Lost Ones
Note: This episode was recorded in October and released a little later than expected — thanks for your patience.
In this soulful and reflective episode of Messy Truths, Mar, Nesha, and Azar come together to honor the legendary voices we've lost over the past couple of years—musicians whose music shaped generations and shifted culture.
Nesha opens the tribute by remembering the legendary singer and pianist, Roberta Flack, celebrating her timeless voice and the vulnerability she brought to every note.
This episode was sparked by the heartbreaking passing of D’Angelo. The trio dives deep into the legacy he leaves behind and the seismic influence he had on Neosoul, R&B, and the culture at large. Naturally, the conversation also turns to the incomparable Angie Stone, whose imprint on music remains undeniable.
Together, the hosts pay homage to other musical giants we’ve lost, including malletKat Pro vibraphone master Roy Ayers, visionary producer and composer Quincy Jones, and D’Wayne Wiggins, co-founding member of Tony! Toni! Toné!, whose artistry helped define the R&B sound of Oakland, California and beyond the Bay Area.
Join us as we reflect on the artists whose music raised and moved us.
Don't forget to share your thoughts on Instagram @messytruthspodcast . You can also visit the website at www.messytruthspodcast.com .
#robertaflack #d'angelo #angiestone #royayers #quincyjones #podcasts #nycpodcasts #montrealpodcasts
00:00 - Pre-show message to Truth Seekers
00:51 - Intro + greetings
02:09 - The inspiration behind episode 58
04:15 - The Cypher Queenz celebrate Mar’s birthday
07:19 - The death of Roberta Flack and her battle with ALS
14:36 - Parasocial grief
20:00 - The loss of D’Angelo and his role in the Soulquarians
24:33 - The passing of Angie Stone
30:49 - Angie Stone’s collaboration with Betty Wright
33:27 - Roy Ayers’ massive influence on hip-hop music
38:50 - Quincy Jones’ illustrious career
42:20 - Nesha’s beef with the new generation of music
47:20 - Frankie Beverly & Maze’s influence on Nesha’s Nova Scotian family
49:08 - TikTok’s impact + trending old music
54:49 - Mar’s tribute to D’Wayne Wiggins + Tony! Toni! Tone!
58:40 - Azar acknowledges underground hip-hop artists lost in 2025
01:00:59 - Ozzy Osbourne + a story about a ”Crazy Train” New York cab ride
01:01:51 - Mar’s PSA about health and wellness
01:04:24 - Messy Truths sign-offs