Can We Talk R&B is a weekly podcast series, that explores the history, culture and future of R&B music through in-depth interviews with artists, producers, songwriters, and other industry professionals. The show dives into the creative process, the business side of music, and the cultural impact of R&B. Can We Talk R&B is a place for R&B fans to discover new and veteran talent.
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Sammieâs 25-Year Music Journey, From Child Star to Overcoming Challenges and Finding Success
Season 2 ¡ Episode 32
Tuesday, September 10, 2024 ⢠Duration 54:17
In this episode, Sammie joins the show to dive deep into his remarkable 25-year career in music. He shares his journey from being discovered at just 10 years old after winning Showtime at the Apollo to becoming a platinum-selling artist at 12. Sammie reflects on his experiences with artist development and his hit collaboration with Soulja Boy on "Kiss Me Through the Phone." He discusses the challenges of his career, including dealing with a business partner who took all his money and his subsequent rebuilding process.
Sammie also talks about Troy Taylor's significant influence on his music, how he manages mental setbacks through journaling and physical fitness, and the new artists who inspire him. He reminisces about his performance on the 2020 Millennium Tour and his viral moment on VERZUZ with Pleasure P, Ray J, and Bobby V, which led to the formation of their supergroup, R.S.V.P.
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đď¸ Hosted & Created by:  Ian Von
đ Produced by: Launch Pod Studio
đ§ Shot by: Chris Foster Media
đĽ Edited by: Lazy Pickle Studios
đ˛ Presented by: Revolt Podcast Network
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
From Struggle to Stardom: VEDO's Journey to 1 Billion Streams and Beyond
Season 2 ¡ Episode 31
Wednesday, September 4, 2024 ⢠Duration 50:20
In this episode, VEDO opens up about reaching 1 billion streams with his hit song "You Got It," the journey of releasing 8 albums before his breakthrough, and the story behind the track. He also discusses his time on NBC's The Voice with Team Usher, performing for 15 million viewers, and his viral Tiny Desk performance where he sang background alongside Eric Bellinger for Usher. Additionally, VEDO shares how heâs earned millions independently from the success of "You Got It."
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đď¸ Hosted & Created by:  Ian Von
đ Produced by: Launch Pod Studio
đ§ Shot by: Chris Foster Media
đĽ Edited by: Lazy Pickle Studios
đ˛ Presented by: Revolt Podcast Network
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
From Singing Background to Shining Solo on Stage: Kenyon Dixon's Journey to Multi Grammy-Nominated Singer
Season 1 ¡ Episode 22
Tuesday, February 6, 2024 ⢠Duration 01:17:32
On this episode of Can We Talk R&B, Ian welcomes LA Native 2x Grammy Nominated Singer/Songwriter KENYON DIXON on the show. Kenyon talks about his upbringing in the Church. Linking up with Tyrese early in his career for songwriting for artists like Tyrese, TGT, and later Justin Timberlake. Kenyon also talks about background singing for artists like Tyrese, Justin Timberlake, Ledisi, Kirk Franklin, Pharrell Williams, Usher, Brandy, Jill Scott, and Nick Jonas. His move from background vocals and focus on your solo career. His rise as an independent artist and experience working with Kanye West on âUltralight Beam '' and contribution to R&B.Â
0:00 - 3:10 Intro
3:10 - 5:44 Tell us about your upbringingÂ
5:44 - 6:55 Being from Watts, CA
6:55 - 8:25 Working with Tyrese early onÂ
8:25 - 9:05 Open Invitation album
9:05 - 10:39 Performing at the GrammysÂ
10:39 - 13:30Â How did your transition from Gospel to R&B
13:30 - 14:10 Mothers first show Â
14:10 - 15:36 The difference between TGT and Justin Timberlake
15:36 - 16:55 Working with various artists and their styles
16:55 - 17:07 Touring with Kirk
17:07 - 17:50 Touring Jill Scott
17:50 - 18:49 Most valuable lesson from working with artists
18:49 - 20:35 What made you decide to go solo?Â
20:35 - 23:00Â The balance of recording and touring with artists
23:00 - 24:23 Preparing for solo career on tour with other artists
24:23 - 26:15Â Did the opportunities lead to writing?
26:15 - 29:15 R&B independent artists Â
29:15 - 30:36 Do you ever think about majors?Â
30:36 - 33:02Â The shift from Majors to Indie
33:02 - 36:36Â What are your roles in being independentÂ
35:36 - 37:00Â Depending on your teamÂ
37:00 - 40:44 Background vocals on Ultralight Beam
40:44 - 41:42Â The Life of Pablo album
41:42 - 43:33 Which singers worked on Ultralight Beam?Â
43:33 -Â 47:12 The R&B You LoveÂ
47:12 -Â 52:26 Deep Dive: 2000s R&B
52:26 - 54:29Â RL and Next
54:29 - 55:15 Being able to tap into the 90s feelÂ
55:15 - 57:30 Hot Topics: Advocate for the 2000s R&B
57:30 - 58:27Â 90s to 2000s Artists
58:27 - 59:00Â Neyo - So SickÂ
59:00 - 1:00:44 Cultural moments that elevated R&B in 2000s
1:00:44 - 1:05:15 Songs Usher should perform at the Super Bowl
1:05:15 - 1:05:54 ClosingÂ
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Hosted & Created by:Â Â Ian Von
Produced by:Â Launch Pod Studio
Shot and Edited by: Lazy Pickle Studios
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Mya Reflects on 25 Years In Music, Her Journey: From Major Label to Independent Artist and Evolution of R&B
Season 1 ¡ Episode 21
Tuesday, January 30, 2024 ⢠Duration 59:05
This week, Can We Talk R&B welcomes a true icon: Multi-Platinum Selling/ Grammy Award-winning singer, songwriter, dancer, and all-around powerhouse Mya! Get ready for a deep dive into the evolution of R&B, from Mya's early days to the current landscape. Mya reflects on the 25th anniversary of her iconic self-titled album, âMyaâ. She shares the keys to navigating the music industry, and the exciting new music she is gearing up to release without the major label backing. Mya also shares her thoughts on the changing musical climate, the pressures of maintaining a social media presence, and the secrets to staying relevant in the game. Plus, you won't want to miss her insider stories about legendary moments with Michael Jackson and Prince!
This is more than just an interview - it's a conversation with a legend who continues to inspire. Don't miss Can We Talk R&B with Mya, a celebration of artistry, resilience, and the enduring power of R&B!
0:00 - 3:00 Intro
3:00 - 4:35 What got you into music? Â
4:35 - 5:10 Why R&B?Â
5:10 - 6:20 Where are you pulling from when writing?Â
6:20 - 7:00 Growing up in the Church
7:00 - 9:00Â How does impacting people through music make you feel?
9:00 - 10:50 Being in an era where music has gone digitalÂ
10:50 - 12:29 Digital versus physical album copiesÂ
12:29 - 15:30Â How do you feel about major labels vs being independentÂ
15:30 - 16:00 Being R&B on a Hiphop/Rock label
16:00 - 17:55 What was that experience like?Â
17:55 - 19:20 How important is your team, being independent?Â
19:20 - 21:20 Do you think about how your career has changed?Â
21:20 - 21:40 Can you talk about some humbling experience throughout your career?Â
21:40 - 22:58 Getting a phone call from Michael Jackson
22:58 - 23:40 Having empowering conversations with music iconsÂ
23:40 - 25:40 What was it like for Prince to be a mentor to you?Â
25:40 - 26:21 Prince at Essence Festival
26:21 - 28:18Â What are some things that you are most proud of?
28:18 - 29:12 Do you still love it?Â
29:12 - 29:54 Reflecting on your younger self Â
29:54 - 31:08 Do you have artist that reach out to you?
