Erykah Badu dropped her first project, 'Baduizm,' in 1997 to commercial success and critical acclaim. She was labeled the Queen of neo-soul, helping open doors for other female artists like SZA, Solange, and Janelle Monáe who didn’t fit within the traditional R&B box. So there was pressure on her sophomore effort, 'Mama’s Gun,' which turns 25 years old in November. Here we explore the project, which was an ode to her son Seven, who she had with Andre 3000. We discuss the pressure she felt following up 'Baduizm,' break down the songs on 'Mama’s Gun,' why she directs all of her music videos, the one artist she wants to work with, and what she thinks of the state of R&B and hip-hop today.

"Please Explain Hosted by Aria Hughes" is an explainer show about culture, fashion, and music that brings context, not confusion, to the internet.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The path to superstardom is much different than it was in the past. While social media and streaming made it easier for artists to build audiences without relying on record labels, or for songs to pop without radio play, it’s also created an oversaturated and fragmented music marketplace, making it even harder for songs and artists to be seen, heard, and impactful – which has led to a lack of superstars.

How do you define a superstar in 2025? What goes into making a superstar today? Are there any replacements for the “big three” in rap? What has led to the lack of superstars? Who are the next superstars?

We will explore this topic with Randall ‘Sickamore’ Medford, who currently manages Don Toliver and is the co-founder of Three Times Louder, a Brooklyn based production company that is focused on Brooklyn artists; Nikki Nelms, a renowned hairstylist whose clients include Janelle Monáe and Zoë Kravitz; Fullout Cortland, a talented choreographer who works with artists including Doja Cat and SZA; and Amanda Sabreah, who owns Thought Factory, a strategic advisor firm helping entrepreneurs and executives sharpen their positioning.

"Please Explain Hosted by Aria Hughes" is an explainer show about culture, fashion, and music that brings context, not confusion, to the internet

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Quenlin Blackwell has gained millions of followers on social media simply by being herself and making people laugh. But the internet personality has ambitions that extend beyond online content creation. Is her Internet persona real? What inspires her video edits that garner millions of views? Is she concerned about becoming less authentic as she gains more fame? Was the chemistry between her and Duke Dennis real? Why wasn’t she a part of Kai Cenat’s Streamer University? What’s her goal with her fashion line Riquera? And does she feel accepted by traditional institutions? Quenlin Blackwell will explore these questions, and many more, on Please Explain.

"Please Explain Hosted by Aria Hughes" is an explainer show about culture, fashion, and music that brings context, not confusion, to the internet.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mariah the Scientist has grown a cult following since the singer/songwriter released music in 2018, and while she’s had a multi-platinum song (“Spread Thin”), “Burning Blue” might be the single that takes her career to the next level. What’s the meaning behind “Burning Blue”? How does she feel when people critique her voice and her romantic decisions? Why does she tour so much? Why was it important for her to own her masters? And what’s the current state of R&B? Mariah the Scientist will explore these questions, and many more, on Please Explain. And host, Aria Hughes, will break down why artists like Mariah the Scientist want to own their masters in the Music Sense segment.

"Please Explain Hosted by Aria Hughes" is an explainer show about culture, fashion, and music that brings context, not confusion, to the internet.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As Joe Freshgoods celebrates his five-year anniversary with New Balance, the designer and creative director addresses the elephant in the room: Can he sustain and remain cool while scaling his brand? It's a big question that most streetwear brands face while trying to grow their business without oversaturating the market and losing consumer interest. Joe Freshgoods will explore that question, and many more, on Please Explain. And host, Aria Hughes, will break down why Joe Freshgoods owns his trademarks, which is a designer's most valuable asset, in the Fashion Sense segment.

"Please Explain Hosted by Aria Hughes" is an explainer show about culture, fashion, and music that brings context, not confusion, to the internet.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Why does Mowalola upset people? Why is she, a Black woman designer, a rarity in fashion? Is she trying to provoke people with her designs? How is she defying the traditional fashion system? Is putting the N-word on a shirt problematic? Fashion designer and artist Mowalola Ogunlesi will explore these questions, and more, on Please Explain. And host, Aria Hughes, will break down why it costs $250,000 to put on a 15-minute fashion show in the Fashion Sense segment.

"Please Explain Hosted by Aria Hughes" is an explainer show about culture, fashion, and music that brings context, not confusion, to the internet.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What is a Black dandy? Who is (and isn’t) a Black dandy? Who will the Costume Institute forget? Dapper Dan, June Ambrose, and Ali Richmond will explore these questions and more in this episode of Please Explain. And host Aria Hughes will break down why a met gala ticket costs $75,000 in the fashion $ense segment.

"Please Explain Hosted by Aria Hughes" is an explainer show about culture, fashion, and music that brings context, not confusion, to the internet.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

James Whitner, owner and founder of The Whitaker Group, which includes popular boutiques A Ma Maniére, Social Status, and APB, sits down with Aria Hughes, Complex's Editor-in-Chief, to discuss his case being over, the lack of Black ownership in streetwear, and what's wrong with the sneaker market.

"Please Explain Hosted by Aria Hughes" is an explainer show about culture, fashion, and music that brings context, not confusion, to the internet.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.