Beastie Boys' "Sabotage" w/ Nick Kroll

Beastie Boys' "Sabotage" w/ Nick Kroll

Author: Hartbeat May 15, 2025 Duration: 1:13:56
Listen all y’all, it’s “Sabotage” this week on One Song. To help break down this 1994 Beastie Boys classic, Diallo and LUXXURY are joined by the incredibly talented actor, comedian, writer, and producer Nick Kroll. On this episode, they discuss the impact of the iconic (and hilarious) music video directed by Spike Jonze, unpack why not all white rappers are built the same, and learn how Beastie Boys producer/engineer Mario Caldato Jr. served as inspiration for the lyrics. Plus, Nick tells the guys about the time he performed a cabaret version of “Sabotage.” One Song Spotify Playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/40SIOpVROmrxTjOtH7Q1yw?si=f5e3eb90a58549a0 This episode is brought to you by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/ONESONG and get on your way to being your best self. Songs Discussed: "Sabotage" - Beastie Boys "Cooky Puss" - Beastie Boys "Fight For Your Right" - Beastie Boys "Paul Revere" - Beastie Boys "Remote Control" - Beastie Boys "So What'Cha Want" - Beastie Boys "When the Levee Breaks" - Led Zeppelin "Rhymin & Stealin" - Beastie Boys "The Big Beat" - Billy Squier "Sweet Emotion" - Aerosmith "Killing in the Name" - Rage Against the Machine "LA Deli" - Sloppy Secondz "Get It Together" - Beastie Boys ft. Q-Tip "Intergalactic" - Beastie Boys "Tezeta" - Mulatu Astatke "A Day In The Life" - The Beatles "Sex Machine" - James Brown "Family Affair" - Sly & The Family Stone Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ever wondered what happens when a seasoned comedy writer and a sharp-eared music producer get stuck on the same track? That’s the simple, brilliant premise behind One Song. Each episode, Diallo Riddle-the Emmy-nominated force behind shows like ‘South Side’-and producer Blake "LUXXURY" Robin take a single, often iconic, pop song and hold it up to the light. What you get is less a formal dissection and more of a freewheeling, deeply funny conversation between two friends who happen to be experts in their fields. They’ll pull apart the production quirks you’ve never noticed, unpack the cultural moment that birthed the hit, and share personal stories that the music triggers, all while landing plenty of laughs. This isn’t a dry history lesson or a technical masterclass, though you’ll certainly learn things. It’s the joy of hearing two passionate minds revel in the details of a three-minute masterpiece, whether it’s a chart-topper you’ve heard a thousand times or a forgotten gem they insist you need in your life. The magic of this podcast lies in its focus: by digging into just one song per episode, every layer-from a specific synth sound to a bizarre lyric-gets its moment. It’s a celebration of pop music’s weirdness and wonder, delivered with the easy chemistry of a great hang. Tune in and you’ll find your listening habits changed, as you start hearing your favorite songs with new ears and a bigger smile.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 149

One Song
Podcast Episodes
The Beatles' "Helter Skelter" [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:03:24
A flaming ashtray. A saxophone mouthpiece. Blistered fingers. How did one of the Beatles’ most chaotic recording sessions lead to a raucous masterpiece that paved the way for metal? On the first part of this Beatles Two-…
Outkast's "Ms. Jackson" [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 58:02
This week on One Song, we're re-sharing one of our favorite episodes, possibly the greatest ever apology song ever recorded: It’s OutKast’s multi-platinum ode to a complicated relationship and “baby’s drama mama”, Ms. Ja…
Alanis Morissette's "You Oughta Know" [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:04:28
How did a 21-year-old unknown transform a deeply personal breakup into one of the defining hits of the ’90s? Diallo Riddle and LUXXURY dive into “You Oughta Know” by Alanis Morissette, unpacking the raw vocal performance…
The Cure's "Just Like Heaven" [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:10:40
Is “Just Like Heaven” The Cure’s pop masterpiece? Diallo Riddle and LUXXURY dive into the 1987 crossover hit, unpacking what makes it the purest distillation of The Cure’s sound while tracing the band’s blend of goth atm…
Nas' "NY State of Mind" [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:04:28
Why does “N.Y. State of Mind” still feel like the gold standard for hip-hop lyricism three decades later? Diallo Riddle and LUXXURY dig into Nas’ landmark track, tracing its origins from Queensbridge to Columbia Records,…
The Rolling Stones' "Paint it Black" [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:00:57
How did one of rock’s most successful bands of all time accidentally create one of the darkest hits in pop history? Diallo Riddle and LUXXURY dig into The Rolling Stones’ “Paint It Black,” unpacking the band’s complicate…
Beyoncé feat. Jay-Z's "Crazy In Love" [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 58:22
How did “Crazy in Love” announce Beyoncé’s arrival as a solo superstar? Diallo Riddle and LUXXURY dig into this career-defining moment, breaking down the iconic Chi-Lites horn sample, Beyoncé’s commanding vocal performan…
The White Stripes' "Seven Nation Army" [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:02:36
How does a song with no bass and no chorus become a global anthem with the most recognizable riff of the 21st century? Diallo Riddle and LUXXURY break down The White Stripes’ “Seven Nation Army,” exploring the cultural m…
Fugees' "Ready or Not" w/ Wyclef Jean [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:11:16
What song connects 1960s soul, Irish new age, and ’90s hip-hop? Diallo Riddle and LUXXURY go deep on Fugees’ classic “Ready or Not” with special guest Wyclef Jean. Together, they deconstruct the track’s haunting beat, un…
Diana Ross' "Upside Down" [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:05:03
How did Nile Rodgers and Bernard Edwards flip disco on its head with Diana Ross’ chart-topping solo hit “Upside Down”? Diallo Riddle and LUXXURY explore the Chic production, groove-driven arrangement, and rare outtakes f…