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PODCAST · music

MTV’s Behind the Music

by MTV Entertainment Studios

MTV’s Behind the Music is back! The groundbreaking music documentary series returns with the best of the vault, updated and remastered for audio. Each episode profiles one of music’s most influential icons from 50 Cent to AC/DC, Courtney Love to Madonna, and more. Experience their unfiltered journeys to success and their personal stories of hardships and triumphs in this audio companion to the Paramount+ Behind the Music series.

Publisher-supplied feed metadata · PodParley refreshed Apr 16, 2026 · Source feed

Episodes

  1. Lil Wayne

    This artist became a rapper at the age of 9. Lil Wayne came from a tough childhood before exploring his talent for rapping as a member of the Hot Boys. With growing popularity, he pursued his solo career and released Tha Carter in 2004 and Tha Carter II in 2005. He was ready to take on the mantle...

  2. Mary J. Blige

    She is known to be the “Queen of Hip-Hop Soul.” Mary J. Blige came from a tough childhood before becoming a singing sensation. Blige found an escape from her life through music and eventually dropped out of school before working with Puff Daddy. Her first album, “What’s the 411?”, was a hit,...

  3. T-Pain

    This artist is known for his use of Auto-Tune and pushing the boundaries of music. As a child, T-Pain knew he wanted to leave his hometown of Tallahassee to pursue his musical talents. He eventually discovered Auto-Tune and created a remix of Akon’s “Locked Up”, dubbed “F***ed Up”, which led to...

  4. Ludacris

    He is a radio DJ turned Hip-Hop superstar. Ludacris built his career in music and acting by writing about his life and rapping on Atlanta radio stations, leading him to become a founding member of record label Disturbing tha Peace. Although he was a radio DJ under the name of Chris Lova Lova,...

  5. Elton John

    This Rocket Man is known for his flamboyant costumes and musical oeuvre. Elton John began his career as a talented pianist in the London suburbs where he created his debut album, “Empty Sky”, which began the course for Elton’s 7 consecutive #1 albums. The rock ‘n roll legend’s rush of…

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  6. Britney Spears

    She’s one of the biggest stars in the world and a human highlight reel. The story behind Britney Spears’ early career comes from her aspirations too large for her small town. Britney knew she wanted to perform and see the world after her early roles in off-broadway plays and The Mickey Mouse…

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  7. Carrie Underwood

    The most successful American Idol winner, Carrie Underwood, went from farm girl to superstar. After winning American Idol’s fourth season in 2005, Carrie performed a 47 state tour that introduced fans to #1 hits like “Jesus Take the Wheel” and “Before He Cheats” off her debut album, Some Hearts....

  8. TLC

    One of the highest selling pop girl groups of all time, TLC, has influenced multiple genres of music that will be felt for generations to come. Tionne “T-Boz'' Watkins, Lisa “Left Eye” Lopes, and Rozonda “Chilli” Thomas defined girl power and individuality in the 90s. Their third album “Fan…

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  9. Missy Elliott

    As one of the best selling female rappers of all time, Missy Elliot climbed to the top on her own terms. Growing up as an only child, Missy faced poverty, despair, and abuse. She used music as an outlet to escape and eventually created the group “Fayze” where she signed with Swing Mob. Missy’s...

  10. Jennifer Hudson

    R&B superstar Jennifer Hudson displays natural, raw talent in both music and acting. After her auditions for American Idol in 2004, Jennifer became the local celebrity for Chicago. Her vocal prowess landed her a starring role in the film, “Dreamgirls”, where her performance earned her over 30...

  11. Christina Aguilera

    A former Mouseketeer turned pop diva, Christina Aguilera has come a long way from The Mickey Mouse Club to living her dream of balancing stardom, motherhood, and love. Although she came from a troubled childhood, Christina took control of her life through music and became the definition of pop...

  12. Snoop Dogg

    Originally a choir boy from Long Beach, Snoop turned to gangs, guns, and drug dealing in his teenage years. Amid this lifestyle, Snoop impressed Dr. Dre with his mixtapes, leading him to release the hit albums “Doggystyle” and “Tha Doggfather” under Death Row Records. After being charged for…

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  13. Nas

    Hip hop icon Nas is famous for his provocative lyrics and bold voice. He inspired a new generation to keep an open mind and work hard. Nas rose from the unforgiving streets of New York City to create music recounting his own experiences including being raised by a single mother, selling drugs on...

  14. Spice Girls

    It is no wonder how the Spice Girls became a global phenomenon in 4 years. With the combination of saucy looks, infectious tunes, and sassy lyrics, the girl-group charmed their way to international stardom. They redefined the girl-group genre by spreading the idea of girl power through their…

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  15. Fat Joe

    The authenticity of Fat Joe is what helped him shape the hip-hop world in the 90s. Raised in the Bronx, his personality and confidence built a monster image of rising from nothing to triumph. Even when he was surrounded by violence, drugs, and loss, he believed that the darkest moments brought…

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  16. New Kids On The Block

    The pioneers of the original boy band are back. From the streets of Boston, New Kids On The Block (NKOTB) grew into an international phenomenon with the most dedicated fans in pop and R&B. Although they discovered their audience and won their fans over from the 80s to the 90s, fame eventually…

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  17. Bret Michaels

    Since his time with the rock band Poison, Bret Michaels has come a long way. Armed with dedication to the rock ‘n roll dream, Michaels experienced the highs and lows of rock ‘n roll success with his bandmates. During the constant high of touring and partying, the frontman battled toxicity,...

