New Jack Swing

New Jack Swing emerged as one of the most groundbreaking musical genres in the late 1980s and early 1990s, blending elements of R&B, funk, rap, and pop music. Created by some of the most iconic and influential artists of the time, such as Teddy Riley and Keith Sweat, New Jack Swing presented a new sound and culture that shook the music industry and resonated with millions of fans worldwide. The roots of New Jack Swing can be traced back to the early hip-hop and R&B scenes in New York, particularly in the Bronx and Harlem. As the popularity of rap and breakdancing grew in the mid-1980s, producers and musicians started experimenting with various beats, loops, and samples to create new rhythms and sounds that would appeal to a broader audience. One of the pioneers of this movement was Teddy Riley, who worked with legendary hip-hop groups like Kool Moe Dee and Doug E. Fresh to produce hits that mixed rap and R&B elements seamlessly. In 1987, Riley teamed up with Keith Sweat and formed a group called Guy, which became one of the biggest acts of the New Jack Swing era. Guy's self-titled debut album, released in 1988, showcased their innovative style, featuring synth-heavy beats, catchy hooks, and a dynamic blend of singing and rapping. The success of Guy's album paved the way for other artists, such as Bobby Brown, Johnny Gill, and Al B. Sure!, to break into the mainstream with their own New Jack Swing hits. One of the most signature aspects of New Jack Swing was its use of swing beats, a polyrhythmic technique that involved layering different drum patterns to create a complex and danceable groove. In contrast to the straightforward drumming styles of previous R&B genres, swing beats added a new level of sophistication and funkiness to the music, inspiring a generation of musicians and producers to experiment with new sounds and techniques. Another defining characteristic of New Jack Swing was its fashion and culture. From the flashy, colorful outfits worn by artists like MC Hammer and New Edition to the slick, urban dance moves that became synonymous with the genre, New Jack Swing embodied a fresh and bold aesthetic that reflected the spirit of the times. The music videos and concerts of New Jack Swing artists were also highly influential, featuring cutting-edge technology, choreography, and visual effects that transformed the way music was consumed and experienced. As the 1990s rolled around, New Jack Swing's popularity began to decline, partly due to the rise of alternative rock and grunge music. However, its influence can be seen in many modern genres, such as contemporary R&B, hip-hop, and electronic dance music. The legacy of New Jack Swing continues to resonate with new generations of fans, who appreciate its energy, creativity, and cultural impact.

Bobby Brown: Known for his smooth vocals and energetic dance moves, Bobby Brown became one of the most successful artists in the New Jack Swing era. His album Don't Be Cruel featured hit singles like "My Prerogative." Janet Jackson: With her sultry voice and dynamic stage presence, Janet Jackson quickly became a star in the New Jack Swing scene. Her album Rhythm Nation 1814 included singles such as "Miss You Much" and "Love Will Never Do (Without You)." Teddy Riley: Often referred to as the "King of New Jack Swing," Teddy Riley was a producer and musician who collaborated with many successful artists in the genre, including Michael Jackson and Keith Sweat. Boyz II Men: This R&B vocal group gained international fame in the early '90s with hits like "End of the Road" and "I'll Make Love to You." Boyz II Men incorporated elements of New Jack Swing into their sound. New Edition: One of the pioneers of New Jack Swing, New Edition had a string of hits in the '80s and '90s, including "Cool It Now" and "If It Isn't Love." The group's members also found success as solo artists. TLC: This all-female group blended R&B, hip hop, and New Jack Swing to create a unique sound that resonated with audiences. Hits like "Creep" and "Waterfalls" made TLC one of the most successful acts of the '90s. Keith Sweat: With his smooth vocals and seductive lyrics, Keith Sweat became one of the most successful artists in the New Jack Swing scene. His debut album Make It Last Forever included hits like "I Want Her" and "Something Just Ain't Right." Tony! Toni! Toné!: This trio's unique blend of funk, soul, and New Jack Swing earned them a dedicated following in the '90s. Hits like "Feels Good" and "If I Had No Loot" showcased the group's musical versatility. Babyface: As a songwriter, producer, and performer, Babyface was instrumental in shaping the sound of New Jack Swing. His smooth vocals and heartfelt lyrics resonated with audiences and became a hallmark of the genre. Bell Biv DeVoe: Comprised of three former members of New Edition, Bell Biv DeVoe found success with their debut album Poison. The album blended elements of hip hop, R&B, and New Jack Swing to create a sound that was both fresh and familiar.

