During a time when R&B music has splintered into multiple subcategories and stylistic lines are increasingly blurred, there is still room for strong harmonies, meaningful lyrics, and themes rooted in passion, love, and hope. That sense of hope can be found in the music of a group that may resemble a hip-hop collective visually but remains grounded in classic rhythm and blues sonically.
Individually, Brandon Casey, Brian Casey, Kyle Norman, and Richard Wingo are accomplished performers capable of commanding any stage. Collectively, they form Jagged Edge, a group with multiple top ten singles, more than eight million albums sold, and a legacy that continues to resonate. Now preparing to release their eighth studio album, the group is positioning itself for another defining moment.
Jagged Edge has reunited with producer Jermaine Dupri, both creatively and on the business side, aligning their Hard Case Records imprint with Dupri’s So So Def brand. With records such as “He Can’t Love You,” “Gotta Be,” and “Let’s Get Married,” the group has built a catalog that continues to receive consistent airplay. Their album JE Heartbreak remains a standout in R&B history, and the upcoming JE Heartbreak II is slated for release through their new partnership alongside BMG Primary Wave Artist Services.
With their single “Hope” gaining traction at radio, Jagged Edge sat down with Radio Facts in West Hollywood to discuss the new album, the state of R&B, their business evolution, and their place in music history.
Let’s talk about the album. In a singles-driven market, does creating a full album still matter?
Brian Casey: People got tired of buying albums because they weren’t getting full value, and that helped push the singles market.
Kyle Norman: What are you looking for when you buy music?
I’m still looking for a full album.
Kyle Norman: We’re delivering an album full of singles, so no matter what people hear, every track has potential.
How has working with Jermaine Dupri changed this time around?
Brandon Casey: It’s even more intense than before. Back then, Jermaine would guide us subtly. Now, he’s fully engaged and energized in the studio, and that pushes us harder.
Richard Wingo: Back then, he was helping us mature. Now the energy is mutual, and it shows in the music.
Do you have any career moments where arrogance led to regret?
Brian Casey: Part of Jermaine’s frustration at Sony came from our frustration. We felt there was a ceiling on our success, and I regret the energy we put into that thinking.
Brandon Casey: With time, we realized we were in a strong situation. We just couldn’t see it clearly then.
How are you approaching revenue differently with this new project?
Brian Casey: We always looked for multiple revenue streams, but we never had someone fully advocating for us in those rooms. Now, that’s changed.
Has R&B lost some of its integrity as it has evolved?
Brandon Casey: R&B is rhythm and blues. You can’t have blues without emotion. Technology has improved sound quality, but sometimes emotion gets lost.
If you were building an R&B Mount Rushmore, who would be on it?
Brandon Casey: Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder, Lionel Richie, and possibly ourselves.
Brian Casey: Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder, Donny Hathaway, and R. Kelly.
Kyle Norman: You can’t leave Luther Vandross out.
Stay tuned for part two of this interview as the group discusses their international fanbase and the ongoing influence of radio.
