One Song

We’re taking you back to one of our very first episodes, talking mosquitos and libidos. That’s right, Diallo and LUXXURY are off on a sonic adventure with Nirvana’s 1991 grunge rock juggernaut, Smells Like Teen Spirit. Hear why Diallo thinks it’s one of the most important songs in pop culture, and strap in for some rarely heard Kurt Cobain vocal stems. There’s also a lot of talk about blap-um-blap-um drum patterns. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We're revisiting one of our favorite episodes of One Song this week featuring award-winning journalist, author, and podcaster Danyel Smith (Shine Bright: A Very Personal History of Black Women in Pop). Danyel joins Diallo and LUXXURY to break down Chaka Khan’s “I’m Every Woman,” the 1978 disco crossover hit that launched her incredibly successful solo career. They discuss Chaka’s powerful, dynamic vocal range (just wait until you hear the isolated stems!), how the song became an anthem for female empowerment (among many other things), and Chaka’s professional and personal connections with Whitney Houston, who famously covered the song 15 years later for The Bodyguard soundtrack. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How do you end one of the greatest albums of all time? Maybe you need to bring in a 40 person orchestra. This week on One Song, Diallo Riddle and LUXXURY continue their two-part exploration of the Beatles with one of the greatest album closers of all time, “A Day In The Life.” They dive into the silly hats and carnival novelties that helped create the chaotic orchestral sections of the song, the headlines that inspired John Lennon’s lyrical odyssey, and debate whether or not Sgt. Pepper’s can truly be considered a concept album. Songs Discussed: “A Day In The Life” - The Beatles “Within You Without You” - The Beatles “Being For The Benefit Of Mr Kite!” - The Beatles “People Are Strange” - The Doors “Blue Jay Way” - The Beatles “Tomorrow Night” - Elvis Presley “Shook Ones, Pt. II” - Mobb Deep “Hey Joe” - The Jimi Hendrix Experience “Hush” - Deep Purple “2112” - Rush “Sicko Mode” - Travis Scott feat. Drake Diallo & LUXXURY Patreon One Song Spotify Playlist Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A flaming ashtray. A saxophone mouthpiece. Blistered fingers. How did one of the Beatles’ most chaotic recording sessions lead to a raucous masterpiece that paved the way for metal? On the first part of this Beatles Two-Parter, Diallo Riddle and LUXXURY dive into the tumultuous creation of “Helter Skelter,” tracking its origins as a 30-minute mellowed out blues-rocker to the review that inspired Paul McCartney to crank the track up to an eleven. Plus, LUXXURY tries to convince Diallo to listen to Wings. Songs Discussed: “Helter Skelter” - The Beatles “Mama’s Pearl” - The Jackson 5 “Helter Skelter” - Mötley Crüe “Dear Prudence” - The Beatles “I Can See For Miles” - The Who “Holidays in the Sun” - Sex Pistols “Fire” - Arthur Brown “Birthday” - The Beatles “Happiness Is A Warm Gun” - The Beatles “You Really Got Me” - The Kinks “Exciter” - Judas Priest “Whole Lotta Love” - Led Zeppelin “Paperback Writer” - The Beatles “Long Tall Sally” - The Beatles “She Loves You” - The Beatles “Silly Love Songs” - Wings “Arrow Through Me” - Wings “Old Siam, Sir” - Wings “Muzik” - Knoc-Turn’al “Temporary Secretary” - Paul McCartney One Song Spotify Playlist Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week on One Song, we're re-sharing one of our favorite episodes, possibly the greatest ever apology song ever recorded: It’s OutKast’s multi-platinum ode to a complicated relationship and “baby’s drama mama”, Ms. Jackson. One Song Spotify Playlist Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How did a 21-year-old unknown transform a deeply personal breakup into one of the defining hits of the ’90s? Diallo Riddle and LUXXURY dive into “You Oughta