Podcast: "Change The System" (The BackBeat)

This week on The BackBeat, we get into the controversy surrounding the GRAMMY Awards and album of the year, Donald Glover getting cast as Simba in the new Lion King film remake, Russell Simmons hosting a Muslim rally, as well as Meek Mill using his social media platforms to discuss gun violence. We also get into The Roots having a new musical that is slated to be performed at the NBA All Star Game this weekend in New Orleans.

As always, tune into the end of the episode to hear our Songs of the Moment that include music from Remy Ma and Fat Joe, Future, Jidenna, Trey Songz, Davion Farris, Solange, and Whitney “The Voice” Houston.

Podcast: "I Don't" (The BackBeat)

Beyonce’s PREGNANT with twins!!!! We discuss how she kicked off Black History Month with her announcement and whether or not she will perform at the Grammys and Coachella. Next, we discuss Mariah Carey’s new single “I Don’t” featuring YG and the iconic scene of her burning her 250 thousand dollar wedding dress. Lauren Jauregui of Fifth Harmony gets political while disagreeing with Trump’s “Muslim Ban.” Also, Nicki Minaj accuses Giuseppe Zanotti of racism with the “Nicki” shoe. Finally, Faith Hill does not have a duet album with Biggie but Faith Evans does! It’s called the King and I and it will drop on May 19th.

Stay tuned to the end of the episode where we choose our songs of the moment. Marcus picks tracks from Kehlani, Lennon and Maisy, and Donnell Jones. Kyera is bumping new songs from Big Sean, The Migos, and Syd.

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: "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.

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.

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.

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.

New Video: "Formation" (Beyoncé)

Out of nowhere like a thief in the night, Beyoncé yet again stuns the world with her new video for "Formation." Whether this is for the lead single for her forthcoming sixth album, or just Beyoncé having fun, what is clear is that she continues to get better and better.

Taking directing credits for her most visually stunning video in her discography set in New Orleans, Beyoncé came to slay and that she does visually, lyrically, and with choreography. "Formation" is destined to be a hit and possibly performed tomorrow during the Super Bowl halftime show so start memorizing choreography now!

With that said, watch Beyoncé's new video for her new song "Formation," which features Big Freedia giving some testimony below and get your coin ready for the single and possible album release out of nowhere.

Podcast: "No Tears" (The BackBeat)

In this week’s episode, Iggy Azalea is back on twitter and this time she is taking shots at her record label for holding her back by not funding her music video for "Azillion". Meanwhile, Macklemore calls out Iggy Azalea, Elvis, and Miley Cyrus for appropriating black culture in his new song "White Privilege II." Speaking of white privilege, Sam Smith is shocked by racism in London *side eye alert* after witnessing his friend get racially and verbally harassed. In terms of political wokeness and activism, rappers such as Big Sean, Meek Mill, and Diddy are donating money and water to help the City of Flint during their water crisis. They are also calling out racism and the lack of governmental concern for the city’s 60 percent black population. We also call out R. Kelly for his utter lack of remorse for his long history of alleged sexual assaults against young women during his recent Billboard interview. Finally, we fan out to Beyonce’s Bday...the album is almost 10 years old!

During the songs of the week segment, Kyera shows love to Anderson.Paak’s new album Malibu. And Marcus chooses some cuts from Toni Braxton, Laura Mvula, and Rihanna.

Second Listen: "Upgrade U" (Beyoncé)

I was revisiting Beyoncé's sophomore album, the must slept on B'Day and of course one of the standout tracks from her sublime effort is her collaboration with Jay-Z, "Upgrade U."

Released originally as a promotional single for B'Day, "Upgrade U" would go onto peak at #11 and at #59 on the Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs and the Hot 100 charts respectively and is still a fan favorite almost ten years ago since its release.

With that said, take a second listen to "Upgrade U" below and Enjoy!

Podcast: "#FactsOnly" (The BackBeat)

In this week’s episode of The BackBeat we get into some of 2016’s highly anticipated releases including Rihanna’s Anti, Ariana Grande’s Moonlight, Christina Aguilera’s follow-up to 2012’s Lotus, Kanye’s Swish, and Missy Elliott’s followup to 2005’s The Cookbook. In addition we speculate about new releases from D’Angelo, Erykah Badu, Beyonce and Maxwell with a shoutout to Drake. We then tackle Complex’s list of the best rappers each year since 1979, which shamefully only features one woman, Ms. Nicki Minaj. We then rejoice at Beyonce joining Coldplay at this year’s Super Bowl in addition to rumors that Rihanna might join the festivities, get into some of the new music thus far in 2016 (Kanye West’s “Swish” and “Best Friend”; Brandy’s “Beggin and Pleadin”; Fantasia’s “No Time For It”), talk about Netflix’s highly anticipated series “The Get Down,” and interrogate RZA thinking Black youth should stop scaring police.

