New Jack Swing
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New jack swing, new jack, or swingbeat is a
fusion genre A music genre is a conventional category that identifies some pieces of music as belonging to a shared tradition or set of conventions. It is to be distinguished from ''musical form'' and musical style, although in practice these terms are some ...
of the rhythms and
production Production may refer to: Economics and business * Production (economics) * Production, the act of manufacturing goods * Production, in the outline of industrial organization, the act of making products (goods and services) * Production as a stati ...
techniques of hip hop and
dance-pop Dance-pop is a popular music subgenre that originated in the late 1970s to early 1980s. It is generally uptempo music intended for nightclubs with the intention of being danceable but also suitable for contemporary hit radio. Developing from a ...
, and the
urban contemporary Urban contemporary music, also known as urban music, hip hop, urban pop, or just simply urban, is a music radio format. The term was coined by New York radio DJ Frankie Crocker in the early to mid-1970s as a synonym for Black music. Urban contem ...
sound of R&B. Spearheaded by producers
Teddy Riley Edward Theodore Riley (born October 8, 1967) is an American singer, songwriter, and record producer credited with the creation of the New Jack Swing genre. Riley credits Barry Michael Cooper with giving the genre its name.Hogan, Paul. "Tedd ...
and
Bernard Belle Bernard Belle (November 12, 1964 – June 23, 2022) was an American composer, producer, and musician. After starting his career as an R&B guitarist, Belle became known as a songwriter for Michael Jackson and Whitney Houston and a producer of go ...
, new jack swing was most popular from the late-1980s to early-1990s. Its influence, along with hip hop, seeped into
pop culture Pop or POP may refer to: Arts, entertainment, and media Music * Pop music, a musical genre Artists * POP, a Japanese idol group now known as Gang Parade * Pop!, a UK pop group * Pop! featuring Angie Hart, an Australian band Albums * Pop (Gas al ...
.
Merriam-Webster Merriam-Webster, Inc. is an American company that publishes reference books and is especially known for its dictionaries. It is the oldest dictionary publisher in the United States. In 1831, George and Charles Merriam founded the company as ...
's online dictionary defines new jack swing as "pop music usually performed by black musicians that combines elements of
jazz Jazz is a music genre that originated in the African-American communities of New Orleans, Louisiana in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, with its roots in blues and ragtime. Since the 1920s Jazz Age, it has been recognized as a major ...
,
funk Funk is a music genre that originated in African American communities in the mid-1960s when musicians created a rhythmic, danceable new form of music through a mixture of various music genres that were popular among African Americans in the m ...
,
rap Rapping (also rhyming, spitting, emceeing or MCing) is a musical form of vocal delivery that incorporates "rhyme, rhythmic speech, and street vernacular". It is performed or chanted, usually over a backing beat or musical accompaniment. The ...
, and
rhythm and blues Rhythm and blues, frequently abbreviated as R&B or R'n'B, is a genre of popular music that originated in African-American communities in the 1940s. The term was originally used by record companies to describe recordings marketed predominantly ...
." New jack swing took up the trend of using
sampled Sample or samples may refer to: Base meaning * Sample (statistics), a subset of a population – complete data set * Sample (signal), a digital discrete sample of a continuous analog signal * Sample (material), a specimen or small quantity of so ...
beats and tunes, and created beats using electronic drum machines such as the then-new SP-1200 sampler and the Roland TR-808 to lay an "insistent beat under light melody lines and clearly enunciated vocals." The Roland TR-808 was sampled to create distinctive, syncopated, swung rhythms, with its snare sound being especially prominent. Two examples would be "Groove Me" by Guy which samples "
Funky President (People It's Bad) "Funky President (People It's Bad)" is a funk song by James Brown. Released as a single in 1974, it charted No. 4 R&B. It also appeared on the album ''Reality''. According to Brown the "funky president" of the song's title was meant to refer to ...
", "
My Thang "My Thang" is a funk song written and recorded by James Brown. Unlike most of his songs, this song was released not as a two-part single, but instead issued with three different B-sides. It spent two weeks at number one on the R&B singles chart - B ...
", and " The Champ" as well as its own swing drums, and "Right or Wrong" by Mind which fuses sharp drum reverb effects and a hidden looped sample of the Funky Drummer. Key producers included
Teddy Riley Edward Theodore Riley (born October 8, 1967) is an American singer, songwriter, and record producer credited with the creation of the New Jack Swing genre. Riley credits Barry Michael Cooper with giving the genre its name.Hogan, Paul. "Tedd ...
, Timmy Gatling, Alton "Wokie" Stewart, DJ Eddie F,
DeVante Swing Donald Earle DeGrate Jr. (born September 29, 1969), better known by his stage name DeVanté Swing, is an American record producer, singer, rapper and songwriter. He is the older brother of fellow Jodeci member Dalvin DeGrate. Career In his ea ...
, Kyle West,
Bernard Belle Bernard Belle (November 12, 1964 – June 23, 2022) was an American composer, producer, and musician. After starting his career as an R&B guitarist, Belle became known as a songwriter for Michael Jackson and Whitney Houston and a producer of go ...
, William "Zan" Aquart, and
Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis James Samuel "Jimmy Jam" Harris III (born June 6, 1959) and Terry Steven Lewis (born November 24, 1956) are an American R&B/pop songwriting and record production team. They have enjoyed great success since the 1980s with various artists, most ...
.


History

Kyle West remembered 1985 as the year he listened to new jack swing with Teddy Riley. Riley as well as drummer Lenny White credit the start of new jack swing to English singer-songwriter and producer
Junior Giscombe Norman Washington "Junior" Giscombe (born 6 June 1957) is an English singer-songwriter often known as Junior who was one of the first British R&B artists to be successful in the United States. He is best known for his 1982 hit single, "Mama Use ...
and his 1985 single "Oh Louise". Some music critics said Full Force's "Alice, I Want You Just for Me" (1985) was the first new jack swing song, and
Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis James Samuel "Jimmy Jam" Harris III (born June 6, 1959) and Terry Steven Lewis (born November 24, 1956) are an American R&B/pop songwriting and record production team. They have enjoyed great success since the 1980s with various artists, most ...
called Full Force and said Alice was their favorite song, and their favorite group was Full Force. After that, Jam & Lewis produced
Janet Jackson Janet Damita Jo Jackson (born May 16, 1966) is an American singer, songwriter, actress, and dancer. She is noted for her innovative, socially conscious and sexually provocative records, as well as elaborate stage shows. Her sound and choreog ...
