Jozzy on Writing for Beyoncé & SZA: Saving Modern R&B

In the world of modern music, few names carry as much weight behind the scenes as Jozzy. If you haven’t heard her name yet, you have certainly heard her pen. With over 900 songwriting credits to her name, including work with icons like Beyoncé, Drake, SZA, Mary J. Blige, and Chris Brown, Jozzy has established herself as the secret weapon of the industry. Recently, she sat down for a deep-dive interview to discuss her new project, Soundtrack to Get Her Back, and her mission to revitalize the genre she calls “Expensive R&B.”

From her early days contributing to Grammy-winning projects like “Old Town Road” to her transition from Diddy’s Love Records to BMG, Jozzy’s journey is a masterclass in artistic integrity and industry evolution. This conversation explores why she is being hailed as the most important voice in R&B today and how she is bridging the gap between the legendary soul of the 90s and the futuristic sounds of 2026.

The Tank vs. Tyrese Debate: A Masterclass in the Pen Game

The conversation kicked off with a breakdown of the recent Versuz-style performance between R&B titans Tank and Tyrese. While both artists are legends in their own right, Jozzy offered a unique perspective from the eyes of a songwriter. While Tyrese brought the energy and the uptempo hits that defined an era, Jozzy felt that Tank ultimately owned the night.

“Tank is an all-out artist, but when you put his pen game as a writer into the mix, it’s a different level,” Jozzy noted. She highlighted how Tank performed songs he wrote for others, reminding the audience of his deep roots in the DNA of modern R&B. She compared the event to a high-stakes playoff game, where one player simply becomes “memorable” in a way that transcends the score. For Jozzy, Tank’s ability to showcase his songwriting prowess alongside his vocal ability made him the “added ingredient” that the night needed.

Defining “Expensive R&B”

One of the most compelling parts of the interview was Jozzy’s definition of her own sound. GQ Magazine recently described her as the “direct link” between the heavy-hitting, soulful R&B of the Timberland and Missy Elliott era and the current landscape. Jozzy took this a step further by labeling her work “Expensive R&B.”

But what exactly does that mean? According to Jozzy, R&B used to have a “glossy” and “pop” appeal. It was music so high-quality and visual that you could sell a product just by placing it in the video. She argues that the genre became “diluted” over the last decade as artists attempted to mimic the Trap Soul sound pioneered by Bryson Tiller in 2014.

The Bryson Tiller Influence

Jozzy was quick to give flowers to Bryson Tiller, calling him a true innovator. She noted that from 2015 to 2019, almost every R&B track had “Bryson in the DNA”—that dark, low-fi, rappy aesthetic. However, she believes that while Tiller’s sound was incredible, the industry’s over-reliance on it caused R&B to lose its “expensive” feel. “We need to make R&B glossy again,” she insisted, moving away from the “scraps” and back toward high-production, cinematic soul.

The “Neo Soul” Trap and Raphael Saadiq’s Wisdom

The discussion took a serious turn when addressing the labels placed on Black artists. Jozzy referenced a recent statement by the legendary Raphael Saadiq, who claimed that the term “Neo Soul” was essentially a “dog whistle” or a code word used by the industry to limit budgets for Black artists.

Jozzy resonated deeply with this sentiment. She explained that labels like “Alternative R&B” or “Progressive R&B” often serve to “condense” the music and keep it out of the pop conversation. By calling her music “Expensive R&B,” she is reclaiming the idea that this music is popular music—it is “sinkable” for TV, film, and global brands. She acknowledged that while the community took the “scraps” of the Neo Soul label and turned it into “soul food,” the systematic nature of these labels often prevents artists from accessing the same budgets as their pop counterparts.

The Transition: Leaving Love Records for Freedom

Perhaps the most personal part of the interview involved Jozzy’s professional transition. Originally signed to Diddy’s Love Records, Jozzy found herself at a crossroads as the mogul faced significant legal challenges. She shared the story of traveling to Miami to have an “uncomfortable conversation” with Puff about her future.

“Puff loved me,” she shared, noting that he was willing to listen to her concerns. In a moment of clarity, Diddy acknowledged that his situation was his “cross to bear” and agreed to let her out of her contract. This move allowed Jozzy to sign with BMG, giving her the freedom to release her new album on her own terms. Despite the departure, she credited Diddy with teaching her invaluable lessons about the “R&B recipe,” specifically the importance of ad-libs and the structure of a hit record.

Key Takeaways from Jozzy’s Journey

• Songwriting is the Foundation: With over 900 credits, Jozzy proves that a “true pen” is the most sustainable asset in the music industry.
• Innovation vs. Imitation: While Bryson Tiller’s Trap Soul was revolutionary, Jozzy encourages artists to find their own “swag” rather than diluting an existing sound.
• Reclaim Your Value: By using the term “Expensive R&B,” Jozzy is fighting against industry labels that limit the reach and budget of Black artists.
• The Power of Ad-libs: Drawing from her time with Diddy, she emphasizes that the “feel” of a song—the ad-libs and the “vibe”—is often just as important as the lyrics themselves.
• Professional Grace: Her ability to navigate a high-stakes exit from Love Records shows the importance of direct communication and mutual respect in business.

The Future of the Genre

Jozzy’s return to the spotlight with Soundtrack to Get Her Back marks a pivotal moment for R&B. She isn’t just releasing music; she is advocating for a return to quality, luxury, and “expensive” sounds that refuse to be boxed into narrow categories. Whether she’s discussing the intricacies of a Versuz battle or the systematic hurdles of music marketing, Jozzy speaks with the authority of someone who has seen it all and is ready to lead the next generation.

As she continues to bridge the gap between the 90s legends and the future of the charts, one thing is certain: Jozzy is the ingredient that the R&B recipe was missing. Be sure to stream Soundtrack to Get Her Back on all platforms to experience the evolution of Expensive R&B for yourself.