The Beat with Ari Melber - podcast cover

The Beat with Ari Melber

Ari Melber, MS NOWwww.ms.now
Ari Melber delivers the biggest political and news stories of the day, with interviews and original reporting from around the nation. An Emmy-winning journalist, attorney and former Senate staffer, Melber cuts through the spin and the noise to tell you what's really happening. Real news, every night.
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Episodes

BONUS: 'The answer is racism': Angie Martinez on bias against Black poetry & interviewing Obama & 2Pac

From Barack Obama hailing her as "The Voice of New York" to Snoop and Mary J Blige bringing her backstage at the 2022 Super Bowl, Angie Martinez has built herself into one of the most acclaimed radio hosts and interviewers in American music. The Grammy-nominated Martinez has established herself as an essential stop on rap and pop artists' roads to stardom, which is why she's sat with everyone from 2Pac and Biggie to Drake, Queen Latifah, A$AP Rocky, Cardi B, and Ice Cube. In this in-depth interv...

Mar 18, 202235 minEp. 267

BONUS: What does the 1st Amendment protect? Floyd Abrams on speech, war, tech & 'canceling'

Republicans in Florida and Texas passed new laws targeting technology companies for banning or "canceling" certain speech -- an uphill battle, as a federal judge blocked the Texas law as unconstitutional. Renowned free speech lawyer Floyd Abrams agrees, saying the new GOP laws violate the First Amendment because media and tech companies have the legal right to decide what to publish. Abrams, the "most sought-after First Amendment litigator of his generation," according to New York Times, speaks ...

Mar 08, 20221 hr 25 minEp. 260

BONUS: On Trump, 'Jeen-Yuhs' director breaks with Kanye; talks drive, talent & the retainers with Ari

From rebuking Pres. Bush over Hurrican Katrina, to backing Pres. Trump, to mounting his own brief run for President, Ye (formerly Kanye West) has made himself a controversial, unavoidable part of American politics, music, culture, fashion, social media, and business for decades. Two of his oldest collaborators and friends, Coodie Simmons and Chike Ozah, explain their belief and fascination in the artist and billionaire entrepreneur Ye -- even amidst some disagreements over politics, values, and ...

Mar 08, 202239 minEp. 259

BONUS: Legend George Clinton on politics, seeing UFOs, and playing funk in his 80s

In this bonus episode, P-Funk legend George Clinton joins MSNBC’s Ari Melber for an extended interview, discussing Cardi B, Ice Cube, Snoop Dogg and sampling; performing with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren; art in the COVID era; delaying his retirement; advice on longevity in music and life; and an encounter that informs his belief that there is life beyond earth. The discussion was taped in June 2021, after Clinton played in Central Park in one of the first performances after the pan...

Nov 12, 202137 minEp. 193

BONUS: J Balvin on vaccines, surviving COVID, truth in music & new album 'Jose'

Grammy-winning Colombian artist J Balvin had an intense 2020 -- battling a severe COVID case that he says "almost killed" him; releasing a new album that went quadruple platinum and made him one of the most streamed artists of the year; beginning work on a new album "Jose" (Sept 2021); and continuing his advocacy for mental health and connecting with his growing global fan base. The Reggaeton icon opens up about all of it in this extensive, in-person interview with MSNBC anchor Ari Melber. To li...

Oct 22, 202123 minEp. 177

BONUS: Gary Vaynerchuk on crypto, hustling, and why his critics are wrong

Entrepreneur Gary Vaynerchuk sits down with MSNBC's Ari Melber in this extensive interview to discuss how he got his start, what it means to be an entrepreneur in the digital age, his thoughts on bitcoin, NFTs, social media -- and why he thinks the establishment will "never" love him. Note: This video contains some adult language. To listen to this show and other MS podcasts without ads, sign up for MS NOW Premium on Apple Podcasts. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com f...

Oct 20, 202123 minEp. 175

BONUS: "Stomach-turning": MAGA riot’s confederate flag rebuked by Fran Lebowitz

Writer Fran Lebowitz applies her iconic candor and wit to the insurrection, voter suppression, feminism, the news media, comedy — and why she says she’s not a pessimist, despite her reputation— in this wide-ranging interview, a new installment of The Summit Series with Ari Melber, featuring discussions with leaders at the summit of their fields. The series debuted in 2021 with Melber’s interview with Bill Gates. To listen to this show and other MS podcasts without ads, sign up for MS NOW Premium...

Oct 01, 202143 minEp. 164

BONUS: Lil Baby on BLM, the trap, Drake, White House visit and his drawl

In an extensive interview from his Atlanta studio, Lil Baby talks about music, his signature "drawl," his approach to success, the trap, why he rarely orders platinum plaques for his hits and what it meant to make Barack Obama's playlist and meet with Vice President Kamala Harris. The 26-year-old talks with MSNBC anchor and music lover Ari Melber, and answers "lightning round" questions about what he thinks of artists like Drake, Jay Z, Young Thug and Diddy. To listen to this show and other MS p...

