Craig's Pop Life: A Black gay podcast

This is a review of a concert by Diana Ross. Craig Seymour reflects on Diana Ross's impact as an iconic figure and the lessons her songs have taught.

talks about the significance of The Village Voice and how he got his first piece published in the paper. Seymour discusses Tricia Romano's excellent The Freaks Come Out To Write: The Definitive History of The Village Voice, the Radical Paper That Changed American Culture, and quotes from music critic Ann Powers and Richard Goldstein about the importance of the publication. Seymour reflects on...

In this episode, I discuss the music of Black gay pride.

In this episode, I read my 1998 review of Aretha Franklin's A Rose Is A Rose.

I reflect on my first music review and what it's meant for my life.

James Baldwin, Phyllis Hyman, Sylvester, Larry Levan, Cissy Houston, her daughter Whitney, Luther Vandross, Labelle -- you likely know most of these names, but you might not be familiar with singer Marc Sadane or Sir Dane, as he is also known. Throughout his extraordinary life & career, he's crossed paths with all these folks and has the stories to tell. I am so honored to be able to share my...

In this episode, I talk with musician/writer Tim Dillinger about his essay " Remembrance: Teena Marie. " (https://soulmusic.com/perspectives-teena-marie-remembrance/). Here's a playlist of the songs we discuss during our discussion: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/18teHvU0MdgEjlCojTCQrk?si=3eb3b26a4ff04fb5. Other links: Tim's article "New Time Religion: The Holy Ghost Falls Down in the Club, Rec...

In this Black Music Month special episode, I reflect upon my review of Aretha Franklin's 1998 album A Rose Is Still A Rose. Subscribe to my weekly newsletter . Thanks!

Craig talks about his favorite Christmas music. Includes a 2001 interview with Beyoncé about Destiny's Child's 8 Days of Christmas.

My review of Prince's memoir The Beautiful Ones

Check out this interview I did with Lauryn Hill in 1998 during the heyday of The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill. 

My review of On Time: A Princely Life in Funk by Morris Day, lead singer of The Time. I also discuss how nostalgic reissues are killing new music. 

My thoughts on Depression Awareness Month, The 4th Anniversary of Janet Jackson's Unbreakable, RuPaul's Drag Race UK, Saeed Jones' memoir How We Fight For Our Lives, & a hot black, gay rap song  by DeShawn Duron Correction: I meant the first episode of Drag Race, not the first season

My Guide To Janet Jackson's Rhythm Nation Remixes

Craig discusses the new Hustlers movie (NO SPOILERS), Rick Ross' memoir HURRICANES, and Janet Jackson's decision not to release any new music for the foreseeable future. 

Delayed by punk-ass Dorian, here's my look back at Mary J. Blige's MARY album (with interview clips)

 MTV VMA After Show; On Missy Elliott, Normani, Shawn Mendes, & More

A review of Missy Elliott's Iconography & the importance of 1619

My thoughts on the Luther Vandross convo in Pose's "Life's A Beach" episode & Flame Monroe's show-stopping performance on Tiffany Haddish's "They Ready."

Thoughts on the passing of Toni Morrison, "The Amazing Nina Simone" documentary, and Mary J. Blige's new single "Know."

Craig talks about seeing Solange's movie When I Get Home at the Pérez Art Museum in Miami and reviews Sherman's Showcase on IFC.

Craig imagines what Tom Holland's Janet Jackson playlist might be and reviews Quentin Tarantino's "Once Upon A Time in Hollywood" and Ladee Hubbard's "The Talented Ribkins." 

My reviews of The Lion King and Beyoncé's The Lion King: The Gift.

An appreciation of Jody Watley's contributions to the queer community. Correction: Jermaine Stewart's "Set Me Free" was released in 1992, not 1982. I knew better, but my bad.

Craig clarifies his Whitney Houston comments from the last episode & reviews Spiderman: Far From Home & The Bobby DeBarge Story