Podcast
We Sound Crazy Podcast
Hosted by We Sound Crazy · EN
We Sound Crazy is your backstage pass to music and culture. Three music industry veterans and a music aficionado unlock the secrets of your favorite moments in entertainment and have one-on-one conversations with household names.
With the support of @visitmusiccity.
Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wesoundcrazy/
Follow on Twitter: https://twitter.com/wesoundcrazy/
43episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Travis Malloy on Vocal Producing Kim Burrell & Monica to Overcoming Industry Rejection
3d ago01:26:16Tap to summarizeJoin the Inner Circle. Crazy Crew, it’s time to level up. Get closer to the show, unlock exclusive content, and stay connected with us beyond the mic. Tap in below: - Join On YouTube Memberships: https://wesoundcrazy.ffm.to/youtubemembers - Join On Patreon: https://wesoundcrazy.ffm.to/patreon - Subscribe to Email & SMS: https://wesoundcrazy.ffm.to/jointhewesoundcrazy-emailandsms Listen on your favorite podcast service: https://pods.to/wesoundcrazy Stream songs from the episode on our official We Sound Crazy playlists: https://lnkfi.re/8I8Drkfz Grammy-nominated songwriter, producer, artist, and entrepreneur Travis Malloy joined the We Sound Crazy for an emotional, wide-ranging conversation about faith, perseverance, and the music industry. Known for bridging the worlds of gospel and R&B over a 15-year career, we honored Malloy live on air, presenting him with the We Sound Crazy Black Excellence Award. The hosts celebrated Malloy's unique ability to seamlessly dream up innovative concepts and execute them as a powerhouse independent creator—a journey he admits took immense courage, risk-taking, and survival through seasons of extreme financial and emotional lack. Malloy walkes down memory lane, reflecting on his Pittsburgh roots, where 1,500 people wrapped around the block for his 2009 debut album release party, Lift Him Up. He shared a series of exclusive, high-profile industry stories, from his early days being pushed into masterclass vocal production by gospel legend Dorinda Clark Cole, the very collaboration that earned him his first Grammy nomination, to becoming a fixture in the studio with Missy Elliott, vocal producing stars like Monica and Halle Bailey. Malloy also touched on the profound impact of timely industry mentorship, recalling a lifesaving, middle-of-the-night encouragement call from gospel legend Kirk Franklin during one of his lowest professional seasons, and a moment where Jonathan McReynolds stepped in to buy him a plane ticket to the Stellar Awards when he was down to his last hundred dollars. Central to the discussion was Malloy’s highly anticipated album, Favor, which features an elite lineup of vocal powerhouses including Kim Burrell, Le'Andria Johnson, Zacardi Cortez, and Ray J. Malloy revealed that the title track was actually written 15 years ago when he was behind on rent, emphasizing that songwriters must have the courage to write to their future rather than their current struggles. Beyond the music, Malloy highlighted his thriving entrepreneurial ventures, including the Urban Worship Collective and his highly successful luxury streetwear line, Millions, Billions and Trillions. He explained that the brand represents consciousness and mental elevation over mere currency, capping off an inspiring episode that showcased the resilient spirit behind one of modern gospel and R&B's brightest visionaries. We Sound Crazy is your backstage pass to all things music and culture. Special thanks to our We Sound Crazy team! Director: John Dierre Camera Op: Josh Sowemimo, James Hart, John Dierre Editor: Lamont Baldwin Producer: Aaron Walton, Lamont Baldwin Show Producer/Sound Mixer: Michael "Roux" Johnson Remixer: Anthony Falcone Assistant: Brittany Guydon Talent Producer: Isaac Hamm III Photography: Ah'meer Holt PA: Kaye Brasley, Tony Cole Thank you to all of our listeners and watchers! Special thanks to Travis Malloy! Subscribe to We Sound Crazy on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and anywhere you get your favorite podcast. Follow We Sound Crazy on Social Media: ~ Facebook: https://wesoundcrazy.ffm.to/wscfacebook ~ Instagram: https://wesoundcrazy.ffm.to/wscinstagram ~ Twitter: https://wesoundcrazy.ffm.to/wsctwitter ~ TikTok: https://wesoundcrazy.ffm.to/wsctiktok Subscribe to We Sound Crazy on YouTube: https://wesoundcrazy.ffm.to/wscyoutube-subscribe Visit the official We Sound Crazy website: https://wesoundcrazy.ffm.to/officialwebsite #WeSoundCrazy #TravisMalloy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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Shannon Wallace on Beauty in Black, Diara From Detroit and the Tyler Perry Machine
