Selective Ignorance R&B Debates | Bonus Episode

In this bonus episode of Selective Ignorance, Mandii B is joined by music journalist Jayson Rodriguez and cultural curator A-King for a deep, soulful dive into the world of R&B. [00:00] The conversation kicks off with a look at R&B’s cultural impact, tracing how the genre has served as both a mirror and a balm for generations of listeners.

[03:08] The trio explores the evolution of R&B within the music industry, from its gospel and soul roots to its intersections with pop and hip-hop. They reflect on [06:01] what truly defines R&B, arguing that the emotional depth, lived experience, and vulnerability in the music are what make it timeless.

[08:48] The discussion shifts to the role of media in shaping R&B’s visibility, and how the genre’s presence has changed on major platforms. From there, they break down [12:07] today’s R&B landscape, spotlighting emerging artists, and asking whether the genre is truly experiencing a renaissance—or if it’s still fighting for space.

[15:00] Hip-hop’s influence on R&B comes into focus, both as a source of collaboration and creative tension. [17:48] Nostalgia enters the chat as the group reminisces about classic sounds, beloved groups, and the feeling that something essential has been lost in the transition to modern trends.

[20:40] They dig into the evolution of vocal standards, noting how raw vocal ability has often taken a back seat to aesthetics and production polish. That leads into [23:53] a conversation about the challenges and opportunities shaping R&B’s future—from streaming culture to label support and artist independence.

The episode doesn’t shy away from nuance. [38:47] They unpack the shift from "thug love" to hyper-masculinity in male R&B, questioning what this means for intimacy and expression. [42:29] The aesthetic evolution of artists—from fashion to persona—gets its own spotlight, while [44:24] nostalgia and critiques of the genre’s supposed "decline" add further layers to the dialogue.

[50:20] The conversation turns to women in R&B, debating whether they're thriving or still being boxed in by industry expectations. As the energy rises, the group shares their dream lineups for [54:36] future R&B tours and collaborations, imagining what a curated revival could look like.

To wrap things up, they discuss [01:00:29] the legacy of R&B through the lens of underrated and overrated albums, and [01:09:26] share their predictions and hopes for the future of the genre—highlighting artists to watch, sonic shifts on the horizon, and the timeless power of R&B when done right.

This episode is a love letter, a critique, and a call to action for anyone who’s ever had their heart healed by a hook or a harmony. 

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