  18. Duran Duran

    Duran Duran changed music when they introduced rock music onto the dance floor. As the leaders of the new romantic revolution, they did everything together and swept the 80s off their feet. The group created an innovative aesthetic that went beyond their music, from art to fashion. Fame also...

  19. Huey Lewis

    This 80s pop-rocker is best known for his vocals on chart-topping songs like "The Power of Love" and "The Heart of Rock and Roll" by the band Huey Lewis and The News. Singer Huey Lewis entertained audiences on stage and on the big screen with cameos in films like Back To The Future, but it wasn't...

  20. Adam Lambert

    Glam-rock powerhouse, Adam Lambert, took pop music by storm with his handsome looks, electrifying stage theatrics and jaw-dropping vocal acrobatics. He has entertained across the stage, television and radio...and shocked the world along the way. Despite his success, Adam faced constant criticism...

  21. Guns N' Roses

    Guns N' Roses emerged from the thicket of the hair metal jungle on Hollywood's Sunset Strip in the mid-80s and single-handedly reinvented rock and roll with righteous riffs and a real and present element of danger. The band became notorious as members dabbled with drugs, booze and other forms of...

  22. AC/DC

    Hear the story behind Angus Young's schoolboy uniform and how AC/DC managed to take their raucous act out of Australia to become a worldwide phenomenon. In emotional interviews, the rockers talk about the death of former frontman Bon Scott and how -- in a twist of fate -- their first album…

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  23. Toni Braxton

    Faced with health issues, financial distress, and familial tensions, R&B icon Toni Braxton’s story is a powerful one. Her career began with an impossible choice: stay with the family’s band, The Braxtons, or accept a solo record deal. She went solo and found great success, selling hundreds of...

  24. Madonna

    Her desire to "rule the world" drew the dancer and fledgling musician from Detroit to New York's East Village where Madonna became a fixture on the early '80s punk scene. She turned heads with a sexy ragamuffin look that would eventually spawn a world of wannabes. Always leading the pop…

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  25. Courtney Love (Part 2)

    After the death of her husband Kurt Cobain, Courtney Love struggled to cope. She faced brutal attacks from the media and those close to her. Many believed she would self-destruct in an endless cycle of drugs, criticism, and rock and roll,however, Courtney made her way back to the top. Find out…

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  26. Courtney Love (Part 1)

    She’s one of the most controversial, reviled and riveting rock stars in the world. After a tough upbringing, she turned her rage into a passion: rock and roll. Courtney Love quickly found success and love in the industry, but the fantasy of her star-studded life unraveled after she lost her...

  27. 50 Cent

    For Curtis Jackson III, aka 50 Cent, the road to success wasn’t easy. After losing both his father and his mother, 50 Cent hit the streets to make ends meet. Headed down the wrong road, 50 Cent gave up the hustle and chased a new dream: to become a hip hop star. His bad boy reputation preceded…

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  28. Usher

    He was once a small-town choir boy. Now, Usher is one of modern pop music’s greatest artists. Usher fast tracked his way to fame with an education from one of hip hop’s most notorious producers, and with his charisma, confidence, and distinctive voice, Usher’s career skyrocketed...and so did his...

  29. Dr. Dre

    As one of rap music’s most successful artists/producers turned record label founder and executive, Dr. Dre is arguably the best in the game. His outrageous persona helped him build an empire, but when the line between image and reality blurred, people started getting hurt. Despite the…

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  30. Ice Cube

    From founding member of the notorious rap group N.W.A. to blockbuster movie star, Ice Cube has had a legendary career, but his early days were full of tragedy and struggles. Finding refuge in music, Ice Cube and his neighborhood friends formed N.W.A. to speak out about the harsh reality of…

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  31. Introducing: MTV's Behind the Music

    The groundbreaking music documentary series is back. Classic episodes of Behind the Music, now remastered for your ears. Hear the stories of music icons from 50 Cent to AC/DC, Courtney Love to Madonna, and more. New episodes every other week. Learn more about your ad-choices at...

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ABOUT THIS SHOW

MTV’s Behind the Music is back! The groundbreaking music documentary series returns with the best of the vault, updated and remastered for audio. Each episode profiles one of music’s most influential icons from 50 Cent to AC/DC, Courtney Love to Madonna, and more. Experience their unfiltered journeys to success and their personal stories of hardships and triumphs in this audio companion to the Paramount+ Behind the Music series.

HOSTED BY

MTV Entertainment Studios

CATEGORIES

Frequently Asked Questions

How many episodes does MTV’s Behind the Music have?

MTV’s Behind the Music currently has 31 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.

What is MTV’s Behind the Music about?

MTV’s Behind the Music is back! The groundbreaking music documentary series returns with the best of the vault, updated and remastered for audio. Each episode profiles one of music’s most influential icons from 50 Cent to AC/DC, Courtney Love to Madonna, and more. Experience their unfiltered...

How often does MTV’s Behind the Music release new episodes?

MTV’s Behind the Music has 31 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.

Where can I listen to MTV’s Behind the Music?

You can listen to MTV’s Behind the Music on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.

Who hosts MTV’s Behind the Music?

MTV’s Behind the Music is created and hosted by MTV Entertainment Studios.
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