31:08 - 34:31 How has the business changing affected you?Â
34:31 - 35:30 Streaming platforms and selling numbers Â
35:30 - 36:30Â What is your experience like touring?Â
36:30 - 37:22 Taking care of self while being a touring artist
37:22 - 38:24 Girls Dem Sugar with Beanie Man and Lie DetectorÂ
38:24 - 39:30 What can we expect in the future?Â
39:30 - 39:53 Any cool collaborations coming up?Â
39:53 - 41:52 Who inspires you right now in music?
42:52 - 43:50 Why did you decide to be on a vegan diet?Â
43:50 - 45:40Â How long have you been vegan?Â
45:40 - 47:04Â When can we expect the new project?Â
47:04 - 49:29 Being an artist for 25 yearsÂ
49:29 - 49:47 EndÂ
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Hosted & Created by:Â Â Ian Von
Produced by:Â Launch Pod Studio
Shot and Edited by: Lazy Pickle Studios
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Kevin Ross on His Career, Leaving The Major Label and His Videos Reaching 100M+ Views, Monetizing on His Music
Season 1 ¡ Episode 20
Tuesday, December 5, 2023 ⢠Duration 01:37:18
On this episode of Can We Talk R&B, Ian Von welcomes Singer/ Songwriter, Kevin Ross. Kevin Ross talks about his upbringing in DC, falling in love with music, musical influences, and career building. He recalls a pivotal time in his career touring with Neyo and Maxwell. Kevin also explains why he left the major label and how he went viral, reaching over 100M+ views on his videos throughout the pandemic, plus so much more. You don't want to miss this episode.
0:00 - 2:45 Intro
2:45 - 5:00 Being from DcÂ
5:00 - 6:03 90s era of music
6:03 - 7:20 Music adapting new sounds
7:20 - 8:55 Musicianship Â
8:55 - 12:10 When did you decide to pursue music
12:10 - 13:15 Spending time on musicÂ
13:15 - 14:00 Learning how to use recording machines
14:00 - 16:20 What inspired you to make videos?Â
16:20 - 18:35 Adding mixing and mashups
18:35 - 20:00 Reaching 100M views
20:00 - 21:50 Motownâs writing camp
21:50 - 23:00 Being isolated
23:00 - 23:40 The development phase
23:40 - 24:27 Touring with Maxwell and Neyo
24:27 - 26:13 Ponder on artistry
26:13 - 27:27 How did touring with Maxwell and Neyo happen
27:27 - 28:33 Understanding the vision
28:33 - 30:00 Deciding to leave the label
30:00 - 31:00 Talking with the label
31:00 - 32:08 Going independent
32:08 - 33:22 Benefits of an independent artist
33:22 - 34:12 Having a good team
34:12 - 35:01 Using resources to be successful as an independent ArtistÂ
 35:01 - 36:33 Telling the story in music
36:33 - 37:53 Transitioning throughout the project
37:53 - 38:58 Exploring in Songwriting
38:57 - 41:06 Artists telling stories in music
41:06 - 42:58 Being able to have longevity
42:58 - 43:54 Dream Collab
43:54 - 44:53 Kenyon Dixon collaboration
44:53 - 46:20 Where does the freedom to express yourself in your music come from?Â
46:20 - 48:30 Earth Wind & Fire vs Franky Beverly and Maze
48:30 - 50:50 The cultural impact of the bands
50:50 - 57:15 Deep Dive - God is a Genius
57:15 - 1:03:30 Top 5 R&B Songs Written
1:03:30 - 1:07:00 R&B being on the rise
1:07:00 - 1:07:50Â Check out the Patreon
1:07:50 - 1:08:02 Ending
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Hosted & Created by:Â Â Ian Von
Produced by:Â Launch Pod Studio
Edited by: Lazy Pickle Studios
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Samoht Talks New Album âAmorâ, Upbringing in The South, Grammy Nomination and Opens Up About A Dark Time in His Life
Season 1 ¡ Episode 19
Tuesday, November 28, 2023 ⢠Duration 01:00:11
On this week's episode, Ian Von welcomes Grammy nominated, Samoht on Can We Talk R&B. The Rising Singer/Songwritter talks about his new album âAmoreâ, his upbringing in The South, the story behind how he discovered he was Grammy Nominated and opens up about a dark period in his life. You don't want to miss this!!
