Warner Records’ President of A&R, Steven “Steve-O” Carless, is giving followers a uncommon look into his decades-long affect on hip-hop and R&B.

On the newest episode of Won of One: A PLLRS Podcast, hosted by Reginald Calixte, the Grammy-winning government recounts among the trade’s most defining behind-the-scenes tales—together with how he and Blue Ivy Carter helped sway Beyoncé to embrace “Brown Skin Girl,” now one among her most celebrated anthems.

Carless, who’s labored with icons like Nipsey Hussle, Jeezy, YG, and a couple of Chainz, recalled that Beyoncé wasn’t initially bought on the music whereas growing The Lion King: The Gift soundtrack in 2019. “We kept playing the song,” Carless mentioned. “And she’s like, ‘No, that’s not it. Stop playing me that shit,’ in so many words.”

Despite her response, Carless saved pushing for the observe, inspired by Beyoncé’s trusted A&R companion, Mariel Gomerez. Weeks later, throughout a high-level assembly with Beyoncé, Jay-Z, Disney executives, and members of her inventive group, the breakthrough got here from her daughter, Blue Ivy.

“Blue Ivy’s in the meeting,” Carless recalled. “She starts singing the hook: ‘Your skin’s just like pearls. The best thing in the world.’ Beyoncé turns and says, ‘Play it again.’ We end up listening for 15 minutes. Then she’s like, ‘Alright, I like it. I’ll take it. It’s the single.’”

Steve Carless & Blue Ivy Convinced Beyoncé To Like “Brown Skin Girl”

That resolution turned “Brown Skin Girl” right into a Grammy-winning document celebrating Black magnificence, womanhood, and generational delight—an anthem that also resonates years later.

The Won of One dialog highlights Carless’s journey from interning at Pharrell’s Star Trak label to A&Ring at Def Jam. In the interview, Carless shares how he helped Jay-Z’s American Gangster achieve viral consideration by producing the “Blue Magic” trailer with director Rik Cordero via his firm, Best of Both Offices.

Through Won of One, a manufacturing of PLLRS, Carless and Calixte strip again trade gloss for one-on-one storytelling that celebrates resilience, creativity, and collaboration—the very components that outline the tradition’s enduring pulse.

PLLRS was co-created by Keith Nelson, Jr., Reg Calixte, and Rose M. Mercado, M.A.Ed., a trio of cultural curators and storytellers dedicated to elevating narratives that form legacy. Together, they bring about editorial experience, cinematic storytelling, and strategic imaginative and prescient to Won of One. This will guarantee every episode delivers each depth and influence.