Last updated on March 31, 2026, updated every month.
If you mix “New Jack,” a slang term for something new, and “Swing,” which, as everyone knows, refers to rhythm and movement, you get “New Jack Swing,” a musical genre popularized by producer Teddy Riley that emerged in the late 1980s and early 1990s.
The list below ranks 20 vintage NEW JACK SWING songs in descending order of engagement over the last six months.
1 . Stephanie Mills - Never Knew Love Like This Before
Released in 1980, Stephanie Mills’ “Never Knew Love Like This Before” captivates listeners with its smooth blend of R&B and disco influences. Co-written by Reggie Lucas and James Mtume, the track is said to be inspired by the birth of Lucas’ daughter, Lisa. The song ascends to the 6th position on the Billboard Pop Singles Chart in the U.S., securing Mills two Grammy Awards in 1981: Best R&B Song and Best Female R&B Vocal Performance. With its timeless melody and heartfelt lyrics, the song finds new life in various renditions, including Jessie Ware’s 2013 cover for the soundtrack of “I Give It a Year.”
The music video is directed by .
Writer(s) : James Mtume, Reginald Grant Lucas Publisher(s) : Sony Atv Melody, Careers Music Inc
Genres : R&B, Hip Hop,contemporary r&b, new jack swing, quiet storm, r&b, urban contemporary
Genres : R&B, Hip Hop,contemporary r&b, new jack swing, quiet storm, r&b, urban contemporary
The music video is directed by Stefan Würnitzer
Featured on the album 1980,Sweet Sensation
33.08% / -2.78%
2 . Foxy Brown - I'll Be
Crafted with care, “I’ll Be” sneaks onto Foxy Brown’s debut, “Ill Na Na,” with Trackmasters behind the boards and Jay-Z lending a Brooklyn stamp.
Released as the second single on March 4, 1997, through Def Jam and Violator, it climbs to number 7 on the Billboard Hot 100, marking a peak for both artists.
It also goes gold by May for pushing over 500,000 units.
The song has a cheeky nod to René & Angela’s “I’ll Be Good,” underscoring its rhythmic flair.
Brett Ratner directs the music video, capturing Foxy Brown and Jay-Z in a club scene, and look who joins in the fun—Funkmaster Flex.
The music video is directed by Brett Ratner.
Writer(s) : Lover Tone, Poke (Us 1), Jay Z, Ivan Rene Moore, Angela Lisa Winbush Publisher(s) : Jumping Bean Songs Llc, Lil Lu Lu Publishing, Jelly S Jams L L C
Genres : new_jack_swing
Genres : R&B, Hip Hop, Pop,contemporary r&b, east coast hip hop, hip pop, new jack swing, r&b, gangster rap, hip hop, pop rap, rap
Featured on the album 1996,Ill Na Na
32.49% / -1.38%
3 . Jodeci - Cry For You
A 1993 slow jam from “Diary of a Mad Band”, “Cry For You” walks the fine line between heartbreak and high drama.
Jodeci go full-throttle on the longing, landing the track at the top of the US R&B charts without breaking a sweat.
The sultry video doubles down on the emotion, just in case the wailing falsettos didn’t make things clear enough.
The music video is directed by Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs.
Writer(s) : Robert Jones, Devante Swing, Raymond E. Jones Publisher(s) : De Swing Mob Inc
Genres : new_jack_swing
Genres : R&B, Hip Hop,contemporary r&b, new jack swing, r&b, urban contemporary
The music video is directed by Dave Meyers
Featured on the album 1993,Diary of a Mad Band
27.58% / -1.29%
4 . Atlantic Starr - Always
Always, a 1987 release by American R&B group Atlantic Starr, stands as the second single from their seventh album, “All in the Name of Love.”
Crafted by Jonathan, David, and Wayne Lewis, the track reigned atop the US Billboard Hot 100, Billboard Hot Black Singles, and U.S. Adult Contemporary charts, achieving transatlantic success, peaking at No. 3 in the UK.
The duet by Wayne Lewis and Barbara Weathers, who replaced Sharon Bryant in 1984, anchors the track’s charm.
The music video is directed by Jane Simpson.