Sep 27, 202139 minEp. 160

BONUS: Ending the Drug War & corporate robbery with Russ, hip hop's leading DIY artist

In this bonus edition of "The Beat's" podcast, rapper, singer and author Russ discusses music, creativity, business and independent thinking in a wide-ranging discussion for “Mavericks with Ari Melber,” a series of interviews with leading artists, musicians and cultural icons. The two also discuss Russ’s marijuana business and related advocacy; his views on hip hop’s relationship with mafia films; controversies in the music industry from unfair contracts to alleged fake streaming; and several re...

Sep 11, 20211 hr 2 minEp. 152

Bonus: "Strange Fruit": How Black Artists Defied U.S. Racism, Got It Right And Paid The Price

In a special in-depth report, Ari Melber goes through history and examines the way black artists and activists confronted racism and police brutality in their music and their own lives. Melber traces history from the works of Sam Cooke and Billie Holiday to N.W.A and 2Pac, and how many of their messages ring true today. Melber also looks at politicians who attacked these artists, demonizing their music and message. New York Congressman Hakeem Jeffries joins for a special conversation on the repo...

Jul 12, 202027 min

BONUS: Playwright Jeremy O. Harris talks to Ari Melber from his lockdown pad in London

In this bonus podcast episode, Playwright Jeremy O. Harris talks with MSNBC's Ari Melber on Instagram live. To listen to this show and other MS podcasts without ads, sign up for MS NOW Premium on Apple Podcasts. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

May 17, 202047 min

BONUS: MSNBC's Ari Melber sits down with Curtis '50 Cent' Jackson, Vic Mensa

This bonus podcast episode features Ari Melber's extended interviews with 50 Cent and Vic Mensa. To listen to this show and other MS podcasts without ads, sign up for MS NOW Premium on Apple Podcasts. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

May 10, 20201 hr

BONUS: Coronavirus pandemic in the United States

In this special report, MSNBC’s Ari Melber reports on Gates’ past warnings, his public health work, his repeated efforts to personally lobby Donald Trump on these issues, and potential implications for battling this pandemic – and the next one. Melber also reports on Dr. Fauci becoming a leader in the pandemic response, tips to combat the stress of coronavirus and talks with Grammy-nominated rapper Jeezy, who has released music for his fans to enjoy during the health crisis. To listen to this sh...

Apr 06, 202046 min

BONUS: DJ D-Nice and Melissa Etheridge encourage everyone to #StayHome to slow the spread of coronavirus

In this bonus podcast episode, DJ D-Nice joins MSNBC's Ari Melber to discuss his virtual party, "Club Quarantine," that has gone viral during the coronavirus social isolation period, gaining over 100 viewers. D-Nice talks teaming up with Michelle Obama to "party with a purpose." Grammy and Oscar winning singer Melissa Etheridge tells Ari about her daily concerts she is now streaming on Facebook as a way to improve her “own mental health,” while she also hopes it gives others a “feeling of connec...

Mar 31, 202014 min

BONUS: Coronavirus pandemic

In this bonus podcast episode, medial experts and doctors join MSNBC's Ari Melber to report on the latest impact of the novel coronavirus. Ari also talks to the first coronavirus vaccine patient, from Washington. "Art of the Deal" co-author Tony Schwartz discusses not being overcome by fear during our new reality. To listen to this show and other MS podcasts without ads, sign up for MS NOW Premium on Apple Podcasts. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information ab...

Mar 23, 202039 min

BONUS: From Trump's desperation to Drake's 'blackness,' Joe Budden opens up in candid interview

In this extensive interview, rapper and new media entrepreneur Joe Budden talks to MSNBC’s Ari Melber about music, politics, race, the danger of secrets and the power of therapy and personal growth. Budden responds to several video clips, ranging from his early days in hip hop to greatest hits from his popular music show “The Joe Budden Podcast.” Melber and Budden also discuss Drake’s musical career, his verse in “Sicko Mode” about Kanye West and other recent comments; Donald Trump’s history as ...

Feb 02, 202026 min

BONUS: Ari Melber’s exclusive interviews with Yasiin Bey (Mos Def) and Dave Chappelle

In this special podcast episode, MSNBC’s Ari Melber sits down with Yasiin Bey (Mos Def) to discuss his favorite artists, some of his provocative lyrics and why Dave Chappelle is one of “his dearest friends for life.” We also dig into the archives from Ari’s 2018 interview with Dave Chappelle and then Maryland gubernatorial candidate Ben Jealous, to discuss why Chappelle decided to endorse a political candidate, followed by a deep analysis of Chappelle’s comedy in the Trump era. To listen to this...

Jan 12, 202039 min

BONUS: Full House to vote this week on impeaching Trump

MSNBC Chief Legal Correspondent Ari Melber hosts "Impeachment: White House in Crisis" To listen to this show and other MS podcasts without ads, sign up for MS NOW Premium on Apple Podcasts. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Dec 16, 201945 min

BONUS: Impeachment Debate with Rep. Jeffries, Maya Wiley, Bush DOJ veteran and more

PODCAST EXCLUSIVE: Ari Melber hosts a live podcast event in NY on the night the House Intelligence probe wrapped up its scheduled impeachment hearings, featuring analysis and debate of the new evidence, road ahead, and legal burden of proof required to vote to impeach the President. Ari is joined by House Democratic Caucus Chairman Hakeem Jeffries legal experts John Flannery, Maya Wiley, Berit Berger, and John Malcolm. To listen to this show and other MS podcasts without ads, sign up for MS NOW ...

Nov 22, 20191 hr 40 min

BONUS: Ari Melber sits down with legendary group R.E.M. to discuss MONSTER, and secrets to music success without corporate compromises

In this bonus podcast episode, MSNBC's Ari Melber sits down with R.E.M.'s Michael Stipe and Mike Mills to reflect on the 25th anniversary of their acclaimed album "Monster." The two also tackle their battles with the music industry, the meaning behind some of their most famous lyrics and their national debut on David Letterman's show. To listen to this show and other MS podcasts without ads, sign up for MS NOW Premium on Apple Podcasts. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.c...

Nov 10, 201923 min

BONUS: Experts on if Trump could lead to Trump's removal from office

To listen to this show and other MS podcasts without ads, sign up for MS NOW Premium on Apple Podcasts. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Nov 05, 201945 min

BONUS: Growing evidence in impeachment case as new witnesses testify

Ari Melber hosts a special series on MSNBC: 'Trump and Ukraine: The Impeachment Crisis' To listen to this show and other MS podcasts without ads, sign up for MS NOW Premium on Apple Podcasts. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Oct 21, 201944 min

BONUS: Honoring Biggie Smalls with Havoc, Ebro, Hakeem Jeffries, Ari Melber & more

In this special Beat podcast extra, anchor Ari Melber leads discussions to mark the 25th anniversary of "Ready to Die," the classic debut album by The Notorious B.I.G., which revitalized East Coast hip hop. Ari leads a discussion of Biggie's musical legacy with his collaborator Havoc (Mobb Deep); Lord Finesse, who produced the iconic final track on Ready to Die; and former Editor in Chief of The Source, Kim Osorio. Then Rep. Hakeem Jeffries and Hot 97’s Ebro Darden talk to Ari about the wider is...

Oct 06, 20191 hr 19 min

BONUS: Ari Melber breaks down the federal case that can stop Trump's immigration plan in its tracks

MSNBC’s Chief Legal Correspondent Ari Melber reports on The Flores Agreement, a decades-old court settlement that is now more important than ever. The case controls how immigrant minors are treated in detention -- and is central to Trump’s family separation crisis. In this special report, Melber examines how Trump's immigration agenda is thwarted by this Clinton-era case, how Trump actually echoes Obama on the immigration ruling but differs on protecting human rights, and what Congress can do to...

Sep 22, 201919 min

Bonus: Mavericks with Ari Melber: Lee Daniels gets emotional over Halle Berry's historic oscar

In this bonus podcast, listen to Ari Melber's exclusive interviews with Hollywood director and producer Lee Daniels for Mavericks with Ari Melber – a series of in-depth conversations with artists, musicians and cultural icons. To listen to this show and other MS podcasts without ads, sign up for MS NOW Premium on Apple Podcasts. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising....

Sep 15, 201931 min

BONUS: The Late Show with Stephen Colbert's Jon Batiste explains 'Make Jazz Great Again'

In this bonus episode, MSNBC's Ari Melber talks to The Late Show with Stephen Colbert's Jon Batiste to discuss his latest album, Anatomy of Angels: Live at the Village Vanguard. Batiste also opens up on working with Stevie Wonder, taking jazz from the streets of New Orleans to New York and growing up in New Orleans. To listen to this show and other MS podcasts without ads, sign up for MS NOW Premium on Apple Podcasts. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information ...

Aug 18, 201912 min

BONUS: White supremacy and terrorism in America

In this bonus podcast, listen to Ari Melber explore the the relationship between white supremacy and the rise of domestic terrorism in Ameirca To listen to this show and other MS podcasts without ads, sign up for MS NOW Premium on Apple Podcasts. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Aug 11, 201931 min

BONUS: Ari Melber breaks down Mueller's historic testimony with Trump's personal lawyer

In this bonus podcast, listen to Ari Melber breaks down Mueller's historic testimony in front of Congress and discuss the next steps for the President with Trump's personal lawyer. To listen to this show and other MS podcasts without ads, sign up for MS NOW Premium on Apple Podcasts. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising....

Jul 28, 201919 min

BONUS: Ari Melber talks with fashion icons Dapper Dan and Andre Leon Talley

In this bonus podcast, listen to Ari Melber's exclusive interviews with Dapper Dan and Andre Leon Talley. To listen to this show and other MS podcasts without ads, sign up for MS NOW Premium on Apple Podcasts. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Jul 21, 201941 min

BONUS: Dapper Dan talks to Ari Melber on MSNBC’s "Uncorked"

In this week's episode of "Uncorked," fashion icon Dapper Dan joins Ari Melber to discuss his influence on culture and his new book, "Dapper Dan: Made in Harlem: A Memoir." To listen to this show and other MS podcasts without ads, sign up for MS NOW Premium on Apple Podcasts. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Jul 14, 201919 min
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