New Jack Swing
New Jack Swing (n.) [nu dʒæk swɪŋ]: New Jack swing is paced much faster than its umbrella genre of R&B from around 95 beats per minute to upwards of 105 bpm. More rhythm and usage of percussion was seen from the foundation of the R&B fused with he beats, sounds and lyrical components of rap and hip of the time. The chaos of new jack swing was busy yet organized showcased within the keyboard and synth sounds. The four-four-time signature or sometimes twelve-eight time is largely seen in the swinging drum beats. This was also incorporated with the introduction of newly made drum machines like the Roland TR-808. Many artists embraced former hits and older artists as sampling became commonplace within the genre. The E-mu SP-1200 and the Akai MPC series were some of the most popular within the music scene for sampling. The last major characteristic of New Jack Swing, seen in the latter years of the subgenre was the use of smooth group backing vocals that is commonly referred to with Boyz II Men. It was the transition from the stereotypical R&B and pop that the early 1980s were used to seeing. It was this new scene of R&B that revitalized the genre making its mark in the hip-hop world.
For more of the Subgenropedia and other genres check out the Spotify Playlist with some more of my favorite picks for each sub-genre!
Songs:
1. Feels Good - Tony! Toni! Tone!
2. It's No Crime - Babyface
3. Rub You the Right Way - Johnny Gill
4. Groove Me - Guy
5. Control - Janet Jackson
6. If It Isn't Love - New Edition
7. I'm Dreaming (From the Motion Picture New Jack City) - Christopher Williams
8. Night and Day - Al B. Sure!
9. Giving You the Benefit - Pebbles
10. I Want Her - Keith Sweat
11. Motown Philly - Boyz II Men
