"I Wanted to Make Every Song Sound Like it Could Be a Single"
- Donell Jones, 2019, okayplayer

What do some of my favorite artists of the last 30 years have in common? These artists, who were once musical sensations within the black community, share a philosophy of staying true to their roots and cultivating loyal fan bases. Although they may not have always been the top-charting or widely crossover artists, their impact is undeniable.

Artists such as Frankie Beverly & Maze, Alexander O'Neal, Loose Ends, CAMEO, Zapp/Roger Troutman, Rene & Angela, Gerald Levert, Ginuwine, SWV, Jon B., and Jaheim have all embodied this approach. Artists who were known for consistently producing multiple album cuts that could have been standout singles. Despite often collaborating with various producers and songwriters, they have maintained their unique musical universes and stayed true to their artistic principles. This authenticity has resonated deeply with their audiences, allowing them to cultivate dedicated and loyal fan bases.

As a young adult, it's inspiring to see how these artists continue to influence new generations of musicians. For instance, Ginuwine has left a lasting impact on artists like The Weeknd, PARTYNEXTDOOR, and Brent Faiyaz. SWV's influence can be seen in the music of Ojerime, Coco Jones, and Nourished By Time. Jon B. has inspired artists such as Donnie Klang, JMSN, and stevedreez. Loose Ends' innovative sound paved the way for Soul II Soul, Brand New Heavies, Mantronix, D'Angelo, Maxwell, and QENDRESA. Zapp's pioneering use of the talk box and funk grooves can be heard in the works of DJ Quik, Devante Swing, Bosko, T-Pain, and Tuxedo.

Furthermore, one artist that stands out as part of this group is Chi-Town's very own, Donell Jones. Like his peers, Jones has adhered to the same philosophy of staying true to his musical roots while evolving his sound. In fact, Jones was a triple threat. He could sing, songwrite(Usher's Think Of You, 702's Get It Together, etc.), and produce. His connections to Eddie F. and Laface allowed him to flesh out his creative liberties. His yearning, moonlit vocals expressed his emotive storytelling of love and belonging. Seen in many of his songs such as "Don't Cry", "Where I Wanna Be", "You Know That I Love You":a variety of approaches. His soundscapes, despite being glowed in moonlight, provide a sense of warmth and reflection. Compared to his male contemporaries, Donell had a boyish charm to his look yet had mature overtones. Traditional introversion not antisocial. Vibes that set him apart from others that came before and even after. Until one artist from Toronto matched the same energy and approach that Donell Jones effectively mastered

(Continued)
Enter JAHKOY, the former Def Jam signee to now independent, has been integral to his city's brand of R&B. Defined by icy, nocturnal sonics; Toronto has been important to the evolution of 2010s Alternative R&B. Compared to his contemporaries(Drake, PND, Majid Jordan, Daniel Caesar, etc who feel like wolves or androids), the emphasis of yearning and belonging permeates a sense of embrace. He's the blanket that provides comfort in a rainy, frosty night.

Just like his main inspiration, Pharrell, he's able to forge his own musical universe. He's a songwriter that channels his experiences yet can create songs for others as well(Lil Wayne "What About Me"). With a medium dosage of ambient and electronic sounds, Jahkoy is able to capture the same themes that Donell Jones, captured decades earlier. Only this time, the vocals are mildly distorted and reverbed. They are echoes and often equate to those of a faded apparition.

To conclude, my point isn't that Donell Jones is a main influence to Jahkoy. It's moreso that Jahkoy is a worthy successor to the style that Donell Jones helped to establish. Also, a successor does not always have the same trajectory as their predecessors. The environment and climates proved to be different in each era. However, this does showcase a certain point. That point being that music curated and created by the Black American community spreads not just state wide, but internationally as well. Whether it's to the Naughty North, the middle East, the motherland(Africa), the islands, or somewhere else. The energy and themes remain constant and thorough no matter what.

Happy Black Music Month to all ya'll and the entire diaspora! We are such a creative force and we need to continue to cherish our history to preserve authenticity in a world of AI. Much love and peace!

Is who the who of this generation?

I dunno who JAHKOY is but Donell Jones disrespect

Log off and try again tomorrow

Jahkoy AND Donell Jones appreciation in one thread??? KTT might be back

Imagine being proud of not knowing good music on a music forum

this song had me in a chokehold a few years ago

@AudioConsulting @proper @Prosper @mdmadon @Rockman

@voriox @Slingshot @slime_wrld @t3st1ng @lonny860 @Beautiful_Morning @Impossible @SignedTwice @user_offlineforeve @ShinNohara @LastCall

@HALLEBERRY

@Sk8brdKee

@xxxkiraxxx @Oblivion99 @BIGGWAVE @Sir_Swagalot @Ultimate_Warrior @CliCity @Throkaaa @HavenPB @degenwokemoralist @Brave @knova @2words @Mac_Wit_Da_Cheese @tomonthekeys @Water_Giver @Vox @edumist

@Zoobooks @MikesVeryOwn @Cole2

@browser @Mastiff @Valentine @RVI

@TUNDRAIV @AvenueJones @Beach_kneega

Yo crodie, I been meaning to tell you, it would be a good idea to turn this into long form YouTube and tiktok content

I know you just doing it out of passion and for the love of it, but to further expand your creativity it may be a cool idea and even lead you to expand your writing prowess outside of just this website, maybe for a publication or something.

Again, I can tell you doing this for the love of informing, but if you ever consider making another move, I think it would go well. People love this type of educational music content.

Much love brother, keep it coming

That fefe Dobson song bruh

This site is embarrassing

I think he's trolling honestly. If not,

I really appreciate you for the advice and the consideration

Everybody been telling me to start a youtube channel filled with content based on stuff like this and the GemStones series. So, maybe I'll see what I can do with this

Thanks for the encouragement

Gotta supply ya'll with that content

Which Fefe Dobson song?

Play in traffic

shameful

Jahkoy love on KTT?!