Justin Bieber’s “Bizzle” phase: Why Journals is one of Justin Bieber's most renowned albums in the Black community.


Raised on R&B and pop music JB has always been familiar with musical influences such as his own mentor Usher and the likes of stars such as Chris Brown and heavily acclaimed band Boyz 2 Men. 

Bieber is no stranger to the R&B genre with consistent hits since his first album ‘My World’ showing his clear attachment to the soulful sentiment that comes with the aura of R&B. Songs such as “right here” and “first dance” display Bieber's first dips into the genre making new paths for the singer as he swerves from the direction of pop hits. 


Journals is Bieber's first completely self controlled album that he was allowed to make big decisions with the albums direction and overall structure of his work.This is definitely shown as this is one of his most underrated albums to this day.From top to bottom journals shows maturity and real insight into Bieber's musical style as this album goes through the experience of heartbreak and literally the emotional rollercoaster of separation from a long term relationship. Previously mentioned themes are definitely explored within this album with both “Heartbreaker” and “Rollercoaster” being the names of two songs from this album. Bieber even features R&B creep R K**** and rappers such as Future and Lil Wayne. This album is a depiction of Bieber starting to bloom as an artist by himself without having to just stay in the big pop charts as America's teen sweetheart that everyone thought of him since the release of platinum hit “Baby”. Journals showcases a turning point for Bieber as he was given full control over his sound and production. With slow burning songs that created an essence of sex and sensuality such as “PYD” and “All bad” listeners start to separate prepubescent “Baby” Bieber and allow him to be an artist that can speak on topics such as sex without shame. 


These features suggest Biebers “Bizzle” phase was definitely in progression as Bieber heads towards the introduction of his music to a more black audience. “Bizzle” was a name created by Bieber and fans to represent his alter ego -rapper style persona that came along with this era.A pinnacle of Bieber's musical relationship with the black community as Bieber's famously “black” era came alongside with an album inspired heavily by black culture. The most popular song from this album to this day is “Confident” , a song that features Chance the rapper in his prime. Yet again Bieber shows his potential in this genre when given the opportunity.


Leaving a mark on the black community with this moody R&B debut, Bieber quickly left his Bizzle phase in 2015.Meaning that he left us only this underrated masterpiece as a symbol of this era.With recent releases such as “Peaches” featuring Daniel Caesar , Bieber gives us tiny inklings of hope for future R&B releases as his attachment to soul and R&B is still prevalent within his musical influences.


Fatima :)


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