Know” by Alanis Morissette, unpacking the raw vocal performance, the Flea and Dave Navarro-driven groove, the genre-blurring production hidden in the stems, and the cultural moment that launched Jagged Little Pill into a 33-million-copy phenomenon. Songs Discussed: “You Oughta Know” - Alanis Morissette “Only Happy When It Rains” - Garbage “Unbelievable” - EMF “Too Hot” - Alanis Morissette “Straight Up” - Paula Abdul “Let The Music Play” - Shannon “All I Really Want” - Alanis Morissette “Hand In My Pocket” - Alanis Morissette “You Learn” - Alanis Morissette “Head Over Feet” - Alanis Morissette “Ironic” - Alanis Morissette “Big Exit” - PJ Harvey “Cornflake Girl” - Tori Amos “32 Flavors” - Ani DiFranco “Fast Car” - Tracy Chapman “You Oughta Know (Jimmy the Saint Blend)” - Alanis Morissette “Fools Gold” - The Stone Roses “Pacifics” - Digible Planets “Barracuda” - Heart “Fuckin’ In The Bushes” - Oasis “Little Miss Lover” - The Jimi Hendrix Experience “Bonin’ In The Boneyard” - Fishbone “Walk On Water” - Thelonious Monster “Jerry Was A Race Car Driver” - Primus “Epic” - Faith No More “Dungeon Vision” - Earth Tongue One Song Spotify Playlist Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Is “Just Like Heaven” The Cure’s pop masterpiece? Diallo Riddle and LUXXURY dive into the 1987 crossover hit, unpacking what makes it the purest distillation of The Cure’s sound while tracing the band’s blend of goth atmosphere and euphoric pop across their discography. Set yourself up for financial success in 2026 with Monarch. The all-in-one tool that makes proactive money management simple, all year long. Use code ONESONG at monarch.com for 50% off your first year. Songs Discussed: “Just Like Heaven” - The Cure “Hot n Cold” - Katy Perry “Believe” - Cher “I’m Like a Bird” - Nelly Furtado “All Star” - Smash Mouth “Irreplaceable” - Beyoncé “Closing Time” - Semisonic “Alone” - The Cure “Lovesong” - The Cure “Friday, I’m In Love” - The Cure “High” - The Cure “Let’s Go To Bed” - The Cure “A Forest” - The Cure “Spellbound” - Siouxsie and the Banshees “Release The Bats” - The Birthday Party “Eighties” - Killing Joke “One Hundred Years” - The Cure “The Lovecats” - The Cats “The Walk” - The Cure “Shake Dog Shake” - The Cure “Fascination Street” - The Cure “In the Air Tonight” - Phil Collins “The End” - The Beatles “Close To Me” - The Cure “Hot Hot Hot!!!” - The Cure “Why Can’t I Be You?” - The Cure “Bandages” - Hot Hot Heat “In Between Days” - The Cure “The Blood” - The Cure “Another Girl Another Planet” - The Only Ones “Just Like Heaven” - Dinosaur Jr. “A Forest” - Nouvelle Vague One Song Spotify Playlist Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Why does “N.Y. State of Mind” still feel like the gold standard for hip-hop lyricism three decades later? Diallo Riddle and LUXXURY dig into Nas’ landmark track, tracing its origins from Queensbridge to Columbia Records, unpacking DJ Premier’s haunting piano sample, and exploring how a dream team of producers reshaped hip-hop forever. Songs Discussed: “N.Y. State Of Mind” - Nas “Halftime” - Nas “The Genesis” - Nas “Professor Booty” - Beastie Boys “Subway Theme” - DJ Grand Wizard Theodore “Live At The Barbeque” - Main Source feat. Nas “Life’s A Bitch” - Nas feat. AZ & Olu Dara “It Ain’t Hard to Tell” - Nas “Long Red” - Mountain “The World Is Yours” - Nas “Just A Friend” - Biz Markie “I Love Music” - Ahmad Jamal Trio “N.T.” - Kool & The Gang “Gangsta Gangsta” - NWA “Breathe And Stop” - Q-Tip “Flight Time” - Donald Byrd “Mind Rain” - Joe Chambers “White Rabbie” - Jefferson Airplane “Milkshake” - Kelis “This Is How We Do It” - Montell Jordan “Children’s Story” - Slick Rick “Mahogany” - Eric B. & Rakim “I’m Glad You’re Mine” - Al Green “Five Man Army” - Massive Attack “New York State of Mind” - Billie Joel “SexyBack” - Justin Timberlake “Gin And Juice” - Snoop Dogg Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How