0:00 - 3:00 IntroÂ
3:00 - 4:45 What was the inspiration behind this project?
4:45 - 5:44 Growing up in North Carolina
5:44 - 6:52 Having a Church background
6:52 - 8:10 Singing in chorus
8:10 - 9:22 When did you fall in love with R&B
9:22 - 10:50 Gospel Influences
10:50 - 11:28 Contemplating on releasing music
11:28 - 12:30 Who worked on this project with you
12:30 - 13:55 Whatâs missing in R&B
13:55 - 15:10 Sangers vs Singers in R&B
15:10 - 16:20 Better record
16:20 - 18:40 R&B Male Vocalists
18:40 - 20:57 How do you compare R&B male vocalists to Gospel
20:57 - 22:00 Working with Pj Morton
22:00 - 22:20 Finding out about the nomination
22:20 -23:05 Pj Mortonâs artistry
23:05 - 23:50 Struggles of an independent artist
23:50 - 24:37 Having to work harder
24:37 - 26:00 How important is your team
26:00 - 26:23 Pushing through struggle for success
26:23 - 27:35 Process of creating a project
27:35 - 29:22 Fashion in R&B music
29:22 - 31:38 Signature fashion
31:38 - 35:55 Deep Dive - Shine On
35:55 - 37:11 Working with Luke James
37:11 - 40:32 Respect the Pen Game - Moonlight
40:32 - 42:10 R&B losing its romantic feelÂ
42:10 - 44:08 Sitting with the new albumÂ
44:08 - 46:17 New Artist youâre listening to
46:17 - 47:59 Top 5 Favorite R&B SingersÂ
47:59 - 49:26 Whatâs next following this album
49:26 - 52:20 Vocal range and strengthÂ
52:20 - 52:52 End
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Hosted & Created by:Â Â Ian Von
Produced by:Â Launch Pod Studio
Edited by: Lazy Pickle Studios
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THEY. on Touring with Bryson Tiller on Trapsoul Tour, Music Influences and Being Independent Artists
Season 1 ¡ Episode 18
Tuesday, November 14, 2023 ⢠Duration 01:13:09
On this week's episode, R&B duo, THEY. joined Ian Von on Can We Talk R&B to discuss touring with Bryson Tiller on the Trapsoul Tour, as well as their music influences and leaving major labels and becoming independent artists. You don't want to miss this episode!!
Intro: 0:00 - 3:30
Experimenting with R&B: 3:30 - 5:49
Why did yâall choose to create R&B? 5:49 - 8:06
Producer and artist team: 8:06 - 10:58
Boy band influences: 10:58 - 11:41
Jumping onto the Bryson Tour: 11:41 - 13:58
Bryson Tillerâs impact: 13:58 - 14:45
inspirations in your music: 14:45 - 16:08
No rules in creativity: 16:08 - 17:55
Just Contribute: 17:55 - 19:13
Spotifyâs data: 19:13 - 20:53
R&B groups: 20:53 - 21:17Â
The authenticity in r&b: 21:17 - 22:25
Whatâs your musical background: 22:25 - 25:03
Learning from Brian Kennedy: 25:03 - 25:50
Playing instruments: 25:50 - 27:17
Deciding to be independent: 27:17 - 28:46
Major labels vs being independent: 28:46 - 30:36
Art is Subjective: 30:36 - 33:05
Deep Dive - Blu Moon: 33:05 - 37:60
Why no sampling: 37:60 - 39:50
Using resources to create the same feel: 39:50 - 42:41Â
Are you listening to current R&B? 42:41 - 44:40
Whatâs lacking in R&B: 44:40 - 45:50
The new style of R&B: 45:50 - 47:35
Gate keeping in R&B playlists: 47:35 - 48:42
Upbeat R&B songs: 48:42 - 49:55
Top five favorite R&B songs: 49:55 - 56:02
Musiq Soulchild: 56:02 - 58:15
Respect The Pen: 58:15 - 1:05:40
New Tour? 1:05:40 - 1:06:45
Ending: 1:06:45 - 1:07:24