's digital R&B album, ''
Control Control may refer to: Basic meanings Economics and business * Control (management), an element of management * Control, an element of management accounting * Comptroller (or controller), a senior financial officer in an organization * Controllin ...
'' (1986). Musicologist Richard J. Ripani PhD, author of ''The New Blue Music: Changes in Rhythm & Blues, 1950–1999'' (2006), observed that the album was one of the first successful records to influence the rise of new jack swing by creating a fusion of R&B, rap, funk, disco and synthesized percussion. The new jack swing sound is particularly evident in the second single, " Nasty". The success of ''Control'', according to Ripani, bridged the gap between R&B and rap music. He asserts that "since Jackson's album was released in 1986 and was hugely successful, it is not unreasonable to assume that it had at least some impact on the new jack swing creations of Teddy Riley."
Mantronix Mantronix was an influential 1980s hip hop and electro funk music group from New York City. The band was formed by DJ Kurtis Mantronik (Kurtis el Khaleel) and rapper MC Tee (Touré Embden). The group is primarily remembered for its pioneerin ...
's early records in the mid-1980s also had new jack elements. The term "new jack swing" was coined in an October 18, 1987, ''
Village Voice ''The Village Voice'' is an American news and culture paper, known for being the country's first alternative newsweekly. Founded in 1955 by Dan Wolf, Ed Fancher, John Wilcock, and Norman Mailer, the ''Voice'' began as a platform for the creat ...
'' profile of Teddy Riley by
Barry Michael Cooper Barry Michael Cooper is a New York City-born American writer, producer and director, best known for his screenplays for the films ''New Jack City'' (1991), '' Sugar Hill'' (1994), and ''Above the Rim'' (1994), sometimes called his "Harlem Trilogy" ...
. "New Jack" was a slang term (meaning ~'Johnny-come-lately') used in a song by Grandmaster Caz of the
Cold Crush Brothers The Cold Crush Brothers are an American hip hop group that formed in 1978 in the Bronx, New York City., ''Vibe Magazine'', December 1994 - January 1995, Vol. 2, No. 10, p.68 They were especially known for their memorable routines which included ...
, and "swing" was intended by Cooper to draw an "analogy between the music played at the
speakeasies A speakeasy, also called a blind pig or blind tiger, is an illicit establishment that sells alcoholic beverages, or a retro style bar that replicates aspects of historical speakeasies. Speakeasy bars came into prominence in the United States ...
of F. Scott Fitzgerald's time to the crackhouses of Teddy Riley's time." The term "new jack swing" describes the sound produced and engineered by R&B/hip hop artist and producer
Teddy Riley Edward Theodore Riley (born October 8, 1967) is an American singer, songwriter, and record producer credited with the creation of the New Jack Swing genre. Riley credits Barry Michael Cooper with giving the genre its name.Hogan, Paul. "Tedd ...
. Riley is an American R&B and hip hop singer-songwriter, musician and record producer. He led the band Guy in the late 1980s and
Blackstreet Blackstreet (often stylized as BLACKstreet) is an American R&B group founded in 1991 by record producers Chauncey "Black" Hannibal, and Teddy "Street" Riley. The group has released four albums with Interscope Records until 2003. They achieved ...
in the 1990s. Riley said, "I define the term ew jack swingas a new kid on the block who's swinging it." The defining feature of Riley's music was the introduction of swingbeats, "a rhythmic pattern using offbeat accented 16th note triplets." In an interview with
Revolt TV Revolt is an American music-oriented digital cable television network founded by Sean "Diddy" Combs and Andy Schuon that launched on October 21, 2013. History As part of its arrangement to acquire a minority interest in NBCUniversal, Comcast ...
in 2017, Andre Harrell called Riley the inventor of the sound, hailing him "the king of New Jack Swing, because he invented it." Music website VH1.com notes that while in the 2000s "hip-hop and R&B are kissing cousins", in the early 1980s, "the two genres were seldom mentioned in the same breath." However, in the late 1980s, "during the era of high-top fades, and
parachute pants Parachute pants, originally known as flight pants, are a style of trousers characterized by the use of nylon, especially Ripstop#Ripstop nylon, ripstop nylon. In the original tight-fitting style of the early 1980s, "parachute" referred to the pa ...
, producer Teddy Riley and label boss
Andre Harrell Andre O’Neal Harrell (September 26, 1960 – May 7, 2020) was an American music executive and multimedia producer. In 1986, recently a rapper, he formed Uptown Records, soon a leader in R&B, rap, and their fusion, "hip hop soul" and " new ...
successfully fused and marketed the two sounds in a sexy, exclamatory music that critics termed new jack swing. It sparked a revolution." Riley stated that before new jack swing, "Rappers and singers didn't want anything to do with one another", because "Singers were soft, rappers were street." Riley's new style blended "sweet melody and big beats." The sensibilities of Riley's fusion of the styles would forever change pop music/hip-hop music pairing and was further popularized with Bad Boy's dominance of the late '90s through much of the same techniques. Riley, a 19-year-old man from Harlem, quickly became an A-list producer and commanded big fees to add his sound to major artist projects.


Influences

The 1989 film ''
Ghostbusters II ''GhostbustersII'' is a 1989 American Supernatural fiction, supernatural comedy film directed and produced by Ivan Reitman, and written by Dan Aykroyd and Harold Ramis. The film stars Bill Murray, Aykroyd, Sigourney Weaver, Ramis, Rick Moranis ...
'' helped spread new jack swing with its theme song, " On Our Own" by
Bobby Brown Robert Barisford Brown (born February 5, 1969) is an American singer, songwriter and dancer. Brown, alongside frequent collaborator Teddy Riley, is noted as one of the pioneers of new jack swing: a fusion of hip hop and R&B. Brown started h ...
(written by L.A. Reid, Babyface and Daryl Simmons), who was along with Riley nicknamed "The King of New Jack Swing".