1w ago00:48:10Tap to summarizeListen on your favorite podcast service: https://pods.to/wesoundcrazy Crazy Crew, join our We Sound Crazy list: https://wesoundcrazy.ffm.to/jointhewesoundcrazy-emailandsms.OYD Stream songs from the episode on our official We Sound Crazy playlists: https://lnkfi.re/8I8Drkfz Shannon Wallace pulls up. The actor, model, photographer and filmmaker known for his standout turns as Calvin in Netflix's phenomenon Beauty in Black, DeAndre on BET+'s Diara From Detroit, and his role opposite Tyler Perry in Divorce in the Black joins hosts Phillionaire, Claude Kelly and Chuck Harmony of Louis York, and Tamone Bacon for a wide-ranging conversation about visibility, craft and building his own lane. Shannon breaks down the reality of the Tyler Perry machine (filming a whole feature in six days and shooting 100 pages a day), teases what fans can expect from a just-wrapped Diara From Detroit Season 2, revisits the "Mallory effect" that took over the internet, and explains how being a five-sport high school athlete turned social worker set him up to build slashes instead of waiting for the phone to ring. He walks the crew through his character-prep process (music as his Bucky code word, custom playlists for every era), gets into a spirited VA versus New York hip hop debate, drops his top five albums (Reasonable Doubt, Miseducation, To Pimp a Butterfly, plus a VA shout to Trey Songz's Trey Day), and previews his self-produced feature A Story About You, which just premiered at Slamdance and is headed to the American Black Film Festival next. Press play for one of the most intentional young multi-hyphenates in the culture, telling his story from every side of the camera. We Sound Crazy is your backstage pass to all things music and culture. Special thanks to our We Sound Crazy team! Director: Malachi Fuller Director of Photography: Neither Camera Op: Andrew Meyers, Derek Reed, Malachi Fuller, Neither Gaffer: Tyler Holmes Set Design: Gina Dorsey Producer/A2: Jerel Duren Editor: Hyyer Creative Producer: Lamont Baldwin, Aaron Walton Show Producer/Remixer: Michael "Roux" Johnson Assistant: Brittany Guydon Talent Producer: Micha "ML6" Logan Photography: Kirk McClain PA: Keylon Hall, Jonaye Anderson, Ryan Lee Thank you to all of our listeners, as well as our partners at Visit Music City. Special thanks to Shannon Wallace! Subscribe to We Sound Crazy on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and anywhere you get your favorite podcast. Follow We Sound Crazy on Social Media:~ Facebook: https://wesoundcrazy.ffm.to/wscfacebook~ Instagram: https://wesoundcrazy.ffm.to/wscinstagram~ Twitter: https://wesoundcrazy.ffm.to/wsctwitter~ TikTok: https://wesoundcrazy.ffm.to/wsctiktok Subscribe to We Sound Crazy on YouTube: https://wesoundcrazy.ffm.to/wscyoutube-subscribe Visit the official We Sound Crazy website: https://wesoundcrazy.ffm.to/officialwebsite #WeSoundCrazy #ShannonWallace #BeautyInBlack Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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Keith Robinson on Beyond the Gates, Dream Girls Backstage Secrets & New Album “Love Episodic 2”
2w ago01:09:15Tap to summarizeJoin the Inner Circle. Crazy Crew, it’s time to level up. Get closer to the show, unlock exclusive content, and stay connected with us beyond the mic. Tap in below: - Join On YouTube Memberships: https://wesoundcrazy.ffm.to/youtubemembers - Join On Patreon: https://wesoundcrazy.ffm.to/patreon - Subscribe to Email & SMS: https://wesoundcrazy.ffm.to/jointhewesoundcrazy-emailandsms Listen on your favorite podcast service: https://pods.to/wesoundcrazy Stream songs from the episode on our official We Sound Crazy playlists: https://lnkfi.re/8I8Drkfz This week on We Sound Crazy, we welcome the ultimate multi-hyphenate, Keith Robinson, for an extensive look back at his dynamic career spanning music, film, and television. From his early days as the Green Ranger in Power Rangers Lightspeed Rescue to staring in the iconic Oscar winning film, Dream Girls, Robinson shared how he has seamlessly navigated the entertainment industry. Reflecting on his breakout role in Dream Girls, he recalled the intense learning experience of working alongside legends like Eddie Murphy, Beyoncé, and Harvey Mason, noting how the project taught him what it truly means to create a timeless piece of art. The conversation quickly shifted to Robinson’s current television success as Dr. Ted Richardson on the hit daytime drama Beyond the Gates. He discussed the whirlwind casting process which entailed screen testing on a Friday and shooting lines by Monday. Richardson details what it has been like to step into a groundbreaking Black soap opera. Robinson praised the immense camaraderie among the cast and shared how he even managed to collide his musical and acting worlds by featuring his track "Forever Bay" on the show. Despite the incredibly fast-paced nature of daytime television, Robinson thrives in the environment, enjoying the instant feedback from dedicated fans on social media. Beyond acting, Robinson made it clear that music remains his first language and true passion. He dived deep into his newly released sophomore album, Love Episodic 2, describing the project as a personal diary