Less romance, more nursery rhymes – Anthony Hamilton scores the current state of R&B music

This September, Apple Music launched Soul September to celebrate some of R&B and soul music’s most iconic artists, as well as its new wave.  The month-long campaign features a selection of 14 exclusive playlists from singers like John Legend, Toni Braxton, Tamia and Anthony Hamilton, to current stars of the scene like Ari Lennox, Alina Baraz, Snoh Aalegra, Teyana Taylor, among others.

Speaking about the campaign, multiple Award-winning R&B singer, Anthony Hamilton told Ameyaw TV: “Anytime pure music is represented and celebrated, it is good. It lets people know that the pioneers are respected, and that their music is still lives on.”

Each guest playlist features the artists’ favourite R&B songs of all time, alongside songs that have been vital in helping them forge their own career paths.

Anthony Hamilton revealed that his personal current playlist includes  ‘Lie To Me’ by Kem, ‘Vuka’ by Amanda Black,  ‘Lost One’ by Jazmine Sullivan, ‘Circles’ by Trey Songz- Cirlces, ‘You 2 Luv’ by Neyo and Jeremih, as well as John Legend’s new album, ‘Bigger Love’.

Since his groundbreaking platinum-selling second studio album, ‘Comin’ from Where I’m From’ in 2003,  the singer, songwriter, and record producer has consistently churned out amazing music, garnering 17 Grammy Award nominations and a Best Traditional R&B Performance win for “You’ve Got The Love I Need” in 2009.

With a career spanning over two decades, how does Hamilton see the current state of R&B and soul music?

“The younger artists express themselves differently.  Sonically, things are more like a nursery rhyme and lyrically, content is a little skimmed down in terms of the types of conversations you have with men and women. I think a lot of romance is missing. Now, it’s all about sex, some drugs and more sex. Well people are expressing where they are, but I hope we get back to real love, romance, respect and those things. There are still some great artists out there, I like a lot of the new stuff but sometimes it is not good for the kids. But we are adults so we can make our own decisions,” he opined.

Hamilton added that a lot of the soul in music has been watered down, as people just do music like nursery rhymes with repetitive melodic hooks.  For him, the way to bring the soul back is by collaborating to bridge the gaps. “I have been doing some stuff with some of the younger guys and lending what it is that a bring to the table, to what they do and it is a good mix.”

Anthony Hamilton has worked with the likes of Ty Dolla $ign, Lil Twist and others. He currently has a new song ‘Back Together’ featuring Rick James.