Shawn Stockman's On That Note

Boyz II Men’s Shawn Stockman sits down with his brothers Nathan Morris and Wanya Morris for one of the most personal conversations yet on On That Note.

Filmed in Las Vegas during Boyz II Men’s residency at The Cosmopolitan, this conversation goes far beyond the music. Shawn, Nathan, and Wanya reflect on more than three decades of Boyz II Men, their brotherhood, the evolution of R&B, the music industry, and what it has taken to keep one of the most successful groups in music history together.

The three also open up about the long-awaited New Edition Way Tour featuring New Edition, Boyz II Men, and Toni Braxton, why the collaboration took so long to happen, the chemistry between the groups, and whether fans could see something similar happen again.

Shawn, Nathan, and Wanya also discuss whether Boyz II Men could headline another arena tour or even reach stadium status, the group’s massive international following, and why countries like Australia and South Africa have embraced Boyz II Men differently than the United States.

One of the most revealing moments comes when the brothers revisit the difficult period when Boyz II Men went from being at the height of their popularity to feeling shunned by the music industry. They talk about their experience with MTV’s Total Request Live (TRL), the changing music landscape, and what it felt like to go from being welcomed everywhere to struggling to even get a phone call.

The conversation gets even deeper as the group reflects on Khalil, success, ego, personal growth, and whether Boyz II Men themselves played a role in the industry turning against them. They discuss what they learned from that chapter of their careers and how those experiences shaped the men they are today.

Shawn, Nathan, and Wanya also debate the state of R&B music, the legacy of ’70s, ’80s and ’90s R&B, artists such as Jodeci, Silk, Color Me Badd, High Five, SWV, TLC, and Jagged Edge, and how the rise of hip-hop changed the sound and business of R&B.

And throughout it all, the brothers discuss the most important ingredient behind Boyz II Men’s longevity: the bond between the three of them, their love of music, and their ability to keep moving forward together.

🎙️ On That Note is hosted by Shawn Stockman of Boyz II Men, bringing artists and music conversations together from a perspective only someone who has lived through the industry can provide.

Subscribe to On That Note for more conversations about music, artists, careers, culture, and the stories behind the songs.
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Comedian Jo Koy joins Shawn Stockman on On That Note for an in-depth conversation about comedy, culture, family, representation, and the journey that took him from selling $5 DVDs to performing in arenas and stadiums.

Jo opens up about his brand-new Netflix special, Blue in the Face, including the deeply personal story behind the title and how the special pays tribute to his late stepfather, Sergeant Fred Harrison, whose influence helped shape Jo and his family. He also reflects on growing up with limited resources and how those experiences became part of the stories that connect him with audiences around the world.

The conversation also dives into Jo’s mission to create greater Filipino representation in entertainment, from his work on the Broadway musical Here Lies Love to DreamWorks’ Easter Sunday and his efforts to bring Filipino American talent to larger platforms.Shawn and Jo also share a fascinating conversation about Michael Jackson, with Sean recalling his experiences visiting Jackson’s home and discussing the legendary entertainer’s work ethic, business mindset, and advice about knowing your own worth.

Jo gets candid about the realities of the comedy business, including Hollywood’s historical barriers for Black, Asian, and Latino comedians, the legendary Fat Tuesdays comedy scene, and the comedians who emerged from those difficult environments, including Bernie Mac, Steve Harvey, Chris Tucker, and Bill Bellamy.

He also tells the story of how he turned a Netflix rejection into an opportunity, self-funding and filming Live from Seattle before eventually getting Netflix’s attention. Jo discusses the lessons he learned from comedy legends like Eddie Murphy, Paul Mooney, and Cedric the Entertainer, and reveals his upcoming project Pass the Mic, created with Martin Lawrence to spotlight comedians who deserve a bigger platform.

From comedy and music to Hollywood, representation, and the importance of staying focused on your own journey, this is a wide-ranging conversation with one of entertainment’s most recognizable voices.

