Mailbag

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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daddybnice@southernsoulrnb.com

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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daddybnice@southernsoulrnb.com

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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daddybnice@southernsoulrnb.com

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.

*************

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.

**************


Comments, information or questions for Daddy B. Nice?
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daddybnice@southernsoulrnb.com

*************

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.

*************

daddybnice@southernsoulrnb.com

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January 19, 2026: Pictured: E.J. Jones

Questions about Spring Fling

Daddy B Nice,

I'm thinking about taking my girlfriend to Spring Fling in Mobile. Neither of us have been there before but we've heard stories some positive some negative. I'm excited about seeing so many acts but I also want to make sure my girlfriend has a good experience.

Chauncey

Daddy B. Nice replies:

Spring Fling is the "Woodstock" of southern soul, and I don't throw the word "Woodstock" around without knowing what I'm talking about. I attended Woodstock (one of the happier accidents of my younger life) and in fact published a 20,000 word article on the experience. You know the one thing I didn't report in my piece? That I peed in an empty discarded milk carton, surrounded by the throngs, rather than make another arduous trek through hundreds of thousands of fans to the San-O-Lets. (Something I don't recommend you do, mind you.) If your gal is okay with crowds, you'll be good. And why not? All those famous artists on one bill, rolling out one after another, from the early morning to the late at night? But you'll be at the mercy of the crowds and all that entails: trash, parking hassles, drunks, stoners, gate-crashing, exhaustion and all the minor indignities and injustices associated with 40-60 thousand people packed into a few acres---maybe even rain and mud. If you can be patient with all that, you'll be rewarded with an experience you'll remember for the rest of your lives. People just like you. People who love southern soul music, joyful at hearing their favorite artists live onstage and mingling with them in a communal high without parallel. There's nothing like it! I recommend it! But use common sense and preparedness, and that begins with being upfront with your mate, which it sounds like you're doing.

Chauncey replies:

Thanks so much Daddy B Nice for the quick reply. You've given us a great rundown. We really appreciate it!

P.S. I believe we'll go.

See Daddy B. Nice's Concert Calendar for Spring Fling in Mobile, Alabama, April 11, 2026.

*************

daddybnice@southernsoulrnb.com

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January 15, 2026:

RE: Fel Davis

Hey Daddy b nice,

As always thanks for what you do----- especially this time of year. I noticed the name Fel Davis in some promotional email recently. Wasn't he a southern soul guy many years ago? Not a big name, but a player?

Robert

Daddy B. Nice replies:

Yes he was. A good vocalist. With an unusual name. "Fel," short for Felton I suppose. He charted here in August 2011 with a song called "All Woman". I compared him to R. Kelly. How times have changed since then. Here's the list of Top 10 Singles artists from that month: Charles "Big Daddy" Stallings, Uvee Hayes & Otis Clay, Roni, Hog Pin, Doctor Dee, Fel Davis, Bobby Jones, Simeo & Carl Marshall, James Morgan & The Funk Bros., Sergio Davis. Not a single one recording southern soul any more.

*************

daddybnice@southernsoulrnb.com

*************

December 15, 2025:

Looking For A Song Letter

Hi. I need your help. I heard this southern soul song with the first lyrics being "Come out here on the floor" and it's not "Baby Workout." I know it came out in 2007 by an older performer. I know that's not a lot but I figured I'd give it a try.

Thanks.
Ken

Daddy B. Nice replies:

Funny. I found your question amusing on two counts. One, I was just wondering in the "Mailbag" about "looking for a song" being outdated by the emergence of A-I. Two, the lyric "Come out here on the floor" made me immediately think of the first line of Simply Wayne's current hit single, "Juke Joint Love". It's #14 in "Daddy B. Nice's Top 25 Southern Soul Songs of 2025," currently posted on Daddy B. Nice's Corner. Otherwise, not enough clues for me!

If you're positive about it coming out in 2007, I'd recommend going to the navigation bar and clicking "Best of 2007," which will instantly bring up all the top ten singles from that year. (Troll the right-hand column under Top 10 Singles.) It was the first year I began compiling top ten charts so it's a little "dowdy," but it might be in there. In the meantime I'll post your question in The Mailbag and see if any of those far more savvy deejays than I can come up with an answer.

Ken replies:

Thanks for getting back to me. I appreciate your help.

Ken replies again:

You were right. It's Juke Joint Love. Thanks so much for your help.

Yours,
Ken

Listen to Simply Wayne singing "Juke Joint Love" on YouTube.


daddybnice@southernsoulrnb.com

December 3, 2025:

RE: The Boogie Report Comes Out For A-I!

See Daddy B. Nice's Corner, News & Notes, November 19, 2025.

Daddy B. Nice

Hey, how's it going? First off, I love the site. I didn't even know I was posted, lol. Yes, it's AI-generated—only the vocals. I write everything. I only use AI for vocals (I can't sing), and I tell it the tempo, vibe, and just all-around structure of what I'm looking for.

I don't think AI Southern Soul is ruining it for other blues artists. I've even tried my luck with getting my guy F.P.J on a track. From Mississippi to Alabama… I can't speak for everyone, but I make Southern Soul music because of L.J. Echols, Marvin Sease, King George, Sir Charles Jones, Big Mel, F.P.J, Johnny Taylor, Tyrone Davis, and I could go on and on.

I'm from Mississippi, and I grew up waking up on Saturday mornings to Ma and Pops listening to WGNL 104.3—all-day Saturday blues while cleaning up. Blues has been in my veins, lol. I’ve been country, and I bump my music… But I just asked (Chat GpT) who was Baker Collins the Mac of Southern soul.. that's how I found out I was on ur Top 10 lol #gratitude

Baker Collins

Daddy B. Nice replies:

I'm glad you wrote in, Baker. Thank you. It gives me an opportunity to speak directly to a member of your young A-I generation. So by now you probably know that I charted a song of yours, "Jody Baby," when a colleague alerted me to it being A-I. I rue A-I, I don't want some algorithm telling me what and how to write. And that disdain extends to A-I in music. However, since your song was already posted on my October Top 10 Singles I let it stand with the admonition 'BEWARE! A-I GENERATED'.

On a more positive note, I love the fact you're from Mississippi, and even more love me some Jackson, Mississippi, my "home away from home" for many years. In those years it was radio station WMPR, which like WGNL (for you) schooled me in southern soul, and which, by the way, still airs southern soul not only on Saturdays but weekday afternoons and more.

Here's what concerns me about your approach to the music you say you love. And remember, you're talking with an old veteran who's been watching the scene day by day since the late nineties. I can understand there being some value to using A-I (as the "Boogie Report" article notes) to enhance the production, specifically aspects of the instrumental track. What I can't understand is you using artificial intelligence to substitute for a human-generated vocal.

Like it or not, a performer’s brand is inextricably tied to the person singing the record. Even though the production may be the true factor in a song’s success, it’s the singer the fans recognize as the brand. So in effect you’re committing career suicide by putting some other artificially-generated vocal at the front of your creative efforts. You’ll never be able to tour. You’ll never be able to have a credible career. You’ll never be able to connect with an audience.

With your talents (and lack of singing talent) the only way you’ll achieve recognition in southern soul is as a writer and producer. And what could be better? Artists are STARVED for material. Producers are in short supply. There is money in being a producer, and the money is more consistent than it is for singers. And there is fame in being a producer. “Slack” Jefferson. Beat Flippa. Omar Cunningham. Kang 803. Tony Tatum. To name just a few from recent years. So let me say it again. The #1 reason for career failure in music is the difficulty in finding material and how to package it musically. And it sounds like that is exactly what you’re good at.

If I were you, I’d reassess my priorities. Start collaborating with the singers (like F.P.J.) and stop trying to be something you’re not. You are sitting on a creative pot of gold. Good luck to you and best wishes!


daddybnice@southernsoulrnb.com

November 17, 2025:

Looking For A Song Letter

I can't find a song I heard and I like. Some of the words are "all of the time" "I cheated on her and she cheated on me" but I can't make out the chorus. Smacking somebody else -- something like that. Can you help?

Kevin

Daddy B. Nice replies:

I just realized I'm not getting as many "looking for songs" letters now that A-I has become such a thing. But yes, I do recognize the song you're talking about, thanks to you mentioning "smacking somebody else". It's actually "Smashing Somebody Else" and it's by Jeter Jones.

Listen to Jeter Jones singing "Smashing Somebody Else" on YouTube.

Kevin replies:

That's it! Thanks


daddybnice@southernsoulrnb.com

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Comments, information or questions for Daddy B. Nice?
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daddybnice@southernsoulrnb.com

*************







Comments, information or questions for Daddy B. Nice?
Write to:
daddybnice@southernsoulrnb.com

*************

under construction....under constant revision....

**************


Comments, information or questions for Daddy B. Nice?
Write to:
daddybnice@southernsoulrnb.com

*************

under construction....under constant revision....