NBC The National Broadcasting Company (NBC) is an Television in the United States, American English-language Commercial broadcasting, commercial television network, broadcast television and radio network. The flagship property of the NBC Enterta ...
sitcom ''
The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air ''The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air'' is an American television sitcom created by Andy and Susan Borowitz for NBC. It aired from September 10, 1990, to May 20, 1996. The series stars Will Smith as a fictionalized version of himself, a street-smart t ...
'' also boosted the spread of this culture, as the star of the show,
Will Smith Willard Carroll Smith II (born September 25, 1968), also known by his stage name The Fresh Prince, is an American actor and rapper. He began his Will Smith filmography, acting career starring as Will Smith (The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air), a ...
, was known initially for his hip-hop duo with
DJ Jazzy Jeff Jeffrey Allen Townes (born January 22, 1965), known professionally as DJ Jazzy Jeff (or simply Jazz), is an American disc jockey (DJ) and music producer. He was a member of DJ Jazzy Jeff & the Fresh Prince with Will Smith. He is credited, alon ...
. During the first episode of the series, Will Smith dances to the
Soul II Soul Soul II Soul are a British musical collective formed in London in 1988. They are best known for their two major hits; 1989's UK number five and US number eleven " Keep On Movin'", and its follow-up, the UK number one and US number four " Back to ...
new jack swing single "
Back to Life (However Do You Want Me) Back to Life may refer to: Books *''Back to Life: Poems from behind the Iron Curtain'', 1958, ed. Robert Conquest * ''Back to Life'' (novel), 2004 novel by Wendy Coakley-Thompson *''Back to Life, The Rachel Riley Diaries'', 2009 novel by Joanna Na ...
". In other episodes, he sings "
Teddy's Jam "Teddy's Jam" is an instrumental by United States, American Contemporary R&B, R&B group Guy (band), Guy, recorded for their debut studio album ''Guy (album), Guy'' (1988). The song was released as the album's third Single (music), single in 1988. ...
" and " Rump Shaker". ''
A Different World ''A Different World'' is an American sitcom (and a spin-off of ''The Cosby Show'') television series that aired for six seasons on NBC from September 24, 1987 to July 9, 1993. The series originally centered on Denise Huxtable ( Lisa Bonet) an ...
'', ''
Waynehead ''Waynehead'' is an animated television series created by actor/comedian Damon Wayans and ran from 1996 to 1997 on Kids' WB, and on YTV from 1996 to 1998. It was a co-production of Warner Bros. Animation and Nelvana, with overseas animation by ...
'' and ''
In Living Color ''In Living Color'' is an American sketch comedy television series that originally ran on Fox from April 15, 1990 to May 19, 1994. Keenen Ivory Wayans created, wrote and starred in the program. The show was produced by Ivory Way Productions in a ...
'' are other television programs of the era which exhibit influences from the new jack swing style. ''
Video Soul ''Video Soul'' is a two–hour long American music video program that originally aired on BET (Black Entertainment Television) from June 26, 1981 to September 1996. The program was devoted to showcasing R&B and Soul recording artists and perfo ...
'', ''
Soul Train ''Soul Train'' is an American musical variety television show. It aired in syndication from October 2, 1971, to March 25, 2006. Across its 35-year history the show primarily featured performances by R&B, soul, and hip hop artists. The series w ...
'', ''
Showtime at the Apollo ''Showtime at the Apollo'' (formerly ''It's Showtime at the Apollo'' and ''Apollo Live'') is an American variety show that first aired in syndication from September 12, 1987 to May 24, 2008. In 2018, the series returned on Fox with Steve Harvey h ...
'' as well as the late night talk show ''
The Arsenio Hall Show ''The Arsenio Hall Show'' is an American syndicated late-night talk show created by and starring comedian Arsenio Hall. There have been two different incarnations of ''The Arsenio Hall Show''. The original series premiered on January 3, 1989, ...
'' also helped to promote these acts. ''
House Party A house party is a type of party where people gather at the residence of the party's host. Organization A house party might be organized several months or just a few hours in advance. News of a party may be spread by personal invitations, ...
'' with
Kid 'n Play Kid 'n Play is an American hip-hop duo from New York City that was most popular in the late 1980s and early 1990s. The duo was composed of Christopher Reid ("Kid") and Christopher Martin ("Play") working alongside their DJ, Mark "DJ Wiz" Eas ...
, ''
Boyz n the Hood ''Boyz n the Hood'' is a 1991 American coming-of-age hood drama film written and directed by John Singleton in his feature directorial debut. It stars Cuba Gooding Jr., Morris Chestnut, Ice Cube, Laurence Fishburne, Nia Long, Regina King, and An ...
'', ''
Juice Juice is a drink made from the extraction or Cold-pressed juice, pressing of the natural liquid contained in fruit and vegetables. It can also refer to liquids that are flavored with concentrate or other biological food sources, such as meat ...
'', ''
New Jack City ''New Jack City'' is a 1991 American action crime film based upon an original story and written by Thomas Lee Wright and Barry Michael Cooper, and directed by Mario Van Peebles in his feature film directorial debut. Released in the United St ...
'', ''
Boomerang A boomerang () is a thrown tool, typically constructed with aerofoil sections and designed to spin about an axis perpendicular to the direction of its flight. A returning boomerang is designed to return to the thrower, while a non-returning b ...
'', ''
Above the Rim ''Above the Rim'' is a 1994 American sports drama film co-written and directed by Jeff Pollack in his directorial debut. The screenplay was written by Barry Michael Cooper, adapted from a story by Benny Medina. The film stars Duane Martin, Tu ...
'', ''
Poetic Justice Poetic justice, also called poetic irony, is a literary device with which ultimately virtue is rewarded and misdeeds are punished. In modern literature, it is often accompanied by an ironic twist of fate related to the character's own action, henc ...
'', used New Jack Swing songs in their soundtracks. Dance-oriented artists such as
Michael Jackson Michael Joseph Jackson (August 29, 1958 – June 25, 2009) was an American singer, songwriter, dancer, and philanthropist. Dubbed the "King of Pop", he is regarded as one of the most significant cultural figures of the 20th century. Over a ...
, the Good Girls,
Jane Child Jane Richmond Hyslop (born 15 February 1967), known professionally as Jane Child, is a Canadian singer, songwriter and record-producer best known for her hit single " Don't Wanna Fall in Love". She is also known for her unusual fashion style, w ...
