Music
Jhene Aiko, Kehlani, Summer Walker, And Teyana Taylor Agree That Most Pop Is Just R&B
Getty Image A new virtual roundtable takes on the state of R&B as a genre and the music industry’s various shortcomings. …

2020 has seen many American institutions coming to grips with a number of long-standing traditions with racist roots and determining ways to move forward. Earlier this year, The Grammy Awards and Republic Records both took steps to remove references to “urban” as a placeholder for typically Black-dominated genres of music in response to comments from Billie Eilish, Tyler The Creator, and others.
Now, a group of stars who’ve been leading the way in the recent resurgence of R&B are also pointing out some of the more racially-motivated discrepancies in how the recording industry classifies music. In this month’s Billboard feature, Jhene Aiko, Kehlani, Summer Walker, and Teyana Taylor participated in a virtual roundtable discussion about the state of R&B, talking about its reemergence as a pop-culture force, and how it differs from genres like rap and pop.
During the discussion, Jhene points out exactly the problem with how R&B is treated within the business. “There are different sounds within R&B that I’m seeing reflected in other genres,” she notes. “We’re seeing more rappers singing, being more melodic, doing more love and sexy songs. You probably wouldn’t have heard that from a straight-up rapper back in the day. And now there are traditionally pop artists doing R&B albums, but it’s called pop… I’m like, ‘This is a very ’90s R&B sound, but it’s considered pop.’”
Taylor wonders, “If an actual R&B singer sang what the pop artist sang, would the R&B singer get the same exposure?” while Walker agrees, “Pop gets all the credit, for sure. We’re cute over here when they want to be in their feelings. But when it’s time to get to the money, it’s all about pop.” Teyana clarifies, “We’re not a bunch of bitter, angry R&B chicks complaining either. We want to be honest without coming off feeling a type of way.” Walker feels the double standard “irritates me a little when it comes to radio. It seems the only songs from me that do super good on the radio are those that are more upbeat.”
The discussion also turns to industry colorism, outlets trying to sexualize them at a young age, and the scrutiny that comes with social media. Read the full feature here.
Artist Spotlight
Plain Mister Smith unveils a journey of sound, spirit, and reflection with new release “Dream to Be Free”
Plain Mister Smith’s new single sounds more like a portal than a regular song. “Dream to Be Free” is a powerful meditation that came from a life-changing trip to Kyoto during Diamonji, the festival where huge bonfires are lit on hillsides to guide spirits home. Smith’s work is inspired by this deeply meaningful moment and is full of self-reflection, awe, and emotional release.
Plain Mister Smith is a well-known figure in the Canadian indie music scene. He has worked on projects like Moev and Cinderpop and is now a cellist with the Vancouver Philharmonic Orchestra. This adds a lot of musical depth to his solo work. His unique mix of indie pop, baroque folk, and subtle textures comes out with ease and style. The result is a piece that has both fragility and vastness, is rooted in tradition, and easily slips into ethereal soundscapes.
“Dream to Be Free” features a variety of instruments and subtle melodic shifts that make it shine. It makes you want to stop and take in its thoughtful mood. The track gives the impression of movement, as if it is following you and guiding you through self-reflection, memory, and small changes. Every passage seems carefully placed, but it flows naturally, letting the emotion grow and echo.
The single goes beyond mere inspiration, it captures a universal desire for freedom, clarity, and renewal. It talks about the deep moment when we reflect on what it means to let go. In “Dream to Be Free,” Plain Mister Smith reminds us that the first step toward freedom often begins with calmness and careful listening.
Connect with Plain Mister Smith on Spotify || Instagram || Youtube ||Tiktok
Artist Spotlight
Morpheus von Dobenhausen and Buddy Joe claim their space breaking the mold on latest release “I Have To Do It My Way”
Morpheus von Dobenhausen’s latest single, “I Have To Do It My Way,” is both personal and purposeful. It is a strong statement of independence and artistic identity, grounded in conviction rather than in giving in. The track is a good example of staying true to your creative vision. It embodies the essence of following your own path, celebrating your uniqueness, and trusting your instincts to help you grow as an artist. Morpheus von Dobenhausen and Buddy Joe, an artist based in the UK, are working together on the project. This gives it a sense of authenticity and dedication. Their work together results in a product that is focused, certain, and truly refreshing.
The song was made by people from different countries working together online with Logic Pro 12 and structured data exchange. This shows that distance doesn’t stop people from being creative together. This modern approach to making music allows the composition to have universal energy while still maintaining a personal touch. The process shows the main idea of the song: to work alone while remaining open to important collaboration.
“I Have to Do It My Way” is a statement for people who value being true to themselves over what society expects of them. It speaks to people who value artistic freedom and self-confidence, and it serves as a powerful reminder that being original often comes from having the courage to trust yourself.
This track from Morpheus von Dobenhausen and Buddy Joe shows how much they care about creative freedom. It’s both uplifting and very relatable. It is a major step forward that has a lasting effect long after the last note fades away.
Connect with Morpheus von Dobenhausen on Spotify || Instagram || Facebook || Youtube || Tiktok || Soundcloud
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