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  ✅ LISTEN, FOLLOW, AND RATE Hosted & Created by:  Ian Von Produced by: Launch Pod Studio Shot and Edited by: Lazy Pickle Studios