Shawn Stockman's On That Note

L.A. Reid tells the origin story of how meeting Babyface led to the creation of LaFace Records — and why that partnership changed music forever. He connects the label’s impact to the artists and eras that followed, from Usher to OutKast to the broader R&B legacy. In this conversation, L.A. Reid walks through what it took to build LaFace from the ground up, what made that Babyface collaboration work, and how real artist development created a run that still shapes how people think about timeless records today. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sheila E reveals the unforgettable moments that shaped her rise — being called out by Marvin Gaye mid-song, secretly recording percussion for Michael Jackson, and the night Prince pushed her into becoming a solo artist. These stories show the pressure, magic, and turning points behind one of music’s most iconic careers. Sheila E shares the untold stories behind working with three of the biggest legends in music history. From the moment Marvin Gaye froze an entire rehearsal after catching a single extra beat… to secretly creating percussion for Michael Jackson’s “Don’t Stop ’Til You Get Enough” without being credited… to Prince pushing her out from behind the drums and into the spotlight. This is a rare inside look at the moments that shaped her career and changed her life forever. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sheila E joins On That Note for Part One of a two-part conversation, tracing the early life and foundation that shaped her into a musical prodigy. Raised in a household where music was constant, Sheila breaks down how rhythm, discipline, and instinct were ingrained in her from a young age — long before fame ever entered the picture. She reflects on growing up surrounded by working musicians, learning by feel instead of theory, stepping on stage as a child, and the moments that made it clear music wasn’t just something she loved — it was who she was. This episode focuses on the making of Sheila E: the environment, mindset, and early experiences that set the stage for everything that came next. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Reginald Hudlin breaks down the stories behind three culture-shifting lanes: writing Black Panther at Marvel, building Marshall with Chadwick Boseman, and the real origin of House Party. He shares what Eddie Murphy taught him about comedy (“go for the joke”), why passion is the difference between a smart move and a timeless hit, and how one night of inspiration turned into a classic. Hudlin walks through how his love of comics led to his Black Panther run—and why he believed a sci-fi scale story could change the ceiling for Black storytelling long before the billion-dollar moment arrived. He opens up about producing Marshall, why that specific Thurgood case was the right movie (and why the courtroom setup made it uniquely cinematic), and what Chadwick was like behind the scenes—down to the integrity that made people protect him and speak about him differently. On the film side, Hudlin revisits Boomerang and the mindset of directing comedy at the highest level, then closes with the House Party origin story: hearing Luther Vandross, seeing the movie in his head, and banging out pages on the spot—plus what it took to grind a student film into a real launchpad. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mike Colter joins Shawn Stockman for a powerful conversation on Million Dollar Baby, working with Clint Eastwood and Morgan Freeman, and the real journey behind becoming Marvel’s Luke Cage. From early career grind to major film sets, Mike breaks down how the right roles change your life — and how discipline, confidence, and timing can make or break your shot in Hollywood. He also talks the pressure of being an action star, what he learned watching legends operate, and why Luke Cage still has unfinished business. #MikeColter #LukeCage #MillionDollarBaby #ClintEastwood #MorganFreeman #Marvel #OnThatNote #ShawnStockman Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nicky Jam joins Shawn Stockman for a stripped-down acoustic performance of El Perdón, the global hit originally featuring Enrique Iglesias. In this special Sean’s Song moment, the record is reimagined live — with Shawn stepping into Spanish vocals for the second verse and the two artists trading emotion, harmony, and restraint. No production tricks, no spectacle — just voice, guitar, and one of the most recognizable Latin records of the last decade, performed with intention and respect. A rare crossover moment that highlights musical chemistry, cultural reach, and the power of an acoustic setting. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nicky Jam adds fire to the reggaeton “pure hitmaker” conversation as he breaks down crafting early records with Daddy Yankee, surviving addiction and street life, and rebuilding his career into a global comeback story decades in the making. In this episode of On That Note, Nicky reflects on moving to Puerto Rico as a kid, learning Spanish through music, witnessing reggaeton’s rise from the inside, and navigating the dangerous realities that nearly derailed his career. He opens up about recovery, faith, longevity, and what it takes to last 30 years in a genre built on pressure, competition, and reinvention. An honest, deeply personal conversation about music, survival, and earning your second — and third — chance. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Shawn Stockman warms up the guitar as the conversation turns musical, and Jemele Hill breaks down her all-time favorite artists — Aretha Franklin, Sade, Prince, Michael Jackson, and Mary J. Blige. Then Shawn jumps into an acoustic performance of Human Nature, and Jemele gets pulled into the moment for the iconic “why, why, why” — reluctantly, hilariously, and fully aware she’s about to get roasted. A raw, fun, and playful moment that captures everything On That Note does best: great music, great taste, and zero pressure to be perfect. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jemele Hill and Shawn Stockman break down why the 1990s became the golden age of culture, from Michael Jordan’s mystique and NBA rivalries to MTV’s grip on music, media, and shared experience. They explore how scarcity, radio dominance, and fewer platforms created bigger stars, stronger legacies, and a level of cultural focus that’s nearly impossible to recreate today — and what’s been gained (and lost) in the modern media era. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tony Rich performs and shares the story behind “Nobody Knows,” the hit song that many listeners mistakenly believed was a Babyface record. In this episode of On That Note, Tony breaks down how the confusion started, why the comparison made sense at the time, and how the song—written with his brother about their father—became one of the most misunderstood classics of ’90s R&B. Alongside a stripped-down performance, Tony offers rare context about the record’s creation, its legacy, and what it was like hearing his own song misattributed on the radio. This is “Nobody Knows” as it was meant to be heard—with the story behind it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A Detroit kid turned LaFace secret weapon, Tony Rich joins Shawn Stockman to talk John Salley’s studio, Tim & Bob’s life-changing phone call, writing “Nobody Knows” and “I Sit Away,” the pressure of “LaFace University,” and the Prince moments that flipped his whole approach to music. In this episode of On That Note, Tony traces his path from Motown’s backyard to Atlanta’s hit factory, breaking down how L.A. Reid, Babyface, and the LaFace camp shaped his songwriting, why bridges are a lost art, what it meant to hand Boyz II Men a classic, and how Prince, Al Green, Stevie Wonder and the 90s label era still guide the way he writes, performs, and self-checks every new project. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Lisa Lisa delivers a rare, intimate acoustic performance of “All Cried Out,” joined by Shawn Stockman on guitar and close friends on background vocals in a raw, emotional studio moment you can’t get anywhere else. Enjoy a stripped-down, soulful performance of “All Cried Out” as Lisa Lisa steps back into one of her most iconic hits — this time in a completely raw and intimate setting. With Shawn Stockman providing acoustic guitar and two of Lisa’s closest friends adding rich, live background vocals, this version captures the heart and emotion of the original while giving it a fresh, personal feel. Recorded live during On That Note, this moment blends nostalgia, artistry, and pure vocal chemistry. It’s a rare look at what happens when legends reconnect with the music that shaped generations. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Lisa Lisa opens up about her Hell’s Kitchen beginnings, the creation of freestyle music, and the personal battle with cancer that transformed her life and career. A powerful story of resilience, cultural influence, and the roots of a global sound. Lisa Lisa sits down with Shawn Stockman for an intimate conversation about her rise from Hell’s Kitchen to becoming one of the defining voices of the freestyle movement. She breaks down how Full Force discovered her, the early struggles and breakthroughs that shaped her sound, and the cultural impact of her biggest records. Lisa also shares the deeply personal journey of surviving cancer, rebuilding her life, and reconnecting with her purpose as an artist. A moving, inspiring episode that honors her legacy and strength. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

AJ McLean of the Backstreet Boys revisits the Boyband Golden Era, revealing what really happened with the rumored NSYNC “beef” while opening up about fame, brotherhood, and performing at the groundbreaking Las Vegas Sphere. AJ McLean sits down with Shawn Stockman for a nostalgic, honest, and often hilarious look at the Backstreet Boys’ rise, the boyband explosion of the 90s, and the truth behind the long-whispered rivalry with NSYNC. He reflects on the Millennium days, studio sessions with Max Martin, unforgettable tour stories, backstage pranks, and how the group kept their sound authentic across decades. AJ also shares the personal journey that reshaped his life offstage — from stepping away from the “AJ” persona to embracing Alex, rebuilding boundaries, and finding clarity through recovery. If you love the Backstreet Boys, boyband history, or the pop/R&B crossover era that defined the late 90s, this episode dives deep into the music, the memories, and the evolution behind it all. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Anderson .Paak sits down with Shawn to unpack his journey from Oxnard’s church circuit to Grammy-winning stages, breaking down the musicianship, mentors, and moments that shaped his sound. A soulful, funny, wide-open conversation recorded inside the .Paak house. Anderson .Paak welcomes Shawn to the 805 for a wide-ranging conversation inside the .Paak House, reflecting on the church musicians, family influences, and early Oxnard community that molded his rhythm and voice. He shares stories about banging on his stepdad’s drum kit, discovering Curtis Mayfield, developing pocket through worship services, and finding his artistic identity long before the world knew him as Breezy Lovejoy. They get into the moment Dr. Dre recognized the “pain” and texture in his voice, the evolution that led to Malibu, NxWorries, and eventually Silk Sonic, and why analog warmth and live musicianship still matter in 2025. Anderson and Shawn also talk fatherhood, creative discipline, building .Paak House Festival for the community, and the joy of performing with artists who push him to new levels. A soulful, vulnerable, and often hilarious look at one of the most original artists of his generation. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jo Koy breaks down how he pushed his way onto Netflix, why Hollywood comedy is finally shifting toward real diversity, and how Filipino identity shaped his voice as one of today’s most beloved stand-ups. In this episode of On That Note, Sean Stockman sits down with comedian Jo Koy for an unfiltered, hilarious, and deeply personal conversation. Jo opens up about the early hustle, getting rejected for years, and how persistence finally broke open the Netflix door. He shares powerful stories about representation in comedy, why diversity in the industry is more important than ever, and how celebrating Filipino culture became the backbone of his stand-up career. They also dive into Jo’s creative process, the pressure of arena tours, raising a son while touring the world, and how comedy changed drastically from the 2000s to now. Packed with heart, humor, and real talk, this episode is a masterclass on authenticity, cultural pride, and finding your comedic voice. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Renée Elise Goldsberry joins Shawn to relive her journey from Hamilton’s Angelica Schuyler to Broadway stardom—breaking down backstage moments, Lin-Manuel Miranda’s creative genius, celebrity visitors, and the stories that shaped her powerhouse career. Renée Elise Goldsberry sits down with Shawn Stockman for a masterclass conversation on artistry, discipline, and the creation of Hamilton. She reveals what went into shaping Angelica Schuyler, how the cast built its chemistry, the emotional layers behind “Satisfied,” and why the show became a generational cultural shift. Renée also shares stories about performing for Beyoncé, Jay-Z, and Barack Obama, her transition from early acting and soap operas to Broadway, the physical and mental demands of eight-show weeks, and the perspective she’s gained as a mother, musician, and performer. Whether you’re a Hamilton fan, a musical theater lover, or someone who just wants to be inspired by an elite-level performer, this episode delivers. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Omarion joins Shawn Stockman to revisit the rise of B2K, the untold You Got Served stories, and the creative fire behind The O Album that helped shape 2000s R&B. Shop Mint Unlimited Plans at mintmobile.com/onthatnote In this episode of On That Note, Omarion opens up about his journey from boy-band fame to solo artistry. He dives deep into the cultural moment of You Got Served, the brotherhood that built B2K, and the studio sessions that produced The O Album. It’s a nostalgic and revealing look at one of the most defining eras in R&B and dance culture. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

112 joins Shawn Stockman to revisit the Bad Boy Records era — where Biggie Smalls, Faith Evans, and a new sound forever changed R&B. From church roots to chart hits, the group shares how soul and hip-hop finally collided in the 90s. Few groups embodied the 90s fusion of R&B and hip-hop like 112. In this episode of On That Note, Slim and Mike sit down with Shawn Stockman to trace their journey from Atlanta church choirs to the frontlines of Bad Boy Records — recording alongside Biggie Smalls, collaborating with Faith Evans, and finding their voice in an era that redefined both genres. They open up about the creative chemistry that shaped classics like “Cupid” and “Peaches & Cream,” what it was really like inside Bad Boy’s golden age, and how the collision of soul, rap, and street culture built the blueprint for modern R&B. Listen now for untold stories, nostalgic studio memories, and lessons from the label that made harmony dangerous again. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

From a Philly high school to Motown superstardom — Wanya and Nate Morris of Boyz II Men share how a backstage encounter with Michael Bivins and a dream performance sparked the birth of ‘90s R&B and changed their lives forever. In this episode of On That Note, Shawn Stockman sits down with Wanya and Nate Morris for the real Boyz II Men story — the hustle, the harmony, and the magic behind Motownphilly. They reflect on early inspirations, performing for New Edition and Paula Abdul, and the moment that set their path toward redefining R&B for a generation. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices