IG Profile Review: slowjams4life
RNB Nerd had the opportunity to do something that I cannot say I’ve seen anywhere else and that was to write a review for an Instagram profile. There is literally no better person to do this with than the hugely popular, up-to-the-minute, R&B sleuth himself: slowjams4life.
Judging off the pages name, one might think to only find ballads and literally slow jams/love songs. However, the breadth and depth at which this page goes to create the content is unlike any other I have seen. Having connected with this account early in my own journey, slowjams4life openly shared his thoughts about having a music page, our similar (and dissimilar lol) music interests, and our overall purpose with posting the content that we do. This eagerness to share the love is representative in the both the success of the page and the community that it has created.
Below are some of my favorite segments from the page that highlight its unique character and are ones I encourage you to look out for as well.
Nostalgia that I won’t let you forget about: These are always such a pleasure to watch and to simply REMEMBER. A standout from these is the ICONIC Tracie Spencer guest star on “Family Matters” to sing a duet of "Tender Kisses" with Darius McCrary (who played the character, Eddie Winslow). Sharing a post such as this, and ones like it, prove that this page knows their audience and aligns with a particular age group that grew up at the height of this shows popularity. A sweet and romantic song, this moment for “Tender Kisses” is something special for those of us that tuned into “Family Matters”. We were lucky to have been surrounded by music that was about love, togetherness, and seeing what was special in one another. By immortalizing this post on the slowjams4life grid, allows us to all go back to those warm moments in our life if even just for a moment.
Rank these songs in order 1-3: This is where the magic happens! Asking a large community to rate and prioritize which Jagged Edge song is better, “Let’s Get Married”, “Promise”, or “I Gotta Be”, is going to get people talking. The engagement that not only takes place in the comments, but that slowjams4life himself participates in hosts some of the best music discussion out there. This community is also great at celebrating and tagging the creatives who are a part of the music too, giving them a chance to receive their flowers. In a fast and ever-changing music economy, the music industry can become a thankless place and pages like this create an opportunity for us to all marvel in the success that the culture has reached.
Songs people loved that I didn't: I must mention these posts because there is no other way to show his authenticity than to create a post for something he does not like. The page acknowledges what the music means to others and perhaps the culture, but simply doesn't resonate with him. Many of the songs that the page has shared in these posts are some of my personal favorites, yet I 100% respect his perspective. I remember making a post for Amerie’s “1 Thing” on my own page and somehow in the DM’s we chatted about it, to which he shared that he had seen it and literally just kept scrolling. How could I NOT respect this level of honest and friendly savagery! That made my day and showed me that his content comes from an honest place.
Bonus - IG stories: The slowjams4life stories should also not be ignored! He incorporates memes, asks questions, creates polls, talks sports, and is a lot more off the cuff than in the posts. Don't miss these!
I will end this review with my only real criticism of the page and that being wanting to know what is next for slowjams4life? With an audience that is dedicated and a significant follower count, the possibilities are endless. Based on the content we have seen; the page has no short of ideas and different avenues to take with their presentation. Maybe in time we will see what other direction and new initiatives the page will take on or evolve into. On the other hand, maybe there does not need to be any change since the formula seems to be winning and growing all on its own. If it isn’t broke don't fix it? Only time will tell.
In signing off, it would be wrong for me not to acknowledge how pages like slowjams4life are literally preserving the culture. This page is keeping the memories alive for anyone that is looking for this music. The page is not only documenting the best music of our time but is also bringing new people to the culture. The pages consistency is unmatched and is a template for others to see just how success and growth are achieved. If you are looking to catch some throwbacks, immerse yourself in familiar and new musical territory, and look at new ways to appreciate R&B music and the culture overall, THIS is the place to be.
Thank you slowjams4life for supporting RNB Nerd and for letting us write a few words about what you got going on. Wishing you continued success!
