R&B Is NOT Dead, It’s Just Evolving

Oldheads are constantly claiming that R&B has been on the decline for several years, however, I blatantly disagree.

R&B will never be the same as it was decades ago, and that’s OKAY! Instead of comparing modern R&B with R&B from the past, we can embrace the newer, more popular types of R&B in modern day society.

Contemporary R&B

For the past 15 years, Contemporary R&B has been on the rise and has grown to be my personal favorite sub-genre! Artists like SZA, Frank Ocean, Steve Lacy, Solange, Ravyn Lenae, and Childish Gambino are popular examples of this genre. Not only are they talented singers, but also amazing songwriters. Contemporary R&B artists are noted for painting very vivid pictures with their lyrics and artistic choices. Their albums often feel like you are going on a journey with the characters in the songs. Frank Ocean’s Channel Orange and Solange’s A Seat at the Table are perfect examples of such.

Trap Soul

Gaining popularity in the past 5-10 years, Trap soul combines aspects of traditional R&B with modern-day rap. Artists like Bryson Tiller, PartyNextDoor, TyDolla$ign, and (my personal fav) Brent Faiyaz are rising to stardom on both the R&B and the general Top 100 charts. They are R&B singers, but they employ references and techniques used in hip hop/rap music, which helps them appeal to both audiences.

Traditional R&B

Lastly, there are still artists that uphold the same techniques that were used in R&B many years ago. Summer Walker, though some of her songs are in the Trap Soul and Contemporary R&B categories, makes music that takes direct influence from 90s R&B artists like Brandy and SWV. Additionally, artists like Ari Lennox, Lucky Daye, and H.E.R. also employ the techniques of R&B from the 90s and early 2000s.

As a listener to all forms of R&B, I can easily say that this genre will never die. It will continue to take on new forms. And if you don’t like it, just continue listening to the old tunes.

Here are a few Spotify playlists that highlight different kinds of R&B music:

Baduizm (by me)

https://open.spotify.com/embed/playlist/7MZZqgZ17AAILFKmjyIPgu?utm_source=generator

• an Erykah Badu, Jill Scott, Ari Lennox, Solange kinda vibe

R&B Classics 90s & 2000s

https://open.spotify.com/embed/playlist/2T3BSpqN34Z4sppHDNWoeE?utm_source=generator

• features Usher, NeYo, Mario, and other beloved male artists of the late 90’s/early 2000s

Snoh Aalegra + ppl who remind me of her (by me)

• includes Jazmine Sullivan, H.E.R., Amy Winehouse, Chloe x Halle, & Alicia Keys

Sincerely, your favorite trendy girl,