In a recent episode of BagFuel, hosts Es$o and Hynaken sat down with R&B veteran Jon B to talk about what keeps him motivated, how he views his legacy, and the backlash he faced early in his career for being white in a predominantly Black genre.
Jon B explained that his drive isn’t about fame or money but about the music itself. He described being constantly inspired by sounds and frequencies across all genres, from R&B to Arabic music he heard in an Uber ride. For him, music is universal, and hip-hop in particular has always been inclusive, absorbing elements from every style.
When asked about artists risking their legacy with later releases, Jon B pushed back. He emphasized that artistry is not about public permission but about living out one’s purpose. As an independent artist, he invests his own resources into his music because, as he put it, “Why should anybody else believe if you don’t believe?” His view is that legacy is built on consistent authenticity, not commercial approval.
Jon B recalled the early backlash when listeners first realized he was white after assuming from his voice that he was Black. He called the reaction “necessary,” describing it as a kind of cultural growing pain. Rather than retreat, he chose to go deeper into the culture, performing in clubs, traveling to Jamaica and Cuba, recording in legendary studios, and fully immersing himself in the communities that shaped the music. Now, at 50 years old and three decades into his career, he sees his longevity as proof of his commitment and authenticity.
Raised in a highly musical household, Jon B’s father was a college music professor and opera conductor, while his mother was a concert pianist. That environment shaped his foundation in classical music and composition, which still influences his artistry today. Though his daughters are naturally musical, he avoids pressuring them to follow in his footsteps.
Jon B also spoke about his creative process and recent collaborations. He highlighted working with fellow R&B singer Tank, who not only vouched for his single “Waiting on You” but also contributed vocals, keys, bass, and strings to the track. Jon B credited Tank as a major inspiration for his vocal growth and artistic evolution, giving him his flowers for both talent and support.
