This artist became a rapper at the age of 9. Lil Wayne came from a tough childhood before exploring his talent for rapping as a member of the Hot Boys. With growing popularity, he pursued his solo career and released Tha Carter in 2004 and Tha Carter II in 2005. He was ready to take on the mantle of "Best Rapper Alive" and collaborated with artists such as Fall Out Boy and Fat Joe. Lil Wayne found success in 2008 with Tha Carter III, which included hit singles "A Milli" and "Lollipop", earning h...
Jul 21, 2022•37 min
She is known to be the “Queen of Hip-Hop Soul.” Mary J. Blige came from a tough childhood before becoming a singing sensation. Blige found an escape from her life through music and eventually dropped out of school before working with Puff Daddy. Her first album, “What’s the 411?”, was a hit, followed by her second album “My Life”, which explored her emotional struggles. By her fourth album, Blige was finally finding herself and learning to forgive. She realized that it’s never too late to pursue...
Jul 07, 2022•38 min
This artist is known for his use of Auto-Tune and pushing the boundaries of music. As a child, T-Pain knew he wanted to leave his hometown of Tallahassee to pursue his musical talents. He eventually discovered Auto-Tune and created a remix of Akon’s “Locked Up”, dubbed “F***ed Up”, which led to Akon recognizing T-Pain’s potential. T-Pain pursued his music career and came out with his first single, “I’m Sprung” which became a #1 hit. Critics thought that T-Pain’s signature Auto-Tune sound was a g...
Jun 23, 2022•38 min
He is a radio DJ turned Hip-Hop superstar. Ludacris built his career in music and acting by writing about his life and rapping on Atlanta radio stations, leading him to become a founding member of record label Disturbing tha Peace. Although he was a radio DJ under the name of Chris Lova Lova, Ludacris was ready to build his own name as a recording artist. One of his first singles, “What’s Your Fantasy”, proved that he had a trademark flow. In 2009, six studio albums later, Ludacris was met with ...
Jun 09, 2022•35 min
This Rocket Man is known for his flamboyant costumes and musical oeuvre. Elton John began his career as a talented pianist in the London suburbs where he created his debut album, “Empty Sky”, which began the course for Elton’s 7 consecutive #1 albums. The rock ‘n roll legend’s rush of superstardom soared in the 70s with money and fame, however he also struggled with burnout, drug use, and personal crises. While navigating tabloids and scandals in the 80s, Elton reached sobriety and supported his...
May 26, 2022•36 min
She’s one of the biggest stars in the world and a human highlight reel. The story behind Britney Spears’ early career comes from her aspirations too large for her small town. Britney knew she wanted to perform and see the world after her early roles in off-broadway plays and The Mickey Mouse Club, which led to her solo career in music. Her debut album, “...Baby One More Time” became a #1 hit and a global phenomenon. From the debut of her second album to her fourth, Britney was met with iconic mo...
May 12, 2022•36 min
The most successful American Idol winner, Carrie Underwood, went from farm girl to superstar. After winning American Idol’s fourth season in 2005, Carrie performed a 47 state tour that introduced fans to #1 hits like “Jesus Take the Wheel” and “Before He Cheats” off her debut album, Some Hearts. Her talent quickly continued to be recognized as she won two Grammys and an induction to the Opry. At 25, she met her future husband, NHL player Mike Fisher, who became the inspiration for her next album...
Apr 28, 2022•33 min
One of the highest selling pop girl groups of all time, TLC, has influenced multiple genres of music that will be felt for generations to come. Tionne “T-Boz'' Watkins, Lisa “Left Eye” Lopes, and Rozonda “Chilli” Thomas defined girl power and individuality in the 90s. Their third album “Fan Mail'' was an instant smash that led to awards and headlining tours. However, the three women experienced ups and downs during their success from creative differences to health issues. The group eventually co...
Apr 14, 2022•40 min
As one of the best selling female rappers of all time, Missy Elliot climbed to the top on her own terms. Growing up as an only child, Missy faced poverty, despair, and abuse. She used music as an outlet to escape and eventually created the group “Fayze” where she signed with Swing Mob. Missy’s music dreams were coming true; in the early 90s she was able to collaborate with Timbaland & Magoo and Raven-Symoné. However, struggles with her body image and creativity resulted in her departure from...
Mar 31, 2022•37 min
R&B superstar Jennifer Hudson displays natural, raw talent in both music and acting. After her auditions for American Idol in 2004, Jennifer became the local celebrity for Chicago. Her vocal prowess landed her a starring role in the film, “Dreamgirls”, where her performance earned her over 30 awards, including a Golden Globe. But the singer was just getting started — she got signed, found love, and starred in two films, “The Secret Life of Bees” and “Sex and the City,” while recording her fi...