, Tammy Lucus, Abstrac, Nayobe,
Paula Abdul Paula Julie Abdul (born June 19, 1962) is an American singer, dancer, choreographer, actress, and television personality. She began her career as a cheerleader for the Los Angeles Lakers at the age of 18 and later became the head choreograph ...
and
Bell Biv DeVoe Bell Biv DeVoe, also known as BBD, is an American music group from Boston, Massachusetts, formed from members of New Edition, consisting of Ricky Bell, Michael Bivins and Ronnie DeVoe. The band is best known for their debut album, the multi-pl ...
also have new jack swing elements in their late 1980s and early 1990s output. To date the most successful new jack swing album is ''Dangerous'', released in 1991 by
Michael Jackson Michael Joseph Jackson (August 29, 1958 – June 25, 2009) was an American singer, songwriter, dancer, and philanthropist. Dubbed the "King of Pop", he is regarded as one of the most significant cultural figures of the 20th century. Over a ...
, produced by Jackson and Riley, which has sold over 30 million copies worldwide.


Golden age

Many songs with elements of new jack swing ranked in the top 10 of the US R&B and US "Hot 100" charts ''Billboard'' throughout the late 1980s and early 1990s. It is given the years of 1986 through 1992 as the height of its popularity with it reaching its peak in 1989. In 1987,
Keith Sweat Keith Sweat (born July 22, 1961) is an American singer, songwriter, record producer, and an early figure in the new jack swing musical movement. He is known for his collection of hits including "I Want Her", " Make It Last Forever", "I'll Give A ...
's first new jack swing song "
I Want Her "I Want Her" is a song by American R&B singer Keith Sweat. As the first single from his debut album, '' Make It Last Forever'', it reached number five on the ''Billboard'' Hot 100 and number one on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Singles & Tracks chart fo ...
" was number 5 on the US charts. It is considered the first official New Jack Swing hit. A few months later, Bobby Brown’s “My Prerogative” would take the genre even further. The musician and record producer
Teddy Riley Edward Theodore Riley (born October 8, 1967) is an American singer, songwriter, and record producer credited with the creation of the New Jack Swing genre. Riley credits Barry Michael Cooper with giving the genre its name.Hogan, Paul. "Tedd ...
's group Guy, a group which was one of the early pioneers of hip-hop and R&B had a hit with the song " Groove Me", which went to number 4 in the US R&B charts, and the 1988 song "
Teddy's Jam "Teddy's Jam" is an instrumental by United States, American Contemporary R&B, R&B group Guy (band), Guy, recorded for their debut studio album ''Guy (album), Guy'' (1988). The song was released as the album's third Single (music), single in 1988. ...
", which ranked number 5 in the US R&B charts. Single "My Fantasy" was from the OST ''Do the Right Thing''. "New Jack City" was on the soundtrack for the film of the same title.
Johnny Kemp Jonathan "Johnny" Kemp (August 2, 1959 – April 16, 2015) was a Bahamian singer, songwriter, and record producer. He began his career as a songwriter in late 1979 and is perhaps best known for his solo work, including his single " Just Got Pai ...
's "Just Got Paid" also cracked the top 10 on the ''Billboard'' Hot 100 in 1988 and went to number 1 on the
Hot Dance Music/Club Play Dance Club Songs is a chart published weekly by ''Billboard'' magazine in the United States. It is a national look over of club disc jockeys to determine the most popular songs being played in nightclubs across the country. It was launched as th ...
. The musician and
Al B. Sure! Albert Joseph Brown III (born June 4, 1968), known professionally as Al B. Sure!, is an American singer, songwriter, record producer, radio host and former record executive. He was born in Boston and raised in Mount Vernon, New York. During the ...
had success with "Nite and Day" and other two singles went to the Top 5 of the R&B chart in 1988. In 1988,
Bobby Brown Robert Barisford Brown (born February 5, 1969) is an American singer, songwriter and dancer. Brown, alongside frequent collaborator Teddy Riley, is noted as one of the pioneers of new jack swing: a fusion of hip hop and R&B. Brown started h ...
began his string of Top 10 ''Billboard'' hits from his second album, ''
Don't Be Cruel "Don't Be Cruel" is a song that was recorded by Elvis Presley and written by Otis Blackwell in 1956.Victor (2008), ''The Elvis Encyclopedia'', p.115-116 It was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2002. In 2004, it was listed #197 in '' Rol ...
'', which ranked number 1 in the US. In that same year,
Paula Abdul Paula Julie Abdul (born June 19, 1962) is an American singer, dancer, choreographer, actress, and television personality. She began her career as a cheerleader for the Los Angeles Lakers at the age of 18 and later became the head choreograph ...
had the US number 1 hit " Straight Up".
Tony! Toni! Toné! Tony! Toni! Toné! was an American soul/ R&B band from Oakland, California, popular during the late 1980s and early to mid-1990s. During the band's heyday, it was composed of D'wayne Wiggins on lead vocals and guitar, his brother Raphael Saadiq ...
had three songs in the top ten of the
Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Singles & Tracks The Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart ranks the most popular R&B and hip hop songs in the United States and is published weekly by ''Billboard''. Rankings are based on a measure of radio airplay, sales data, and streaming activity. The chart had 100 p ...
, including "Little Walter" which hit number 1.
New Edition New Edition is an American R&B/Pop group from the Roxbury neighborhood of Boston, Massachusetts, formed in 1978 by Bobby Brown. Their name is taken to mean a 'new edition' of the Jackson 5. The group reached its height of popularity in the 198 ...
after being in a transition due to the departure of Bobby Brown recruited
Johnny Gill Johnny Gill Jr. (born May 22, 1966) is an American singer and actor. He is the sixth and final member of the R&B/pop group New Edition and was also a member of the supergroup called LSG, with Gerald Levert and Keith Sweat. Gill has released e ...
as his placement, leading to the release of the Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis produced album ''
Heart Break ''Heart Break'' is the fifth studio album by American contemporary R&B, R&B quintet New Edition, released June 20, 1988 by MCA Records. It is the first album to return the Boston-reared band as a quintet after the public exit of original member B ...
'', which spun off five hit singles "
If It Isn't Love "If It Isn't Love" is a song by American contemporary R&B, R&B quintet New Edition, and the first single from their fifth studio album, ''Heart Break'' (1988). The song became the biggest hit from the aforementioned album, reaching the top ten of t ...
", "
You're Not My Kind of Girl "You’re Not My Kind of Girl" is a 1988 song by R&B/Pop group New Edition, and the second single from their fifth studio album, ''Heart Break''. Overview Written and produced by Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis with Ralph Tresvant, Johnny Gill John ...
", "
Can You Stand the Rain "Can You Stand the Rain" is a ballad by R&B/pop group New Edition. The song was released on December 13, 1988 by MCA Records as the third single from their fifth studio album, ''Heart Break''. Overview Written and produced by Jimmy Jam and Terry L ...
", " Crucial", and " N.E. Heartbreak". In 1988,
Wreckx-n-Effect Wreckx-n-Effect (originally Wrecks-n-Effect) is an American new jack swing group from Harlem, New York City most known for their No. 1 Rap songs, " New Jack Swing" & their multi-platinum hit " Rump Shaker". History Wrecks-n-Effect was founded ...
, a Teddy Riley-produced group which garnered press attention regarding their use of bikini-clad women in their videos, released "
New Jack Swing New jack swing, new jack, or swingbeat is a fusion genre of the rhythms and production techniques of hip hop and dance-pop, and the urban contemporary sound of R&B. Spearheaded by producers Teddy Riley and Bernard Belle, new jack swing was mos ...
", helping to popularize the new name for the emerging style. That same year, Fenderella garnered a hit with "Mr. DJ", a song with featured
Doug E. Fresh Doug E. Fresh (born September 17, 1966) is a Barbados-born American rapper, record producer, and beatboxer, also known as the "Human Beat Box". The pioneer of 20th-century American beatboxing, Fresh is able to accurately imitate drum machines an ...
, who was known as the "human beatbox" for his realistic imitations of drum machines and other hip-hop sounds. Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis produced seven top 5 singles off Janet Jackson's 1989 ''Rhythm Nation 1814'' album, which merged the
Minneapolis sound The Minneapolis sound is a subgenre of funk rock with elements of New wave music, new wave and synth-pop, that was pioneered by Minneapolis, Minnesota-based musician Prince (musician), Prince in the late 1970s. Its popularity was given a boost th ...
with new jack swing. The album included a number of successful tracks, such as the number one ''Billboard'' Hot 100 hits "
Miss You Much "Miss You Much" is a song by American singer Janet Jackson. Composed by songwriters and record producers Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, it was recorded for the singer's fourth studio album, '' Janet Jackson's Rhythm Nation 1814'' (1989). As with all ...
".
Karyn White Karyn Layvonne White (born October 14, 1965) is an American singer who was popular during the late 1980s and early 1990s. She is known for several hit singles including "Superwoman" (1988), " Secret Rendezvous" (1989), " The Way You Love Me" (19 ...
, also produced by the Flyte Time team also had hits in the late 1980s and early '90s.
Sheena Easton Sheena Shirley Easton (; born 27 April 1959) is a Scottish singer and actress. Easton came into the public eye in an episode of the first British musical reality television programme '' The Big Time: Pop Singer'', which recorded her attempts to ...
also had a few hits from her 1991 album ''
What Comes Naturally ''What Comes Naturally'' is the tenth studio album by Scottish-born singer Sheena Easton, released in 1991 through MCA Records. This album includes Easton's final US top-20 hit to date, " What Comes Naturally", which remained on the pop chart fo ...
'' produced by hitmaker Vassel Benford. Other notable new jack swing artists between 1988 and 1993 included
Big Daddy Kane Antonio Hardy (born September 10, 1968), better known by his stage name Big Daddy Kane, is an American rapper who began his career in 1986 as a member of the Juice Crew. He is widely regarded as one of the most influential and skilled MCs in hi ...
's "I Get The Job Done" and Kool Moe Dee's "I Go To Work", Heavy D. & the Boyz, Teddy Riley and Tammy Lucus, Deja, Abstrac, Nayobe, The Good Girls, Starpoint, Father MC,
the Winans The Winans are an American gospel quartet from Detroit, Michigan consisting of brothers Marvin, Carvin, Michael and Ronald Winans. Members ''Please refer to the Winans family page for more detail on the individual members.'' About: Origins & Mus ...
, Omar Chandler, James Ingram, Jane Child, Boy George, Kashif, Johnny Gill, Cristopher Williams and Ready for the World. Producer
Babyface Babyface or Baby Face can refer to: Nicknames * Lester Joseph Gillis a.k.a. Baby Face Nelson, an infamous 1930s bank robber * Roosevelt "Baby Face" Willette (1933–1971), an American hard bop and soul-jazz musician * "Baby Face", Jimmy McLarnin ...
had a hit with his song "
It's No Crime "It's No Crime" is a 1989 song written and performed by Babyface Babyface or Baby Face can refer to: Nicknames * Lester Joseph Gillis a.k.a. Baby Face Nelson, an infamous 1930s bank robber * Roosevelt "Baby Face" Willette (1933–1971), an Ame ...
", which ranked number 7 in the US charts and number 1 on the US R&B charts. Another Teddy Riley-produced group,
Today Today (archaically to-day) may refer to: * Day of the present, the time that is perceived directly, often called ''now'' * Current era, present * The current calendar date Arts, entertainment, and media Films * ''Today'' (1930 film), a 1930 A ...
, had a hit with "Girl I Got My Eyes on You", which garnered a number 1 spot on the US R&B charts. After the band
New Edition New Edition is an American R&B/Pop group from the Roxbury neighborhood of Boston, Massachusetts, formed in 1978 by Bobby Brown. Their name is taken to mean a 'new edition' of the Jackson 5. The group reached its height of popularity in the 198 ...
broke up, its former members formed several splinter groups or acts, including
Bell Biv DeVoe Bell Biv DeVoe, also known as BBD, is an American music group from Boston, Massachusetts, formed from members of New Edition, consisting of Ricky Bell, Michael Bivins and Ronnie DeVoe. The band is best known for their debut album, the multi-pl ...
,
Johnny Gill Johnny Gill Jr. (born May 22, 1966) is an American singer and actor. He is the sixth and final member of the R&B/pop group New Edition and was also a member of the supergroup called LSG, with Gerald Levert and Keith Sweat. Gill has released e ...
,
Ralph Tresvant Ralph Edward Tresvant (born May 16, 1968) is an American singer, songwriter, actor and record producer, best known as the lead singer of R&B group New Edition. As a solo artist, Tresvant released the album '' Ralph Tresvant'' (1990). In 2008, he ...
, and
Bobby Brown Robert Barisford Brown (born February 5, 1969) is an American singer, songwriter and dancer. Brown, alongside frequent collaborator Teddy Riley, is noted as one of the pioneers of new jack swing: a fusion of hip hop and R&B. Brown started h ...
. In 1990, several ex-New Edition members had hit songs. Bell Biv DeVoe's songs "
Poison Poison is a chemical substance that has a detrimental effect to life. The term is used in a wide range of scientific fields and industries, where it is often specifically defined. It may also be applied colloquially or figuratively, with a broa ...
" and "
Do Me! "Do Me!" is a song by American musical group Bell Biv DeVoe. The song was released in 1990 as the second single from the group's debut album, ''Poison'' (1990). A remix is included on the group's '' WBBD-Bootcity!: The Remix Album'', released in ...
", as well as
Johnny Gill Johnny Gill Jr. (born May 22, 1966) is an American singer and actor. He is the sixth and final member of the R&B/pop group New Edition and was also a member of the supergroup called LSG, with Gerald Levert and Keith Sweat. Gill has released e ...
's single " Rub You the Right Way", all made it to number 3 in the US top 100.
Ralph Tresvant Ralph Edward Tresvant (born May 16, 1968) is an American singer, songwriter, actor and record producer, best known as the lead singer of R&B group New Edition. As a solo artist, Tresvant released the album '' Ralph Tresvant'' (1990). In 2008, he ...
had a number 4 hit (US top 100 charts) and number 1 hit (US R&B) with his song " Sensitivity", with another on the ''
House Party 2 ''House Party 2'' is a 1991 American comedy film and the sequel to the 1990 film ''House Party'' released by New Line Cinema. The film returns most of the cast of the first film such as Kid 'n Play and Full Force, along with new cast members suc ...
'' soundtrack "Yo Baby Yo". Also in 1990 pop singer
Whitney Houston Whitney Elizabeth Houston (August 9, 1963 – February 11, 2012) was an American singer and actress. Nicknamed "The Voice", she is one of the bestselling music artists of all time, with sales of over 200 million records worldwide. Houston in ...
recorded "
I'm Your Baby Tonight ''I'm Your Baby Tonight'' is the third studio album by American singer Whitney Houston released on November 6, 1990, by Arista Records. The album has been certified quadruple platinum in the US by the RIAA. Background By 1989, Whitney Hou ...
", produced by Babyface & Antonio "L.A." Reid (later become record executive). The single topped the US Hot 100, giving Babyface his first produced number 1 song while further helping to bring the genre to the mainstream. In 1990,
Samuelle Samuelle Prater, known simply as Samuelle, is an American R&B singer who is a former member of the R&B group Club Nouveau.Wynn, RonClub Nouveau Biography, Allmusic, retrieved 2011-07-17 He was the lead singer on Club Nouveau's #1 Pop and Dance a ...
, a former member of the
disco Disco is a genre of dance music and a subculture that emerged in the 1970s from the United States' urban nightlife scene. Its sound is typified by four-on-the-floor beats, syncopated basslines, string sections, brass and horns, electric pia ...
-infused dance-
urban Urban means "related to a city". In that sense, the term may refer to: * Urban area, geographical area distinct from rural areas * Urban culture, the culture of towns and cities Urban may also refer to: General * Urban (name), a list of people ...
group
Club Nouveau Club Nouveau is an American R&B group formed by record producer/performer Jay King in 1986 in Sacramento, California, following the breakup of the Timex Social Club. The group's name ( French for "New Club") was changed from its original inca ...
had a number 1 R&B hit with "
So You Like What You See "So You Like What You See" is new jack swing song by Samuelle from his 1990 album ''Living in Black Paradise''. The hit song spent two weeks at number-one on the US R&B chart, but did not place on the Billboard Hot 100, ''Billboard'' Hot 100. The mu ...
".
Troop A troop is a military sub-subunit, originally a small formation of cavalry, subordinate to a squadron. In many armies a troop is the equivalent element to the infantry section or platoon. Exceptions are the US Cavalry and the King's Troop Ro ...
also had a number 1 hit with a single from their second album, ''Attitude'', entitled " Spread My Wings". "
Feels Good "Feels Good" is the title of a number-one R&B single by Tony! Toni! Toné! featuring a rap verse by Mopreme Shakur. The hit song spent two weeks at number one on the U.S. R&B chart. It was also their first top-ten hit on the U.S. ''Billboard'' ...
" by the Oakland, California group
Tony! Toni! Toné! Tony! Toni! Toné! was an American soul/ R&B band from Oakland, California, popular during the late 1980s and early to mid-1990s. During the band's heyday, it was composed of D'wayne Wiggins on lead vocals and guitar, his brother Raphael Saadiq ...
reached number 1 on the R&B charts in 1990, and it also placed on the US top 100 (number 9) and on the dance charts (number 3).
Today Today (archaically to-day) may refer to: * Day of the present, the time that is perceived directly, often called ''now'' * Current era, present * The current calendar date Arts, entertainment, and media Films * ''Today'' (1930 film), a 1930 A ...
charted again in 1990 with "Why You Gettin' Funky on Me?", which reached number 2 on the R&B charts. "
Let's Chill "Let's Chill" is a song released by American R&B band Guy (band), Guy from the album ''The Future (Guy album), The Future''. Co-written by Bernard Belle and Teddy Riley, it was released as the second single from the album on February 18, 1991. It ...
" by Guy garnered a number 3 spot on the US R&B charts. "
Feels Like Another One "Feels Like Another One" is a song by American singer Patti LaBelle. It was written by LaBelle along with Sharon Barnes, James R. "Budd" Ellison, and Michael Stokes for her eleventh studio album '' Burnin'' (1991), while production was helmed by ...
