About New Jack Swing

Singing meets rap in New Jack Swing, resulting in one of the standout fusions of the late 1980s.

With the prominent musical diversity of the decade, independent artist Teddy Riley created the hybrid based on a dream he had in which Michael Jackson and James Brown performed a song together. Riley’s idea of merging both sounds, in addition to his religious upbringing, propelled the genre.

The foundation of New Jack Swing is R&B, which led to the formation of hit anthems such as Keith Sweat’s “I Want Her” and Guy’s “Groove Me.” The production showcases elements of jazz and hip-hop, paired up with gospel vocal stylings. The tunes include lyrics that center on the romance and party scene of contemporary times.


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