In this episode of the Can We Talk? R&B podcast, Ian sits down with rising powerhouse vocalist Vella, a Cuban-American artist out of Tampa whose raw, soul-drenched voice has been turning heads worldwide.

Vella shares how a simple TikTok cover recorded out of boredom during the pandemic turned into a viral moment that led to label attention, a deal with an indie LA label, and ultimately signing with Universal Sweden. She breaks down the years of vocal training and hard work behind her “overnight” success, her deep love for live instrumentation and classic soul/blues/rock, and the emotional process of crafting her debut project All My Love.

From crying in the studio while recording the aching ballad “Dead Roses” to feeling the rush of performing for European crowds for the first time, Vella opens up about heartbreak, resilience, and the power of vulnerability in music—while also revealing her inner Zelda-loving, Nintendo-obsessed nerd.

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Ian Von sits down with R&B legend Marques Houston for a candid conversation about his 30+ year journey—from child star in Bébé's Kids and member of Immature, to solo success, acting, and co-founding Footage Films. He breaks down the impact of “Never Lie,” the golden era of ’90s R&B, helping launch artists like Usher and Ty Dolla $ign, today’s music industry, fatherhood, AI in creativity, and why “Naked” is his time-capsule record—plus what’s next, including new films and his April 25 show at Toyota Arena.

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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.

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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.

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Chapters:

0:00 Opening Performance Teaser (“Flamed Up”)

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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.

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TIME STAMPS:

00:00 Intro
01:21 Gospel Roots
03:18 Flow State
05:33 Influences
08:23 Acting to Music
09:14 Industry Path
10:13 UK vs US
10:59 Tour Life
12:27 John B Lessons
14:06 Self-Managed
15:24 True Independence
16:41 “Journey” Story
18:00 S’ABLE Album
19:41 R&Drill
21:22 Spotify Co-Sign
22:23 No Ego
23:05 Creative Influence
24:01 Tiny Desk DM
25:02 Just Ask
25:31 Start Anyway
26:11 Podcast Parallel
27:02 Goals & Legacy
27:40 Why “Universe”
28:21 Being a Light
29:42 Frank & Tems
30:31 Live & What’s Next
31:40 Outro

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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

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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

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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:

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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.

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📲Stay connected with Us! #CanWeTalkRnB #CWTRB

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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

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