Can We Talk RnB? Podcast

Latest Episodes:

Kuzi Cee: From Zimbabwe to Canada, Gen Z’s Lover Boy Is Reshaping R&B and Modern Soul Sep 27, 2026

Show notes

In this episode, Ian Von sits down with rising R&B artist Kuzi Cee – a self-described Gen Z lover boy and R&B purist – to talk about love songs, the African diaspora, and the evolving state of modern R&B.

From growing up between Zimbabwe, London, New York, Pennsylvania, Toronto, and Calgary to signing with Universal Music Canada, Kuzi breaks down how his international upbringing, his love for 90s and 2000s R&B, and his Zimbabwean roots shape his sound. They dive into his breakout record “Rather Be”, his vulnerable single “Rain”, and his confident new joint “Ember”, while also unpacking the balance between vulnerability and strength as a male R&B artist.

The conversation stretches from Usher’s Confessions to the UK R&B wave, from TikTok virality to FIFA stages, from toxic R&B eras to love-centered storytelling. They close by centering the craft of songwriting and why R&B pens are some of the sharpest in music.

🧧 Support the Show: https://www.patreon.com/canwetalkrnb 📱Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts & iHeart Now!!!! ✅Don’t forget to stream & rate us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and iHeart - CLICK LINKS BELOW! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4zfIA072HwTapLg019UDcM iHeart: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/263-can-we-talk-rb-119355435/ Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/can-we-talk-rnb-podcast/id1703170636 📲Stay connected with Us! #CanWeTalkRnB #CWTRB Hosted & Created by: Ian Von | www.instagram.com/IanVonMusic Produced by: Launch Pod Studio | www.instagram.com/LaunchPodStudio Links: 📱www.instagram.com/CanWeTalkRnB 📱www.twitter.com/CanWeTalkRnB 📱https://www.tiktok.com/@canwetalkrnb 🎥 www.youtube.com/canwetalkrnb #canwetalkrnbpodcast #rnb #podcast #rnbmusic #rnbvibes

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Still Outstanding: The Life and Legacy of Raymond Calhoun Sep 13, 2026

Show notes

In this powerful, unfiltered conversation, Ian Von sits down with songwriter, drummer, and producer Raymond Calhoun – the man who wrote one of the most enduring R&B records of all time, “Outstanding” by The Gap Band.

Raymond breaks down:

- How he hustled from DC churches to The Manhattans, Peaches & Herb, and eventually to The Gap Band.

- The exact story of how “Outstanding” was written in his living room, inspired by his young daughter… and finished in the bathroom.- How he played nearly every instrument on the original recording.

- The battles over credit, publishing, and money that followed – including mis-spelled credits, blocked royalties, and decades of unpaid publishing.

- How he eventually reclaimed his U.S. copyright and why “God is real” in his journey.

Along the way, he shares road stories, production history, friendships with legends (Quincy Jones, Anita Baker, Tito Jackson, M’tume & Reggie Lucas, Russell Simmons, LL Cool J, SWV’s Brian Morgan, and more), and the emotional cost and reward of having your very first song become a certified R&B classic.This is essential listening for musicians, songwriters, music historians, and anyone who loves the stories behind the records.

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Day26: The Real Story Behind Their 20-Year Journey Sep 06, 2026

Show notes

In this episode of the Can We Talk? R&B Podcast, host Ian Von chops it up with the legendary R&B supergroup Day26. Nearly 20 years after they first hit our screens on Making the Band, the guys break down their journey from reality TV to chart-topping success, group breakups and reunions, going independent, and stepping into a new era with fresh music.They talk about what made their chemistry feel ordained, why there were no real “peers” when they debuted, how it feels to hit 20 years in the game, and what it really takes to put out quality music without the machine of a major label. They also share what it was like moving back into one house as grown men to recapture that early magic, and give fans a live taste of their signature multi-part harmonies.Along the way, they preview their new project, reveal some of the heavy-hitting collaborators involved (including Brian Michael Cox and Johntá Austin), and express deep gratitude for the fans who have been rocking with them since 2007.🧧 Support the Show: https://www.patreon.com/canwetalkrnb 📱Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts & iHeart Now!!!! ✅Don’t forget to stream & rate us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and iHeartChapters:00:00 Cold Open & Hype Intro00:21 Welcoming Day26 & Fan Love00:52 20 Years & “Legend” Status01:20 The R&B Group Landscape in 200702:05 Why Day26 Shot Up So Fast02:23 Forming Day26: Competition to Chemistry03:10 “Ordained” Chemistry & God’s Hand03:34 All Frontmen in One Super Group04:11 Real 4–5 Part Harmony04:35 Were They Really “Green” Before Making the Band?05:34 The 2007–2011 Run, Split & Reunion06:11 The Power Move That Brought Day26 Back06:59 Q’s Return & No Bad Blood07:39 Veterans of the Game, Not Novices08:08 Dream Tour: Jagged Edge, New Edition & More08:36 Who Would Day26 Do a Verzuz With?09:11 Day26 vs. Danity Kane?10:03 Respect & Keeping It Clean10:31 The Day26 Music Journey10:54 Debut Album & “Co-Star”11:03 Going From Major Label to Independent11:27 Losing the Major Label Machine12:04 The “Day Ones” Project & Indie Grind12:26 Moving Past the “TV Group” Label12:57 Catalog Streams & Rediscovering Day2613:24 Recreating the Making the Band House13:55 A Project Dedicated to the Fans14:24 Touring, Sold-Out Shows & 20 Years14:50 Gratitude for the Day26 Family15:16 Watching Their Fans Grow Up15:38 Why People Thought Day26 Disappeared16:11 Day26 Never Stopped Dropping Music16:36 Who Day26 Is Working With Now17:03 Taking the Next Album to Another Level17:24 Bringing Back the First-Album Day26 Vibe17:45 New Orleans Show Expectations18:00 What to Expect: Love & Vocals18:21 Day26’s Group Chemistry18:39 Can Day26 Still Harmonize Live?18:46 LIVE: “Are We In This Together” A Cappella19:30 “Stop Playing With Day26!”19:50 Closing Thanks & Sign-Off - CLICK LINKS BELOW! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4zfIA072HwTapLg019UDcM iHeart: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/263-can-we-talk-rb-119355435/ Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/can-we-talk-rnb-podcast/id1703170636 📲Stay connected with Us! #CanWeTalkRnB #CWTRB Hosted & Created by: Ian Von | www.instagram.com/IanVonMusic Produced by: Launch Pod Studio | www.instagram.com/LaunchPodStudio Links: 📱www.instagram.com/CanWeTalkRnB 📱www.twitter.com/CanWeTalkRnB 📱https://www.tiktok.com/@canwetalkrnb 🎥 www.youtube.com/canwetalkrnb #canwetalkrnbpodcast #rnb #podcast #rnbmusic #rnbvibes

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3Quency: How three powerhouse vocalists are reviving 90s R&B sisterhood for a new generation. Jul 06, 2026

Show notes

In this episode of the Can We Talk? R&B podcast, host Ian Von sits down with rising R&B/pop girl group 3Quency to talk about the modern resurgence of groups, building real sisterhood in the music industry, and carving out their own lane after their breakout on Netflix’s Building the Band.

They share how they formed “Love Is Blind–style” in pods without seeing each other, the pressure and beauty of carrying the legacy of 90s and 2000s girl groups, and how they navigate vocal health, touring, social media narratives, and independence as young artists.

From stories of performing with lost voices and sprained ankles, to late-night “girls talk” that turned into a whole project, this conversation is a deep dive into authenticity, unity, and what it really takes to be a group in 2026. The ladies also perform a live a cappella snippet (Brandy’s “Have You Ever”), talk through their creative process as songwriters, and reveal the powerful meaning behind their name, 3Quency.

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Dondria: Independent, In Love, and In Control Jun 28, 2026

Show notes

Ian Von sits down with R&B singer-songwriter Dondria for an honest conversation about her journey from YouTube discovery and early chart success to healing, independence, and rediscovering her love for music. She opens up about stepping away from the spotlight, overcoming depression, embracing solitude, building a career on her own terms, and why self-love became the foundation for her marriage, her creativity, and her new era, Back To Love. This is a conversation about growth, vulnerability, and the courage to choose yourself.

Chapters:

00:00 Intro
00:42 Catching Up with Dondria
01:17 Finding Her New Sound
01:41 The Power of Solitude
03:04 Isolation, Faith & Growth
04:28 Falling Back in Love with Music
06:25 The Meaning Behind "Solitude"
07:29 Dondria's Songwriting Process
08:37 AI & the Future of Music
10:10 Mental Health & Back to Love
11:41 YouTube Discovery & Going Viral
13:11 Jermaine Dupri & Early Success
15:10 Michael Jackson Biopic Review
18:11 The True Cost of Success
19:21 Depression, Healing & Growth
20:46 Learning to Trust Herself
22:59 A New Era of Self-Love
24:37 Advice for New Artists
25:35 Breaking Down the New Music
27:26 Independent vs. Major Labels
28:52 Wedding, Tour & New EP
30:50 Ownership & Standing Up for Herself
32:31 Marriage & Creative Partnership
34:21 Does R&B Make Room for Healing?
36:07 A Message to Day-One Fans
36:58 Rapid Fire Questions
40:07 Becoming "The One" for Yourself
41:04 What's Next for Dondria

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Ama: Love, Friends & Late-Night Calls; What R&B Feels Like Now Jun 21, 2026

Show notes

In this episode of the Can We Talk R&B podcast, host Ian Von sits down with London-raised, Guyanese-rooted R&B artist Ama (Ama Lou) to unpack her new era — a “fearless reset” that strips away cryptic storytelling in favor of direct, deeply personal songwriting.

