One Song

This time on One Song Diallo Riddle and LUXXURY not only tackle a song that, arguably, possesses the ultimate accolade: It is Diallo’s favorite song to sing at karaoke. “Head Over Heels” by Tears for Fears is not the British synth pop group’s biggest hit – that would be “Mad World”, “Sowing the Seeds of Love”, or “Shout” – but Diallo makes a strong case for why there’s no better song to belt out at 2am in a karaoke booth. Join the guys as they break open the stems and walk through the song’s unforgettable melody and haunting lyrics in a special episode that was shot in the Hartbeat podcast studio after a sustainable makeover. 

As part of the makeover, soy-based products were used, including chairs upholstered with the soy-based material produced by Modern Meadow, wall mounted photographs printed with soy-based ink, and upcycling a drum into a coffee table with wood supplied by HempWood, which contains soy-based resin.

This episode was produced with the support of U.S. Soy.

Back in the late 80s gangsta rap was booming. But three kids from Long Island emerged to spread a message of peace, love, and unity. Those three kids -- Posdnuos, Maseo, and Trugoy the Dove -- were De La Soul and together they broadened the perception of hip hop: They made it funny, weird, and psychedelic. This time on One Song, Diallo Riddle and LUXXURY break down “Buddy” from De La Soul’s seminal album Three Feet High and Rising.

You love this song. But the band who wrote it? They hate it. And in many ways, that’s entirely appropriate. Because on this episode of One Song Diallo Riddle and LUXXURY are wading deep into a song that ’s an ode to self-loathing, anxiety, obsession, neurosis, self-lacerating rage, and … being kind of a creep. 

Usually on One Song we focus on the music's cultural impact. But this time we're talking about the meteorological impact! When Rihanna's Umbrella topped the charts in the UK, it coincided with a period of heavy rain and flooding. The same thing happened in Romania and New Zealand. Coincidence, or did Rihanna's hit change the weather? 

On this episode of One Song, Diallo Riddle and LUXXURY explore the song's backstory, delve into the stems, and get to the bottom of how Rihanna arrived as a global megastar and made it rain. Literally. 

Bob Marley’s music is everywhere. And, in a sense, so is Bob Marley: He was the subject of a recent biopic, there are murals painted of him around the world, and his poster is still common in college dorm rooms. But has that ubiquity taken away from his music? On this episode of One Song, you’ll hear Bob Marley’s Jamming like never before. LUXXURY has the stems, the interpolations, and the contrafacts; and Diallo Riddle has the Bob backstory and some hot takes on music biopics. 

It’s time: The peak of the pyramid! On this episode of One Song, Diallo and LUXXURY explore what is, arguably, Daft Punk’s creative and commercial zenith: Get Lucky. Together with generational defining acts, Pharrell and Nile Rodgers, Daft Punk craft a song that became an instant classic. Luxxury, of course, has the stems. And is ready to take you inside this infectious slice of funk.

Hey One Song listener, did you ever wonder how much Diallo and LUXXURY like Daft Punk? Well, the answer is a lot. So much, in fact, that one episode could not contain their love of robot helmets, French house music, obscure samples, and pyramids. So we’re doing a special Two Part deep dive into Daft Punk and their feel-good pop masterpiece, "Get Lucky". This is Part One: The early years of Daft Punk, their inspirations, and how they changed pop music with their triumphant Coachella performance in 2007. 

Today on One Song the ultimate pop music dichotomy: It’s a record that is simultaneously huge. But also very niche. The chances are you know the breezy synth pop masterpiece, Walking on a Dream. But how much do you know about Empire of the Sun, the duo who made that song? Probably not a lot. Diallo Riddle and LUXXURY are here to right that wrong. The duo will also take you on a tour of 2000s synth pop, and break down the making of the Pnau remix of Cold Cold Heart (it ties in! We promise!).

Artist: Empire of the Sun
Album: Walking on a Dream
Released: 2008
Genres: Alternative/Indie, Dance/Electronic, Pop, New Age
Featured songs: With You Forever by PNAU, Tell The Girls That I'm Not Hangin' Out, Embrace by PNAU, We Are The People by Empire of the Sun, Future by Cut Copy, Shadows by Midnight Juggernauts, Shooting Stars by Bag Raiders, Into the Galaxy by Midnight Juggernauts, UFO by Sneaky Sound System, Rocket Man by Elton John, Twilight by Electric Light Orchestra, Kiss The Bride by Elton John, The Last Seduction by LUXXURY, Cold Heart by Elton John with Dua Lipa and PNAU, Where's The Shoorah by Elton John, He Not In by Chicken Lips.

