Listen on your favorite podcast service: https://pods.to/wesoundcrazy

This week on We Sound Crazy our co-hosts converse with the diamond-selling songwriter, producer, and performer Philip Lawrence. You know him as one-third of the songwriting and production team, The Smeezingtons, known for super hits by Bruno Mars such as "Just The Way You Are", "Nothin' on You", "Grenade", and "Locked Out of Heaven" and "Fuck You" by CeeLo Green just to name a few. Not only that, Philip Lawrence is a co-creator of the classic hit "Uptown Funk" by Mark Ronson ft. Bruno Mars, and has also written songs for the Netflix Original Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey. Dive in as Lawrence discusses how musical theatre sparked his inner joy for performance, speaks on the challenges that ultimately forged growth in his career and overall quality of life, and tells the backstory on how "Grenade" by Bruno Mars was created as he and co-writer Claude Kelly journey down memory lane and shares this one of a kind story that can only be found here on We Sound Crazy. 

Special thanks to our We Sound Crazy team!

Videography: Aaron Walton, Tiffany Young
Video Editing: Aaron Walton
Producer: Michael "Roux" Johnson
Assistants: Tiffany Anderson, Brittany Guydon
Intern: Montez Freeman

Thank you to all of our listeners, as well as our sponsors, The National Museum of African American Music and Visit Music City.

Subscribe to We Sound Crazy on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and anywhere you get your favorite podcast. 

Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok!

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
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Everybody Loves Phil w. special guest Philip Lawrence

Listen on your favorite podcast service: https://pods.to/wesoundcrazy
Watch this episode on YouTube: https://wesoundcrazy.ffm.to/br2o23o

This week on We Sound Crazy our co-host speak with rising Country music sensation BRELAND. Man does BRELAND know his music and we had a fun time discussing it with him. We learn about his rich background, the inspirations that make his unique blend of Country, and all of the music he's soaked up coming from New Jersey. BRELAND discusses his Atlantic Records debut album 'Cross Country', his challenges, and accomplishments breaking into Country music, and gives his flowers on the amazing artists before him such as Shania Twain, Lady A, Stevie Wonder, Jazmine Sullivan, Richard Smallwood, and others. This is a great episode that you surely don't want to miss! So refreshing!

Special thanks to our We Sound Crazy team!

Videography: Jack Skowronneck, Joey Woodruff
Video Editing: Travis Flynn
Producer: Michael "Roux" Johnson
Assistants: Tiffany Anderson, Brittany Guydon
Intern: Montez Freeman
NMAAM Team: Shelly Surdoval, Eric Tyler

Thank you to all of our listeners, as well as our sponsors, The National Museum of African American Music and Visit Music City.

Subscribe to We Sound Crazy on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and anywhere you get your favorite podcast. 

Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok!

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
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sweet Yamz w. special guest BRELAND

Listen on your favorite podcast service: https://pods.to/wesoundcrazy
Watch on YouTube: https://wesoundcrazy.ffm.to/wsc-omarion-beingunbothered

While on his 'Unbothered Book Tour', we catch up with the R&B superstar Omarion at the National Museum of African American Music to discuss his book 'Unbothered: The Power of Choosing Joy'. With so much mental unrest in the world, what a timely conversation. Make sure to check out the interview on YouTube as well which features a full sound bath session. Just a sample of what Omarion is offering. Additionally, our co-hosts talk about Omarion's life in music such as coming close to being signed to LaFace Records with his boy group BTK, not letting fear stop him from creating his legacy, understanding your purpose, and so much more. 

Subscribe to We Sound Crazy on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and anywhere you get your favorite podcast. 

Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok!

Thank you to all of our listeners, as well as our sponsors, The National Museum of African American Music and Visit Music City.

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

Click the links below and get Omarion's new book 'Unbothered: The Power of Choosing Joy' today!
AMAZON - https://www.amazon.com/dp/0063119188/keywords=self%20help%20books?tag=hcads-20
B&N - https://www.amazon.com/dp/0063119188/keywords=self%20help%20books?tag=hcads-20
Website landing page - https://omarionworldwide.com/pages/unbothered-the-power-of-choosing-joy
Downloadable promotion video: https://vimeo.com/748401151/4a64342f21
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Being Unbothered w. special guest Omarion

Listen on your favorite podcast service: https://pods.to/wesoundcrazy

In this episode of the We Sound Crazy podcast, our co-hosts cover Missy Elliot, Phillionaire's donation to his Alma mater aiding future black leaders, Louis York on the road and working with PJ Morton, Kanye West, and much more!

We Sound Crazy is your official backstage pass to all things music and culture. Three music industry veterans and a music aficionado unlock the secrets of your favorite moments in entertainment and have one-on-one conversations with household names. 

Subscribe to We Sound Crazy on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and anywhere you get your favorite podcast. 

Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok!

Thank you to all of our listeners, as well as our sponsors, The National Museum of African American Music and Visit Music City.

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
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Big A$$ Checks

Listen on your favorite podcast service: https://pods.to/wesoundcrazy

In this episode of the We Sound Crazy podcast, we're back at the National Museum of African American Music's Roots Theatre for a special fireside chat with the illustrious Kim Burrell. The icon shares her one-on-one experiences with the likes of Stevie Wonder and the late Whitney Houston. She also breaks the ice on her experiences with cancel culture and clears the air about Ellen DeGeneres. That's not all music lovers. Find out who Kim Burrell would have on her Mount Rushmore of music, learn about her musical beginnings, and more!  

We Sound Crazy is your official backstage pass to all things music and culture. Three music industry veterans and a music aficionado unlock the secrets of your favorite moments in entertainment and have one-on-one conversations with household names. 

Subscribe to We Sound Crazy on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and anywhere you get your favorite podcast. 

Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok!

Thank you to all of our listeners, as well as our sponsors, The National Museum of African American Music and Visit Music City.

A special shout out to Travis Flynn and Joseph Woodruff for the amazing videography and video editing.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Try Me Again w. special guest Kim Burrell

Listen on your favorite podcast service: https://pods.to/wesoundcrazy

In this episode of the We Sound Crazy podcast, we speak with the platinum-selling and GRAMMY award-winning recording artist, Anthony Hamilton. Our co-hosts uncover some of the R&B gems co-written by Hamilton for others that we all know and adore, his love for classic artists like Bill Withers and James Taylor, the road to his breakout hit 'Coming from Where I'm From' that helped shape his artistry, and much more.

We Sound Crazy is your official backstage pass to all things music and culture. Three music industry veterans and a music aficionado unlock the secrets of your favorite moments in entertainment and have one-on-one conversations with household names. 

Subscribe to We Sound Crazy on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and anywhere you get your favorite podcast. 

Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube.

Thank you to all of our listeners, as well as our sponsors, The National Museum of African American Music and Visit Music City.

A special shout out to Travis Flynn and Joseph Woodruff for the amazing videography and video editing.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Going to Carolina w. special guest Anthony Hamilton

Listen on your favorite podcast service: https://pods.to/wesoundcrazy

In this episode of the We Sound Crazy podcast, our Music Aficionado, Tamone Bacon, continues his one-on-one conversations with more of the foundational pillars of Hip-Hop during his trip to Washington, D.C. for the RIAA's Hip-Hop Honors. We find out how the craftsmanship of turntable mixing was born by its creator Grandmaster Flash, learn how Salt-N-Pepa influenced MC Lyte, and much more. This is surely not an episode you'd want to miss.

We Sound Crazy is your official backstage pass to all things music and culture. Three music industry veterans and a music aficionado unlock the secrets of your favorite moments in entertainment and have one-on-one conversations with household names. 

Subscribe to We Sound Crazy on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and anywhere you get your favorite podcast. 

Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube.

Thank you to all of our listeners, as well as our sponsors, The National Museum of African American Music and Visit Music City.