Make sure you stay tune to the end of the episode when Marcus and Kyera get into their songs of the moment from Stevie Wonder, Bonnie Raitt, Whitney Houston, and Kelela.

Second Listen: "Why Don't You Love Me" (Beyoncé)

I was watching Beyoncé's Live in Atlantic City dvd last night and of course her performance of "Why Don't You Love Me" was one of the standouts of the set, so I thought it would be appropriate to revisit this gem that was lifted from Beyoncé's Grammy-winning third solo album I Am... Sasha Fierce.

Lifted as the final single from B's critically and commercially acclaimed third album, "Why Don't You Loved Me" was officially released in May of 2010 when her retro fifties inspired official visual for the song hit the net.

Featured almost as an afterthought,  "Why Don't You Love Me" never received its just dues in my book and you can revisit it with a second listen below!

Second Listen: "Until The End Of Time" (Justin Timberlake ft. Beyoncé)

While Justin Timberlake and Beyoncé both released albums in 2013  and have since been touring the world, I thought it would be appropriate to revisit their 2007 duet "Until The End Of Time."

Lifted from Justin Timberlake's last release FutureSex/LoveSounds, "Until The End Of Time" would go onto peak at #17 on the Billboard Hot 100 charts and #3 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart even without a video or promotion.

With that said, take a second listen below to "Until The End Of Time" below from Justin and Beyoncé and Enjoy!

Amazing Cover: "Drunk in Love" (Beyoncé & Ed Sheeran)

While this isn't a cover per say, Ed Sheeran is offering his acoustic take on Beyoncé's "Drunk in Love," which he famously performed over a year ago now with King B.

Lifted from Beyoncé's set during the Global Citizen Festival, Beyoncé and Ed Sheeran's pairing vocally works perfectly and has me wondering if either of these superstars will be record a duet with one another for either of their forthcoming albums.

Either way it turns up, peep their duet on "Drunk in Love" below and Enjoy!

Amazing Cover: "The Way We Were" (Beyoncé)

Back during the 2008 Kennedy Center Honors that aired on CBS, Beyoncé honored her idol Barbra Streisand with a performance of one of the icon's most legendary hits "The Way We Were." Having been a fan of Ms. Streisand for years, Beyoncé was truly touched and honored to be called upon for such an occasion to honor her.

With that said, Beyoncé captivated the audience and Ms. Streisand herself with her riveting, captivating and sublime interpretation of "The Way We Were" and you can watch it all go down below!

Amazing Cover: "XO" (Lydia René)

A lot of you have probably heard Lydia René's voice but never truly realized it as she is the sublime vocalist who is featured in The Perfect Man trailer singing that riveting rendition of "I Put A Spell On You."

With that said, another cover that she truly put her foot in for me has to be her smooth stripped down rendition of Beyoncé's single "XO," which is lifted from her game changing self-titled fifth studio album BEYONCÉ.

Hopefully with the upcoming release of The Perfect Man, Lydia René will become a more recognizable name as she truly is a sublime singer/songwriter/pianist/arraigner that warrants further attention and recognition. Until then, get into her sublime cover of Beyoncé's XO below!

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.

Amazing Cover: "I'd Rather Go Blind" (Beyoncé)

Back in 2008, Beyoncé portrayed Etta James in Cadillac Records and while the film was mostly slept on in my opinion, in addition to Beyoncé's sublime acting, a lot of people took note of her vocal portrayal of James and in 2009, Beyoncé would go onto perform "At Last" during President Barack Obama's inauguration.

With that said, another one of Beyoncé's vocal standout moments from the soundtrack to Cadillac Records has to be her powerhouse rendition of "I'd Rather Go Blind." Why we haven't seen a live performance of this from Beyoncé since she filmed Cadillac Records is unbeknownst to me, but hopefully in this new era we will get a chance to hear her rip through "I'd Rather Go Blind" as it is one of her best vocal performances to date in my book.

Therefore, take a few minutes and get reacquainted with Beyoncé's sublime cover of the Etta James classic "I'd Rather Go Blind" below and Enjoy!

Amazing Cover: "So Amazing" (Stevie Wonder & Beyoncé)

While Beyoncé offered riveting renditions of some of Stevie Wonder's greatest hits during Monday's telecast of the GRAMMY Salute to Stevie Wonder, Beyoncé and Stevie actually worked together back in 2005 when J Records released a tribute album in honor of the late Luther Vandross entitled So Amazing...An All-Star Tribute to Luther Vandross.

One of the gems off of the album was the Stevie Wonder and Beyoncé duet  "So Amazing," which would eventually earn the duo a Grammy Award for Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals. With that said, listen below to their amazing cover of Luther Vandross' classic hit "So Amazing" and Enjoy!