
Teddy Riley and Keith Sweat
Photo: Recording Academy
Teddy Riley, Keith Sweat On R&B's Legacy & Keeping Their Music Alive
A lot has changed since new jack swing — a fusion of R&B, hip hop and other genres — exploded onto the scene back in the '80s. Two of the biggest names in R&B, including GRAMMY-winning new jack swing producer/songwriter Teddy Riley and the great singer Keith Sweat, know that well. Together, Riley and Sweat created the new jack hit, "I Want Her."
We caught up with the two music figures backstage at Essence Festival 2018 in New Orleans to hear about the legacy of R&B, the lack of what they call "wedding" and "love-making music," and other ways they feel music is different now. They also shared how their music is being passed down to new generations.