Jon B • R&B MONEY Podcast • Episode 013

The Authority On All Things R&B
On this week's episode of R&B Money, Tank and J Valentine are joined by legendary singer/songwriter/producer Jon B. They will discuss the moment he knew he was destined for this music life by winning his local talent show in Pasadena, California. Judged none other by the legendary Troop. Jon will talk about being a young teen getting to work with his heroes and how being a singer wasn’t in the front of his mind. he just wanted to be part of the team that constructed the hits. There is a lot to cover; Everything from his first job for Babyface playing the Nord lead on stage all the way to his magical sessions with Tupac Shakur, Jon’s infectious energy is evident for every second of this conversation. Listen and enjoy!
Related Links:
Jon B. - They Don't Know (Official Video)
• Jon B. - They Don't Kn...
Jon B. - Someone to Love ft. Babyface
• Jon B. - Someone to Lo...
Stronger Everyday (feat. Tank)
• Stronger Everyday (fea...
Jon B. - Lately
• Lately
Jon B. - Are U Still Down? 2-Pac
• Jon B. - Are U Still D...
Understand JonB ft Donell Jones
• Understand JonB ft ...
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#tank #jvalentine #rnbmoney #rnbmoneypodcast #music #money #business #entertainment #podcast #artist #singer #songwriter #actor #producer #jonb #lately #rustilldown #tupac #90s #rnb #babyface
Intro/Outro Original Theme Music By: The R&B MONEY Podcast

[@RashidaLamar]

Jon skipped over “Pleasures U Like” probably because the record label didn’t promote it, but that was a very good album with some excellent songs! That album is so underrated.

[@sicboi]

That album has great songs on it and a solid RnB album, but definitely agree it didn't sound mainstream and so didn't get supported sadly.

[@UpAndAtEmAddie]

Highly underrated and excellent album. Still listen to it in heavy rotation today.

[@DBrown-vg1fi]

OMG yes! Stronger every day as well two of my fav albums of all time!

[@reallife0728]

AN ABSOLUTE CLASSIC!!!!🎤🎤🎤🔥🔥🔥💯💯💯

[@valolanda2096]

An excellent CD. Yeah I think there were some problems with the label with that.

[@VeelaAmmons]

What the hell??? Jon B is finer now than back in the day. ❤❤❤

[@Ya_boy_Nique]

How can anyone not love Jon B. He hardly ever does interviews and the stories he provided about his journey in the industry and meeting and working with Pac was so much needed and appreciated! Always has been and always will be an R&B legend!

[@Drediggy]

Just saw Babyface and Jon B in concert. Jon B opened up for him. They are just amazing and still amazing

[@dorothywright5094]

I KNOW that was a goodnight❤

[@nwananka]

I swear any RnB artist male or female from the late 90s to the early 2000s was solid. Amazing talents.

[@ecllipsedeloach65]

Yes! They really hit you in your feelings. They also took their time to make quality music.

[@jeep128]

Only 2 people I respect that never just followed trends for money Jon B and Teena Marie

[@Warrengg]

Y'all are single handedly restoring our love for r &B and why we fell in love with this genre....oh and Jon B is always invited to the cookout🤣

[@divineselfentity]

Bobby Caldwell, Average White Band & The Bee Gees were the White Brothers Soul back then. Paying Homage to them before there were even a Jon B.

[@montanodunn]

Simply Red as well

[@divineselfentity]

​@@montanodunn War as well

[@Calicapenergy88]

Jon b is and always has been fine

[@UmiEarthGoddess]

Facts

[@MissLovelyLiz]

I didn’t think I could love Jon B. anymore. This man knows his R&B music history. 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽

[@candicesmith1708]

Y’all Neverrrrrrrrr Disappoint! 🔥 The way JonB honored Tank in this interview 😩 He’s so humble and classy 🤎❤️🤎 Tank & JValentine I’m obsessed with this show 😝

[@JusTee22]

I wish they would have talked more about the cool relax album. Jon B 🔥

[@misslady5263]

Seriously! An album you can just sit and play it through, beginning to end.

