Podcast episodes

Tupac Shakur’s discography defined a generation. In this episode of Top 5, hosts Garrett Gonzales and Mike Joseph tackle the impossible task of narrowing down the legendary Pac’s catalog to just five essential tracks.

The struggle to rank a revolutionary artist often leads to heated debates over commercial hits versus deep-cut lyricism. We break down the cultural impact of anthems like "California Love" and "I Get Around," while weighing them against the emotional gravity of "Dear Mama" and "Ke...

Tupac Shakur’s All Eyez On Me is the definitive double-album of 1996, but has the myth of 'Pac eclipsed the man himself? Many fans struggle to separate the polished legend of the revolutionary from the chaotic reality of his Death Row Records era. In this episode of 50 For 50, hosts Garrett Gonzales and Mike Joseph peel back the layers of the legend to examine the real story behind this magnum opus.

We dive deep into the making of the album, from his Digital Underground roots to the influence o...

Amy Winehouse changed the the game with Back to Black, but the story behind the New York and Miami sessions is as complex as the artist herself. In this episode of 50 for 50, hosts Garrett Gonzales and Mike Joseph conduct a comprehensive deep dive into the meteoric rise and tragic shadow of a generational talent.

We explore the transition from her early career to the high-stakes recording process that defined the mid-2000s. The duo breaks down:

The sonic contrast between the New York and Miami...

The Fugees' legacy is undeniable, but which tracks truly defined an era? Join hosts Garrett Gonzales and Mike Joseph on The Top 5 as they rank the best songs from the legendary trio and their iconic solo careers.

Many fans struggle to narrow down the massive discography of Lauryn Hill, Wyclef Jean, and Pras, often overlooking the deep cuts that fueled the 90s hip-hop revolution. In this episode, Mike and Garrett break down the artistry behind massive hits like "Killing Me Softly" and "Ex-Factor...

The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill redefined music in 1998. In this episode of 50 For 50, hosts Garrett Gonzales and Mike Joseph deep dive into the masterpiece that shifted the culture. Many fans know the hits, but few understand the internal friction and the complex legacy of the woman behind the art.

We explore the origin story of The Fugees, their meteoric success, and the eventual breakup fueled by the tumultuous affair between Lauryn and Wyclef Jean. Mike and Garrett break down the sonic land...

Looking for the ultimate Lionel Richie playlist? Garrett Gonzales and Mike Joseph count down the top 5 solo hits and Commodores classics that defined an era of soul and pop.

Whether you are a die-hard fan of 70s funk or 80s ballads, narrowing down a legendary catalog is a challenge. In this episode of Top 5, Garrett and Mike tackle the impossible task of ranking the best work from one of music’s most iconic figures. We break down the evolution from the gritty groove of "Brick House" to the glob...

Lionel Richie’s 1982 debut album redefined pop stardom, but does it hold up today? Hosts Garrett Gonzales and Mike Joseph dive deep into the self-titled record that launched a solo icon. In this episode of 50 For 50, we analyze the transition from The Commodores to the solo stage, exploring the intricate history of the band's breakup and how Lionel’s unique relationship with Kenny Rogers paved the way for hits like "Truly."


The central debate: Is Lionel Richie a master of the craft or is his ...

The new Selena Netflix documentary, Selena y Los Dinos: A Family's Legacy, offers an intimate look at the Queen of Tejano’s meteoric rise, but it also leaves fans wondering "what if?" Hosts Garrett Gonzales and Mike Joseph dive into the never-before-seen footage and family archives that define this 2025 release.

The central problem addressed is the "lost crossover"—the moment Selena was murdered just as she was poised to dominate the English-speaking market. By analyzing her business savvy, fas...

Struggling to rank the massive catalog of R&B icons New Edition? In this special "Top 5" supplemental episode of the 50 for 50 podcast, hosts Garrett Gonzales and Mike Joseph take on the impossible task of narrowing down the best of the best. With decades of hits and legendary solo careers to navigate, fans often debate which tracks truly define the NE legacy.

Mike and Garrett break down their personal Top 5 favorite New Edition group songs, followed by a deep dive into the best solo and sub-gr...

Transitioning from a boy band to a mature R&B powerhouse is a hurdle many fail to clear, but in 1988, New Edition defied the odds. On the debut episode of the 50 for 50 podcast, hosts Garrett Gonzales and Mike Joseph dive deep into the legacy of Heartbreak. The duo explores the high-stakes gamble of replacing the iconic Bobby Brown with the powerhouse vocals of Johnny Gill—a move that fundamentally reshaped the group's trajectory.

By partnering with legendary producers Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis...

Meet Garrett and Mike. Ever wonder how the music of the past shapes who we are today? Join hosts Garrett Gonzales and Mike Joseph as they launch the 50 for 50 podcast, a deep-dive journey into the albums that defined generations.

In this debut episode, Garrett and Mike explore the history of their friendship and the unique framework of this project. They bridge the gap between nostalgia and modern critique by examining their personal relationships with iconic records, then and now. You will gai...

There's a new music review podcast on the horizon. Garrett Gonzales and Mike Joseph collaborate on 50 For 50 to celebrate their soon-to-be fifty years on earth. They'll review one album for every year from 1976 through 2025.

Make sure you subscribe to the 50 For 50 feed. YouTube page and website to come.