Mailbag

June 11, 2026: Pictured: King Willonius

A-I And Southern Soul

Daddy B. Nice:

I've pretty much made peace with synthesized tracks in studio production as an art form that can create innovative new sounds and textures, when they're done right. But, as Latimore once told me, technology can be a good servant, but a terrible master -- "Too many people think they can go in the studio, ‘Oh, I can do this, I got Pro Tools. Oh yeah! Pro Tools!’ These guys go in there, and it sounds like they did it in their kitchen or something. I [use] the new technology, but we're all musicians; we don't try to just turn the machine on and let it play a drum track, and this or that. We play it with that; we play our stuff. In other words we let [technology] do the heavy lifting. It's our servant."

I think, actually, the truly creative use of the technology right now is happening in hip-hop and contemporary R&B. That being said, though, my heart is still with organic instruments, and I greatly admire artists (like alto saxophonist Lakecia Benjamin) who deliver spoken-word, rapped verses over "live" instrumental backing. At their best, they're truly innovative -- basically harking all the way back to the tradition of using the human voice as a rhythm instrument, as well as a means of storytelling (James Brown might be the most well known example, but of course it goes all the way back to Africanist tradition). I still think that humanness makes a difference. A drum is a heartbeat, not a metronome, and a lot is lost when we no longer have that. Too many southern soul releases sound almost the same, as if one backing track were programmed and then used and reused over and over again (which, in fact, might well be the case in some instances).

AI, though, is a new thing entirely. Even at their most vapid and anonymous, programmed tracks are still programmed by a human being, even if they often don't sound like it. As a teacher, as well as a music lover, my deepest and most insomnia-inducing concern about AI isn't "just" the issue of how to catch students taking the easy way out on essay assignments, or being savvy enough to tell whether a piece of music came from a human being or a bot, or whether that "long-lost film clip of Elvis or Jackie Wilson is actually an AI fake -- it has to do with whether actual human-to-human communication (or maybe even human expression itself) will continue to be seen as having intrinsic value, and what our role as music writers, critics, educators, etc. can be to try to ensure that it does.

In a remarkable piece for the New York Times Magazine last week, theater/film critic Taffy Brodesser-Akner described her disconcerting experience "interviewing" the A.I.-generated "actress" called Tilly Norwood. What haunted her most about the episode, Brodesser-Akner wrote, was not the question of whether a virtual figure like "Tilly' might soon develop the ability to act as convincingly as a human — it was what will happen when/if that ceases to even matter, when we've reached "a moment when we’ve all given up, when it doesn’t much matter who or what is playing the character that may or may not have been written by A.I., but what do I care? I’m on my phone anyway. Is she good? It’s the wrong question. She will be. We know what it will mean to the industry. What will it mean to us?"

She continued: "When people see something that touches them, they want to understand where it came from. They want to know who exactly it was that recognized their human wounds, who recognized them and made them feel less alone. That is what great art inspires in people. That is why I wrote all these profiles [of actors], and why people even read them. To understand the person who made the art, which is just as essential as the art itself."

In a way, "Tilly" is already late to the party. It is definitely possible with AI to generate a piece of music with no human participation whatsoever — regardless of genre, style, or instrumentation -- that's so indistinguishable from the real thing that even an experienced producer, studio engineer, or musician, let alone an everyday listener, can hardly tell the difference. So the juggernaut is already on the loose.

My reaction to AI "music" isn't all that different from Ms. Brodesser-Akner's reaction to "Tilly" or my own reaction to AI-generated student essays, actual published articles, books, etc. When I write something, I'm giving "a piece of my heart" (as the old song says) to a reader somewhere, and, by implication, to the world. That's what we do when we communicate, whether through spoken words, in gestures (e.g., ASL), in writing, or in music or some other form of art. We're sharing our heart — and then, when we read or hear something written, played, or performed by someone else, we're enriched by knowing that they're sharing their heart with us.

If we get to the point where we no longer care about this — what's left?

In other words, we're not just defending the "Humanities" here. We're staking a claim to defend what it means to be human.

DGW

Daddy B. Nice notes:

David Whiteis is the co-author of the award-winning Always the Queen: The Denise LaSalle Story (Music in American Life).

