Who told us to grow up? Are we really the new aunties and uncs? On today’s episode, we explore the music that has taken us on a new journey, our 30s, and what that has meant to us. It is amazing how music grows up with us and has changed right before our eyes. As we navigate through life in our 30s, let’s discuss those artists who put their lives and vulnerability on wax and give us something we all can relate to. So, grab ya water, take ya vitamins, stretch and join us as we close out the seaso...
Mar 26, 2025•44 min•Season 5Ep. 30
One thing for sure, the internet is always going to have and voice their opinion. Especially artists they deem as “doing too much”. But what is considered “doing too much”? In today’s episode, Kea and Ash discuss respectability politics in the industry. Is there such a thing as a righteous ratchet? Why can’t we have a balance of everyone’s personal taste? Why does it have to be one way or another? Are hoes winning? Are the good/conscious girls not enough? Grab a seat honey and let’s get into it....
Mar 12, 2025•31 min•Season 5Ep. 29
Now we know we can’t be the only ones who have been singing a song completely wrong for years! Friends, this episode Kea and Ash go through a few songs where we thought they said one thing and it actually turns out it was something totally different. We wonder how many of you also heard the same thing :) But can you blame us? Enunciating your words is the moral of the story. Come kick it with us and let us know other songs we missed. Questions or thoughts on the episode? Ideas and suggestions ar...
Feb 26, 2025•31 min•Season 5Ep. 28
We are not even going to sugar coat it; What is wrong with being considered an R&B artist?? There have been instances where an artist could have what seems like a successful career for music we know as R&B but still refute the idea of being an r&b artist. Does it really matter if they experiment with genres or who their audience is? On today’s episode, we have a discussion about those artists, to say the least, have much to say about being labelled as such. Tap in and let us know how...
Feb 12, 2025•36 min•Season 5Ep. 27
So what’s the secret sauce to a beautiful duet? Get into today’s episode as Ash and Kea talk about their favorite R&B duets and what makes a delicious pairing. So HOT TAKE, there is a duet that Kea was not really proud of to say the least. Could you guys guess the artist?? The energy in this episode was hilarious! Please pour you a glass or light ya herb and let us know if you agree with our list of favorite duets. **Correction** "When You Believe" is written by Stephen Schwartz & Babyfa...
Jan 29, 2025•38 min•Season 5Ep. 26
Welcome back y’all! This episode is truly special to ya girls as we kick off the new season of the Always on Key Podcast by celebrating the life and legacy of none other than Aaliyah, the princess of R&B. Aaliyah was a singer, dancer, actress and model that redefined the genre of R&B and paved the way for a lot of our favorite artists today. While her life was short lived and devastating for all her fans around the world, Aaliyah was an experience you were fortunate to have witnessed. Tu...
Jan 15, 2025•38 min•Season 5Ep. 25
First off, no shade to any of the artists mentioned in this episode. Today's episode is truly a topic of love and curiosity. With that said, we need some answers. What happened? There were times in the music world where if you had the complete package and support of the label behind you, having a hit was the ultimate goal. For some artists this was achieved. But sometimes it is even harder to follow up that success of your first hit record with another hit record and your career can begin to fiz...
Sep 04, 2024•43 min•Season 4Ep. 24
Sometimes you just gotta kick it with ya homegirls and reminisce. This episode we brought in one of our homies from way back to talk all things R&B. She shares interesting thoughts on how she digests music now that she is a new mom. We talk about our favorite artist and of course Ms. Kea Renee had one of her games where we got rid of an artist in different categories. A time was had ya hear me. So grab a glass or a jay and vibe with us. Questions or thoughts on the episode? Ideas and suggest...
Aug 21, 2024•43 min•Season 4Ep. 23
Have you ever been such a huge fan of an artist and wonder why they aren’t more mainstream or bigger stars? Did you also consider if what they look like had any impact on that thought? Well today’s episode is not for the sensitive. Ya girls had a deep discussion on how colorism plays a part in the music industry and in particular R&B. While this can make some uncomfortable, it is something we should talk about as fans and how this effects us as consumers. But don’t fear! We lighten the mood ...
Aug 07, 2024•46 min•Season 4Ep. 22
One thing for sure, there is no way of truly appreciating R&B music without looking back at its roots and how far it's come. This episode, we talk about the church’s influence on secular music. Ms. Kea Renee’s sister also joined us to share her thoughts on the impact of gospel on R&B artists and music. Tune in for some praise & worship as ya homegirls take ya back down memory lane and open up about how it shaped the genre as we know it. Questions or thoughts on the episode? Ideas and...
Jul 24, 2024•38 min•Season 4Ep. 21
Y’all enjoyed our last game night so we decided to spin the block on this one. Joining us was Ash Da Vet’s ma dukes to share in her own love of R&B, laughs along with Ms. Kea Renee coming through with the serious trivia that left the ladies in shambles. Take a listen and let us know if you got any of these correct. Questions or thoughts on the episode? Ideas and suggestions are welcome here. Talk to ya girls! Come hang out with ya homegirls Kea Renee and Ash da Vet as they discuss their favo...
