May 5, 2010


When you talk about the whole package, R&B singer Kenneth "Babyface" Edmonds should be one of the first artists that come to mind. Not only has this veteran crooner sold millions of records, his music and lyrics were and still are the stepping stones to a lot of the success of today’s top selling artists, including Brandy, Boyz II Men, Toni Braxton, TLC and many more.

Read as Babyface tells us exclusively how some of his hit records came about.

So I’m going to mention a few of your biggest records and I want you to tell me how those songs were written.

Toni Braxton – Breathe Again

“Breathe Again” was written in Atlanta, Georgia inside a studio with Coco (SWV). It was at LA [Reid’s] house, we had a studio we built there in the guest house. We were trying to come up with more songs for her record. It was kind of one of those songs that I kind of sat down and started playing these chords and the words and melodies just kind of floated out. It was really written quickly; probably a couple of hours.

Boyz II Men – I’ll Make Love To You

“I’ll Make Love To You” was kind of the followup to “End Of The Road.” I think I wrote it in an apartment here in LA. Once I finished it, the hard part is like when you do one big song like “End Of The Road,” it’s tough to try to out do it but it was something that was in that line. When I first submitted it, I think the guys liked it but then at one point the record was voted off there album. At the last minute they voted it back in again.

Bobby Brown – Humpin’ Around

That was written in Atlanta. It was the second album we had worked on with Bobby and at that point Bobby was spending most of his time with Teddy Riley. It was kind of difficult for us to get him in the studio and I think he was not totally feeling us at that point. But we finally got him in and recorded that song in a studio that he ultimately bought.

En Vogue – Whatever

That was one that was written here in Brandon’s Way (Studio in Hollywood). It was the first time I had the chance to work with them and It was a record that I kind of put together for them specifically. I remember having a lot of fun with them and wishing I could have got with them earlier to do more things.

Brandy – Sittin’ up in My Room

That was all part of a number of songs written at the same time. I was at a studio working with Forest Whitaker on a project so I ended up writing “Sittin’ up in My Room” there. Did the demo at a house I hand in LA….Brandy came over and we put down the idea. It was amazing how quick she did it. I think I listened to some Aaliyah records to start that song idea. Forest ended up using it for a scene in his movie.

Tevin Campbell – Can We Talk

“Can We Talk” was written here in LA as well. Originally when I was writing it, I think I was writing it for Usher and then Quincy Jones called me and wanted me to do something. I happened to finish writing that record and I wanted to do something for Quincy, so ultimately that’s how Tevin got that record.

Looking at your list of huge R&B records, are you satisfied with where R&B is presently?

I think that R&B is getting better…I think it’s going back to more melodies, variety and music. I think for a minute it was heading in the wrong direction but we’re back in the right direction again. Looking forward to it!

So, are you getting ready for this Soul summers Show in Orlando?

I guess I’m ready. I always try to be.

So it’s a Mother’s Day celebration, tell me something that you’ve done for your mom that you will never forget on Mother’s Day.

There are probably a few, but I took her on a trip to Hawaii and gave her one of her first diamond watches. She’s not really into jewelry, well at least back then, but she was very happy about it. It was kind of a trip with her and her sisters as well.

As the years go by it gets kind of harder to impress her, but at this point it’s mainly just being there with her.


Link
[Edited 5/7/10 15:21pm]

He doesn't come off very intelligent or articulate, does he?

sosgemini said:

What do you want him to be like LOL?

I know he had problems with Bobby Brown on his "Bobby" album. That album seemed to of had a complicated history.

Can't say Iam excited by anything he has done since the mid 90's. He got very bland to me.

thesexofit said:

Oh, I don't know, maybe talk about the craft of making each song instead of the dull as paint drying explanations he gave.

sosgemini said:

LOL, I see what you mean. Could of been worse though. He could of done the typical american bull by saying something like "this song was just a gift from God" etc..., that some US artists do LOL. I hate those answers.

thesexofit said:

Here's what happened.After the huge success of 'Don't Be Cruel',Bobby got a massive ego.He told his record company that he wanted to produce his next album himself,and tried to downplay the role that LA and Babyface played in his success.So there was a little tension during the recording of 'Bobby'.

I liked his explanations, they were short and to the point. Here's what was going on while I was writing the song and here's what happened to it. I don't think there was anything unintelligent about what he said or how he said it.

I sort of disagree with him on the state of R&B getting better though because I don't really see that.
[Edited 5/6/10 4:24am]

missfee said:

I agree in that I liked his explanations because they were short and sweet, besides, it wouldn't be professional for him to give away his 'secrets' to success. I think that the state of R&B has gotten better but still has a long way to go to return to is heyday. Orriginality is the key!!

sosgemini said:

He doesn't, you're just a big OL' snob, Sosy
[Edited 5/6/10 14:22pm]

Identity said:

i had no idea he did those songs

I can only imagine his royalty checks.

Harlepolis said:

Well, I love the craft of songwriting. You hear the greats like Ashford and Simpson, Carol King, Bacharach and others talk about songwriting and you gain a sense of how they actually crafted their songs into the classics they are. This dude could be talking about anything. LA & Babyface, IMHO, really started the trend of throwaway soundalike songs that have taking over the airwaves. While some of their songs have ended up lasting, the bulk has been easily forgotten. IMHO

daytonohioplayer said:

who you tellin'?

I don't think that Babyface went into further details because the interview was supposed to be short. I wish the reporter would've also asked him about the songs he created for Jon B., Tevin Campbell, and The Boyz.

any1 notice the 2 typos?

hand instead of had

king instead of kind
[Edited 5/7/10 15:02pm]

They asked about En Vogue's "Whatever", but not Madonna's "Take A Bow". I realize it's an R&B mag, but sheesh! "Whatever" is sort of considered a flop (or at the very least, it wasn't very well thought of critically) and the beginning of the end of En Vogue.

missmad said:

Between the internet and spell check, professional writing is not looking too professional now of days! I'm guilty of plenty of errors too but I don't have someone checking my work....these places should!

VinnyM27 said:

yea they should but it is any net site or a net mag or something or a huge mag? if it is a small network of peeps could sort of be forgiven if u aren't being paid a lot and u have no one to check but if it is a huge company- no excuse.

SoulAlive said:

Where U get that from?