Throughout its history, R&B has changed many times over. The term R&B dates back to the 1940s when African Americans were producing their own music for a black audience. It was the "race music" referred to in old movies. Even to this day most R&B comes from black artists. Mariah Carey is one of the few exceptions. There was a boogie woogie phase with Fats Domino, a big band phase with Big Joe Turner, and a blues/jazz phase with Ray Charles. Disco and funk dominated the 70s, but when the 80s came around, the genre was starting to morph into what we know today as contemporary R&B. R&B is no longer an acronym. Like MTV, it is just a collection of letters and/or symbols that has taken on a different meaning. Many of the songs contain elements of blues, depending on the song, just like there is still some music on MTV, but the emphasis does not live up to its full name.
When I think of 80s R&B I think of Michael Jackson who sang a mix of pop and R&B that was different from the rhythm and blues of the 70s. 80s R&B was a "soul and funk-influenced pop music that originated as disco faded from popularity (thank god)."(1) What I learned from researching this topic is that New Jack Swing was a style that developed in the 80s that bridged the gap between the R&B of the 80s and 90s. New Jack Swing is heard in groups like LL Cool J, Bobby Brown, Wreckx-n-Effect, Bel Biv Devoe, Janet Jackson, Montel Jordan, and TLC. I think these bands would fit in nicely with today's blending of hip-hop and R&B. What forced these bands out of the rap category in their day was that rap was either Slick Rick storytelling style or NWA gangsta style.
The first R&B songs I remember that fit the contemporary model I highlight in this blog entry are H-Town's "Knockin' Da Boots" and Silk's "Freak Me." The next most memorable are Jodeci's "If You Think You're Lonely Now" and Kieth Sweat's "How Do You Like It." Almost all male R&B artists were African American, and were excellent singers who sang soulful songs with sexually-charged lyrics. Female R&B artists that started in the 90s were groups like TLC, En Vogue, SWV, and Mary J Blige. Later, R. Kelly would shine along with Usher, Aaaliyah, and Ginuwine. Remember the Brandy and Monica battle? Lauryn Hill dominated with her Miseducation album. If you have some favorite artists from this era please comment! The mention of an artist that I have forgotten about would be awesome.
Today we have black artists who sing slow songs with great lyrics. What's missing compared to the 90s is the emphasis on the singing element. What happened to all the singers?! They are creating a 21st century R&B that is more of a hip-hop crossover mixed with elements of dubstep and auto-tuning. When R. Kelly started making songs like "Ignition" and Usher did "Yeah!" the newer category currently dominated by Chris Brown and Rhianna began. Some of the newer artists can sing, but they are not expected to sing with the kind of clarity of the 90s artists because that is not the sound that is in demand.
A perfect example of the kind of song I think is distinctly 90s is Aaliyah's "Let Me Know." It's slow, soulful, sweet, and emphasizes her singing ability and lyrics.
If bands like Boyz II Men and En Vogue exist today in a R&B form it's the newer hip-hop crossover version. The best example of a 90s style R&B song that has recently been released is Kelly Rowland's "Motivation." Did anyone else know how well she could sing?
Whether the contemporary R&B style of the 90s is dead and gone or will have a revival I do not know. I do miss the singers from that era. Their voices were able to shine on the most popular radio stations. Pop stars like Adele, Amy Winehouse, and Lady Gaga are getting their chance on variety stations at least.
(1). http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rhythm_and_blues
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