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This episode is about moments where the music perfectly matched the emotion on screen to scenes where a song became just as iconic as the movie itself, we break down our favorite song-and-scene combinations and why they still hit today.

We also jump into a round of Kiss, Marry, Kill, because things always get interesting when opinions clash 👀. Plus, we rewind the clock to 1993 to spotlight Breaking Atoms, the debut album from Main Source, led by producer Large Professor. We talk about its impact, the era it came from, and why tracks like “Looking at the Front Door” still resonate decades later.

Music, movies, classic hip-hop, and real conversation—this episode brings it all together. Tap in and vibe with us

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It’s a NEW YEAR and EL and Cheryl Poison kick off the year with laughs, side-eye, and a whole lot of music nostalgia on Once Upon a Time in Music. Before getting into the topic, they break down the New Year’s resolutions everybody swears they’re going to keep—cutting bad habits, losing weight, saving money, and “leaving people in last year”… yeah, right.

The main conversation dives into artists you swore were Black when you first heard them. From soulful voices and reggae vibes to smooth R&B and crossover hits, the duo revisits classic songs and artists that had the culture fooled before music videos and social media told the full story. Expect throwbacks, honorable mentions, wild commentary, and plenty of “wait… THEY weren’t Black?” moments.

Of course, it wouldn’t be the show without Kiss, Marry, Kill, hilarious side stories, playful debates, and unfiltered opinions that only L and Cheryl can deliver. Funny, nostalgic, and a little reckless—this episode sets the tone for the year the only way they know how.

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This week on Once Upon a Time in Music, EL and Cheryl Poison slow things all the way down and tap into their favorite R&B joints — the deep cuts, the late-night vibes, and the songs you might’ve skipped back in the day but need to hear again right now.

From ’70s soul to 2000s R&B, the crew puts listeners on to hidden gems and timeless classics from artists like Prince, Marvin Gaye, Bootsy Collins, Jodeci, Music Soulchild, Toni Braxton, Ginuwine, Kelly Price, Mariah Carey, Jhené Aiko, The Isley Brothers, Intro, and more. If you love smooth vocals, grown-folk music, and records that still hit no matter the era, this one’s for you.

They also jump into Kiss, Marry, Kill, run a Price Tag Check comparing then vs. now, talk new music and mixed reviews, spotlight a classic album anniversary, and reminisce about mixtapes, Columbia House CDs, and how certain songs just feel different when they come on late at night.

This episode is pure vibes, laughs, nostalgia, and R&B love — and by the end, it’s clear this one needs a Part 2.

Press play, grab your pen for the playlist, and ride out with Once Upon a Time in Music.