" is a 1991 single co-written and recorded by singer
Patti LaBelle Patricia Louise Holte (born May 24, 1944), known professionally as Patti LaBelle, is an American R&B singer, actress and businesswoman. LaBelle is referred to as the " Godmother of Soul". She began her career in the early 1960s as lead singe ...
off her album, ''Burnin''. The new jack swing-styled track was the leading track for LaBelle's eleventh solo album and featured a rap from rapper Big Daddy Kane. The track became successful on the R&B chart as it ended up peaking at number three on the Hot R&B Singles chart. The video for the song was shot at the Apollo Theater and also featured Kane, who appeared at LaBelle's show wearing a tux. The song would help LaBelle's album go gold.
Color Me Badd ''Color'' Me Badd is an American contemporary R&B group that was formed in 1985 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma by lead singer Bryan Abrams (born November 16, 1969), tenor Mark Calderon (born September 27, 1970), second tenor Sam Watters (born July 23 ...
had a number 1 hit with "
I Wanna Sex You Up "I Wanna Sex You Up" is a song by American R&B group Color Me Badd, released in March 1991 as the lead single from their debut album, ''C.M.B.'' (1991). The song was produced by Dr. Freeze and was also featured on the soundtrack to the 1991 fil ...
". That same year, Christopher Williams released a single " I'm Dreamin'" from the''
New Jack City ''New Jack City'' is a 1991 American action crime film based upon an original story and written by Thomas Lee Wright and Barry Michael Cooper, and directed by Mario Van Peebles in his feature film directorial debut. Released in the United St ...
'' soundtrack, which became a number 1 single on ''Billboard''′s Hot R&B/Hip-Hop chart.
Boyz II Men Boyz II Men (pronounced ''boys to men''), also known as B2M, is an American vocal harmony group from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, best known for emotional ballads and a cappella harmonies. They are currently a trio composed of baritone Nathan M ...
's debut single "
Motownphilly "Motownphilly" is a song by American vocal harmony group Boyz II Men, released as their first single from their debut album, ''Cooleyhighharmony''. The single was a success, peaking at number three on the ''Billboard'' Hot 100. Michael Bivins, w ...
" was a number 1 R&B and top 5 U.S. pop hit. "
I Like the Way (The Kissing Game) "I Like the Way (The Kissing Game)" is a song recorded by American R&B group Hi-Five for their 1990 eponymous debut studio album. The song was written by Teddy Riley, Bernard Belle and Dave Way, and released as the album's second single on Janu ...
" by
Hi-Five Hi-Five is an American R&B quintet from Waco, Texas. Hi-Five had a No. 1 hit on ''Billboards Hot 100 in 1991 with "I Like the Way (The Kissing Game)". The band was formed in 1989 and consisted of founding and original members: Tony Thomps ...
garnered the US number 1 and R&B number 1 spots. Jodeci's debut album ''Forever My Lady'' garnered three number 1 R&B Hits in the fall of 1991 ("Forever My Lady", "Stay", and "Come and Talk To Me"). " Exclusivity" by
Damian Dame Damian Dame were an American R&B group that was active in the early 1990s. It consisted of Bruce Edward "Damian" Broadus (September 13, 1966 – June 27, 1996) and Debra Jean "Deah Dame" Hurd (September 20, 1958 – June 27, 1994). Career In 19 ...
charted as number-one R&B single, spending two weeks at the top position, a position also achieved by
the Rude Boys The Rude Boys is a 1990s R&B/vocal group from Cleveland, Ohio. The group consisted of Larry Marcus, Melvin Sephus, and brothers Edward Lee "Buddy" Banks and Joe Little III Joe N Little III (born July 14, 1968) is an American singer, songwrit ...
with their song " Are You Lonely For Me". In 1992,
Michael Jackson Michael Joseph Jackson (August 29, 1958 – June 25, 2009) was an American singer, songwriter, dancer, and philanthropist. Dubbed the "King of Pop", he is regarded as one of the most significant cultural figures of the 20th century. Over a ...
's single "
Remember the Time "Remember the Time" is a 1992 single by American singer and songwriter Michael Jackson. It was released by Epic Records on January 14, 1992, as the second single from Jackson's eighth studio album, ''Dangerous''. The song was written and compo ...
" placed at number 3 on the Billboard Hot 100, number 2 on the Hot Dance Music/Club, and number 1 in the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop category. Joe Public's single " Live and Learn" hit number 4 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100, number 3 on ''Billboard''′s Hot R&B/Hip-Hop chart and becoming the group's most successful single. In 1993 Teddy Riley's new group Blackstreet got new jack swing hit "Baby Be Mine".
Chuckii Booker Eugene Allen Booker, Jr. (born December 19, 1962), known professionally as Chuckii Booker, is an American producer, singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and bandleader. Biography Booker emerged in the late 1980s as a prominent urban conte ...
scored a number 1 R&B hit with his song "
Games A game is a structured form of play, usually undertaken for entertainment or fun, and sometimes used as an educational tool. Many games are also considered to be work (such as professional players of spectator sports or games) or art (such ...
". That same year, "
She's Got That Vibe "She's Got That Vibe" is the debut single of American R&B singer R. Kelly and band Public Announcement. It was released as the first single from Kelly's debut studio album, '' Born into the 90's'' (1992), on November 22, 1991, and was written and ...
" by
R. Kelly Robert Sylvester Kelly (born January 8, 1967) is an American singer, songwriter, record producer, and sex offender convicted of racketeering and multiple sex offenses. During his recording career, Kelly sold over 75 million records worldwi ...
and
Public Announcement A public address system (or PA system) is an electronic system comprising microphones, amplifiers, loudspeakers, and related equipment. It increases the apparent volume (loudness) of a human voice, musical instrument, or other acoustic sound sou ...
reached the number 7 position on the R&B charts. " Weak" by
SWV SWV (Sisters with Voices) is an American R&B vocal trio from New York City whose members are Cheryl (Coko) Gamble, Tamara (Taj) Johnson, and Leanne (Lelee) Lyons. Formed in 1988 as a gospel group, SWV became one of the most successful R&B g ...
(Sisters With Voices) hit the number one spot on both the US top 100 and the R&B charts. In 1993: " Don't Walk Away" by
Jade Jade is a mineral used as jewellery or for ornaments. It is typically green, although may be yellow or white. Jade can refer to either of two different silicate minerals: nephrite (a silicate of calcium and magnesium in the amphibole group of ...
made it to number 4 and number 3 in the US top 100 and R&B charts, respectively. The New Jack R&B group
II D Extreme II D Extreme was an American new jack swing R&B group from the early 1990s that included D'Extra Wiley, Randy Gill (Johnny Gill's brother) and Jermaine Mickey. They are known for the songs "Cry No More", "Up on the Roof" and their cover of the ...
scored a hit in 1993 with their New Jack ballad "Cry No More".
