Artwork for Recording Academy x EBONY: Black Music Collective Podcast episode with Estelle

Estelle (L) & MC Lyte (R)

Estelle Photo Credit: Courtesy of Sophy Holland / MC Lyte Photo Credit: D'Andre Michael

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Black Music Collective Podcast: How Estelle Became A Global R&B And Reggae Icon

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In the latest episode of the "Black Music Collective Podcast," GRAMMY-winning artist and Black Music Collective member Estelle discusses her journey to international prowess in the R&B and reggae spaces
Morgan Enos
Recording Academy
Jul 29, 2021 - 5:00 pm

In the newest episode of the "Recording Academy x EBONY: Black Music Collective Podcast," a new podcast series presented by Procter & Gamble, host and two-time GRAMMY nominee MC Lyte chats with GRAMMY-winning music icon Estelle.

Estelle's climactic rise from local West London MC to GRAMMY-winning, international artist is a story of legend. As a recording artist, Estelle has released five solo albums and countless genre-spanning features and collaborations. At the 51st GRAMMY Awards in 2009, she won a GRAMMY for Best Rap/Sung Collaboration for her international hit “American Boy,” featuring Kanye West, which was also nominated for Song Of The Year that same year. She received a GRAMMY nomination for ​​Best R&B Performance for her song “Thank You” at the 55th GRAMMY Awards in 2013.

Her 2018 album, Lovers Rock, represented a full-circle moment for Estelle, who dedicated the soundscape to the sounds of Africa and the Caribbean. But even that triumph of a release — the latest in a series of artistic peaks — doesn't represent the Black Music Collective member's full story.

In 2019, she threw Dancehall & Afrobeat Link Up Presented By Estelle, the first sell-out event at ESSENCE Festival. Plus, she's been venturing into animation, voicing the character Garnet on the Emmy-nominated, critically acclaimed animated TV series "Steven Universe."

Listen to Estelle discuss her journey to international prowess in the R&B and reggae spaces and much more in the newest episode of the "Recording Academy x EBONY: Black Music Collective Podcast" above.

About The Recording Academy x EBONY: Black Music Collective Podcast:

The "Recording Academy x EBONY: Black Music Collective Podcast" is a six-part podcast series presented by Procter & Gamble. Hosted by MC Lyte, the series includes various members of the Recording Academy's Black Music Collective (BMC), a group of prominent Black music creators and professionals who share the common goal of amplifying Black voices within the Academy and beyond, who discuss their contributions and impact within the community and the music industry at large.

The "Recording Academy x EBONY: Black Music Collective Podcast" streams every Thursday at 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT through July 29 on EBONY.com and EBONY's YouTube channel and Facebook page, as well as on GRAMMY.com/BlackMusicCollectivePodcast and the Recording Academy's official Facebook page and YouTube channel.

Black Music Collective Podcast: How Yolanda Adams Became A Global Icon In Gospel Music

Artwork for Recording Academy x EBONY: Black Music Collective Podcast episode with Jeff Harleston

Jeff Harleston (L) & MC Lyte (R)

Jeff Harleston Photo Credit: Courtesy of Jeff Harleston / MC Lyte Photo Credit: D'Andre Michael

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Black Music Collective Podcast: Watch Universal Music Group's Jeff Harleston Discuss How He Elevates Marginalized Communities

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In the latest episode of the "Black Music Collective Podcast," watch a riveting discussion about longevity and change in the music industry with Jeff Harleston, Universal Music Group's general counsel and executive VP of legal affairs
Recording Academy
Jul 1, 2021 - 5:00 pm

In the latest episode of the "Recording Academy x EBONY: Black Music Collective Podcast," a new podcast series presented by Procter & Gamble, host and two-time GRAMMY nominee MC Lyte chats with Jeff Harleston, General Counsel and Executive Vice President of Business & Legal Affairs for Universal Music Group (UMG), the world leader in music-based entertainment with operations in more than 60 countries.

In the episode, Harleston goes deep about the keys to longevity in the music industry and his bold fight to make change, topics he knows all too well: As one of the most powerful executives in the entertainment industry today, he has overseen some of the biggest releases in music across the decades. As a member of UMG's executive management board, he is responsible for overseeing all business transactions, contracts and litigation for UMG's operations worldwide. In addition, he is also responsible for the company's government relations, trade and anti-piracy activities.

Of course, Harleston's impact reaches far beyond music and culture: He is currently working to amplify and expand programs and initiatives to support marginalized communities in the ongoing fight for equality, justice and inclusion. He was recently tapped to lead Universal's Task Force for Meaningful Change, an initiative launched in direct response to the aftermath and civil unrest following the murder of George Floyd.

Throughout his decades-long career, Harleston has remained committed to progressing Black culture, providing artists with countless opportunities and "widening the screen" on Black culture and life worldwide.

Hear his story now in the newest episode of the "Recording Academy x EBONY: Black Music Collective Podcast" above.

About The Recording Academy x EBONY: Black Music Collective Podcast:

The "Recording Academy x EBONY: Black Music Collective Podcast" is a six-part podcast series presented by Procter & Gamble. Hosted by MC Lyte, the series include various members of the Recording Academy's Black Music Collective (BMC), a group of prominent Black music creators and professionals who share the common goal of amplifying Black voices within the Academy and beyond, who discuss their contributions and impact within the community and the music industry at large.

The "Recording Academy x EBONY: Black Music Collective Podcast" streams every Thursday at 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT through July 29 on EBONY.com and EBONY's YouTube channel and Facebook page, as well as on GRAMMY.com/BlackMusicCollectivePodcast and the Recording Academy's official Facebook page and YouTube channel.

The Recording Academy And EBONY Launch Collaborative Podcast Series: H.E.R., Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis, Ledisi, And More Confirmed As Guests

Artwork for Recording Academy x EBONY: Black Music Collective Podcast episode with Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis

Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis (L) & MC Lyte (R)

Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis PHOTO CREDIT: Courtesy of D-Nice / MC LYTE PHOTO CREDIT: D'ANDRE MICHAEL

 

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Black Music Collective Podcast: Watch Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis Discuss Their Legendary Legacy As GRAMMY-Winning Producers

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In the latest episode of the "Black Music Collective Podcast," watch an engrossing discussion with five-time GRAMMY-winning producers Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis
Recording Academy
Jul 8, 2021 - 5:00 pm

In the latest episode of the "Recording Academy x EBONY: Black Music Collective Podcast," a new podcast series presented by Procter & Gamble, host and two-time GRAMMY nominee MC Lyte chats with music legends Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis, who define the phrase "legend status." The production duo has won five GRAMMY Awards and have been nominated in the Producer Of The Year category 11 times—more than anyone else.

They have more Billboard No. 1 hits than any other songwriting and production team in history and have earned more than 100 gold, platinum, multiplatinum, and diamond albums for their work with such iconic artists as Michael Jackson, Luther Vandross, George Michael, Gwen Stefani, Kanye West, and many more.

Always crossing cultural boundaries, Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis received a nomination for Best Original Song at the 1993 Oscars for their work on the Janet Jackson song "Again" for the film Poetic Justice. They also received a Primetime Emmy Award nomination for Outstanding Music Direction for their work on the 2020 "Let's Go Crazy: The GRAMMY Salute To Prince" GRAMMY special, presented by the Recording Academy, AEG Ehrlich Ventures and CBS.

Even 40 years into their career, Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis continue to evolve: This week, the production wizards are releasing Jam & Lewis: Volume One, their debut artist album.

Listen to Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis discuss their impact on the music industry and the key to their long-lasting partnership in the newest episode of the "Recording Academy x EBONY: Black Music Collective Podcast" above.

About The Recording Academy x EBONY: Black Music Collective Podcast:

The "Recording Academy x EBONY: Black Music Collective Podcast" is a six-part podcast series presented by Procter & Gamble. Hosted by MC Lyte, the series includes various members of the Recording Academy's Black Music Collective (BMC), a group of prominent Black music creators and professionals who share the common goal of amplifying Black voices within the Academy and beyond, who discuss their contributions and impact within the community and the music industry at large.

The "Recording Academy x EBONY: Black Music Collective Podcast" streams every Thursday at 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT through July 29 on EBONY.com and EBONY's YouTube channel and Facebook page, as well as on GRAMMY.com/BlackMusicCollectivePodcast and the Recording Academy's official Facebook page and YouTube channel.

Black Music Collective Podcast: Watch Universal Music Group's Jeff Harleston Discuss How He Elevates Marginalized Communities

Artwork for Recording Academy x EBONY: Black Music Collective Podcast episode with Yolanda Adams

Yolanda Adams (L) & MC Lyte (R)

Yolanda Adams Photo Credit: Courtesy of Roy Cox / MC Lyte Photo Credit: D'Andre Michael

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Black Music Collective Podcast: How Yolanda Adams Became A Global Icon In Gospel Music

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In the latest episode of the "Black Music Collective Podcast," four-time GRAMMY-winning artist Yolanda Adams discusses her journey to becoming a household name in the gospel world and the power of faith
Recording Academy
Jul 22, 2021 - 5:00 pm

In the newest episode of the "Recording Academy x EBONY: Black Music Collective Podcast," a new podcast series presented by Procter & Gamble, host and two-time GRAMMY nominee MC Lyte chats with gospel music icon Yolanda Adams.

Recognized by Billboard as one of the Top Gospel Artists of the last decade, Adams is a four-time GRAMMY-winning artist who believes her music heals, encourages and inspires others to trust more than themselves. She has triumphantly carried the torch for contemporary gospel and inspirational music across her impressive discography.

In addition to her storied music career, which has seen the Houston, Texas, native pivot from school teacher to part-time model to platinum-selling artist, Adams is also an author, designer, record company executive, mother, and host of her award-winning, nationally syndicated radio show, "The Yolanda Adams Morning Show."

An active member within the Recording Academy family and Trustee of the Texas Chapter, Adams currently serves on the distinguished leadership council of the Recording Academy's Black Music Collective.

Listen to Yolanda Adams discuss her journey to becoming a household name in the gospel world and the power of faith in the newest episode of the "Recording Academy x EBONY: Black Music Collective Podcast" above.

About The Recording Academy x EBONY: Black Music Collective Podcast:

The "Recording Academy x EBONY: Black Music Collective Podcast" is a six-part podcast series presented by Procter & Gamble. Hosted by MC Lyte, the series includes various members of the Recording Academy's Black Music Collective (BMC), a group of prominent Black music creators and professionals who share the common goal of amplifying Black voices within the Academy and beyond, who discuss their contributions and impact within the community and the music industry at large.

The "Recording Academy x EBONY: Black Music Collective Podcast" streams every Thursday at 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT through July 29 on EBONY.com and EBONY's YouTube channel and Facebook page, as well as on GRAMMY.com/BlackMusicCollectivePodcast and the Recording Academy's official Facebook page and YouTube channel.

Black Music Collective Podcast: Watch Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis Discuss Their Legendary Legacy As GRAMMY-Winning Producers

Artwork for Recording Academy x EBONY: Black Music Collective Podcast episode with Ledisi

Ledisi (L) & MC Lyte (R)

Ledisi PHOTO CREDIT: COURTESY OF Artist / MC LYTE PHOTO CREDIT: D'ANDRE MICHAEL

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Black Music Collective Podcast: Watch Ledisi Discuss Her Journey In Music As An Independent Artist

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In the latest episode of the "Black Music Collective Podcast," GRAMMY-winning artist Ledisi talks through her journey in music on a road that hasn't always been easy and how she's remained true to who she is as an artist
Recording Academy
Jul 15, 2021 - 5:00 pm

In the latest episode of the "Recording Academy x EBONY: Black Music Collective Podcast," a new podcast series presented by Procter & Gamble, host and two-time GRAMMY nominee MC Lyte chats with powerhouse vocalist Ledisi, one of the greatest singers of her generation.

Throughout her distinguished career, Ledisi has garnered an impressive list of accolades, including three Soul Train Music Awards, a NAACP Theater Award and six NAACP Image Award nominations. Most recently, Ledisi received two LA Stage Alliance Ovation Award nominations, including Best Featured Actress in a Musical. This year, she received her first GRAMMY Award, for Best Traditional R&B Performance for her hit song, "Anything for You," at the 63rd GRAMMY Awards this past March. (She counts 13 career GRAMMY nominations overall.)

Born in New Orleans and reared in Oakland, California, Ledisi has wowed fans with her unparalleled vocals ever since she burst onto the scene. She is a beloved favorite among fellow musical and cultural icons, including the Obama family, the late Prince, Patti LaBelle, Smokey Robinson, Stevie Wonder, Chaka Khan, and so many others.

An influential figure within the Recording Academy family, Ledisi was elected President of the Recording Academy's Los Angeles Chapter this year.

Listen to Ledisi talk through her journey in music on a road that hasn't always been easy and learn how she has remained true to who she is as an artist in the newest episode of the "Recording Academy x EBONY: Black Music Collective Podcast" above.

About The Recording Academy x EBONY: Black Music Collective Podcast:

The "Recording Academy x EBONY: Black Music Collective Podcast" is a six-part podcast series presented by Procter & Gamble. Hosted by MC Lyte, the series includes various members of the Recording Academy's Black Music Collective (BMC), a group of prominent Black music creators and professionals who share the common goal of amplifying Black voices within the Academy and beyond, who discuss their contributions and impact within the community and the music industry at large.

The "Recording Academy x EBONY: Black Music Collective Podcast" streams every Thursday at 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT through July 29 on EBONY.com and EBONY's YouTube channel and Facebook page, as well as on GRAMMY.com/BlackMusicCollectivePodcast and the Recording Academy's official Facebook page and YouTube channel.

Black Music Collective Podcast: Watch Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis Discuss Their Legendary Legacy As GRAMMY-Winning Producers