to Dayme Arocena, celebrates Remy Ma and Fat Joe’s latest collabo, and gets on fleek with Cardi B. Additionally, Marcus chooses to get dangerous with Ariana Grande, introduces us to Darion Ja’Von, and celebrates K. Michelle.

Live Clip: "Dangerous Woman (A Cappella)" (Ariana Grande)

Just when you thought you'd grasped the depths of Ariana's vocal talents, she drops an a cappella version of her performing "Dangerous Woman," the title-track and lead single from her forthcoming third album Dangerous Woman.

Shot while she was taking photos for her new album's cover art, Ariana effortlessly belts out her latest hit, nailing even the bridge which would offer even the strongest of singers a bit of trouble. With that said, Watch Ariana murder "Dangerous Woman" and have a little fun while doing it below and Enjoy!