This is a review of a concert by Diana Ross. Craig Seymour reflects on Diana Ross's impact as an iconic figure and the lessons her songs have taught.

talks about the significance of The Village Voice and how he got his first piece published in the paper. Seymour discusses Tricia Romano's excellent The Freaks Come Out To Write: The Definitive History of The Village Voice, the Radical Paper That Changed American Culture, and quotes from music critic Ann Powers and Richard Goldstein about the importance of the publication. Seymour reflects on his journey to writing for the paper and shares his review of Sparkle's "Be Careful" and its significance to '90s R&B.

In this episode, I discuss the music of Black gay pride.

Craig imagines what Tom Holland's Janet Jackson playlist might be and reviews Quentin Tarantino's "Once Upon A Time in Hollywood" and Ladee Hubbard's "The Talented Ribkins." 

Craig's take on the "Pose" Season 2 Premiere

In this episode, I read my 1998 review of Aretha Franklin's A Rose Is A Rose.

Craig's thoughts on new releases by Cardi B, Katy Perry, & Miley Cyrus; the Elton John biopic Rocketman; the Teddy Pendergrass documentary; and the RuPaul's Drag Race finale (NO SPOILERS).

Craig discusses Black, Gay Pride and the cultural contribution of black, gay men such as Joseph Beam, Essex Hemphill, Marlon Riggs, Issac Julien, E. Lynn Harris, and James Earl Hardy.

Craig discusses Madonna's "Crave," Ciara's "Beauty Mark," "Shrill" with Aidy Bryant, Brené Brown's "The Call To Courage," and Damon Young's "What Doesn't Kill You Makes You Blacker."

Craig discusses the so-called "camp" fashions at the Met Gala and his favorite new music from Tink, Ari Lennox, Jhené Aiko, and Tameka "Tiny" Harris. 

Craig reviews Little with Regina Hall, Issa Rae, and Marsai Martin. He also discusses the new FX series "Fosse/Verdon," the PBS documentary "Reconstruction: After the Civil War," and Hanif Abdurraqib's book Go Ahead In the Rain: Notes A Tribe Called Quest.

I reflect on my first music review and what it's meant for my life.

Craig discusses 2 Chainz, Solange, Boomerang, Triple Frontier, and Jordan Peele's Us with Lupita Nyong'o.

Y'all, I was kinda bugged out doing this episode. I keep congratulating myself on five shows. Chile, this one is just my 4th. But this episode is still kinda special. I've included an excerpt from a conversation I had about Paris Is Burning in 1992 with my friend, the late--and legendary--black, gay poet, editor, performer and activist Essex Hemphill. I hope you enjoy and that I learn how to count.

Craig gives his take on the presenters, performers, winners, and losers at the 2019 Grammys, including Lady Gaga, Jennifer Lopez, Janelle Monae, Cardi B, Ariana Grande, Dolly Parton, Miley Cyrus, Katy Perry, Shawn Mendes, Drake, and Chloe x Halle.

In this episode, Craig sounds off on the blackface controversies in Virginia, the legacy of Dilla, "The Grammy Curse," and while I'm still not feeling Craig David.

Craig updates listeners on his forthcoming Janet Jackson book and discusses the black gay politics of the work of Amanda Seales and Michael Arceneaux. He also shares what he's reading (Hanif Abdurraquib's - Go Ahead in the Rain: Notes on A Tribe Called Quest), watching ("Grown-ish," Season 2)" and listening to (Summer Walker, Dawn Richard, James Blake, iyla, and more.)

James Baldwin, Phyllis Hyman, Sylvester, Larry Levan, Cissy Houston, her daughter Whitney, Luther Vandross, Labelle -- you likely know most of these names, but you might not be familiar with singer Marc Sadane or Sir Dane, as he is also known. Throughout his extraordinary life & career, he's crossed paths with all these folks and has the stories to tell. I am so honored to be able to share my conversation with him. This is history, y'all. 

Mr. Sadane also features in my recent HITS article: "How Black Gay Men Changed Pop Music"

Part I

Part II

Mr. Sadane's Facebook Page

Links to a few songs we discuss:

Marc Sadane - "One Minute From Love"

Marc Sadane - "One Way Love Affair" 

Marc Sadane - "Never Gonna Stop This Heart Of Mine"

Stephanie Mills - "Don't Stop Doin' What 'Cha Do"

In this episode, I talk with musician/writer Tim Dillinger about his essay "Remembrance: Teena Marie." (https://soulmusic.com/perspectives-teena-marie-remembrance/). Here's a playlist of the songs we discuss during our discussion: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/18teHvU0MdgEjlCojTCQrk?si=3eb3b26a4ff04fb5.

Other links:

Tim's article "New Time Religion: The Holy Ghost Falls Down in the Club, Reclaiming Tramaine Hawkins’ Mainstreamed Gospel:" https://godsmusicismylife.substack.com/p/new-time-religion-the-holy-ghost?s=r

Craig's Pop Life Playhouse: https://www.craigspoplifeplayhouse.com/

In this Black Music Month special episode, I reflect upon my review of Aretha Franklin's 1998 album A Rose Is Still A Rose. Subscribe to my weekly newsletter. Thanks!