The Breakfast Club: Interview with Jon B. – Career Milestones, 2Pac Bond, Babyface Business, Legacy & More

Podcast: The Breakfast Club (iHeartPodcasts)
Date: November 14, 2025
Host: Charlamagne tha God (DJ Envy and Jess Hilarious absent; Lauren LaRosa present)
Guest: Jon B.
Occasion: 30th Anniversary of debut album Bonafide

Episode Overview

In this special episode celebrating 30 years since Bonafide, R&B singer and producer Jon B. sits with The Breakfast Club to reflect on his journey. Jon opens up about being one of the first white artists to claim a space in R&B, details his artistic evolution, working with legends like 2Pac and Babyface, his loyalty and challenges within the music business, fatherhood, and the importance of honesty and authenticity. The conversation is candid, insightful, and laced with Jon B.’s signature humility.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Early Career and Claiming R&B

Jon B. on being a white artist in R&B:
- Recalls how artists like Michael McDonald or Hall & Oates were "soulful" but never truly claimed R&B.
- "I feel like I was one of the first ones to really claim R&B" (04:34).
- Discusses the subtle barriers and labels’ influence: "They showed me in their own way...we want you to work with Diane Warren, David Foster and make a pop record. And I'm like, I don't really want to do that..." (05:13).
His musical upbringing:
- Grew up in Altadena/Pasadena, started demoing early, chose music over sports as a teen, shopped demos around Hollywood at 16-18 (06:30–07:52).
- "Rather than being outside playing ball...I was in there writing records and making songs." (06:49)
The lost art of the demo:
- Notes how making demos helped shape artistic identity—“Now we just go straight to making records...I think the demo is the record now” (07:15).

2. Influences and Finding His Sound

Guided by ‘90s super-producers:
- Idolized Babyface, Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis, and Teddy Riley; taught himself by attempting to reverse engineer their work (08:40).
- “All of the greatest artists have always had...a muse or someone they use as an example” (08:48).
Lessons from giants:
- Babyface: "Keep it honest, man. Just be honest. The more honest you are..." (09:36)
- Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis: "Don't be afraid to be as exotic as you want to be with R&B..." (10:22)
R&B and Hip-Hop convergence:
- Remembers when blending R&B and hip-hop was “taboo”, especially with tracks like "Are You Still Down" with 2Pac (11:07).

3. Working with 2Pac: Chemistry and Impact

How the collaboration happened:
- Invited to 2Pac’s video shoot, immediate chemistry and respect; 2Pac had Jon’s Bonafide CD in his car (12:17–13:03).
Experience in the studio:
- 2Pac "looked forward to working with me," made sure everyone in the studio knew Jon’s status (13:03).
- "He told me, ‘This is my crossover joint’" (13:40).
2Pac as a force:
- "He just had that...thing he did to the atmosphere of the room...A lot of it was the motivation that he had." (16:11)
- 2Pac urged productivity: “‘If you’re not doing, like, three records a day, you’re not really doing this, man’” (16:55).
Creating something new:
- Feels his 2Pac collab was a pivotal, risk-taking moment: "It was the most revolutionary and kind of risk taking. I remember I felt like I was treading in water..." (42:18).

4. Navigating the Music Business & Babyface Partnership

Loyalty over money:
- Turned down “million dollar deals” to work with Babyface and his then-wife Tracy Edmonds (18:14).
- “When I say I’m gonna do something, I’m gonna do it...If I show up and I say that I’m down with you, then I’m down with you." (18:27)
Issues with business side:
- Openly discusses cross-collateralized deal with Edmonds Record Group, meaning his earnings recouped the label’s other artist expenses (22:04–29:32).
  - “All those budgets have to be paid back before I can see anything...That’s the deal I signed.” (29:26–29:53)
- Explains sacrifices: “What really hasn’t been easy is to be so supportive of him and then have it not be returned...” (24:52).
Current relationship with Babyface:
- “We're cordial, but...the relationship hasn't really blossomed...I don't really know that Kenny even really likes me as a person.” (25:04–25:18)
- "I've never lost sight of that...but I think it's important for people to understand what kind of deals were signed back in the 90s." (26:10)
- Despite business challenges, Jon continues his career independently, funding his music and tours himself.

5. Legacy, Influence, and Being Sampled

His songs' enduring influence:
- Tracks like “They Don’t Know” and “Someone to Love” have been sampled by major artists like Drake (“The Good Ones Go Interlude”), Chris Brown, Gunna, and Chloe (31:57–32:28).
- On being sampled: “It’s just cool to see the music exist in this time, in this era...I never thought I’d be the guy that got sampled.” (32:34–33:03)
- “If I don’t play certain songs, [the audience] want their money back at the show.” (30:11)
Fighting for R&B spaces:
- Notes the lack of venues and award shows for R&B, praises Soul Train Awards as the key place for recognition (52:48).
- Advocates for more celebrations of R&B and collaborations with artists like Tank and Donnell Jones (52:29–54:37).

6. Authenticity, Evolution, and Family Life

On evolving as an artist:
- Asserts growth, especially after “Are You Still Down.”
- Emphasizes willingness to step outside his comfort zone: “Step outside your norm and don’t be afraid to do things that haven’t been done.” (42:18)
Image and identity:
- Resistance to label’s image expectations—cut his hair, reverted to authentic style (40:01).
- "That was more authentic for me…just doing me.” (41:01)
Fatherhood and family:
- Grateful for his family’s involvement in his career, from wife’s management to daughters’ support (56:01–57:46).
- “It’s wonderful to come back to them...It’s incentive to go out there and want to work real hard.” (57:03)
- “I’m raising young black women, you know, I’m married to a black woman. This is the life that I live...my music is representing my life in a real way.” (51:02)

7. Public Reflections, Culture, and Future

On cancel culture and public remarks:
- Addresses his honest public critique of Chloe’s reinterpretation of "They Don’t Know"; expresses regret for unintentionally causing hurt but clarifies his values as a parent and musician (60:20–63:05).
Creative honesty and legacy:
- Wants to be remembered as “an atmosphere creator...someone who was really honest with his emotions and somebody who just made Baby Maker music.” (63:31)
Continued passion:
- “I sing my heart out on stage every show I do…because it’s the passion for what I do.” (63:52)
- Grateful for fan support: “Without the fans, I would not be here...” (57:29)
- Announces a forthcoming Valentine’s Day cruise for fans and a new album Waiting On You featuring Tank, Rick Ross, Donell Jones, and Alex Isley (66:21).

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

On R&B authenticity:
“I feel like I was one of the first ones to really claim R&B.” – Jon B. (04:34)
On music business pitfalls:
“That was a great responsibility to put on a 19 year old kid…It wasn’t the greatest deal, let’s put it like that. But to work with Babyface, that was what I really had my mind set on.” – (22:04)
On loyalty and relationships:
“It would be nice also to see him return in this day and age. That same kind of energy back my way.” – (40:35)
On being sampled and legacy:
“I never thought I’d be the guy that got sampled…I was always sampling old 70s and 80s records.” – (32:34)
On honesty as an artist:
“Keep it honest, man. Just be honest. The more honest you are… that’s the special stuff.” – Babyface’s advice (09:36)
On evolving artistic confidence:
“There was a little bit of that confidence starting to show itself a little bit more on the second album...I just went straight buzzed it off...That was a big move.” – (39:25–41:06)
On being a true R&B fan:
“I would really continue to do this, like, for free...this would be my first choice.” (51:02)

Important Segments & Timestamps

Jon B. on being the first white R&B artist: 04:24 – 05:11
Early career and demo tapes: 06:30 – 07:52
Influence of Babyface and Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis: 08:40 – 10:47
Blending of R&B and hip-hop/2Pac collaboration backstory: 11:07 – 13:47
Experiences with New Edition: 13:59 – 15:46
2Pac’s energy and last sessions: 16:07 – 21:46; 42:18 – 47:32
The business side, Babyface deal, loyalty: 18:14 – 31:03
Being sampled by Drake, Chris Brown, Gunna, Chloe: 31:57 – 33:03
Artistic independence and image battles: 39:25 – 41:13
Family and fatherhood: 56:01 – 57:46
Discussion of Chloe cover incident and cancel culture: 60:15 – 63:05
Legacy and message to fans: 63:31 – 66:24

Closing

The interview showcases Jon B.’s deep love for R&B, his dedication to authenticity in music and life, and his thoughtful perspective on legacy and loyalty. Through tales of artistic risk, personal sacrifice, and the realities of industry politics, Jon B. remains an inspiring figure—true to his roots, committed to honest artistry, and grateful to the fans who have kept his music alive for three decades.

For fans of R&B, music history, and honest artist storytelling, this episode is a goldmine of wisdom, emotion, and memorable moments.

The Breakfast Club: Interview with Jon B. – Career Milestones, 2Pac Bond, Babyface Business, Legacy & More

Episode Overview

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Early Career and Claiming R&B

Jon B. on being a white artist in R&B:
- Recalls how artists like Michael McDonald or Hall & Oates were "soulful" but never truly claimed R&B.
- "I feel like I was one of the first ones to really claim R&B" (04:34).
- Discusses the subtle barriers and labels’ influence: "They showed me in their own way...we want you to work with Diane Warren, David Foster and make a pop record. And I'm like, I don't really want to do that..." (05:13).
His musical upbringing:
- Grew up in Altadena/Pasadena, started demoing early, chose music over sports as a teen, shopped demos around Hollywood at 16-18 (06:30–07:52).
- "Rather than being outside playing ball...I was in there writing records and making songs." (06:49)
The lost art of the demo:
- Notes how making demos helped shape artistic identity—“Now we just go straight to making records...I think the demo is the record now” (07:15).

2. Influences and Finding His Sound

Guided by ‘90s super-producers:
- Idolized Babyface, Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis, and Teddy Riley; taught himself by attempting to reverse engineer their work (08:40).
- “All of the greatest artists have always had...a muse or someone they use as an example” (08:48).
Lessons from giants:
- Babyface: "Keep it honest, man. Just be honest. The more honest you are..." (09:36)
- Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis: "Don't be afraid to be as exotic as you want to be with R&B..." (10:22)
R&B and Hip-Hop convergence:
- Remembers when blending R&B and hip-hop was “taboo”, especially with tracks like "Are You Still Down" with 2Pac (11:07).

3. Working with 2Pac: Chemistry and Impact

How the collaboration happened:
- Invited to 2Pac’s video shoot, immediate chemistry and respect; 2Pac had Jon’s Bonafide CD in his car (12:17–13:03).
Experience in the studio:
- 2Pac "looked forward to working with me," made sure everyone in the studio knew Jon’s status (13:03).
- "He told me, ‘This is my crossover joint’" (13:40).
2Pac as a force:
- "He just had that...thing he did to the atmosphere of the room...A lot of it was the motivation that he had." (16:11)
- 2Pac urged productivity: “‘If you’re not doing, like, three records a day, you’re not really doing this, man’” (16:55).
Creating something new:
- Feels his 2Pac collab was a pivotal, risk-taking moment: "It was the most revolutionary and kind of risk taking. I remember I felt like I was treading in water..." (42:18).

4. Navigating the Music Business & Babyface Partnership

Loyalty over money:
- Turned down “million dollar deals” to work with Babyface and his then-wife Tracy Edmonds (18:14).
- “When I say I’m gonna do something, I’m gonna do it...If I show up and I say that I’m down with you, then I’m down with you." (18:27)
Issues with business side:
- Openly discusses cross-collateralized deal with Edmonds Record Group, meaning his earnings recouped the label’s other artist expenses (22:04–29:32).
  - “All those budgets have to be paid back before I can see anything...That’s the deal I signed.” (29:26–29:53)
- Explains sacrifices: “What really hasn’t been easy is to be so supportive of him and then have it not be returned...” (24:52).
Current relationship with Babyface:
- “We're cordial, but...the relationship hasn't really blossomed...I don't really know that Kenny even really likes me as a person.” (25:04–25:18)
- "I've never lost sight of that...but I think it's important for people to understand what kind of deals were signed back in the 90s." (26:10)
- Despite business challenges, Jon continues his career independently, funding his music and tours himself.

5. Legacy, Influence, and Being Sampled

His songs' enduring influence:
- Tracks like “They Don’t Know” and “Someone to Love” have been sampled by major artists like Drake (“The Good Ones Go Interlude”), Chris Brown, Gunna, and Chloe (31:57–32:28).
- On being sampled: “It’s just cool to see the music exist in this time, in this era...I never thought I’d be the guy that got sampled.” (32:34–33:03)
- “If I don’t play certain songs, [the audience] want their money back at the show.” (30:11)
Fighting for R&B spaces:
- Notes the lack of venues and award shows for R&B, praises Soul Train Awards as the key place for recognition (52:48).
- Advocates for more celebrations of R&B and collaborations with artists like Tank and Donnell Jones (52:29–54:37).

6. Authenticity, Evolution, and Family Life

On evolving as an artist:
- Asserts growth, especially after “Are You Still Down.”
- Emphasizes willingness to step outside his comfort zone: “Step outside your norm and don’t be afraid to do things that haven’t been done.” (42:18)
Image and identity:
- Resistance to label’s image expectations—cut his hair, reverted to authentic style (40:01).
- "That was more authentic for me…just doing me.” (41:01)
Fatherhood and family:
- Grateful for his family’s involvement in his career, from wife’s management to daughters’ support (56:01–57:46).
- “It’s wonderful to come back to them...It’s incentive to go out there and want to work real hard.” (57:03)
- “I’m raising young black women, you know, I’m married to a black woman. This is the life that I live...my music is representing my life in a real way.” (51:02)

7. Public Reflections, Culture, and Future

On cancel culture and public remarks:
- Addresses his honest public critique of Chloe’s reinterpretation of "They Don’t Know"; expresses regret for unintentionally causing hurt but clarifies his values as a parent and musician (60:20–63:05).
Creative honesty and legacy:
- Wants to be remembered as “an atmosphere creator...someone who was really honest with his emotions and somebody who just made Baby Maker music.” (63:31)
Continued passion:
- “I sing my heart out on stage every show I do…because it’s the passion for what I do.” (63:52)
- Grateful for fan support: “Without the fans, I would not be here...” (57:29)
- Announces a forthcoming Valentine’s Day cruise for fans and a new album Waiting On You featuring Tank, Rick Ross, Donell Jones, and Alex Isley (66:21).

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

On R&B authenticity:
“I feel like I was one of the first ones to really claim R&B.” – Jon B. (04:34)
On music business pitfalls:
“That was a great responsibility to put on a 19 year old kid…It wasn’t the greatest deal, let’s put it like that. But to work with Babyface, that was what I really had my mind set on.” – (22:04)
On loyalty and relationships:
“It would be nice also to see him return in this day and age. That same kind of energy back my way.” – (40:35)
On being sampled and legacy:
“I never thought I’d be the guy that got sampled…I was always sampling old 70s and 80s records.” – (32:34)
On honesty as an artist:
“Keep it honest, man. Just be honest. The more honest you are… that’s the special stuff.” – Babyface’s advice (09:36)
On evolving artistic confidence:
“There was a little bit of that confidence starting to show itself a little bit more on the second album...I just went straight buzzed it off...That was a big move.” – (39:25–41:06)
On being a true R&B fan:
“I would really continue to do this, like, for free...this would be my first choice.” (51:02)

Important Segments & Timestamps

Jon B. on being the first white R&B artist: 04:24 – 05:11
Early career and demo tapes: 06:30 – 07:52
Influence of Babyface and Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis: 08:40 – 10:47
Blending of R&B and hip-hop/2Pac collaboration backstory: 11:07 – 13:47
Experiences with New Edition: 13:59 – 15:46
2Pac’s energy and last sessions: 16:07 – 21:46; 42:18 – 47:32
The business side, Babyface deal, loyalty: 18:14 – 31:03
Being sampled by Drake, Chris Brown, Gunna, Chloe: 31:57 – 33:03
Artistic independence and image battles: 39:25 – 41:13
Family and fatherhood: 56:01 – 57:46
Discussion of Chloe cover incident and cancel culture: 60:15 – 63:05
Legacy and message to fans: 63:31 – 66:24

Closing

For fans of R&B, music history, and honest artist storytelling, this episode is a goldmine of wisdom, emotion, and memorable moments.

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INTERVIEW: Jon B. Talks Career Milestones, Bond With 2Pac, Babyface Business Issues, Legacy + More

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Summary

The Breakfast Club: Interview with Jon B. – Career Milestones, 2Pac Bond, Babyface Business, Legacy & More

Episode Overview

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Early Career and Claiming R&B

2. Influences and Finding His Sound

3. Working with 2Pac: Chemistry and Impact

4. Navigating the Music Business & Babyface Partnership

5. Legacy, Influence, and Being Sampled

6. Authenticity, Evolution, and Family Life

7. Public Reflections, Culture, and Future

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

Important Segments & Timestamps

Closing

Summary

The Breakfast Club: Interview with Jon B. – Career Milestones, 2Pac Bond, Babyface Business, Legacy & More

Episode Overview

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Early Career and Claiming R&B

2. Influences and Finding His Sound

3. Working with 2Pac: Chemistry and Impact

4. Navigating the Music Business & Babyface Partnership

5. Legacy, Influence, and Being Sampled

6. Authenticity, Evolution, and Family Life

7. Public Reflections, Culture, and Future

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

Important Segments & Timestamps

Closing