Durand Bernarr vs Tank?? | AEOE Patreon Exclusive

Overview

This video is an AOE Patreon-exclusive R&B commentary about a recent online dispute involving vocalist Durand Bernarr and R&B singer Tank. Rather than framing the situation as “who won,” the host uses it as a launching point for a wider conversation about how the R&B industry measures vocal ability versus musical storytelling/connection.

Main Points and Arguments

Background of the Dispute (Bernarr vs. Tank)

The host explains that Tank reportedly reacted negatively to Durand Bernarr after Bernarr was involved in—or responded to—a vocal challenge Tank promoted. The tension reportedly escalated to Tank blocking Bernarr on Instagram.

Tank’s “Can We Talk?” Challenge

Tank’s stance is tied to Tevin Campbell’s classic “Can We Talk?”—including a reported belief that if you can’t sing the song, you’re not really a singer. The host notes that the song’s bridge is especially difficult.

Bernarr’s Rebuttal

Durand Bernarr argues that failing to sing a song within its required range does not automatically mean someone isn’t a real singer. Instead, it may simply mean the song is out of their vocal range.

The host emphasizes that Bernarr also points out the song was originally performed by a younger Tevin Campbell, and that Bernarr describes the original context as fitting the right youthful/countertenor vocal framework.

“Aliens” vs. “Humans” in R&B Vocals

The host uses a metaphor:

• Some artists are “aliens” vocally—exceptional beyond normal technique.
• Others are “humans”—still valid, still valuable singers.

The takeaway: people shouldn’t be shamed for not being an “alien” vocalist.

Bigger Critique: Singers vs. “Sangers”

The host expands into a broader industry critique about what R&B performances communicate:

• Some vocalists can sing extremely well, but may struggle to connect musically, resulting in performances that lack story/message.
• Some performers may not be the best technical singers, yet audiences connect deeply when the performance/lyrics/story resonate.
• The host argues R&B should value both:
  • Vocal skill
  • Relational storytelling

No side should disrespect the other.

Resolution and Intent

The host claims the public back-and-forth eventually cooled off, and frames the Joe Budden Podcast as a platform that helped bring two major R&B figures together through conversation.

Call to Action

The host urges R&B fans and artists to:

• Support R&B as vital to Black culture
• Avoid efforts to make R&B feel “irrelevant”
• Share recommendations in the comments for great “sangers”—artists who can both sing and translate vocal talent into strong artistry

Key Takeaway

The Bernarr vs. Tank conflict is presented as a springboard for a common R&B debate:

Technical vocal supremacy vs. artistic connection and musical communication—and the importance of not using vocal ability as gatekeeping.

Presenters or Contributors

• Imani (host/presenter)
• Durand Bernarr (guest discussed)
• Tank (referenced as the catalyst of the dispute)
• Tevin Campbell (song/challenge subject: “Can We Talk?”)
• Joe Budden (referenced via The Joe Budden Podcast)
• Lucky Daye (mentioned)
• Leon Thomas (mentioned)
• Eric Wilson (mentioned)
• Stevie Mackey (mentioned)
• Luke James (mentioned)
• Luther Vandross (mentioned)
• Whitney Houston (mentioned)
• Marvin Gaye (mentioned)
• Donny Hathaway (mentioned)
• Sasha Keable (mentioned)
• Flo (mentioned)