[@terikathomas2131]

He mentioned “Sunshine”!!!!! That’s one my favorite songs EVER!!! I just bought that vinyl a few months ago💪🏾💪🏾💪🏾 I was born in 1991 but I LOVE old music. It’s timeless❤️

[@brecarter331]

I'm the same way I was born n 95 but barely listen to anything outside of 07

[@terikathomas2131]

@@brecarter331 right!!!! 💪🏾💪🏾❤️

[@blaurine]

This is necessary for our culture right now. Love that you guys are doing this right now. I hope this show can help wake up this generation too the soulful intention old school R&B has.

[@TheMusicalEmpress]

Now yall are just straight showing out with THEE JON B!!!!🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@caramelsantana]

Jon B is aging gracefully. He don't look 47, matter of fact he turns 48 in November. He's taking good care of himself.

[@Kaithelightworker]

I agree! As soon as I saw him on here I had to look up his age. He’s aged very well especially for a white man lol

[@caramelsantana]

@@Kaithelightworker Agreed. Justin Timberlake is younger, but looks much older and horrible. He have a black wife and always dated black women. Maybe that melanin he's always surrounded by has contributed to his good health and fountain of youth looks. Lol.

[@ashleyshinese605]

I smiled so much watch this interview. Jon B is r&b period. Now yall gotta get Brandy lol

[@danahoward759]

Wow, Jon B. got in the game and was immediately rubbing elbows with the music industry's greatest talents. Wow, what a blessing!!

[@Blackstar81]

Who else was in heaven when Jon was singing? Love this episode, I hope they bring him back. I really enjoyed the convo, we don't get a chance to hear Jon B speak often.

[@tamarwilliams4516]

Me!!!!! 🙋🏾‍♀️ lol

[@hopemcgee1003]

Meee 🤣🙋🏾‍♀️

[@king-ofheartz]

While watching this interview.... You realize that Jon B's not just a legend, but also a student of R&B. Just like Tank and J Valentine

[@lunalegend_]

He aged like fine wine!! Such a dream! 🥰

[@trishadams7250]

JON B was the only white dude invited to the cookout ..lol LEGENDARY I still listen to his music.

[@dawnreed6830]

Tamia and Deborah Cox would be nice on this podcast.

[@kourtneesneed7161]

I love this interview. True legend would love to see Joe on here.

[@darrellmccall6100]

Him too

[@veeo2169]

💯💯💯💯💯💯

[@teokennedy9785]

You can tell he really studies the game! His insight is crazy!!!!

[@seabiscuit2948]

2 hours? What did we do to deserve this blessing?🥰

[@reuneety1]

Jon B is my soul brother, always has been since his first introduction into R & B and always will be. I thank God for blessing us with his gift!! 🙏Jon B is a legend to the culture. He embraced the culture of R & B at a time in the late 80's and 90's when some artist wanted to be pop star's. Jon wanted to contribute to the genre of R & B. He had what it took at the time to bust onto the scene and make a big impact. He did it then and still to this day. Must respect to Jon and his family. Salute!!🌹

[@blacprophet1153]

That was so funny and disrespectful when Jon B, said the producer told him he was too black! Ain't no such thing as being too black! Because " Black is so beautiful"!!! Also I respect the love for Pac! Jon B is an R&B/producer/writer/musician and legend!!!

[@Carmenlucas_Author9552]

Maybe this podcast will inspire radio to get back to how it was back in the day. I remember when all of the music that is discussed each podcast, was consistently played on the radio. Not only did my parents introduce me to every genre of music, but so did the radio stations. Nowadays, we hear the same songs on rotation. It’s ridiculous.

[@monetk.7802]

I was able to see Jon B. perform earlier this summer in Houston. He’s an awesome songwriter, singer and multi-instrumentalist. So glad he’s getting his flowers. An R&B legend!

[@IanTheChordJunkie]

I love the Respect and Reverence Jon B has for R&B and the greats that came before him! Some of my other favs by him that are slept on are “Shine, Boy Is Not A Man, Lonely Girl, Simple Melody, Pleasures U Like, Calling On You, Lately, & Bad Girl, I aint goin out, Everytime, & Before Its Gone! All BANGERS! 🔥

[@IamCarlFree]

There are so many good "Wow" moments in this! Jon B is definitely a legend and a talented musician. You can hear his passion for R&B. It reminds me of hearing that one good love song and repeating it again because it sounds so good.

[@sicboi]

JonB is one artist in the genre that never got any major hate or got beef in his career. Just a legend that focused on his art and love for RnB.

[@TheMusicalEmpress]

Jon is so soft spoken, you almost have to have the mic pinned on him. At max volume it's hard to hear him. Lovely interview. 💕💕💕💕

[@msthang5366]

First off, TANK YOU ARE LEGENDARY!!! Jon B, Jon B!!!❤️❤️ “Don’t Talk “ still gets me hyped! They DON’T KNOW is a classic! I saw you live at Summer Jam for KMEL , you went on after Tevin Campbell. Your vocals was smooth as hell and you and the band were on a whole other LEVEL!! LEGENDARY STAUS!!!

[@chulalena827]

Great interview as always. I would love to see Jazmine Sullivan on here. She is an underrated powerhouse.

[@iamebonyasia5815]

She jus won a Grammy definitely not underrated

[@whitnipaige5900]

I have never seen a white man age so beautifully

[@dcurtis0604]

Jon B is such a legend ...his songs got me thru...his voice just talking is so calm but melodic ...whew!!!! My fav podcast. ...

[@FOODREVOLUTION360]

I love Jon B. SO talented and SO humble. He always gives his wife props! I’m glad he found his happiness because he has stayed so true to the game. Very genuine vibes.

[@auraltrantra]

I was 14/15 when Jon B came out and to this day he is a constant on my playlists. I bought the Pleasures You Like album 3x.

[@bcontreras315]

I’ve seen him in concert at a very small lounge in Napa called Blue Note… I just seen him for the second time at the end of October of this year. He played his hits but the true Jon b fans know he has a catalog of hits and classics and I was so surprised and happy he played “Isn’t it Scary”. We were able to take pics after the show and I go up to him to tell him how much I enjoyed his show and that I loved the song and he was so appreciative! He was relived that the true fans knew not just the classics but the other songs… he even grabbed my hand and KISSED it and told me he loved me as a person of course. But you could tell he just overall appreciated the comment. I was on cloud nine cuz that’s my crushhhh for life hahaha at the end of the show he was talking and at once point ge said black don’t crack…. But beige don’t age!!!! Smooth ass white chocolate 😂😂💕💕💕💕

[@marlongreen8946]

Tevin Campbell next up

[@jasonbailey8644]

I feel another Great you can't have , are 90's Era with out those great music that we don't hear no more

[@dariuslovhalll5606]

Nope

[@brittannybrittanny]

I hope so

[@brittannybrittanny]

Anita Baker pls!!!!!!!!!!!!¡!!!!!!!!

[@brittannybrittanny]

Tamia...pls!!!¡!¡!!!!!

[@brendabarnes7308]

Lawd this man still fine! ❤

[@BM0RESquare_XTherapist]

👁💯

[@griffinjenn85]

When I tell you I heard Jon B’s voice, I started singing “Someone to Love” because he’s a freaking legend! I’m so happy y’all had him on the podcast as we needed to hear his story. Understand w/Donnell Jones is my jam & there’s hope for real R&B to come back! ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@jashanestone]

I remember that Tupac collab like it was yesterday. Man I'm getting "up there" in age. And proud to say, "I was there in the 90s" "wide-eyed" in all it's glorious time. ✅💯💪🏾

[@JustNaadia]

Amazing choice. You guys should bring Donell Jones next.

[@UmiEarthGoddess]

That would be 🔥🔥🔥

[@valnaviawalker2657]

Yes! I love Donnell Jones!

[@reneeyoung3186]

What about Carl Thomas?

[@JustNaadia]

@@reneeyoung3186 Carl is good, but I feel like Donell has more hits

[@reneeyoung3186]

@@JustNaadia I would love to hear what happened between him (carl) and bad boys. His career took off, went in the clouds and puff...I mean poof 😂

[@yvetterodriguez9411]

Love Jon B. Stokely is unstoppable!!!!!!!!! He is the real vocalist. Bruh can sing ANYTHING. I wish he would cover a really old classic by David Oliver. "Miss". Thank you guys for digging in deep regarding the music industry, so informative. Blessings. 💯💯💯

[@camimelt77]

Jon B can still sing and is still fine! Love seeing him celebrated in this way.

[@cmapit3220]

First, I'm a HUGE Jon B fan. One of my fondest memories is of seeing him and DJ Quik perform the night I was out celebrating my acceptance into law school. I would buy his physical albums, read the credits, all that. I LOVE his artistry. Also, the way he describes Tupac is exactly what I try to describe to people when they ask why I believe Tupac is the greatest. His duality, his message, and the way he delivered his message in music spoke to me, and others, on a spiritual level. I only wish he would have had the chance to grow into his mature self, because he would have only gotten better.

[@ishag2624]

J Valentine got everybody mind twisted with the Sesame Street revelation 😲

[@mday7410]

Yes he did😂

[@lateshiachilds3640]

🤣🤣

[@sharlenedenson4086]

Right!😊

[@azmomconnection]

I'm one of those fans that follows Jon B content around the internet, he always pops up right when i begin to miss him. Great interview, he is excited to talk craft and ya'll stuck to the subject!!

[@Issatha1]

This is by far my favorite episode so far!!! I’m 26 yrs old and I am a huge fan of R&B and I believe Jon B is an important part of R&B. Tank and J. Valentine I greatly appreciate y’all both for this. Thank You. 🙏🏽💯

[@teejay504]

Jon B. is THE ONE...definitely a favorite. ❤

[@brooklynnikki478]

Jon B is so dope! Glad you all had him on the podcast.

[@nikkiowens128]

Jon B will always be R&B! I still listen to his music and it takes me back to my high school years 94-97 best music of the 90's!

[@Mr.Laker19]

For all the Children who don’t understand the difference between 90s R&B today… watch this

[@tyronebaxter578]

I did not know he wrote the song Secrets for Toni Braxton. I just learned that. That's a bad boy, when you know he can write like that. THAT song was awesome.

[@woundedwombmindoflilith278]

Yaaasss, great conversation! Leave the rappers and athletes out of it, they are OVER REPRESENTED in this space, we need to focus on R&B singers, period.

[@molobeats2880]

ive only just discovered jon b, wasnt my era but damn this boy smooth. The chemistry on this pod is undeniable as well

[@jcorey68]

Ya'll need to interview Steve Russell from TROOP!

[@daffinebaskin5628]

Troop is one of my favorite boy bands that would be awesome

[@lisamoforbes6516]

Thank u Tank for inviting us into the industry with your podcast. Its is beautiful to see the passion and the individual talents that every person brings to the "Magic recipe" that is R&B Music Industry.

[@garypollard2192]

PLEASE DO AN EPISODE WITH BRANDY

[@JasmineMachel]

Jon B came to SLAY not play... This man has made me fall in love with MUSIC all over again, lawwwdddd these last few guest won't singing my man was given vocals and instruments I LOVED EVERY SECOND OF THIS... As usual J. Valentine is smooth and funny as hell "that car was hot..." 😂 Seriously though THIS EPISODE WAS TOP TIER 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥 Tank is me, I love a good old story paint the picture take me there he be so invested, his stories were DOPE and he gave us TEA 🍵

[@RnBMoneyPodcast]

💯

[@NickMintz]

This is going to be one of the top watched podcasts in the future.

[@sltrim]

Jon B came to Houston, TX and there was issues with the sound. He took over the mic and song acappella. Talk about blowing it out the water. These new artists have no clue.

[@GirlWeNeedU]

Avant, Jagged Edge, Tone, Toni, Tone, baby face, Toni Braxton, Jill Scott, Vivian Green, Janet Jackson, Maxwell, Johnny Gill, Mario, Tamia, Chante Moore, Keith Sweat, Brownstone, Total, Lloyd, Tyrese,

[@rainoftranquility7735]

Love is the language everyone speaks, regardless of race, age, or gender. Hood or upper-class, everyone wants to be loved.

[@moniquefriend8716]

I love when these dudes start riffing and vibing on the R&B they admire! Gone head Jon B!🥰

[@landocalrisian2014]

This was an excellent conversation 👍🏽👍🏽

[@destinyxo_]

I love that they mentioned 90s music. The emotion is just not there much today. I go to my classics often. I love Jon B and I'm so glad we got to hear him today.

[@Moe2You]

This was incredible 🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾 My first born was conceived to "Are You Still Down" 😌 and we still listen to the Cool Relax album to this day. 🙏🏾🤎💐

[@Obiamajoyisrmd]

One whole song huh…..

[@Moe2You]

@@Obiamajoyisrmd lol 😂 what do you think sir or ma’am? You’re the MD

[@IRIS-dp2bb]

Yes give him his flowers, finally!!!!

[@Ebreazyy]

What makes y’all stand out from the rest is that y’all actually let the guest talk. Little to no interruptions. Its apparent that yall value the guests. That’s not just love that’s respect.

[@missfavoured]

Tank, your studio sets the vibe to enjoy listening to all your iconic guests. If nobody said it, I did! Jon B is God sent🙏🏾!

[@marcelmarshall4240]

Sunshine is in my top five all-time. Alexander O’neal is incredible.

[@cjwallace4559]

Great music from Jon B!!!! Pray real musicians and music returns to the radio in Jesus Name....

[@KentraIsrael]

I smiled this wholeee entire interview. Jon. B STILL got it. Love this one

[@queenp8682]

LYFE JENNINGS....get lyfe JENNINGS on !!

[@thelastwave5160]

All respect to Jon B.. R&B is a part of that man DNA

[@ifluvcldfly]

His Pleasures U Like and Stronger Everyday albums are 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@hyunfo1]

Tank vocals in the Stronger Everyday and Lately tracks

[@ymleggo]

Big respect to Jon B. He’s pure R&B.

[@jacalynjohnson4656]

Jon B is it!

[@tymeishalovell4830]

I had a major crush on Jon B. in the mid 90s. I still have “Cool Relax” album until this day. And the fact these new artist sample his music is a giving his flowers he deserve. Love me some Jon B. ❤

[@peacefulao3052]

Please interview Music Soul Child & Maxwell.

[@dreaforshort]

Now I’m about to go binge play all of his music!!! 🥰 I appreciate this experience to get to see Jon B in this setting

[@shannonluda]

Yes give us donell jones

[@moormindful]

Thank you R&B Money team ... My favorite show used to be Unsung and this is like an even more intimate version of that 😍 starting from the beginning! I just love it

[@RnBMoneyPodcast]

💯

[@kierraaigner]

That Alexander O’Neal-Sunshine is EVERYTHING!!!! Ima have to go listen to that right now! And can we add that Jon B looks great! He is definitely apart of the culture!

[@creativehangsuite]

I got to see Jon B at the DC Winery right before Covid hit. Priceless would have been the song of the summer had it been given the chance and Understand IS what R&B is about. I love the version with only him. The runs and when he says, "you ain't see the best of me..." man listen! OVER! Great interview. I smiled throughout the entire podcast!

[@user-mb8rf7qk5q]

Fun story was a 19yr old aspiring songwriter/rapper freshly in LA in 2003 and met the manager Jon was talking about here. He said he was working with Jon B and he was actually looking for a female rapper for a song on the album. I was so freaking EXCITED cause I was a fan of him since I was like in 5th grade in 95. Anyway so dude sends me the instrumental and the concept of the song, it was the song “Butterfly” I think there was a really rough demo on there if I’m not mistaken. This is before social media so there wasn’t that threat of songs leaking. Anyway I wrote my verse so freaking QUICK, recorded some little rough voicemail of me rapping it, and sure enough the manager called me back and invited me and my homegirl to the studio to meet and talk about everything. Jon was there and I remember rapping it for him over the instrumental. I was nervous as helllll but look I was GETTING on this song, it’s Mr Jon MFing B and I’d already told my family back home I got it in the BAG 😆 . So I get through my verse, Jon says he loved it and it was fly and all. He was working on another song that day so we just chilled and let him work. Was told by the manager we were going to set up studio time to come back and record it. A few days later the manager dude emails me some crazy contract basically signing my life away to be on the song. The manager would take ALL my songwriting publishing not just for this song but like indefinitely. I showed the contract to different music people I knew at the time and they all told me hell no do NOT sign it. I basically replied that I wasn’t comfortable with the contract but I still wanted the opportunity to be on the song but the manager basically said no contract no feature. I was so heartbroken like this really crushed me, cause I was so young and it was my actual first big moment with an artist I admired so much. Growing up baby face was my idol and then Jon came along and was really someone I could relate to cause he had this element of cool. So getting the chance to meet him, vibe and be on HIS song was just mindblowing. But anyway…long story short, the manager got pissed I wasn’t down to sign his predatory contract, and I was never called back. The song “Butterfly” has a 16 bar empty space where my rap was supposed to be, and ya best believe I still rap that shit on occasion when I’m in a mood for nostalgia lol! Jon was a total gentleman, kind and considerate, and very professional. His manager at the time was an amateur, using Jon’s name to try to build his own little thing and it was so lame. Wish this story went differently for me but after that, I learned to produce music MYSELF and sing and rap on my own beats, so it was a blessing in disguise. Much love to Jon, and very sorry that amazing album Stronger Every Day was criminally slept on but I bump it often.

[@aliciagrayham4128]

Wow you were so lucky. I'm so jealous right now he definitely is a talented man.

[@user-mb8rf7qk5q]

@@aliciagrayham4128 so talented and super kind, soft spoken. 💎

[@aliciagrayham4128]

@@user-mb8rf7qk5q yeah & with a swagg 😆❤ that man can blow your mind with his voice .

[@Tramainec85]

I love how excited Tank is during the intro to every episode lol his energy is infectious. Absolutely LOVE Jon B! Thank you for another excellent episode! 🔥

[@txzbelle75]

I vote Chuckii Booker and Dave Hollister and Carl Thomas... PLEASE... on the show. I will ALWAYS love Chuckii. I'll never forget around the time Facebook started before the hackers... I inboxed him and he responded. I fanned all the way out. Dave came to my church to sing gospel and I was screaming and sliding in the pews like he was singing secular .. WHEW.

[@BornToBeFamed]

Chuckii would be a good interview

[@meganmyers7826]

I graduated in 98 and the love for RB music is what I lived for in highschool, from SWV to H-town. I really enjoy watching your videos. Thank you.

[@GoldenGraham25]

The living legend, Jon B!!!!!! Much respect for pulling the OG!!!!!

[@vegitausa]

What Jon said about Rakim writing Bobby’s raps makes perfect sense now. There is a part on Bobby’s Own Our Own song when he quotes part of Rakim’s Follow The Leader.

[@angmc1313]

Great interview. As much as I love streaming music. It sucks not to have the liner notes. I personally like to know who’s responsible for creating the music, production, song writing, etc…Everybody needs their rightfully deserved shine.

[@Blessed-tn1wd]

Me too!

[@taniakelly8546]

Tidal lists credits

[@41dhenry]

This podcast is one of the best episode (013), with Mr. Tank; Mr. J Valentine with quest Mr. Jon B were wonderful. He had so many compliments to Tank, when ever Tank is feeling not quit enough, he needs to listen to Mr. Jon B tell him how wonderful his talent is. I could listen to this episode again and again, history- peace.

[@kenberr]

Avant story need to.be heard

[@NotSoFamousAngelaDavis]

One of my favorite Jon B songs is “Lately”. I didn’t know what was all Tank on the verse. Great interview fellas! ❤️

[@SiRDebonair]

Appreciate you guys for what y’all doing for the RNB culture. This dope