Cool Relax feat Jon B
Show notes
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Before Jon B. became one of the defining voices of '90s R&B, he was a kid surrounded by records, instruments, and a family of classically trained musicians. In this episode of the Almanac of Rap, the singer, songwriter, and producer traces his journey from teaching himself piano and drums to meeting Babyface and Tracey Edmonds, signing his first record deal, and releasing his debut album Bonafide. What began as a dream of becoming a behind-the-scenes songwriter and producer evolved into a recording career after Babyface encouraged him to step into the spotlight. Jon B breaks down:
Meeting Babyface and Tracey Edmonds: The unexpected audition that turned a young songwriter's ambition into an artist deal, the making of Bonafide, and the enduring lesson Babyface taught him about honesty in songwriting.
The golden age of '90s R&B: Why Tony! Toni! Toné!, Jodeci, Boyz II Men, Guy, Blackstreet, and other groups influenced his songwriting, production, and approach to rhythm.
Inside the Native Tongues and Soulquarians orbit: Visiting Q-Tip's studio, learning MPC techniques from J Dilla, and receiving encouragement from the artists who inspired him.
Recording with Guru: How Ali Shaheed Muhammad helped create the Cool Relax remix, why Guru's late-night studio session became unforgettable, and the inspiration behind its futuristic desert music video.
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Created and hosted by award-winning artist and cultural commentator Donwill, The Almanac of Rap is Areya Media’s living archive of hip-hop history, told by the people who made it. Through deeply researched interviews, cultural deep dives and conversations with artists, producers, DJs and architects of the culture, the series connects hip-hop’s past to the ideas shaping its future.
A two-time Webby Award winner, three time Signal Award winner, and three-time w3 Gold Award winner, The Almanac of Rap approaches hip-hop with the curiosity of music journalism and the intimacy of conversation documenting the stories, sounds and cultural details that deserve a permanent place in the record.
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