Shawn Stockman's On That Note

Jemele Hill and Shawn Stockman break down why the 1990s became the golden age of culture, from Michael Jordan’s mystique and NBA rivalries to MTV’s grip on music, media, and shared experience. They explore how scarcity, radio dominance, and fewer platforms created bigger stars, stronger legacies, and a level of cultural focus that’s nearly impossible to recreate today — and what’s been gained (and lost) in the modern media era. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tony Rich performs and shares the story behind “Nobody Knows,” the hit song that many listeners mistakenly believed was a Babyface record. In this episode of On That Note, Tony breaks down how the confusion started, why the comparison made sense at the time, and how the song—written with his brother about their father—became one of the most misunderstood classics of ’90s R&B. Alongside a stripped-down performance, Tony offers rare context about the record’s creation, its legacy, and what it was like hearing his own song misattributed on the radio. This is “Nobody Knows” as it was meant to be heard—with the story behind it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A Detroit kid turned LaFace secret weapon, Tony Rich joins Shawn Stockman to talk John Salley’s studio, Tim & Bob’s life-changing phone call, writing “Nobody Knows” and “I Sit Away,” the pressure of “LaFace University,” and the Prince moments that flipped his whole approach to music. In this episode of On That Note, Tony traces his path from Motown’s backyard to Atlanta’s hit factory, breaking down how L.A. Reid, Babyface, and the LaFace camp shaped his songwriting, why bridges are a lost art, what it meant to hand Boyz II Men a classic, and how Prince, Al Green, Stevie Wonder and the 90s label era still guide the way he writes, performs, and self-checks every new project. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Lisa Lisa delivers a rare, intimate acoustic performance of “All Cried Out,” joined by Shawn Stockman on guitar and close friends on background vocals in a raw, emotional studio moment you can’t get anywhere else. Enjoy a stripped-down, soulful performance of “All Cried Out” as Lisa Lisa steps back into one of her most iconic hits — this time in a completely raw and intimate setting. With Shawn Stockman providing acoustic guitar and two of Lisa’s closest friends adding rich, live background vocals, this version captures the heart and emotion of the original while giving it a fresh, personal feel. Recorded live during On That Note, this moment blends nostalgia, artistry, and pure vocal chemistry. It’s a rare look at what happens when legends reconnect with the music that shaped generations. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Lisa Lisa opens up about her Hell’s Kitchen beginnings, the creation of freestyle music, and the personal battle with cancer that transformed her life and career. A powerful story of resilience, cultural influence, and the roots of a global sound. Lisa Lisa sits down with Shawn Stockman for an intimate conversation about her rise from Hell’s Kitchen to becoming one of the defining voices of the freestyle movement. She breaks down how Full Force discovered her, the early struggles and breakthroughs that shaped her sound, and the cultural impact of her biggest records. Lisa also shares the deeply personal journey of surviving cancer, rebuilding her life, and reconnecting with her purpose as an artist. A moving, inspiring episode that honors her legacy and strength. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