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June 1, 2026:

Thumbs Up Daddy B Nice! I Couldn't Agree More

Re: #8 Top 10 Singles Commentary Mike Clark's "Used Car".

Amid all the success....

".....a curious backlash has occurred amongst the old-schoolers.... they say southern soul has lost the blues....how can they say that with a straight face?....southern soul hasn't changed that much...They've just stopped listening."

I couldn't agree more.

Name Withheld

Daddy B. Nice notes:

Read Daddy B. Nice's commentary on June Top 10 Single Mike Clark's "Used Car".

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May 22, 2026:

Looking For A Song Letter

Daddybnice,

Can you help me out? AI ain't helpin! I'm pretty sure the singer I'm looking for is 'southern woman' but theres more southern womans, more than I count. My b'ful other believes its Cadillac Man, but I think it goes back aways, It goes --I met em tall and short, I met em light and dark. What you say?---thanks bruh!

DJJamus

Daddy B. Nice replies:

Your instincts may be right. Is there a chance it might be Pookie Lane? That's way back in the MySpace days (before Facebook). Here's a YouTube link and here's an Apple (I-Tunes in its day) link.

DJJamus replies:

Thank you sir That's the one!!

Daddy B. Nice laughs/responds:

He's actually in the "L"-page of my Comprehensive Index. I even started an artist guide on him but never got around to doing a caricature or writing about him.

DJJamus replies:

Your the best!

Listen to Pookie Lane singing "Southern Woman" on YouTube.

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April 29, 2026:

RE: 5-Star West Love Album Review

Daddy B Nice

I have been really enjoying "Reach, The Voice After The Storm" album by West Love. That opening track is just so powerful, it's like get all the way down under this incredible weight, God, and lift it for me please. It's good, and your write up was soulful and had so much appreciation for the artist.

Alecia

Daddy B. Nice replies:

Thank you, Alecia!

Read Daddy B. Nice's 5-star review of West Love's new Reach, The Voice After The Storm album.



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April 17, 2026: Pictured: Quinn Golden

Shout Out to You for Having a Wonderful Website

Greetings! I hope all is well.

I just had to stop and send a shout out to you. I just discovered your website today, and it's exactly what I was browsing online for.

My husband and me are two retired old schoolers (63 and 68) and only caught on to the Southern Soul genre about two years ago. I actually use to work in the music industry. I used to manage the day to day advertising for Soul Train back in the 90's. That's another life. Anyway, we travel a lot and I was online looking for Southern Soul concerts that we could take in before or after an upcoming cruise, and stumbled onto your site. I'm already working out travel arrangements to at least three of the shows right now lol.

Again, I just want to give you a shout out on your great site and say thank you!

Peggy

Daddy B. Nice replies:

Thank you so much Peggy! That means so much to me. And don't forget those small venues. Up, close and personal! Happy trails to you and your husband!



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April 9, 2026:

Deep Digging Inquiry: Napoleon Demps - Two Sides of the Same Coin?

Hi Daddy B. Nice, long time no see!

It's Hosokawa, your big fan from Japan.

I’m writing to you because my "digging instinct" just wouldn’t let this go.
(First of all, thank you so much for featuring my previous email and for your reply! It meant the world to me to know you actually read it.)
I need to confirm something about Napoleon Demps.

Is the artist featured in your guide here:
Napoleon Demps Artist Guide.

...the exact same person as the one currently hitting #1 on this chart?
The Urban Influencer

If they are indeed the same person, I’d love to hear your current thoughts!

Considering your famous "This isn't Southern Soul" take on his earlier work, how do you feel about his "evolution" (or should we say "Southern transformation") and his current massive success in the scene?

If I’ve got the wrong guy and it's just a coincidence, feel free to ignore this and laugh! haha.
Keep up the great work. Can't wait for your next update!

Best regards,
Hosokawa


Daddy B. Nice replies:

First, Hosokawa, let me just say that no trait is more admirable to a writer/editor like your Daddy B. Nice than true curiosity. In other words, I welcome your questions as long as they're backed by an obvious intent to figure something out. And that seems to be the case.

Second, you need to know that in quoting the chart you have, you've accessed a somewhat secondary source. Any publicity for southern soul is good for the genre, and I myself peruse the chart from time to time when it pops up in my email, but I wouldn't be frank if I didn't tell you I also get annoyed enough to block it for months at a time. Certainly, being #1 on that chart does not equate to "current massive success".

So I'll just put it this way. The Napoleon Demps tune "Drankin'" appeared two months back-to-back in Daddy B. Nice's Top 40 Singles last year (when it was first published) as follows:

TOP 40 SOUTHERN SOUL SINGLES: SEPTEMBER 25

21. "Drankin'"---Napoleon Demps
22. "Kountry Fresh"---Ciddy Boi P feat. Tex Freedom
23. "Keep It Poppin'"---J.J. Caillier
24. "Make It Roll"---Tucka
25. "Juke Joint Lover (Remix)"---Joe Nice feat. Nelson Curry & Doug E. Fresh
26. "Come Over"---Marcellus The Singer
27. "Got Off Early"---L.J. Echols
28. "Take Me To A Party"---Breeze MrDo2Much
29. "Cutta Rug"---King Malachi
30. "Big Leg Woman"---Soul Payn feat. Paroose

....And it moved up (almost making the Top 10 Singles) in...

TOP 40 SOUTHERN SOUL SINGLES: OCTOBER

11. "Believe 'Em"---King George feat. Frank Johnson
12. "Gas Station Love"---E.J. Jones
13. "Real Man"---MissVocals
14. "Good Time"---West Love
15. "Drankin'"---Napoleon Demps
16. "I'm Him"---Keith Luv feat. Mr. Burden
17. "Keep It Poppin'"---J.J. Caillier
18. "Come Over"---Marcellus The Singer
19. "Never Been"---Carlin Taylor feat. Jeter Jones
20. "Igloo On My Heart"---K. Morris

...So as you can see I really did like Napoleon Demps' single when it came out, which preceded the charting you cite by half a year.

Third, and finally...

However, your letter brought to my attention an artist guide that I had completely forgotten about. There are hundreds of such artist guides on this site, unknown and unused by all but the most engaged and involved of fans. Due to very little southern soul activity on their part or death, even more languish in obscurity. That's the case with Napoleon Demps. But when I went to your link to his page, I blushed when I saw the one-star ranking some eight years ago front and center. I would never intentionally do that any more. I simply don't review music that is that bad. And I felt bad that I had made Demps feel bad, and allowed it to be online for so long! So I am changing that.

"Drankin'" is a fine southern soul effort, and as I said above it almost made The Top 10, which meant I would've graced it with some positive commentary. Demps finally gets it. That's how I would answer your question.

Buy Napoleon Demps' "Drankin'" at Apple.

One last thing. When I got to Demps' Apple page I saw that he used my artwork (Daddy B. Nice caricature) on the cover of "The Remedy," a single from 2023. He didn't ask my permission to do that. Gee. Just when I was getting all warm and fuzzy, he's got me riled up again!

Here's what I'm going to do. I'm going to leave the artist guide the way it was for a while. Otherwise, how else will the readers know what I'm talking about when I say I feel bad about being so mean? (And becoming so mellow over the years. Hah!) Then, in a month or so, I'll put this letter---including my good words on "Drankin'"---front and center at the top of his page.

Don't let me forget, Hosokawa!

Read Daddy B. Nice's Artist Guide to Napoleon Demps.

Hosokawa replies:

Hi Daddy B,

Thank you so much for the reply! Your passionate comments really made my day.

To be honest, it’s quite difficult to find a trustworthy chart here in Japan—except for yours, of course! I always rely on your insights as my "Southern Soul compass."
I have nothing but respect for your take on Napoleon Demps. I also truly understand how challenging it must be to manage such a vast and influential website. But watch out—there are "strange explorers" like me out here who keep digging deep! lol
Regarding the cover art, I did notice the caricature. That’s actually what led to my question about whether it was the same person. I hadn't realized it was "unofficial," but it all makes sense now.
It would be great if this could be a bridge for you and Demps to connect more!
If you ever run into him, please tell him: "A crazy fan in Japan noticed you!" lol
Best regards,
Hosokawa

Daddy B. Nice replies:

There are no trustworthy charts for southern soul music, even in America. There aren’t enough sales---nor consistent radio time. That’s also the situation for most other genres today. The best way to gauge “success” is the number of streams (YouTube, mostly---success is measured in the millions) and the amount of touring venues (see Concert Calendar). Last year’s exception was “Boots On The Ground” by 803Fresh, which hit #1 on Billboard.

As for “passionate comments,” I began my reply in a dispassionate state. Don’t know what happened. I’m thinking about getting a medical procedure---a filter---to regulate that.

As for connecting with Napoleon Demps, don’t worry. He’ll be aware. He's probably floored by all the unexpected publicity. I assume you saw his letter of a few years ago (very well thought out, by the way) in the “Tidbits” section of his Artist Guide.


daddybnice@southernsoulrnb.com

April 3, 2026.

Looking For A Song Letter

Hi Daddy,

I'm looking for a song. The line that stood out was "I'm the queen/The blues is my claim to fame."

Alec

Daddy B. Nice replies:

Oh that's an easy one. That's the late Denise LaSalle singing her 2015 hit single "I'm Still The Queen".





March 26, 2026: Pictured: R. Kelly

RE: Daddy B. Mean! An Idiot's Guide To AI-Infected Southern Soul

Click here to read the original article on Daddy B. Nice's Corner.

Daddy B Nice,

Your commentary on AI-infected Soul is timely and on the mark. Just when it seems Southern Soul is on the cusp of another level of respectability and popularity we have to deal with these charlatans potentially stealing spots and slots from those who actually create the music and may have been waiting for a break. But how do you deal with AI when it keeps getting better?

Look, people. Creating AI (artificial intelligence) southern soul is a problem. It can easily become a way for a white man (I’m white so I can say this) to steal black music! A white computer nerd can sit down and create a seemingly hot black southern soul artist (their visuals are always of AI black singers) despite not having a lick of singing talent! Then start a you tube channel, steal an email list to blast out their Frankenstein-esque abomination and boom! They have created an AI artist getting airplay and charting.

I'm glad you, the Southern Soul guide, is fully aware and on top of this pernicious practice.

Blues Critic

Daddy B. Nice replies:

Really appreciate it. Especially coming from you. Can I publish this one?

Blues Critic replies:

I'd be honored.

Read Daddy B. Nice's "Daddy B. Mean! An Idiot's Guide to AI-Infected Southern Soul" on Daddy B. Nice's Corner.

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March 23, 2026:

Two "SHORTS" Regarding M. Cally's "Saddle Up" Top 10 Commentary

RE: M. Cally Top 10 Single "Saddle Up"

Hey my brother! Keep the good stuff coming. I think the artist you mentioned who had a house fire a few years back was Lomax, not M. Cally.

Name withheld

Daddy B. Nice replies:

And I think you're right, ----. Thanks, my dear!

Topic page?

RE: M. Cally's "Saddle Up" Critique

Daddy B --

This is the second time lately I've heard about "Topic". What exactly is a "Topic" page?

"Curlin'" Clyde

Daddy B. Nice replies:

A "topic" page is a YouTube feature in which recording artists can set up their wares, so to speak, for the audience. Most post their albums or singles in a horizontal row utilizing the artwork from when they were published. It's a great tool for fans to immediately access the work of an artist they're interested in. All you have to do is type in the name of the artist with the word "topic" after it.

"Curlin'" Clyde replies:

Oh wow! Who knew? Thanks!

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March 12, 2026: Pictured: Myia B

A Big Thank You from a Fan in Japan!

Dear Daddy B. Nice,

I’m writing to you from Japan to express my deepest gratitude for your incredible work on the Southern Soul RnB website.

In Japan, information about Southern Soul and the Chittlin' Circuit is very limited.
Your reviews and charts are my most trusted compass for discovering the latest and greatest in the scene.

I’ve been a long-time fan of Neo-soul (artists like Musiq Soulchild), but I’ve also always had a deep love for the raw, muddy sounds of the South—even rocking Master P back in high school!

Seeing how the scene has evolved in 2026—with artists like Myia B, Marcellus The Singer, and Mike Clark Jr. "shedding their skin"—has been fascinating, and I couldn't have kept up with these shifts without your deep insights.

Thank you for your dedication and for keeping the spirit of Southern Soul alive for fans all over the world.

