From Singing Background to Shining Solo on Stage: Kenyon Dixon's Journey to Multi Grammy-Nominated Singer

On this episode of Can We Talk R&B, Ian welcomes LA Native 2x Grammy Nominated Singer/Songwriter KENYON DIXON on the show. Kenyon talks about his upbringing in the Church. Linking up with Tyrese early in his career for songwriting for artists like Tyrese, TGT, and later Justin Timberlake. Kenyon also talks about background singing for artists like Tyrese, Justin Timberlake, Ledisi, Kirk Franklin, Pharrell Williams, Usher, Brandy, Jill Scott, and Nick Jonas. His move from background vocals and focus on your solo career. His rise as an independent artist and experience working with Kanye West on “Ultralight Beam '' and contribution to R&B. 

0:00 - 3:10 Intro

3:10 - 5:44 Tell us about your upbringing 

5:44 - 6:55 Being from Watts, CA

6:55 - 8:25 Working with Tyrese early on 

8:25 - 9:05 Open Invitation album

9:05 - 10:39 Performing at the Grammys 

10:39 - 13:30 How did your transition from Gospel to R&B

13:30 - 14:10 Mothers first show  

14:10 - 15:36 The difference between TGT and Justin Timberlake

15:36 - 16:55 Working with various artists and their styles

16:55 - 17:07 Touring with Kirk

17:07 - 17:50 Touring Jill Scott

17:50 - 18:49 Most valuable lesson from working with artists

18:49 - 20:35 What made you decide to go solo? 

20:35 - 23:00 The balance of recording and touring with artists

23:00 - 24:23 Preparing for solo career on tour with other artists

24:23 - 26:15 Did the opportunities lead to writing?

26:15 - 29:15 R&B independent artists  

29:15 - 30:36 Do you ever think about majors? 

30:36 - 33:02 The shift from Majors to Indie

33:02 - 36:36 What are your roles in being independent 

35:36 - 37:00 Depending on your team 

37:00 - 40:44 Background vocals on Ultralight Beam

40:44 - 41:42 The Life of Pablo album

41:42 - 43:33 Which singers worked on Ultralight Beam? 

43:33 - 47:12 The R&B You Love 

47:12 - 52:26 Deep Dive: 2000s R&B

52:26 - 54:29 RL and Next

54:29 - 55:15 Being able to tap into the 90s feel 

55:15 - 57:30 Hot Topics: Advocate for the 2000s R&B

57:30 - 58:27 90s to 2000s Artists

58:27 - 59:00 Neyo - So Sick 

59:00 - 1:00:44 Cultural moments that elevated R&B in 2000s

1:00:44 - 1:05:15 Songs Usher should perform at the Super Bowl

1:05:15 - 1:05:54 Closing 

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Hosted & Created by:  Ian Von

Produced by: Launch Pod Studio

Shot and Edited by: Lazy Pickle Studios

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