Watch Jo Koy’s new Netflix special, Blue in the Face, and check out the full conversation now.
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In this episode of On That Note, Shawn Stockman sits down with Josh Johnson — the sharp, thoughtful, and relentlessly prolific comedian, writer, and performer known for his work on The Daily Show, The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, and his viral topical stand-up comedy.
Josh opens up about the creative process behind his weekly stand-up output, how he balances politics, race, relationships, family, money, and modern America in his material, and why comedy can be both a release and a form of truth-telling.

He also talks about growing up in Alexandria, Louisiana, discovering music through Disney soundtracks and vinyl records, and the lessons that shaped his voice as an artist.

This conversation goes deep on:

• Josh Johnson’s career journey from writer to on-air correspondent
• His approach to topical stand-up and releasing comedy consistently
• The power of social commentary, honesty, and timing in comedy
• Why the best comedians make audiences laugh and think
• Childhood memories, music, physical media, and family influence
• Advice Josh would give his younger self

If you love Josh Johnson interviews, stand-up comedy, late night writers, comedy podcasts, political humor, Black comedy, and thoughtful conversations about entertainment and culture, this episode is for you.
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Chart topping artist KEM joins On That Note for a conversation about overcoming some of life's challenges early on and his enormous success in music . The Motown artist speaks on his chart topping success and tells some industry stories of his along the way. He speaks on the opportunity to meet one of his inspirations, Al Jarreau, and how KEM was still bussing tables at the Ritz Carlton when it happened.

Fast forwarding a bit the singer-songwriter has amassed ten number one records such as “Love Calls,” "It's You," "Lie to Me," and more which has made him a pillar in R&B. His albums, KEM, KEM Album II, and Intimacy, all earned him platinum and gold certifications.

Taking it back to his childhood he attributes names like Tom Browne and "Jamaica Funk" as a record that impacted his musical trajectory. KEM mentions his parents having Jazz records in the house and musicians like Michael Franks being a lot of what he listened to. KEM also discusses the parts of him he had to leave behind. After struggling with addiction he discusses using his faith to overcome alcohol and drug addiction which in turn changed his life.

KEM now owns and operates a non-profit organization called Mack & Third Foundation, dedicated to aiding homelessness in Detroit. KEM tells the story of the inspiration of the name and his time at the Detroit Rescue Mission back in the 90's that all played a part in his anthropological journey. He has been actively giving back to communities in Detroit.
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The Beauty in Black star sits down and has a fun conversation with Shawn Stockman full of laughs. The two discuss her acting career, starring in shows like , All American: Homecoming, Snowfall, and most recently as Kimmie in the Tyler Perry Netflix Series Beauty in Black. Getting her start back in 2008, she has worked alongside some of the biggest names in the industry like Martin Lawrence, Cedric The Entertainer, Mike Epps, James Earl Jones, and Margaret Avery.

That set the bar very high for the young star's acting career. Shawn also asks some in depth questions in regards to her role in Divorce in the Black, where she played Rona the voice of reason to Meagan Good's character Ava. Taylor mentions her experience as Kimmie on Tyler Perry's Netflix Series Beauty in Black and how she handled such a central role. She speaks on her character's transformation and development throughout the series. She even gives five songs on her "Kimmie" playlist that help her get in the right headspace for the role.

Outside of acting Taylor has also volunteered for the Peace For Kids Foundation, crediting a film titled Night Comes On, directed by Jordana Spiro and co-written with Angelica Nwandu. The film premiered at Sundance and upon meeting Angelica, she was inspired by her story and volunteered for the organization herself.

Other topics include a speed round jam packed with questions on Taylor's preferences, being cast in Season Four of Reasonable Doubt, her advice to her younger self, and two musical performances including T-Pain's "Buy You A Drank" and Boyz II Men's "On Bended Knee."
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