TLC TLC may refer to: Arts and entertainment Television * ''TLC'' (TV series), a 2002 British situational comedy television series that aired on BBC2 * TLC (TV network), formerly the Learning Channel, an American cable TV network ** TLC (Asia), an A ...
's debut album, '' Ooooooohhh... On the TLC Tip'' (1992) had several hits, including "
What About Your Friends "What About Your Friends" is a song by American group TLC, released as the third single from their debut album, '' Ooooooohhh... On the TLC Tip'' (1992). It was released on August 21, 1992, and reached number seven on the ''Billboard'' Hot 100, b ...
", "
Ain't 2 Proud 2 Beg "Ain't 2 Proud 2 Beg" is the debut single by American girl group TLC, from their debut album, '' Ooooooohhh... On the TLC Tip'' (1992). It was released by LaFace Records on November 22, 1991 (promo) and late January 1992 (retail). The song wou ...
" and "
Baby-Baby-Baby "Baby-Baby-Baby" is a song by American girl group TLC. It was the second single released from their debut studio album, '' Ooooooohhh... On the TLC Tip'' (1992), and their second consecutive top-10 hit. It was the most successful single from t ...
". In 1995,
Montell Jordan Montell Du'Sean Barnett Jordan (born December 3, 1968) is an American singer, songwriter, and record producer. Best known for his 1995 single "This Is How We Do It", Jordan was the primary male solo artist on Def Jam's Def Soul imprint until le ...
had a number one new jack swing hit, in "
This is How We Do It "This Is How We Do It" is the debut single by American singer Montell Jordan. It was released by Def Jam Recordings on February 6, 1995 as the lead single from his debut album, also titled '' This Is How We Do It'' (1995). The single was Def Ja ...
", which after its release saw the popularity of the genre decline. As
hip hop culture Hip hop or hip-hop is a culture and art movement that was created by African Americans, Latino Americans and Caribbean Americans in the Bronx, New York City. Hip hop culture is characterized by four key elements: rapping, DJing and turntablis ...
became increasingly ubiquitous, the pop-crossover approach and perceived artifice of new jack swing began to lose its appeal with young urban listeners. Even the creator of the New Jack Swing, Teddy Riley, made his sound evolve with his second supergroup BLACKStreet, with their 1994’s eponymous first album. A sound he sometimes called “Heavy R&B” in interviews. The last hit single to use the classic new jack swing sound was Michael Jackson's "
Blood on the Dance Floor Blood on the Dance Floor may refer to: *'' Blood on the Dance Floor: HIStory in the Mix'', a 1997 album by Michael Jackson ** "Blood on the Dance Floor" (song), a 1997 song by Michael Jackson from the album *Blood on the Dance Floor (band) Bl ...
", released in 1997.Anthony Violanti. (May 23, 1997). "Lost Soul....". ''The Buffalo News''. Young artists were given the spotlight during this era. They included
Tracie Spencer Tracie Monique Spencer (born July 12, 1976) is an American singer–songwriter, actress, and model. Spencer first came to attention in 1987, when the then 11-year-old won the junior vocalist competition on the television show ''Star Search''. ...
with her hit album ''Make the Difference'' (1990) and groups like the Boys with ''The Boys'' (Motown, 1990), Redhead Kingpin and the F.B.I., whose Teddy Riley-produced debut album ''A Shade of Red'' contained the hit single "Pump It Hottie", which reached number 2 on the US "Hot Rap" Singles Chart in 1990, and Another Bad Creation with ''
Coolin' at the Playground Ya Know! ''Coolin' at the Playground Ya Know!'' is the debut studio album from American hip hop and R&B group Another Bad Creation, released on February 11, 1991 on Motown. The album peaked at number seven on the ''Billboard'' 200 chart. By May 1991, it ...
'' in (1991).


Incorporation into pop music

Australian pop singer
Kylie Minogue Kylie Ann Minogue (; born 28 May 1968) is an Australian singer, songwriter and actress. She is the highest-selling female Australian artist of all time, having sold over 80 million records worldwide. She has been recognised for reinve ...
incorporated a strong new jack swing sound into her 1991 album ''
Let's Get to It ''Let's Get to It'' is the fourth studio album by Australian recording artist Kylie Minogue. It was the final studio album with Pete Waterman Limited (PWL), being released by the record label in the United Kingdom on 14 October 1991. Mus ...
'', most notably the lead single " Word Is Out". The album and singles achieved notable success in the UK, Australia and throughout Europe. Mexican pop singer
Paulina Rubio Paulina Susana Rubio Dosamantes (; born 17 June 1971) is a Mexican singer. Referred to as "Honorific nicknames in popular music, The Golden Girl" and "Honorific nicknames in popular music, Queen of Latin Pop", she first achieved recognition as ...
also incorporated a strong new jack swing system into her debut 1992 album '' La Chica Dorada'' and second album '' 24 Kilates'' and most notably her lead single "
Mío "Mío" ''(English: "Mine")'' is a song recorded by Mexican singer Paulina Rubio for her debut solo studio album '' La Chica Dorada'' (1992). It was written by José Ramón Flórez and Cesar Valle and produced by Miguel Blasco and J.R. Florez. Af ...
" and third single "
Amor de Mujer "Amor de Mujer" ''(English: "Woman's Love")'' is a song recorded by Mexican singer Paulina Rubio for her debut solo studio album ''La Chica Dorada'' (1992). Released as the album's second Single (music), single in January 1993 in Mexico, and as th ...
" which peaked at number 8 on the US ''Billboard'' Hot Latin Tracks.


Artists


See also

*
List of funk musicians This is a list of funk music artists. This includes artists who have either been very important to the funk genre or have had a considerable amount of exposure (such as in the case of one who has been on a major label). Bands are listed by the f ...


References


External links

* {{Rhythm and blues 1980s in American music 1990s in American music African-American cultural history African-American music African-American culture American hip hop genres Contemporary R&B