shaped by life struggles, growth, divorce, and new beginnings. Listeners can even hear his own son's heartbeat embedded in the track "Right Here." Gearing up for a national tour, Robinson is eager to bring his storytelling to a live stage, using his theatrical background to create an intimate, dramatic musical experience that proves he is far more than just a face on a television screen. We Sound Crazy is your backstage pass to all things music and culture. Special thanks to our We Sound Crazy team! Director: John Dierre Camera Op: Josh Sowemimo, James Hart, John Dierre Editor: Lamont Baldwin Producer: Aaron Walton, Lamont Baldwin Show Producer/Sound Mixer: Michael "Roux" Johnson Remixer: Anthony Falcone Assistant: Brittany Guydon Talent Producer: Isaac Hamm III Photography: Ah'meer Holt PA: Kaye Brasley, Tony Cole Thank you to all of our listeners and watchers! Special thanks to Keith Robinson! Subscribe to We Sound Crazy on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and anywhere you get your favorite podcast. Follow We Sound Crazy on Social Media: ~ Facebook: https://wesoundcrazy.ffm.to/wscfacebook ~ Instagram: https://wesoundcrazy.ffm.to/wscinstagram ~ Twitter: https://wesoundcrazy.ffm.to/wsctwitter ~ TikTok: https://wesoundcrazy.ffm.to/wsctiktok Subscribe to We Sound Crazy on YouTube: https://wesoundcrazy.ffm.to/wscyoutube-subscribe Visit the official We Sound Crazy website: https://wesoundcrazy.ffm.to/officialwebsite #WeSoundCrazy #KeithRobinson #BeyondTheGates Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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Omarion on O2, B2K Brotherhood, the Millennium Tour and Forgiveness
3w ago00:49:05Tap to summarizeListen on your favorite podcast service: https://pods.to/wesoundcrazy Crazy Crew, join our We Sound Crazy list: https://wesoundcrazy.ffm.to/jointhewesoundcrazy-emailandsms.OYD Stream songs from the episode on our official We Sound Crazy playlists: https://lnkfi.re/8I8Drkfz Omarion is back. The R&B icon, dance king and B2K frontman returns to We Sound Crazy for one of the most joyful, grown and reflective conversations of the season. Sitting with hosts Phillionaire, Claude Kelly and Chuck Harmony of Louis York, and Tamone Bacon, Omarion comes in talking about his brand new album O2, a deliberate sequel and 20-year answer to his 2005 solo debut O. He walks the crew through the singles The One (built off a Pharrell Williams sample) and Fantasy (a love letter to the divine feminine), the new generation of writers he chose to work with, and why he is more intentional than ever about energy, mental health and the people he lets into the studio. The conversation also goes deep on the spiritual layer he is building under his music, including sound baths, meditation and the philosophy behind his book The Power of Choosing Joy. The episode runs back two full decades of his career too. Omarion revisits his first ever booked job (the moment he decided not to take his braids out for the audition), the You Got Served era that crowned him King of Dance, the B2K mini-movie videos inspired by Michael Jackson, and the legendary Underdogs era at the same studio that birthed the song Oh when Tank walked down the hallway and told him he needed it. He gets emotional about the B2K reunion and the Millennium Tour, breaking down the atonement and forgiveness behind the group's comeback, the family man versions of his brothers Boog, Raz, and Fizz, and how stepping back on stage together helped them heal childhood traumas in real time. He talks the mentors he calls and the ones he wishes he could (Pharrell, Rick Rubin, Jay Z, Kevin Liles), his partnership with Janine McLean, his action drama series Wild Rose on All Black, and his commitment to becoming what he calls a soul school for the next generation. Press play and let Omarion take you to soul school. We Sound Crazy is your backstage pass to all things music and culture. Special thanks to our We Sound Crazy team! Director: John Dierre Camera Op: Josh Sowemimo, James Hart, John Dierre Editor: Tony Cole Producer: Aaron Walton, Lamont Baldwin Show Producer/Sound Mixer: Michael "Roux" Johnson Remixer: Anthony Falcone Assistant: Brittany Guydon Talent Producer: Isaac Hamm III Photography: Ah'meer Holt PA: Kaye Brasley, Tony Cole Thank you to all of our listeners, as well as our partners at Visit Music City. Special thanks to Omarion! Subscribe to We Sound Crazy on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and anywhere you get your favorite podcast. Follow We Sound Crazy on Social Media: ~ Facebook: https://wesoundcrazy.ffm.to/wscfacebook~ Instagram: https://wesoundcrazy.ffm.to/wscinstagram~ Twitter: https://wesoundcrazy.ffm.to/wsctwitter~ TikTok: https://wesoundcrazy.ffm.to/wsctiktok Subscribe to We Sound Crazy on YouTube: https://wesoundcrazy.ffm.to/wscyoutube-subscribe Visit the official We Sound Crazy website: https://wesoundcrazy.ffm.to/officialwebsite #WeSoundCrazy #Omarion #O2 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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Carlos King on Keyshia Cole Cussing Him Out, Encore, and Beyoncé vs Michael Jackson | We Sound Crazy
