New Music From Jodeci

When we think of modern R&B many things comes to mind. One of the most popular statements that I hear is...."this aint real R&B, it sounds too much like Hip Hop or rap music". In many cases this is very true. But the real statement/question that should be asked in this regard is why? Why is it that most popular R&B groups no longer sounds like or even looks like it did back in the 60's, 70"s or 80's? Well that could be answered in many different ways. In-short, the current times that we now live in is a major factor. Over the years trends and styles changes, often from one extreme to another. But when it comes to the music industry this change is almost microscopic. It occurs in such a slow manner that no casual music fan would even notice it until well after they have traded in their african medallion for a pair of loaks and a plaid shirt.Think about it...How did we go from The Temptations, The Ojays, New Edition, Cameo to modern chart toppers like Chris Brown Trey Songs and Future? If I were trying to be completely honest and give credit where credit is due I could sum it with three words and those three word are New Jack Swing. For those that don't know New Jack Swing is simply the perfect blend of R&B and Rap Music. It's origin and creation is credited to be from legendary super producer Teddy Riley. He has almost single handedly changed the face of R&B during the 90's. As with almost every hot trend in the music business copy cats were born and profited well by using this blend or mixture. In all honesty the relationship between rap music and R&B is at the very foundation of Hip Hop music.
With that being said, back in the 90's the culture of Hip Hop was spreading across the country like a wild fire. It's influence didn't just stop at the wanna be rappers in the inner-city. Noticeably, kids that were into sports, and other extracurricular activities were all dressing and reflecting some elements of the culture. Even the so-called smooth church going brothers with the golden voices was infected by this thing called Hip Hop.
Which brings us to one of the most influential R&B groups of all time, Jodeci. For those that don't know Jodeci's vibe and style are still relevant and can be heard and felt in today's blazin hip hop and R&B. Many R&B acts have ripped a little bit of what Jodeci brought to the table. As with their lattest single titled Every Moment. This song comes at a time when the lines between R&B and rap music have been blurred so bad that one would and is having a hard time trying to figure out the difference between the two. When you listen the the single, the first thing you'll notice is the real singing and not that audio-tune/rapping chanting that dominates the airwaves daily. The production is typical Jodeci. Meaning smoothed out R&B with minor hip hop undertones. The thing that always worked for the band is it's music never really blurred the lines between rap and R&B. It was their style and vibe that portrayed that hip hop culture and vibe. In all honesty, when I first heard the single I thought that it could've came off of one of thier old projects. Meaning it sounds that much like the band of old. But when it comes to a band like Jodeci who embodies the true definition of the word trendsetters, you know their new music is and will always be right on time. Until the next time have some fun and get something done.