Jul 10, 2024•33 min
Just in time for the summer season, Always on Key Podcast is back y’all! And in true fashion, we are giving y’all artists to check out as you begin your summertime vibes. Whether you are looking to turn up at the local function or take bae on a long drive, we got something to put on ya playlist. And if not, don’t say we don’t try to put you on 😉. Questions or thoughts on the episode? Ideas and suggestions are welcome here. Talk to ya girls! Come hang out with ya homegirls Kea Renee and Ash da V...
Jun 26, 2024•24 min•Season 4Ep. 19
Ya girls had a great opportunity to collaborate and talk music & mental health with the queens from the Queens of Social Work Podcast in support of Mental Health Awareness month. The Queens of Social Work is a pod cast about Afro-Caribbean American Social Workers sharing their first hand experiences in the field and provided such an impactful take on music and its healing powers! You can find them on IG: @queensofsocialwork In honor of Mental Health Awareness Month, we have curated a playlis...
May 18, 2024•46 min
Hey friends! Last year, there were some AMAZING shows, concerts and pop up gigs from incredible artists. We thought it would be super dope to hear about some of the shows, our very own, Ms. Kea Renee attended. We chat about what brought her to these shows, what she looks forward to when attending concerts and the vibes she experienced. Maybe you attended the same show(s). 2024 has a lot to offer as far as entertainment. What are some concerts you are looking forward to attending this year? Quest...
Feb 23, 2024•31 min•Season 3Ep. 18
Now friends… are y’all ready for the Usher concert?! Oh yeah, we think a football game is happening too :). We could not be any more excited to witness a more deserving performance for the living legend Usher. With more than 30 years in the game, adding a Superbowl performance to his resume all the while announcing a new album, tour and finishing his Las Vegas residency couldn't have been a more divine time for him. And we are more than ready. This episode, we had some fun with our special guest...
Feb 09, 2024•52 min•Season 3Ep. 17
Now there is always an argument about which decade gave us the best of R&B music. Was it the 90’s, the 2000s, we can debate for days. While everyone has their own opinion, ya girls decided to go through each decade and choose a record that defined that time period. Lawd there was so much music to go through. So tap in as we begin in the 80s and work our way til now. Oh this will be fun! Questions or thoughts on the episode? Ideas and suggestions are welcome here. Talk to ya girls! Come hang ...
Jan 26, 2024•29 min•Season 3Ep. 16
Alright ya’ll. Ya girls are trying to put you on to some rising stars!! I know in this day and age it is hard to find new music and new artists but look no further. We got a few artists that we think will bring the vibes. Let us know what you think? Also, drop ya’ll favorite upcoming or new artist so we can expand our music library!!! Do it for the people!!! ========== Come hang out with ya homegirls Ms. Kea Renee and Ash da Vet as they discuss their favorite musical legends and rising artists t...
Jan 12, 2024•26 min•Season 3Ep. 15
There is nothing like linking up with ya hos and homies to play games, have good eats, good energy with good company. What’s even better is having candid discussions on topics you love and enjoy. For us, having an R&B game night was something we absolutely enjoyed. So pull up and come enjoy some R&B trivia you may or may not have known! Questions or thoughts on the episode? Ideas and suggestions are welcome here. Talk to ya girls! Come hang out with ya homegirls Kea Renee and Ash da Vet ...
Dec 08, 2023•31 min•Season 3Ep. 14
AND WE ARE BACK Y’ALL!!! Did ya miss us cuz we miss you guys. Kicking off Season 3 of the Always on Key Podcast with a banga. Have you ever thought to yourself, “man I need my own show” or “I can fix BET”. Ya girls thought it would be pretty dope to create our own network. We discussed who would be our CEO, what content would be on our network and Kea Renee had to defend her employees from Ash sketchy recruiting strategies (evil genius laughs)! Check it out and let us know if you would tune in. ...
Nov 24, 2023•31 min•Season 3Ep. 13
Music definitely sparks emotions and memories and there are many records that let us know SUMMER IS HERE! Today’s episode, ya girls chat about music that feels like summer. So whether you’re outside for a hot girl/city boy summer or you hanging on the sidewalk, you can bet you will hear a record that fits the season. In addition to today’s episode, we also have a Feels Like Summer playlist to enjoy on Spotify. If you have a favorite summertime record not on the list, hit us up and we will add it...