4w ago01:14:55Tap to summarizeJoin the Inner Circle. Crazy Crew, it's time to level up. Get closer to the show, unlock exclusive content, and stay connected with us beyond the mic. Tap in below: ~ Join On YouTube Memberships: https://wesoundcrazy.ffm.to/youtubemembers ~ Join On Patreon: https://wesoundcrazy.ffm.to/patreon ~ Subscribe to Email & SMS: https://wesoundcrazy.ffm.to/jointhewesoundcrazy-emailandsms Listen on your favorite podcast service: https://pods.to/wesoundcrazy Stream songs from the episode on our official We Sound Crazy playlists: https://lnkfi.re/8I8Drkfz The We Sound Crazy family rolls out the red carpet this week for the self-proclaimed musical genius and undisputed King of Reality TV himself, Carlos King. Joining hosts Philionaire, Claude Kelly and Chuck Harmony of Louis York, and Tamone Bacon, the Detroit-born mastermind behind Belle Collective, Love & Marriage: Huntsville, Bold & Bougie, Grown and Gospel, and a long list of other franchises pulls up to set the record straight on the "Black Andy Cohen" comparison, his deep love for music, and why his ear for talent runs in the family (his father played saxophone for The Dramatics before walking away from the road to raise ten kids). The conversation moves fast and pulls no punches. Carlos relives the now-legendary moment when a young Keyshia Cole cussed him out on a 106 & Park red carpet while he was still a PA reading questions off a producer's clipboard. He breaks down why Keyshia, Tamar Braxton, and Cardi B set the blueprint for using reality television to launch and protect a music career, and names exactly which current artists (Normani, Chloe Bailey, Victoria Monet, Durand Bernarr) he believes should be lacing up their boots for the same play. Then the gloves come off. Carlos walks us through the rise and stall of The Encore, his beloved BET girl-group experiment that he calls top two of his entire career, lays out the four reasons girl groups can't survive (ego, men, management, work ethic), and shares why Chloe x Halle splitting too early still bothers him. From there he flexes his Mount Rushmore of gospel singers (Kirk Franklin, Yolanda Adams, Shirley Caesar, Aretha Franklin), defends Amazing Grace as Aretha's untouchable peak, and explains why he plays gospel every morning without fail. He also weighs in on why he believes today's R&B falls in comparison to the '90s, why too many singers have never set foot in a church, and why he no longer goes to concerts (his words: lip-syncing, no choreography, no production, no Frank Gatson). Now without further ado, hit that play button and jump into this episode! We Sound Crazy is your backstage pass to all things music and culture. Special thanks to our We Sound Crazy team! Director: John Dierre Camera Op: Josh Sowemimo, James Hart, John Dierre Sound Mixer: Derrick Chin Editing Team: Hyyer Creative Show Producer: Michael “Roux” Johnson Producer: Aaron Walton, Lamont Baldwin Assistant: Brittany Guydon Talent Producer: Isaac Hamm III Photography: Ah'meer Holt PA: Kaye Brasley, Tony Cole Thank you to all of our listeners, as well as our partners at Visit Music City. Special thanks to Carlos King! Subscribe to We Sound Crazy on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and anywhere you get your favorite podcast. Follow We Sound Crazy on Social Media: ~ Facebook: https://wesoundcrazy.ffm.to/wscfacebook ~ Instagram: https://wesoundcrazy.ffm.to/wscinstagram ~ Twitter: https://wesoundcrazy.ffm.to/wsctwitter ~ TikTok: https://wesoundcrazy.ffm.to/wsctiktok Subscribe to We Sound Crazy on YouTube: https://wesoundcrazy.ffm.to/wscyoutube-subscribe Visit the official We Sound Crazy website: https://wesoundcrazy.ffm.to/officialwebsite #WeSoundCrazy #CarlosKing Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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The Godfather of Funk on AI, Afrofuturism and the Future of Black Music
4w ago01:11:01Tap to summarizeJoin the Inner Circle. Crazy Crew, it’s time to level up. Get closer to the show, unlock exclusive content, and stay connected with us beyond the mic. Tap in below: - Join On YouTube Memberships: https://wesoundcrazy.ffm.to/youtubemembers - Join On Patreon: https://wesoundcrazy.ffm.to/patreon Listen on your favorite podcast service: https://pods.to/wesoundcrazy Crazy Crew, join our We Sound Crazy list: https://wesoundcrazy.ffm.to/jointhewesoundcrazy-emailandsms.OYD Stream songs from the episode on our official We Sound Crazy playlists: https://lnkfi.re/8I8Drkfz A living legend steps inside a museum. We Sound Crazy goes live from the National Museum of African American Music in downtown Nashville for one of the most important conversations in show history, sitting down with the Godfather of Funk himself, George Clinton. For more than 60 years, Clinton has pushed the boundaries of creativity, imagination and