Michael Jackson's "Billie Jean"

Michael Jackson's "Billie Jean"

Author: Hartbeat January 14, 2026 Duration: 1:02:46
What makes “Billie Jean” one of the most timeless pop songs ever? Diallo Riddle and LUXXURY dive into Michael Jackson’s masterpiece, unpacking its iconic (and borrowed) bassline, the innovative engineering that shaped its unmistakable sound, and how the song transformed MJ from superstar into a singular cultural force. Songs Discussed: “Billie Jean” - Michael Jackson (01:17) “C Is For Cookie (Funky Version)” - Cookie Monster (04:05) “Take On Me” - a-ha (06:34) “Pass the Dutchie” - Musical Youth (07:20) “Nightline” - Pointer Sisters (12:03) “Nightline” - Ellen Foley (12:10) “Should I Stay or Should I Go” - The Clash (12:40) “The Lady In My Life” - Michael Jackson (13:45) “The Girl Is Mine” - Michael Jackson & Paul McCartney (14:54) “Say Say Say” - Paul McCartney & Michael Jackson (15:13) “Hey Lover” - LL Cool J feat. Boyz II Men (15:57) “Wake Up” - Bill Wolfer (21:08) “State Of Independence” - Jon & Vangelis (25:52) “State Of Independence” - Donna Summer (28:01) “Only You” - Steve Monite (57:42) “Desperate Journalist In Ongoing Meaningful Review Situation” - The Cure (58:37) 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
New Order's "Blue Monday" [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 50:50
On this special rerun, Diallo and Luxxury dig into the biggest selling 12 inch single of all-time: Blue Monday, by New Order. The guys break down how the song was created, its surprising disco influences, and one of the…
The Notorious B.I.G's "Mo Money Mo Problems" [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 53:22
On this special rerun, Diallo and Luxxury dive deep into the Notorious B.I.G classic, Mo Money Mo Problems. Join the guys as they break down the song's use of a disco beat, Stevie J's unique contributions, and prepare to…
Queen & David Bowie's "Under Pressure" [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:08:00
This week on One Song, hosts Diallo Riddle and LUXXURY are “Under Pressure”. That’s right, the guys are bringing you Queen’s rock monster: A song that was number 1 in three countries, has been ranked as one of the 500 gr…
Madonna's "Into the Groove" with guest Guillermo Díaz [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:05:16
This week on One Song we’re getting “Into the Groove”. Hosts Diallo Riddle and LUXXURY are joined by Madonna superfan — and star of hit show, Scandal — Guillermo Díaz to discuss the iconic dancefloor-filler. Come for the…
2023 Recap & 2024 Trends [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 57:34
Join hosts Diallo Riddle and LUXXURY as they recap their favorite (and least favorite!) things of 2023, and look ahead to new music they’re excited for in 2024. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoi…
Sly and the Family Stone's "Thank You" with guest Novena Carmel [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:01:36
This episode of One Song Diallo Riddle and LUXXURY are joined by DJ and KCRW radio host and Sly Stone's daughter Novena Carmel in a special “Thank You” episode. We’re saying thank you to a songwriter, producer and multi…
Sister Nancy's "Bam Bam" [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 57:57
Today on One Song we’re going to be telling you a story. It’s a story about rhythms and remixes, interpolations and sampling. It’s a story about a song that became huge – it’s been in movies, commercials, and it’s one of…
Outkast's "Ms. Jackson" [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 58:15
This time on One Song Diallo Riddle and LUXXURY are doing a deep dive into possibly the greatest ever apology song ever recorded: It’s OutKast’s multi-platinum ode to a complicated relationship and “baby’s drama mama”, M…
Yeah Yeah Yeahs' "Maps" [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:00:50
This time on One Song Diallo Riddle and LUXXURY are breaking out their skinny jeans, thrifted leather jackets, and statement hairstyles as they breakdown classic indie banger, Maps. The duo explore everything from the or…
Mariah Carey’s “Fantasy” with guest Durand Bernarr [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:01:22
This time on One Song, Diallo Riddle and LUXXURY are joined by singer, Durand Bernarr. The trio explore Mariah Carey’s Fantasy (Bad Boy Remix ft. ODB), and talk through every single one of Mariah’s five octaves — not to…