When it comes to music in general, there lies a healthy amount of greatness, wonder, philosophies, and of course, opinions. This week, the R&B genre was the target.
If you’re not social media or internet savvy, let us bring you to speed. Rapper Young M.A took to her Twitter account and shared her feelings about the state of R&B. ‘We need R&B for the balance no kap!’, states Young M.A. With that, she was welcomed with random and notable replies. Basically, everyone has been sharing their opinions…from what is considered R&B to the fact that the ‘real’ R&B isn’t mainstream.
Being that there are a few R&B established circles around Jacksonville, Florida, we decided to speak with RnB Mostly creator DJ Larry Love, along with the co-captain and boss of Rum N’ Jerk, DJ Nate, and MPN’s own Mr. Al Pete. They’re 3/4th of the DJ crew that brings ‘RnB’ to the nightlife on a monthly basis. We ask them to give their top ‘RnB’ music choices. Check it out below!
DJ Larry Love:
Eric Bellinger - Drive By
Super melodic, classic R&B synth sounds w/ a modern day bounce. He is giving real R&B vocals with chilling harmonies and background vocals. And it’s about his real feelings of love for his lady. Real R&B!
Teyana Taylor - Morning feat. Kehlani
Angelic vocals over R&B synth/bass with two QUEENS singing about a “taboo” sexual subject in GRAVE detail. Giving an ode to legendary groups like Dru Hill and Jodeci, Teyana uses some of their known vocal runs to tie in true nostalgia. It’s crazy, sexy & dope. What is there not to enjoy?
H.E.R. - Comfortable
Many rappers have said R&B is missing that “feeling”. But when this track comes on to exit the latest love film “The Photograph” featuring Stan LeKeith and Issa Rae, there is nothing BUT the feels. An acoustic guitar, relaxing snare rim shots and that classic R&B synth/bass lining the track. This is a simple love ballad about the comfortability one feels when they have good love and romance in their life. As H.E.R. sings, it’s hard to not feel and believe each word.
DJ Nate:
Ari Lennox - Up Late
It’s blues with rhythm a snare, a piano and a shuttle trumpet behind strong dope ass RnB vocals.
Snoh Aalegra - Love Like That
Because she’s dope. Nobody has finessed RnB with 808’s this tough since Mary J. Blige.
Mr. Al Pete:
Snoh Aalegra - Woah
I dig this song because it has a light soul sound and her range matches the ideal feel for the R&B realm. The groove of this song is refreshing, for sure.
Lucky Daye - Late Night
This is a jam you can play at a lounge and it would have the people ‘lit’. It has an instant bop effect once the song finishes the mystic intro. It’s a great song that balances out his signature ballads on his ‘Painted’ album. Plus, have y’all seen his performance on Raphael Saadiq’s Tiny Desk? If Saadiq let him sing a (cover) song on his shine, you HAVE TO categorize him as ‘RnB’.
Make sure you head over to the RnB Mostly event happening this Friday, February 28th, 2020, at The Justice Pub. Tickets are available on Eventbrite and you have the option to pay at the door. Bring your friends and get your vocal chords ready!
