Oftentimes when a buzzword or saying circulates across social media, the root of where and when it started gets lost in the mix. I took it upon myself to look into the origin of the popular — but also tired — phrase, “R&B is dead.” With a hit from a Google search, I discovered an article from as far back as 2009. 

While the R&B debate stretches back to the late 2000s, it continues to find its way back into today’s conversations. In August 2022, Diddy tweeted “Who killed R&B?,” which in turn created an uproar on social media. Although the tweet sparked online controversy, it did something that typically isn’t the norm — it brought forth a conversation between the older and younger generations.

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During Diddy’s Instagram Live revolving around his tweet, he opened the floor for artists to share their thoughts on the current state of the genre including former Bad Boy signee and singer Mary J. Blige.

“You can’t kill something that’s in our DNA,” the Queen of Hip-Hop Soul said. “It’s gonna keep transitioning from generation to generation to generation to generation.” To Blige’s point: How can something be dead that laid the foundation for your favorite genres of today?

As legends such as Blige, Monica, Faith Evans, Whitney Houston, Chaka Khan, and Brandy have paved the way, today’s R&B artists have found their own rhythm — literally and figuratively — to carry on the genre. And the demand for what they’re releasing is evident in their feats.

Numbers Don’t Lie

One of the arguing points of R&B’s “decline” in the aforementioned article from 2009 is that it’s not as prominent in the mainstream as it used to be. However, if we want to talk numbers about how R&B is holding up to hip-hop, then we can talk numbers — especially when it comes to touring.

In 18 tour stops alone, SZA’s SOS Tour raked in $34.5 million from selling 238,000 tickets in North America, according to Billboard. Kehlani is yet another prime example of R&B bringing in whopping ticket sales. After taking a five-year touring hiatus, their Blue Water Road Trip tour grew in both the size of venues and sales. According to Billboard, a standout stop for the tour was two sold-out nights at New York City’s Radio City Music Hall, which saw a sale of over 11,000 tickets and generated $813,000. 

“You can’t say something is dead that is obviously thriving in everyone’s faces,” Kehlani told the outlet when asked about their take on R&B’s status.

Apart from being one of today’s top R&B artists, Ari Lennox is a D.C. girl through and through. So much so that for her sold-out “Age/Sex/Location/” tour, the “Waste My Time” singer dedicated four shows to her hometown of the DMV.

Age/Sex/Location is Lennox’s second album under J. Cole’s Dreamville — a body of work that the Fayetteville, NC rapper praised across social media. Initially receiving Cole’s official co-sign-in 2015 not only marked her as the R&B First Lady of a label stacked with emcees but also opened the door for more R&B artists to rock Dreamville Fest’s stage. For this year’s festival — which brought in 100,000 attendees, according to Boardroom‘s own Randall Williams — its lineup featured some of R&B’s biggest stars including Lennox, Summer Walker, 6LACK, SiR, and of course, Usher as the day one headliner.

There are a plethora of reasons behind what sustains the drive of R&B ticket sales but here are a few: Top-notch artist development, the support of social media, and less supply equating to more demand.

Top-Notch Artist Development

Masego’s career trajectory has evolved at the same speed as his sound. The Jamaican-American musician is one of management and label company EQT’s non-traditional R&B artists, including singer Berhana. Initially coining his own sound as “TrapHouseJazz,” the “Mystery Lady” crooner has gone on to infuse elements from Caribbean and African music into his genre-bending discography. From his 2015 The Pink Polo EP to his self-titled sophomore album, elevation has been at the forefront of his artistry.

“A lot of it echoes off of the organization side of it being able to just take the creative side of an artist and be able to translate that to a model that’s functioning and evolving over time,” Masego’s manager, Justin Scarbrough, explained to Boardroom. A key driving factor for an artist’s evolution is their management’s ability to market, build upon and put an “exclamation point” on pivotal moments from earlier stages in their career, according to Scarbrough. “We’re gonna bring in the label team to figure out the best way to step up or maximize on a given moment.” 

Along with the collective support of his EQT team, Masego is hands-on in elevating the concert experience for fans. As he’s on the road for his sold-out “You Never Visit Me” Tour in North America (as of this writing), he is constantly “self-editing” when it comes to improving his shows, according to Kazz Laidlaw, EVP of Management & Special Projects at EQT. 

“He and his band are always working through the set list and adding different moments to enhance the fan experience, and just understanding as the rooms and the audience has grown a lot, how we can make the shows more engaging,” Laidlaw told Boardroom. As the venues where Masego performs have grown in size, so has his team, which initially began as just him, his manager, and a DJ.

“The tour team is pretty big and seeing as that grows how to make sure that’s streamlined and moving properly,” Laidlaw emphasized.

The impact of top-notch artist development can also be seen in a rising girl group. In April 2022, UK-based girl group FLO, who consists of Jorja, Stella, and Renée, took the music scene by storm with their debut single, “Cardboard Box.” Now, nearly just a year later, the breakout British trio has exponentially elevated right before our eyes and has even managed to collaborate with hip-hop icon and multi-hyphenated creative Missy Elliott. 

Ahead of their debut album, they are embarking on their first North American tour, which is sold out. What’s more, music listeners are now tuned in more than ever as their latest single garnered over two million streams in just four days after dropping, which the group celebrated via TikTok.

The Support of Social Media

Coco Jones is one of today’s most promising R&B artists who has had a remarkable breakthrough in the industry. The former Disney star’s new era initially picked up steam from her covers on TikTok. Taking note of Jones’ virality, her management team were strategic in leveraging it during her reintroduction to the world and pursuit to one day be a legacy act.

“That was a conversation we had right away because she does do really great numbers on social media, but it was also about not looking too perfect,” Jones’ manager and co-founder and CEO of 10Q Management Lydia Asrat told Boardroom. “Not having this persona where it’s unattainable. Your fans need to feel like they know the real you and feel like, ‘Okay, this is my home girl.’ Not some outer space character that I don’t ever feel like I can relate to.”

Cognizant that it’s the fans who ultimately keep an artist’s career running, Asrat and the rest of Jones’ team work to ensure that the growing group feel a part of the ride. However, most importantly, the objective behind her social media content is to keep her authenticity at the core.

As a boss and hard worker herself, the South Carolina-born and Tennessee-bred singer has always been dedicated to creating top quality work throughout her music journey. Now, she has a top-tier team she trusts that’s backing her every step of the way.

“I’ve learned regarding management that passion is important, but execution is even more important,” Jones explained exclusively to Boardroom. “Especially in an industry where there’s a lot of talking and not a lot of action. You always need somebody who’s going to execute what they’re promising.” 

“I feel like I’m only as good as my team, so having support has changed the trajectory of my success completely,” the 25-year-old songstress emphasized.

Jones and her team’s relentless run and social media strategy have proven immensely effective as the 25-year-old has hit a hot streak of wins including scoring her first placement on the Billboard Hot 100 spot with her breakout single “ICU.” In regard to Jones’ stacked line-up of upcoming shows at both venues and festivals, Asrat credits her sold out show for her EP, What I Didn’t Tell You, at the Howard Theatre in Washington, D.C. in March — the Bel-Air star’s first headlining show since she was 16-years-old.

Asrat shared that hitting that milestone was the catalyst for promoters to recognize that Jones has a fanbase that isn’t only ready to get their hands on tickets but also to sell out venues at a higher level.

Less Supply Equals More Demand

Following the success of his debut album, Trapsoul, Bryson Tiller solidified himself as a sought after R&B act. Although the Louisville artist dropped True to Self and Anniversary shortly after his 3x RIAA-certified Platinum album, he didn’t take the music on tour. Now, after five years of not touring in the U.S., Tiller is set to be back on the road. In March, Tiller shared on Instagram that he is kicking off his “Back and I’m Better Tour,” which will hit 25 cities, in May. 

The announcement sent his fans in a frenzy as the pre-sale tickets sold out in a matter of minutes, according to REVOLT. Tiller’s ability to be mainly off the grid yet have an upcoming sold out tour on his hands is a testament to how loyal R&B supporters oftentimes are.

The notion of whether or not R&B is dead all dials back to the beginning of my findings from 2009. The article posed the consideration of whether it was “premature” to make the declaration. As today’s R&B artists from Ella Mai and Victoria Monét to Leon Thomas III, Lucky Daye, Brent Faiyaz, and R&B duo dvsn continue to make groundbreaking strides in their career from album sales to touring — all while taking on the constantly changing music industry — I believe it would behoove people to give R&B a similar level of grace as other genres have received in their transitionary periods.

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The post The ‘R&B is Dead’ Narrative is Rampant, But Ticket Sales Are Proving Otherwise appeared first on Boardroom.

2022 was a big year in the music industry — from Grammy nominations to Platinum plaques — but another important avenue of artistry is remembering to give back and pay homage to where you came from. Demonstrated through selflessness, philanthropy, and community engagement, these artists, singers, and musicians have been recognized by their local communities for their hard work outside of the studio, and have been awarded their very own commemoration of street names, keys to their neighborhoods and cities, and even their own day.

From proud Houstonian Megan Thee Stallion to Oakland native Too $hort, these celebrities have put in the work to be honored with an entire 24 hours dedicated to their willingness to provide for and unapologetically represent the city that they’re from. Ahead, check out the list of entertainers, rappers, and artists who received their own day throughout the year.

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Megan Thee Stallion

The proud Houston Hottie and Hot Girl Coach was awarded the key to her city and made the proclamation of her own day on May 2 in praise of her philanthropic endeavors by Houston mayor Sylvester Turner. May 2, now known as Megan Thee Stallion Day, also represents the birthdays of her late mother and grandmother.

“Thank you Mayor Sylvester Turner for honoring me today and I will continue to give back to the city that made me who I am today,” Megan Thee Stallion wrote on Instagram. 

“Megan Thee Stallion has an extraordinary entertainment career, but we wanted to honor her for what she does offstage to lift people’s lives in underserved communities,” Turner said, according to ABC 13. “She assisted people after the 2021 winter storm, during the pandemic, and helped those struggling with homelessness. I look forward to watching her grow as an artist and humanitarian.”

Lil Baby

On Nov. 13, Lil Baby was honored with his own day in Atlanta, Georgia, with “Dominique ‘Lil Baby’ Jones Day” being the official title. In celebration of “his successful career and his generous philanthropy,” the rapper received a proclamation from the Atlanta City Council. The 27-year-old, who was born and raised in Atlanta’s Oakland City neighborhood, was also congratulated by fellow Atlanta rapper Ludacris and Atlanta Hawks star Trae Young in the comments section of his Instagram post following the ceremony.

Mary J. Blige

The Grammy award-winning singer and Oscar-nominated actress was awarded by the city of Atlanta with her very own “Strength of a Woman Day” in May 2022. The No More Drama artist was presented with the honor by Atlanta councilwoman Keisha Sean Waites with local Atlanta celebrities in attendance to support. Named after her 2017 album, the day was presented to Blige ahead of Mother’s Day, which was the weekend before the Strength of a Woman Festival and Summit. Moving forward, the singer will have her very own Mary J. Blige Day on May 5 of every year.

Too $hort

During a street naming ceremony in his honor, the rapper was honored with Too $hort Day in the city of Oakland on Dec. 10, 2022.

“You have told the stories of Oakland’s streets, so it’s only right that Oakland gives you a street!,” Mayor Libby Schaaf exclaimed during the reveal of the new Foothill Boulevard now renamed Too $hort Way.

Fellow rapper Ice Cube also gave respect to his music industry colleague with a few words: “He decided to put his energy, his time, his creativity into something positive and something constructive. He took the whole industry by himself in a lot of ways by being the spearhead and letting people know about Oakland, California, and the Bay Area.”

Latto

Right before her birthday and hot on the heels of her latest “Nasty” release, the Georgia-bred rapper was honored with “Latto Day” on Dec. 18. After donating Christmas dinner, gifts, and other basic essentials to over 500 families in her Clayton County, Georgia, hometown, the “Big Energy” rapper was presented with the key to the city of her hometown.

“I feel like I owe my success to Clayco, so this means so much to me,” the 24-year-old Grammy nominee told People in an exclusive statement. “I’m committed to using my platform to create opportunities for the next generation of Clayton County youth.”

Attendees included Clayton County commissioner Alieka Anderson and Chair of the Clayton County Board of Education Jessie Goree, as well as Stacey Abrams, who presented Latto with the key to her own city.

Smino

As of this year, Dec. 18 is officially labeled as “Smino Day.” During his fifth annual Kribmas show at Stifel Theatre in his St. Louis, Missouri, hometown, Mayor Tishaura Jones declared the day throughout the whole city.

“I just want to congratulate Smino on the five-year anniversary of Kribmas,” Mayor Jones said during the public announcement. “You’re always outreaching the community and being just a wonderfully talented artist. And it’s my pleasure as mayor of the city of St. Louis to declare today, Dec. 18, as Smino Day.”

Trina

The Florida femcee was awarded her own day in the city of Miami, along with the official key to the city in time for its first-ever Trina Day in May 2022. In her honor, a block party was held in her hometown of Liberty City with Mayor Francis Suarez presenting Trina with the key.

“Miami product, Liberty City product,” Suarez said. “There are not enough words in the vocabulary to express our deep appreciation for everything you’ve done for this community. Never forgetting about this community. The one that loves you, that will always love you and will always take care of you as you’ve always taken care of us.”

Suarez also noted how the city created a plaque for Trina’s late mother, who passed away from breast cancer in 2019, with the mayor saying, “I know how much your momma meant to you.”

“These are the memories you don’t forget and you’re never going to forget her and what she meant to you and what you mean to us,” Suarez continued. “So, it wouldn’t be proper to recognize you without recognizing her.”

21 Savage

Following his annual Grant-A-Wish holiday giveback, the rapper was honored with his own day on Dec. 21. During his Leading By Example Foundation’s fourth annual event in Stone Mountain, Georgia, state representative Billy Mitchell highlighted the rapper’s philanthropy and contribution to hip-hop and thus awarded him with the official proclamation of “21 Savage Day.”

Missy Elliott

In October 2022, the legendary “Lose Control” rapper was not only awarded her own street — Missy Elliott Boulevard — in her hometown of Portsmouth, Virginia, but she was also given a special proclamation.  

“I, Glenn Youngkin, do hereby recognize Oct. 17, 2022, as Missy Elliott Day in the Commonwealth of Virginia,” said the 74th governor of Virginia.

Moreover, Missy Elliott was also presented with her very own key to the city by the Mayor of Portsmouth, Shannon Glover. Longtime music industry collaborator Timbaland and rapper Pusha T were also in attendance.

“I would tell the little Missy to keep going just like she did. It’s obstacles, it’s ups and downs, but you know faith and belief in God got me here today,” the super producer said during the renaming ceremony. “I have accomplished many things, and won many awards, but this trumps all when you get the love from your hometown.”

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The post Hometown Heroes: Musicians Who Were Awarded Their Own Days in 2022 appeared first on Boardroom.