Jacquees fires back at Mario & Cam Newton: “Keep my name out y’all mouth!”
Jacquees Claps Back at Mario and Cam Newton Over Viral Podcast Moment
The battle over who can really sing in R&B just turned personal. Especially for the men of the genre. Although the criteria for what makes a great singer varies, the conversation still remains. Who are the best male singers of r&b? After R&B veteran Mario criticized Jacquees’ vocal ability on Cam Newton’s Funky Friday podcast, the Georgia-born artist snapped back on X (formerly Twitter) with a blunt message:
“Cam Newton & Mario some h**s, keep my name out y’all mouth on dat lil podcast…. I been minding my business.”
Though the post was quickly deleted, screenshots spread like wildfire across social media, fueling a viral conversation about male ego, artistry, and the ever-competitive nature of modern R&B.
Who Is Jacquees? The “King of R&B” and His Career Rise
Rodriquez Jacquees Broadnax, known professionally as Jacquees (/jah-KWEESS/), was born April 15, 1994 in Decatur, Georgia. He signed to Birdman’s Cash Money Records in 2014 and emerged as one of the most promising young voices in contemporary R&B.
His breakout single “B.E.D.” (2016) peaked at No. 69 on the Billboard Hot 100 and went double platinum, followed by the 2018 hit “You,” which also earned double platinum status. Both tracks led into his debut studio album 4275 (2018), which charted moderately on the Billboard 200.
Jacquees followed up with King of R&B (2019) — an album that peaked at No. 20 on the chart and sparked controversy after he boldly dubbed himself “the King of R&B for his generation.” His third album, Sincerely For You (2022), produced by Future and released under Cash Money, debuted at No. 163 on the Billboard 200.
Despite that commercial dip, Jacquees has maintained a loyal fan base thanks to his melodic tone, romantic lyrics and confident persona. He’s known for his polished vocals and vocal runs — traits that many fans believe make him one of the most underrated singers of his era.
For him, being told he “can’t sing” cuts deeper than a casual jab; it challenges the foundation of his artistry.
The Podcast Moment That Sparked the Feud
On the latest episode of Cam Newton’s Funky Friday podcast, Mario joined as guest to discuss music, authentic vocals, and what it really means to be able to “sing.” Cam posed a now-viral question:
“Every singer can’t sing. But let’s be real — who really can?”
He then listed several names — including Omarion, Bryson Tiller, Ray J, and Jacquees — asking Mario to evaluate each. When Jacquees’ name came up, Mario paused before saying:
“He can sing, he can sing. He can’t sang, but he can sing. He be on key.”
That one line — “can’t sang” — was enough to ignite a storm. Jacquees has long defended his vocal range and stage presence, and being publicly diminished by another R&B singer clearly struck a nerve.
While Cam Newton laughed off the comment in real time, Jacquees did not. Within hours, his tweet calling both men out began circulating online — drawing both criticism and sympathy from fans.
Mario’s Perspective: The Veteran with the Voice
Mario Dewar Barrett, born August 27, 1986 in Baltimore, Maryland, has been a fixture in R&B for over two decades. He signed to J Records at age 14 and released his self-titled debut album in 2002. Its lead single, “Just a Friend 2002,”reached the top five on the Billboard Hot 100, showcasing his boyish charm and powerful vocals.
Mario cemented his legacy with Turning Point (2004) and its Grammy-nominated No. 1 hit “Let Me Love You.” The song became an R&B classic, earning two Billboard Music Awards and solidifying Mario as one of the best male vocalists of his generation.
Subsequent albums Go (2007) and D.N.A. (2009) featured fan favorites like “How Do I Breathe,” “Crying Out for Me,” and “Break Up” featuring Gucci Mane and Sean Garrett, which went platinum. By 2010, Mario was ranked No. 98 on Billboard’s “Artist of the Decade” list.
Beyond music, Mario has appeared in films like Step Up (2006), Freedom Writers (2007) and TV shows such as Empire (2018-2020) and Dancing with the Stars Season 6. In 2024, he even finished runner-up on The Masked Singer.
In short, Mario represents the classic R&B standard — a benchmark for live vocals and emotive delivery. That makes his words carry weight — but also means his critiques can sting younger artists.
Cam Newton’s Role: The Instigator or Just the Host?
Cam Newton’s Funky Friday podcast has become a hub for unfiltered conversation about music, sports and culture. Known for his bold takes and casual humor, Cam often poses provocative questions to draw out candid answers.
By asking Mario to judge his peers, Newton sparked a debate that merged two worlds — sports media and R&B drama. Whether he anticipated the fallout is unclear, but the clip has now become one of his most viral moments to date.
The Cultural Significance: R&B’s Evolving Standards
The Jacquees-Mario moment goes beyond petty shade; it reflects how R&B is changing. In the ’90s and 2000s, vocal excellence was a given. Today, the genre is broader — embracing auto-tune, hybrid sounds and genre blending.
When Mario said Jacquees “can’t sang,” he wasn’t necessarily calling him untalented — he was drawing a line between technical power and modern style. Jacquees, meanwhile, embodies a generation raised on melody and vibe over belting.
The debate exposes R&B’s generation gap:
- Mario’s camp values raw vocal delivery and live performance prowess.
- Jacquees’ camp prioritizes smooth tone, melodic control and streaming relevance.
Both approaches are valid — but social media ensures neither side stays quiet for long.
The Internet Reaction
Fans split almost instantly. Many defended Mario, calling him “the blueprint for real vocals,” while others rallied around Jacquees, arguing he’s unfairly underrated. Memes circulated comparing their live performances and reminding viewers of Jacquees’ self-proclaimed “King of R&B” title from 2019.
Cam Newton’s clip racked up millions of views on TikTok and Instagram Reels within days — turning a one-sentence comment into a full-blown cultural moment.
Where It Goes from Here
So far, neither Cam Newton nor Mario has publicly addressed Jacquees’ deleted tweet. For now, the ball is in Jacquees’ court — and he’s likely to respond in the way he knows best: through music.
Industry insiders speculate he might channel the moment into a new single or freestyle — something fans already seem eager for. As history shows, public disputes in R&B often become marketing fuel for chart comebacks.
Final Thoughts: R&B’s Modern “Can He Sing?” Debate
This dust-up between Jacquees, Mario and Cam Newton isn’t just about hurt feelings — it’s about defending legacy in a crowded music landscape. It proves that even in 2025, the question of who can really sing still matters deeply to artists and audiences alike.
For Jacquees, it’s a reminder that his confidence and sometimes controversy keeps him relevant. For Mario, it shows that credibility comes with a price — your words carry weight. And for Cam Newton, it proves his podcast has become a new arena for R&B discourse and drama.
In a genre built on emotion and expression, maybe that’s the point: passion — and pride — will always sing the loudest.