GemStones #21: Jo Jo Robinson (Chicago Soul, Contemporary R&B, Urban Pop)

Aquilla

Chicago has such an expansive, incredible history in regard to black music. Similar to its Midwest cousin, Detroit, the state has had a plethora of artists making their mark. Ranging from Curtis Mayfield, Jackie Wilson, Tyrone Davis, Baby Huey, Common, Syl Johnson, Twista, Kanye West, Donell Jones, Syleena Johnson, Chief Keef, Chance The Rapper, Mick Jenkins, Noname and so forth. It's undeniable how impeccable this city has been to the development of black culture. It's only right that we showcase an artist that continues the tradition of Chi-Town soul. Yet was unfortunately forgotten in the fast-changing environment that is the music industry.

Hailing from Chicago, Illinois. Joel Robinson got his start in music as part of the trio, S.O.L(Sounds Of Life). A group that included his brother Chris and cousin. From there, this is when the information starts to get tricky. The group was signed to Chicago based indie label, Copium Records. Only to release one album and then disband. Luckily for Jojo, he would later be signed to Columbia Records after hearing his work with S.O.L. He was building a steady trajectory, appearing on Columbia projects including So So Def's "Someday at Christmas". Culminating an October 1999 release window for his debut album, Hush. This album included a duet with a young Beyonce called "Ways To Get Cut Off" which looked like it was going to be a hit. Unfortunately, for mysterious reasons, Columbia shelved the album. Turning what was going to be the start of a promising career into obscurity.

Sidenote: It appears that Chris passed away, but it is not recorded when that happened. We do know that it had to be after 2000 considering he wrote on the Marc Nelson version of "Love Not Love" on the Big Mama soundtrack. Still, it's left undetermined of the cause or musical history of the group and to an extent, Jojo.

One of the best things about Jojo is his efforts continuing the tradition of his home state's musical history. Chi-Town soul is defined by its laidback harmonies, highly melodic approach, and emphasized orchestral arrangements (horns & strings). You hear this style throughout his artistry and output, especially on the 80s inspired "Baby Love" and the smooth soul of "It Just Isn't Fair". The Chicagoan 2 step mid-tempo grooves also make their way in certain tracks as well. At first, I thought of him as a younger version of Eric Benet. However, after listening a bit more, he's closer to Kenny Latimore. Jojo Robinson's soft, spacious vocals are heavenly coded. It's a truly a thing of beauty and angelic how he uses his voice to convey vulnerability. This is especially apparent with his ballads, most notably, "I Wouldn't Have Anything" and his cover of S.O.L's "Hush". His range showed far more than just a local hero, Teen Summit sensation. This guy was an artist who was primed to be a fixture in the young adult R&B demographic, but the nature of the industry prevented that from happening.

We finally back after a while . It's almost Juneteeth, so get ready for more write ups coming along the way. And special shout out to all my Chicagoans. Ya'll are built different

Recommendations:
S.O.L. - Unity (1995):
youtu.be/m0LGKEsaZAU?si=AEJs8vyLK0zRY7tk
Jojo Robinson - Hush(1999):
youtube.com/playlist?list=PL9Fdg2fwr7eK581jn-QpgWDnm8j0oMncf&si=R95tite9cf51ySg-

Examples:

For those that are into:
Usher
Trina & Tamara
Jagged Edge
Subway
A+
Destiny Child
Cassie
Donell Jones
702
Mona Lisa
Christion
Jason Weaver
Jesse Powell