Ama opens up about moving from hiding behind aesthetics to writing from her real life, the vulnerability behind her viral duet “Needed U Bad” with Brent Faiyaz, and how Caribbean culture, London upbringing, and long-time friendships with artists like Brent and Tyler, The Creator inform her sound.

They also dig into intimacy, desire, and modern relationships, the ebb and flow of honesty in R&B, the importance of creative control across music, visuals, and fashion, plus what fans can expect from her upcoming tour with Ella Mai. The episode closes with rapid-fire questions and a reflection on what love sounds like to Ama right now.

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Gabby Samone: From Pew to Prime Time Jun 15, 2026

Show notes

Rising R&B vocalist Gabby Samone joins Ian Von to discuss her journey from singing in church as a pastor’s daughter to becoming one of the genre’s most promising new voices. Gabby opens up about her musical upbringing, viral breakthrough, American Idol experience, and the stories behind her music, including "Complicated" and 21 and a Half.

The conversation explores artistry, vulnerability, faith, online criticism, and what it takes to build a career as an independent artist.

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Keith D. Robinson: High school groups, Motown deals, Oscars stages, and CBS dramas; one continuous grind Jun 08, 2026

Show notes

Ian Von sits down with triple–threat talent Keith D. Robinson for a rich conversation that moves between two worlds: R&B and acting. Keith opens up about growing up in 90s R&B culture, getting his start in harmony groups, landing a short–lived Motown deal, and how a leap of faith to Los Angeles led to major film and TV roles.

He breaks down the parallels between his own journey and his breakout role as CC in Dreamgirls, revisits performing “Patience” on the Oscars stage alongside Beyoncé and Jennifer Hudson, and talks about what it meant to realize he actually belonged in rooms with icons like Jamie Foxx and Eddie Murphy.

On the music side, Keith dives into his new single “Different Languages” and the forthcoming album Love Episodic 2: The Algorithm—a deeply personal project shaped by COVID, the Hollywood strike, fatherhood, and divorce. He explains how songwriting forces him to become more self–aware and empathetic, and why relationships are really defined in the bad times, not the good ones.

They also unpack his role as Dr. Ted Richardson on CBS’s Beyond the Gates, why affluent Black family stories matter in this moment, what it’s like juggling live performance with on–camera work, and they close with a fun R&B head–to–head: Tank vs. Tyrese in Verzuz.

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Eric Roberson: Completion Over Perfection. The Real Secret to Longevity. May 31, 2026

Show notes

In this episode of the Can We Talk? R&B Podcast, Ian Von reconnects with Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter Eric Roberson to discuss his 18th studio album and companion book, Beautifully All Over the Place.

Eric shares insights into his creative process, the importance of completion and consistency, balancing music with family responsibilities, and finding joy through life's challenges. He also discusses collaborations with Avery*Sunshine, the stories behind standout tracks, and what's next—including Beautifully All Over the Place 2 and a unique musical audiobook.

Chapters:

00:00 Welcome & Guest Introduction

01:03 Meaning of "Beautifully All Over the Place"

03:08 How the Book and Albums Intertwine

04:01 Creating "Trust in Love"

06:26 Authenticity, Dark Seasons & Art as Therapy

10:18 18 Albums In: What It Represents

12:30 Fatherhood, Family & Creative Balance

17:30 Writer's Block vs. Writer's Confusion

22:28 Staying Present, Process Over Perfection

27:01 Beautiful Amid Chaos: Life, War & Touring Realities

31:32 Making "Sweeter Than You" ft. Avery*Sunshine

34:31 What's Next: Touring, Improv Shows & New Projects

36:27 Collaboration, Service & Closing

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Michael Elliot: Brown Sugar, Black Love: Writing Our Stories Into Hollywood May 25, 2026

Show notes

In this episode, Ian Von sits down with legendary screenwriter and producer Michael Elliot, whose pen has shaped some of the most beloved depictions of Black love and Black life on screen. From Brown Sugar and Just Wright to Like Mike and Netflix’s Ruth & Boaz, Michael breaks down how he found storytelling in his 30s, the very real grind behind his Hollywood break, and why love remains the center of his work.

They dive deep into:

Why Black love stories don’t always get box office support—even when the culture reveres them.
How R&B and hip hop literally birthed Brown Sugar.
The tension between our appetite for crime/drama versus romance on screen.
How faith, sensitivity, and emotional honesty became Michael’s “superpower” as a writer.
The impact of streaming and new formats (like vertical storytelling) on Black creators.

The conversation is equal parts masterclass, testimony, and love letter to Black romance in film.

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