Some entertainment veterans, in an attempt to remain relevant, try to appeal to the youth market. Many fail with desperate attempts that alienate their core base, while others find success with a balance of the old and the new. In preparation for his latest musical release, Best Night of My Life, Oscar-winning actor and singer Jamie Foxx found himself at this critical juncture. During a live Q-and-A session with Power 105.1 FM’s “The Breakfast Club” at New York City’s Samsung Experience space in the Time Warner building, Foxx noted that it was his daughter who made him realize that he needed an upgrade to compete in today’s youth-driven market.
“I started out on smooth R&B and she said you gonna put everybody to sleep — get with some young folks to keep [you] relevant,” Foxx told the crowd of tastemakers, fans and media.
That decision resulted in Foxx collaborating with contemporary stars such as Wiz Khalifa, Soulja Boy, Rick Ross and more to stay afloat in a fickle business.
“It’s really their time so my time was a few days ago. I talk to Tank and Tyrese to get with these young dudes to stay relevant. I was able to go to their world and be humble and work together to deliver what we put out,” he says.
The final result is a modern R&B album replete with hip-hop, pop and even some dance elements. It doesn’t all work, as evidenced by the lukewarm title track, but on songs like “Fall For Your Type,” featuring Drake and the pop-inspired “Freak,” Foxx demonstrates the potential to expand his sound with today’s modern production.
However, it was surprise guest El DeBarge who nearly stole the show. DeBarge and Foxx performed an impromptu medley of the former’s hits including “I Like It” and “Rhythm of the Night,” where they battled each other with signature Michael Jackson dance moves.
DeBarge summed up the importance of the moment by noting that when it comes to making relevant music there should be no boundaries between generations.
“It shows there is no thing as old and new school — just school and school ain’t never out. School is always in,” said DeBarge.
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