Writer(s) : Jonathan Lewis, Wayne F Lewis, David E Lewis Publisher(s) : Jodaway Music
Genres : new_jack_swing
Genres : R&B,contemporary r&b, new jack swing, quiet storm
The music video is directed by Marc Klasfeld
Featured on the album 1987,All In The Name Of Love
27.57% / 0.24%
5 . Tevin Campbell - Tell Me What You Want Me To Do
This 1991 track is one of Tevin Campbell’s biggest hits. Under the direction of producer Quincy Jones, famous for his work with Michael Jackson, Campbell’s smooth and powerful tenor voice captivated both teen and adult audiences. “Tell Me What You Want Me To Do” peaked at number six on the Billboard Hot 100 and became a staple R&B ballad of the 90s. Campbell later worked on projects like the musical “Hairspray” and the TV series “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air”.
Writer(s) : Narada Michael Walden, Sally Jo Dakota, Tevin Jermod Campbell Publisher(s) : Wc Music Corp, Universal Polygram International Publishing I, Gratitude Sky Music Inc
Genres : R&B, Hip Hop,contemporary r&b, new jack swing, r&b, urban contemporary
Genres : R&B, Hip Hop,contemporary r&b, new jack swing, r&b, urban contemporary
Featured on the album 1991,T.E.V.I.N.
18.63% / -0.62%
6 . Roger Troutman - I Want To Be Your Man
Released in 1987, “I Want To Be Your Man” is one of Roger Troutman’s biggest hits, famous for his innovative use of the talk box. As the leader of Zapp, Roger popularized this device, influencing many funk and hip-hop artists. This funk ballad showcases his signature robotic voice. Despite initially disliking the song, Troutman released it after insistence from Warner Brothers, and it topped the R&B charts, becoming widely sampled by artists like Tupac Shakur and Dr. Dre.
The music video is directed by Jon Small.
Writer(s) : Roger Troutman, Larry Troutman Publisher(s) : Saja Music Company
Genres : R&B,funk, new jack swing, p funk, post-disco, quiet storm
Genres : R&B,funk, new jack swing, p funk, post-disco, quiet storm
The music video is directed by Jon Small
Featured on the album 1987,Unlimited!
19.15% / -0.56%
7 . The S.O.S. Band - Just The Way You Like It
Released in 1984, “Just the Way You Like It” gives The S.O.S. Band its fifth studio album title and a sense of direction, courtesy of writers and producers Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis.
Mary Davis leads the charge vocally, skating over a synth-heavy groove that splits the difference between post-disco shimmer and mid-’80s R&B polish.
The track edges into the R&B Top 10 while leaning hard into the Minneapolis sound, which—at least for them—comes with drum machines and a straight face.
Somewhere between funk footwork and machine soul, they find a mode that suits them just fine.
Writer(s) : Thomas Henry Lockett, Mark F Hicks, Raymond Guy Turner, Daniel Webster, Steven R Arrington, Mark L Adams, Starleana E Taylor Publisher(s) : April Music Ltd (Gb 1), Tuff Audio Ltd
Genres : post_disco
Genres : R&B, Hip Hop,classic soul, disco, funk, minneapolis sound, new jack swing, post-disco, quiet storm, soul, urban contemporary
The music video is directed by Colin O’Toole
Featured on the album 1984,Just the Way You Like It
17.60% / -2.18%
8 . Eugene Wilde - Dont Say No Tonight
Released in 1985, the song “Don’t Say No Tonight” coasts into the spotlight with Eugene Wilde and McKinley Horton at the helm.
Wilde, writing under the name Ronald Broomfield, lands the track on his “Serenade” album.
This tune dominates the US Billboard Hot Soul Singles chart for three sizzling weeks, hanging tight for a full 22 weeks.
On the pop side, it nudges its way to number 76 on the US Billboard Hot 100 and hits number 80 across the pond on the UK Singles chart.
Not surprisingly, this remains Wilde’s standout moment in both R&B and pop territory.
Genres : post_disco
Genres : R&B,contemporary r&b, new jack swing, post-disco
The music video is directed by Nima Nourizadeh
17.48% / -0.95%
9 . Club Nouveau - Lean On Me
This cover of Bill Withers’ classic, released in 1987, topped the Billboard Hot 100. Originating from Sacramento, California, Club Nouveau – Jay King, Valerie Watson, Samuelle Prater, Denzil Foster, and Thomas McElroy – added a contemporary touch to this 70s hit with modern arrangements and new jack swing-influenced production. Jay King, also a member of Timex Social Club, played a key role in producing this version. Club Nouveau is also known for “Why You Treat Me So Bad,” featured on the same album as “Lean On Me.”
The music video is directed by Richard Levine, Ken Ross.