1. "Rump Shaker" - Wreckx-N-Effect 2. "Poison" - Bell Biv DeVoe 3. "My Prerogative" - Bobby Brown 4. "Back to Life (However Do You Want Me)" - Soul II Soul 5. "I Like" - Guy 6. "Motownphilly" - Boyz II Men 7. "Groove Me" - Guy 8. "Rub You the Right Way" - Johnny Gill 9. "Don't Be Cruel" - Bobby Brown 10. "Fairweather Friend" - Johnny Gill 11. "The Finest" - The S.O.S. Band 12. "It Takes Two" - Rob Base and DJ E-Z Rock 13. "All Around the World" - Lisa Stansfield 14. "I Wanna Sex You Up" - Color Me Badd 15. "If I Ever Fall in Love" - Shai 16. "Just Got Paid" - Johnny Kemp 17. "Teddy's Jam" - Guy 18. "Sensitivity" - Ralph Tresvant 19. "Real Love" - Mary J. Blige 20. "New Jack Swing" - Wreckx-N-Effect 21. "I'm Dreamin'" - Christopher Williams 22. "Get It Together" - 702 23. "Little Walter" - Tony! Toni! Toné! 24. "Forever My Lady" - Jodeci 25. "Do Me!" - Bell Biv DeVoe

In his book, What You Want Is in the Limo: On the Road with Led Zeppelin, Alice Cooper, and The Who in 1973, Michael Walker wrote about the birth of New Jack Swing, saying: "New Jack Swing created a self-assured sound that fused R&B harmonies with hip-hop rhythms. It was the first musical genre designed to bring street-savvy blackness to mainstream audiences." Similarly, in his book, Soultrain: The Music, Dance, and Style of a Generation, Questlove, drummer of The Roots and music historian, reflected on how New Jack Swing helped to bridge the gap between R&B and hip-hop. He says: "New Jack Swing was the tipping point for the fusion of R&B and hip-hop. It was the perfect marriage of genres at the ideal cultural moment in time." In an article for the Los Angeles Times, writer Gerrick D. Kennedy put New Jack Swing in the context of the growing black middle class of the late 1980s. He wrote: "New Jack Swing was the soundtrack of a generation of affluent, magazine-reading, well-manicured, and well-coiffed African Americans who were the subject of growing scrutiny from the nation at large." Another notable book on the subject of New Jack Swing is Ronald Jackson's The New Jack Swing: A New Style of R&B. Jackson details the genre's musical and cultural influences, noting: "New Jack Swing derived from the hip-hop culture and fused it with R&B sensibilities honed from the Motown sound and Philadelphia International." In an interview with MTV, legendary producer Teddy Riley, who is often credited with pioneering New Jack Swing, discussed his approach to creating this new sound. He said: "The beat comes first. If you've got a strong beat, you've got a hit. Then comes the melody. Then comes the story." Similarly, music scholar Mark Anthony Neal, in his book, What the Music Said: Black Popular Music and Black Public Culture, 1980-1995, spoke about New Jack Swing's impact on black popular culture, saying: "New Jack Swing provided a soundtrack for the individualistic ethos of upwardly mobile young blacks that was also embraced by mainstream audiences." In a 2018 interview with VICE, journalist Brian J. Bowe commented on the lasting influence of New Jack Swing, saying: "New Jack Swing has had a profound impact on R&B and hip-hop since its heyday in the late '80s and early '90s. It's still influencing artists today, as more and more musicians are looking to revive and reinterpret the sound for a new era."

The social and cultural context of New Jack Swing can be traced back to the urban and multicultural atmosphere of New York City, where many black and Latino youths were exposed to a variety of musical genres, including funk, disco, rap, and pop. The rise of hip-hop culture and its fusion with R&B music paved the way for the emergence of New Jack Swing, which was characterized by a fusion of these sounds. One of the record labels that played a crucial role in the development of New Jack Swing was Uptown Records, which was founded by Andre Harrell in 1986. Uptown Records was instrumental in nurturing the careers of many future New Jack Swing stars, including Mary J. Blige and Jodeci. Another notable label was Jive Records, which signed many successful New Jack Swing acts, such as Teddy Riley's group Guy and the duo Wreckx-n-Effect. The mainstream media also played a role in promoting New Jack Swing, with journalists and music critics praising the genre’s innovative sound and incorporating it into their coverage. Publications such as Vibe, Ebony, and Billboard were particularly instrumental in spreading the word about the new sound. Technologically, the rise of digital music technology was another important factor in the emergence of New Jack Swing. Sampling technology and drum machines enabled producers to create complex beats and integrate a variety of sounds seamlessly into their compositions. The use of electronic drums and synthesizers was also a hallmark of the genre. In addition, music videos played a significant role in the promotion of New Jack Swing, helping to create a visual image for the genre. The videos featured slick choreography, flashy clothing, and urban backdrops, which showcased the confident and stylish image that was associated with New Jack Swing. Notable figures in the New Jack Swing scene included Teddy Riley, who produced many of the era's biggest hits, including Michael Jackson's “Remember the Time,” and Bobby Brown's “My Prerogative.” Other notable names included Keith Sweat, Guy, Bell Biv Devoe, and Tony! Toni! Tone!, among others.