Can We Talk RnB? Podcast

In this episode, Ian Von sits down with viral sensation and R&B artist Isaiah Jaay for a funny, honest, and wide‑ranging conversation.

Isaiah breaks down how he went from being “the kid with braces on IG talent shows” to a signed artist working with Eric Bellinger and Troy Taylor, all while becoming one of the internet’s go‑to voices for hilarious TV and award show reviews.

They get into how he balances music, comedy, touring, and content creation; how he actually makes real money from social media; his journey singing on cruise ships across 36 countries; learning to love his own voice; sacrifices he’s made for his career; and his vision for his upcoming project.

If you love R&B, performance talk, and unfiltered personality, this episode is a must.

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In this powerful, spirit-filled episode, Ian Von sits down with producer, artist, and self-described servant of the music Camper to unpack the making of Victoria Monét’s album Frequency of Love, his 20-year journey in the industry, and why intention, God, and real musicianship still matter.

Camper talks about growing up playing in church, learning under Rodney Jerkins, being inspired by J Dilla and Kanye, and how those roots shaped a production style that feels like music, not just beats. He walks us through the creative chemistry with Victoria Monét, the story behind the instant classic “That’s Why I Love You” featuring Bruno Mars, executive-producing a cohesive album in a noisy era, and carrying the mantle of R&B with humility and purpose.

This episode is equal parts testimony, masterclass, and love letter to real songwriting and production.

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In this episode, Ian Von sits down with rising R&B artist Kuzi Cee – a self-described Gen Z lover boy and R&B purist – to talk about love songs, the African diaspora, and the evolving state of modern R&B.

From growing up between Zimbabwe, London, New York, Pennsylvania, Toronto, and Calgary to signing with Universal Music Canada, Kuzi breaks down how his international upbringing, his love for 90s and 2000s R&B, and his Zimbabwean roots shape his sound. They dive into his breakout record “Rather Be”, his vulnerable single “Rain”, and his confident new joint “Ember”, while also unpacking the balance between vulnerability and strength as a male R&B artist.

The conversation stretches from Usher’s Confessions to the UK R&B wave, from TikTok virality to FIFA stages, from toxic R&B eras to love-centered storytelling. They close by centering the craft of songwriting and why R&B pens are some of the sharpest in music.

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In this episode, Ian Von sits down with rising mixed-gender R&B group SZN4 to unpack their journey from the TV competition Building the Band to touring, festivals, and releasing their debut album I Fear.

They talk about how four singers from Utah, Boston, Arkansas, and Chicago became one cohesive vocal unit, what it really took to get their signature blend, and why being runner-up on the show might have been the best thing that happened to them.

The conversation dives into vocal arranging, songwriting with top creatives, the difference between “great singers” and true “artists,” and what it’s like to build a brand-new kind of R&B group in a solo-artist-dominated era. The group also shares the heart behind I Fear, the vulnerability in the booth, tour life lessons, and their vision for where they want SZN4 to sit in the culture five years from now.

Stay to the end for a fun game where everyone reveals their go-to breakup songs, driving anthems, and personal theme songs.

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Chapters:

0:00 Intro & Set-Up

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In this episode, Ian Von sits down with two-time Grammy Award–winning producer, songwriter, artist, and music director Bobby Ross Avila for a masterclass in musicianship, longevity, and R&B history.

Bobby shares how he went from a three-year-old on the piano to being signed at age 12, opening for New Kids on the Block, and later becoming part of iconic production duo The Avila Brothers. He dives into his life-changing mentorship with Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis, his work with legends like Usher, Janet Jackson, Mary J. Blige, Gwen Stefani, Earth, Wind & Fire, Anthony Hamilton, and The Isley Brothers, and how a producer customizes records for each artist without losing their identity.

They break down the craft of making timeless music, the importance of real musicianship in the age of technology and AI, and what it takes to serve as music director for Usher’s Las Vegas residency, Super Bowl halftime show, and the blockbuster Past Present Future “R&B” Tour with Chris Brown. Bobby also shares a rare story about receiving a USB of unreleased Prince vault material from Paisley Park.

This is a deep, thoughtful conversation about artistry, humility, discipline, and why, for Bobby, the biggest superstar in the room is always the music.

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In this episode, Ian Von sits down with Grammy-winning songwriter and powerhouse vocalist JHart to trace his journey from London to Atlanta to Los Angeles — and from shy, church-singing kid to in-demand hitmaker and fully realized solo artist.

They dive into how the Black church, Atlanta’s R&B legacy, and the pain and beauty of the queer experience shaped his voice and pen. JHart opens up about self-sabotaging early opportunities, rebuilding his life and career in LA as a songwriter first, and finally stepping into the spotlight with his new EP The Full Fantasy.

The conversation spans everything from vocal “source-channeling,” the return of real singers, honoring Black musical traditions as a white queer artist, the power of live musicianship, and what it really means to be an artist vs. just a great vocalist. Along the way, they nerd out on Brandy, Mariah, Bieber, yacht rock, and the unsung centrality of R&B to the entire music ecosystem.

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In this powerful, unfiltered conversation, Ian Von sits down with songwriter, drummer, and producer Raymond Calhoun – the man who wrote one of the most enduring R&B records of all time, “Outstanding” by The Gap Band.

Raymond breaks down:

- How he hustled from DC churches to The Manhattans, Peaches & Herb, and eventually to The Gap Band.

- The exact story of how “Outstanding” was written in his living room, inspired by his young daughter… and finished in the bathroom.- How he played nearly every instrument on the original recording.

- The battles over credit, publishing, and money that followed – including mis-spelled credits, blocked royalties, and decades of unpaid publishing.

- How he eventually reclaimed his U.S. copyright and why “God is real” in his journey.

Along the way, he shares road stories, production history, friendships with legends (Quincy Jones, Anita Baker, Tito Jackson, M’tume & Reggie Lucas, Russell Simmons, LL Cool J, SWV’s Brian Morgan, and more), and the emotional cost and reward of having your very first song become a certified R&B classic.This is essential listening for musicians, songwriters, music historians, and anyone who loves the stories behind the records.

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In this episode of the Can We Talk? R&B Podcast, host Ian Von chops it up with the legendary R&B supergroup Day26. Nearly 20 years after they first hit our screens on Making the Band, the guys break down their journey from reality TV to chart-topping success, group breakups and reunions, going independent, and stepping into a new era with fresh music.They talk about what made their chemistry feel ordained, why there were no real “peers” when they debuted, how it feels to hit 20 years in the game, and what it really takes to put out quality music without the machine of a major label. They also share what it was like moving back into one house as grown men to recapture that early magic, and give fans a live taste of their signature multi-part harmonies.Along the way, they preview their new project, reveal some of the heavy-hitting collaborators involved (including Brian Michael Cox and Johntá Austin), and express deep gratitude for the fans who have been rocking with them since 2007.🧧 Support the Show:

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In this episode of the Can We Talk? R&B podcast, host Ian Von sits down with rising R&B/pop girl group 3Quency to talk about the modern resurgence of groups, building real sisterhood in the music industry, and carving out their own lane after their breakout on Netflix’s Building the Band.

They share how they formed “Love Is Blind–style” in pods without seeing each other, the pressure and beauty of carrying the legacy of 90s and 2000s girl groups, and how they navigate vocal health, touring, social media narratives, and independence as young artists.

From stories of performing with lost voices and sprained ankles, to late-night “girls talk” that turned into a whole project, this conversation is a deep dive into authenticity, unity, and what it really takes to be a group in 2026. The ladies also perform a live a cappella snippet (Brandy’s “Have You Ever”), talk through their creative process as songwriters, and reveal the powerful meaning behind their name, 3Quency.

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Ian Von sits down with R&B singer-songwriter Dondria for an honest conversation about her journey from YouTube discovery and early chart success to healing, independence, and rediscovering her love for music. She opens up about stepping away from the spotlight, overcoming depression, embracing solitude, building a career on her own terms, and why self-love became the foundation for her marriage, her creativity, and her new era, Back To Love. This is a conversation about growth, vulnerability, and the courage to choose yourself.

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Chapters:

00:00 Intro
00:42 Catching Up with Dondria
01:17 Finding Her New Sound
01:41 The Power of Solitude
03:04 Isolation, Faith & Growth
04:28 Falling Back in Love with Music
06:25 The Meaning Behind "Solitude"
07:29 Dondria's Songwriting Process
08:37 AI & the Future of Music
10:10 Mental Health & Back to Love
11:41 YouTube Discovery & Going Viral
13:11 Jermaine Dupri & Early Success
15:10 Michael Jackson Biopic Review
18:11 The True Cost of Success
19:21 Depression, Healing & Growth
20:46 Learning to Trust Herself
22:59 A New Era of Self-Love
24:37 Advice for New Artists
25:35 Breaking Down the New Music
27:26 Independent vs. Major Labels
28:52 Wedding, Tour & New EP
30:50 Ownership & Standing Up for Herself
32:31 Marriage & Creative Partnership
34:21 Does R&B Make Room for Healing?
36:07 A Message to Day-One Fans
36:58 Rapid Fire Questions
40:07 Becoming "The One" for Yourself
41:04 What's Next for Dondria

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