Shawn Stockman's On That Note

Estelle sits down with Shawn Stockman for a powerful conversation on “American Boy,” meeting Kanye West, manifesting John Legend, and carrying West London soul onto a global stage. In this episode of On That Note, Estelle opens up about the creative instincts, industry lessons, and personal belief system that shaped her career. She reflects on selling thousands of CDs herself, building her own label, navigating labels that didn’t understand her, the story behind “American Boy,” her connection with John Legend, and the deeper legacy of representing Black UK music around the world. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The-Dream is the hitmaker behind era-defining records like Beyoncé’s “Single Ladies” and Justin Bieber’s “Baby,” but this conversation goes far beyond the credits. He joins Shawn Stockman to talk about what makes a song timeless, why music has to connect with real people, and how the greatest records carry pieces of life inside them. In this episode, The-Dream opens up about songwriting, fame, love, family, Atlanta roots, industry lessons, and the philosophy behind giving the right song to the right artist. It’s a thoughtful, funny, and deeply honest look at the mind of one of music’s most legendary pens. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Eric Benét joins Shawn Stockman for a conversation about R&B legends, real vocals, Quincy Jones, Bill Withers, Donny Hathaway, and the stories that shaped his life in music. From True to Myself and “Femininity” to Philly sessions, songwriting, stagecraft, modern performance, and the difference between vocal flash and real feeling, Eric reflects on the craft, discipline, and soul behind his career. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ralph Tresvant sits down with Shawn Stockman to trace the real New Edition origin story, unpack the truth behind Bobby Brown’s exit, and reveal how “Sensitivity” nearly became something completely different before it turned into his defining solo record. In this episode, Ralph reflects on growing up in Boston, how New Edition first came together, the early Maurice Starr days, the pressure and fallout surrounding Bobby Brown leaving the group, and the creative shift that led him from a funk-driven mindset into the smooth, timeless sound of “Sensitivity.” It’s a rare look at the formation of an icon, told by the voice who lived it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Bell Biv DeVoe break down the rise and fall of New Edition, and how their split led to the creation of BBD. Ricky Bell, Ronnie DeVoe, and Michael Bivins of Bell Biv DeVoe join On That Note to break down the full story of New Edition — from their formation and early rise with hits like “Candy Girl” to the pressures, conflicts, and eventual split that led to the creation of BBD. They reflect on the Bobby Brown departure, the grind of performing as teenagers, and how they reinvented themselves with a new sound that helped define a generation of R&B. This is the real story behind the rise, fall, and rebirth that shaped New Edition and launched Bell Biv DeVoe. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Brooke Payne reflects on building New Edition from the ground up, developing Boyz II Men into complete performers, and creating the blueprint for what a successful R&B group looks like—from talent and personality to stage presence and showmanship. In this episode, Payne shares the story of discovering young talent in Boston, shaping groups through discipline and performance training, and the philosophy that separates performers from true entertainers. From early beginnings at the Boys Club to working with some of the biggest names in music, this is a look at the vision and leadership behind some of the most iconic acts of all time. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Sean Patrick Thomas joins Shawn Stockman to break down Save the Last Dance, Barbershop, Cruel Intentions, and the career that made him one of the defining Black male leads of the early 2000s. From dance films and romantic dramas to Gen V and The Boys, Sean reflects on the roles that shaped his path, his Guyanese roots and musical influences, and what it meant to break through in Hollywood during a pivotal era. It’s a thoughtful conversation about identity, timing, legacy, and choosing work that actually lasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Marques Houston joins On That Note to break down You Got Served, the “Never Lie” breakout, and how B2K came together. From dance culture to early 2000s R&B, this episode dives into the moments that defined an era. Marques Houston shares his journey from child actor on Sister, Sister to recording artist and creative force behind some of the most recognizable moments in early 2000s music and film. He reflects on the impact of You Got Served and how it elevated dance culture, the making of “Never Lie” with Immature (IMx), and the process of building B2K alongside Omarion and Chris Stokes. The conversation also explores artist development, radio’s role in breaking records, Michael Jackson’s influence, and how the music industry has evolved from the 90s and 2000s to today. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Tracie Spencer joins Shawn Stockman to share the story behind “Tender Kisses,” winning Star Search at 12, and stepping into the music industry as a kid navigating pressure, fame, and a life that changed almost overnight. From her early days in Waterloo, Iowa to signing with Capitol Records, Tracie reflects on the family foundation that shaped her, the realities of growing up in the spotlight, and the moments that made her realize everything was changing in real time. It’s an honest, grounded conversation about early success, industry pressure, and staying true to yourself while building a lasting career. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Bryan-Michael Cox joins Shawn Stockman for a conversation about making R&B classics for Mary J. Blige, Usher, Mariah Carey, and Jagged Edge. From the real-life conversation that led to Usher’s “U Got It Bad” to the hit that helped save Jagged Edge’s career, this episode is packed with legendary music stories. In this episode of On That Note, Shawn sits down with 10-time Grammy-winning producer Bryan-Michael Cox to break down the records, relationships, and real moments behind some of R&B’s biggest hits. Bryan shares how Jermaine Dupri and Usher talked their way into “U Got It Bad,” why Jagged Edge’s “Gotta Be” became the record that helped keep the group alive, and how frustration with the music business helped shape Mary J. Blige’s “Be Without You.” They also get into Mariah Carey, Robert Glasper, church as a training ground for real musicians, the rise and return of R&B, and why the best songs still come from truth, craft, and conversation. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Shanice joins Shawn Stockman to tell the real story behind her global hit “I Love Your Smile,” what it was like singing background vocals with Michael Jackson, and the difficult moment when she lost her record deal while five months pregnant—an honest look at how the music industry treated women at the time. She also shares incredible behind-the-scenes moments from her career, including appearing in a commercial with Ella Fitzgerald at nine years old, winning Star Search, and navigating major industry decisions that shaped her catalog. The conversation expands into stories involving Justin Timberlake, Babyface, and Barbra Streisand, along with reflections on the golden era of ’90s R&B and the unpredictable journey of building a lasting career in music. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The demo for “Straight Up” was literally pulled out of the trash — and it changed Paula Abdul’s life. In this episode, she takes us inside the creation of Forever Your Girl, her early days at Virgin Records, and the era that connected her to Prince and Janet Jackson’s Control movement. Paula Abdul breaks down how “Straight Up” nearly disappeared before becoming a breakout hit, the creative risks she took while building her debut album Forever Your Girl, and what it was like being one of the first artists signed during the launch of Virgin Records America. She reflects on navigating label politics, cutting creative deals in the Prince ecosystem, witnessing Janet Jackson’s Control era up close, and working alongside rising producers like L.A. Reid and Babyface. This is the behind-the-scenes story of how a discarded demo became a defining moment in late-’80s pop music. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Paula Abdul’s journey from rejection to leading the Laker Girls and choreographing The Jacksons is one of the great underdog stories in pop culture history. In this Part 1 episode, Paula walks through her earliest timeline chronologically — being born premature with lung complications and hip dysplasia, growing up idolizing Gene Kelly and Bob Fosse, and fighting against the idea that she wasn’t built to dance. She explains how relentless preparation, resilience, and rejection shaped her work ethic, leading to her breakthrough moment with the Laker Girls during the Showtime Lakers era, performing in front of Magic Johnson and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, and catching the attention of executives that opened the door to her first professional job choreographing The Jacksons and contributing to their Victory Tour. This is the origin story of the dancer and choreographer who built the foundation of her legendary career long before global fame. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

L.A. Reid tells the origin story of how meeting Babyface led to the creation of LaFace Records — and why that partnership changed music forever. He connects the label’s impact to the artists and eras that followed, from Usher to OutKast to the broader R&B legacy. In this conversation, L.A. Reid walks through what it took to build LaFace from the ground up, what made that Babyface collaboration work, and how real artist development created a run that still shapes how people think about timeless records today. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Sheila E reveals the unforgettable moments that shaped her rise — being called out by Marvin Gaye mid-song, secretly recording percussion for Michael Jackson, and the night Prince pushed her into becoming a solo artist. These stories show the pressure, magic, and turning points behind one of music’s most iconic careers. Sheila E shares the untold stories behind working with three of the biggest legends in music history. From the moment Marvin Gaye froze an entire rehearsal after catching a single extra beat… to secretly creating percussion for Michael Jackson’s “Don’t Stop ’Til You Get Enough” without being credited… to Prince pushing her out from behind the drums and into the spotlight. This is a rare inside look at the moments that shaped her career and changed her life forever. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Sheila E joins On That Note for Part One of a two-part conversation, tracing the early life and foundation that shaped her into a musical prodigy. Raised in a household where music was constant, Sheila breaks down how rhythm, discipline, and instinct were ingrained in her from a young age — long before fame ever entered the picture. She reflects on growing up surrounded by working musicians, learning by feel instead of theory, stepping on stage as a child, and the moments that made it clear music wasn’t just something she loved — it was who she was. This episode focuses on the making of Sheila E: the environment, mindset, and early experiences that set the stage for everything that came next. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Reginald Hudlin breaks down the stories behind three culture-shifting lanes: writing Black Panther at Marvel, building Marshall with Chadwick Boseman, and the real origin of House Party. He shares what Eddie Murphy taught him about comedy (“go for the joke”), why passion is the difference between a smart move and a timeless hit, and how one night of inspiration turned into a classic. Hudlin walks through how his love of comics led to his Black Panther run—and why he believed a sci-fi scale story could change the ceiling for Black storytelling long before the billion-dollar moment arrived. He opens up about producing Marshall, why that specific Thurgood case was the right movie (and why the courtroom setup made it uniquely cinematic), and what Chadwick was like behind the scenes—down to the integrity that made people protect him and speak about him differently. On the film side, Hudlin revisits Boomerang and the mindset of directing comedy at the highest level, then closes with the House Party origin story: hearing Luther Vandross, seeing the movie in his head, and banging out pages on the spot—plus what it took to grind a student film into a real launchpad. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Mike Colter joins Shawn Stockman for a powerful conversation on Million Dollar Baby, working with Clint Eastwood and Morgan Freeman, and the real journey behind becoming Marvel’s Luke Cage. From early career grind to major film sets, Mike breaks down how the right roles change your life — and how discipline, confidence, and timing can make or break your shot in Hollywood. He also talks the pressure of being an action star, what he learned watching legends operate, and why Luke Cage still has unfinished business. #MikeColter #LukeCage #MillionDollarBaby #ClintEastwood #MorganFreeman #Marvel #OnThatNote #ShawnStockman Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Nicky Jam joins Shawn Stockman for a stripped-down acoustic performance of El Perdón, the global hit originally featuring Enrique Iglesias. In this special Sean’s Song moment, the record is reimagined live — with Shawn stepping into Spanish vocals for the second verse and the two artists trading emotion, harmony, and restraint. No production tricks, no spectacle — just voice, guitar, and one of the most recognizable Latin records of the last decade, performed with intention and respect. A rare crossover moment that highlights musical chemistry, cultural reach, and the power of an acoustic setting. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Nicky Jam adds fire to the reggaeton “pure hitmaker” conversation as he breaks down crafting early records with Daddy Yankee, surviving addiction and street life, and rebuilding his career into a global comeback story decades in the making. In this episode of On That Note, Nicky reflects on moving to Puerto Rico as a kid, learning Spanish through music, witnessing reggaeton’s rise from the inside, and navigating the dangerous realities that nearly derailed his career. He opens up about recovery, faith, longevity, and what it takes to last 30 years in a genre built on pressure, competition, and reinvention. An honest, deeply personal conversation about music, survival, and earning your second — and third — chance. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Shawn Stockman warms up the guitar as the conversation turns musical, and Jemele Hill breaks down her all-time favorite artists — Aretha Franklin, Sade, Prince, Michael Jackson, and Mary J. Blige. Then Shawn jumps into an acoustic performance of Human Nature, and Jemele gets pulled into the moment for the iconic “why, why, why” — reluctantly, hilariously, and fully aware she’s about to get roasted. A raw, fun, and playful moment that captures everything On That Note does best: great music, great taste, and zero pressure to be perfect. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jemele Hill and Shawn Stockman break down why the 1990s became the golden age of culture, from Michael Jordan’s mystique and NBA rivalries to MTV’s grip on music, media, and shared experience. They explore how scarcity, radio dominance, and fewer platforms created bigger stars, stronger legacies, and a level of cultural focus that’s nearly impossible to recreate today — and what’s been gained (and lost) in the modern media era. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Tony Rich performs and shares the story behind “Nobody Knows,” the hit song that many listeners mistakenly believed was a Babyface record. In this episode of On That Note, Tony breaks down how the confusion started, why the comparison made sense at the time, and how the song—written with his brother about their father—became one of the most misunderstood classics of ’90s R&B. Alongside a stripped-down performance, Tony offers rare context about the record’s creation, its legacy, and what it was like hearing his own song misattributed on the radio. This is “Nobody Knows” as it was meant to be heard—with the story behind it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A Detroit kid turned LaFace secret weapon, Tony Rich joins Shawn Stockman to talk John Salley’s studio, Tim & Bob’s life-changing phone call, writing “Nobody Knows” and “I Sit Away,” the pressure of “LaFace University,” and the Prince moments that flipped his whole approach to music. In this episode of On That Note, Tony traces his path from Motown’s backyard to Atlanta’s hit factory, breaking down how L.A. Reid, Babyface, and the LaFace camp shaped his songwriting, why bridges are a lost art, what it meant to hand Boyz II Men a classic, and how Prince, Al Green, Stevie Wonder and the 90s label era still guide the way he writes, performs, and self-checks every new project. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Lisa Lisa delivers a rare, intimate acoustic performance of “All Cried Out,” joined by Shawn Stockman on guitar and close friends on background vocals in a raw, emotional studio moment you can’t get anywhere else. Enjoy a stripped-down, soulful performance of “All Cried Out” as Lisa Lisa steps back into one of her most iconic hits — this time in a completely raw and intimate setting. With Shawn Stockman providing acoustic guitar and two of Lisa’s closest friends adding rich, live background vocals, this version captures the heart and emotion of the original while giving it a fresh, personal feel. Recorded live during On That Note, this moment blends nostalgia, artistry, and pure vocal chemistry. It’s a rare look at what happens when legends reconnect with the music that shaped generations. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Lisa Lisa opens up about her Hell’s Kitchen beginnings, the creation of freestyle music, and the personal battle with cancer that transformed her life and career. A powerful story of resilience, cultural influence, and the roots of a global sound. Lisa Lisa sits down with Shawn Stockman for an intimate conversation about her rise from Hell’s Kitchen to becoming one of the defining voices of the freestyle movement. She breaks down how Full Force discovered her, the early struggles and breakthroughs that shaped her sound, and the cultural impact of her biggest records. Lisa also shares the deeply personal journey of surviving cancer, rebuilding her life, and reconnecting with her purpose as an artist. A moving, inspiring episode that honors her legacy and strength. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

AJ McLean of the Backstreet Boys revisits the Boyband Golden Era, revealing what really happened with the rumored NSYNC “beef” while opening up about fame, brotherhood, and performing at the groundbreaking Las Vegas Sphere. AJ McLean sits down with Shawn Stockman for a nostalgic, honest, and often hilarious look at the Backstreet Boys’ rise, the boyband explosion of the 90s, and the truth behind the long-whispered rivalry with NSYNC. He reflects on the Millennium days, studio sessions with Max Martin, unforgettable tour stories, backstage pranks, and how the group kept their sound authentic across decades. AJ also shares the personal journey that reshaped his life offstage — from stepping away from the “AJ” persona to embracing Alex, rebuilding boundaries, and finding clarity through recovery. If you love the Backstreet Boys, boyband history, or the pop/R&B crossover era that defined the late 90s, this episode dives deep into the music, the memories, and the evolution behind it all. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Anderson .Paak sits down with Shawn to unpack his journey from Oxnard’s church circuit to Grammy-winning stages, breaking down the musicianship, mentors, and moments that shaped his sound. A soulful, funny, wide-open conversation recorded inside the .Paak house. Anderson .Paak welcomes Shawn to the 805 for a wide-ranging conversation inside the .Paak House, reflecting on the church musicians, family influences, and early Oxnard community that molded his rhythm and voice. He shares stories about banging on his stepdad’s drum kit, discovering Curtis Mayfield, developing pocket through worship services, and finding his artistic identity long before the world knew him as Breezy Lovejoy. They get into the moment Dr. Dre recognized the “pain” and texture in his voice, the evolution that led to Malibu, NxWorries, and eventually Silk Sonic, and why analog warmth and live musicianship still matter in 2025. Anderson and Shawn also talk fatherhood, creative discipline, building .Paak House Festival for the community, and the joy of performing with artists who push him to new levels. A soulful, vulnerable, and often hilarious look at one of the most original artists of his generation. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jo Koy breaks down how he pushed his way onto Netflix, why Hollywood comedy is finally shifting toward real diversity, and how Filipino identity shaped his voice as one of today’s most beloved stand-ups. In this episode of On That Note, Sean Stockman sits down with comedian Jo Koy for an unfiltered, hilarious, and deeply personal conversation. Jo opens up about the early hustle, getting rejected for years, and how persistence finally broke open the Netflix door. He shares powerful stories about representation in comedy, why diversity in the industry is more important than ever, and how celebrating Filipino culture became the backbone of his stand-up career. They also dive into Jo’s creative process, the pressure of arena tours, raising a son while touring the world, and how comedy changed drastically from the 2000s to now. Packed with heart, humor, and real talk, this episode is a masterclass on authenticity, cultural pride, and finding your comedic voice. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Renée Elise Goldsberry joins Shawn to relive her journey from Hamilton’s Angelica Schuyler to Broadway stardom—breaking down backstage moments, Lin-Manuel Miranda’s creative genius, celebrity visitors, and the stories that shaped her powerhouse career. Renée Elise Goldsberry sits down with Shawn Stockman for a masterclass conversation on artistry, discipline, and the creation of Hamilton. She reveals what went into shaping Angelica Schuyler, how the cast built its chemistry, the emotional layers behind “Satisfied,” and why the show became a generational cultural shift. Renée also shares stories about performing for Beyoncé, Jay-Z, and Barack Obama, her transition from early acting and soap operas to Broadway, the physical and mental demands of eight-show weeks, and the perspective she’s gained as a mother, musician, and performer. Whether you’re a Hamilton fan, a musical theater lover, or someone who just wants to be inspired by an elite-level performer, this episode delivers. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Omarion joins Shawn Stockman to revisit the rise of B2K, the untold You Got Served stories, and the creative fire behind The O Album that helped shape 2000s R&B. Shop Mint Unlimited Plans at mintmobile.com/onthatnote In this episode of On That Note, Omarion opens up about his journey from boy-band fame to solo artistry. He dives deep into the cultural moment of You Got Served, the brotherhood that built B2K, and the studio sessions that produced The O Album. It’s a nostalgic and revealing look at one of the most defining eras in R&B and dance culture. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

112 joins Shawn Stockman to revisit the Bad Boy Records era — where Biggie Smalls, Faith Evans, and a new sound forever changed R&B. From church roots to chart hits, the group shares how soul and hip-hop finally collided in the 90s. Few groups embodied the 90s fusion of R&B and hip-hop like 112. In this episode of On That Note, Slim and Mike sit down with Shawn Stockman to trace their journey from Atlanta church choirs to the frontlines of Bad Boy Records — recording alongside Biggie Smalls, collaborating with Faith Evans, and finding their voice in an era that redefined both genres. They open up about the creative chemistry that shaped classics like “Cupid” and “Peaches & Cream,” what it was really like inside Bad Boy’s golden age, and how the collision of soul, rap, and street culture built the blueprint for modern R&B. Listen now for untold stories, nostalgic studio memories, and lessons from the label that made harmony dangerous again. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

From a Philly high school to Motown superstardom — Wanya and Nate Morris of Boyz II Men share how a backstage encounter with Michael Bivins and a dream performance sparked the birth of ‘90s R&B and changed their lives forever. In this episode of On That Note, Shawn Stockman sits down with Wanya and Nate Morris for the real Boyz II Men story — the hustle, the harmony, and the magic behind Motownphilly. They reflect on early inspirations, performing for New Edition and Paula Abdul, and the moment that set their path toward redefining R&B for a generation. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Shawn Stockman checks in with a quick update — the Boyz II Men interview fans have been waiting for drops tomorrow. Set your reminders — it’s the biggest On That Note episode yet. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

