Episodes
"If I could get another chance, another walk, another dance with him I'd play a song that would never, ever, ever end, how I'd love, love, love to dance with my father again." Luther Vandross was a legendary R&B and soul singer, celebrated for his smooth voice and romantic ballads. His most iconic hit, "Dance with My Father", is a heartfelt tribute to his late father, capturing the deep emotions of love, loss, and cherished memories. This chorus resonates with listeners worldwide, making...
Published 10/10/24
"I don't like no nasty girl, I don't like nasty food, oh yeah. The only nasty thing I like is a nasty groove. Will this one do?" Janet Jackson is an influential pop and R&B singer, actress, and dancer known for her innovative music, choreography, and boundary pushing music videos. Her breakthrough album, Control (from 1986) solidified her as a global superstar, with hits like "Nasty" showcasing her assertive, self-empowering style. Her blend of pop, funk, and socially conscious lyrics...
Published 10/09/24
"Ain't no mountain high enough, ain't no valley low enough to keep me from getting to you." Diana Ross is an iconic American singer and actress, best known as the lead vocalist of The Supremes, Motown's most successful act during the 1960s. After launching her solo career, she became a music legend with hits like "Ain't No Mountain High Enough", known for its soaring vocals and powerful message of resilience. Ross’s legacy spans decades, making her one of the most influential figures in pop...
Published 10/08/24
"I am a woman in love and I do anything to get you into my world and hold you within, it's a right I defend, over and over again." Barbra Streisand is a legendary American singer, actress, and filmmaker known for her powerful voice and timeless appeal. Her most iconic hit, "Woman in Love" from the 1980 album Guilty, showcases her vocal mastery and emotional depth. The song includes the unforgettable chorus quoted above, expressing themes of passion and devotion. This marked yet another...
Published 10/07/24
"She's up all night 'til the sun, I'm up all night to get some, we're up all night to get lucky." Daft Punk, the iconic French electronic duo, revolutionized dance music with their futuristic sound and masked personas. Their 2013 hit "Get Lucky", featuring Pharrell Williams, became a global anthem, blending disco, funk, and electronic vibes. This was another memorable moment from Verse and Verve: The Poetry of Popular Music, a carefully curated collection by Cala Vox. Share the gift of...
Published 10/06/24
"You know I used to be in 1 D, now I’m out, free"  Liam Payne, another former member of One Direction, ventured into a solo career with his 2017 debut single "Strip That Down". The song, featuring Quavo, showcased a more mature, club-ready sound with a catchy beat and playful lyrics. Give the gift of inspiration! Surprise someone special with our interactive Kindle ebook, featuring 100 powerful quotes and stunning images—a perfect blend of wisdom and beauty, now available for...
Published 10/05/24
"It's our paradise and it's our war zone." Zayn Malik, originally part of the global sensation One Direction, made waves with his solo debut in 2016. His most iconic hit, "Pillowtalk", blends smooth R&B vibes with seductive lyrics, showcasing his departure from the pop sound of his former group. This marked yet another unforgettable instance from Verse and Verve: The Poetry of Popular Music, a collection thoughtfully assembled by Cala Vox. Verse ✍️ and Verve 💥: The Poetry of Popular...
Published 10/04/24
"I just took a DNA test, turns out I'm 100% that bitch, even when I′m crying crazy.." Lizzo is a dynamic singer, rapper, and flutist known for her empowering anthems and bold personality. Her breakout hit, "Truth Hurts", became a viral sensation with its fierce lyrics about self-love and independence, including the iconic line, "I just took a DNA test, turns out I'm 100% that bitch." Lizzo's music blends hip-hop, pop, and soul, making her a voice for body positivity and confidence in the...
Published 10/03/24
"Look, I don't dance now, I make money moves.." Cardi B, a Bronx-born rapper, burst onto the music scene with her raw energy and unapologetic personality. Her breakout hit "Bodak Yellow" in 2017 became an anthem of self-empowerment, with the iconic line, "I don't dance now, I make money moves", marking her transition from reality TV star to rap royalty. Known for her bold lyrics and infectious charisma, Cardi has continued to dominate with tracks like "WAP" and "I Like It". This marked yet...
Published 10/02/24
"This one is for the boys with the booming system, top down, A C with the cooler system.. When he come up in the club, he be blazin′ up, got stacks on deck like he saving up" Nicki Minaj is a Trinidadian American rapper, singer, and songwriter known for her dynamic flow, vibrant personality, and sharp lyricism.  Her most iconic hit, Super Bass from 2011, catapulted her to mainstream success with its infectious beat and catchy hook. With a bold mix of pop and rap, Nicki Minaj has made a...
Published 10/01/24
"You used to call me on my cell phone late night when you need my love." Drake, a Canadian rapper, singer, and songwriter, rose to prominence with his emotive style blending rap and R&B. His 2015 hit "Hotline Bling" became a cultural phenomenon, featuring the catchy line, "You used to call me on my cell phone, late night when you need my love." This track solidified Drake as a dominant force in modern music, known for his introspective lyrics and relatable themes. Verse ✍️ and Verve 💥:...
Published 09/30/24
"You were my sun, you were my earth, but you didn't know all the ways I loved you, no." Justin Timberlake is a pop icon who rose to fame as a member of *NSYNC before launching a successful solo career in the early 2000s.  His hit single "Cry Me a River" from the album "Justified" solidified his reputation, with its emotional lyrics and smooth production. A memorable line from the song is, "You don't have to say, what you did, I already know," capturing the heartbreak and betrayal themes....
Published 09/29/24
Girls, hit your hallelujah, Cause uptown funk gon' give it to you, Saturday night and we in the spot, don′t believe me, just watch.." Bruno Mars is a multi-talented singer, songwriter, and producer known for his soulful voice and smooth pop-funk sound. One of his most iconic hits, "Uptown Funk", with Mark Ronson, became a global anthem in 2014, with its infectious groove and catchy chorus: “Don't believe me, just watch!”  Mars’ music, blending elements of funk, pop, R&B, and reggae, has...
Published 09/28/24
"I keep on fallin' in and out of love with you, I never loved someone the way that I love you." Alicia Keys is a multi-talented singer, songwriter, and classically trained pianist who burst onto the scene in the early 2000s with her soulful voice and poignant lyrics. Her breakout hit "Fallin'," from her debut album Songs in A Minor, became an instant classic, winning multiple Grammy Awards. The song's unforgettable chorus, "I keep on fallin' in and out of love with you", resonates with...
Published 09/27/24
"Peace up, A-Town down.." Usher is an R&B icon known for blending smooth vocals with infectious dance rhythms, dominating the charts since the late '90s. His 2004 hit "Yeah!" featuring Lil Jon and Ludacris, became an anthem that swept clubs worldwide with its high-energy beats. The song's fusion of R&B, crunk, and hip-hop cemented Usher's place in music history, making him one of the most influential artists of his era.  This marked yet another unforgettable instance from "Verse...
Published 09/26/24
"Rollin' down the street, smokin' indo, sippin' on gin and juice." Snoop Dogg, a legendary figure in West Coast hip-hop, burst onto the scene in the early '90s with his smooth, laid-back flow and distinct voice. His breakout hit, "Gin and Juice", from his debut album Doggystyle, became an anthem of carefree partying, with the iconic chorus: "Rollin' down the street, smokin' indo, sippin' on gin and juice." Snoop's influence on rap culture extends beyond music, as he's become a beloved pop...
Published 09/25/24
"1, 2, 3 and to the 4, Snoop Doggy Dogg and Dr. Dre is at the door." Dr. Dre, a pioneering figure in hip-hop, is best known for shaping the sound of West Coast rap and launching the careers of artists like Snoop Dogg and Eminem. His 1992 solo debut album, The Chronic, is a landmark in G-funk, featuring hits like "Nuthin' but a 'G' Thang". Verse ✍️ and Verve 💥: The Poetry of Popular Music 🎶  is an enthralling podcast that traverses the landscape of popular music from the 1960s to today....
Published 09/24/24
"Come on, shake your body baby, do the conga, I know you can′t control yourself any longer.." Gloria Estefan is a Cuban-American singer known as the "Queen of Latin Pop" for her fusion of Latin rhythms with pop and dance music. Her biggest hit, "Conga" (1985) with Miami Sound Machine, became a global sensation, encouraging everyone to "Come on, shake your body, baby, do the conga!" This song helped Estefan cross over to mainstream success, paving the way for Latin music in the US. Verse ✍️...
Published 09/23/24
"If you're having girl problems I feel bad for you son, I got ninety-nine problems but a bitch ain't one." Jay-Z, born Shawn Carter, is one of hip-hop's most influential artists and businessmen.  His 2003 hit "99 Problems" from The Black Album is one of his most iconic tracks, blending hard-hitting beats with sharp, socially aware lyrics. The famous chorus, "I got 99 problems but a bitch ain't one", showcases his lyrical skill and streetwise wit. Verse ✍️ and Verve 💥: The Poetry of Popular...
Published 09/22/24
"If you go hard you gotta get on the floor. If you're a party freak then step on the floor. If you're an animal then tear up the floor. Break a sweat on the floor. Yeah we work on the floor.." Jennifer Lopez, also known as J.Lo, is an iconic singer, actress, and dancer who has had a massive impact on both the music and film industries. One of her biggest hits is "On the Floor" (2011), featuring Pitbull, which became a global dance anthem with its infectious beat. Known for her incredible...
Published 09/21/24
"Work it harder, make it better, do it faster, I need you right now, makes us stronger more than ever. Hour after, our work is never over, I need you right now.." Kanye West is a groundbreaking rapper, producer, and fashion designer known for pushing the boundaries of hip-hop and popular culture. His 2007 hit "Stronger" from the album Graduation became a defining anthem with its fusion of electronic music. Kanye's influence extends beyond music into fashion and design, making him one of the...
Published 09/20/24
"And I was like, baby, baby, baby, oh.." Justin Bieber is a Canadian pop sensation who rose to fame as a teenager with his viral hit "Baby" in 2010. The song, featuring the catchy line "And I was like, baby, baby, baby, oh", became an international success and cemented Bieber as a global superstar. Known for evolving his sound over the years, he has continued to release chart-topping tracks like "Sorry" and "Peaches," showcasing his versatility in pop and R&B. Verse ✍️ and Verve 💥: The...
Published 09/19/24
"I just want you for my own, more than you could ever know, make my wish come true, all I want for Christmas is you.." Mariah Carey is a legendary pop and R&B singer, known for her five-octave vocal range and iconic whistle register. One of her most famous hits is the timeless holiday anthem, "All I Want for Christmas Is You", which has become a seasonal favorite worldwide. The song's catchy chorus, “I just want you for my own, more than you could ever know”, embodies the joyful spirit...
Published 09/18/24
"Call him Mister Raider, call him Mister Wrong, call him Mister Vain.. Call him Mister Raider, call him Mister Wrong, call him insane.." Culture Beat is a German Eurodance group best known for their 1993 global hit, Mister Vain, which topped the charts in multiple countries, including Germany and the UK. The song, featuring vocalist Tania Evans and rapper Jay Supreme, became an iconic anthem of the early 90s dance scene. "Mister Vain" helped cement Culture Beat's place in dance music...
Published 09/17/24
"No clouds in my stones, let it rain, I hydroplane in the bank, comin' down like Dow Jones when the clouds come, we're gone.." Rihanna, a Barbadian singer, has become one of the world's most successful music artists, known for her versatile vocal style and bold fashion choices. One of her biggest hits, "Umbrella", released in 2007, topped the charts worldwide and solidified her status as a global superstar. The song's catchy hook and collaboration with rapper Jay-Z made it a defining moment...
Published 09/16/24