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Hosted & Created by:Â Â Ian Von
Produced by:Â Launch Pod Studio
Edited by: Lazy Pickle Studios
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
BJ The Chicago Kid on Making Timeless R&B Music
Season 1 ¡ Episode 17
Tuesday, November 7, 2023 ⢠Duration 01:18:22
On this episode of Can We Talk R&B, Ian Von welcomes 7x Grammy Nominated Singer/Songwriter, BJ the Chicago Kid. BJâs reflects on his upbringing in Chicago, the Gumbo pot of varying music genres that has shaped his ear to create timeless R&B music. Having a wide vocal range and musical knowledge has allowed BJ to work with artists like Kendrick Lamar, Schoolboy Q, Chance The Rapper, Offset and more. BJ addresses the âR&B is deadâ conversation while advocating for the amazing decades the genre has had and shedding light on the dominating artist in the genre today. He also talks about what we can expect from his new album, "Gravy". You donât want to miss this episode!!!Â
Intro: 0:00 - 4:00
Growing up in Chicago: 4:00Â - 5:03
âThe cross and the cornerâ: 5:03 - 7:10
The Bj Chicago Kid Sound: 7:10 - 8:26
Which artist inspires you: 8:26 - 10:40
Being able to create a lane: 10:40 - 12:25
Working with Hip Hop artist: 12:25 - 12:55
Creating and producing music with vocals: 12:55- 13:54
The decline of Hip Hopâs charting: 13:54 - 17:35
Being a Passionate artist: 17:35- 18:10
Live Shows: 18:40 - 20:45Â
Roadblocks in your career: 20:45 - 24:00
Revolt performance: 24:00 - 24:48
Being too musical: 24:48 - 26:04
Heartbreaking the game: 26:04 - 27:55
What keeps you motivated? 27:55 - 30:50
New Album - Gravy: 30:50 - 31:51Â
Phillip Bailey: 31:51 - 34:08
Being determined to get the yes: 34:08 - 34:50
âR&B is not Deadâ : 34:50 - 37:21
Creating an R&B experience musically: 37:21 - 38:20
Jazmine Sullivan and Brandy: 38:20 - 39:04
How do you rank yourself: 39:04 - 40:50
 Deep Dive - Turning me up: 40:50 - 44:41
How do you translate the vibe to melody: 44:41 - 45:32
Best Decade for R&B Music: 45:32 - 47:18Â
Never Shoulda let you go: 47:18 - 47:54
90s R&B: 47:54 - 49:06
Missy Elliot: 49:06 - 50: 50
Black Culture in Music: 50:50 - 52:02
Respect the Pen Game - Church: 52:02 -53:03
Marvin Winans: 53:03 - 55:46
Detroit music culture: 55:45 -56:18
Six Months: 56:18 - 57:37
The ability to be timeless: 57:37 - 58:30
Songwriters and Producers: 58:30 - 1:00:11
The Underdogs: 1:00:11 - 1:01:58
New Male R&B Artists: 1:01:58 - 1:02:58
New Orleans: 1:02:58 - 1:03:18
What are you working on: 1:03:18 - 1:10:14
Closing: 1:10:14 - 1:11:06
Stay connected with Us! #CanWeTalkRnB #CWTRB
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Hosted & Created by:Â Ian Von
Produced by: Launch Pod Studio
Edited by: Lazy Pickle Studios
Â
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Phabo on Music Influences, Manifestations, New Album, Experiences on Tour, Working With Kehlani + More
Season 1 ¡ Episode 16
Tuesday, October 31, 2023 ⢠Duration 01:23:03
On this week's episode of Can We Talk R&B, Ian Von welcomes Singer and Songwriter, Phabo. The R&B star chats through his career and music. Phabo Talks quitting his job to write for Kehlani. He discusses Gospel artists who have influenced his music, and takes us on a journey through his lineage and new album "Don't Get To Cozy", his experiences on tour with Kiana Lede, and writing for Khelani, Eric Bellinger and more.Â
