The Beauty in Black star sits down and has a fun conversation with Shawn Stockman full of laughs. The two discuss her acting career, starring in shows like , All American: Homecoming, Snowfall, and most recently as Kimmie in the Tyler Perry Netflix Series Beauty in Black. Getting her start back in 2008, she has worked alongside some of the biggest names in the industry like Martin Lawrence, Cedric The Entertainer, Mike Epps, James Earl Jones, and Margaret Avery. That set the bar very high for the young star's acting career. Shawn also asks some in depth questions in regards to her role in Divorce in the Black, where she played Rona the voice of reason to Meagan Good's character Ava. Taylor mentions her experience as Kimmie on Tyler Perry's Netflix Series Beauty in Black and how she handled such a central role. She speaks on her character's transformation and development throughout the series. She even gives five songs on her "Kimmie" playlist that help her get in the right headspace for the role. Outside of acting Taylor has also volunteered for the Peace For Kids Foundation, crediting a film titled Night Comes On, directed by Jordana Spiro and co-written with Angelica Nwandu. The film premiered at Sundance and upon meeting Angelica, she was inspired by her story and volunteered for the organization herself. Other topics include a speed round jam packed with questions on Taylor's preferences, being cast in Season Four of Reasonable Doubt, her advice to her younger self, and two musical performances including T-Pain's "Buy You A Drank" and Boyz II Men's "On Bended Knee." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Lecrae sits down and has a deep conversation with Shawn about an unorthodox way to mix music and faith. The two discuss Lecrae's childhood, growing up in Houston, TX. Lecrae gives some of his earliest memories in music, and listening to names like The Parliaments, Funkadelic, and Ohio Brothers. The Houston native spent his summers in Southern California with this grandmother, and he attributes a lot of his appreciation of music to Dr. Dre. His grandmother's heavy religious influence on his life caused him to go through a spiritual awakening at the early age of 19-20. He even mentions studying Rastafarianism as part of his journey. The Billboard Top 200 artist speaks on his achievement, with his album Anomaly, and both the love he received as well as some of the pushback from the church. With names like Paul Wall on the album, it sparked caused controversy as to what traditional "gospel" music should sound like. Lecrae goes in depth on what it is like to be not just an artist but a culture creator, and how pushing boundaries in his career turned into some of his greatest successes. Stick around until the end for an acoustic rendition of Lecrae's song "I'll Find You" Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Rising superstar Magnus Ferrell sits down and has a deep conversation about his music and life. Magnus gives insight into his musical inspirations growing up and how his piano lessons as a kid played a pivotal role in developing his love of music. He tells us his father, Will Ferrell, is one of his music career's biggest supporters. Ferrell's grandfather, Roy Lee Ferrell Jr. played saxophone and keyboard for The Righteous Brothers. Shawn asks what Ferrell's processes are when it comes to writing his music, what inspires him and where his soulful vibe comes from. Magnus and Shawn get into the inspiration behind his record "Asleep Talking" and who the record was written about. Ferrell talks about how his life and how he is feeling in the moment play major roles in his song writing. He speaks about how he prefers to write music that's relatable. Shawn gives him advice on navigating the industry, trusting his gut, and embracing change as he grows into his artistry. Other topics in the episode include his early start in high school theater, his advice to his younger self, his top five vocalists as well as the top five songs he wishes he wrote. Magnus also has some questions of his own that dive into how Boyz II Men created some of their records. The duo also perform Magnus Ferrell's hit record "Asleep Talking" streaming on all platforms. We highly recommend checking out more of his music! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Gym Class Hero Travie McCoy sits down and has a meaningful conversation with Shawn Stockman. Travie reveals the story behind the famous group Gym Class Heroes and how he met his best friend Matt McGinley. The upstate New York native talks about his time in the industry, his early beginnings and starting his artist aspirations in high school. Travie speaks on his friendships with guitarist Milo Bonacci and Matt McGinley and how eventually it led to the formation of Gym Class Heroes. He speaks on being signed originally to an independent label Fueled By Ramen before his label being bought out by Atlantic Records. In the process Gym Class Heroes debut album The Papercut Chronicles was released. Travie also talks about his solo album Lazarus and linking up with the the then rising star Bruno Mars for the hit record "Billionaire." The Gym Class Hero tells the story of meeting T-Pain during his time on the I Am Music tour which was being headlined by Lil Wayne. The duo ended up recording music together and putting out a couple of projects that get mentioned in the episode. Other topics include his time in art school, his upcoming album, the first Gym Class