Did R&B Singer Tony Rich Get Blacklisted? (The Guy That Sounds Like Babyface 🥴)

[@ovoirv86]

I loved that song as a kid and thought it was babyface until now. Wow.

[@rrg]

❤❤

[@kellytclarice]

I always thought it was babyface as well lol

[@camecex]

So did I

[@nancymosby7369]

Me too! 😂

[@kennyking4554]

This is how I use to sing the chorus, (or so I thought) mumble, ham, beatbox, stammer (somewhere in the middle of the chorus) and whistle at the same damn time, to Tony Rich's song "Nobody Knows It But Me", from when I was like 10 to when I was about sem'teen years young: "Tren ren rrrnn rrnnn nnnn.. Life is so lonely Jesus so sed, en, I just keep mmmmmm lo that we had, and I'm kiss'n you, that obody knows it but meh"🤦‍♂ Then whistle and we're on repeat again.

[@danavixen6274]

I'm tired of talented people being blacklisted for mundane reasons! Tony Rich made great music that is STILL touching to this day. Greedy record execs need to realize that most of today's "artists" lack substance and depth. Most of them probably won't be remembered in 10 years! 😩

[@2mara]

That’s for real.

[@danavixen6274]

@@2mara 👍🏾

[@happygolucky7241]

Agreed! I can not respect the entertainment industry of deceptive practices they do against real talent people.

[@Indigowind]

It’s painful how they keep stifling and frustrating talent

[@kennyking4554]

Not only is Tony a talented singer/ songwriter, he's dope on the 🎹as well.

[@rrg]

Facts!

[@deewoo2776]

I am happy to say that I still play his music at home. I'm happy and proud to have all 7 of his CD albums. 📀📀📀📀📀📀📀

[@abhayes1]

His "Speak Me" album is my favorite. This was an independent album he released.

[@jasondawson92]

Another underrated popular r&b artist from the 90s who were forgotten was Jesse Powell, Eric Bennet, TQ, Kenney Latimore

[@carayj]

Eric and Kenny still perform and are pretty active

[@onetwo12onetwo526]

I hold Jesse Powell in much higher esteem

[@liveyourbestsoftlife5705]

Eric Bennet cheated on Halle Berry and his career went down

[@MsDivaJonelle]

Yassss, Jesse Powell did his thing on “Gloria”

[@onetwo12onetwo526]

@@MsDivaJonelle iconic

[@allthingsbeauty9175]

Omg Nobody Knows was one of my ultimate favorite slow jams from back in the day and it’s still in my playlist today. Thank you for this ❤️ I always wondered what ever happened to him.

[@rrg]

Such a great song ❤️ Hope you enjoyed the video!

[@allthingsbeauty9175]

@@rrg I sure did ☺️

[@PatinaEdochie]

It was! Sad thing I hate to say but it’s been so long I forgot Tony Rich 😩🤦🏽‍♀️ I didn’t know he was blackballed but it definitely explains why we never hear his music anymore so that had to be for a reason smh But yes he’s veryyy talented and their right he does sound a lot like Babyface 💯

[@AngelicaAngel888_]

Nobody Knows is one of my fav songs so I knew it wasn't Babyface. But tbh outside of listening to the song, I didn't think much about Tony Rich. Thanks for this breakdown! As soon as you mentioned Pebbles and La Reid, I knew where the story was going 😂.

[@rrg]

Thanks for watching ❤️

[@laura-rosemclellan4196]

I thought it was just me. When you hear Pebbles and LA Reid you know it's about to be a problem 🥴.

[@chancest.thomas5160]

​@@laura-rosemclellan4196 And Puff Daddy, 2

[@DEldridge79]

All these underrated artists are getting pushed to the back....meanwhile mumble rappers and less talented folk out here making millions. Its sad but I wish Tony the BEST!!!

[@rrg]

Thanks for watching ❤️

[@jamesjackson4558]

That's because they are bending over both literally and figuratively being the devil's bytch.

[@Lili-vc2lu]

Because the underated artist sounds similar to a bigger artist

[@DrLadyBugM]

@@Lili-vc2lu right they want to kill the real competition to make one super star at the top.