Jul 21, 2023•32 min•Season 2Ep. 13
I know y’all did not think we will forget about the epic ladies!!! Today’s episode surrounds beautiful powerhouses that Kea Renee and Ash Da Vet absolutely consider top 5 vocalists! You don’t want to miss out. Tune in! Questions or thoughts on the episode? Ideas and suggestions are welcome here. Talk to ya girls! Come hang out with ya homegirls Kea Renee and Ash da Vet as they discuss their favorite musical legends and rising artists that they cannot get enough of and so much more. As soul sista...
Jul 07, 2023•40 min•Season 2Ep. 6
Yeah we know, here we go with yet another list. And we say THAT’S TOO DAMN BAD! The beautiful thing about music is the discussions surrounding your favorites and why you love them so much. Talent is all around us and in today's episode, we wanted to each give flowers to our top 5 male vocalists. Get into it! Questions or thoughts on the episode? Ideas and suggestions are welcome here. Talk to ya girls! Come hang out with ya homegirls Kea Renee and Ash da Vet as they discuss their favorite musica...
Jun 23, 2023•26 min•Season 2Ep. 5
Can y’all remember your favorite award show memory?? From the performances, the skits, even the mishaps, award shows used to have many folks tuned in!! Do you feel award shows are giving that same energy like back in the early 2000s? Or what about when your fave didn’t win the popular category? Join Kea Renee and Ash Da Vet chat about their favorite award show memories, their thoughts on the stan culture and award show drama! Tap in. Questions or thoughts on the episode? Ideas and suggestions ar...
Jun 09, 2023•35 min•Season 2Ep. 4
Today is a special episode as we had the pleasure of choppin it up with singer, songwriter & creative artist Deacon Lamard! Deacon is one of those artists that embodies the art of soulful storytelling. It’s exactly what R&B is all about and what we all have been craving. We talked about his upbringing, some of his latest projects and his go to adlibs. We definitely had to pick his brain on the old big R&B bridges. Can we get an OUUU YEAAHHH?!? Tune in! Questions or thoughts on the ep...
May 26, 2023•53 min•Season 2Ep. 3
Does R&B have a global impact in other countries? We certainly think so! Get into today’s episode as we explore artists from across the pond and their journey navigating the genre. But wait, that’s not all…things get a little deep this episode as we also explore other genre clearly influenced by R&B and its racial undertones. Yeah, let’s talk about it. Artist spotlight: Sinead Harnett Questions or thoughts on the episode? Ideas and suggestions are welcome here. Talk to ya girls! Come han...
May 12, 2023•34 min•Season 2Ep. 2
T he songs may have only been a part of an episode on a TV show or in a movie but it sure was a top notch banger in the crib! There were so many shows that had singers that actually could sing and their songs were poppin too. What songs do you remember from a show that lived rent free in your head? Get into today’s episode as we discuss. Artist spotlight: Leon Thomas Questions or thoughts on the episode? Ideas and suggestions are welcome here. Talk to ya girls! Come hang out with ya homegirls Ke...
Apr 28, 2023•37 min•Season 2Ep. 1
Remember rushing home from school to see which video was going to be #1 on 106 and Park? Do you still have that feeling today? Are we even checking for music videos from the artist we love? Are they even important? Today’s episode, Kea Renee and Ash da Vet chat about their favorite music videos and what they like about artists dropping visuals! Questions or thoughts on the episode? Ideas and suggestions are welcome here. Talk to ya girls! Come hang out with ya homegirls Kea Renee and Ash da Vet ...
Feb 10, 2023•29 min•Season 1Ep. 6
This episode Kea Renee and Ash give flowers to the songwriters and their top tier pen game! Whether it's an artist that can blow & write, an artist who writes for other artists or a dedicated songwriter, their super power for creating special and amazing records cannot be denied. Tune in! And don't worry about trying to find all the great songs we mentioned; Here's a playlist! https://open.spotify.com/playlist/17v8zxhSMarp2IYwLxRoN2?si=3314c0a687394eff References https://www.ascap.com/ Songs...
Jan 27, 2023•28 min•Season 1Ep. 5
Is every sample a homage to the original artist or does it lack creativity? Are you tired of hearing samples or interpolations of old R&B hits? Do you know who the most sampled artist of all time is? In today’s episode we touch base on artist sampling and its impact. Tune in as we share opinions and talk shit all at the same time. References https://www.whosampled.com/most-sampled-artists/ Seasoned artist spotlight: The Isley Brothers Songs/Albums mentioned: Lucky Daye - Over Jacquees - Quee...
Jan 13, 2023•32 min•Season 1Ep. 4
Have you ever listened to a song that you used to rock to as a kid years later only to realize how freaky it was? Yeah, this episode Kea Renee & Ashley get into just that! Let us know what songs you use to listen to that you probably shouldn’t have. ========== Come hang out with ya homegirls Kea Renee and Ashley as they discuss their favorite musical legends and rising artists that they cannot get enough of and so much more. As soul sistahs who are simply lovers of music, join in for laughs,...
Dec 20, 2022•31 min•Season 1Ep. 3
