Overview of INTERVIEW: Tank Talks New Album ‘Experience’, The R&B Tour, Reasonable Doubt, R&B Money Podcast + More
Tank joined The Breakfast Club to discuss his new album Experience, his place in the current R&B resurgence, and why he’s embracing a broader creative lane that now includes acting, Broadway, film, and live touring. The conversation also touched on the Usher/Chris Brown R&B tour, the long-running King of R&B conversation, his R&B Money Podcast, and how age, marriage, faith, and life experience have shaped both his perspective and his music.
Biggest Takeaways
- Tank sees Experience as a full-circle album that reflects who he is now, not just the “sensual R&B” version the public already knows.
- He’s embracing a bigger career identity: musician, producer, actor, and cultural advocate.
- Tank believes R&B is having a real comeback because listeners want emotion, live performance, and songs that feel like something.
- He’s not interested in shrinking himself for industry expectations; instead, he wants to expand the Tank brand and keep making room for all sides of his artistry.
- His priorities are shifting toward acting and legacy-building, though music remains central.
New Album: Experience
What Tank said about the project
- Tank described the album as a reflection of his real life and all the spaces he lives in creatively.
- He said the record includes more tempo, house influences, gospel elements, and collaborations than people may expect.
- The title Experience is about owning his journey and sharing it honestly.
Notable collaborators and sounds mentioned
- Kirk Franklin on the worship/gospel-influenced record “How I Need You”
- Zacardi Cortez and Eric Dawkins on another standout track
- MK for the house-music energy
- References to sonic lanes inspired by Charlie Wilson, Remy Ma, and a Don Toliver/Travis Scott type vibe
Why the album matters to him
- Tank said he has always been more than the “slow jam” image people attach to him.
- He wanted to finally put his church side and faith side on display, something he had previously held back from doing.
The Usher / Chris Brown R&B Tour
Why he joined
- Tank said the decision was immediate once Chris Brown and Usher came together for the tour.
- He didn’t want to open the show in a way that would limit the impact of his performance; instead, he wanted to be part of the main event and the larger cultural moment.
His view of the tour
- He called it one of the greatest R&B tours ever and said the scale creates a rare opportunity:
- huge crowds
- top-tier production
- guaranteed visibility
- room to promote his music in a high-impact way
His broader point
- For Tank, the tour is not about need; it’s about history, culture, and being part of the documentation of a major R&B moment.
R&B, Legacy, and the “King of R&B” Conversation
On Jacquees and the debate
- Tank clarified that his comments about Jacquees were really about work ethic, longevity, and context, not disrespect.
- He said young artists should aim high, but also understand the responsibility that comes with big claims.
- He acknowledged that the “King of R&B” debate helped spark conversation about the genre.
On who counts in the current generation
- Tank argued that R&B should be judged by a mix of:
- talent
- commercial success
- cultural impact
- undercurrent/credibility
- He praised artists like Masego for musicianship, even if they aren’t always dominating radio.
Tank’s View on Modern R&B
He believes the genre is back
Tank said the audience wants:
- emotion
- live performance
- real feeling
- songs that leave people with something
Artists he cited as helping drive the resurgence
- Chris Brown
- Leon Thomas
- Kehlani
- Jhené Aiko
- Masego
- Others in the newer R&B wave
His criticism of radio
- Tank was blunt that mainstream radio often fails R&B artists, especially Black male singers who make love songs.
- He argued that some programmers are out of touch and not supporting the genre properly.
- He noted that artists often have to fight for every spin, even for songs that eventually become hits.
Faith, Marriage, and Intimacy
The role of experience
- Tank repeatedly tied the album to maturity, emotional awareness, and spiritual depth.
- He said intimacy changes with age:
- in your 20s, it’s more physical
- later, it becomes more about connection, listening, and understanding
His marriage
- He spoke warmly about his wife, saying they’ve been together for years and have strong chemistry.
- He described her as organized and controlling in a loving way, especially around family and scheduling.
- He said the relationship gives him both stability and a safe place.
Gospel and love in the same space
- Tank explained that one of the new songs works as both:
- a statement of gratitude toward a woman
- a worshipful expression toward God
- That duality, he said, reflects where he is in life now.
The R&B Money Podcast
Why it matters
Tank said the podcast helps preserve and explain R&B culture by:
- spotlighting artists
- giving context to records and careers
- protecting the presentation of R&B artists when they enter public conversations
His view of the platform
- He sees it as part of the larger mission to educate and defend the genre.
- The podcast helps younger artists navigate the industry with more care and context.
Acting, Broadway, and What’s Next
Tank’s expanding career
- He said he originally thought he was stepping back because of health concerns, but what he really wanted was time to pursue more of what he loves.
- He mentioned:
- Broadway work with Alicia Keys
- an upcoming project with Tyler Perry
- a film with Fantasia
- his role on Reasonable Doubt
His real goal now
- Tank said his biggest professional focus is becoming a serious actor.
- He joked that he still wants an Oscar and sees acting as a place where he has more to prove than in music.
Notable Moments and Quotes
On his role in R&B
“I’m the general, man. I’m boots on the ground.”
On his mindset
“You either want to watch the documentary or you want to be in the documentary.”
On his growth as a lover and artist
- He joked candidly that age and experience make people better at intimacy if they’re paying attention.
- He stressed that good relationships require questions, communication, and feedback.
On his career now
- Tank made it clear he’s no longer chasing validation in music.
- He’s focused on expression, legacy, and enjoying the work.
Final Takeaway
Tank’s interview was equal parts funny, candid, and deeply reflective. The main message: Experience is not just an album title — it’s Tank’s entire current philosophy. He’s leaning into maturity, faith, marriage, artistry, and legacy while continuing to champion R&B as a vital, emotionally rich genre that deserves more respect, more radio support, and more cultural attention.