did one of rock’s most successful bands of all time accidentally create one of the darkest hits in pop history? Diallo Riddle and LUXXURY dig into The Rolling Stones’ “Paint It Black,” unpacking the band’s complicated legacy and tracing the blend of American blues, surf rock, and global sounds that gave the song its spell-like power. Songs Discussed: “Paint It Black” - The Rolling Stones “Start Me Up” - The Rolling Stones “Miss You” - The Rolling Stones “Emotional Rescue” - The Rolling Stones “Brown Sugar” - The Rolling Stones “Shattered” - The Rolling Stones “Under My Thumb” - The Rolling Stones “Boléro” - Maurice Ravel “Norwegian Wood” - The Beatles “Pipeline” - The Chantays “Bir Eylül Akşamı” - Erkin Koray “My World Is Empty Without You Babe” - The Supremes “Lorelei” - Cocteau Twins “Love Attack” - Konk One Song Spotify Playlist Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How did “Crazy in Love” announce Beyoncé’s arrival as a solo superstar? Diallo Riddle and LUXXURY dig into this career-defining moment, breaking down the iconic Chi-Lites horn sample, Beyoncé’s commanding vocal performance, and an early demo from producer Rich Harrison that reveals how the song’s infectious hook came together. Songs Discussed: “Crazy In Love” - Beyoncé feat. Jay-Z “Flat Beat” - Mr. Oizo “Survivor” - Destiny’s Child “Independent Women Part I” - Destiny’s Child “Jumpin’ Jumpin’” - Destiny’s Child “Bootylicious” - Destiny’s Child “Work It Out” - Beyoncé “‘03 Bonnie & Clyde” - Jay-Z feat. Beyoncé “Me and My Girlfriend” - 2Pac “I Used to Love H.E.R.” - Common “I Gave You Power” - Nas “Bonnie and Clyde” - Brigitte Bardot and Serge Gainbourg “Dilemma” - Nelly feat. Kelly Rowland “Why Don’t We Fall In Love” - Amerie “Are You My Woman? (Tell Me So)” - The Chi-Lites “Oh Girl” - The Chi-Lites “Single Ladies (Put A Ring On It)” - Beyoncé “Talkin’ About” - Amerie “1 Thing” - Amerie “Get Right” - Jennifer Lopez “Part Time Punks” - Television Personalities “Blessings” - p-rallel & Sam Deeley One Song Spotify Playlist Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How does a song with no bass and no chorus become a global anthem with the most recognizable riff of the 21st century? Diallo Riddle and LUXXURY break down The White Stripes’ “Seven Nation Army,” exploring the cultural moment, the iconic bass-that-isn’t-a-bass riff, and the analog choices that turned a stripped-down idea into a modern classic. SONGS DISCUSSED “Seven Nation Army” - The White Stripes “You’re Pretty Good Looking (For a Girl)” - The White Stripes “St. James Infirmary Blues” - The White Stripes “St. James Infirmary” - Cab Calloway “St. James Infirmary” - King Oliver “Grinnin’ In Your Face” - Son House “Fell In Love With A Girl” - The White Stripes “Feral” - The Gories “Symphony No. 5” - Anton Bruckner “All By Myself” - Eric Carmen “Otoma Da Naba” - Florence Adooni “Dead End Love” - Phaidia One Song Spotify Playlist Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What song connects 1960s soul, Irish new age, and ’90s hip-hop? Diallo Riddle and LUXXURY go deep on Fugees’ classic “Ready or Not” with special guest Wyclef Jean. Together, they deconstruct the track’s haunting beat, uncover its surprisingly sourced bassline, and unpack the layered samples and interpolations that helped turn the song into a defining moment in hip-hop history. Songs Discussed: “Ready Or Not” - Fugees “Maria Maria” - Santana feat. The Product G&B “No, No, No Part 2” - Destiny’s Child feat. Wyclef Jean “Hips Don’t Lie” - Shakira feat. Wyclef Jean “What Would You Do?” - City High “Fu-Gee-La” - Fugees “Shook Ones, Pt. II” - Mobb Deep “Temperature’s Rising” - Mobb Deep feat. Crystal Johnson “Vocab (Refugees Hip Hop Remix)” - Fugees “Orinoco Flow” - Enya “Boadicea” - Enya “Ready or Not Here I come (Can’t Hide from Love)” - The Delfonics “If I Ruled The World (Imagine That)” - Nas feat. Lauryn Hill “If I Ruled The World” - Kurtis Blow “Ninety Nine (Flash the Message)” - John Forté “99 Red Balloons” - NENA “Anything Can Happen” - Wyclef Jean “Bubblegoose” - Wyclef Jean “Gone Till November” - Wyclef Jean “Dance Like This” - Wyclef Jean feat. Claudette Ortiz “Amores Como el Nuestro” - Jerry Rivera One Song Spotify Playlist Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How did Nile Rodgers and Bernard Edwards flip disco on its head with Diana Ross’ chart-topping solo hit “Upside Down”? Diallo Riddle and LUXXURY explore the Chic production, groove-driven arrangement, and rare outtakes from the Queen of Motown herself. Get 50% off 1 month of Trade at drinktrade.com/ONESONG Songs Discussed: “Upside Down” - Diana Ross (00:32) “Cold Rock a Party (Bad Boy Remix)” - MC Lyte feat. Missy Elliot (02:13) “Le Freak” - CHIC (04:39) “Good Times” - CHIC (04:42) “I Want Your Love” - CHIC (04:49) “We Are Family” - Sister Sledge (05:44) “Love Hangover” - Diana Ross (06:38) “He’s The Greatest Dancer” - Sister Sledge (10:56) “I’m Coming Out” - Diana Ross (11:55) “My Old Piano” - Diana Ross (13:02) “Crazy Train” - Ozzy Osbourne (18:34) “Legs” - ZZ Top (19:03) “Everybody Dance” - CHIC (24:04) “Walk the Night” - Skatt Bros. (29:21) “Give Me the Night” - George Benson (36:06) “Muscles” - Diana Ross (54:09) “Notorious” - Duran Duran (55:39) “Polarlicht” - Xmal Deutschland (58:18) “Deeper Shade Of Soul” - Urban Dance Squad (59:23) “A Deeper Shade Of Soul” - Ray Barretto (01:02:27) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What makes “Billie Jean” one of the most timeless pop songs ever? Diallo Riddle and LUXXURY dive into Michael Jackson’s masterpiece, unpacking its iconic (and borrowed) bassline, the innovative engineering that shaped its unmistakable sound, and how the song transformed MJ from superstar into a singular cultural force. Songs Discussed: “Billie Jean” - Michael Jackson (01:17) “C Is For Cookie (Funky Version)” - Cookie Monster (04:05) “Take On Me” - a-ha (06:34) “Pass the Dutchie” - Musical Youth (07:20) “Nightline” - Pointer Sisters (12:03) “Nightline” - Ellen Foley (12:10) “Should I Stay or Should I Go” - The Clash (12:40) “The Lady In My Life” - Michael Jackson (13:45) “The Girl Is Mine” - Michael Jackson & Paul McCartney (14:54) “Say Say Say” - Paul McCartney & Michael Jackson (15:13) “Hey Lover” - LL Cool J feat. Boyz II Men (15:57) “Wake Up” - Bill Wolfer (21:08) “State Of Independence” - Jon & Vangelis (25:52) “State Of Independence” - Donna Summer (28:01) “Only You” - Steve Monite (57:42) “Desperate Journalist In Ongoing Meaningful Review Situation” - The Cure (58:37) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How did “California Love” crystallize Tupac Shakur at his peak? LUXXURY and Diallo dive into the West Coast anthem, untangle its stacked list of collaborators, and examine how Pac’s charisma and contradictions collide to create a lasting cultural moment. Songs Discussed: “California Love” - 2Pac feat. Dr. Dre (0:00) “Same Song” - Digital Underground feat. 2Pac (9:38) “Keep Ya Head Up” - 2Pac (10:39) “Dear Mama” - 2Pac (10:46) “Changes” - 2Pac (10:53) “What’z Ya Phone #” - 2Pac (13:12) “777-9311” - The Time (13:24) “Pain” - 2Pac feat. Stretch (13:47) “Ambitionz Az a Ridah” - 2Pac (14:41) “Hail Mary” - 2Pac (14:50) “Thug Luv” - Bone Thugs-N-Harmony feat. 2Pac (15:06) “Paper Planes” - M.I.A. (15:28) “Ill Street Blues” - Kool G Rap & DJ Polo (23:53) “Woman To Woman” - Joe Cocker (24:44) “With A Little Help From My Friends” - Joe Cocker (25:09) “Knick Knack Patty Wack” - EPMD (26:29) “West Coast Poplock” - Ronnie Hudson (38:25) “So Ruff, so Tuff” - Zapp (39:18) “Magic’s Rap” - Magic Fraga (41:23) “ROCKIN” - Shoreline Mafia (52:54) “Funky Little Beat” - Connie (53:51) “Love” - Lambrini Girls (54:35) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What makes a holiday song so timeless that it can top the charts decades after it’s released? On this episode, Diallo, LUXXURY, and One Song Executive Producer Lesley Gwam break down Mariah Carey’s 1994 hit “All I Want For Christmas Is You.” They dig into how Mariah co-wrote the track with longtime collaborator Walter Afanasieff, and the sonic choices that turned it into an unforgettable Christmas classic. Get your ears ready for Mariah’s marvelous, isolated vocals! Don’t let financial opportunity slip through the cracks. Use code ONESONG at Monarch.com in your browser for half off your first year. One Song Spotify Playlist Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Is “Motownphilly” one of the most doo-wop-influenced R&B tracks of all time? In part two of their Boyz II Men deep dive, Diallo and LUXXURY explore the group’s iconic vocals for “Motownphilly”, the slow-jam legacy of Boyz II Men and the current climate of R&B music. One Song Spotify Playlist Songs Discussed: “Motownphilly” - Boyz II Men “Can’t Get Enough Of Your Love, Bab” - Barry White “Teddy’s Jam” - Guy “Can You Stand The Rain” - New Edition “It’s So Hard To Say Goodbye To Yesterday” - G.C. Cameron “End Of The Road” - Boyz II Men “Doin’ Just Fine” - Boyz II Men Get your wardrobe sorted and your gift list handled with Quince. Don't wait! Go to Quince.com/ONESONG for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns. Get last-minute hosting essentials, gifts for all your loved ones, and decor to celebrate the holidays for WAY less. Head to Wayfair.com right now to shop all things home. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What made the music of 90s R&B groups so infectious? This week on One Song, Diallo and LUXXURY welcome 4x Grammy Award-winner Shawn Stockman as they kick off a two-part breakdown of Boyz II Men’s legacy with their debut single “Motownphilly”. They discuss Shawn’s musical influences, Boyz II Men’s early career development, and the New Jack Swing that elevated them to the next level. One Song Spotify Playlist Songs Discussed: “Motownphilly” - Boyz II Men “End Of The Road” - Boyz II Men “I’ll Make Love To You” - Boyz II Men “On Bended Knee” - Boyz II Men “One Sweet Day” - Mariah Carey & Boyz II Men “Bears” - Zebra “Love Said Not So” - Bebe & CeCe Winans “Don’t Believe The Hype” - Public Enemy “1-4-All-4-1” - East Coast Family “Iseha” - Another Bad Creation “Please Don’t Go” - Boyz II Men “I Want Her” - Keith Sweat “Planet Rock” - Afrika Bambaataa & The Soulsonic Force “A Fifth Of Beethoven” - Walter Murphy “It Don’t Mean A Thing” - Chuck Brown “Brass Monkey” - Beastie Boys “I Want To Be Free” - Ohio Players “Kool Is Back” - Funk, Inc. “Owner Of A Lonely Heart” - Yes Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Is “Dreams” what it sounds like when personal chaos becomes collective brilliance? In this live episode from On Air Fest with KCRW, Diallo and Luxxury explore this Fleetwood Mac classic with journalist and podcast host Sam Sanders. Together, they dive into the Rumours-era drama and unravel why the magic of “Dreams” feels both intensely personal and universally resonant. One Song Spotify Playlist Songs Discussed: “Dreams” - Fleetwood Mac “Silver Springs” - Fleetwood Mac “Albatross” - Fleetwood Mac “I’ll Be Around” - The Spinners “Dancing On My Own” - Robyn “Hey Ya!” - Outkast “My Ship” - Herbie Hancock “Boom Boom Pow” - Black Eyed Peas “Nice & Slow” - Usher Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How did Deee-Lite turn a wild mix of samples into a timeless dance-floor anthem? Diallo Riddle and LUXXURY reshare a One Song favorite, unpacking the eclectic patchwork that makes “Groove Is in the Heart” so irresistible. Come for the groove, stay for the Bootsy Collins outtakes. Don't let financial opportunity slip through the cracks, use code ONESONG at Monarch.com in your browser for half off your first year. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices