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  • Trevor Jackson: Creativity, Competition & Ownership

    Trevor Jackson: Creativity, Competition & Ownership
    2026/03/02
    Ian Von sits down with multi-hyphenate artist Trevor Jackson for a raw, high-energy conversation about passion, artistry, and survival through creativity. They trace Trevor’s journey from tap-dancing kid in Indianapolis to Broadway’s The Lion King, Disney, Grown-ish, Superfly, and his evolution into a fearless, genre-blending recording artist. Trevor opens up about how acting and music are “survival tools” that keep him sane, why effort and passion are frowned upon in this era, and how he’s determined to bring them back front and center. He breaks down the real-life heartbreak and physical injury that birthed his new three-part project, starting with the EP I Love You, and why he calls the full album “I Love You, Goodbye: The Greatest Breakup Album of All Time.” From Brian McKnight, Boyz II Men, Prince and D’Angelo to country songwriting and BigXthaPlug, Trevor walks through his influences, his independence with UnitedMasters, and his frustration with the current streaming economy that undervalues music. They also get into Black men and grief, the illusion of limited “spots” for Black artists, and what it really looks like to stay authentic while navigating Hollywood and the music industry. The episode closes with Trevor answering fan questions (including from Ian’s daughter), reflecting on Grown-ish and Grey’s Anatomy, and sharing his dream role: Silver Surfer in a full origin story. 🧧 Support the Show: https://www.patreon.com/canwetalkrnb 📱Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts & iHeart Now!!!! ✅Don’t forget to stream & rate us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and iHeart - CLICK LINKS BELOW! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4zfIA072HwTapLg019UDcM iHeart: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/263-can-we-talk-rb-119355435/ Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/can-we-talk-rnb-podcast/id1703170636 📲Stay connected with Us! #CanWeTalkRnB #CWTRB Hosted & Created by: Ian Von | www.instagram.com/IanVonMusic Produced by: Launch Pod Studio | www.instagram.com/LaunchPodStudio Links: 📱www.instagram.com/CanWeTalkRnB 📱www.twitter.com/CanWeTalkRnB 📱https://www.tiktok.com/@canwetalkrnb 🎥 www.youtube.com/canwetalkrnb #canwetalkrnbpodcast #rnb #podcast #rnbmusic #rnbvibes Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    50 分
  • JAYDON: The New Voice of R&B, Co-Signed by Usher and L.A. Reid

    JAYDON: The New Voice of R&B, Co-Signed by Usher and L.A. Reid
    2026/02/23
    In this episode of Can We Talk R&B, Ian Von sits down with 18-year-old R&B phenom JAYDON, signed to Usher and L.A. Reid, with a #1 record and a co-sign from Chris Brown. He talks about his journey from gospel roots to rising star, the grind behind getting signed, mentorship from industry legends, and his latest music including “Flamed Up” and “Lullaby.” Plus, live vocals and real talk on faith, focus, and being called the future of R&B. 🧧 Support the Show: https://www.patreon.com/canwetalkrnb 📱Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts & iHeart Now!!!! ✅Don’t forget to stream & rate us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and iHeart - CLICK LINKS BELOW! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4zfIA072HwTapLg019UDcM iHeart: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/263-can-we-talk-rb-119355435/ Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/can-we-talk-rnb-podcast/id1703170636 📲Stay connected with Us! #CanWeTalkRnB #CWTRB Hosted & Created by: Ian Von | www.instagram.com/IanVonMusic Produced by: Launch Pod Studio | www.instagram.com/LaunchPodStudio Links: 📱www.instagram.com/CanWeTalkRnB 📱www.twitter.com/CanWeTalkRnB 📱https://www.tiktok.com/@canwetalkrnb 🎥 www.youtube.com/canwetalkrnb #canwetalkrnbpodcast #rnb #podcast #rnbmusic #rnbvibes Chapters: 0:00 Opening Performance Teaser (“Flamed Up”) 0:40 “Flamed Up” Live Hook & Ad-Libs 2:47 Show Intro & Meet JAYDON 3:24 Family Roots, DNA & The Voice 4:06 #1 Record, Co-Signs & “Job Not Done” 4:41 When It Started Feeling Real 5:27 First Song at 8 (“Thank You”) 6:11 Vision for the Debut Album 6:34 The Long Grind Before the Deal 7:01 How Usher & L.A. Reid Found Him 7:41 Getting Turned Down by L.A. Reid 8:02 Coming Back Ready & Getting Signed 8:46 Staying Ready, Faith & Consistency 9:13 “Who Is JAYDON?” 9:51 Songwriter First, Instruments Second 10:47 New Single “Flamed Up” + Album Update 11:24 The Story Behind “Flamed Up” 12:01 Dancing as a Differentiator 12:41 Inspired by Usher & Chris Brown — Becoming Himself 13:20 Top 5 Vocal Inspirations (Michael Jackson, Donny Hathaway, Stevie Wonder, Beyoncé, Kim Burrell + Dad) 13:47 Gospel Roots & Church Influence 15:05 Ad-Libs & Runs: Straight from the Booth 15:49 Toughest Songs to Sing (“Jealous of the Moon,” “Lullaby”) 16:11 “Lullaby” Megamix Moment with Usher 16:53 Mentorship Lessons from Usher 18:10 Game from L.A. Reid: “Less Is More” 19:39 Live Medley (“Flamed Up,” “Lullaby,” “Brand New”) 22:05 Staying Grounded: God, Family & Routine 23:36 His Role in the Next Wave of R&B 25:00 Dream Collaborations (Kehlani, Leon Thomas, Tyler, The Creator) 26:45 First Taste of Fame (Tank’s 50th Birthday) 29:07 Career Turning Points & Grammy Week 30:09 Five-Year Vision 30:41 Closing Words & R&B Outro Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    31 分
  • Shae Universe: Timeless Over Trending: Legacy, Privacy & the Modern Soul Artist

    Shae Universe: Timeless Over Trending: Legacy, Privacy & the Modern Soul Artist
    2026/02/15
    In this episode, Ian Von sits down with UK-born, Nigerian-rooted singer and songwriter Shae Universe—a rising force who’s fusing R&B, neo-soul, and drill into a fresh, soulful sound. Shae opens up about growing up in church with a gospel-singer mother, how that foundation organically led her into R&B and neo-soul, and how she’s become a culture shifter through her R&Drill fusion. She talks candidly about being self-managed, navigating an industry that often feels backwards, and the power of protecting her energy and heart posture in order to stay a true vessel on and off stage. 🧧 Support the Show: https://www.patreon.com/canwetalkrnb 📱Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts & iHeart Now!!!! ✅Don’t forget to stream & rate us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and iHeart - CLICK LINKS BELOW! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4zfIA072HwTapLg019UDcM iHeart: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/263-can-we-talk-rb-119355435/ Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/can-we-talk-rnb-podcast/id1703170636 📲Stay connected with Us! #CanWeTalkRnB #CWTRB Hosted & Created by: Ian Von | www.instagram.com/IanVonMusic Produced by: Launch Pod Studio | www.instagram.com/LaunchPodStudio Links: 📱www.instagram.com/CanWeTalkRnB 📱www.twitter.com/CanWeTalkRnB 📱https://www.tiktok.com/@canwetalkrnb 🎥 www.youtube.com/canwetalkrnb #canwetalkrnbpodcast #rnb #podcast #rnbmusic #rnbvibes TIME STAMPS: 00:00 Intro01:21 Gospel Roots03:18 Flow State05:33 Influences08:23 Acting to Music09:14 Industry Path10:13 UK vs US10:59 Tour Life12:27 John B Lessons14:06 Self-Managed15:24 True Independence16:41 “Journey” Story18:00 S’ABLE Album19:41 R&Drill21:22 Spotify Co-Sign22:23 No Ego23:05 Creative Influence24:01 Tiny Desk DM25:02 Just Ask25:31 Start Anyway26:11 Podcast Parallel27:02 Goals & Legacy27:40 Why “Universe”28:21 Being a Light29:42 Frank & Tems30:31 Live & What’s Next31:40 Outro Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    31 分
  • Raheem DeVaughn: Love King of the Underground on his Quiet R&B Revolution

    Raheem DeVaughn: Love King of the Underground on his Quiet R&B Revolution
    2026/02/08
    Ian Von sits down with Grammy-nominated singer, songwriter, and Love King Raheem DeVaughn for a raw convo on artistry, independence, and love as a lifestyle. Raheem breaks down why he’s often seen as an “underground king,” his path from background singer for Ginuwine to respected solo artist, and how he’s stayed consistent and independent for 20+ years. He talks creative process (rarely writing lyrics down), balancing sensuality with socially conscious “edutainment,” his community work, and why his best song is still ahead of him. They also touch on the state of R&B, the streaming era’s flood of music, live performance strategy, generational influences, and dream collabs. If you love real R&B and game from an OG still ascending, this episode delivers. 🧧 Support the Show: https://www.patreon.com/canwetalkrnb 📱Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts & iHeart Now!!!! ✅Don’t forget to stream & rate us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and iHeart - CLICK LINKS BELOW! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4zfIA072HwTapLg019UDcM iHeart: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/263-can-we-talk-rb-119355435/ Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/can-we-talk-rnb-podcast/id1703170636 📲Stay connected with Us! #CanWeTalkRnB #CWTRB Hosted & Created by: Ian Von | www.instagram.com/IanVonMusic Produced by: Launch Pod Studio | www.instagram.com/LaunchPodStudio Edited By: Lazy Pickle Studio | www.instagram.com/LazyPickleStudios Chapters: 0:00 Welcome & Show Intro 0:22 Introducing Raheem DeVaughn 1:06 Raheem Joins the Conversation 2:00 Being an “Unsung Legend” & Underground King 3:00 Major Label Days & Why He’s Not More Mainstream 4:18 Independence & Accolades (Grammy Nods) 5:14 The “Love King” Moniker & The Love Brand 6:25 Love as a Frequency vs Modern R&B’s Focus 7:21 Creating Albums Like a Seven-Course Meal 8:12 Catalog Overview & Standout Projects 9:19 Social Consciousness in the Music 10:25 Crooning, Falsetto & Signature Sound 11:35 Intentional Storytelling & Genre Blending 13:08 His Writing Process: No Pen, No Pad 14:02 Influence on the New Generation & Who He Listens To 16:00 Radio Personality & Breaking New R&B 17:39 Dream Collaborations (Current Wish List) 19:00 Artistry, Activism & The Love Life Foundation 20:39 Why Domestic Violence & HIV Awareness? 21:35 Leading by Example in Community Work 22:43 The State of R&B in 2025 24:06 “R&B Is Dead?” Discoverability & The Algorithm 26:06 R&B Resurgence, Live Shows & Three Generations of Fans 27:44 First Impressions Live & Having “Nine Lives” in Music 29:43 Building a Deep Vault & Show Construction 31:10 Current Show Opener: “When a Man” & Crowd Engagement 32:35 Studying Comedians for Timing 33:21 Musical DNA & Family Legacy 34:27 Discovering His Calling & Dropping Out for Music 35:12 R&B University: Background Singing for Ginuwine 36:12 Landing the Gig with Ginuwine 37:32 Choosing to Leave & Step Into His Own 39:21 DC Open Mic Circuit & Early Groups 40:21 Landing His Jive Records Deal (2002–2005) 41:26 Star-Studded Label Roster & Watching Careers Rise 42:25 Working with UGK & The Pimp C Phone Call 43:33 Collaborations with UGK & Pimp C’s Vision 44:11 Southern Love for UGK & Cultural Parallels 45:07 Biggest Lessons from the Journey 46:23 Still Ascending & Best Work Ahead Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    1 時間 9 分
  • Christopher Williams: Legacy, Survival, and R&B’s Next Chapter

    Christopher Williams: Legacy, Survival, and R&B’s Next Chapter
    2026/02/01
    In this powerful and heart-centered episode, Ian Von sits down with R&B legend Christopher Williams for a deep, honest conversation that spans New Jack Swing nostalgia, near-death experiences, spiritual alignment, and a full-circle musical comeback.Christopher opens up about releasing new music in today’s R&B landscape, surviving kidney failure and relearning how to walk and talk, and the divine alignment that led to his new single “Good Enough.” He reflects on the impact of his classic hit “I’m Dreamin’ and the cultural legacy of New Jack City, while sharing invaluable lessons from the golden era of ’90s R&B—and what today’s artists can learn from it.This episode is part testimony, part masterclass, and part celebration of a career that’s still evolving 36 years later. 📲Stay connected with Us! #CanWeTalkRnB #CWTRB Hosted & Created by: Ian Von | www.instagram.com/IanVonMusic Produced by: Launch Pod Studio | www.instagram.com/LaunchPodStudio Links: 📱www.instagram.com/CanWeTalkRnB 📱www.twitter.com/CanWeTalkRnB 📱https://www.tiktok.com/@canwetalkrnb 🎥 www.youtube.com/canwetalkrnb Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    47 分