Mar 17, 2022•37 min
A former Mouseketeer turned pop diva, Christina Aguilera has come a long way from The Mickey Mouse Club to living her dream of balancing stardom, motherhood, and love. Although she came from a troubled childhood, Christina took control of her life through music and became the definition of pop perfection with the hit “Genie in a Bottle” in 1999. In the early 2000s, she found herself in the middle of a dramatic public feud with Britney Spears and Eminem. Christina was overworked and faced depress...
Mar 03, 2022•34 min
Originally a choir boy from Long Beach, Snoop turned to gangs, guns, and drug dealing in his teenage years. Amid this lifestyle, Snoop impressed Dr. Dre with his mixtapes, leading him to release the hit albums “Doggystyle” and “Tha Doggfather” under Death Row Records. After being charged for murder in a 1993 gang shooting, Snoop turned his back on the “gangsta” lifestyle and distanced himself from Death Row. Eventually, Snoop released multiple albums under No Limit Records and reunited with Dr. ...
Feb 17, 2022•37 min
Hip hop icon Nas is famous for his provocative lyrics and bold voice. He inspired a new generation to keep an open mind and work hard. Nas rose from the unforgiving streets of New York City to create music recounting his own experiences including being raised by a single mother, selling drugs on the streets, and witnessing the effects of gun violence on his family members. Even though Nas faced devastating loss and struggle, he “stuck to his guns” and put his music first. The rapper became a hit...
Feb 03, 2022•35 min
It is no wonder how the Spice Girls became a global phenomenon in 4 years. With the combination of saucy looks, infectious tunes, and sassy lyrics, the girl-group charmed their way to international stardom. They redefined the girl-group genre by spreading the idea of girl power through their larger than light personalities. Following the success of their hit single “Wannabe,” their fame went from exhilaration to exhaustion. Tabloid chaos, declining health, and creative differences among each oth...
Jan 20, 2022•38 min
The authenticity of Fat Joe is what helped him shape the hip-hop world in the 90s. Raised in the Bronx, his personality and confidence built a monster image of rising from nothing to triumph. Even when he was surrounded by violence, drugs, and loss, he believed that the darkest moments brought him the most clarity. When faced with financial troubles, the rapper believed in himself and created the triple platinum single, “All The Way Up” with longtime collaborator Remy Ma in 2016. Fat Joe finds h...
Dec 16, 2021•43 min
The pioneers of the original boy band are back. From the streets of Boston, New Kids On The Block (NKOTB) grew into an international phenomenon with the most dedicated fans in pop and R&B. Although they discovered their audience and won their fans over from the 80s to the 90s, fame eventually took its toll and personal struggles were exposed. Although the group disbanded in 1994, their reunion in 2008 showed that they are better together than ever. The “kids” are now adults celebrating key m...
Dec 02, 2021•49 min
Since his time with the rock band Poison, Bret Michaels has come a long way. Armed with dedication to the rock ‘n roll dream, Michaels experienced the highs and lows of rock ‘n roll success with his bandmates. During the constant high of touring and partying, the frontman battled toxicity, fighting, and substance abuse. Reflecting on the key moments of his life, Michaels also learned perseverance through collaborating with his daughter and hosting his own show, Rock of Love. To learn more about ...
Nov 18, 2021•41 min
Duran Duran changed music when they introduced rock music onto the dance floor. As the leaders of the new romantic revolution, they did everything together and swept the 80s off their feet. The group created an innovative aesthetic that went beyond their music, from art to fashion. Fame also brought the band struggles — with alcohol, drugs, and inspiration. As the world evolved into the 90s, Duran Duran wanted to break new ground with the new decade, which brought forth their biggest hit, Ordina...
Nov 04, 2021•41 min
This 80s pop-rocker is best known for his vocals on chart-topping songs like "The Power of Love" and "The Heart of Rock and Roll" by the band Huey Lewis and The News. Singer Huey Lewis entertained audiences on stage and on the big screen with cameos in films like Back To The Future, but it wasn't an easy road to stardom. Tragedy struck when Lewis was diagnosed with Meniere's Disease in 2018 that threatened his music career. Learn more about his career and continued battle with hearing loss in th...
Oct 21, 2021•48 min
Glam-rock powerhouse, Adam Lambert, took pop music by storm with his handsome looks, electrifying stage theatrics and jaw-dropping vocal acrobatics. He has entertained across the stage, television and radio...and shocked the world along the way. Despite his success, Adam faced constant criticism about being too bold, too offensive and too gay. Hear interviews with family, friends, industry experts and musical luminaries including Barry Weiss and "American Idol" Season 8 winner Kris Allen. Listen...