sound. Through Parliament Funkadelic, he created an entire universe pioneered by the P-Funk movement, helped define Afrofuturism, and laid the foundation for generations of artists across funk, R&B, hip hop and beyond. A Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee, Grammy Lifetime Achievement recipient, and one of the most sampled artists in music history, Clinton sits with hosts Phillionaire, Claude Kelly and Chuck Harmony of Louis York, and Tamone Bacon for a wide-ranging conversation about funk, culture, business and legacy. In a first for We Sound Crazy, he is also presented with the inaugural WSC Vanguard Award, a new honor created to celebrate trailblazers whose impact reshaped the entire landscape of Black music. The conversation moves everywhere the man has been. Clinton revisits the doo-wop and Motown years and explains why failing charm school is exactly what set Parliament Funkadelic free to invent the funk. He breaks down Bootsy Collins, Bernie Worrell and the Minimoog, the night 100,000 Afros bounced at Soldier Field, the bar mitzvah melody that secretly became Flashlight, and how the barbershop in Newark, New Jersey is responsible for 98 percent of his songwriting process. He talks Kendrick Lamar, his dream collaboration with D'Angelo, Prince and Sly Stone, what he tried to get Snoop to do with a royalty statement party, his mentorship of Prince, and the copyright recapture fight he is leading through his nonprofit Protecting Our Legacy. He also reveals he is in Nashville right now because a brand new Mothership is being built in the city, ready to fly at the Essence Festival in New Orleans on July 5th. And he addresses the question every artist is wrestling with right now: artificial intelligence, what he saw coming in 1977 with Funkentelechy, and why he is more interested in making AI funky than he is afraid of it. Press play for one of the most important voices in music history, in his own words, on his own time. We Sound Crazy is your backstage pass to all things music and culture. Special thanks to our We Sound Crazy team! Director: Aaron Walton Director of Photography: Aaron Walton Camera Op: Aaron Walton, Michael Johnson Jr. Editor: Hyyer Creative Producer: Aaron Walton Audio: Trey Smith Audio Photography: Darius Jones Thank you to all of our listeners, as well as our partners at Visit Music City, and a special thanks to the National Museum of African American Music for hosting this conversation. Shout out to Tanisha Nelson, Vivian Chu, Reggie Hudlin and Byron Phillips for making this moment a reality. Special thanks to George Clinton! Subscribe to We Sound Crazy on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and anywhere you get your favorite podcast. Follow We Sound Crazy on Social Media:~ Facebook: https://wesoundcrazy.ffm.to/wscfacebook~ Instagram: https://wesoundcrazy.ffm.to/wscinstagram~ Twitter: https://wesoundcrazy.ffm.to/wsctwitter~ TikTok: https://wesoundcrazy.ffm.to/wsctiktok Subscribe to We Sound Crazy on YouTube: https://wesoundcrazy.ffm.to/wscyoutube-subscribe Visit the official We Sound Crazy website: https://wesoundcrazy.ffm.to/officialwebsite #WeSoundCrazy #GeorgeClinton #PFunk Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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Keri Hilson on “Pretty Girl Rock”, Britney Spears, Her R&B Return, and Ghost-Singing "Ice Box"
Jun 1801:36:54Tap to summarizeJoin the Inner Circle. Crazy Crew, it’s time to level up. Get closer to the show, unlock exclusive content, and stay connected with us beyond the mic. Tap in below: - Join On YouTube Memberships: https://wesoundcrazy.ffm.to/youtubemembers - Join On Patreon: https://wesoundcrazy.ffm.to/patreon - Subscribe to Email & SMS: https://wesoundcrazy.ffm.to/jointhewesoundcrazy-emailandsms Listen on your favorite podcast service: https://pods.to/wesoundcrazy Stream songs from the episode on our official We Sound Crazy playlists: https://lnkfi.re/8I8Drkfz We’re back this week with the Pretty Girl herslelf, the multi-platinum, Grammy-winning singer, songwriter, and actress, Keri Hilson. Hosts Chuck Harmony and Claude Kelly of the genre-defining band, Louis York, sit down with the icon for an intimate, deeply reflective conversation that spans her legendary 20+ year journey in the music industry. From her early days as a teenage prodigy and powerhouse weapon of the elite writing collective The Clutch, to shaping global hits for artists like Britney Spears, Mary J. Blige, and Usher, Hilson peels back the layers on the intense pressure cooker of being a dominant force behind the scenes before stepping directly into the solo spotlight with massive anthems like "Pretty Girl Rock" and "Knock You Down." Nothing is left off the table as Hilson opens up about the devastating heartbreak and depression that followed her meteoric rise, detailing a period of profound "radio silence" where she felt deeply betrayed by her own dreams. She shares her raw, inspiring journey of clawing her way back to the light