Jodeci kept it real about today’s R&B music. It’s just not hitting the same as before. It’s not giving “baby making.”

In an exclusive interview with Vibe backstage at Mary J. Blige’s second annual Strength of a Woman Festival to celebrate 50 years of Hip Hop on Friday, May 12, the quartet (without DeVanté Swing) took the opportunity to dispel rumors about a group breakup, talk about their future tour and today’s R&B music.

Mr. Dalvin spoke about how fans think the group disbanded but stated the rumors weren’t true. 

“Well, the misconception is we broke. We never broke up,” Dalvin said. “We went off and did separate things, but, you know, had to get our business together. Right? Focus and refocus. It’s cool. We’re having fun. It’s doing what we love doing, being around each other.”

K-Ci’s comment acknowledged that each member dispersed to pursue solo projects.

“That’s one thing about Jodeci. Even when we wasn’t around doing stuff, doing separate stuff, we always had each other’s support,” K-Ci said. “Dalvin did his thing solo. K-Ci and JoJo. The guys, they stuck by us, me and JoJo, and when DeVante do his solo thing. At the end of the day, it’s still Jodeci.”

The conversation delved into the group’s outlook on today’s R&B music culture, which comprises more artists sampling iconic pieces instead of those creating their own., something Jodeci members want to see. 

“Like Dalvin always said, ‘To each their own. They can do what they want to do,’ but I would personally love to hear more original [songs,” K-Ci said. “Like what they used to say back in the day, baby-making music.”

Jodeci performed a medley of hits at the Strength Of A Woman Festival, like “Come And Talk To Me,” “Freek’n You,” “Forever My Lady,” “Cry For You” and “Stay.”

Jodeci joined forces with SWV and Dru Hill for the Summer Block Party tour, which will hit cities like Los Angeles, Cincinnati, Charlotte, Baltimore, Detroit, Brooklyn and Atlanta.