new jack swing
Quick Summary
New jack swing, also known as swingbeat, is a genre of pop music that emerged in the late 1980s and early 1990s. It is characterized by its fusion of elements from jazz, funk, rap, and rhythm and blues.
This genre typically features an insistent beat created with drum machines like the SP1200 and 808, layered under light melodies and clear vocals. Key producers such as Teddy Riley, L.A. Reid, and Babyface were instrumental in shaping the sound, often crafting danceable, romantic songs. Unlike some contemporary rap music, new jack swing was often promoted as "The Sound of Young Black America".12
Ask Britannica AI about this topic
Britannica doesn't have a full article on this topic, so we've curated a list of our relevant coverage.