Best regards,

[Hosokawa]

Daddy B. Nice replies:

What a lift on a Thursday morning! And a day before a Friday the 13th at that! (Yeah, I'm a little superstitious.) Thank you very much, Hosokawa. I finally retired from my day job last year and I've had a lot more time to write content, but the financial headwinds of sustaining such a big, sprawling website are ferocious. Your words of "gratitude" (and those of others) make it all worthwhile!

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March 6, 2026:

Re: Badd Newz "Bandana Round Her Boots"

Daddy B Nice,

I'm writing regarding "Bandana Around Her Boots" by Badd Newz, Big Mucci & Meechie, #19 in your February Top 40 Singles. Is it just me or does this song remind you of a song from the past? I can't figure it out and it keeps bugging me.

Jason in Georgia

Daddy B. Nice replies:

Good ear, Jason. Yeah, that's the bass line from a Tyrone Davis tune. Hold on and let me pull up some Tyrone. "Turning Point Of My Life". That's it.

Listen to Badd NewZ singing "Bandana Around Her Boots" on YouTube.

Listen to Tyrone Davis singing "Turning Point Of My Life" on YouTube.

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February 20, 2026:

Thank You Letter

Dear Daddy B --

I wept at the end of your review of Al Green's To Love Somebody. The music is so beautiful. Thanks for your words.

-- Danni

Daddy B. Nice replies:

Thank you, Danni.

Read Daddy B. Nice's Album Review.

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daddybnice@southernsoulrnb.com

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February 16, 2026:

Letters Policy

Hey Daddy,

Youre doin a fly job. Southern soul is on fire and you shine the light on us my bro. My question is first---If you publish this letter, can you make it from anonymous? and Second, do you have a policy on letters and How you decide to run them.

Anonymous

Daddy B. Nice replies:

That's a great question, -----, and I appreciate you asking it. The first dozen years or so that I ran "The Mailbag" I had a strict policy---"Don't print anything unless you ask permission"---but as time went on and I gained the trust of the southern soul community, I'll admit to getting "looser". Readers trust me to do the right thing. Nine of ten letters I get take place behind the scenes. If it's a more general subject of interest to everyone, I often print it without asking permission. And I haven't had any problems.

I have noticed a drop-off in letters though. Part of that is the changing of the guard, I'd guess, but it could be a hesitation to see their views in public. And I will say this. When I started writing about southern soul, the genre was very small and insular. Most of the older recording artists, including the top stars, who worked in chitlin' circuit obscurity really appreciated the recognition and let me know. The younger generation, not so much. And to a certain extent, even the people from the old days got off on the intimacy and thrill of being insiders, whereas I saw my mission as shining the light, as you say, illuminating the secrets, expanding the horizons.

In any case I'm easy. All readers have to do is what you did, ------, just tell me what to do. If you have something you want to keep between you and me, just say so. I'd much prefer that to not connecting with me at all.

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February 7, 2026:

Looking For A Song Letter: Do You Have This Song?

It's a woman and she sings "I can't make it do right, no, if your up to no good"

I know I heard it on WMGJ in the mid 2000s

Antajuan

Daddy B. Nice replies:

Oh man, can't you make it any harder? No other clues? On the positive side, you made it hard enough A-I couldn't answer it! I'll put this in the "Mailbag," Antajuan, where the people with the real smarts can take a whack at it.

Antajuan replies:

Haha, thanks! let me know if they can figure it out



February 2, 2026

Pictured: FPJ: Best Southern Soul Album 2025

Thank You Letters

RE: Southern Soul Awards/Best of 2026

Read your Winners results. Hard to argue with any of it. You're on the cutting edge of this music/movement.

Blues Critic

Daddy B. Nice replies:

Thanks for the compliment on “Best Of”. What a lot of work I put into that!

GREAT JOB!

I launched a streaming radio station last year and decided to add a few Southern Soul cuts hourly. I couldn't find a consistent source with their finger on the pulse of what's happening in Southern Soul. I stumbled across your site and I've been locked in ever since.

Keep up the great work!

Tommy B

Daddy B. Nice replies:

Thanks, Tommy. Really appreciate it!

Read Winners Announced! Daddy B. Nice's 19th Annual Southern Soul Awards.

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daddybnice@southernsoulrnb.com

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under construction.....

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