AJ McLean of the Backstreet Boys revisits the Boyband Golden Era, revealing what really happened with the rumored NSYNC “beef” while opening up about fame, brotherhood, and performing at the groundbreaking Las Vegas Sphere. AJ McLean sits down with Shawn Stockman for a nostalgic, honest, and often hilarious look at the Backstreet Boys’ rise, the boyband explosion of the 90s, and the truth behind the long-whispered rivalry with NSYNC. He reflects on the Millennium days, studio sessions with Max Martin, unforgettable tour stories, backstage pranks, and how the group kept their sound authentic across decades. AJ also shares the personal journey that reshaped his life offstage — from stepping away from the “AJ” persona to embracing Alex, rebuilding boundaries, and finding clarity through recovery. If you love the Backstreet Boys, boyband history, or the pop/R&B crossover era that defined the late 90s, this episode dives deep into the music, the memories, and the evolution behind it all. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Anderson .Paak sits down with Shawn to unpack his journey from Oxnard’s church circuit to Grammy-winning stages, breaking down the musicianship, mentors, and moments that shaped his sound. A soulful, funny, wide-open conversation recorded inside the .Paak house. Anderson .Paak welcomes Shawn to the 805 for a wide-ranging conversation inside the .Paak House, reflecting on the church musicians, family influences, and early Oxnard community that molded his rhythm and voice. He shares stories about banging on his stepdad’s drum kit, discovering Curtis Mayfield, developing pocket through worship services, and finding his artistic identity long before the world knew him as Breezy Lovejoy. They get into the moment Dr. Dre recognized the “pain” and texture in his voice, the evolution that led to Malibu, NxWorries, and eventually Silk Sonic, and why analog warmth and live musicianship still matter in 2025. Anderson and Shawn also talk fatherhood, creative discipline, building .Paak House Festival for the community, and the joy of performing with artists who push him to new levels. A soulful, vulnerable, and often hilarious look at one of the most original artists of his generation. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jo Koy breaks down how he pushed his way onto Netflix, why Hollywood comedy is finally shifting toward real diversity, and how Filipino identity shaped his voice as one of today’s most beloved stand-ups. In this episode of On That Note, Sean Stockman sits down with comedian Jo Koy for an unfiltered, hilarious, and deeply personal conversation. Jo opens up about the early hustle, getting rejected for years, and how persistence finally broke open the Netflix door. He shares powerful stories about representation in comedy, why diversity in the industry is more important than ever, and how celebrating Filipino culture became the backbone of his stand-up career. They also dive into Jo’s creative process, the pressure of arena tours, raising a son while touring the world, and how comedy changed drastically from the 2000s to now. Packed with heart, humor, and real talk, this episode is a masterclass on authenticity, cultural pride, and finding your comedic voice. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Renée Elise Goldsberry joins Shawn to relive her journey from Hamilton’s Angelica Schuyler to Broadway stardom—breaking down backstage moments, Lin-Manuel Miranda’s creative genius, celebrity visitors, and the stories that shaped her powerhouse career. Renée Elise Goldsberry sits down with Shawn Stockman for a masterclass conversation on artistry, discipline, and the creation of Hamilton. She reveals what went into shaping Angelica Schuyler, how the cast built its chemistry, the emotional layers behind “Satisfied,” and why the show became a generational cultural shift. Renée also shares stories about performing for Beyoncé, Jay-Z, and Barack Obama, her transition from early acting and soap operas to Broadway, the physical and mental demands of eight-show weeks, and the perspective she’s gained as a mother, musician, and performer. Whether you’re a Hamilton fan, a musical theater lover, or someone who just wants to be inspired by an elite-level performer, this episode delivers. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Omarion joins Shawn Stockman to revisit the rise of B2K, the untold You Got Served stories, and the creative fire behind The O Album that helped shape 2000s R&B. Shop Mint Unlimited Plans at mintmobile.com/onthatnote In this episode of On That Note, Omarion opens up about his journey from boy-band fame to solo artistry. He dives deep into the cultural moment of You Got Served, the brotherhood that built B2K, and the studio sessions that produced The O Album. It’s a nostalgic and revealing look at one of the most defining eras in R&B and dance culture. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

112 joins Shawn Stockman to revisit the Bad Boy Records era — where Biggie Smalls, Faith Evans, and a new sound forever changed R&B. From church roots to chart hits, the group shares how soul and hip-hop finally collided in the 90s. Few groups embodied the 90s fusion of R&B and hip-hop like 112. In this episode of On That Note, Slim and Mike sit down with Shawn Stockman to trace their journey from Atlanta church choirs to the frontlines of Bad Boy Records — recording alongside Biggie Smalls, collaborating with Faith Evans, and finding their voice in an era that redefined both genres. They open up about the creative chemistry that shaped classics like “Cupid” and “Peaches & Cream,” what it was really like inside Bad Boy’s golden age, and how the collision of soul, rap, and street culture built the blueprint for modern R&B. Listen now for untold stories, nostalgic studio memories, and lessons from the label that made harmony dangerous again. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

From a Philly high school to Motown superstardom — Wanya and Nate Morris of Boyz II Men share how a backstage encounter with Michael Bivins and a dream performance sparked the birth of ‘90s R&B and changed their lives forever. In this episode of On That Note, Shawn Stockman sits down with Wanya and Nate Morris for the real Boyz II Men story — the hustle, the harmony, and the magic behind Motownphilly. They reflect on early inspirations, performing for New Edition and Paula Abdul, and the moment that set their path toward redefining R&B for a generation. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Shawn Stockman checks in with a quick update — the Boyz II Men interview fans have been waiting for drops tomorrow. Set your reminders — it’s the biggest On That Note episode yet. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

From Kanye’s Stronger to Nipsey Hussle’s LA sound and Chris Brown’s viral hits — producer MyGuyMars tells the stories behind the music and the faith that fuels his craft. A true student of sound, MyGuyMars takes On That Note inside the studio sessions that shaped a generation. He remembers working beside Kanye West during the Graduation era, watching the Stronger beat evolve from a raw Daft Punk sample into a cultural anthem. He recalls helping Nipsey Hussle craft his “it has to sound like it looks” brand of rich West Coast luxury — and the viral Chris Brown track that was born from a happy studio accident. Raised in the church and trained on gospel organ, Mars connects his early musicianship to modern hip-hop production, breaking down how faith, melody, and experimentation drive his process. Alongside Shawn Stockman, he reflects on the respect producers deserve, the evolution of LA’s sound, and the creative discipline that turns raw inspiration into timeless records. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

From family jam sessions to sharing stages with legends, Moana of The Jets takes us back to the golden age of 80s R&B. In this episode, she opens up about what it was like growing up in a family of 16 siblings who all performed together, the whirlwind success of their hit songs, and the wild moments that came with life on the road.Moana reflects on performing before icons like Tina Turner and B.B. King, the heart and hustle that powered The Jets, and how family, faith, and music kept them grounded through it all.Step inside the colorful chaos of 80s tour life, where family bands ruled the charts, R&B met pop, and every night felt electric. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Candyman—the “original boot knocker”—sits with Sean Stockman to unpack the real story behind **“Knockin’ Boots”*: the Dre cosign, the swap-meet hustle, turning a B-side into a platinum smash, and the sample-clearance chess with Betty Wright and Rose Royce that almost killed the record before it exploded. He also rewinds to Washington Prep—Sir Jinx introducing him to Dr. Dre, a campus battle vs. Ice Cube, and becoming Dre’s “wingman” in the LA club era. They trace the hit’s DNA—Slick Rick’s story-rhyme influence, the SB-12/SP-1200 era, and why those first 5–10 seconds (“Attention all ladies…”) still light up shows. Candyman breaks down how Tone Lōc and touring cracked doors open, how Thump Records/Lowrider Soundtrack gave the song its second life, and how a nine-day sprint landed him at Epic Records. There’s inside baseball on splits, the Color Me Badd “I Wanna Sex You Up” overlap, and the baseline link he points out with Lighter Shade of Brown – “On a Sunday Afternoon”—plus shoutouts to DJ Quik and more LA heavyweights. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

From the studio grind to global hits, Bret Epic has lived every side of the music game. He opens up about his roots in production, connections with New Edition and Bell Biv DeVoe, and the beat-making sessions that taught him how to shape sound. Bret shares the story behind Crazy Town’s crossover smash “Butterfly”, the surprising spark from Will.i.am that helped push it forward, and how years of mixing, producing, and collaborating across genres made him a true studio architect. This episode dives into the craft of production, the rap-rock crossover era, and the behind-the-scenes work that changed the sound of the late 90s and early 2000s. From hip-hop lineage to pop culture milestones, Bret breaks down how he shifted genres and left a mark on music history. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Kwamé sits down with Shawn Stockman to break down the birthplace of musical greatness — the neighborhood that produced Slick Rick’s legendary storytelling, Will Smith’s crossover power, and an entire generation of Black excellence in hip-hop. From the roots of East Elmhurst, Queens, to the rise of icons who shaped rap and pop culture, Kwamé reflects on the lineage, the legacy, and the voices that created hip-hop’s real DNA. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Big Boy opens up about his incredible life journey — from growing up in LA and nearly dying during life-changing weight loss surgery, to unforgettable moments on tour with Tupac and the Pharcyde. In this conversation with Shawn Stockman, he reflects on his struggles, survival, and how he became known as the Voice of Los Angeles. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

TQ joins Shawn Stockman on On That Note to share the untold story behind his breakout hit “Westside”—a song born from the turmoil at Death Row Records after Tupac’s passing. TQ opens up about how Afeni Shakur gave him the track, Suge Knight’s influence, and how one moment set the course for his entire career. Beyond the Death Row drama, TQ reflects on his time with Coming of Age, what it was like navigating the music industry in the late ‘90s, and his take on why R&B has lost some of the magic it once had. This is a vulnerable and insightful conversation that blends hip-hop history with real talk about artistry, survival, and legacy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices