THE MUSIC SNOBS

The 35th Anniversary of Janet Jackson’s Control

More than three decades ago, Janet Jackson dropped an album that changed us all without changing anything about itself. As we approach Control’s 35th anniversary, The Music Snobs wonder if this seminal work of art is the first unapologetically Black crossover that didn’t change a damn thing to appeal to the mainstream. Things get even more interesting when the Snobs examine Control’s range and debate whether or not Janet’s slow jams define her as much as her dance tracks. Next, the crew acknowledges that nothing compares to Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis, but still asks: what other ’80s producers could have given Janet gold? Join TMS for an episode that honors one of music’s most iconic albums.

Can Music Live Without Live Music?

Your favorite music journalist’s favorite music Snobs are back—and this time, they brought a guest. Legendary journalist and author Nelson George joins Arthur, Scoop, Isaac, and Jehan to explore the perilous state of live music performance, its recent past, and its endangered future. Can the art of music evolve without the presence of live performance to push it forward? Did technology threaten live music even before the pandemic? To help answer these questions, the crew dives into the culture of music festivals, YouTube, and more. And just to keep things interesting, the episode includes a wild debate that examines a chosen artist’s studio output versus their own live performances. And which artists did the Snobs choose? Aretha Franklin and Public Enemy. Special Guest: Nelson George.

Bill Withers

He was the everyman who spoke for Black men. He turned up his blue collar against the winds of change and remained a straight talker at every turn. He courted no glitz and evoked no glamor. His songwriting was threaded with the yarns of griots and represented the fabric of his people. His voice reverberated against the walls of love and longing, and often managed to break through. He turned complex emotion into simple truth. Bill Withers was the personification of Black music. Join The Music Snobs as we explore his genius and look at the future of his legend.

Does God Make Better Music?

On a very sanctified yet extremely secular episode of The Music Snobs, the crew sits down to discuss spirituality in music and whether or not God makes the greatest groove. From Soul and R&B, to Hip-Hop, Jazz, Pop, and Funk: the Snobs breakdown and debate about the influence a higher power can have over the power of music. Put on your Sunday best and meet The Music Snobs at the church, the mosque, and the temple, and get ready for an episode that’s sure to rock the pews and make you want to donate to the building fund.

A Tribe Called Quest

In the 30 years since A Tribe Called Quest dropped their debut LP—People’s Instinctive Travels and the Paths of Rhythm—the group’s iconic status has become unquestionable. But on this episode of TMS, Scoop, Isaac, Jehan and Arthur get together to explore a more controversial title: Is A Tribe Called Quest the most important group in hip-hop history? Get ready for a compelling, all out debate that covers everyone from The Pharcyde to Dilla to Kendrick Lamar, while taking the time to investigate the brilliance that has defined ATCQ for three decades—and counting.