Oct 07, 2021•33 min
Guns N' Roses emerged from the thicket of the hair metal jungle on Hollywood's Sunset Strip in the mid-80s and single-handedly reinvented rock and roll with righteous riffs and a real and present element of danger. The band became notorious as members dabbled with drugs, booze and other forms of debauchery. Thanks to arena-ready anthems that enraptured teens and enraged parents, Guns N’ Roses, led by vocalist Axl Rose, quickly rose up in the charts. But, as the band’s music was climbing, their r...
Sep 30, 2021•34 min
Hear the story behind Angus Young's schoolboy uniform and how AC/DC managed to take their raucous act out of Australia to become a worldwide phenomenon. In emotional interviews, the rockers talk about the death of former frontman Bon Scott and how -- in a twist of fate -- their first album without him would be one of the top 10 best selling in history. Despite enduring attacks by critics and censors, being linked to serial killer Richard Ramirez, and personal addictions, AC/DC just keeps on rock...
Sep 23, 2021•38 min
Faced with health issues, financial distress, and familial tensions, R&B icon Toni Braxton’s story is a powerful one. Her career began with an impossible choice: stay with the family’s band, The Braxtons, or accept a solo record deal. She went solo and found great success, selling hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of copies of her runaway hit, Unbreak My Heart...that never hit her pockets. Encountering more personal and financial losses, Toni nearly worked herself to death. Despite the ...
Sep 09, 2021•33 min
Her desire to "rule the world" drew the dancer and fledgling musician from Detroit to New York's East Village where Madonna became a fixture on the early '80s punk scene. She turned heads with a sexy ragamuffin look that would eventually spawn a world of wannabes. Always leading the pop zeitgeist, Madonna's music has evolved from dance-pop to earthy R&B to balladry to techno. From club scenester to cultural icon to mother (her most satisfying role yet), Madonna's moves are endlessly fascinat...
Sep 02, 2021•50 min
After the death of her husband Kurt Cobain, Courtney Love struggled to cope. She faced brutal attacks from the media and those close to her. Many believed she would self-destruct in an endless cycle of drugs, criticism, and rock and roll,however, Courtney made her way back to the top. Find out how and much more in Part 2 of Courtney Love’s story behind the music. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn mo...
Aug 26, 2021•34 min
She’s one of the most controversial, reviled and riveting rock stars in the world. After a tough upbringing, she turned her rage into a passion: rock and roll. Courtney Love quickly found success and love in the industry, but the fantasy of her star-studded life unraveled after she lost her husband, Kurt Cobain, to suicide. Courtney made a stunning turnaround, taking the music and acting world by storm. But, eventually Courtney’s demons came back to haunt her. Hear from Courtney Love, her family...
Aug 26, 2021•41 min
For Curtis Jackson III, aka 50 Cent, the road to success wasn’t easy. After losing both his father and his mother, 50 Cent hit the streets to make ends meet. Headed down the wrong road, 50 Cent gave up the hustle and chased a new dream: to become a hip hop star. His bad boy reputation preceded him and in May 2000, nine bullets nearly ended it all. But 50 persevered and came back to the game even stronger. Hear how he turned his anguish into fame and fortune, living by his own notorious words, “G...
Aug 12, 2021•36 min
He was once a small-town choir boy. Now, Usher is one of modern pop music’s greatest artists. Usher fast tracked his way to fame with an education from one of hip hop’s most notorious producers, and with his charisma, confidence, and distinctive voice, Usher’s career skyrocketed...and so did his love life. Now, go behind the scenes, behind the backlash, and behind the music of the golden boy of R&B. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/l...
Aug 05, 2021•34 min
As one of rap music’s most successful artists/producers turned record label founder and executive, Dr. Dre is arguably the best in the game. His outrageous persona helped him build an empire, but when the line between image and reality blurred, people started getting hurt. Despite the controversy, jail time, and multiple assault charges, Dre’s commercial success is unrivalled. Listen in for interviews with Dr. Dre, his family, and rap artists Warren G, Snoop Dogg, Eminem, Daz and Kurupt and Jerr...
Jul 29, 2021•42 min
From founding member of the notorious rap group N.W.A. to blockbuster movie star, Ice Cube has had a legendary career, but his early days were full of tragedy and struggles. Finding refuge in music, Ice Cube and his neighborhood friends formed N.W.A. to speak out about the harsh reality of growing up in Compton. Years and many hits later, Ice Cube defied all odds and embarked on a solo career, becoming a major player in Hollywood as an actor, writer, producer, and family man. Snoop Dogg, DJ Yell...
Jul 29, 2021•30 min
