The CAST of R&B

|| June 23rd 2020 || After manifesting a successful career by penning songs for Kanye, Ariana Grande and Beyoncé, singer-songwriter Kirby finally released her own debut solo album, “Sis,” at the top of 2020 — right before the world went into lockdown. Kirby spoke to Hillary and Eddie about why “Sis”’s funky message is actually perfect for these times of Black Lives Matter protests and how it represents who and what made R&B music what it is— a dissection of Black culture and, for Kirby, a balm for Black women during these crazy times. || Video Available on YouTube || Follow on IG @CastofRnB ||

|| May 29th 2020 || Louis York are the creative duo behind songs with everyone from Ne-Yo to Janet Jackson.  Yet with all their experience they haven’t lost their love of the music or their cast for risk.  Claude Kelly and Chuck Harmony sat with Hillary and Eddie to discuss where music has led them, how they’ve got a new Destiny’s Child on the way and their secrets for longevity in the music business and as black folks in America. || Video Available on YouTube || Follow on IG @CastofRnB ||

|| May 12th 2020 || Bright and bubbly, Kiana Ledé is a not-so-newcomer to R&B with a fresh album called, “KIKI.” The 23-year-old chatted with Hillary and Eddie about thugging on the Southside of her hometown, Phoenix, her rise and personal journey toward becoming comfortable with herself and how that comes through her songwriting—plus her genuine love of twerking.  With co-signs from Ari Lennox, 6lack and Lucky Daye on “KIKI,” Kiana is using her roughest times to make her stronger. || Video Available on YouTube || Follow on IG @CastofRnB ||

|| April 30th 2020 || Chris Chambers is more than a publicist, he’s an image architect who has introduced your favorite artists to pop culture.  From Mariah Carey, Whitney Houston, Toni Braxton, Usher, Chris Brown and even Prince, Chris has worked with the greatest of our time—through their best and worst—and seen the R&B music business through its movements since he began working with Def Jam Records’ early roster.   In 2006 he quit a lucrative major label gig to open his own shop, The Chamber Group, where he continues to teach artists how to put their best foot forward. Chris chatted with Hillary and Eddie from his fabulous Brooklyn home in a very impressive outfit and ran down how stars today can burn their brightest. || Quarantine Crib Studio BK & NJ || Follow @CastofRnB ||

|| April 16th 2020 || On the 20th anniversary of Carl Thomas’ debut album, “Emotional” which dropped in April 18th, 2000, Hillary and Eddie spoke with the singer about making of classics like “I Wish,” “Summer Rain” and the title track as well as coming up during the heyday of Bad Boy Records, the production group the Hitmen and finding a “poetic way to complain” in his songs. || Video Available on YouTube || Follow on IG @CastofRnB ||

|| April 10th 2020 || Troy Taylor aka "The Mayor of R&B" isn’t a household name but he should be. Crafting timeless tracks like Tyrese’s “Sweet Lady” and Trey Songz’ “Neighbors Know My Name,” Troy is probably your favorite songwriter and producer's favorite songwriter and producer.  Hillary and Eddie chatted with the industry vet about his history and the current projects he's working on. || Video Available on YouTube || Follow on IG @CastofRnB ||

|| March 31st 2020 || Sean Garrett is behind some of the biggest records from artists like Ciara, Chris Brown, Usher and Beyonce.  His battle with The-Dream during a Verzuz producer competition seemed to be about a bit more than records.  Eddie (with Hillary texting him questions furiously) spoke with Sean on his Instagram Live about exactly what happened.  || Quarantine Crib Studios BK & NJ || Follow @CastofRnB ||

|| February 28th 2020 || Playlist, Playlist, Playlist.  That's all we talk about.  How the hell do you get on one? Will it take your career to the next level?  Well, Hillary & Eddie sit down with Walter Tucker to unpack the the myths of playlisting. Also make sure to also check out Walter's LiveThe.Biz platform. || Metro Podcast Studios NYC || Engineer Grettch Schadebrodt || Follow @CastofRnB ||

|| March 4th 2020 || Kevin Ross (the singer/ songwriter not the kickboxer) stops by The CAST of R&B to catch up with Eddie for a conversation about his new album "Audacity," transitioning from a major label to an independent artist and the stigma surrounding Urban Adult Contemporary radio.  In honor of Women's History Month, Kevin makes his selections for the "R&B Female Pantheon." || Blue Playlist Pick "Don't Go" || Metro Podcast Studios NYC || Engineer Grettch Schadebrodt || Follow @CastofRnB ||

|| March 4th 2020 || After getting stopped by an overzealous US Border Patrol agent while trying to leave Montreal (she subsequently missed her flight and had to leave the next day), Shay finally made it to NYC to record this episode with Eddie! Tune in to learn a little about what it was like growing up in Africa, how Kaytaranda discovered Shay and why she doesn't love to perform live.  Side note: Eddie now knows how to pronounce "Djibouti." || Blue Playlist Pick "Voodoo" ft. Buddy || Metro Podcast Studios NYC || Engineer Grettch Schadebrodt || Follow @CastofRnB ||

|| February 5th 2020 || Luke stops in before his sold out New York City show to have a very candid conversation with Hillary & Eddie.  Topics of discussion include Luke's love for breakfast, the cultural impact of New Edition, his new album "to feel love/d" and why he hated supporting his self-titled debut album even though "Options" ft. Rick Ross was nominated for a Grammy.  Eddie loves the song.  Hillary does not.  Luke is indifferent.  || Blue Playlist Pick “Blow” || Audio Mack Studios NYC || Engineer George Garcia || Follow @CastofRnB ||

|| December 8th 2019 || The "REAL" EB Eric Bellinger stops by before his sold out show at S.O.B.’s in NYC to catch up with Eddie and discuss his thoughts on the King of R&B debate, the Grammy voting process and why he’s never signed to a major label. *Disclaimer: Hennessy Pure White Cognac was consumed during the recording of this episode. || Blue Playlist Pick “Apple Berry Nana” || Audio Mack Studios NYC || Engineer Drew Boateng || Follow @CastofRnB ||

|| December 8th 2019 || A few years ago Kyle Dion was working at Starbucks. Now he's an independent artist living off of his budding music career.  Kyle joins Eddie to discuss his musical inspirations, the difference between a "Legend" and "Icon," comparisons to Prince, Jimi Hendrix and Lenny Kravitz as well as his authentic fashion style. *Disclaimer: Hennessy Pure White Cognac was consumed during the recording of this episode. || Blue Playlist Pick “Stay The Night” || Audio Mack Studios NYC || Engineer Drew Boateng || Follow @CastofRnB ||

|| December 7th 2019 || With 15+ years in the game, Raheem DeVaughn has secured his musical legacy.  Eddie travels down to the nations capitol to have a wide-raging conversation with “The Love King of R&B."  During the episode he breaks down his old Jive Records deal, gives insight on what has kept him relevant all these years and tips on how to maintain longevity in the music business. *Disclaimer: LVE Brut Blanc de Blancs Limited Edition was consumed during the recording of this episode.  || Blue Playlist Pick “You” || Beyond Studios Washington D.C. || Engineer Zach Dawson || Follow @CastofRnB ||

|| December 8th 2019 || On this episode of The CAST of R&B Eddie reconnects with another former management client's, Grammy-nominated singer/songwriter Stacy Barthe, for another personal conversation.  She reflects on her 2015 Homeschool/ Motown debut album BEcoming, discusses reconnecting with Beyonce inside the Staples Center "panic room" during Nipsey Hussle’s funeral and her “date” with Andre 3000. *Disclaimer: Hennessy Pure White Cognac was consumed during the recording of this episode. || Blue Playlist Pick “You Wonder Why?” || Audio Mack Studios NYC || Engineer Drew Boateng || Follow @CastofRnB ||

|| November 2nd 2019 || It's the inaugural episode of The CAST of R&B and who else would be Eddie's first guest but none other than his friend and former management client Grammy-nominated artist Ro James!  Listen in on their personal conversation as they discuss Ro's musical journey.  We also have a PODCAST PREMIERE of Ro's ELDORADO OG Remix featuring Bun B. & Snoop Dogg. *Disclaimer: Jack Daniel's Apple Whiskey was consumed during the recording of this episode. || Blue Playlist Pick “GA$” || Audio Mack Studios NYC || Engineer Drew Boateng || Follow @CastofRnB ||