New Jack Swing
Where R&B Met Hip Hop
Few genres changed modern music quite like New Jack Swing. Emerging in the late 1980s, it combined the soulful vocals of R&B with the beats, attitude and production of hip hop, creating a completely new sound that dominated radio stations, dancefloors and music television throughout the late 80s and early 90s. Spearheaded by producer Teddy Riley, the genre became one of the most influential movements in contemporary R&B and continues to shape modern music today.
This mix celebrates the artists and producers who defined the era, bringing together infectious grooves, punchy drum machines and unforgettable vocals into one continuous journey through one of R&B's most exciting periods.
Why New Jack Swing Still Gets People Moving
There's a reason New Jack Swing still sounds fresh more than 30 years later.
The combination of hard-hitting beats, funky basslines and soulful melodies gives these records an energy that's unlike any other genre. They're equally at home in a nightclub, at a wedding reception or during an old school R&B set, making them some of the most versatile songs I play.
Whenever I mix New Jack Swing at weddings and private events across Melbourne, people instantly recognise the groove. Even if they don't know the genre's name, they know the songs—and that's exactly why this era remains one of my favourites to perform.
The Artists Who Defined the Movement
New Jack Swing was built by some of the biggest names in R&B history.
This mix features artists including Guy, Bobby Brown, Bell Biv DeVoe, Keith Sweat, Johnny Kemp, Today, Wreckx-n-Effect, Heavy D & The Boyz, Michael Jackson and Blackstreet, alongside the groundbreaking production of Teddy Riley.
Together, they blurred the lines between R&B, hip hop and dance music, creating a sound that influenced countless artists throughout the 1990s and beyond. Their music laid the foundation for many of today's biggest R&B and pop records.
Why New Jack Swing Still Fills Dancefloors
Great party music is built on rhythm, and few genres deliver groove quite like New Jack Swing.
The instantly recognisable swing beat, energetic drum programming and catchy vocal hooks make these songs impossible to ignore. They're nostalgic for those who grew up with them while still sounding fresh to younger audiences discovering them for the first time.
As a DJ, I love using New Jack Swing to bridge old school R&B, funk, hip hop and soul. It creates a natural progression through a set while giving guests those unexpected moments where they suddenly remember every lyric.
Perfect For Old School R&B & Throwback Parties
If you love classic R&B with an upbeat, danceable groove, this mix is for you.
New Jack Swing works perfectly for:
Melbourne wedding receptions
30th, 40th and 50th birthday parties
Old school R&B nights
Throwback events
Corporate celebrations
Anyone who appreciates the golden era of R&B and hip hop
Whether you're reliving the soundtrack of your youth or introducing these classics to a new generation, New Jack Swing continues to be one of the most enjoyable styles of music to play live.
🎵 Tracklist (Artist – Title):
Boyz II Men – Motownphilly
Johnny Gill – Rub You the Right Way
Jodeci – Gotta Love
Guy – Wanna Get With You
Bell Biv DeVoe – Do Me!
Bobby Brown – Humpin' Around
Teddy Riley ft. Guy – My Fantasy
Heavy D. & The Boyz – Is It Good to You
Teddy Riley – Is It Good to You
Riff – White Men Can't Jump
Johnny Gill – The Floor
Father MC – Everything's Gonna Be Alright
Janet Jackson – Escapade
Kid ’n Play – Ain't Gonna Hurt Nobody
C+C Music Factory – Things That Make You Go Hmmmm...
Salt‐N‐Pepa – Let's Talk About Sex
Hi-Five – I Like the Way
Michael Jackson – Remember the Time
Bobby Brown – That's the Way Love Is
Guy – Do Me Right
TLC – Ain't 2 Proud 2 Beg
New Edition – Popcorn Love
Janet Jackson – What Have You Done for Me Lately
Father MC – I'll Do 4 U
Portrait – Here We Go Again
Guy – Spend the Night
Guy – Groove Me
Wreckx-N-Effect – New Jack Swing
Guy – Let's Stay Together
Hi-Five – I Just Can't Handle It
Bell Biv DeVoe – Poison
Heavy D. & The Boyz – We Got Our Own Thang
Aaron Hall – Get a Little Freaky With Me
Color Me Badd – All 4 Love
Joe Public – Live and Learn
Heavy D. & The Boyz – This Is Your Night
Troop – That's My Attitude
Janet Jackson – Black Cat
Guy – 'Round and 'Round
Bell Biv DeVoe – Above the Rim
Bobby Brown – My Prerogative
Keith Sweat – I Want Her
Guy – D-O-G Me Out
Bobby Brown – Humpin' Around (Reprise)
Michael Jackson – Jam
Janet Jackson – Rhythm Nation
Tony! Toni! Toné! – Feels Good
If you are planning an event be sure to check out my range of packages - Wedding DJ Hire, Party DJ Hire, Corporate DJ Hire, R&B DJ Hire, Hip Hop DJ Hire, Latin DJ Hire