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: "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: "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!

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.

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.

Podcast: "The BackBeat: Don't Call It A Come Back" (The BackBeat)

This week, we get back into our soundbites starting with NWA’s biopic Straight Outta Compton, our thoughts on JoJo’s compact with her Tringle, Beyoncé’s “stringy hair” Atlantic article and Black Twitter’s response as well as how we are totally here for Janelle Monae and her movement.

Also we get into Lil B’s discussion of Black Lives Matters on CNN, Azealia Bank’s bad contract and response to Nicki Minaj’s wax figure, Fetty Wap dominating the summer, as well as Aretha Franklin’s highly anticipated biopic with Jennifer Hudson loosely attached to stars.

And make sure you stay tuned to the end of the episode to hear our favorite songs of the moment.

Podcast: "The BackBeat: Don't Call It A Come Back" (The BackBeat)

This week, we get back into our soundbites starting with NWA’s biopic Straight Outta Compton, our thoughts on JoJo’s compact with her Tringle, Beyoncé’s “stringy hair” Atlantic article and Black Twitter’s response as well as how we are totally here for Janelle Monae and her movement.

Also we get into Lil B’s discussion of Black Lives Matters on CNN, Azealia Bank’s bad contract and response to Nicki Minaj’s wax figure, Fetty Wap dominating the summer, as well as Aretha Franklin’s highly anticipated biopic with Jennifer Hudson loosely attached to stars.

And make sure you stay tuned to the end of the episode to hear our favorite songs of the moment.

Podcast: "The BackBeat Ep 2: I Don't Understand The Question"

In this week’s episode of The BackBeat, Marcus and Kyera discuss the foolishness that is Rachel Dolezal, Ariana Grande’s feminist letter, Kendrick Lamar and Big Sean’s high school visits, Tamia’s Love Life, Katy Perry’s fictional “Trap House,” Brandy’s desire to join NBC’s remake of The Wiz, and Iggy Azalea’s cancelled Pittsburgh Pride performance.

In addition during Blast from the Past, “Woman to Woman” by Shirley Brown is unearthed, Mariah and Young Jezzy celebrate different milestones, and Erykah gives us a lesson on bullying in a somewhat comical manner.

With that said, take a listen below to the latest episode of The BackBeat and if you like what you hear, subscribe!

Podcast: "The BackBeat Ep. 1: Got 2 Be Real"

After a few months of my friend Kyera asking me to do a podcast with her on music, we finally sat down yesterday and made our first episode. It might be a little rough around the edges but we had fun with it and I thought I would share it with you all.

On the first episode of The BackBeat, Marcus and Kyera discuss the Cheryl Lynn/Anita Baker beef, K. Michelle's response to Jaguar Wright, Azealia Banks, Lil Mama's new video for "Sausage," Erica Campbell's "I Luh God," #BeyonceAlwaysOnBeat, A$AP Rocky's ALLA LP, anticipation for Tamia's new album and much more.

Amazing Cover: "Slow Hands" (Azealia Banks)

A few years ago before Azealia Banks blew up as a rapper/singer, the then artist on the rise recorded her own interpretation of the Interpol joint "Slow Hands." Different from the original, Azealia's cover really allows one to hear her vocals and appreciate her solid skills. Take a listen below and Enjoy!