Joe and Jada — Keith Sweat: State of Modern R&B, Afrobeats Explosion & His Catalog of Classics

iHeartPodcasts and The Volume
Release Date: February 12, 2026

Episode Overview

This episode features R&B legend Keith Sweat in a lively, candid conversation with hosts Fat Joe and Jadakiss. They discuss the ever-changing landscape of R&B, the rise of Afrobeats, Keith's extraordinary songwriting legacy, personal stories from the golden era of hip-hop and R&B, music business wisdom, and Keith's continued musical relevance into 2026. The vibe is nostalgic yet current, with lots of humor, warmth, and sharp insight.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Keith Sweat’s Legacy and Early Days in Music

(02:00–05:16, 07:58–11:08)

• Joe and Jada give Keith his flowers, calling him one of the "flyest niggas ever," a genius songwriter, and a shrewd businessman.
• Keith reminisces about coming up in Harlem, grinding from the bottom, and recalls meeting musical idols and collaborators like Johnny Gill and the LaVert family at the legendary Holiday Inn on Route 4.
• Keith describes how these early relationships blossomed into brotherhoods and professional collaborations, leading to groups like LSG.
• Quote:
  • “When I met Gerald…we became the best of friends. We became like brothers.” — Keith Sweat (09:02)
• Joe recalls his own starstruck moment seeing Keith destroy the Apollo stage as a young fan.
• Both hosts discuss their own musical inspirations, emphasizing the influence of the generation before them.

2. Golden Era Tour Stories and Dice Game Memories

(03:54–05:16)

• Keith and Joe share hilarious stories of dice games breaking out in the studio while recording the LaVert, Sweat & Gill album.
• Studio sessions mixed songwriting with high-stakes gambling and camaraderie among R&B stars.
• Quote:
  • “Cleaned the damn whole stew out.” — Keith Sweat (05:16)

3. Reflections on R&B Then and Now

(13:33–16:03)

• Joe laments how R&B has shifted, with male singers no longer serenading women the way Gerald LaVert and Keith did.
• Keith discusses how R&B now often blends with rap, sometimes losing its sensual, emotional foreplay quality.
• Memorable Exchange:
  • “What I say about R and B now is…they want to be rappers….R&B is supposed to be foreplay.” — Keith Sweat (13:33)
  • “Every time they start to fuck me, nigga, pistol whippy while I'm with the dick… I’m like, this is the new Bonnie & Clyde?” — Joe Budden (14:41)

4. Keith Sweat’s Songwriting Catalog — Beyond the Hits

(18:30–21:14)

• Conversation shifts to Keith’s massive behind-the-scenes songwriting credits.
• He lists classics he wrote or co-wrote for other acts:
  • “Freak Me” (Silk)
  • “Just Got Paid” (Johnny Kemp)
  • “Let’s Chill” (with Teddy Riley & Bernard Belle, for Guy)
  • “Share My World” (Dru Hill)
  • Many LSG, Immature, and Cut Close hits.
• Quote:
  • “I wrote ‘Freak Me, baby, lose control…Let me lick you up and down’…” — Keith Sweat (19:04)
• Joe highlights the generosity and unselfishness required to give away hit records.

5. Live Showmanship, Influence, and Multi-Generational Appeal

(20:57–22:19, 38:55–40:56)

• Joe and Jada reminisce about Keith’s legendary live stage antics (like the iconic bed at MSG).
• Keith discusses being frequently referenced in hip-hop, including by Drake and countless rappers—proud of how his legacy transcends genres and generations.
• Joe marvels at seeing 20-somethings at Plies’ show knowing every Keith Sweat lyric.
  • “The whole stadium starts singing every fucking word like that. Gotta feel amazing.” — Joe Budden (39:32)
• Keith shares a recent onstage moment: invited to only do “Make it Last Forever” and “Nobody” as a guest, promoters stopped him from doing more to avoid upstaging everyone.

6. Tough Lessons in the Music Business & Surviving the Industry

(27:33–34:57)

• Joe and Keith swap war stories about getting exploited by labels, lawyers, publishers, and managers; emphasize the need for trustworthy lawyers, and sometimes lawyers to watch lawyers.
• Quote:
  • “I thought the real gangsters kill you…Then I learned about contract gangsters.” — Keith Sweat (28:30)
  • “Some of these attorneys, half these attorneys are friends with these record companies and whatever. So... you gotta have an attorney watch the attorney.” — Keith Sweat (32:29)
• Joe, after years of “fast-talking” attorneys, finally commits to one who has his back.

