Podcast: "Inaugur-what?" (The BackBeat)

In this week's episode of The BackBeat, we get into Kanye West not being invited to perform at the inauguration while Chrisette Michele and Jennifer Holliday were. We also get into Alicia Keys pushing back against gender norms as well as Taylor Bennett and Makonnen coming out as bisexual and gay respectivley.

Make sure you tune into the end of the episode to get into our songs of the moment. Kyera choses songs from The Brothers Johnson, Funkadelic, and Prince. Meanwhile Marcus selects songs from Jimmy Scott, Ariana Grande, as well as Sevyn Streeter.

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: "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: "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!

Podcast: "The Grammy Family" (The Backbeat)

In this week's episode of The Backbeat, Marcus and Kyera delve into the 2016 GRAMMY Awards where they talk about their favorite performances of the night as well as some of their disappointments. In addition to their favorite performances, we get into Taylor Swift's clapback to Kanye West's "Famous" from The Life of Pablo. Then we get into a track-by-track review of Kanye's latest LP and then come back to the GRAMMYs to shame them about their lack of inclusion and celebration of Black female artists.

Second Listen: "Talk About Our Love" (Brandy ft. Kanye West)

Over a decade ago, Brandy released her fourth studio album Afrodisiac and the set's lead single was her Kanye West assisted and produced joint "Talk About Our Love," which would welcome Brandy back to the charts after a mini hiatus.

Peaking at #36 on the Billboard Hot 100 and #16 on the Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs, "Talk About Our Love" featured Brandy's signature vocals on top of a rather slept on joint from Kanye West in my opinion. With that said, take a second listen below to "Talk About Our Love" and Enjoy!

Live Audio: "Heartless" (Melanie Fiona)

After Kanye released his groundbreaking LP 808 & Heartbreaks, a lot of singer decided to cover his melodic tune minus the auto-tune that West decided to utilize stylistically for the project. During this time, Melanie Fiona was building her then burgeoning career and even toured with Kanye as an opening act for the European leg of his Glow in the Dark Tour.

With that said, after establishing herself in 2009 with her debut album The Bridge and her #1 hit single "It Kills Me," Melanie would often cover Kanye's "Heartless" from 808 & Heartbreaks during her set and below you will find a sublime live audio capture of one of Melanie's performances of it. Listen below to her sublime interpretation of "Heartless" and Enjoy!

Remix: "Melt My Heart to Stone (Urban Noize Remix)" (Adele & Kanye West)

I thought it would be right to take a listen to the Urban Noize Remix to Adele's "Melt My Heart To Stone" from her debut album 19 as we await the forthcoming release of her third studio rumored to be entitled 25 and coming this November.

Therefore take a listen after the jump to "Melt My Heart to Stone (Urban Noize Remix)," which features vocals and a verse from Adele and Kanye respectively and Enjoy!

Amazing Cover: "Only One" (Leona Lewis)

Leona Lewis was so moved by Kanye West's acceptance speech at Sunday's MTV Video Music Awards for their Video Vanguard Award that she recorded a cover of his poignant song "Only One," which Kanye wrote about his daughter North.

Leona strips "Only One" down to just her voice and the piano and offers a different and equally riveting take on the powerful song. With that said, watch Leona's cover of Kanye's "Only One" below and Enjoy!

Live Audio: "Heartless" (Melanie Fiona)

After Kanye released his groundbreaking LP 808 & Heartbreaks, a lot of singer decided to cover his melodic tune minus the auto-tune that West decided to utilize stylistically for the project. During this time, Melanie Fiona was building her then burgeoning career and even toured with Kanye as an opening act for the European leg of his Glow in the Dark Tour.

With that said, after establishing herself in 2009 with her debut album The Bridge and her #1 hit single "It Kills Me," Melanie would often cover Kanye's "Heartless" from 808 & Heartbreaks during her set and below you will find a sublime live audio capture of one of Melanie's performances of it. Listen below to her sublime interpretation of "Heartless" and Enjoy!

Remix: "Melt My Heart to Stone (Urban Noize Remix)" (Adele & Kanye West)

I thought it would be right to take a listen to the Urban Noize Remix to Adele's "Melt My Heart To Stone" from her debut album 19 as we await the forthcoming release of her third studio rumored to be entitled 25 and currently unknown for when it will be released thanks to the recent Sony email hacking scandal.

Therefore take a listen after the jump to "Melt My Heart to Stone (Urban Noize Remix)," which features vocals and a verse from Adele and Kanye respectively and Enjoy!

Second Listen: "Talk About Our Love" (Brandy ft. Kanye West)

Over a decade ago, Brandy released her fourth studio album Afrodisiac and the set's lead single was her Kanye West assisted and produced joint "Talk About Our Love," which would welcome Brandy back to the charts after a mini hiatus.

Peaking at #36 on the Billboard Hot 100 and #16 on the Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs, "Talk About Our Love" featured Brandy's signature vocals on top of a rather slept on joint from Kanye West in my opinion. With that said, take a second listen below to "Talk About Our Love" and Enjoy!

Live Clip: "Jesus Walks" (Kanye West ft. Yolanda Adams)

Yesterday, I was lecturing my students about Kanye West and his landmark debut album The College Dropout and I thought it would be appropriate to revisit one of the most talked about performances from that era.

Back in 2004, Kanye West opened the 2004 BET Awards, where he stood behind a pulpit and was accompanied by a choir, drumline and gospel singer Yolanda Adams. Interestingly enough at the 2005 BET Awards, Kanye was nominated for Best Gospel Artist in part due to the resonance and impact that "Jesus Walks" has.

With that said, as we honor the tenth anniversary of The College Dropout, revisit Kanye and Yolanda Adams' powerful performance of "Jesus Walks" below!

Live Video of the Day: "New Slaves/ Blood on the Leaves" (Kanye West & Charlie Wilson)

Last year, Kanye West kicked off the new season of BBC’s Later… with Jools Holland with a solid performance of his latest single from Yeezus "Bound 2" with Charlie Wilson.

With that said, this past Friday, Later… with Jools Holland  aired the rest of  Kanye's powerful performances including his Uncle Charlie assisted rendition of "New Slaves" that evolved into another riveting rendition of his joint "Blood on the Leaves." Watch it all go down after the jump and Enjoy!

Second Listen: "Talk About Our Love" (Brandy ft. Kanye West)

Over a decade ago, Brandy released her fourth studio album Afrodisiac and the set's lead single was her Kanye West assisted and produced joint "Talk About Our Love," which would welcome Brandy back to the charts after a mini hiatus.

Peaking at #36 on the Billboard Hot 100 and #16 on the Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs, "Talk About Our Love" featured Brandy's signature vocals on top of a rather slept on joint from Kanye West in my opinion. With that said, take a second listen below to "Talk About Our Love" and Enjoy!

Remix: "Melt My Heart to Stone (Urban Noize Remix)" (Adele & Kanye West)

I thought it would be right to take a listen to the Urban Noize Remix to Adele's "Melt My Heart To Stone" from her debut album 19 as we await the forthcoming release of her third studio rumored to be entitled 25 and slated for release this fall.

Therefore take a listen after the jump to "Melt My Heart to Stone (Urban Noize Remix)," which features vocals and a verse from Adele and Kanye respectively and Enjoy!

Live Audio: "Heartless" (Melanie Fiona)

After Kanye released his groundbreaking LP 808 & Heartbreaks, a lot of singer decided to cover his melodic tune minus the auto-tune that West decided to utilize stylistically for the project. During this time, Melanie Fiona was building her then burgeoning career and even toured with Kanye as an opening act for the European leg of his Glow in the Dark Tour.

With that said, after establishing herself in 2009 with her debut album The Bridge and her #1 hit single "It Kills Me," Melanie would often cover Kanye's "Heartless" from 808 & Heartbreaks during her set and below you will find a sublime live audio capture of one of Melanie's performances of it. Listen below to her sublime interpretation of "Heartless" and Enjoy!

Live Clip: "Jesus Walks" (Kanye West ft. Yolanda Adams)

Today marks the tenth anniversary of Kanye West's landmark debut album The College Dropout and I thought it would be appropriate to revisit one of the most talked about performances from this era.

Back in 2004, Kanye West opened the 2004 BET Awards, where he stood behind a pulpit and was accompanied by a choir, drumline and gospel singer Yolanda Adams. Interestingly enough at the 2005 BET Awards, Kanye was nominated for Best Gospel Artist in part due to the resonance and impact that "Jesus Walks" has.

With that said, as we honor the tenth anniversary of The College Dropout, revisit Kanye and Yolanda Adams' powerful performance of "Jesus Walks" below!

Live Clip: "All Falls Down" (Kanye West ft. Syleena Johnson & Miri Ben Ari)

Tomorrow marks the tenth anniversary since the release of Kanye West's epic debut album The College Dropout and the song that truly broke Kanye in my opinion was his Syleena Johnson assisted "All Falls Down."

With that said, I thought it would be appropriate to revisit my personal favorite performances of "All Falls Down" which occurred back in 2004 on the Late Show with David Letterman. Featuring Syleena Johnson, Miri Ben Ari and a then unknown John Legend on the keys and background vocals, Kanye was spitting with the fire and passion we've come to appreciate from the legend.

Therefore, watch this powerhouse performance of "All Falls Down" below as we begin to celebrate the tenth anniversary of Kanye's landmark debut album The College Dropout.