This time on One Song, Diallo Riddle and LUXXURY discuss an instant classic: Doja Cat’s 2023 hit, Paint the Town Red. The fellas are joined on the podcast by the Scam Goddess herself, Laci Mosely. Join the trio as they break down Dojo’s journey from Mooo! to her critically acclaimed album, Scarlet. 

Artist: Doja Cat
Album: Scarlet
Released: 2023
Genres: Pop, Hip-Hop/Rap
Featured songs: Walk on By by Dionne Warwick, What The World Needs Now Is Love by Burt Bacharach, Anyone Who Had a Heart by Dionne Warwick, I'll Never Fall In Love Again by Dionne Warwick, Do You Know the Way to San Jose by Dionne Warwick, San Jose by Frankie Goes to Hollywood, Walk On By by Burt Bacharach, 2 Wicky by Hooverphonic, Mona Lisa by Slick Rick.

This time on One Song it’s a jam that Luxxury describes as “musical potpourri”. Join him, and co-host Diallo Riddle, as they unpack Deee-Lite’s Groove Is In The Heart. It’s a song that is packed with samples taken from house, disco, funk, jazz, dance, and exotica. Come for the groove, stay for the Bootsy Collins outtakes. 

Artist: Deee-Lite
Album: World Clique
Released: 1990
Genre: Disco, funk, house, hip hop, dance-pop
Featured songs: Get Up by Vernon Burch, Vibeology by Paula Abdul, I'd Rather Be With You by Bootsy Collins, Redbone by Childish Gambino, Apple Juice Kissing by Deee-Lite, Armagideon Time by The Clash, Armagideon Time by Willie Williams, Real Rock by Sound Dimension, Loraine by Linton Kwesi Johnson, TECHNOVA by TOWA TEI, Find a Way by A Tribe Called Quest.

This is THE sexiest One Song episode yet! To celebrate Valentine’s Day LUXXURY and Diallo are dissecting Marvin Gaye’s classic ode to lust: Let’s Get It On. Come for the exquisitely horny wa wa pedal, stay for the supremely lush vocal stems. 

On this special episode of One Song, Diallo & LUXXURY answer listener DMs and react to new music from Megan Thee Stallion, Justin Timberlake, and Justice (with Tame Impala). 

On this special rerun, Diallo and Luxxury dig into the biggest selling 12 inch single of all-time: Blue Monday, by New Order. The guys break down how the song was created, its surprising disco influences, and one of the most nonchalant vocal performances ever recorded. 

On this special rerun, Diallo and Luxxury dive deep into the Notorious B.I.G classic, Mo Money Mo Problems. Join the guys as they break down the song's use of a disco beat, Stevie J's unique contributions, and prepare to feel chills when you hear Biggie's isolated vocals.

Album: Life After Death 
Artist: The Notorious B.I.G. 
Featured artists: Mase, Diddy 
Genres: R&B/Soul, Hip-Hop/Rap 
Featured Songs: I'm Coming Out by Diana Ross, Worst Behavior by Drake, Break Your Heart Right Back by Ariana Grande and Childish Gambino, Star Wars Theme by Meco, I Can't Explain by Nazz, Guns on the Roof by The Clash, I'm Rowed Out by Dynamite Platoon, The Banjo Song by The Big Three, Venus by Shocking Blue

This week on One Song, hosts Diallo Riddle and LUXXURY are “Under Pressure”. That’s right, the guys are bringing you Queen’s rock monster: A song that was number 1 in three countries, has been ranked as one of the 500 greatest songs of all-time by Rolling Stone magazine, and is often cited as one of the greatest collaborations of all-time … And that’s before we get to the iconic vocals, that bassline, and the story of how “Under Pressure” went from rock history, to hip hop infamy. 

This week on One Song we’re getting “Into the Groove”. Hosts Diallo Riddle and LUXXURY are joined by Madonna superfan — and star of hit show, Scandal — Guillermo Díaz to discuss the iconic dancefloor-filler. Come for the isolated Madonna vocals, lore surrounding the recording, and all of the synths. Stay for a breakdown of Guillermo’s many Madonna tattoos and his recollection of the time he met the Queen of Pop.