  • JABARI: on Building an R&B Empire, Business, and the Future of the Culture

    JABARI: on Building an R&B Empire, Business, and the Future of the Culture
    2026/01/25
    In this episode of Can We Talk R&B, host Ian sits down with Jabari Johnson, founder and CEO of RNBOnly, the touring brand that has sold over 750,000 tickets without a traditional recording artist. Jabari walks through his journey from Bronx hip-hop kid to label executive, party promoter, and ultimately the architect of one of the biggest R&B experiences in the world.Ian and Jabari break down how RNBOnly was born from late-night R&B sets at hip-hop parties, what it means to build a “Non-Artist Touring Entity,” why R&B is spiritual and rooted in Black love, how the “Anniversary (A Cappella)” collaboration came together, and where the genre is headed next.If you care about culture, entrepreneurship, and the future of R&B, this conversation is for you. 🧧 Support the Show: https://www.patreon.com/canwetalkrnb 📱Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts & iHeart Now!!!! ✅Don’t forget to stream & rate us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and iHeart - CLICK LINKS BELOW! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4zfIA072HwTapLg019UDcM iHeart: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/263-can-we-talk-rb-119355435/ Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/can-we-talk-rnb-podcast/id1703170636 📲Stay connected with Us! #CanWeTalkRnB #CWTRB Hosted & Created by: Ian Von | www.instagram.com/IanVonMusic Produced by: Launch Pod Studio | www.instagram.com/LaunchPodStudio Edited By: Lazy Pickle Studio | www.instagram.com/LazyPickleStudios Chapters: 0:00 Intro 2:01 Ian’s First R&B Only Experience 3:41 What Is R&B Only? Scale & Category 5:56 750K+ Tickets Sold & “Build It and They Will Come” 7:11 Jabari’s Musical DNA: Hip-Hop Roots, R&B Household 9:28 College Hustle: Managing & Interviewing Early Stars 11:12 Post-Grad Reality Check & Landing at Capitol Records 12:32 Label Days: Learning from Big Records 14:05 Leaving the Label, Documentaries & Funding Life with Parties 16:01 The Birth of R&B Only: From “Cool-Down Set” to Main Event 17:29 Why R&B Feels Different & The Energy Shift 19:20 Where the Business Mindset Came From 21:15 Building Alone, Tenacity & Independence vs. Label Dependency 23:01 Learning on the Fly, Now Supercharged by AI 25:03 Favorite R&B Song (Right Now) & Upcoming BET Weekend Show 29:08 Set-Up for the “Anniversary” Project Conversation 30:06 Creating the “Anniversary” A Cappella: Inspiration & Casting 33:05 Building the Vocal Ensemble 35:02 Recording During LA Fires & Turning a Promo Into a Record 38:01 Live Integration & Smart Rollout 39:04 Respecting Classics & Getting the Tony! Toni! Toné! Co-Sign 40:21 Standards, Purists, and the Current Crop of Artists 43:01 Cleo Sol & Quiet Dominance 44:03 Technology, Floodgates & The Need for a Standard 47:06 R&B as Black Love & Why Labels Don’t Get It 47:47 The Full Spectrum of R&B Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    1 時間 1 分
  • The Arti$t : Staying Yourself, A Guide to Authentic R&B in a Viral Era

    The Arti$t : Staying Yourself, A Guide to Authentic R&B in a Viral Era
    2026/01/20
    In this episode, Ian Von sits down with rising R&B powerhouse The Arti$t—a singer/songwriter from Newark, New Jersey—whose soulful pen and modern R&B sonics have already earned co-signs from Maxwell, Queen Latifah, and more. They unpack her journey from hoop dreams to headlining tours, how Jersey shaped her grind and spirit, and why authenticity is the core of her music. The Arti$t breaks down the making of her projects “Archives” and “Who I Am,” the breakout success of “Sober,” and the creative leap of her single “Ghost.” From dealing with heartbreak in the middle of an arena tour to carving her own lane in a content-saturated era, this conversation is a deep dive into what it means to be the future of Black music while staying grounded, prayed up, and true to self. 🧧 Support the Show: https://www.patreon.com/canwetalkrnb 📲Stay connected with Us! #CanWeTalkRnB #CWTRB Hosted & Created by: Ian Von | www.instagram.com/IanVonMusic Produced by: Launch Pod Studio | www.instagram.com/LaunchPodStudio Links: 📱www.instagram.com/CanWeTalkRnB 📱www.twitter.com/CanWeTalkRnB 📱https://www.tiktok.com/@canwetalkrnb 🎥 www.youtube.com/canwetalkrnb #canwetalkrnbpodcast #rnb #podcast #rnbmusic #rnbvibesTime Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    29 分
  • Bryan Michael Cox : Space Over Spectacle - The Science of R&B Producing

    Bryan Michael Cox : Space Over Spectacle - The Science of R&B Producing
    2026/01/12
    In this episode, Ian Von sits down with legendary producer and songwriter Bryan-Michael Cox for a masterclass in musicianship and hustle. From Houston roots to crafting hits with Usher and Jermaine Dupri, he breaks down how he quietly became one of R&B’s key architects. B. Cox shares how he moved to Atlanta, cold-called studios, earned a Noontime internship, and leveraged it into full studio access before anyone even heard his beats. They dive into the difference between musicianship and producing, the power of simplicity, the science of songwriting, and the story behind “U Got It Bad.” A blueprint episode for aspiring producers, songwriters, and R&B lovers alike. This is one episode you don’t want to miss! 🎶✨ 🧧 Support the Show: https://www.patreon.com/canwetalkrnb 📱Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts & iHeart Now!!!! ✅Don’t forget to stream & rate us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and iHeart - CLICK LINKS BELOW! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4zfIA072HwTapLg019UDcM iHeart: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/263-can-we-talk-rb-119355435/ Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/can-we-talk-rnb-podcast/id1703170636 📲Stay connected with Us! #CanWeTalkRnB #CWTRB Hosted & Created by: Ian Von | www.instagram.com/IanVonMusic Produced by: Launch Pod Studio | www.instagram.com/LaunchPodStudio Edited By: Lazy Pickle Studio | www.instagram.com/LazyPickleStudios Timestamps: 00:00 Opening Drop & Host Intro 00:31 Giving B. Cox His Flowers 01:59 Why B. Cox Chose To Be “Unsung” 02:45 From Producer “Sound” To Producer “Tag” 05:06 Rodney Jerkins & The Birth of the R&B Tag 05:35 Jermaine Dupri’s Legacy & Work Ethic 06:39 JD’s Focus vs. Side Hustles 07:40 The Group Ideal & Industry Politics 08:44 Discovering the Name “Brian Michael Cox” 09:27 Early Musical Roots in Houston 12:17 Houston as a Musical City 13:39 Networks, School & Destiny’s Child Origins 15:05 First Stab at the Industry: Mailing Demos 16:26 Crossroads: LA with Greg vs. Finding His Own Path 18:49 Love Story That Led to Atlanta 20:28 Getting Mom’s Blessing & The Move to Atlanta 21:26 Housing Struggles & Finding a Roommate 22:23 Arriving With a Bag of DATs & Calling Studios 23:18 The Noontime Flyer Breakthrough 24:45 Persistence Pays Off: Landing the Meeting 25:53 Relearning Tools: From Computer to MPC 27:04 Learning from Jazzy Pha, Teddy Bishop & Eric Roberson 27:58 Building a Reputation at the Studio 29:00 Leveraging Yourself: Trading Pay for Access 29:28 “You Need to Sign This Kid” 30:01 Musician vs. Producer: Two Different Jobs 30:35 The Science of Producing & Songwriting 31:24 From Master Musician to Accessible Producer 32:08 Listeners Feel More Than They Hear 32:36 Quincy Jones on Space, Density & Blueprint 34:03 Overproducing vs. Serving the Song 35:01 Case Study: Usher – “U Got It Bad” 35:58 Lesson from JD: Muting the Kitchen Sink 37:10 Writing from the Core & JD/Usher Chemistry 38:01 Finding His Role: From Keys to Vocal Production 38:48 JD as Musician vs. Producer Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    1 時間 12 分