We Sound Crazy Podcast

Listen on your favorite podcast service: https://pods.to/wesoundcrazy Join our We Sound Crazy email list: https://ffm.link/wsc-signup Stream songs from the episode on our official We Sound Crazy playlists: https://lnkfi.re/8I8Drkfz Welcome to another episode of We Sound Crazy, your official backstage pass to all things music and culture!  This week, we are honored to welcome R&B-Pop icon, Grammy Award-winning singer, songwriter, and genius, Ne-Yo to the podcast.  In this extensive conversation, Ne-Yo shares insights from his remarkable 20-year career, discussing his approach to touring then versus now, emphasizing his commitment to live performances over lip-syncing.  He reflects on the recent "Mary J. Blige Strength of a Woman Tour" with special guest Mario, highlighting the amazing experience and the powerful moment of performing "You Should Let Me Love You" with Mario for the first time.  Ne-Yo delves into his early career, including his challenging experience with Columbia Records and the creative freedom he found at Def Jam under L.A. Reid, which shaped his debut album.   He discusses the evolution of R&B, the importance of male vulnerability in songwriting, and how it is a subject matter he still wishes to explore in his music. He and Chuck Harmony recount the serendipitous story of their first collaboration, which sparked Harmony's career and led to Ne-Yo writing hits for Céline Dion, Mary J. Blige, and Janet Jackson in a single night!  Ne-Yo also shares the creation process behind his own hits like "So Sick" and "Closer," revealing how L.A. Reid strategically planned the release of "Stay" before "So Sick" as a "jab before the knockout punch."  He recounts the surprising origin of Beyoncé's "Flaws and All," initially intended for Britney Spears, and how Rihanna’s "Good Girl Gone Bad" album also came from songs originally written for Britney.  Ne-Yo shares his desire to collaborate with Stevie Wonder, who, along with Michael Jackson, influenced his acceptance of his own voice.  He also tells the wild story of his group Envy's disastrous performance on Showtime at the Apollo.  Finally, Ne-Yo addresses his personal life, discussing his decision to be open about his polyamorous relationships and offering candid advice on honesty and living authentically.  This is one for the books! So you don't want to miss it.  Stop what every else you're doing and press play now! We Sound Crazy is your backstage pass to all things music and culture. Special thanks to our We Sound Crazy team! Director: Aaron Walton Camera Op: Darius Jones, Aaron Walton Editing: Lamont Baldwin Producer: Aaron Walton Show Producer/Remixer: Michael "Roux" Johnson Assistant: Brittany Guydon Photography: Darius Jones  Thank you to all of our listeners, as well as our partners at Visit Music City.   Special thanks to Ne-Yo and the Compound Entertainment team! 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 #Ne-Yo Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices [https://megaphone.fm/adchoices]

We Sound Crazy welcomes television and music pioneer Stephen Hill — the legendary executive behind some of the most iconic moments in Black entertainment culture. From shaping BET’s golden era with shows like 106 & Park, BET Awards, and Rap City, to his impact as a music industry tastemaker, Hill brings decades of experience, insight, and incredible stories to the table. In this episode, the We Sound Crazy crew dives into Stephen’s remarkable journey—from boardrooms to backstage, from the evolution of Black music on TV to the future of entertainment. Stephen shares the incredible story of how he managed to land Beyoncé for the 2016 BET Awards by personally showing up at her Formation World Tour dates, often the only executive present, determined to find a way for her to say yes. He also recounts the unforgettable moment at the 2007 BET Awards when Jennifer Hudson and Jennifer Holliday performed "And I'm Not Telling You I'm Not Going" – a performance made even more special by the fact that it was the very first time the two singers met, a meeting orchestrated despite film studio restrictions. With his signature wit, wisdom, and candor, Stephen opens up about these career highlights, cultural milestones, and the power of authentic storytelling. Don’t miss this electric conversation with one of the industry’s most influential voices. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices [https://megaphone.fm/adchoices]