Artist: Madonna
Album: Like a Virgin
Released: 1984
Genres: R&B/Soul, Pop, UK R&B
Featured songs: Call Me Mr Telephone by Cheyne, You Are in My System by The System, I Feel For You by Chaka Khan, Wood Beez by Scritti Polittli, Into the Groovey by Sonic Youth, Into the Groove by Mina, Into The Groove by The Triffids, Into the Hollywood Groove by Madonna, Sidewalk Talk by Jellybean, Toma Que Toma by Tomas Gubitsch.

Join hosts Diallo Riddle and LUXXURY as they recap their favorite (and least favorite!) things of 2023, and look ahead to new music they’re excited for in 2024.

This episode of One Song Diallo Riddle and LUXXURY are joined by DJ and KCRW radio host and Sly Stone's daughter Novena Carmel in a special “Thank You” episode. We’re saying thank you to a songwriter, producer and multi instrumentalist who has made us dance to the music, taken us higher, and made us - the everyday people - appreciate the infectiousness of singing a simple song.

Artist: Sly and the Family Stone
Album: "Everybody Is a Star"
Released: December 1969
Featured songs: Rhythm Nation by Janet Jackson, Sittin' Up in My Room by Brandy, Trip to Your Heart by Sly and the Family Stone, Mama Said Knock You Out by LL Cool J, Yellow Moon by Visacaynes, C'mon and Swim by Bobby Freeman, Laugh, Laugh by The Beau Brummels, Somebody to Love by The Great Society, Thank You For Talkin' to Me, Africa by Sly and the Family Stone, The Nazz by Lord Buckley.

Today on One Song we’re going to be telling you a story. It’s a story about rhythms and remixes, interpolations and sampling. It’s a story about a song that became huge – it’s been in movies, commercials, and it’s one of the most sampled Reggae songs ever. But one of the last people to find out about its success was the singer. This time on One Song Diallo Riddle and LUXXURY bring you the story of Sister Nancy’s Bam Bam.

This time on One Song Diallo Riddle and LUXXURY are doing a deep dive into 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. 

This time on One Song Diallo Riddle and LUXXURY are breaking out their skinny jeans, thrifted leather jackets, and statement hairstyles as they breakdown classic indie banger, Maps. The duo explore everything from the origins of the New York indie scene, to the Yeah Yeah Yeah’s writing process, to Karen O’s incredible onstage presence. Come for the fuzzy guitars, stay for the bangs.

Album: Fever to Tell
Released: 2003
Artist: Yeah Yeah Yeahs
Featured songs: Since U Been Gone by Kelly Clarkson, Hold Up by Beyoncé, Can't Gt Used to Losing You by Any Williams, Dance by ESG, Pin by Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Y Control by LUXXURY

This time on One Song, Diallo Riddle and LUXXURY are joined by singer, Durand Bernarr. The trio explore Mariah Carey’s Fantasy (Bad Boy Remix ft. ODB), and talk through every single one of Mariah’s five octaves — not to mention her whistle registers. But, because we’re talking the Bad Boy Remix version of Fantasy, there’s also a lot of ODB high jinx. Including Diallo’s story about the time he had a brush with the ol’ dirty doggy himself. 

Artist: Mariah Carey
Album: Daydream
Released: 1995
Genres: Dance Pop, Adult Contemporary
Featured songs: Daydream Interlude by Mariah Carey, Genius of Love by Tom Tom Club, Big Energy by Latto, It's Nasty by Grandmaster Flash and The Furious Five, Genius Rap by Dr. Jeckyll & Mr. Hyde, Return of the Mack by Mark Morrison, High Speed by 2Pac with Outlawz, One by Busta Rhymes with Erykah Badu, Only In California by Mack 10 with Ice Cube and Snoop Dogg, Lovin' You by Minnie Ripertn, Emotions by Mariah Carey, Freefall by KAYTRANADA with Durand Bernarr, Best of My Love by The Emotions, Got to Be Real by Cheryl Lynn

Love is a verb, love is a doing word: And this week on One Song Diallo Riddle and LUXXURY are not short on things to say about Massive Attack’s trip-hop anthem, Teardrop. Join the fellas as they trace the group’s history from curious kids to electronica pioneers, take a look inside the song’s haunting melody, and the “voice of God” vocal supplied by Elizabeth Fraser.

Come for the teardrops on the fire, stay for the breakdown one of 90s pop music’s greatest what-ifs: What would it have been like if, as one of Massive Attack’s producers intended, Madonna had sung the track.

Diallo and LUXXURY continue their conversation with legendary producer Jimmy Jam in part two of this special double episode of One Song. They break down the making of Janet Jackson’s classic album “Control” with deep dives into the writing and production of Miss Jackson’s classic songs: “Nasty” “Control” and “When I Think of You." This is the second episode of a two-part special with Jimmy Jam.

Legendary producer Jimmy Jam joins Diallo Riddle and LUXXURY to break down the making of Janet Jackson’s classic album, “Control”. Jimmy takes us inside the studio and breaks down the process of getting to know Ms. Jackson (if you’re nasty) and creating a sound and attitude that worked for her. This is the first of a two-part special with Jimmy Jam. 

Are you ready to go metal, listener? Because this time on One Song, Diallo and LUXXURY are here with a real riff monster: Master of Puppets by Metallica. It’s a song that is bursting with musicianship and angst and intricate instrumentals. Come for the stems of Lars Ulrich bashing away at his drums, and stay for LUXXURY’s metal origin story and his thoughts on the infamous ‘Some Kind of Monster’ documentary. 

This week on One Song, Diallo Riddle and LUXXURY get Toxic! Join for LUXXURY’s thesis on why the song is a pop masterpiece that weds high art and obscure sonic references with Britney Spears’ bubblegum vocals. There’s also all of the usual deep dives, rabbit holes, and interpolations — Including a James Bond connection. 

Artist: Britney Spears
Album: In the Zone
Released: 2003
Genres: Electropop, Dance Pop
Featured songs: Like I Love You by Justin Timberlake, Rumble by Link Wray & The Wraymen, Miserlou by Dick Dale, Pipeline by The Chantays, Livin' la Vida Loca by Ricky Martin, The James Bond Theme by John Barry, Bad Sign, Good Sign by Monty Norman, Touch Me by Cathy Dennis, All The Parties by Drake and Chief Keef, West End Girls by Pet Shop Boys

Listeners: Press play and release your stress, and the rest, because on this episode of One Song we’re celebrating all things house, and all things Beyoncé! The fellas are joined by card-carrying Beyhive member, actress Bresha Webb, as they break down Break My Soul. Come for the stems and the Show Me Love interpolation discourse, stay for the wiggles. 

Artist: Beyoncé
Album: Renaissance
Released: 2022
Artist: Beyoncé
Featured songs: Explode by Big Freedia, Show Me Love by Robin S, Plastic Dreams by Jaydee, Push the Feeling On by Nightcrawlers, MK, Please Don't Go by Double You, Can't Get You Out Of My Head by Kylie Minogue, Gypsy Woman by Crystal Waters and The Basement Boys, Want Love by Hysteric Ego, Sour Candy by Lady Gaga with BLACKPINK, 1999 by Charli XCX with Troye Sivan, Doo Doo Brown by 2 Hyped Brothers & A Dog, Energy by Beyoncé with BEAM, Milkshake by Kelis, Ooo La La La by Teena Marie, Vogue by Madonna 

Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today for another episode of One Song. This time, Diallo and LUXXURY are joined by Diallo’s longtime writing partner and friend, Bashir Salahuddin. The trio go on a musical journey through Prince’s 1984 classic, Let’s Go Crazy. Follow along while LUXXURY plays Prince’s wild guitar solos, his iconic vocals, and buckle up for a highly controversial conversation when the fellas choose which song they’d drop off Purple Rain. 

Artist: Prince and The Revolution
Album: Purple Rain
Released: 1984
Genre: Hard rock, funk rock
Featured songs:  Let's Get Crazy by Evelyn "Champagne" King, Brothers Gonna Work It Out by Public Enemy, Sometimes I Miss You So Much by P.M. Dawn, Traffic Jam by "Weird Al" Yankovic, Rock Lobster by The B-52's, Ice Cream Man by Van Halen

This time on one song: 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. 

Artist: Nirvana
Album: Nevermind
Released: 1991
Genres: Grunge, Alternative rock, Hard rock
Featured songs: More Than a Feeling by Boston, Godzilla by Blue Oyster Cult, Gigantic by Pixies, Early in the Morning by The Gap Band, Burn Rubber on Me by The Gap Band, Get Off Your Ass and Jam by Funkadelic, Me Myself and I by De La Soul, (Not Just) Knee Deep by George Clinton, Ain't Gonna Hurt Nobody by Brick, Funky Cold Medina by Tone-Loc

Diallo and LUXXURY are joined this week by comedian and friend of the pod, Punkie Johnson. Together, they go on a quest to flip it and reverse it and unpack the many layers of samples and interpolations that went into Missy Elliott’s 2002 banger, Work It. Come for the badonkadonk, stay for the obscure Paul Simon sample. 

Album: Under Construction
Released: 2002
Genres: Southern hip hop; R&B; progressive rap; neo soul
Featured songs: The Request Line by Rock Master Scott and The Dynamic Three, Peter Piper by Run-D.M.C., Take Me to the Mardi Gras by Bob James, Take Me to the Mardi Gras by Paul Simon, The Things That You Do by Gina Thompson, Heart of Glass by Blondie, Kiss on My List, Daryl Hall & John Oates, In the Air Tonight by Phil Collins, RATATA by Skrillex, Miss Elliot and Mr. Oizo

This time on One Song, Diallo and LUXXURY are taking a long hard look at Stevie Wonder’s “Superstition” and asking the questions that really matter: Is washing your face and hands a superstition or just good hygiene? What’s a clavinet? And, crucially, what does LUXXURY mean by “Stevie slop”? 

Album: Talking Book
Released: 1972
Artist: Stevie Wonder
Genre: Classic Soul
Awards: Grammy Award for Best R&B Song, MORE
Featured songs: Cybernaut by Tonto's Expanding Head Band, Machine Gun by Commodores, Black Cow by Steely Dan, You Make Loving Fun by Fleetwood Mac

This week on one song we’re talking all things joo joo eyeball, walrus gumboot, and monkey finger — That’s right, Diallo and LUXXURY are peering into The Beatles word salad masterpiece, Come Together. Come for John Lennon’s breathtaking isolated vocal stems, stay for LUXXRY’s hot takes on Ringo Starr’s drumming skills.

Album: Abbey Road
Artist: The Beatles
Released: 1969
Genres: Blues rock, Swamp rock, Rock, Folk
Featured songs: You Can't Catch Me by Chuck Berry, You Can't Catch Me by John Lennon

This time on One Song we’re flipping the script and doing something different: LUXXURY and Diallo will be sharing the songs that changed the way that they listen to music. So come along for the ride and hear about the song that convinced Diallo that he was no longer young, and one that still brings LUXXURY to tears. 

• Black Ego by Digable Planets
• West End Girls by Pet Shop Boys
• Pedestal by Portishead
• Protect Ya Neck by Wu-Tang
• Then She Did... by Jane's Addiction
• Every Nose by N.E.R.D

This time on One Song we’ve got a real interpolation-palooza for you! Join Diallo and Blake as they wade through all the different layers of inspiration and interpolation that went into Mark Ronson and Bruno Mars’ modern classic: Uptown Funk. 

Live from Las Vegas, Diallo and Blake are joined for this special episode of One Song by superstar DJ, Kaskade. Kaskade chose the song he wanted to explore and he went with a surprising choice for an EDM pioneer: The Smiths 1984 banger, How Soon Is Now. Listen along to find out why the song means so much to Kaskade, and hear team One Song's analysis. 

This time Diallo and Luxxury mark the 50th anniversary of hip hop by diving deep into the Notorious B.I.G classic, Mo Money Mo Problems. Join the guys as they break down the song's use of a disco beat, Stevie J's unique contributions, and prepare to feel chills when you hear Biggie's isolated vocals. Album: Life After Death. Genres: R&B/Soul, Hip-Hop/Rap. Featured artists: Diddy, Mase

This time on One Song, Diallo and Luxxury dig into the biggest selling 12 inch single of all-time: Blue Monday, by New Order. The guys break down how the song was created, its surprising disco influences, and one of the most nonchalant vocal performances ever recorded. Album: Power, Corruption & Lies. Genres: Synth-pop, Alternative/Indie.

On the first episode of One Song, Diallo and Luxxury break down a neo soul classic: Rehab, by Amy Winehouse. Listen along as the guys delve into the song’s recording process, Winehouse’s iconic vocal delivery, and its lasting impact on popular music. Album: Back to Black. Genre: R&B/Soul.  

Beginning July 19th , One Song with Diallo Riddle & Blake "LUXXURY" Robin will premiere exclusively for SiriusXM subscribers on Laugh Out Loud Radio (channel 96) on Wednesdays at 6pm EST, and then available wherever you get your podcasts every Thursday morning starting July 20th.