Teena Marie's "Square Biz"

Teena Marie's "Square Biz"

Author: Hartbeat May 22, 2025 Duration: 1:01:41
Teena Marie is one of R&B’s most enduring artists, and in many ways, she perfectly encapsulates what it means to be Black famous. This week, Diallo and LUXXURY break down her 1980 hit “Square Biz” and explore the nuance of her legacy.  They revisit her career-breaking collaborations with Rick James, celebrate her musical prowess, and ask the question: Is Teena Marie “blue-eyed soul” or in a league of her own? One Song Spotify Playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/40SIOpVROmrxTjOtH7Q1yw?si=e7bd872adc3044ad Songs Discussed: Square Biz - Teena Marie (00:00:31) "Lovergirl" - Teena Marie "Loverboy" - Billy Ocean "Behind The Groove" - Teena Marie "Ghetto Life" - Rick James "On The Wings Of Love" - Jeffrey Osborne "Tutti Frutti" - Pat Boone "Tutti Frutti" - Little Richard "I'm A Sucker For Your Love" - Teena Marie "It Must Be Magic" - Teena Marie "Super Freak" - Rick James "Portuguese Love" - Teena Marie "Wake Up" - Bill Wolfer "1, 2 Step" - Ciara feat. Missy Elliot "Rapture" - Blondie "Firm Biz" - The Firm "Emergency Room" - Ford & Lopatin "Gnarly" - KATSEYE 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: 100

One Song
Podcast Episodes
Ariana Grande's "7 Rings" [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:12:48
You’ve probably hear “My Favorite Things” from The Sound of Music more times than you can remember...but have you *really* thought about how often it's been interpolated? And which version is the most iconic? On this epi…
The Pharcyde's "Runnin'" [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:16:52
On this episode of One Song, Diallo and LUXXURY break down The Pharcyde’s “Runnin’,” the track from the legendary hip-hop group that brought new flavor to the West Coast sound in the ‘90s. They dive into the group’s intr…
Yeah Yeah Yeah's "Maps" [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:02:48
On this special re-run of One Song, Diallo 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 fr…
The Killers' "Mr. Brightside" [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:28:43
Destiny is calling us to discuss the making of an unforgettable jam you’ve heard at countless weddings, karaoke bars, and sporting events. So open up your eager eyes (and ears)! On this episode of One Song, Diallo and LU…
Grace Jones' "Slave To The Rhythm" [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:12:03
Is there such a thing as a “perfect song?” Well if there’s someone who might be able to make it, leave it to one of the most culturally influential artists in music and fashion history! On this episode of One Song, Diall…
Warren G's "Regulate" (feat. Nate Dogg) with Warren G [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:06:31
Regulators…MOUNT UP! Get ready for One Song history to be made. On this episode, Grammy-nominated rapper, producer, DJ, and masterful storyteller Warren G joins Diallo and LUXXURY to break down his 1994 G-funk classic hi…
Steely Dan's "Peg" with Jon Benjamin [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:21:10
One Song Nation – won’t you smile for another episode? Because we know you’re gonna love it! On this episode of One Song, actor, comedian and musician Jon Benjamin (Archer, Bob’s Burgers) joins Diallo and LUXXURY to brea…
Michael Jackson's "Thriller" [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:08:45
As Spooky Season falls across the land, no mere mortal can resist the power of this 1983 smash hit. On this very special Halloween episode of One Song, Diallo and LUXXURY break down Michael Jackson’s spookiest pop song,…
Earth, Wind & Fire's "Let's Groove" with Estelle [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:19:07
Get ready to share the spice of life and glide like a 747 to a classic cookout jam from one of the best selling bands of all time! On this episode of One Song, Grammy Award-winning pop star, rapper, and actress Estelle j…
Chaka Khan's "I'm Every Woman" with Danyel Smith [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:28:29
If there’s anything you want done, baby, just turn to a legendary artist who knows how to do it naturally. On this episode of One Song, award-winning journalist, author, and podcaster Danyel Smith (Shine Bright: A Very P…