Listen on your favorite podcast service: https://pods.to/wesoundcrazy Join our We Sound Crazy email list: https://ffm.link/wsc-signup Stream songs from the episode on our official We Sound Crazy playlists: https://lnkfi.re/8I8Drkfz Get ready for a masterclass in musical innovation! This week on the We Sound Crazy Podcast, we're thrilled to welcome none other than Grammy-winning pianist, composer, and bandleader, Robert Glasper. Known for his genre-bending artistry that seamlessly blends jazz, hip-hop, R&B, and soul, Glasper has redefined modern music with his groundbreaking "Black Radio" series and collaborations with everyone from Kendrick Lamar to Erykah Badu. Join Phil, Tamone, Claude, and Chuck as they delve into Glasper's unparalleled career, his unique approach to creation, and the stories behind some of his most iconic tracks. You won't want to miss this insightful and inspiring conversation with one of the most influential musicians of our 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 Camera Op: Bryan Williams, Aaron Walton Editing: Lamont Baldwin Producer: Aaron Walton Show Producer/Remixer: Michael "Roux" Johnson Assistant: Brittany Guydon Photography: Darius Jones   Thank you to all of our listeners, as well as our partners at Visit Music City.   Special thanks to Robert Glasper! 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 #RobertGlasper Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices [https://megaphone.fm/adchoices]

Listen on your favorite podcast service: https://pods.to/wesoundcrazy Join our We Sound Crazy email list: https://ffm.link/wsc-signup Stream songs from the episode on our official We Sound Crazy playlists: https://lnkfi.re/8I8Drkfz This week on We Sound Crazy, we’re joined by the powerhouse vocalist, actor, and all-around creative force Luke James. From humble beginnings to Hollywood and beyond, Luke takes us on a journey through his multidimensional career. From penning hits for music icons like Beyoncé and Chris Brown to captivating audiences on screen in shows like The Chi and Star, Luke has mastered the art of storytelling through both sound and performance. He shares how a fateful introduction to Tyrese jump-started his music journey and opened doors to the industry.  Luke reflects on the transformative experience of portraying Johnny Gill in the acclaimed New Edition Story — a role that not only deepened his artistry but reignited his passion for music, especially after working closely with the legendary Babyface.  Now, with new music on the horizon, Luke is tapping into a fresh creative chapter—one that’s as soulful and fearless as ever. And of course, he bodied our signature segment, "Take It To The Bridge," delivering a moment that had the whole room speechless.  You don’t want to miss this unforgettable episode with Luke James—an artist who continues to evolve, inspire, and take us higher.  Press Play!!   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: James Hart, Kenny Cochran, John Dierre Editing: Lamont Baldwin Sound Mixer: Sbarina Cedeno Producer: Aaron Walton 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, as well as our partners at Visit Music City.   Special thanks to Luke James! 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 #LukeJames Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices [https://megaphone.fm/adchoices]

Listen on your favorite podcast service: https://pods.to/wesoundcrazy Join our We Sound Crazy email list: https://ffm.link/wsc-signup Stream songs from the episode on our official We Sound Crazy playlists: https://lnkfi.re/8I8Drkfz This week, the incredible Debra Killings—vocalist, bassist, and unsung hero of countless hits—joins the We Sound Crazy podcast for a deep and inspiring conversation. Known for her unmistakable background vocals on hits from TLC, OutKast, Monica, and even Madonna, Debra pulls back the curtain on a legendary career that has shaped the sound of modern music. She shares what it really takes to survive and thrive as a session musician, from long hours and tight deadlines to the discipline and hustle behind the scenes. Debra reflects on her journey as a singer, bassist, and solo artist, her years with LaFace Records, and the importance of staying grounded while navigating the highs and lows of the industry.  Whether you know her voice or her name—or both—you’ll want to hear every minute of this episode.  So, press PLAY!  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: James Hart, Kenny Cochran, John Dierre Editing: Lamont Baldwin Sound Mixer: Sbarina Cedeno Producer: Aaron Walton 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, as well as our partners at Visit Music City.   Special thanks to Debra Killings! 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 #DebraKillings Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices [https://megaphone.fm/adchoices]