In this week's episode, we discuss Meek Mill's new album Championships. We discuss our favorite tracks and his criminal justice reform activism. We also discuss Ariana Grande's record breaking video, thank u, next. Enjoy!

It's been a minute, but only Mariah Carey could get us back together to give a review on all things "Caution." If you haven't listened to Mariah's new album, get into our review before you do and then go check it out!

We are Back!!!

It is only right that we bless you with an episode just a few days after The Carters blessed us with their Everything Is Love album! We get into our favorite songs and discuss the Apeshit video. The Carters aren't the only artists who put on new music though. We get into Christina Aguilera's long awaited new project Liberation and discuss where she ranks as a vocalist for our generation. Then, we get into Nas' album Nasir, which also dropped last week, and whether or not it was a misstep for him to not address Kelis' domestic abuse allegations against him. We end the episode with a reflection on XXXTentacion's recent murder and the need to have tough conversations about violence against women in the Hip Hop industry.

It feels so good to be back. Enjoy the latest episode!

This week on The BackBeat, we get into Diddy speaking on hip hop getting diluted, FunkMaster Flex tagging “wack rappers” in Diddy’s post, Jay Z producing a docu-series on the late Trayvon Martin with the Paramount Network, and an announcement that Spotify's Tuma Basa, curator of the influential RapCaviar Playlist has decided to leave the company. We also get into Donald Glover’s New Yorker Interview, and SZA’s new Fader covers where she discusses her feelings after The GRAMMYS. As always stay tuned to the end to hear who we are listening to from Sampha, Janelle Monae, Khalid, Kendrick Lamar, Slim Jimmy, and more!

On this week’s episode of The BackBeat, we get into the latest topics in music. We discuss the rumors that Rihanna will release a new album this year and go on tour. Next, we discuss Meek Mill’s legal issues and the love he has received from his fans from the Super Bowl and at the Olympics. We discuss Nicki Minaj’s disappearance from the inter webs which has her fans in a tizzy. Finally, we breakdown what we love about The New Black Panther album and have a brief Tinashe appreciation day. Stay tuned to the end of the episode where we discuss our favorite songs from The Black Panther Soundtrack, Ravyn Lenae, Sabrina Claudio, Khalid, Blockboy JB, Normani, and Drake. We hope you enjoy!

This week on The BackBeat, we get into Drake, Mary J. Blige, and Camila Cabello making history, changes to music streaming at Billboard, Charlemagne’s comments about Amara la Negra, and Erykah Badu’s weird interview with Vulture. We also get into Nick Cannon’s “interesting” covers of music from SZA, H.E.R., and Kehlani.

On this week’s episode, we breakdown some of 2018’s newest music. We fan out over the Bruno Mars and Cardi B collab “Finesse.” We also debate whether or not Bruno Mars appropriates black music and culture. Next, we get into Justin Timberlake’s “Filthy” and his upcoming Superbowl performance that should include an appearance from Janet Jackson. We, also, stan over the latest release from H.E.R. We end the episode with the albums we are most excited about this year. We can’t wait to check out new music from Ariana Grande, Cardi B, Toni Braxton, Celine Dion Camilla Cabello, Migos, Nicki Minaj and more.

This Week on The BackBeat, we get into the 2018 GRAMMY nominations and talk through some of our favorite nominees. From Album of the Year to Best Urban Contemporary Album, we have you covered. Later we get into the passing of Lil Peep and the importance of discussing addiction and mental illness. We've been gone for too long but it's time we brought it back! ;)

On this week’s episode, we discuss Tina Campbell’s less than smart choice to vote for Donald Trump for president. We discuss Azealia Bank’s apology to Nicki Minaj and beef with Cardi B. Speaking of Cardi B, we praise her achievement of securing the first number 1 record by a solo female rapper since Lauryn Hill’s Doo Wop (That Thing) in 1998. We end the episode with a brief discussion of Jhene Aiko’s top 5 debut for her new album, Trip.

Stay tuned to the end of the episode to hear our songs of the moment. Marcus chooses new cuts from Tamar Braxton, Ledisi and Kygo. Kyera breaks down her favorite songs by Jamila Woods, Ravyn Lenae, and Daniel Caesar.

Enjoy!

This week on The BackBeat, we get into a petition starting to get Missy Elloitt a monument in Virginia, Aaliyah and Nicki Minaj's Mac Cosmetic Collections, Mystikal turning himself in on rape charges, and a woman coming forward breaking her nondisclosure agreement with R. Kelly surrounding his latest scandal.

Also, make sure you tune into the end of the podcast for songs of the moment from Ledisi, Nicole Nicole Scherzinger, Mary J. Blige, Tyler the Creator, and more!