Writer(s) : William Harris Withers Publisher(s) : Songs Of Universal Inc
Genres : R&B, Hip Hop,contemporary r&b, freestyle, funk, new jack swing, post-disco, quiet storm, urban contemporary
Genres : R&B, Hip Hop,contemporary r&b, freestyle, funk, new jack swing, post-disco, quiet storm, urban contemporary
The music video is directed by Richard Levine, Ken Ross
Featured on the album 1986,Life, Love & Pain
16.40% / -0.69%
10 . BDP - Self Destruction
In 1989, “Self Destruction” arrives as a group effort from the Stop the Violence Movement, initiated by KRS-One to address escalating conflict in hip-hop.
The track rallies an East Coast cast—KRS-One, Public Enemy, Heavy D, Kool Moe Dee, MC Lyte, Stetsasonic, Doug E. Fresh, and Just-Ice aren’t exactly strangers to a mic or a message.
D-Nice and Hank Shocklee of the Bomb Squad handle the production, with a crate’s worth of samples: James Brown’s “Funky Drummer,” The JB’s “Pass the Peas,” and the 20th Century Steel Band’s “Heaven and Hell is on Earth.”
It lands squarely at No. 1 on Billboard’s Hot Rap Songs chart and stays put for ten weeks—no small feat for a song urging peace in a genre known for sharper edges.
Over $100,000 in proceeds make their way to the National Urban League, suggesting the message hits somewhere beyond radio waves.
The project is sparked by the murder of Boogie Down Productions co-founder Scott La Rock, giving the anthem a pointed urgency without lapsing into sermon.
Writer(s) : Kareem Bolton, Carl Ridenhour, Doug Fresh, Derrick T Jones, L L Cool J, Marvin Shahid Wright, Heavy D, Ramona L Parker, Mohandas Dewese, Krs One, Joseph Amos Williams, Arnold E Hamilton, William Jonathan Drayton Publisher(s) : Willesden Music Inc, Zomba Enterprises Inc
Genres : old_school_hip_hop
Genres : R&B, Hip Hop, Pop,bronx hip hop, conscious hip hop, east coast hip hop, golden age hip hop, hardcore hip hop, hip hop, old school hip hop, political hip hop, alternative r&b, contemporary r&b, new jack swing, r&b, reggae fusion, harlem hip hop, jazz rap,
16.17% / -0.39%
11 . Tony! Toni! Toné! - It Never Rains [In Southern California]
“It Never Rains [In Southern California]” by Tony! Toni! Toné! hits the airwaves in October 1990, riding in as the fourth single from *The Revival*.
Thanks to Timothy Riley and Raphael Saadiq’s songwriting magic, with a helping hand from Charlie Ray Wiggins and Timothy Christian, this track is an R&B chart-topper.
Produced alongside Ed Eckstine, and polished by engineers Gerry Brown and Kessie Smith, it claims number one on the *Billboard* Hot R&B Singles chart, while reaching number 34 on the Hot 100.
In the UK, it lands at number 69 on the Singles chart and struts to number 13 on the Dance chart.
The video, crafted by Lisa Bonet, showcases the dashing trio—Timothy Christian Riley, Raphael Saadiq, and D’wayne Wiggins—as it debuts stateside in 1990. Rain may never fall in Southern California, but longing is in abundant supply, lyrics hinting at chilly East Coast skies and flights to warm a lover’s heart.
The music video is directed by Lisa Bonet.
Writer(s) : Timothy Christian, Raphael Saadiq Publisher(s) : Tony Toni Tone Music
Genres : new_jack_swing
Genres : R&B, Hip Hop,contemporary r&b, new jack swing, r&b, urban contemporary
Featured on the album 1990,The Revival
15.55% / -0.33%
12 . Color Me Badd - All 4 Love
“All 4 Love” is a song by American R&B group Color Me Badd, released as a single from their 1991 debut album *C.M.B.* on July 22, 1991 in the UK and November 1991 in the US.
The track draws on elements of the 1966 song “Patch My Heart” by the Mad Lads.
The song topped the US Billboard Hot 100 on January 25, 1992 and also hit number one in New Zealand, becoming the band’s second and final US chart‑topper.
Writer(s) : Mark Elra Calderon, Kevin Kraig Thornton, Howie Tee (Us 2), Isaac Lee Hayes, Samuel J Watters, Stephen Lee Cropper, Bryan Kyeth Abrams Publisher(s) : Breakthrough Creations
Genres : boy_band
Genres : Pop, R&B,boy band, contemporary r&b, new jack swing
Featured on the album 1991,C.M.B.
15.06% / -0.15%
13 . The Whispers - And the Beat Goes On
The Whispers’ “And the Beat Goes On,” produced by Leon F. Sylvers III alongside William B. Shelby and Stephen Shockley, emerges as a 1979 gem from their self-titled album.
Topping Billboard’s Hot Soul Singles chart and reaching number 19 on the Hot 100, it also cracked international top 10s.
With the velvety vocals of Wallace “Scotty” and Walter Scott layered over funky basslines, shimmering synthesizers, and crisp percussion, it wraps resilience in disco-fueled optimism.
Writer(s) : Dick Griffey, Nidra E Sylvers, Leon Sylvers Publisher(s) : Rosy Publishing Inc
Genres : post_disco
Genres : R&B, Hip Hop,classic soul, disco, funk, new jack swing, post-disco, quiet storm, soul, urban contemporary
The music video is directed by Darren Tiernan
Featured on the album 1979,The Whispers
14.68% / -0.51%
14 . SWV - Can We
This 1997 track is a collaboration between SWV (Sisters With Voices), known for hits like “Weak” and “Right Here,” and Missy Elliott, who was emerging as a solo artist and producer. “Can We” is part of the “Booty Call” soundtrack, directed by Jeff Pollack and starring Jamie Foxx and Vivica A. Fox. Produced by Timbaland, the song blends R&B and hip-hop, featuring sensual and suggestive lyrics with a catchy hook asking, “Can we get kinky tonight?”.
The music video is directed by Jesse Vaughan.
Writer(s) : Missy Elliott, Timbaland Publisher(s) : Mass Confusion Productions, Wc Music Corp, Virginia Beach Music
Genres : R&B, Pop, Hip Hop,contemporary r&b, girl group, hip pop, new jack swing, r&b, urban contemporary, dance pop, hip hop, neo soul, pop rap, rap, virginia hip hop
Genres : R&B, Pop, Hip Hop,contemporary r&b, girl group, hip pop, new jack swing, r&b, urban contemporary, dance pop, hip hop, neo soul, pop rap, rap, virginia hip hop
The music video is directed by Jesse Vaughan
Featured on the album 1997,Release Some Tension
14.52% / -0.01%
15 . Ready For The World - Love You Down
Co-produced with Gary Spaniola, “Love You Down” by American group Ready For The World, released in 1986, is a sensual R&B ballad. Formed in the early 80s, the group combines funk and soul elements here. The song remains a classic of the 80s, covered by several artists including INOJ and Meshell Ndegéocello, and sampled by artists like Lil Wayne and Chris Brown.
The music video is directed by Duncan Gibbins.
Writer(s) : Melvin C Riley Publisher(s) : Ready Ready Music
Genres : Pop, R&B,boy band, contemporary r&b, minneapolis sound, new jack swing,
Genres : Pop, R&B,boy band, contemporary r&b, minneapolis sound, new jack swing,
The music video is directed by Duncan Gibbins
Featured on the album 1986,Long Time Coming
14.06% / -0.20%
16 . New Edition - Mr. Telephone Man
“Mr. Telephone Man,” released in 1984, is one of New Edition’s early hits, produced by Ray Parker Jr., known for “Ghostbusters.” The song tells the story of a young man desperately trying to reach his girlfriend by phone but failing. The group, consisting of Ralph Tresvant, Bobby Brown, Ricky Bell, Michael Bivins, and Ronnie DeVoe, saw this track reach the top 20 on the pop charts and the top 10 on the R&B charts.
The music video is directed by Jay Dubin.
Writer(s) : Ray Erskine Parker Jr Publisher(s) : Raydiola Music
Genres : Pop, R&B, Hip Hop,boy band, contemporary r&b, new jack swing, r&b, urban contemporary
Genres : Pop, R&B, Hip Hop,boy band, contemporary r&b, new jack swing, r&b, urban contemporary
The music video is directed by Jay Dubin
Featured on the album 1984,New Edition
13.26% / 0.04%
17 . Shalamar - Over And Over
Released in 1983, “Over and Over” by Shalamar is a disco-funk classic. Formed by Dick Griffey and Don Cornelius of Soul Train, the group was a major influence in music and fashion. “Over and Over” features a catchy rhythm and vocal harmonies. Group members Howard Hewett, Jody Watley, and Jeffrey Daniel helped popularize dance styles like body-popping. The song’s main theme contrasts commitment in a relationship with the “games” people play to avoid emotional involvement.