Heroes album since the 2011 album The Papercut Chronicles II, meeting Patrick Stump and Fall Out Boy, and his top 5 bands. Watch until the end for a special acoustic performance of Travie McCoy and Bruno Mars' record "Billionaire" Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Kev talks about his upbringing in the church and how playing the drums for his church inspired his love of performing. Kev discusses a moment in his life and career where his faith was tested but ended up being a major turning point. He gives insight into “feeling the moment” and feeding off of that to produce some of his greatest career moments. Kev on Stage, also known for his hilarious skits, discusses the impact that had both on his confidence and his perspective. Creating skits and viral videos opened up international recognition and prestige. Kev briefly touches on the drawbacks of social media and trending on the internet and how he manages negative feedback. Other episode topics cover what Kev on Stage would be doing if he weren’t doing comedy, a segment on “Things Singer’s Don’t Sing About Anymore”, Kev’s top 10 comedians, and an electric performance by the duo of “End Of The Road” by Boyz II Men that you do not want to miss! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Anthony Thomas sits down with Shawn Stockman to talk about all things culinary. Thomas dives into his roots and ties to the Washington D.C area. He also breaks down some delicious recipes including how to make Italian dressing at home, as well as his signature "Mumbo" sauce. Anthony even brings Shawn some home made chicken wings for a taste test! Anthony speaks on his journey and recovery after having dealt with Arteriovenous Malformation. From his seizures to his surgery and recovery. Thomas is an established culinary author and has written 13 books for both children and adults. Some of his books mentioned in the episode include "Mommy, Daddy, What is This?" "The Brave Journey of Jaden." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Muni Long and Shawn Stockman dive deep into conversation topics on the early stages of Long's career, the influence a moment with Pharrell had on her, her battle with her health issues and how she always bounces back. Muni talks about her respiratory issues and the effects they had on her career. Muni speaks on starting off on Youtube doing covers of songs before  being signed to Capitol Records and eventually releasing the top 40 song "Dollhouse." She goes into detail on how she toured with Akon, being brought on the team to help write his next project before becoming his 2nd tour assistant.  Shawn and Muni also speak on many more of the hit records she's written like "California King Bed," "Timber," "Who Says," "Worth It" among others. She also touches briefly on her own hit records "Hours and Hours" and "Made for Me." Additional topics in the video include a pivotal moment she had with Pharrell during a studio session, tours she has worked on, her top 5 singer/songwriters, the top 5 songs she wishes she wrote, and a musical performance of her song "Richest" Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Shawn and Antonio sit down and talk about his journey through music. From meeting and working with Teddy Riley, to his time with The Underdogs, Antonio discusses his extensive history as a music producer. Antonio also speaks on working with music legends like Toni Braxton and Beyonce. He goes into detail regarding his process for working with each one on and how to get the best out of someone in the studio. Other topics include his musical inspirations in his childhood, how losing his father pushed him to grow up fast, and his move out of Denver where he fell in love with music to Los Angeles. This episode also features behind the scenes footage of Shawn and Antonio in the studio working on their new record "It's OK." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Shawn sits down with Scotty and Leaveil from the legendary vocal group The Whispers. The trio share an in depth conversation about groups who inspired The Whispers like The Temptations and The O'Jays. Scotty and Leaveil also talk about the late great Nicholas Caldwell and the impact he had on the group as a whole. The Whispers discuss the importance of ownership of their music catalogue and how it's a quintessential asset for any artist. The two also speak on their generation and experiences in the industry, reflecting on how music and culture have changed over the years. Other topics include their top vocal artists, how artist's need to find their own niche and sound, as well as a musical performance of "Lady." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Leela and Shawn have a meaningful conversation about her relationship with soul music, how she became inspired to be an artist, and some of her earliest experiences in music. The two speak on her childhood and growing up around soul music before eventually being given the nickname "The God Daughter of Soul" by James Brown. Leela talks about her process as an artist and how what the impact of her music means to her. She discusses her most recent project "2BHonest" and how she gets vulnerable in her music. She speaks on her relationship with Stevie Wonder, and her top 10 favorite soul singers. Other topics include her time spent on the reality tv show "R&B Divas : Los Angeles," and how she has been in the music industry for over 20 years. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices