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!

2012 Soul Train Award Winners

The 2012 Soul Train Awards are currently airing the telecast that was filmed a few weeks ago in Las Vegas and the official list of winners is below. Beyoncé was the biggest winner of the night taking home two awards while Frank Ocean, John Legend, and Elle Varner took some of the top honors of the night. Peep the list of winners below and continue to enjoy the show!

The Winners are....

Best New Artist

Elle Varner

Centric Award

Leah LaBelle

Best Gospel/ Inspirational Performance: 

Whitney Houston & Jordin Sparks’ “Celebrate”

Best Hip Hop Song of the Year: 

Kanye West ft. Big Sean, Pusha T and 2 Chainz’s “Mercy”

Best R&B/ Soul Female Artist

Beyoncé

Best R&B/ Soul Male Artist

 Miguel

Album of the Year:

Frank Ocean’s Channel Orange

Song of the Year: 

Tyrese’s “Stay”

The Ashford & Simpson Songwriter’s Award: 

“Tonight (Best You Ever Had)”: John Legend ft. Ludacris

Best Dance Performance: 

Beyoncé – “Love On Top”

CENTRICTV.com Best Caribbean Performance: 

Sean Paul’s “Tomahawk Technique”

CENTRICTV.com Best International Performance: 

Estelle’s “Thank You”

CENTRICTV.com Best Independent R&B/ Soul Artist or Group: 

Eric Roberson

CENTRICTV.com Best Traditional Jazz Artist/ Group: TIE

*The Robert Glasper Experiment: Black Radio

*Tony Bennett — Isn’t It Romantic

CENTRICTV.com Best Contemporary Jazz Artist/ Group: 

Esperanza Spalding-Radio Music Society

Remix: "4 AM" (Melanie Fiona featuring Sean Paul)

Though Melanie Fiona's sophomore release "The MF Life" has been postponed until May 8th, a remix of her Rico Love joint "4 AM" has hit the net with the assistance of Sean Paul.  Though the collaboration would seme odd on paper, the reggae infused remixed beat by Rico Love and Paul's verse add different vibe to Melanie's "4 AM." Word on the street is that this remix will be featured on Melanie's forthcoming mixtape before "The MF Life" is released this May. Take a listen below and Enjoy!