The Breakfast Club

Episode: INTERVIEW: Tank & J. Valentine Talk R&B Money Podcast, Hell's Kitchen, How R&B Has Evolved, AI Music + More
Date: November 21, 2025
Guests: Tank & J. Valentine
Hosts: DJ Envy, Jess Hilarious, Charlamagne Tha God, Ashley Nicole Moss

Overview

This lively and insightful episode of The Breakfast Club welcomes R&B singer/songwriter/producer Tank and his R&B Money podcast co-host J. Valentine. The episode dives deep into the evolution of R&B—exploring the genre's business realities, technical shifts (from auto-tune to AI), the enduring influence of strong relationships and community, and the legacy (and future) of Black artists and executives. Filled with personal anecdotes, industry analysis, and a signature playful back-and-forth, the interview also discusses Tank’s role on Broadway in Hell’s Kitchen, reminiscences about R&B’s glory days, and the duo’s podcasting journey.

Key Discussion Points

Tank on Broadway, “Hell’s Kitchen” (02:49)

• Tank discusses his return to Broadway, starring in the show Hell’s Kitchen, and the excitement of playing a 20-something at this stage in his career.
  • “I play a 20...20-something, almost 30-year-old.” — Tank (02:53)
• The cast and hosts hype the show as a perfect holiday experience, noting Tank’s family-friendly performance and extended Broadway run.

Haircare, Getting “Fired,” and Industry Jokes (03:39)

• Playful banter about Tank’s hair care product endorsement, ending in a comedic story of being “fired” over a “crackhead filter” on the packaging (04:06).
  • “The picture on the box looks like they put a crackhead filter on me.” — Tank (04:06)
• Jokes about Ray J’s hustle, Tank’s hair, and industry relationship politics set a lively tone for the episode.

The Virtues of Ray J (05:31–07:23)

• Extended discussion about Ray J as a modern entrepreneur, tech innovator, and “anchor being” who’s remained relevant through versatility.
  • “He has a diversified portfolio...you’re not going to beat him in terms of lasting and being in a relevant conversation as long as he’s been in it, period.” — Tank (06:31)
• They touch on how Ray J’s entertaining qualities sometimes outweigh technical singing abilities and how the public responds to his antics versus pure vocal talent.

R&B Etiquette, Technical Skill vs. Entertainment (08:40–10:33)

• Are R&B artists supposed to critique each other’s abilities?
  • “Music is subjective...it's about how music make you feel. If we gonna go back into who’s the greatest singers, then we just gotta go to church.” — J. Valentine (08:55)
• Emphasis is placed on feeling, presence, and the unique style that elevates pop music—raw vocal skill sometimes isn’t the only factor in success.

AI in Music and “Evolving” Technology (11:30–14:19)

• Discuss the impact of AI-generated voices and music, and the earlier challenges posed by Auto-Tune.
  • “We’ve been fighting against AI for a long time.” — Tank (12:15)
  • “I say give Milli Vanilli back that Grammy.” — J. Valentine (12:56)
• Tank and J. Valentine are pragmatic about tech advancements; they see “space for everybody,” but acknowledge nothing replaces the connection with a real artist.
  • “The human aspect still kicks in...you’re just like, okay, that’s a video game...but are you in love with it?” — J. Valentine (15:52)

The Business Side: Budgets, Marketing, and Independence (23:19–27:49)

• Tank and J. Valentine describe how they made R&B production more cost-effective by investing in home studios and rethinking label deals for long-term gain.
  • “That upfront that y’all been selling people on, which...everybody knows, that’s debate...we’re trying to make money that’s gonna last for our kids.” — Jay Valentine (24:00)
• The biggest business challenge is the lack of marketing budgets and promo support for R&B artists; calls for a return to street teams, school tours, and in-person promo.
  • “I would just add more money to the marketing promotion of it.” — Tank (25:55)

Authenticity vs. Crossover—R&B’s Growth (30:23–34:45)

• Discussion around whether R&B artists must “cross over” into pop for financial success, or if staying authentic is now finally enough.
• Analysis of artists like Kehlani, SZA, Chris Brown, and Ne-Yo, who found success through both R&B and pop but maintained authenticity.
  • “When artists were chasing that, it just didn’t seem authentic...I feel like it hurt some artists, too, when they did that.” — Jay Valentine (31:36)

Usher vs. R. Kelly: The Better Vocalist? (34:33–36:38)

• Tank stands by his (controversial among fans) comment that Usher is a superior technical vocalist to R. Kelly.
  • “Usher’s technically a better vocalist than R. Kelly. Way more tools.” — Tank (33:35)
  • “When you just break it down to one thing...vocally, Usher’s an elite vocalist.” — Tank (36:38)

Mistakes New R&B Artists Make (36:38–39:30)

• Biggest technical mistake: not rehearsing, leading to unpolished live performances.
  • “They don’t rehearse. And you can tell.” — Jay Valentine (36:44)
• Producers often don’t write with the artist’s vocal range in mind, forcing singers to strain or sound weaker live.

Evolution of Record Making and Black Executive Leadership (39:30–47:29)

• Importance of Black executives who are embedded in the music, referencing legends like L.A. Reid, Babyface, Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis, Dallas Austin, and Jermaine Dupri.
• “Start hiring black executives again, okay? Hire people who actually grew up in the music, know the music, and can tell you how to make the music.” — Jay Valentine (41:41)
• R&B’s legacy and future depend on putting music people back in decision-making positions.

Aging in the Industry & Respect for Legacy (44:59–47:29)

• Why Black artists, producers, and writers are often “aged out” prematurely despite timeless skills and experience.
• Call for labels to tap seasoned creators for younger acts (e.g., Dre Harris producing for Kehlani).

Community Uplift and Giving Flowers (54:56–59:03)

• The importance of peer support: Tank credits paying it forward to John B., Chris Brown, and others as a way to maintain the culture and build confidence.
  • “Everybody’s important to me. Everybody means something to me. If I can help, I’ma try.” — Tank (59:37)

R&B Money Podcast: More Than a Side Quest (62:01–63:02)

• Reflections on the podcast’s growing cultural impact; it started as a passion project but now serves as a vital platform for the genre.
  • “What we realized by taking the hiatus was how important we are to our culture.” — Jay Valentine (62:01)
• Talk of launching the R&B Money Awards to further celebrate and unify the genre.

State of R&B: Renaissance or Takeover? (69:57–73:43)

• The episode concludes with optimism about the state and impact of R&B, highlighting new artists, legendary tours, and a reclaiming of space for the genre:
  • “Where is R&B right now? Are we in a renaissance, a rebuild, or some type of red—? ... We taking over.” — Jay Valentine (70:05)
• Discussion of upcoming tours and the next wave of R&B stars.

Notable Quotes & Moments

• “Music is subjective...it's about how music make you feel.” — J. Valentine (08:55)
• “We’ve been fighting against AI for a long time.” — Tank (12:15)
• “Give Milli Vanilli back that Grammy.” — J. Valentine (12:56)
• “I don’t care what nobody else do. I’m with the people. I judge my success off of people.” — Tank (29:00)
• “Start hiring black executives again, okay?” — Jay Valentine (41:41)
• “Artists are going to do or get away with what you let them get away with.” — Jay Valentine (44:19)
• “When you just break it down to one thing—vocally, Usher’s an elite vocalist.” — Tank (36:38)
• “We need to be put on bigger stages...I would love to see artists campaigning again—really getting out there.” — Jay Valentine (26:37)
• “Everybody’s important to me. Everybody means something to me. If I can help, I’ma try.” — Tank (59:37)
• “[The R&B Money podcast] started off for us as a side quest. Just love...and then it turned into what it’s turned into...” — Jay Valentine (62:41)
• “We’re taking over—and we are fully behind it.” — Jay Valentine (70:07)

Timestamps for Noteworthy Segments

• 02:49: Tank’s Broadway return in Hell’s Kitchen
• 04:06: Tank’s story about getting dropped from the haircare brand
• 06:31: Analysis of Ray J’s cultural staying power
• 08:55: R&B etiquette: can artists “call out” each other?
• 11:52: Discussion of AI/technological changes
• 12:56: “Give Milli Vanilli back that Grammy” moment
• 23:19: Making R&B cost-effective and the future of production deals
• 25:55: The need to invest more in R&B marketing, not just budgets
• 30:23: Can R&B artists be financially free without crossing over?
• 33:35: Usher vs. R. Kelly, vocal technique
• 36:44: Mistakes new R&B artists are making (lack of rehearsal)
• 41:41: Urging industry to hire more Black executives
• 54:56: Tank building up John B.’s confidence and the importance of support
• 62:01: Realizing the R&B Money podcast’s cultural significance
• 70:07: Tank & J. Valentine declare “R&B is taking over”

Final Thoughts

This episode is a must-listen for R&B fans, artists, music execs, and anyone fascinated by the inner workings of the industry. Tank and J. Valentine offer an honest, often hilarious, and always illuminating window into the past, present, and future of R&B—balancing nostalgia for the genre’s golden years with a resolute optimism about what’s next.

R&B, as they say, is here, heavy, and here to stay.