Adam Blackstone • R&B MONEY Podcast • Episode 036

The Authority On All Things R&B !
This week, R&B Money hosts the virtuoso of soul, Adam Blackstone. A multi-talented artist, he's not just a bassist but a songwriter, producer, multi-instrumentalist, and arranger with a gift for tapping into the essence of each song he works on. Before he was a household name working with Justin Timberlake, Rihanna, Drake, Kanye, Jay-Z, and Janet Jackson, Adam grew up in New Jersey surrounded by music, inspired by his church organist father to pursue music direction. But the journey wasn't easy, grinding and playing any gig that came his way, including birthdays and bar mitzvahs until he moved to Philly and met the Roots. In this episode, Adam shares his journey and the importance of musical theory. Get ready for an inspiring ride with a sorcerer of sound, Adam Blackstone, on The R&B Money Podcast
Subscribe on KZbin - bit.ly/RnBMoneyKZbin
R&B MONEY Album out NOW !!
tank.lnk.to/RnBMONEYID
Tank: @TheRealTank
therealtank...
J Valentine: @JValentine
jvalentine...
Director: @jacobhuizarofficial
jacobhuizar...
Podcast Producer: Ruben Rivera
@scorpioruben
Podcast IG: @RnBMoneyPodcast
rnbmoneypod...
#tank #jvalentine #rnbmoneypodcast #superbowl
0:00 Intro
1:25 Timberlake 20/20 Experience
52:45 Super Bowl 2022 Emmy Award
1:17:30 Top 5 R&B Artist
1:21:30 Top 5 R&B Songs
1:26:18 R&B Voltron
1:32:45 I Aint Saying No Names
1:36:20 Outro

[@ChanteMcCormick]

One thing I have to say about this podcast--- the conversations be LIT even if I don't know who they are interviewing at first! I'm always captivated.

[@candicesmith1708]

Ikr …. I’ll pause it then look them up 😍 . Then the journey begins 😝

[@justgenesis22]

Yup!!

[@TheHovalova]

Factz

[@melodyschannel4485]

Right… the Stories about the ppl you do know, and the relationships is the magic.

[@HeyYoggie]

YES!!!

[@clutchesllc1930]

This podcast has introduced me to people and jobs that I didn't even know existed. I'm not in the industry and had no idea a musical director is who brings the artist vision to life.🤷🏽‍♀️ I love that it's not just the artist themselves but also the writer, producer etc. Who honestly are also artists. Dopeness.

[@pastense]

As a live musician myself, when Valentine mentioned that he wants to hear it like the record, and Adam comes in and says that he makes the effort to make it sound BETTER than the record. That’s exactly what I live for as a musician. Mic MFin drop!!!!!!

[@okashleyj]

We need an R&B money official playlist with all the guests’ top 5 R&B songs 👀

[@oliverqueen4342]

Yessss this!! I thought the same. It can be continuing after each episode

[@MeYou-kw2xf]

Oh my yes that would be fire

[@DLHerrod]

👌🏾💯

[@Aquishawn]

This comment aged really well because they do that now🙌🏾

[@asiablackgrl6482]

I had no idea who Adam Blackstone is. The guy is amazing. Thank you for highlighting the behind the scenes people that help add greatness to some of our favorite acts! I loved this interview. This podcast is everything! 🔥Love from the Yay Area!

[@RnBMoneyPodcast]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@ladybuggenesis]

If you watch any of the music awards shows...well mostly black, you'll see him.

[@hendersoncnc]

Same

[@michelleryan8610]

Adam and Patrice Rushen best MDs ever in music. She’s not talked about enough!!

[@arleneshorter2705]

I sat behind Patrice in the band at Locke High school in L A she is awesome to this day.

[@MizdeeLiving]

For the last two hours that I have been watching this episode, every major performance that Adam talks about, I go and watch the KZbin video and vibe out.. Then, I come right back and listen to the rest of his stories 😂 I’m amazed.

[@tuggie4144]

ADAM BLACKSTONE DEFINITELY NEEDS A PT. 2 ON THIS PODCAST…SO MANY JEWELS DROPPED 💎

[@zeudi242]

Thank you to all involved in this Podcast!!!!❤

[@RnBMoneyPodcast]

Any time!

[@realestate1423]

For real!!!!

[@creativebarber]

🎯

[@ThePowerInYourVoiceWithDrCindy]

Yes! That arrangement of Slow at the SLOW TRAIN awards was incredible!!!! This year it was the SLOW train. Tank & J -- your performance was out of this world. It was a moment - AND had MANY moments within it. Thank you for shedding some light on that performance. Hearing Adam's perspective makes it even more enjoyable to experience again, and again, and again. Everything about it was amazing. It was visually stunning - lights, pole dancer, all the way down to the bare feet. Love the song. (By the way, J, the notes you hit the first time you sing the words "soul" and "slow," are also serous moments. Whatever those notes are. Love Adam's arrangement. Love the performance. Love R&B Money podcast. Love Tank & J. Love Slow!

[@tangelafowler3817]

Oh!!!! It absolutely was!!!!!

[@motownmommy]

Facts

[@candicesmith1708]

Yessssss Yesssss 💯🔥🔥🔥

[@dariuslovhalll5606]

What would have been 🔥 is if they could have worked slowly in there somewhere

[@AmarisLW]

@@dariuslovhalll5606 My goodness. I love that song! 😩

[@DeeDee-ik9yg]

The way Tank sends me to church doin the choir clap every time he plays 🎶I Aint Sayin No Names🎶 on the keyboard is beyond me....🤦🏾‍♀️😆👏🏾 OAN, I can say enough how much I love this show and how beneficial this show is to all who watch. J made a very key statement when he said, "this is about discovery" cause trust, there have been times where I've had to Google a guest, a song, a producer, a video, etc. Hell, I just learned about Adam the other day watching the news coverage on him as being The Man behind Super Bowl performances. This show introduces us to people behind the scenes, the creative processes of how many of our favorite songs/performances/artist became whi/what they where and the journeys along the way. It's crazy how we really look forward to Saturday mornings. It's literally part of my Saturday morning routine while cooking breakfast. I look forward to it like I used to look forward to Soul Train and 106 & Park. Excellent show fellas! Keep'm comin cause yall really created something great!👏🏾👏🏾

[@k-dot8903]

I think what I really love about about this podcast is that focuses on people who are not only insanely talented but passionate about what they do. Everybody they’ve picked so far takes their craft seriously and it’s so nice to hear them pop their shit, receive their flowers, and share their journey. ❤

[@UKLeonie]

Ohhhhhhh we are going to be fully educated and entertained tomorrow afternoon, Happy Black US Future Month 🌹🇬🇧🖤🌹🇬🇧🖤

[@iammikalanthony]

I'm like sheesh

[@UKLeonie]

So impatient I had to listen to Spotify then run back to KZbin for the visuals 😉@R&BMoney Podcast 👏🏾🌹👏🏾🌹

[@m.e.5]

What y’all do isn’t just artistry-it’s architecture, construction, engineering, and beyond; tailored to each project/performance. The episodes’ part history and masterclass. TYSM pulling back the curtain to showcase the immense gifts of every facet of the entertainment industry. Talent doesn’t event begin to describe what y’all do!

[@faithdobson3983]

Another great episode! The R&B Money Podcast is amazing! This is the missing piece to the music world! R&B is everything!🙌🏽🙌🏽🙌🏽❤❤❤🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@stargazierlily0670]

Here again, its like waiting for Soul🚄 to come on Saturdays.

[@Muzikal_Kween]

I love that J. Always have everyone laughing. A black man, who smiles, laughs and sings. ❤❤

[@kamiafunchess2126]

When I tell you, I had my 5 fingers spread wide, waving back and forth, 🎶TOP 5!!! we want your, TOP 5!!!🎶 🤣🤣🤣 Cracks me up everytime!

[@RnBMoneyPodcast]

Rock on!

[@libralife1009]

This was such a great episode. I cant wait to you all get Carl Thomas on here!!

[@ChloGouam692]

Y’all NEED to get Brandy up here! My idol needs her flowers! And we gotta get Jazmine! ❤️❤️❤️

[@celinahurt1472]

Love this Podcast, so informative... can we get Peabo Bryson

[@12emcmillan]

The Live version of Slow on the Soul Train Awards was put together phenomenally Great Job !💖

[@sweetnovember7925]

This is my Saturday bed side baptist! I'm out of town and made sure I was in attendance for service!😁😉🥰

[@RnBMoneyPodcast]

Love that!

[@kristentufts193]

Another blessed Saturday morning! Thank y'all.. R&B Money!

[@datnjchick973]

Adam is absolutely AMAZING and he has worked with all of the “Who’s Who” in the industry!!! 🎉 This more reason to have Jazmine Sullivan on here cause him and her redid “Round Midnight” when I say they were so disrespectful in a respectful way absolutely spectacular! 🙏🏾🙏🏾

[@justbeingmarian]

Full Moon is one of my top 5 albums. It was on repeat every day when it came out. I still listen to it today.

[@DavidHernandezLovesYou]

I DEFINITELY went back to listen to the album again after this convo! 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽

[@nieashapearson5327]

Full moon top to bottom facts

[@diamondwhite3908]

Music, industry business, performances, label talk, production… RnB Money leaves nothing on the table. I love these conversations. Y’all different different ❤

[@ArnitaBlo]

Now, I know who Adam Blackstone is!!! I watched him playing with the bands on the music specials and loved him every time... I also love live music... Great interview!!! 🥰❤️🎤🎶👍🏾👍🏾👍🏾👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽

[@tishairvin6507]

Lmaooooo the Disney reference!!! But it was a great moment! Adam Blackstone is a genius. The life gems that are being said, can change lives. I see the keyboard!!

[@courtniepatton7333]

Just hearing how they flipped New York, New York (Sinatra) into Jay's New York gave me goosebumps 😳 😍 Got to find that!!!!!!

[@Toispoon1000]

Shout out to Adam Blackstone!! Willingboro In the house!

[@daphnelewis18]

I love this podcast so much! I’ve literally watched every week since episode 1 and I just love it so much. I love learning about the behind the scenes of the music business and what these artists go through when making this good music. This podcast is so informative and entertaining! I love being introduced to folks we wouldn’t normally hear about and learning their stories, like Theron and Harmony. I will continue to tune in every week! Keep up the amazing work brothers! I love y’all ❤️

[@lasundajackson8861]

Wacthing r and b podcast happy black history month📺❤️

[@celinahurt1472]

Adam Blackstone Legacy is a whole vibe 🔥🔥🔥

[@chikojere1411]

I.FREAKING.LOVE.THIS.PODCAST!!!!OMG! Thank you for another gem. Didn't watch the producer episodes in the beginning but after listening to Adam Blackstone, Harmony Samuels and Theron Thomas, I am going way back to all the episodes i skipped and getting blown away by all the behind the scenes stories behind the greatest songs ever made. @R&B Money Podcast THANK YOU! ❤❤❤

[@melshay3271]

Adam is a GREAT person. Respectful, kind and full of integrity! ❤🖤

[@candicesmith1708]

You can definitely “sense” that for sure ! 🤎🤎🤎

[@BreianneEhigie]

I'm so in love with this Podcast and I love J Valentine humor and Tanks humor. They are truly good friends.. they are Professionals, RnB Legend , Gents, Raw Warriors with sophistication!!!

[@hopeful1893]

✨I Love spending my Saturday mornings with R&B Money….Good food for the R&B Soul. ✨

[@bencromwell707]

Nothing But The Best of The Best From My Favorite Podcast #RnB #Money #Podcast

[@RiRiTheGr8test]

Y’all already know, I’m repetitive atp! Y’all something like the Lord, lol, y’all know my ❤️! Adam was amazing. Uber-talented man and musician. He has done it all. He’s responsible for some of my favorite performances of all time. Truly inspiring and blessed beyond measure. Podcast keeps getting better and better. I love seeing the growth. See y’all next week. ❤ 💸💸💸

[@RnBMoneyPodcast]

🙏🏾

[@MsATLVirgo]

This is a learning podcast!! 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾

[@RnBMoneyPodcast]

Yes it is!

[@candicesmith1708]

ThankYou Adam Blackstone for everything you’ve contributed too! I didn’t know who you were before this interview but now I feel like I’ve always known you! Phenomenal! Educated at his craft and a amazing talented brother for real ! Tank & J ! I love what you’re creating here ! A Fan For Life! 🤎🙏🏾🤎🙏🏾 Continued Blessings

[@1208Shell]

This was a great episode , Adam is the 🐐 I had to go listen to the JT song and his live performance for The CMA awards he said "Thank you Lord" it made my soul smile...ya'll nailed it, that arrangement was churchy-soul-country!!! 🥰🥰

[@mzapril007]

My favorite podcast has done it again!!!! Now this is a treat to watch.... Let the mini movie clips began 📽️🎬🍿💖... .... #chapter36

[@Drm386]

The way this man did a whole 6 degrees of separation of his career is mind blowing!!

[@bellawaifu3296]

This made me smile. I've been following this mans career for a long time as a music lover. My man's was out here in the streets. So glad you guys gave him his flowers 💕💕

[@Trainingwithtroya]

I’m learning as someone who is NOT a musician but just has such a love for it.. I learn so many nuggets that I can apply to my life from this podcast.. It’s not just learning the history of our music/musicians . it’s the journey that encourages and motivates me Everytime! Thank y’all!

[@eclectikgirl]

I had no clue until this podcast Adam Blackstone was the genius behind some of the best live shows I’ve seen! That JT concert was magical. Another great episode.

[@abeautyofwords]

God is amazing!! Thank you Tank and J for allowing people like him to show and let people know how God works!

[@twgtalks]

'Caring weighs on you' - Tank

[@liteeyes1882]

I love the conversations you have with your friends in the music industry; the listeners learn so much about the business and how things work behind the scenes!!!

[@Angel-om6bs]

TANK!!! Keep doing what you’re doing! R&B FOR LIFE!❤️🔥

[@preposteroussvideos]

I love this brother energy 🔥

[@toyaniahayes3584]

Tank be so in character! I love this podcast. Even if you don’t know about what is being discussed….J is going to explain it so the world understands. 💪🏾💪🏾💪🏾

[@Me-px7js]

I had NEVER heard the name Adam Blackstone before this ,but now I’m bragging about him and trying to get others to learn about him! This podcast is a must see forever!

[@keishajohnson5335]

This guy Adam Blackstone is fierce. I saw him play for Chante recently, and have seen him play for JT, the accompaniment is awesome.

[@ramonawilson9361]

Aaand J.Valentine...negro you were FLAWLESS on the SOUL TRAIN Awards! I MEAN....BROOO..y'all saaaaaag! I have forwarded and texted that segment as well as LISTENED an infinite amount of times! 🙌🏽 ❤🙏🏽❤ 🙌🏽

[@RnBMoneyPodcast]

Wow, thank you!

[@jocelynmunford1822]

I was so excited to see this episode. A fellow south Jersey native!! Adam has come a long way!! And I was so happy when he mentioned how much Jersey and Philly influences in music. Tri-state done get the respect and flowers it deserves when it comes to music

[@deas9410]

Excellent interview. Hope he feels loved and gets all the 💐💐💐

[@shyreewyatt8972]

My very first episode and I’m a fan already..Love Tank and J..She’s worth the trouble is one of my favorite songs ever! Will play it anytime of any day..I gotta watch all the episodes I’ve missed…thank you gentlemen for this..❤❤❤

[@dnelson4137]

Most of the guests i’ve never heard of but always leave knowing who they are and learning something in the process.

[@makemsaydee25]

I love justin he's so soulful

[@TheDmaat13]

This show is a gift... ya'll did it again gentlemen ❤ #R&Bauthorities

[@jadaimani4510]

LMAO I love Tank so much! That "Top 5" intro was something else!

[@Kingkids26]

It's the way I embarrassed myself in the car alone with the way I yelled when he gave E. Dawkins the vocal!! 🤣

[@Music71194]

Adam is definitely going to be the MD for Usher Super Bowl performance

[@ladiluvnu]

We learn a lot from R&B Money podcast! This podcast/ep is like being in music school

[@cshell75]

I’m glad Adam got his flowers. Behind the scenes making magic. I appreciate the way he talks, too.

[@danahoward759]

I just saw him in the Half Time Show behind Rihanna!

[@TheLovelee44]

It’s cool to actually get to know him because I feel like we see him a lot but never hear from him. Well at least me lol

[@DavidHernandezLovesYou]

GREAT convo! Nothing but love and respect for Adam! He's ALWAYS been a great human and he deserves all the blessings that come his way! 🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽

[@spadycandya525]

My cousin Adam!!! Rep for NJ Adam. Love you and proud

[@Walkingclaxxic]

What’s dope about this podcast is that they can get a huge selection of guest from artiest new and old songwriters new and old producers new and old behind the scene folks new and old and on and on! Keep it going folks

[@tremainem]

I just KZbin JayZ and JT Summer tour. The transition from Frank Sinatra New York and JayZ New York was so DOPE. Adam salute you King ❤️

[@KaiLove]

Great episode. Brother Blackstone was an amazing guest and you can tell that churchy is in him. And yes, I did wave my "Top Five" hands, LOL. An observation... J. be cussing and fussing, but I saw a little shyness and vulnerability in him when talking about his recent performances. The "generics" conversation was so funny. I used to watch this podcast on Saturday mornings, but now I'm in piano lessons during that time. This podcast is motivating me to step up my musicianship. Thank you Tank and J. for that. I can't wait to play some TOP FIVE churchy chords!

[@lvhandyrepairllc7102]

The 100th episode has to have studio audience Las Vegas

[@kamiafunchess2126]

OMG, Adam, I freaking remember you!!!! 5 Spot in Philly, for Black Lily, hosted by D. Ryva Parker, was THE place to be 99-01!!! I think I got photos of you too, WOOOOOOWWWWWW!!!!! I love life for moments like this! I knew when I was there, I was witnessing history!! Y'all check out Jaguar Wright's singing, Jazzyfatnastees, man! India Arie, Musiq, Kindred, they were all there! What a time and so happy to see you and your success!! 💪🏾💜

[@MrThirdMarshall]

This one for us musicians!!! Preciate it fellas! ✊🏾

[@illuminousone]

Time to add top 5 performers!

[@Walkingclaxxic]

J make me proud being from the Bay 🙏🏾 behind the scenes money is where it’s at

[@CSUGTV]

I had to stop watching at 20:45 to go watch Slow at the Awards show again because it was so amazing and now I want to see it in a whole different light

[@tko05]

As a musician I appreciate this so much, Adam is such a good example. I love the way how the artist have so much respect and trust in him and his band, the 🇬🇧 could learn a lot lol anyways good job guys

[@eddieg6704]

MDs! Ya'll are really showin out. I LOVE that you're showcasing more than just performers and producers because there's so many lanes to this music thing and it gives people hope and new perspective

[@TheRealSpark]

🔥

[@ramonawilson9361]

ADAM it was me waving my hands!! Myyy favorite segment of R & B 💰 is PRAISE AND WORSHIP TOP FIVE!! 🙌🏽 🥰 🙌🏽

[@TG-et9ns]

Shout out to Tank for the no shoes decision. I was literally jumping up & down about EVERYTHING this performance gave‼️

[@Starringnicole]

This show is phenomenal, I am getting on this team lol. This show is gon get the bag one day. This is an entire seminar at a university

[@glencro]

Eric Dawkins is THAT dude. Glad that he was your Votron voice pick. I’ve been listening to him since his Dawkins & Dawkins days.

[@meganmyers7826]

Thank you

[@RnBMoneyPodcast]

You're welcome

[@TheWillofWilliam]

Johnny CROOM!!!!!! What nostalgia

[@QuayB]

LOL, his "I won't say no names" story was definitely one that made news though. We gonna need some more tea babe.

[@MintDaKid]

This was Awesome, Thank you Tank and J for this, Adam is a Beast and a inspiration to all MD’s (Church and Secular)

[@shauntay04]

Shout out again to the R&B Money podcast for the knowledge.

[@annesiadouglas7295]

I freaking love u guys like I literally in love u both tank & j everything u do is amazing. I watch u guys every week. I jus have 1 request I jus need to see Usher & Ne yo on ur podcast.

[@shekacos195]

Liked this soon as I heard Jersey. Want to add another if I could when I heard Trenton.....love how yall give life to the people that are behind the people we see that are larger than life. ❤️ this

[@michelleryan8610]

I need a Adam Blackstone documentary curated by him!!!

[@ogfleetgaming]

Surprised no one ever mentions Callie Day as a favorite voice especially the guests with Gospel backgrounds

[@jeanbeya6860]

Thee Authority!

[@Queenofsole100]

Great job as usual, fellas 🔥

[@RnBMoneyPodcast]

Appreciate it!