[@liveyourbestsoftlife5705]

Bingo

[@johnjamison3219]

Tony's music is wholesome and sensual, and not repetitive. When you hear his lyrics, they encourage you to sing along with the song, and you never have to worry about the words within his song/music. I've bought all of his CDs, and regardless of what label he is under, his music stands alone; irrespective of where he is, his concerts are worth the trip.

[@fatyma_zahra]

I couldn't wait to watch this! This is sad, yet sometimes rejection is protection. Tony is so talented as a singer and musician.

[@rrg]

Thanks for always watching ❤

[@rheeryder2524]

DEEP: "Rejection is protection." Wowwwwww.

[@chadlugz1510]

He’s still one of my favourite R&B artists of all time. God bless him and his family. His music live on forever 🙏🏼♥️

[@BirdLadySpeaks]

I am ashamed to say that I thought it was Babyface as well. I’m so sorry to this man, in my KeKe Palmer voice. Great video!!!! 💛💛💛💛

[@rrg]

🤣🤣🤣 thanks for watching!

[@residentrump3271]

Like a Woman is *STILL* my jam! Takes me back to a time when I felt I had a pale semblance of love...

[@garytaylor8344]

Though the song Hey Blue is a great underrated gem,and my personal favorite.

[@BriBri82]

So much 90’s nostalgia in “Nobody Knows” I cried listening to it a few moments ago. The 90’s was an amazing time! Sad to hear that he’s been releasing albums all these years and I didn’t know of any of his music, due to the machine only giving shine to those artists who are hot in the industry at the moment. My heart sank when the narrator said he hasn’t been on the mainstream charts in 25 years or something to that effect, even though he’s been releasing music and albums. The industry is a very cold, unloving place. He had awards, albums and is a very talented artist, but due to being blackballed he couldn’t get a deal from a major record label. The industry is brutal. Smh!

[@RobandSijay]

The issue Tony ran into was releasing a single that was a one off from the rest of the album and it wasn't true to the artist he is. Same thing happened with Pink's first album "Can't Take Me Home". "Nobody Knows" sounds like Babyface because he likely wrote the song with Babyface in mind as the artist to sing it. The problem with this is many artist see it as a slap in the face that you're impersonating them on a song you're trying to sell to them. Tony Rich music just wasn't promoted to his core audience. He's Alternative R&B/Alternative Pop and the label didn't see that.

[@AngelicaAngel888_]

I loved Can't Take Me Home but I loved her other albums so much more bc I feel like it was more of who she was. I dislike when they try to pigeonhole artists into being something they're not.

[@RobandSijay]

@@AngelicaAngel888_ exactly, it worked for me with Tony Rich however I lost touch with pink after the 3rd album but im happy for her to be able to make the music she wanted to in the first place.

[@NC-tt4gc]

LA told me you'll be a pop star All you have to change is everything you are I think most of the songs on P!nk's first album were written by other ppl, like Kandi. Completely different from what we discovered is P!nk's real sound.

[@kelvinmorris1991]

The Nobody Knows remix is fire 🔥

[@J.C...]

You didn't watch any of this vid lol. Tony and his brother wrote it. And LA Reed is why his album was R&B and not the music he normally played. LA Reed forced it.

[@kristawilliams9043]

I was today years old when I found out that song wasn't by Babyface! I'm floored!

[@doreensika837]

I have never heard of him. But I feel so bad that he hasn’t achieved the success he wants. That must be heartbreaking. Wishing him all the happiness in the world. Great video as always.

[@rrg]

Thanks for watching! ❤️

[@shimeicareaves]

Wow 😮

[@doreensika837]

@@rrg always ❤️

[@nancymosby7369]

I really like his smooth sound! Regis said it best “ enjoy it now cuz they will soon chew u up and spit u out “

[@rrg]

Yup, Regis was right

[@Dec7ATL]

Birdseye was and still is a fantastic album!

[@elv3812]

Tony Rich is so talented. It is sad that his career didn't really take off like his contemporaries. One reason I believe his music didn't catch on was because "neo-soul " was starting to emerge and that was considered alternative R&B. But he didn't neatly fit in that pocket either. The music industry is so narrow-minded that they cant have too much variety. There is a KZbin video with him and D'angelo doing a Stevie Wonder tribute.

[@tracyreadytv]

When I tell you I thought that "Nobody knows" song was babyface!!! WOOOOOOW! I am today years old when I knew this! WOW

[@TF-gf3fs]

I remember when Jon B came out, they were pushing the fact that he sounded like babyface yet he was pushed to a black audience and they loved him.

[@marygill5010]

Sad but true.

[@east32nd]

Unpopular opinion Tony was trying to distance himself from having a black fan base . And trying to be that “different”black artist . There is nothing wrong with having a multicultural fan base , because that is what music is about reaching the people . Him pulling away from urban events and people didn’t serve him well at all . Good for him he has songwriters credits . He screams respectability politics .

[@rrg]

Interesting...

[@BlkMagickGaia3]

As soon as I heard " Pebbles and LA Reid ", I knew what happened.

[@martigirl2545]

Good for *Tony!* I’d say that *he’s SAFE* and not being *controlled* by the music industry’s *C R E E P S.* Many blessings to him!! 🎶🎵

[@rrg]

We agree!

[@David_USC]

His album 'Words' is a true masterpiece, Tony is so slept on. 🔥

[@everydayfefe]

Absolutely

[@carolanestanley4030]

I agree, the album Word is classic! ❤

[@PLBoogie]

So is Pictures (2006)🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥, Exist and Birdseye

[@yunisadonel2803]

Very talented artist on alll levels

[@blachubear]

You should do the one with Shanice, who was signed with LaFace back in 1999 but got blacklisted because she didn't want to show any skin or sexy image to sell records according to her on an episode of "Unsung".

[@SimpleeKomplex]

Good one! Shanice is a beautiful soul.

[@rrg]

We have a Shanice video ❤

[@inndia]

@@rrg link please

[@robertmauli1293]

@@rrg Really. Let me search that one.

[@robinhoodz642]

Love her

[@tymartin2293]

Watching him on New York Undercover. Season 3, ep. 9 😊

[@pundiparadox9840]

I always thought he was behind Jon B blowing up...Baby Face, Tony, and Jon B were all giving us that same sound. I never saw him as a pop artist. Neo Soul, blues, folk music maybe? Anyway, it's sad that he didn't go further. He's definitely one of my favorite 90's artist. I still have his first 3 albums - great songs!

[@sarahsimpkins1311]

You need to do an story on the Rude Boys and men at large

[@laurenreneebrittany1797]

I was listening to "Nobody Knows" yesterday lol! Love his voice!

[@rrg]

So our video is right on time 😃

[@laurenreneebrittany1797]

It sure is!! 👍🏼

[@rrg]

@@laurenreneebrittany1797 ❤❤

[@Mysasser1]

Jon B is the Michael McDonald of the late 90s and early 2000s. He's underappreciated.

[@valerieirvin4330]

You go girl just bring back the 90's music back to the front line. So much memories😊😊😊😊

[@rrg]

😘

[@mickiamajor8110]

I love Nobody Knows🌹

[@Imani94196]

I always did say he sound like babyface I love that song bring back middle school memories 😍 it’s a shame so many talented artist get put on the back burner it’s like anyone that is truly talented they want to push them aside that’s why music today is so trash 😩

[@aliciawilliams4992]

CHECKING IN

[@ronnel9999]

I was today years old when I learned that wasn’t Babyface singing that song. Wow.

[@sirblack1619]

This was a pleasant surprise! I loved his voice since I first heard it. Glad that he did not go broke the way most artist seem to do. Writing for self and others seems to be the way to stay financially good along with being financially responsible. I need to see some of his artwork.

[@CarlitaCosmetics]

This is really a great channel I must say

[@rrg]

Thank you!

[@trentrama2645]

his first two album was masterpieces like very introspective and dark.. he touches on subject that no one does very similar to frank oceon.

[@carolanestanley4030]

I agree!

[@coreyrae0183]

Tony Rich was so overlooked. I still loved Nobody Knows.

[@rrg]

So do we ❤

[@mel3256]

So sad..just illustrates the mainstream music industry does not support artists who want to be genuine, or are multi-genre. Imagine how many great talents are being repressed and lost due to the fakness of the mainstream industry. Hope more artists get attention via diverse online channels.

[@GranTyrant]

Bro...I always thought that was Babyface song! Now I feel like a jabroni

[@knuckleblood]

For over a decade my mother would tell me that she wanted track #6 from the Tony Rich Project played at her memorial. 6 months ago, she asked to be taken to the hospital for shortness of breath. She was admitted and tested positive for Covid. She had a DNR order and did not want to be on a respirator. I returned home to talk with the family about hospice services. Next to my mother's TV was the CD I hadn't seen in years. I got her message cleary, she was "Leavin".

[@marygill5010]

Condolences.🙏🏾 I'm sure you gave her a beautiful service. I've been there-gotta follow moms instructions.

[@crystalmason829]

Wow

[@2mara]

That’s still one of my favorite album’s, Tony Grammy was well deserved!!

[@hybridhazza]

Resurrected is a classic!

[@Lexx1192]

Damn, he shoulda performed in 96! Who cares what the rest of the lineup was!? He could have added flavor that others weren’t providing smh. He must’ve pissed somebody off 😩

[@junkscorpion7011]

Great job on Tony Rich Words is a diamond in the rough great CD and I still listen to NOBODY KNOWS on occasion yall keep it up✌🏿👍🏿

[@Filmation77]

Tony Rich was the 90's equvialent of an 80's Artist named Regina who Seriously sounded like Madonna and her song "Baby Love" was pure 80's Madonna sounding .Tony Rich unfortunately came in at The Pinnacle of Babyface's success and Record companies were like "Babyface?,give us more of THAT" this also happened with this very talented songwriter Martin Page ("In The House Of Stone and Light") who sounded like a Broke-Ass Sting. This happens with one hit wonders who sound like more famous artists.

[@rrg]

You know your music history. We love that ❤️❤️

[@SweetTea742]

If that's the song I'm thinking of then oh shucks, I thought that was Madonna too 🤣😂

[@danavixen6274]

I STILL love In the House of Stone and Light! ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@vonbook1973]

I remember Regina, lol...as a kid everytime I heard her I'd think, "Fake-azz Madonna...🤣" You MIGHT get one hit sounding like someone else--but not a career. Glen Lewis' "Don't You Forget" in 2001 was another one...he sounded just like Stevie Wonder on it.

[@rjs1602]

He has four children but he chooses to live in another country for 6 months to be with a lady he met on social media😕

[@rrg]

👀

[@andrewbloom7637]

@@rrg He currently splits his time between the States and Australia, where his wife is from.

[@nagare-9901]

That should tell you who this dude.

[@anthonymeans7439]

Never was totally clear on what exactly happened to Tony RIch.You heard some stories but I always wondered just what really happened to him as he was very talented and his debut album received such critical acclaim.Always wished he had gone further following his first album .Nice to know what happened and hopefully he's doing the kind of work that's true to his heart.

[@nicolesherman8974]

Hey besties! Happy Friday ❤️. Y’all have spoiling us lately ❤️❤️.

[@islandbrowning2299]

I could totally understand not wanting to be on a tour that has more rappers because the energy is different. My dad used to like that song and oddly enough it played on white radio in the DMV (due to the people he worked with he adopted the majority of their listening lol)

[@TheZakiya]

When this song first came out back in the day, I never heard it on our local RnB station or Pop station. But I would hear it constantly on our Contemporary Jazz station, it got HEAVY airplay there! He was in there with the Sade, Najee, Kenny G, Anita Baker, Spiro Gyro, Take 6 listening crowd! And I was proud to listen to it on there because I grew up listening to Contemporary Jazz anyway, and the song fit in perfectly! Another song that got heavy airplay on the Contemporary Jazz station that got no play on RnB stations was "Come Back To The World" by Tevin Campbell!

[@thallus23]

I remember that song, Nobody Knows. It was a good song! At least Tony was still getting paid from his writing and royalties. Most artists can’t even say that!

[@vabeachtiff]

I was 15 when this dropped and although a good song, the fact that his voice was too much like Face, also with the guitar playing etc it just felt like a Babyface clone. It was mad weird tbh.

[@rrg]

😩

[@KatWoman12]

I immediately loved the song and thought he sounded so much like my fav Babyface. There can only be one G.O.A.T. (Babyface), but there is room for Tony and so many other great artist.

[@derrick_smitty]

Tony fell out with LA Reid on the direction of his second album thats why LA Face dropped him.

[@ptrco5]

Tony’s a great artist and no surprise how the industry treats their own. Thankfully he has other talent to use. Thank you RRG, always delivering great videos ❤️

[@nowaidunbar8156]

I bought his album and loved it! I've always wondered what happened to him. It's a shame though. So talented.

[@beamhigh207]

Good for him pulling out of that line up - he definitely did not fit. It’s a shame that so many black artists got lost because they didn’t fit what the industry wanted to see out of them.

[@shaylalewis6560]

He said "I'm not black, I'm OJ" 😂😂😂

[@koden24]

Resurrected is an excellent album!

[@N8oRMusic]

The Birdseye album is frikin genius. La Face Records only released the most generic garbage. Tony was way too good for them.

[@demos9836]

At least hes not broke and strung out on drugs. Nice

[@nunyabizz3518]

All this time, I thought that WAS Babyface singing that song.😳 Sad to hear his music wasn't a commercial success but it's a good thing he writes songs for others. At least that worked in his favor. Thanks RRG for another interesting video!

[@hyperboi87]

Yooooo you just cracked my whole face with this one, I never questioned that it was baby face when I was young, and my mind even sees baby singing this

[@tonimichelle8401]

Can you guys do Sweet Sensation? I love your videos!

[@jburnett180]

Back in my high school days working at a grocery store, I would see him shop there several times. He seemed like a really cool, down to earth guy.

[@carayj]

His 15 minutes came and went so fast I forgot about him

[@rrg]

Aww 😩

[@thedarkcreole]

I seriously thought Babyface was singing background on Nobody Knows and at least co-wrote it. I’m genuinely shocked that he had nothing to do with it. Wow.

[@everydayfefe]

I love Tony Rich and his music. Still play him.

[@leratotabane5841]

Me too and enjoy it....

[@zafrikelip.1935]

I say this with pride…I know every word…of every song from ‘Words’… He was incredibly talented and never got his credit…Ughhh Gonna go play ‘Hey Blue’ just cuz❤️❤️❤️ ‘Grass is Green’ and ‘Like a Woman’ are also lovely…

[@2BOLD4U]

When I saw the title, I thought that I never heard of this guy before, but I actually did. Nobody knows is a song that I used to play over and over again when I was younger.

[@jewelsafire6844]

Obviously, this man is super talented. Will have to catch up on all of the things Tony Rich has been doing so far.🌹♥

[@rrg]

❤❤❤

[@Wondertroy1TV]

That BoyzIIMen album he worked on was II…. That sold about 15 million and Toni Braxton sold about 20 million.. I’m quite sure LA Reid made out like a bandit on both ends but Tony got nothing to be mad at…

[@kerrajohnson3203]

Should've went on tour. Cancelling at the last minute is so unprofessional.

[@lonelyenchantress2172]

Exactly plus he sounded like a snob by saying their were "too many rappers there.

[@faithybyfaith]

Because he didn't label himself R&B then he didn't get play time on R&B stations. There were too many R&B artists to put o n the radio who align with that sound to worry about someone who isn't an R&B artist.

[@turktito8556]

I remember when that came out. I thought it was maybe wrote by Babyface being on LaFace and all, but man they played that song to death! I don't care for slow songs but it grows on you. I never changed the station when it came on I'd let it play through.

[@deetheefoodie]

My mom loved her some Tony Rich! Nobody Knows It But Me is still my song till this day!

[@camecex]

Tony Rich didn't stand a chance against all of the Ushers of the music industry. His music was laid back and mellow among all the bump and grind r n b

[@rrg]

Why is that Maxwell was able to have staying power in the industry and Tony didn't?

[@jasondawson92]

Also Dangelo, Boyz 2 Men, Michael Jackson etc...

[@everythingbyjohn]

@@rrg very very good question.

[@onetwo12onetwo526]

@@rrg how long did Maxwell go between albums hard to say staying power. Second album was more of an EP that I believe got extended but his career has been somewhat inconsistent but I do like Maxwell

[@camecex]

@@rrg Maxwell was on top for the first two albums. Then he took a hiatus, resurfaced with an album that wasnt well received by the critics, some fans(not me though :) and never achieved the same level of success.

[@excaliber8713]

That “nobody knows” song can easily be a country music song .

[@ellenekanem]

Pretty sure a number of country artistes have covered it already

[@excaliber8713]

@@ellenekanem cool! I’d like to hear some

[@ellenekanem]

@@excaliber8713 Try Kevin Sharp.

[@nagare-9901]

It was put on the country charts , and went to number one again! Look for country singer Kevin Sharpe

[@godiseverything1482]

I am shocked about what went on with his career. BUT BUT, I believe that GOD HAS TONY Where he want him to BE.... 🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽

[@Kittylicable]

He wasn't blacklisted it sounds like he just didn't have that it factor to go against the other R&B male singers at the time.

[@lonelyenchantress2172]

True he was a lil dry, didnt really have any swag.

[@jstixx]

that’s definitely not what it was… the game doesn’t make room for real artist….having complete control over your work and finding peace becomes primary over wealth and popularity…. Tony being a writer as mentioned in the video was already doing fine royalty wise…His strict upbringing wouldn’t allow for him to settle or compromise his integrity…. Him and Joe..his brother are extremely talented and good men…I am glad to have been there on that journey with the both of them as it was the time of my life as it was for the both of them.

[@jonhester8909]

Nobody Knows was my jam back in the day!💯🔥

[@soulmateattracts]

Nice 🙂

[@Coco-xw3wp]

I loved them 2 song's nobody know's & Like a Woman! I was 15 or 16 when it came out. Man time goes fast some of the best music came out in the early and late 90's. So sad that time waits for no man!

[@angelaanaconda5837]

All imma say is the ancestors heard him loud and clear ..

[@mizzjacquettaxx6974]

He was super attractive and good looking guy

[@williesanders184]

I just love this U Tube Shizzle n Being able to express n share Here, I know the feeling of being Compared to other's, And would really confuse n create Haters if I chose to Go public Because I have a wide range of selection of sounding like other's n Sometimes being told I sound just n better than a lot of my Versatile selections? I could never figure out which one of them I want to make my own! Ohhh I'm stealing this beat at the end 💯💖🤣😎Very inspirational

[@NyhnaLaw]

Nobody knows will forever be my jam!!!! And I’m grateful that I knew he wasn’t baby face. I literally just played nobody knows the other day. Great timing!

[@rrg]

Impeccable timing 😃 Thanks for watching!

[@jessicanabraham]

He's a very sweet and humble guy who has only gotten more and more talented over the years.

[@bossibunz8143]

Heyyyy happy Friday RRG besties! 💜 Right on time as always. 💨🍃 I was today years old when I learned that wasn’t Babyface. I swore it was him until just now & always wondered why I could never find it. 🤣🤣 For sure he was blackballed like so many other talents but at least Tony is doing well for himself. Let me head on over to the Kut Close video. 🏃🏽‍♀️💨🥳

[@leonsmith539]

I'm noticing a trend of Black artists who don't want to fit in a "R&B box" getting pushed aside and not supported by the industry

[@shay_lah]

I used to think this man sung Everytime I Close My Eyes.. LOVE that song. he really does sound like Babyface. I love Nobody Knows too 💜

[@CoCoBella83]

💕 Him! Thanks so much for THIS bestie RRG❣️👏🏾👄💯

[@greggprice3609]

Very Talented and Attractive brother.

[@rrg]

Yup!

[@marywatkins9438]

Welp...he shouldn't have pulled out of that concert. That was a very bad move.

[@danavixen6274]

Thank you RRG for reading my mind. I was wondering about Tony Rich. I'm not on Instagram so I wasn't aware of what happened to him.