Also a special thanks to the remote production team in D.C., Ashley Donald, Stage and Studio Manager of RIAA holding down sound, and Brendan Kownacki of Kownacki Media Holdings on video duties.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hip-Hop Hooray Pt. 2 w. special guests Grandmaster Flash, DJ Kool, Jeff Harleston, & MC Lyte

In this episode of the We Sound Crazy podcast, our very own Music Aficionado, Tamone Bacon travels to Washington D.C. to speak with some of the foundational pillars of Hip-Hop. Today the genre has grown into a multi-billion dollar industry with a phenomenal cultural impact for many worldwide. Listen as those who broke the ground upon which it stands such as DJ Jazzy Jeff, Mix Master Mike, Rapsody, and media legend Big Tigger, dive into the intricacies of building Hip-Hop, their early inspirations, and speak on the mind blowing realization of all that the genre has come to be.
Stay tuned for part two featuring DJ Kool, MC Lyte, EVP, Universal Music Group, Jeff Harleston, and The Godfather himself, Grandmaster Flash.
We Sound Crazy is your official backstage pass to all things music and culture. Three music industry veterans and a music aficionado unlock the secrets of your favorite moments in entertainment and have one-on-one conversations with household names. 

Subscribe to We Sound Crazy on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and anywhere you get your favorite podcast. 

Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube.

Thank you to all of our listeners, as well as our sponsors, The National Museum of African American Music and Visit Music City.
Also a special thanks to the remote production team in D.C., Ashley Donald, Stage and Studio Manager of RIAA holding down sound, and Brendan Kownacki of Kownacki Media Holdings on video duties.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hip-Hop Hooray Pt. 1 w. special guests DJ Jazzy Jeff, Mix Master Mike, Rapsody, & Big Tigger

In this episode of the We Sound Crazy podcast, our co-hosts sit down with the legendary Bobby Jones. Known as the founder and host of the groundbreaking television show, Bobby Jones Gospel, which ran for over 35 years on cable networks, his platform has played a major part in how we all discovered many of our modern day gospel greats such as Yolanda Adams, Mary Mary, and Kirk Franklin to name a few. Mr. Jones is an instrumental figure in bridging gospel music to the masses. Listen as he shares an exclusive inside look at his incredible journey, background, and inspirations that can only be found here on We Sound Crazy. You definitely don't want to miss this one. 

We Sound Crazy is your official backstage pass to all things music and culture. Three music industry veterans and a music aficionado unlock the secrets of your favorite moments in entertainment and have one-on-one conversations with household names. 

Subscribe to We Sound Crazy on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and anywhere you get your favorite podcast. 

Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube.

Thank you to all of our listeners and sponsors, The National Museum of African American Music and Visit Music City.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Gospel Truth w. special guest Dr. Bobby Jones

In this episode of the We Sound Crazy podcast, our co-hosts celebrate the 25th Anniversary of "My Way", the sophomore release by multi-platinum and Grammy-winning superstar Usher.  The co-hosts are joined by the superstar and his co-visionary Jermaine Dupri as the album's co-creators celebrate all who contributed, share leadership knowledge, and drop gems that you can only find here on the We Sound Crazy podcast.

We Sound Crazy is your backstage pass to music and culture. Three music industry veterans and a music aficionado unlock the secrets of your favorite moments in entertainment and have one-on-one conversations with household names. 

Subscribe to We Sound Crazy on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and anywhere you get your favorite podcast. 

Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube.

Thank you to our sponsors, The National Museum of African American Music and Visit Music City.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The King and His Village w. special guest Usher and Jermaine Dupri

In this episode of the State of Black Music podcast, our co-hosts discuss the massive return of House Music to the mainstream. Some say House music never left, others are critical of the return of “Oontz Oontz” music. The co-hosts celebrate big new releases from Beyonce & Drake and revisit an in-depth past conversation with House music legend Cece Peniston. 
It’s all about House music! 
The co-hosts also chat about EssenceFest 2022 in New Orleans, and the impact of Starz hit TV show, P-Valley. 
It’s an insightful and in-depth conversation you don’t want to miss! Let us know what you think and hit us up on our social media channels.
Listen bi-weekly as music business veterans Phil Thornton, Claude Kelly and Chuck Harmony of Louis York, and Tamone Bacon give their unfiltered, coveted, comical opinions on the music of today, yesterday, and tomorrow.
Thank you to our partners at the National Museum of African American Music!
Subscribe to State of Black Music on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and anywhere you get your favorite podcast. We're there!
Follow us on Twitter @SOBMpodcast, on Instagram @StateofBlackMusic
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Oontz Oontz

Filmed on the stage of the beautiful Roots Theater, at the National Museum of African American Music in Nashville, TN, the co-hosts have an in-depth, in-person discussion with Multi-Grammy nominated singer & actor, Tevin Campbell! 

In this episode, Tevin shares his deep thoughts and funny stories about his experiences as a child star, working with a myriad of musical legends, his impact on pop culture, and of course those world famous vocals! Like always, the cohosts throw some crazy curveballs but Tevin is an open book and holds nothing back! it’s a refreshing & informative must-listen experience! 

Thank you to our partners at the National Museum of African American Music!

Subscribe to State of Black Music on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and anywhere you get your favorite podcast. We're there!

Follow us on Twitter @SOBMpodcast, on Instagram @StateofBlackMusic
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Talk Yo S**t Tevin w. special guest Tevin Campbell

Pre-recorded with a live audience in the Roots Theatre at the National Museum of African American Music, Nashville, Tennessee, our co-hosts sit down with the amazing GRAMMY Nominated and Multi-Emmy winning recording artist and actress, Tamar Braxton. Tamar and the guys discuss all things Black music and pop culture along with her forthcoming Gospel release, the BET Awards, and so many more fun topics.

Listen bi-weekly as Music Industry vets Phil Thornton, Claude Kelly, Chuck Harmony, and Tamone Bacon serve as hosts of a dynamic new podcast called STATE OF BLACK MUSIC. The podcast
focuses on intimate conversations with celebrity guests, and industry insiders to discuss
and debate black American music in today’s culture. Each episode is a hilarious and
informative listening experience.

Thank you to our partners at the National Museum of African American Music!

Subscribe to State of Black Music on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and anywhere you get your favorite podcast. We're there!

Follow us on Twitter @SOBMpodcast, on Instagram @StateofBlackMusic
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Shade Room, I'm sorry w. special guest Tamar Braxton

In this episode of the State of Black Music podcast, our co-hosts sit down with the young legend, actor, and musician, Chaz Lamar Shepherd. Known for his standout performances in film and tv such as The Temptations (mini-series), Moesha, 7th Heaven, Set It Off and others — Chaz shares his hilarious yet wise point-of-view on all things pop culture and music. Also, our co-host discusses Black Music Month, Black Music Honors, Jack Harlow, and much more. An amazing episode that you can't miss! 
Listen bi-weekly as Music Industry vets Phil Thornton, Claude Kelly, Chuck Harmony, and Tamone Bacon serve as hosts of a dynamic new podcast called STATE OF BLACK MUSIC. The podcast focuses on intimate conversations with celebrity guests, and industry insiders to discuss and debate black American music in today’s culture. Each episode is a hilarious and informative listening experience.
Thank you to our partners at the National Museum of African American Music!
Subscribe to State of Black Music on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and anywhere you get your favorite podcast. We're there!
Follow us on Twitter @SOBMpodcast, on Instagram @StateofBlackMusic
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Motown Philly w. special guest Chaz Lamar Shepherd

In this episode of the State of Black Music podcast, our co-hosts discuss the 2022 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductees, the new Kendrick Lamar album, celebrate Stevie Wonder, and also talk on the importance of self reality checks and much more. Such as, does Keri Hilson deserve a Black Music Honors award? Would Chloe Bailey be a good Up and Coming artist tribute for her? Let us know what you think and hit us up on our social media channels. 

