Guy is the foundational unit of New Jack Swing, a subgenre that bridged the gap between the fading post-disco era and the hip-hop dominated R&B of the 1990s. Formed in Harlem in 1987, the group served as the primary vehicle for Teddy Riley, arguably the most influential producer of the late 80s.
Riley's production style, characterized by the use of the E-mu SP-1200 and Akai MPC, introduced a syncopated 'swing' to electronic percussion that redefined the R&B pocket. Vocalist Aaron Hall provided a raw, church-reared baritone that became the template for subsequent stars like R. Kelly and Joe. Their 1988 debut is a triple-platinum landmark that shifted the industry's sonic axis, leading Riley to produce Michael Jackson's 'Dangerous'. Despite internal friction and a decade-long hiatus in the 90s, Guy's influence remains pervasive in the DNA of modern pop and R&B, specifically in the use of hip-hop rhythms to support melodic song structures.
Shares tight vocal stack harmonies, funk, harmonized, soul (detail)
Shares funk, soul, soulful, romantic (subgenre)
Shares funk, soul, soulful, romantic (subgenre)
Shares swingbeat rhythm section, funk, harmonized, soul (detail)
Shares funk, soul, soulful, romantic (subgenre)
Shares harmonized, soul, soulful, romantic (signature)
Shares drum_machine, funk, soul, romantic (signature)
Shares swingbeat rhythm section, harmonized, soul, romantic (detail)
Shares funk, soulful, romantic, contemporary r&b (subgenre)
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