through spiritual retreats, journaling, and a relentless fight to reclaim her creative hunger. The trio explores her triumphant return with her visually stunning trilogy project (We Need to Talk Love, We Need to Talk Drama, We Need to Talk Redemption), a truthful "me versus me" body of work that re-establishes her voice on her own terms. With incredible behind-the-scenes revelations including how she and Ezekiel Lewis secretly catfished the world on Omarion's "Ice Box" vocals along with sharp, unfiltered critiques on the current state of music industry sonics and cancel culture, this episode is a masterclass in resilience and artistic integrity. Ultimately, Hilson’s story is one of reclaiming her crown, finding profound gratitude in her design, and extending the same grace to herself that she has given to the world. Pull up a chair for a backstage pass to a beautiful, full-circle moment of healing and ultimate redemption. We Sound Crazy is your backstage pass to all things music and culture. Special thanks to our We Sound Crazy team! Director: John Dierre Camera Op: Josh Sowemimo, James Hart, John Dierre Editor/Gaffer: Tony Cole Producer: Aaron Walton, Lamont Baldwin Show Producer/Sound Mixer: Michael "Roux" Johnson Remixer: Anthony Falcone Assistant: Brittany Guydon Talent Producer: Isaac Hamm III Photography: Ah'meer Holt PA: Kaye Brasley Thank you to all of our listeners and watchers! Special thanks to Keri Hilson! Subscribe to We Sound Crazy on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and anywhere you get your favorite podcast. Follow We Sound Crazy on Social Media: ~ Facebook: https://wesoundcrazy.ffm.to/wscfacebook ~ Instagram: https://wesoundcrazy.ffm.to/wscinstagram ~ Twitter: https://wesoundcrazy.ffm.to/wsctwitter ~ TikTok: https://wesoundcrazy.ffm.to/wsctiktok Subscribe to We Sound Crazy on YouTube: https://wesoundcrazy.ffm.to/wscyoutube-subscribe Visit the official We Sound Crazy website: https://wesoundcrazy.ffm.to/officialwebsite #WeSoundCrazy #KeriHilson Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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Tricky Stewart on His Musical Family DNA, Louis Silas Jr., The-Dream Partnership & Making Smashes
Jun 1101:30:30Tap to summarizeJoin the Inner Circle. Crazy Crew, it’s time to level up. Get closer to the show, unlock exclusive content, and stay connected with us beyond the mic. Tap in below: - Join On YouTube Memberships: https://wesoundcrazy.ffm.to/youtubemembers - Join On Patreon: https://wesoundcrazy.ffm.to/patreon - Subscribe to Email & SMS: https://wesoundcrazy.ffm.to/jointhewesoundcrazy-emailandsms Listen on your favorite podcast service: https://pods.to/wesoundcrazy Stream songs from the episode on our official We Sound Crazy playlists: https://lnkfi.re/8I8Drkfz On this week’s episode of We Sound Crazy, the phenomenal Christopher "Tricky" Stewart—the mastermind producer, songwriter, and musical architect behind era-defining hits like Rihanna’s "Umbrella," Beyoncé’s "Single Ladies," and Justin Bieber’s "Baby" joins the crew. Recorded at his beautiful Sessions facility in Atlanta, Georgia, Tricky sits down with hosts Phillionaire along with Claude Kelly and Chuck Harmony of Louis York for an intimate, master-class level conversation about his legacy, his creative process, and what it truly means to lead the music industry. Fresh off the announcement of his induction into the prestigious We Sound Crazy Songwriters Hall of Fame, Tricky opens up about what this ultimate honor means to a behind-the-scenes creator, viewing it as the pinnacle recognition for a lifetime dedicated to the craft of songs. Throughout the episode, Tricky takes listeners on a deep dive into his rich musical DNA, sharing how his unique approach to hooks and efficiency was forged in a powerhouse Chicago family that created iconic advertising jingles by day, hit records by night, and praised the Lord on Sundays. He reflects on his early industry breaks under the mentorship of the late legendary A&R, Louis Silas Jr., and his eventual move to Atlanta under L.A. Reid, where he learned the grueling realities of making records that don't just top charts, but actively shift global pop culture. He also shares a rare look into his legendary, brotherhood and partnership with The-Dream, breaking down their lightning-in-a-bottle studio chemistry and revealing how their creative "happy rubs" birthed unprecedented musical magic. Spanning over three decades of undeniable greatness, this candid conversation goes far beyond a standard interview. Tricky shares profound wisdom on maintaining emotional intelligence, staying fluid in a changing industry, and navigating the differences between a standard hit and a culture-shattering smash. From his meticulously crafted work on the Burlesque film soundtrack with Christina Aguilera to his relentless pursuit of the next world-dominating international superstar, Tricky proves why his name belongs on the Mount Rushmore of modern music. It is an