Writer(s) : Canaan Smith, Andrew Creighton Dodd Publisher(s) : Birdtracks Publishing, Vistaville Music, Seven Peaks Music, Jackson Shelby Music Company
Genres : R&B, Hip Hop,classic soul, disco, funk, motown, new jack swing, post-disco, quiet storm, soul, urban contemporary
Genres : R&B, Hip Hop,classic soul, disco, funk, motown, new jack swing, post-disco, quiet storm, soul, urban contemporary
Featured on the album 1983,The Look
12.86% / -0.08%
18 . Bell Biv DeVoe - Poison
“Poison,” released in 1990, is the debut single from Bell Biv DeVoe, members of New Edition. This iconic track popularized the “new jack swing” genre, blending R&B and hip-hop. Produced by Dr. Freeze, “Poison” is known for its catchy beat and lyrics about toxic relationships – “Never trust a big butt and smile,” the chorus advises. The song peaked at number three on the Billboard Hot 100 and remains a 90s classic. Bell Biv DeVoe continued to influence music with hits like “Do Me!” and memorable reunion tour performances.
The music video is directed by Lionel C. Martin.
Writer(s) : Christopher Mikel Bivins Publisher(s) : Tunecore Global
Genres : Pop, R&B, Hip Hop,boy band, contemporary r&b, new jack swing, r&b, urban contemporary
Genres : Pop, R&B, Hip Hop,boy band, contemporary r&b, new jack swing, r&b, urban contemporary
The music video is directed by Lionel C. Martin
Featured on the album 1990,Poison
12.81% / -0.37%
19 . Shalamar - A Night To Remember
Released in 1982, “A Night to Remember” emerges as the second single from Shalamar’s sixth album, “Friends.”
Penned by Nidra Beard, Dana Meyers, and Charmaine Sylvers, and crafted under Leon Sylvers III’s production, the song stakes its claim in the post-disco R&B genre.
The vocal duties are split between Jody Watley and Howard Hewett, while Jeffrey Daniel rounds out the trio.
Issued by SOLAR Records, it carves out chart placements in the UK, Ireland, and the US, making waves on the UK Singles Chart, Billboard Hot 100, Hot Soul Singles, and Dance/Disco charts.
“Top of the Pops” features Jeffrey Daniel’s moonwalk, linking the track to a slice of pop culture.
Writer(s) : Charmaine Elai Ne Sylvers, Nidra E Sylvers, Dana L Meyers Publisher(s) : H And R Lastrada Music, Leon F Sylvers Iii Publishing
Genres : new_jack_swing
Genres : R&B, Hip Hop,classic soul, disco, funk, motown, new jack swing, post-disco, quiet storm, soul, urban contemporary
The music video is directed by Walter Stern
Featured on the album 1982,Friends
12.68% / -0.15%
20 . Sheila E. - The Glamorous Life
Released in 1984, this song is one of Sheila E.’s biggest hits, peaking at number seven on the Billboard Hot 100. Produced by Prince under The Starr Company, the song showcases Sheila E.’s percussion skills and flamboyant style. “The Glamorous Life” tells the story of an independent, wealthy woman, a recurring theme in Prince’s songs.
The music video is directed by Mary Lambert.
Writer(s) : Prince Publisher(s) : Girlsongs
Genres : R&B, Hip Hop, Jazz,disco, freestyle, funk, minneapolis sound, new jack swing, quiet storm, rock drums, urban contemporary
Genres : R&B, Hip Hop, Jazz,disco, freestyle, funk, minneapolis sound, new jack swing, quiet storm, rock drums, urban contemporary
The music video is directed by Mary Lambert
Featured on the album 1984,The Glamorous Life
12.00% / -0.08%
Stephanie Mills’ “Never Knew Love Like This Before” leads, followed by Jodeci’s “Cry for You” and Atlantic Starr’s “Always.” Tevin Campbell and The S.O.S. Band remain mid-chart, while Next’s “Wifey” enters at eighteen. BDP’s “Self Destruction” and Bell Biv DeVoe’s “Poison” switch minor places.
The New Jack Swing chart ends 2025 steady, with one notable new arrival and small internal movements preserving its blend of polish and rhythm.
Modest disclaimer: We don’t claim to be exhaustive. It’s possible you won’t find a title you expected to see on this list. Sorry about that — these things happen.