7. Health, Longevity, and Lifestyle Choices

(34:57–38:55, 51:24–54:46)

• Joe credits Keith’s longevity and vibrant health to a clean lifestyle:
  • “You never been into drugs or nothing…That’s why he’s still rich and get all that money.”
• Keith’s daily fitness routine is praised—Joe jokes you can FaceTime him any time, “he on a machine running 30 miles an hour.”
• A light-hearted discussion follows on men’s grooming and Keith’s “el natural” hairline, with playful banter about baldness remedies and “Make It Last Forever” pills for hair growth.

8. Keith Sweat and the Afrobeats Explosion

(34:57–36:41, 63:32–64:39)

• Keith speaks on embracing Afrobeats, seeing it as the new R&B for how it brings back sensuality and a feel-good vibe.
• His latest track features King Maddie from Nigeria, blending classic R&B with Afrobeats flavors.
• Quote:
  • “The music is sensual…it just says all the right things. That’s why I tap into it. It just feels like it should be me.” — Keith Sweat (35:45)
• They joke about the Bronx having more Africans than Africa, riffing on Afrobeats’ American connections.

9. The Art of Business, Negotiation, and Knowing Your Worth

(43:00–44:50)

• Joe acknowledges Keith as a negotiating “killer,” telling a story of watching him leverage knowledge of PPP loans (publicly available info) to get top dollar for a last-minute show booking when another act cancelled.
• Keith reveals he tracks promoters’ financial moves and encourages artists to know publicly available business info to their advantage.
• Quote:
  • “You gotta spend that [PPP], otherwise it’s illegal!” — Keith Sweat (43:14)

10. Studio Innovation & Atlanta Move Ahead of the Curve

(64:52–66:21)

• Keith moved to Atlanta before the city’s music boom, mainly for family and lifestyle, giving his mom her dream house.
• He was among the first to install a professional SSL board at home, producing all his hits there and keeping ownership of his masters.

11. Current Projects: Tours, Albums, and More

(36:41–37:34; 44:50–45:56, 67:40–68:07)

• Keith is about to launch the “For R&B Lovers” tour (Feb 13 kickoff), featuring Joe, Dru Hill, Ginuwine, Cut Close.
• Keith’s entrepreneurial side: promoting his luxury bags, candles, and other ventures.
• Talks about doing more duets with women and his previous work with Athena Cage and Cut Close.
• Keith mentions interest in doing an album with Mary J. Blige, urges her to collaborate.

12. Keith’s Continued Relevance and “Working” — A 2026 Smash

(58:33–64:01)

• Premiere of Keith’s new single “Working,” described by Joe as a "super Smash hit" blending classic R&B and modern Afrobeats, featuring Nigerian singer King Maddie.
• Joe marvels at Keith’s ability to drop hits across nearly 40 years.
• Quote:
  • “How it feel to drop a hit at ‘88 and in 2026 drop another hit?” — Joe Budden (63:18)
  • “That’s a smash hit. Ain’t nothing they could do with that!” — Joe Budden (63:25)

Notable Quotes & Moments

• “R&B’s supposed to be foreplay... If you arguing and you put a R&B record on, the R&B record supposed to calm you down.”
  — Keith Sweat (13:33)

• “Man, I ain't never smoke a cigarette. And every time our legends are well kept and they look amazing and is because they didn't fuck with the drugs.”
  — Joe Budden (51:31)

• “Drake, I’m a light-skinned Keith Sweat, I bet. How many rappers done mention Keith Sweat in they songs?”
  — Joe Budden (39:04)

• On business: “God forbid you negotiate with Keith. You not beating Keith in the negotiation.”
  — Joe Budden (44:39)

Timestamps for Key Segments

| Timestamp | Segment Description | |------------------|---------------------------------------------------------------| | 02:00–05:16 | Studio dice games, early studio life, meeting icons | | 07:58–11:08 | Keith meets Johnny Gill, the LaVerts | | 13:33–16:03 | State of R&B: Then vs Now, modern lyrics | | 18:30–21:14 | Keith's songwriting credits catalog | | 20:57–22:19 | Stage shows, generational influence | | 27:33–34:57 | Music industry lessons, lawyers, contracts | | 34:57–38:55 | Afrobeats, fitness, lifestyle | | 39:32–40:56 | Millennial fans still loving Keith Sweat | | 43:00–44:50 | Negotiating high fees, business knowledge | | 44:50–45:56 | Upcoming For R&B Lovers Tour | | 58:33–64:01 | Premiere of "Working": Keith’s new 2026 single | | 64:52–66:21 | Atlanta, owning all masters, in-house studio setup |

Conclusion

This episode is a masterclass in music history, business, and the staying power of a true R&B icon. Keith Sweat’s humor, storytelling, candor, and musical wisdom shine throughout—reminding listeners why he's been a dominant force across generations. Fat Joe and Jadakiss match his energy with their own tales and insights, making for an episode dripping with nostalgia, knowledge, and soul.

Essential listening for anyone who loves R&B, values artistry and hustle, or is curious about the music business from insiders who helped shape it.