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New Jack Swing

R&B with a hip-hop heartbeat.

My Prerogative by Bobby Brown — cover art

Welcome to the world of New Jack Swing, where silky R&B vocals met the hard-hitting pulse of hip-hop, creating a soundscape that defined a generation. Picture the late-night radio sessions, where Bobby Brown’s confident swagger mingled with the infectious grooves of Bell Biv DeVoe. Teddy Riley, the architect behind this movement, infused smooth melodies with the bounce of urban beats, capturing the essence of young love and late-night escapades. High-top fades and leather suits became the uniform of choice, as dance floors lit up with synchronized moves and the sweet scent of youth. This was more than music; it was a cultural revolution, a heartbeat that resonated through the late '80s and early '90s, leaving an indelible mark on the scene.

On the playlist

My Prerogative by Bobby Brown — cover art
My Prerogative
Bobby Brown
1989
Every Little Step by Bobby Brown — cover art
Every Little Step
Bobby Brown
1989
Don't Be Cruel by Bobby Brown — cover art
Don't Be Cruel
Bobby Brown
1988
Poison by Bell Biv DeVoe — cover art
Poison
Bell Biv DeVoe
1990
Do Me! (Mental Mix) [Mixed] by Bell Biv DeVoe — cover art
Do Me! (Mental Mix) [Mixed]
Bell Biv DeVoe
1990
Groove Me (Extended Version) by Guy — cover art
Groove Me (Extended Version)
Guy
1988
Teddy's Jam by Guy — cover art
Teddy's Jam
Guy
1988
I Want Her by Keith Sweat — cover art
I Want Her
Keith Sweat
1987
Make It Last Forêver (feat. Jacci McGhee) by Keith Sweat & Jacci McGhee — cover art
Make It Last Forêver (feat. Jacci McGhee)
Keith Sweat & Jacci McGhee
1987
Rump Shaker by Wreckx-n-Effect — cover art
Rump Shaker
Wreckx-n-Effect
1992
Rub You the Right Way (Radio Edit) by Johnny Gill — cover art
Rub You the Right Way (Radio Edit)
Johnny Gill
1990
Sensitivity by Ralph Tresvant — cover art
Sensitivity
Ralph Tresvant
1990

Did you know

  • Producer Teddy Riley coined the genre and built its signature swung drum machine groove.
  • Bell Biv DeVoe's 'Poison' is the genre's defining anthem — 'never trust a big butt and a smile.'

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