Jabari Johnson Shares His Secrets to R&B Only’s Success

Jabari Johnson, the visionary behind R&B Only, recently joined Tank and J. Valentine on the R&B Money podcast for an inspiring and insightful conversation. From his beginnings as a party promoter to building a national movement celebrating R&B culture, Johnson's journey is a testament to perseverance, creativity, and community.

The Birth of R&B Only

Johnson shared how R&B Only came to life, evolving from hip-hop parties he hosted in Los Angeles. He explained that a noticeable shift in crowd energy during the R&B sets sparked the idea.

“I noticed that at the end of the night, when we switched to R&B, the vibe was unmatched,” Johnson said. “The women would come alive, and the energy in the room shifted completely.”

This insight led Johnson to experiment with an all-R&B event, starting small with a venue that held about 150 people. The overwhelming success of that first show inspired him to expand the concept.

He described the process as a leap of faith, acknowledging the risks involved in launching a new event format. “It wasn’t just about throwing a party,” Johnson explained. “It was about creating an experience that people would want to come back to again and again.”

A Creator and a Businessman

Jabari described himself as a creator at heart but emphasized his role as a business owner. From booking venues to managing payroll and overseeing event logistics, he’s involved in every aspect of the operation.

“I wear a lot of hats,” he said. “One day, I’m curating DJ playlists and directing visuals. The next, I’m balancing budgets and making sure everyone’s 401(k) is set up.”

Johnson’s decision to own the equipment, like LED screens and special effects gear, rather than renting, was a game-changer for his business.

“The costs were crazy,” he recalled. “But once we owned it, the margins started to grow. It’s about taking risks and betting on yourself.”

He shared a memorable story about traveling to China to source LED screens directly from manufacturers. “That trip was eye-opening,” Johnson said. “We cut out the middleman and invested in our future. It’s decisions like that that set us apart.”

Highlighting Women in R&B

A significant part of R&B Only's evolution has been its commitment to highlighting women DJs. Johnson explained that the decision came after analyzing data showing that 70% of the audience at his events were women.

“It didn’t make sense to have male DJs and hosts presenting a mostly male perspective,” he said. “I wanted the women in the crowd to see themselves represented on stage.”

This intentional focus has helped redefine the energy and inclusivity of R&B Only events, creating a unique space for women both on and off the stage. Johnson credited the female DJs with bringing a fresh perspective and energy to the events, further enhancing the experience for attendees.

“It’s not just about representation,” he said. “It’s about excellence. These women are some of the best in the game.”

The Future of R&B: A Compilation Album

During the interview, Johnson hinted at an upcoming R&B Only compilation album, which he described as a mix of legends and rising stars.

“We’re covering classics, remixing tracks with an R&B vibe, and pairing new voices with some of the greats,” Johnson shared. “It’s about bringing the energy from our live shows into a body of work people can vibe to at home.”

Tank and J. Valentine praised the idea, noting Johnson’s ability to curate experiences that connect with fans deeply.

“You know what resonates with people,” Tank said. “This album is going to hit.”

Johnson explained that the project would reflect the past, present, and future of R&B, blending timeless classics with innovative sounds. “It’s not just an album,” he said. “It’s a celebration of everything we’ve built over the last decade.”

Advice for Aspiring Creators

When asked about lessons he’s learned, Johnson emphasized the importance of tackling hard conversations head-on.

“If there’s an issue with an employee or a partner, run to it,” he advised. “Putting it off only makes it worse. Integrity matters, and it’s always better to address things early.”

He also encouraged young entrepreneurs to embrace the grind and focus on consistency.

“Build something lasting,” Johnson said. “It’s not about the quick hit. It’s about creating a legacy.”

Johnson shared a personal anecdote about a time he had to cancel an event due to unforeseen circumstances. “It was tough,” he admitted. “But being honest with our audience and owning up to the situation made all the difference. People appreciate transparency.”

Closing Reflections: A Decade of Growth

Celebrating ten years of R&B Only, Johnson reflected on how far the brand has come and shared his vision for the future.

“We’ve done over 450 shows in more than 50 cities,” he said. “Now, we’re expanding internationally and launching new projects that push the culture forward.”

He highlighted plans to take R&B Only on a UK tour, emphasizing the global appeal of the genre. “R&B is universal,” Johnson said. “We’re just getting started.”

As the episode wrapped, Tank and J. Valentine applauded Johnson’s dedication to elevating R&B and creating spaces where fans and artists can connect.

“You’re doing something special,” J. Valentine said. “The culture needs this.”