In recent news, memories of the IT guy who urged putting women first are resurfacing. The artist in question is Jahiem, an R&B sensation born on May 26th, 1978, in New Brunswick, New Jersey. Jahiem’s early life was marked by tragedy, losing his father at the age of three and his mother to spinal meningitis at 17. Despite a challenging start in the Memorial Parkway public housing project, music ran in his blood, with his granddad being an R&B crooner in the 60s.

Growing up in the tough Project Life environment, Jahiem, with dreams beyond the ghetto, faced street life troubles leading to periodic incarcerations. However, his voice became his solace and paved the way for success. Winning at the Apollo Music Theater’s talent competition at 15, Jahiem’s life took a turn when he lost his mother, but he channeled his heartache into crafting a demo that would change his life.

Jahiem’s demo, accidentally dropped in a Newark clothing store owned by Naughty by Nature, caught the attention of KG, a band member, leading to a call on April 1st, 2000, discussing a potential record deal. A year later, he released his debut album, “Ghetto Love,” selling over 880,000 copies in its first week, propelling him to fame.

Despite his rough exterior not aligning with the typical R&B image, Jahiem’s success continued with albums like “Still Ghetto” in 2002, featuring hit singles like “Put That Woman First” and “Fabulous.” However, legal troubles arose in 2004, with drug-related accusations, resulting in Jahiem facing challenges, though eventually, the charges were invalidated.

Jahiem’s journey in the music industry continued with albums like “Ghetto Classics” in 2006 and “The Makings of a Man” in 2007. His popularity waned slightly, but he rebounded with the 2010 album “Another Round,” featuring the emotional track “Finding My Way Back.” Despite not reaching the same heights, Jahiem garnered Grammy nominations.

In 2011, he earned Grammy and American Music Award nominations, showcasing his enduring impact on the R&B scene. Jahiem, with over 5 million records sold worldwide, experienced both successes and challenges, including legal troubles and rumors of drug abuse. His last album, “Struggle Love,” was released in 2016.

Recent controversies include animal cruelty charges in September 2021, where 15 dogs were found in squalor at his New Jersey residence. Fans, despite the tumultuous headlines, continue to express nostalgia for Jahiem’s soulful tunes, hoping for his return to the music scene. Rumors persist about his battles with drug abuse, but the artist himself remains silent. At 45, fans are eager for a Jahiem comeback, anticipating the return of his soulful voice to the music stage.

Jaheim on the current state of R&B

R&B singer Jaheim may have been out of the limelight for while, but that doesn’t mean he’s stopped keeping tabs on the R&B world.

“I think that the current state of R&B is between a nail and a hard rock because the rock is not as solid as it used to be but the nail is wearing us down,” the singer told Page Six at last week’s seventh annual gala for Soledad O’Brien’s PowHERful Foundation, where he performed.

While he may no longer be at the same level he once was, the 39-year-old is fine with his current position in the industry. The three-time Grammy nominee, who runs the label Julie’s Dream, enjoys having more control over his music.

“I have been in the game for 22 years so I cannot say that I am underrated but I am not with the major industry anymore,” he said. “I am still playing the game. I am the boss now. I am wearing the coat and paying my own bills and dues.”

Jaheim is proud of the career he’s forged, but two-plus decades in the business haven’t been without their drawbacks. Of course, those negatives have also taught him exactly how to not treat people.

“Without everything I have been through I would not be where I am today,” he explained. “I love the business I just don’t like certain people in the business. Certain people just do not know how to treat people and conduct business. We are all equal regardless of who we are. I treat everybody like a star.”