Listen bi-weekly as music business veterans Phil Thornton, Claude Kelly and Chuck Harmony of Louis York, and Tamone Bacon give their unfiltered, coveted, comical opinions on the music of today, yesterday, and tomorrow.

Thank you to our partners at the National Museum of African American Music!

Subscribe to State of Black Music on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and anywhere you get your favorite podcast. We're there!

Follow us on Twitter @SOBMpodcast, on Instagram @StateofBlackMusic
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Flop, Flop, Flop

In this episode of the State of Black Music podcast, our co-hosts discuss the lack of originality is music creating, what makes the perfect R&B record, and explore the vast contributions of black artistry. 
Listen bi-weekly as music business veterans Phil Thornton, Claude Kelly and Chuck Harmony of Louis York, and Tamone Bacon give their unfiltered, coveted, comical opinions on the music of today, yesterday, and tomorrow.
Thank you to our partners at the National Museum of African American Music!
Subscribe to State of Black Music on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and anywhere you get your favorite podcast. We're there!
Follow us on Twitter @SOBMpodcast, on Instagram @StateofBlackMusic
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Wake up and be Original

In this episode of the State of Black Music podcast, our co-hosts discuss the Verzuz featuring BeBe and CeCe Winans and Mary Mary, the Joe concert while on tour with Maxwell and Anthony Hamilton, as well as new music by Luckey Daye, Muni Long, and others. 
Listen bi-weekly as music business veterans Phil Thornton, Claude Kelly and Chuck Harmony of Louis York, and Tamone Bacon give their unfiltered, coveted, comical opinions on the music of today, yesterday, and tomorrow.
Thank you to our partners at the National Museum of African American Music!
Subscribe to State of Black Music on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and anywhere you get your favorite podcast. We're there!
Follow us on Twitter @SOBMpodcast, on Instagram @StateofBlackMusic
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Gospel & B

In this episode of the State of Black Music podcast, our co-hosts had the opportunity to speak with one of the stars cast in Summer: The Donna Summer Musical, Brittny Smith, while showing at the Tennessee Performing Arts Center (TPAC) based in Nashville, Tennessee.  After being immersed in the musical experience at TPAC, the co-host talked on the vast and versatile musical contributions made by the late legend Donna Summer and how she's made an impact on artists of today.

Listen bi-weekly as music business veterans Phil Thornton, Claude Kelly and Chuck Harmony of Louis York, and Tamone Bacon give their unfiltered, coveted, comical opinions on the music of today, yesterday, and tomorrow.

Thank you to our partners at the National Museum of African American Music and at the Tennessee Performing Arts Center for your help in making this episode a reality!

Subscribe to State of Black Music on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and anywhere you get your favorite podcast.  We're there!

Follow us on Twitter @SOBMpodcast, on Instagram @StateofBlackMusic

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Where is the Donna Summer Movie?

In this episode of the State of Black Music podcast, our co-hosts explore the various artists and genres whose covers and samples challenge the quality of the original while discussing other cultural topics. 

Listen bi-weekly as music business veterans Phil Thornton, Claude Kelly and Chuck Harmony of Louis York, and Tamone Bacon give their unfiltered, coveted, comical opinions on the music of today, yesterday, and tomorrow.

Subscribe on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and anywhere you get your favorite podcast.  We're there!

Follow us on Twitter @SOBMpodcast, on Instagram @StateofBlackMusic

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Don is in the Building Pt. 2

In this episode of the State of Black Music podcast, our co-hosts take a deep dive into the Netflix Original jeen-yuhs: A Kanye Trilogy, Southern Soul music, and various other cultural topics.

Listen bi-weekly as music business veterans Phil Thornton, Claude Kelly, and Chuck Harmony of Louis York, and Tamone Bacon give their unfiltered, coveted, comical opinions on the music of today, yesterday, and tomorrow.

Subscribe on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and anywhere you get your favorite podcast.  We're there!

Follow us on Twitter @SOBMpodcast, on Instagram @StateofBlackMusic

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We Sound Crazy Podcast

We Sound Crazy Podcast

Get Started

Download the App