New Jack City (1991): "Guy Scene & Uniqua"

New Jack Swing, the genre that defined the late 1980s and early 1990s with its infectious grooves and polished production, continues to spark debates among music lovers. Combining hip-hop beats, R&B melodies, and undeniable swing, it set dance floors on fire and redefined contemporary music.

But a lingering question remains: Is New Jack Swing a form of jazz?

For some, the answer is yes. At its core, New Jack Swing borrows heavily from jazz’s rhythmic essence, particularly its use of swing. While it may lack the improvisational freedom traditionally associated with jazz, its connection to the rhythmic and harmonic sophistication of the genre makes it a compelling modern interpretation of jazz principles.

Swing: The Heart of Jazz and New Jack Swing

Swing is a defining feature of jazz, from the Big Band era to modern iterations. It gives the music a unique groove and energy that’s both irresistible and timeless. New Jack Swing incorporates this rhythmic sensibility, evident in its syncopated beats and infectious grooves. Tracks like “My Prerogative” by Bobby Brown and “Groove Me” by Guy capture the essence of swing, albeit through electronic production rather than live instrumentation.

The very name New Jack Swing acknowledges its rhythmic ties to jazz. While the genre leans heavily on programmed beats and polished arrangements, the underlying “feel” often mirrors the pulse of jazz’s swing era.

Why Some See New Jack Swing as Jazz

The Swing Connection

Swing is one of jazz’s most recognizable features, a rhythmic feel that adds a propulsive, danceable quality to the music. In the same way, New Jack Swing uses offbeat accents, funky grooves, and layered beats to create a swinging rhythm that feels alive.

Sophistication in Harmony

Though rooted in R&B and hip-hop, New Jack Swing borrows heavily from jazz’s rich harmonic traditions. Chord progressions in songs like Guy’s "Let’s Chill" or SWV’s "Right Here" reflect an understanding of melody and harmony that jazz musicians often explore. These elements provide a depth that links the genre to jazz sensibilities.

Cultural Continuity

Both jazz and New Jack Swing are products of African American innovation, emerging from shared traditions of gospel, blues, and funk. Like jazz, New Jack Swing was more than music—it was a cultural force, influencing fashion, dance, and the broader soundscape of its era.

Where New Jack Swing Diverges from Jazz

Of course, New Jack Swing differs from jazz in significant ways. Jazz is heavily defined by improvisation, the art of spontaneous creation that has been its cornerstone since the early days of Louis Armstrong and Duke Ellington. In contrast, New Jack Swing thrives on structure, meticulously crafted beats, and polished production. It is a studio-driven genre, where precision often takes precedence over the free-flowing creativity of a live jazz performance.

Is New Jack Swing a Modern Form of Jazz?

The debate over whether New Jack Swing should be considered jazz depends on how we define jazz itself. If we view jazz narrowly—as a genre built on improvisation and traditional instrumentation—New Jack Swing doesn’t fit. However, if we embrace a broader definition, one that sees jazz as an evolving art form rooted in swing, groove, and cultural expression, then New Jack Swing deserves a place in the conversation.

Much like how bebop challenged the conventions of swing or how fusion blurred the lines between jazz and rock, New Jack Swing could be seen as a continuation of jazz’s legacy. It reflects the spirit of innovation, blending styles and pushing boundaries, just as jazz has done for over a century.

Conclusion

New Jack Swing may not fit neatly into the traditional jazz mold, but its rhythmic swing, harmonic sophistication, and cultural significance make it a close cousin in the family of jazz-influenced genres. Whether you call it jazz, R&B, or something entirely its own, there’s no denying that New Jack Swing carries forward the improvisational spirit and rhythmic energy that jazz introduced to the world.

In the end, music is about connection, and New Jack Swing connects us to the past while grooving toward the future. Whether it’s Bobby Brown making you dance or Guy’s harmonies making you sway, New Jack Swing swings—and maybe that’s jazz enough.

Written by Zacchae'us Paul

Dec 29, 2024