From Kanye’s Stronger to Nipsey Hussle’s LA sound and Chris Brown’s viral hits — producer MyGuyMars tells the stories behind the music and the faith that fuels his craft. A true student of sound, MyGuyMars takes On That Note inside the studio sessions that shaped a generation. He remembers working beside Kanye West during the Graduation era, watching the Stronger beat evolve from a raw Daft Punk sample into a cultural anthem. He recalls helping Nipsey Hussle craft his “it has to sound like it looks” brand of rich West Coast luxury — and the viral Chris Brown track that was born from a happy studio accident. Raised in the church and trained on gospel organ, Mars connects his early musicianship to modern hip-hop production, breaking down how faith, melody, and experimentation drive his process. Alongside Shawn Stockman, he reflects on the respect producers deserve, the evolution of LA’s sound, and the creative discipline that turns raw inspiration into timeless records. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

From family jam sessions to sharing stages with legends, Moana of The Jets takes us back to the golden age of 80s R&B. In this episode, she opens up about what it was like growing up in a family of 16 siblings who all performed together, the whirlwind success of their hit songs, and the wild moments that came with life on the road.Moana reflects on performing before icons like Tina Turner and B.B. King, the heart and hustle that powered The Jets, and how family, faith, and music kept them grounded through it all.Step inside the colorful chaos of 80s tour life, where family bands ruled the charts, R&B met pop, and every night felt electric. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Candyman—the “original boot knocker”—sits with Sean Stockman to unpack the real story behind **“Knockin’ Boots”*: the Dre cosign, the swap-meet hustle, turning a B-side into a platinum smash, and the sample-clearance chess with Betty Wright and Rose Royce that almost killed the record before it exploded. He also rewinds to Washington Prep—Sir Jinx introducing him to Dr. Dre, a campus battle vs. Ice Cube, and becoming Dre’s “wingman” in the LA club era. They trace the hit’s DNA—Slick Rick’s story-rhyme influence, the SB-12/SP-1200 era, and why those first 5–10 seconds (“Attention all ladies…”) still light up shows. Candyman breaks down how Tone Lōc and touring cracked doors open, how Thump Records/Lowrider Soundtrack gave the song its second life, and how a nine-day sprint landed him at Epic Records. There’s inside baseball on splits, the Color Me Badd “I Wanna Sex You Up” overlap, and the baseline link he points out with Lighter Shade of Brown – “On a Sunday Afternoon”—plus shoutouts to DJ Quik and more LA heavyweights. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

From the studio grind to global hits, Bret Epic has lived every side of the music game. He opens up about his roots in production, connections with New Edition and Bell Biv DeVoe, and the beat-making sessions that taught him how to shape sound. Bret shares the story behind Crazy Town’s crossover smash “Butterfly”, the surprising spark from Will.i.am that helped push it forward, and how years of mixing, producing, and collaborating across genres made him a true studio architect. This episode dives into the craft of production, the rap-rock crossover era, and the behind-the-scenes work that changed the sound of the late 90s and early 2000s. From hip-hop lineage to pop culture milestones, Bret breaks down how he shifted genres and left a mark on music history. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Kwamé sits down with Shawn Stockman to break down the birthplace of musical greatness — the neighborhood that produced Slick Rick’s legendary storytelling, Will Smith’s crossover power, and an entire generation of Black excellence in hip-hop. From the roots of East Elmhurst, Queens, to the rise of icons who shaped rap and pop culture, Kwamé reflects on the lineage, the legacy, and the voices that created hip-hop’s real DNA. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Big Boy opens up about his incredible life journey — from growing up in LA and nearly dying during life-changing weight loss surgery, to unforgettable moments on tour with Tupac and the Pharcyde. In this conversation with Shawn Stockman, he reflects on his struggles, survival, and how he became known as the Voice of Los Angeles. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

TQ joins Shawn Stockman on On That Note to share the untold story behind his breakout hit “Westside”—a song born from the turmoil at Death Row Records after Tupac’s passing. TQ opens up about how Afeni Shakur gave him the track, Suge Knight’s influence, and how one moment set the course for his entire career. Beyond the Death Row drama, TQ reflects on his time with Coming of Age, what it was like navigating the music industry in the late ‘90s, and his take on why R&B has lost some of the magic it once had. This is a vulnerable and insightful conversation that blends hip-hop history with real talk about artistry, survival, and legacy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Marcus Miller has helped craft some of the most iconic sounds in modern music. From building the Never Too Much bassline with Luther Vandross, to writing the dance anthem “Da Butt” for Spike Lee’s School Daze, to transforming jazz alongside Miles Davis — his fingerprints are everywhere. In this episode of On That Note, Marcus takes Shawn Stockman on a masterclass in music history: Growing up in Queens, discovering his voice through funk and jazz Landing onstage with luminaries like Quincy Jones and Miles Davis Shaping Luther’s soul hits and redefining bass in the ’80s and ’90s Scoring Spike Lee’s School Daze and Boomerang with groove-forward sensibility Balancing funk and jazz with the intellect of a true innovator This isn’t just a look at his credits — it’s a story about how one man’s ear and conviction helped change music, pop culture, and the way we listen. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Why does music feel emptier now? In this solo session, Shawn Stockman (Boyz II Men) breaks down how the bridge disappeared from modern songs, how streaming economics rewired songwriting, and why craft keeps losing to algorithms. Bookended by live moments—Bob Marley to open and Brandy to close—this is a straight talk on what’s broken and how to bring the soul back. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Step back into the golden age of hip-hop with Money B of Digital Underground as he shares untold stories that shaped rap history. In this candid conversation, Money B reflects on the pure energy of the era, the creative brilliance of Shock G, and the early struggles of a young Tupac Shakur — including the shocking moment when Pac nearly walked away from rap before finding his voice with Digital Underground. From one-take studio sessions that revealed Tupac’s raw genius, to behind-the-scenes memories of tours, collaborations, and the playful but powerful legacy of Digital Underground, Money B paints a vivid picture of what it meant to come up in hip-hop’s most influential decade. Along the way, he breaks down the culture, the music, and the community that defined an entire generation. Whether you’re a lifelong fan or discovering these stories for the first time, this episode captures the essence of hip-hop when it was still pure, raw, and unstoppable. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jimmy Jam opens up about his years working with Prince — from grueling six-hour rehearsals and legendary studio sessions to the infamous Atlanta snowstorm that cost him his place in The Time. In this candid conversation, Jam shares rare stories about Prince’s genius, the creation of “777-9311,” and the day it all ended at Sunset Sound. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Singer, songwriter, and R&B innovator Eric Bellinger sits down with Boyz II Men’s Shawn Stockman for a deep dive into the state of R&B today, the craft of songwriting, and his incredible journey from church choirs to penning hits for music’s biggest names. From Usher and Beyoncé to Chris Brown and Ne-Yo, Bellinger opens up about the creative process, the realities of the music business, and what it takes to make timeless records. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Bobby Brown joins On That Note for a raw, unfiltered look at his rise from New Edition frontman to solo superstar. He opens up about being kicked out of the group, the pressure to prove himself, and how he created one of R&B’s most unforgettable solo careers. From the soul of My Prerogative to his bold performance style, Bobby reflects on a legendary era of music—and the pain, power, and artistry behind it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

ODM (One Dope Mexican) of Lighter Shade of Brown joins Shawn Stockman to break down the rise of Latin Hip-Hop during the golden age of the music industry. From pushing mixtapes at backyard parties and car shows to finally getting national radio play, this is the untold story of how Latin voices carved out a space in a Black-dominated industry. ODM reflects on their hit “On a Sunday Afternoon,” how radio worked in the ‘90s, and the grind it took to get heard. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

EDI Mean joins Sean Stockman for an unforgettable conversation about life inside Tupac’s Outlawz. From growing up like cousins to recording “Hit Em Up,” EDI shares raw stories of Pac’s vision, the House of Blues performance, and how the 90’s East vs. West beef changed everything. They break down how Tupac built a supergroup he never got to see fully realized — and why his legacy still shapes hip-hop today. 🎵 They also reflect on powerful moments behind the scenes, forging music that defined an era and changed rap forever. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Music and skateboarding collide in this special conversation with DaShawn Jordan — X Games skateboarder, musician, and a true force pushing for more representation in the sport. DaShawn opens up about what it means to be a Black pro skater in a space that’s still mostly white, the need for a “Black Tony Hawk,” and how hip hop culture has fueled his style, his sound, and his next moves. From skating with Lil Wayne to linking up with hip hop icons like Ty Dolla $ign, he breaks down how music and skating have always been connected for him — and why both need real ones who rep the culture right. This one’s all about breaking barriers, inspiring the next generation, and keeping it real on and off the board. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices