One of the highest selling pop girl groups of all time, TLC, has influenced multiple genres of music that will be felt for generations to come. Tionne “T-Boz'' Watkins, Lisa “Left Eye” Lopes, and Rozonda “Chilli” Thomas defined girl power and individuality in the 90s. Their third album “Fan Mail'' was an instant smash that led to awards and headlining tours. However, the three women experienced ups and downs during their success from creative differences to health issues. The group eventually conquered these challenges and came together for one final album. Unfortunately, before they finished recording, Lisa passed away unexpectedly. In 2002, TLC made their first appearance without Lisa at the MTV Music Awards and the next year, performed a final time to 60 thousand fans to honor the life of Lisa Lopes. The duo then took a hiatus until 2017 when they crowdfunded their 5th self-titled album, “TLC.” Despite their bumps in the road, TLC managed to reign as the queens of pop, and their influence continues to set trends and open doors for female groups today. Watch Behind the Music now on Paramount+.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

As one of the best selling female rappers of all time, Missy Elliot climbed to the top on her own terms. Growing up as an only child, Missy faced poverty, despair, and abuse. She used music as an outlet to escape and eventually created the group “Fayze” where she signed with Swing Mob. Missy’s music dreams were coming true; in the early 90s she was able to collaborate with Timbaland & Magoo and Raven-Symoné. However, struggles with her body image and creativity resulted in her departure from Fayze. Her next big opportunity came from Aaliyah and Timbaland. The three were inseparable through their unique style of music. Her success continued with the release of “The Things You That You Do” with Gina Thompson and “The Rain (Supa Dupa Fly)”, plus getting signed with her own label, The Goldmind. Now, Missy has created a legacy by producing for big name artists, performing at the Super Bowl, and being inducted to the Songwriters Hall of Fame. As an artist, writer, and producer, Missy Elliot changed the game for women in hip hop by staying true to herself and opening the door for innovation. Watch Behind the Music now on Paramount+.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

R&B superstar Jennifer Hudson displays natural, raw talent in both music and acting. After her auditions for American Idol in 2004, Jennifer became the local celebrity for Chicago. Her vocal prowess landed her a starring role in the film, “Dreamgirls”, where her performance earned her over 30 awards, including a Golden Globe. But the singer was just getting started — she got signed, found love, and starred in two films, “The Secret Life of Bees” and “Sex and the City,” while recording her first album. However, Jennifer faced tremendous loss in 2008 when her mother, brother, and nephew were murdered. She processed her grief through music, releasing the hit song, “You Pulled Me Through”, which spoke to her emotions and how her family inspired her. Although Jennifer endured dark times, she emerged with strength and resolve through the support of her family and friends. Jennifer continues to see success, from singing for Obama to adding her name to the Hollywood Walk of Fame; there is no doubt that Jennifer has dynamic talent across the board. Watch Behind the Music now on Paramount+.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A former Mouseketeer turned pop diva, Christina Aguilera has come a long way from The Mickey Mouse Club to living her dream of balancing stardom, motherhood, and love. Although she came from a troubled childhood, Christina took control of her life through music and became the definition of pop perfection with the hit “Genie in a Bottle” in 1999. In the early 2000s, she found herself in the middle of a dramatic public feud with Britney Spears and Eminem. Christina was overworked and faced depression, but channeled it into her album “Stripped” with songs such as “Dirrty”, “Fighter”, and “I’m Okay”. Christina continued to bring her raw emotional side through to her fans with the hit “Beautiful” in 2002. She continued to express herself without limits and motivate female empowerment with the relaunch of her career in the 2010s with the album "Not Myself Tonight". Christina’s career continues to be in her hands, and there are still many chapters for her to write.

Watch Behind the Music now on Paramount+.

Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Originally a choir boy from Long Beach, Snoop turned to gangs, guns, and drug dealing in his teenage years. Amid this lifestyle, Snoop impressed Dr. Dre with his mixtapes, leading him to release the hit albums “Doggystyle” and “Tha Doggfather” under Death Row Records. After being charged for murder in a 1993 gang shooting, Snoop turned his back on the “gangsta” lifestyle and distanced himself from Death Row. Eventually, Snoop released multiple albums under No Limit Records and reunited with Dr. Dre for their hit album “2001”. Snoop showed the world that it's possible to escape the mean streets and make mistakes before finding yourself. Now Snoop Dogg is a cultural icon with 17 studio albums, multiple TV roles, business ventures, and product lines.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Hip hop icon Nas is famous for his provocative lyrics and bold voice. He inspired a new generation to keep an open mind and work hard. Nas rose from the unforgiving streets of New York City to create music recounting his own experiences including being raised by a single mother, selling drugs on the streets, and witnessing the effects of gun violence on his family members. Even though Nas faced devastating loss and struggle, he “stuck to his guns” and put his music first. The rapper became a hit and released the influential album “Illmatic” that changed East coast hip hop. With a legendary 30 year career, Nas released his 14th studio album in 2021 and continues to inspire others through constructive music programs and scholarships that encourage creativity in hip hop.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It is no wonder how the Spice Girls became a global phenomenon in 4 years. With the combination of saucy looks, infectious tunes, and sassy lyrics, the girl-group charmed their way to international stardom. They redefined the girl-group genre by spreading the idea of girl power through their larger than light personalities. Following the success of their hit single “Wannabe,” their fame went from exhilaration to exhaustion. Tabloid chaos, declining health, and creative differences among each other were all anguishes they faced. After Gerri “Ginger Spice” Halliwell left the group in 1998, the Spice Girls created one last album before each girl went on to pursue their own solo careers. To coincide with the 25th anniversary of the “Spice World” movie, the group has reunited several times to show the world their iconic performances and pave the way for new generations of female artists.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The authenticity of Fat Joe is what helped him shape the hip-hop world in the 90s. Raised in the Bronx, his personality and confidence built a monster image of rising from nothing to triumph. Even when he was surrounded by violence, drugs, and loss, he believed that the darkest moments brought him the most clarity. When faced with financial troubles, the rapper believed in himself and created the triple platinum single, “All The Way Up” with longtime collaborator Remy Ma in 2016. Fat Joe finds himself appreciative of the support from his wife and family as he continues to find success in hip-hop today.

For more Fat Joe, watch Behind the Music now streaming on Paramount+.

The Behind the Music podcast will be back with new episodes in 2022.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The pioneers of the original boy band are back. From the streets of Boston, New Kids On The Block (NKOTB) grew into an international phenomenon with the most dedicated fans in pop and R&B. Although they discovered their audience and won their fans over from the 80s to the 90s, fame eventually took its toll and personal struggles were exposed. Although the group disbanded in 1994, their reunion in 2008 showed that they are better together than ever. The “kids” are now adults celebrating key moments of their lives, insights of their journey, and reflecting on the men they are today. For more NKOTB, watch Behind the Music now streaming on Paramount+.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Since his time with the rock band Poison, Bret Michaels has come a long way. Armed with dedication to the rock ‘n roll dream, Michaels experienced the highs and lows of rock ‘n roll success with his bandmates. During the constant high of touring and partying, the frontman battled toxicity, fighting, and substance abuse. Reflecting on the key moments of his life, Michaels also learned perseverance through collaborating with his daughter and hosting his own show, Rock of Love. To learn more about Bret Michaels, watch Behind the Music now streaming on Paramount+.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices