It was Spring 1991. Forever My Lady was released, forever changing the landscape of R&B. Despite the genre’s watered down evolution, one thing has remained a constant, the legacy of Jodeci. Drenched in sensuality, with their edgy delivery and signature harmonies, the Charlotte, North Carolina natives is undeniably a pillar of R&B royalty.
Over 25 years later, the now trio, consisting of brothers K-Ci and JoJo and Mr. Dalvin, with roots deeply grounded in gospel, continues to perform and sell out shows, appeasing “Feenin'” 80s babies insatiable appetites for that old thing- real music.
Ever since the early 90s, the music pioneers has mastered their lane as a major piece of the R&B puzzle. A hybrid of street and savvy, sweet and sexy, the triple platinum group, who released a new single, “Every Moment” off the album, The Past, The Present, The Future after a 18 year hiatus last March, remains unequivocally potent musically.
Gritty. Timeless. Masterfully honeyed. Soul aficionados been earjacked for two decades. From “Cry For You” to “Come and Talk to Me” to “Stay,” the former Uptown Records’ quartet pumped nearly sonic perfection; a heavy dosage of sensuality, rekindled love and second chances, flirting with seduction, striking a listener’s lasting love affair.
The mainstream success of their three albums, Forever My Lady (1991), Diary of a Mad Band (1993) and The Show, The After Party, The Hotel (1995), which all reached multi-platinum status, earing the group sales in excess of 25 million units and ushering in an unforgettable sound still resonating with music lovers today.
Fast forward over two decades, Rhythm and Blues has forever changed, delivering an epic collection of music as a soundtrack of the 90s that has spilled over to the new millennium, fulfilling a musical void we now realize we needed.
The Source caught up with the group during their Chicago concert Friday, December 2, where they headlined a 90s Holiday Jam as they got candid on the current state of music and what fans would be surprised to know about them. – Angela Wilson
The Source: How has music changed since the 90s? R&B isn’t what it used to be…
Mr. Dalvin: That’s because people aren’t writing with any substance anymore. No one’s talking about love anymore, it’s all about b*tches and hoes- and that’s OK though, it’s just not what we do.
We are being tricked as black artists into believing that real R&B music is no longer marketable while Sam Smith, Ariana Grande and Adele are being peddled as today’s R&B artists. I like those artists, but I wish young black music makers today realized just how powerful and valuable real R&B music is before it was stolen from them like Motown and rock music was stolen from some of our early music pioneers.
Mr. Dalvin – Jodeci – Arie Crown Theater – Chicago, 12/2/2016 – Credit: Juan Anthony Photography
JoJo: We did sexual songs, but we did not disrespect the woman. We made a woman feel like they wanted to have sex.
As you look back over your career, any regrets, anything you’d do differently?
Mr. Dalvin: Not really, I mean we were young- we’d probably make a few different choices as far as business but we had a hell of a run and we’re still continuing to have that success – classic music, classic songs.
You guys sing a lot about love, what’s the craziest thing you’ve done for love?
*guys laugh*
Mr. Dalvin: Well I ain’t never been in love!
JoJo: I think that’s a lie *laughs*
JoJo – Jodeci – Arie Crown Theater – Chicago – 12/2/2016 – Credit: Juan Anthony Photography
Mr. Dalvin: I can write about it, I can sing about it and talk about it but I’ve never experienced it. I experienced it through people around me but not myself personally.
JoJo: I experienced love when I had my first child, and that opened my heart up to love and self. And that’s why I’m glad I’m happily married.
K-Ci: Oh me? Everybody know my situation I don’t even want to touch on it. *laughs*
What’s something fans would be surprised to know about you?
Mr. Dalvin: That JoJo could cook really good. He make a mean crab leg!
JoJo: *points to Mr. Dalvin* And he’s a dancer! He get down- gets funky gets loose! *laughs*
K-Ci – Jodeci – Arie Crown Theater – Chicago – 12/2/2016 – Credit: Juan Anthony Photography
K-Ci: I like to go fishing.
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Catch Jodeci on December 9 at the FUNK FEST in Miami and on Sunday, December 11 at the House of Blues. Click here for tickets.
Photo credit: Juan Anthony Photography