unforgettable, gem-filled episode dedicated to giving an absolute icon his well-deserved flowers. We Sound Crazy is your backstage pass to all things music and culture. Special thanks to our We Sound Crazy team! Director: John Dierre Camera Op: Josh Sowemimo, James Hart, John Dierre Editor: Lamont Baldwin Producer: Aaron Walton, Lamont Baldwin Show Producer/Remixer: Michael "Roux" Johnson Assistant: Brittany Guydon Talent Producer: Isaac Hamm III Photography: Ah'meer Holt PA: Kaye Brasley, Tony Cole Thank you to all of our listeners and watchers! Special thanks to Tricky Stewart! Subscribe to We Sound Crazy on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and anywhere you get your favorite podcast. Follow We Sound Crazy on Social Media: ~ Facebook: https://wesoundcrazy.ffm.to/wscfacebook ~ Instagram: https://wesoundcrazy.ffm.to/wscinstagram ~ Twitter: https://wesoundcrazy.ffm.to/wsctwitter ~ TikTok: https://wesoundcrazy.ffm.to/wsctiktok Subscribe to We Sound Crazy on YouTube: https://wesoundcrazy.ffm.to/wscyoutube-subscribe Visit the official We Sound Crazy website: https://wesoundcrazy.ffm.to/officialwebsite #WeSoundCrazy #TrickyStewart Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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L.A. Reid Part 2: Hiring Jay-Z, Meeting Rihanna, Hits with Louis York, & the Def Jam Money Team
Jun 400:54:43Tap to summarizeJoin the Inner Circle. Crazy Crew, it’s time to level up. Get closer to the show, unlock exclusive content, and stay connected with us beyond the mic. Tap in below: - Join On YouTube Memberships: https://wesoundcrazy.ffm.to/youtubemembers - Join On Patreon: https://wesoundcrazy.ffm.to/patreon - Subscribe to Email & SMS: https://wesoundcrazy.ffm.to/jointhewesoundcrazy-emailandsms Listen on your favorite podcast service: https://pods.to/wesoundcrazy Stream songs from the episode on our official We Sound Crazy playlists: https://lnkfi.re/8I8Drkfz The masterclass continues in part two of this epic two-part release, as the incomparable Antonio "L.A." Reid sits back down with the We Sound Crazy crew. Joining hosts Philionaire, Claude Kelly and Chuck Harmony of Louis York, and Tamone Bacon, the music mogul takes listeners even deeper into the golden eras of his career. In this installment, the conversation turns toward the hitmaking powerhouse that was Island Def Jam, an era Reid highlights as one of his most memorable and competitive chapters. He breaks down the high-stakes environment of his A&R room, recalling how he built a "money team" of brilliant music executives and trusted his inner circle so completely that it birthed a historic string of global superstars, from Rihanna and Justin Bieber to Ne-Yo and a legendary comeback era for Mariah Carey. The episode pulls back the curtain on one of the most iconic executive hires in music history: Reid’s decision to bring in Jay-Z as the president of Def Jam. In a fascinating behind-the-scenes revelation, Reid credits Mariah Carey for calling him directly with the genius suggestion to quiet the New York hip-hop community's undercurrent of skepticism. He shares his immense respect for Jay-Z, describing him as true royalty alongside figures like Nelson Mandela and Barack Obama for his ability to shift the energy of a room. The crew also reflects on how Reid orchestrated bringing Claude Kelly and Chuck Harmony together in Atlanta via A&R Steve Ferrara, resulting in timeless hits like "Fragile" and "Blame It on Me" for Chrisette Michele's chart-topping number one album, Epiphany. Rounding out the legendary sit-down, the hosts honors Reid with the show's official Trailblazer Award to celebrate his monumental impact on the entertainment landscape. Transitioning from executive talk to personal passions, the conversation winds down with an exclusive peek into his high-end taste, as Reid details his love for custom craftsmanship, what his personal vinyl collection looks like, and the exact bottles of wine he’d bring to a Nashville gathering. Authentic, transparent, and loaded with music history, this concluding half with L.A. Reid serves as the ultimate blueprint for extracting greatness and fighting for the purity of the art form. We Sound Crazy is your backstage pass to all things music and culture. Special thanks to our We Sound Crazy team! Director: Malachi Fuller Director of Photography: Neither Camera Op: Andrew Meyers, Derek Reed, Malachi Fuller, Neither Gaffer: Tyler Holmes Set Design: Gina Dorsey Producer/A2: Jerel Duren Editor: Hyyer Creative Producer: Lamont Baldwin, Aaron Walton Show Producer/Remixer: Michael "Roux" Johnson Assistant: Brittany Guydon Talent Producer: Micha "ML6" Logan Photography: Kirk McClain PA: Keylon Hall, Jonaye Anderson, Ryan Lee Thank you to all of our listeners and watchers! Special thanks to Antonio "L.A." Reid! Subscribe to We Sound Crazy on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and anywhere you get your favorite podcast. Follow We Sound Crazy on Social Media: ~ Facebook: https://wesoundcrazy.ffm.to/wscfacebook ~ Instagram: https://wesoundcrazy.ffm.to/wscinstagram ~ Twitter: https://wesoundcrazy.ffm.to/wsctwitter ~ TikTok: https://wesoundcrazy.ffm.to/wsctiktok Subscribe to We Sound Crazy on YouTube: https://wesoundcrazy.ffm.to/wscyoutube-subscribe Visit the official We Sound Crazy website: https://wesoundcrazy.ffm.to/officialwebsite #WeSoundCrazy #L.A.Reid Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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L.A. Reid Part 1: Spotting Star Power (Usher & Outkast), the AI Future, & Launching Mega with Usher
Jun 101:08:09Tap to summarizeJoin the Inner Circle. Crazy Crew, it’s time to level up. Get closer to the show, unlock exclusive content, and stay connected with us beyond the mic. Tap in below: - Join On YouTube Memberships: https://wesoundcrazy.ffm.to/youtubemembers - Join On Patreon: https://wesoundcrazy.ffm.to/patreon - Subscribe to Email & SMS: https://wesoundcrazy.ffm.to/jointhewesoundcrazy-emailandsms Listen on your favorite podcast service: https://pods.to/wesoundcrazy Stream songs from the episode on our official We Sound Crazy playlists: https://lnkfi.re/8I8Drkfz In part one of this special two-part release, the We Sound Crazy podcast welcomes a true titan of the music industry: the legendary Antonio "L.A." Reid. Rising to prominence as the dynamic drummer for the hitmaking 1980s R&B band The Deal, Reid seamlessly transitioned from the stage to the boardroom, cementing his status as a visionary producer, iconic songwriter, and major label force. Throughout his illustrious career, his taste and leadership guided the culture as the co-founder of LaFace Records, and later as the chairman and CEO of some of the most powerful major labels in music history, including Arista, Island Def Jam, and Epic Records. Bringing his journey full-circle, he continues to nurture the next generation of musical innovators through Mega, his powerful label venture launched in partnership with global superstar Usher. Joining hosts Philionaire, Claude Kelly and Chuck Harmony of Louis York, and Tamone Bacon, Reid engages in an open, free-flowing conversation about what it takes to shape the sound of a generation. Right from the jump, the chemistry is electric as Reid jokingly auditions to become the podcast's official fifth cast member, setting a warm and celebratory tone for an episode dedicated to giving an industry hero his well-deserved flowers. This first installment dives straight into the mind of a musical architect, exploring Reid's eclectic taste in music and his enduring philosophy on talent. The hosts cue up special video questions from fans, prompting Reid to share his candid thoughts on everything from his dream biopic casting to how he embraces AI as the next evolutionary tool for creatives and drawing a fascinating parallel to his own early days mastering the drum machine in the 1980s. He also pulls back the curtain on his legendary ability to spot undeniable star power, describing how true icons "move the air" the moment they step into a room. As the conversation unfolds, listeners are treated to an inside look at the history-making partnerships that defined an era. Reid reflects on his early days with Kenny "Babyface" Edmonds in The Deal, surviving on "pride and being broke" while studying the mastery of Prince and Luther Vandross. The episode highlights the magical intuition behind some of his biggest triumphs, including the unorthodox breaking of Toni Braxton via the Boomerang soundtrack. Grounded in a deep, mutual respect for the craft, this first part captures the essence of a man who never let boxes define him, cementing a legacy built entirely on an uncompromising love for music. We Sound Crazy is your backstage pass to all things music and culture. Special thanks to our We Sound Crazy team! Director: Malachi Fuller Director of Photography: Neither Camera Op: Andrew Meyers, Derek Reed, Malachi Fuller, Neither Gaffer: Tyler Holmes Set Design: Gina Dorsey Producer/A2: Jerel Duren Editor: Hyyer Creative Producer: Lamont Baldwin, Aaron Walton Show Producer/Remixer: Michael "Roux" Johnson Assistant: Brittany Guydon Talent Producer: Micha "ML6" Logan Photography: Kirk McClain PA: Keylon Hall, Jonaye Anderson, Ryan Lee Thank you to all of our listeners and watchers! Special thanks to Antonio "L.A." Reid! Subscribe to We Sound Crazy on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and anywhere you get your favorite podcast. Follow We Sound Crazy on Social Media: ~ Facebook: https://wesoundcrazy.ffm.to/wscfacebook ~ Instagram: https://wesoundcrazy.ffm.to/wscinstagram ~ Twitter: https://wesoundcrazy.ffm.to/wsctwitter ~ TikTok: https://wesoundcrazy.ffm.to/wsctiktok Subscribe to We Sound Crazy on YouTube: https://wesoundcrazy.ffm.to/wscyoutube-subscribe Visit the official We Sound Crazy website: https://wesoundcrazy.ffm.to/officialwebsite #WeSoundCrazy #AntonioL.A.Reid Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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