Montell Jordan: The New Jack Swing and R&B Hitmaker

Montell Jordan is an American singer, songwriter, and record producer best known for his massive 1995 party anthem. Hailing from Los Angeles, California, his career is defined by a signature blend of contemporary R&B, hip hop soul, and the energetic production of the new jack swing era.

Early Career

Born Montell Du'Sean Barnett in 1968, Jordan began his musical journey in the church choir, which laid the foundation for his powerful vocal style. After graduating from Pepperdine University, he pursued music professionally, eventually catching the attention of Def Jam Recordings co-founder Russell Simmons.

Breakthrough

Montell Jordan's breakthrough arrived explosively in 1995 with his debut single on Def Jam/PolyGram. The song became an instant cultural phenomenon, dominating clubs and radio, and ultimately peaked at No. 4 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. His subsequent debut album, This Is How We Do It, achieved platinum certification, solidifying his status as a defining voice of mid-90s R&B.

Key Tracks

This Is How We Do It - This quintessential party anthem served as Jordan's career-defining hit and a timeless staple of 1990s pop and R&B.

Get It On Tonite - This smooth, successful follow-up single from 1999 demonstrated his consistent ability to craft radio-friendly R&B hits.

Let's Ride - Featuring rappers Master P and Silkk the Shocker, this track highlighted Jordan's seamless integration of hip hop elements into his soulful sound.

Following his initial success, Montell Jordan continued to release albums throughout the late 1990s and early 2000s, including More... and Get It On...Tonite. His music often featured collaborations with prominent hip hop and R&B figures of the time, reinforcing his place within the genre's landscape. In a significant career shift, Jordan later stepped away from secular music to become a pastor and gospel recording artist.

Fans of Montell Jordan's 90s R&B and new jack swing style might also enjoy the smooth vocals of Keith Sweat, who helped pioneer the hip hop soul genre. The upbeat, party-ready anthems of Blackstreet also share a similar musical energy. For another definitive voice from the same era, explore the work of Boyz II Men, whose harmonies dominated R&B charts. The production and style of Jodeci also represent a key influence in the fusion of soul and hip hop during that period.

Montell Jordan's catalog, especially his iconic hits, remains a fixture on classic R&B and throwback radio formats, ensuring his music continues to reach new generations of listeners. His journey from platinum-selling R&B star to gospel minister marks one of the more unique trajectories in modern music.