by Candace Young
Music has always been more than just sound to me, it’s a story, a history, and a reflection of who I am. Some of my earliest memories include waking up to gospel music pouring from the radio on the weekends, then immediately being followed by R&B music as soon as 2 p.m. hit. Music has shaped the way that I see the world, with the extent of its storytelling, the raw emotion behind the vocals and melodies, and the weight it holds carrying generations of joy, struggle, and resilience. It taught me how to feel and served as an outlet and a way to properly express the things I was going through without me necessarily knowing myself. I was able to see the world through lyrics and melody, before I was able to describe them through my own experiences. The gospel influences that blended with the instrumentations of blues music created something deeply personal for me. It created Rythm and Blues, which had a great impact in raising me to see the world in the way that I do today.
The Sound That Raised Me
Music has always been more than just sound to me, it’s a story, a history, and a reflection of who I am. Some of my earliest memories include waking up to gospel music pouring from the radio on the weekends, then immediately being followed by R&B music as soon as 2 p.m. hit. Music has shaped the way that I see the world, with the extent of its storytelling, the raw emotion behind the vocals and melodies, and the weight it holds carrying generations of joy, struggle, and resilience. It taught me how to feel and served as an outlet and a way to properly express the things I was going through without me necessarily knowing myself. I was able to see the world through lyrics and melody, before I was able to describe them through my own experiences. The gospel influences that blended with the instrumentations of blues music created something deeply personal for me. It created Rhythm and Blues, which had a great impact in raising me to see the world in the way that I do today.
From Motown to Philly Soul
Like most people, I grew up thinking Motown was the blueprint. Then I learned about Kenneth Gamble and Leon Huff, the creators of Philly Soul and co-founders of Philadelphia International Records. Their sound? Lush strings, layered harmonies, and lyrics that spoke to both love and protest.
Tracks like “Wake Up Everybody” and “For the Love of Money” weren’t just hits, they were calls to action. The balance of smooth instrumentation and urgent messaging became a recognizing feature of Philly’s musical DNA.
Philly Gave the Music Context
When I got to Philly, I started seeing music everywhere, not just in concerts, but in murals, museums, and open mics. I went to my first solo show here. I met local artists, joined cyphers, and even started a Black artist collective. The moment it all clicked for me was seeing Jazmine Sullivan perform right here in her hometown. Her voice, her presence, the energy of the crowd was out of control. It was like the spirit of Philly itself took the mic.
R&B’s Present (and Future) Still Lives Here
The story of Philly R&B didn’t stop with Gamble & Huff. Artists like Jazmine Sullivan, Pink Sweat$, Bri Steves, and Coco Jones are carrying the tradition forward, blending smooth melodies with personal truths. Even Meek Mill brings the city’s emotional rawness to his verses.
And this sound stretches beyond R&B. It goes into hip-hop, pop, and even EDM. Philly’s influence is everywhere.
A City That Sounds Like Me
Philly didn’t just teach me the history of R&B, it gave me the courage to live it. Through the music, I found community. Through the city, I found purpose.
Now, every time I walk past a mural, visit a record shop, or host an open mic, I feel the heartbeat of R&B still pulsing through the city. And now, through me.