R&B Money

Episode 175 of the R&B Money Podcast brings us a legend. Keith Sweat — singer, songwriter, producer, and one of the architects of New Jack Swing — sits down to chop it up about what the music industry never wanted him to know, and how he figured it out anyway.

Keith gets real about his come-up from Harlem, what it actually takes to build longevity in this business, and the deals he took, the deals he passed on, and the lessons that came from both. This isn't just a music conversation — this is a masterclass in entrepreneurship, ownership, and surviving an industry designed to take everything from you.

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D’Mile—Grammy-winning producer, songwriter, and musician—joins J. Valentine for a deep dive into the craft behind some of the most soulful records of this generation.

From shaping the sound of H.E.R. to contributing to Silk Sonic (Bruno Mars & Anderson .Paak), D’Mile breaks down what it really takes to create music that feels timeless. We get into musicianship, chord progressions, live instrumentation, and the discipline behind building records that stand out in today’s landscape.

We also introduce his new artist India Shawn, highlighting the next chapter of his creative journey and artist development.

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Bryce Wilson, producer, songwriter, and founding member of Groove Theory, joins J. Valentine to break down one of the most influential sounds in R&B history.

Best known for the classic “Tell Me,” Bryce shares how Groove Theory helped shape the mid-’90s shift toward a more minimal, groove-driven sound that blended hip-hop and soul. He dives into the creative process behind the music, the importance of feel over complexity, and why that era still resonates today.

We also get into his transition from artist and producer into the world of film and television, and how he’s continued to evolve creatively across industries.

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DJ Mormile—music executive, A&R strategist, and co-manager behind the rise of Rae Sremmurd—joins J. Valentine for a real conversation on how artists are built behind the scenes.

From the EarDrummers / Mike WiLL Made-It era to the breakout success of “Black Beatles,” Mormile breaks down what it actually takes to create a hit, develop talent, and navigate major label systems.

This is a deep dive into the business, the relationships, and the decisions that shape careers.

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Q Parker of 112 joins J. Valentine for a deep dive into one of R&B’s most iconic groups. From the Bad Boy era to timeless hits, Q breaks down the journey of 112, the brotherhood, and the records that helped define a generation.

We get into the making of classics like “Cupid,” “Peaches & Cream,” “Only You,” and more—plus the reality of group dynamics, navigating the industry, and building a legacy that still resonates today. Q also opens up about his independent solo career, creating music on his own terms, and what it takes to evolve beyond a legendary group while maintaining your identity.

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J. Valentine & Bobby Outside are back breaking down the Tank vs Tyrese Verzuz—two of R&B’s strongest voices going hit-for-hit. From vocals and catalog to star power and cultural impact, they go round-by-round and call it how they see it. This is real R&B talk—no filters.
In this episode:
Hit-for-hit Verzuz matchups
Vocals: tone, runs, and live ability
Turtlenecks !!!
Catalog vs moments
Who really won?

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KevOnStage —comedian, actor, and one of the most influential digital creators in comedy—joins & J. Valentine for a real conversation on building a career in the new era of entertainment. Known for his relatable, family-centered humor and viral content, Kev has built a massive audience across YouTube, Instagram, and live touring—bridging stand-up, faith, culture, and everyday life.

We get into the business of being funny, creating content that connects, and turning consistency into a scalable brand.

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Mary J. Blige—the Queen of Hip-Hop Soul—joins J. Valentine for a powerful conversation on legacy, resilience, and the music that changed the culture. From timeless classics to personal evolution, Mary opens up about the journey behind the records, the lessons that shaped her, and what it takes to stay at the top.

We also get into her upcoming Las Vegas residency, bringing her iconic catalog to the stage in a whole new way—celebrating a career that continues to inspire generations.

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Elmiene joins Tank & J. Valentine for a conversation on soul, storytelling, and carving out a voice in today’s R&B landscape. Known for his rich tone and emotional delivery, Elmiene talks about the journey from early influences to building a sound that feels timeless but current. We get into writing from real experiences, balancing vulnerability with artistry, and the discipline behind records that truly connect.

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The DMV wordsmith pulls up for a real conversation on lyricism, vulnerability, and building albums that age well. With Tank & J. Valentine, Wale talks poetic influence, balancing rap and R&B sensibilities, navigating the industry, and protecting the pen in an era driven by moments. We get into catalog highlights, creative pressure, mental resilience, and what growth looks like now.

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