Â
Intro: 0:00 - 6:00
Where are you from? 6:00 - 9:20
Being inspired by gospel vocalist: 9:20 - 11:50
R&B missing gospel music: 11:50 - 13:17
Soul Music having Gospel influences: 13:17 - 14:07
Songwriting Process: 14:07 - 15:21
How did you get into the music business: 15:21 - 20:10
Working with Mario: 20:10 - 20:40
What is the feeling of your music being received? 20:40 - 24:00
Working with Kehlani: 24:00 - 28:45
Respect the Pen Game: 28:45 -30:25
Donât Get Too Cozy writing style: 30:25 - 31:37
Being inspired by Jonathan Butler: 31:37 - 35:00
Learning lessons through the Journey: 35:00 - 37:04
Working with Troy Taylor: 37:04 - 41:40
Recording with Troy: 41:40 - 43:10
The Love Songs record : 43:10 - 44:10
The visibility of R&B music: 44:10 - 48:36
Viral moments and visibility: 48:36 - 50:00
The need for artist development: 50:00 - 53:03Â
Platforms for R&B Artist: 53:03 - 55:28
The importance of R&B conversations: 55:28 - 56:00
Current artists on the playlist: 56:00 - 57:37
Surprising artist in the playlist: 57:37 - 59:10
Gatekepept artist: 59:10 - 1:00:40
Growth in R&B Production: 1:00:40 1:02:15
Tour Stories: 1:02:15 - 1:06:20
Vulnerability of Artist: 1:06:20 - 1:08:43
Egos in artist peer relationship: 1:08:43 - 1:11:02
Learning from other artist: 1:11:02 - 1:13:10
Honing in on artistry:Â 1:13:10 - 1:15:39
Ending: 1:15:39 - 1:16:18
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Stay connected with Us! #CanWeTalkRnB #CWTRB
â LISTEN, FOLLOW AND RATE
Hosted & Created by:Â Ian Von
Produced by: Launch Pod Studio
Edited by: Lazy Pickle Studios
Â
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Tiara Thomas Reflects On Being a Pioneer in Dark R&B, Oscar & Grammy Win
Season 1 ¡ Episode 15
Tuesday, October 24, 2023 ⢠Duration 01:05:06
On this week's episode of Can We Talk R&B, we have a first, an Academy and Grammy Award Winning Singer and Songwriter, Tiara Thomas. Tiara reflects on her 10 year journey in the music business -- she talks crossing paths with Wale and the backstory to their 3x Platinum song, "Bad" as well as her Pioneering the R&B sub genre, dark R&B.Â
Tiara provides insight on the current state of R&B, her love for all things 90s R&B and her songwriting journey including penning Grammy nominated song, "Good Morning Gorgeous" for Mary J Blige and H.E.R.'s songs "Slide", "We Made It", "Damage"and more. Tiara also talks about receiving a Golden Globe nomination and winning a Grammy Award and an Academy Award for Best Original Song, for co-writing the song "Fight for You", from Judas and the Black Messiah with H.E.R. Tiara talks about parting ways with Interscope Records, and her venture back into her artistry with her new song with Tone Stith "Hit You Right Back"...Plus much more you don't want to miss this one!
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Stay connected with Us! #CanWeTalkRnB #CWTRB
â LISTEN, FOLLOW AND RATE
Hosted & Created by:Â Ian Von
Produced by:Â Launch Pod Studio
Edited by: Lazy Pickle Studios
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
