INTERVIEW W/ TAY BELL
Tay Bell Is Rooted in Feeling—and That’s What Sets Him Apart
R&B has never been about chasing a sound – it’s about connection. From his early days in the church to writing for industry heavyweights and representing the grit of the Bronx, his artistry is grounded in emotion, honesty, and real-life experiences. Every record he creates carries intention, blending soulful storytelling with a versatility shaped by culture and growth. In this RNBPLYLST conversation, Tay Bell opens up about staying authentic, evolving without compromise, and why true RNB will always be felt before it’s heard.
Q: You’ve been creating music since a young age and even started in the church—how
has that foundation shaped the emotion and storytelling in your R&B sound today?
A: That’s where I learned how to feel music, not just sing it. For me everything is about emotion, connection, and telling a story that people can relate to and that’s something I carry with me into my R&B today. I’m honest in my delivery. Whether I’m talking about love, heartbreak, or growth, I’m not just trying to make something that sounds good, I want people to feel it when I create, I still tap into that same place. It’s soulful, it’s real,
and it’s rooted in something deeper than just entertainment. It’s about connection.
Q: You’ve written for major artists like Ashanti, Mario, and Jamie Foxx—what did those
experiences teach you about crafting records that actually connect?
A: I feel that I learned from all of my musical contributions throughout the years. Getting these opportunities early on taught me how to step outside of myself. When you’re writing for someone else, you have to understand their voice, their story, and their audience but still keep the song universal. That balance is everything. Sometimes I create based on the experience of others but the delivery won’t be as powerful, If it
doesn’t feel authentic to the performer. I think it’s important as a writer to know that all things don’t always go as planned, but if you are granted opportunities to sharpen your skill, don’t take those moments for granted. This industry is about relationship building,and building bridges. I was able to hold on to my relationships throughout the years, just by being my authentic self and that is something that I am grateful for.
Q: Coming out of the Bronx, how has your environment influenced your identity as an R&B artist and the stories you choose to tell?
A: Coming out of the Bronx, New York in General, that’s a big part of who I am, it’s in everything I do. The Bronx gives you a certain kind of grit, resilience, and honesty, and that naturally finds its way into my music when I write.
Growing up, you see love, struggle, loyalty, heartbreak, the reality of the streets all in real time. So when I’m creating R&B, I’m not just pulling from imagination, I’m pulling from real experiences and real people. That’s why I’m able to write and deliver freestyles over hard hip hop beats, change my cadences, my flows, and my bounce on certain records. That’s why I’m able to create songs like “Blueprint” and “Out the Way” , or even
have as long as a stint that I did collaborating and being a part of history with the D.I.T.C family, who are the definition and originators of Bronx Hip Hop. The balance that being from the Bronx gives me helps me be versatile. R&B isn’t one-dimensional, it’s the balance in Music.
Q: Your catalog shows versatility—from emotional records like “2 Dozen Roses” to more upbeat, experimental sounds—how do you balance vulnerability with evolution?
A: For me, it’s all about staying real while allowing myself to grow. Records like “2 Dozen Roses” come from a very vulnerable place that’s me being open, tapping into real emotions and experiences. That side of me will never change because that’s the core of who I am as an artist. At the same time, evolution is necessary. I will never conform, but I find ways to stay who I am while expressing myself in new ways.The balance comes
from intention. I want to be intentional with all that I do. As long as my message is honest, I can move across different sounds and still be true to myself. I think that’s what keeps the music fresh but still connected. I’ve always wanted my audience to grow with me, so when I hear new sounds or “what’s popular”, I separate myself and choose to stay true to my lane and what people love me for.
Q:You’ve been building community through things like “Wind Down Wednesdays”—how
important is it for you to create spaces beyond the music?
A: Creating spaces like “Wine Down Wednesdays” is just as important to me as the music itself. The music brings people in, but the experience is what makes them stay and feel connected. I treat it the same way I treat any intimate performance or show that I would put together. When I’m able to bring people into a room and interact, it’s the best of both worlds for me. They get to experience my personality on an intimate level but
also get the opportunity to hear some music they may not have heard vibe and “wind down”. It’s always a plus when I gain a listener, fan, supporter. It’s an additional space to showcase, and again be myself through R&B music.
Q: RNBPLYLST is all about spotlighting real R&B talent and building a culture-driven platform—what does being featured on RNBPLYLST mean to you, and how do you see platforms like this shaping the future of R&B?
A:Being featured on RNBPLYLST means the music is reaching people who actually care about R&B in its real form. I’m super appreciative as both an artist and a fan of the music. Watching new artists on the platform showcase their music from all over, and connecting with producers, and even some of my peers who I’ve known for some time, is definitely a breath of fresh air. RNBPLYLST is shaping the future of R&B and keeping the focus on authenticity instead of trends.This kind of support is imperative. It doesn’t just amplify the genre, it helps protect the culture while it grows. So Thank you, I want to give y’all all the flowers for what you do!
IG: @vinniekeyz
You make the world so much more beautiful. You are a star that has come to us to brighten our days with your beautiful voice
Thank you for taking the time to read the interview & speak empowerment over my journey!