The [Complicated] 50 Year History of Urban Contemporary
An article series exploring the evolution and devolution of a term that's caused much trouble in the mainstream world of music rather than its original Black origins intended.
As much as they try to diminish the power of R&B, it will always remain the universal language of love -- and personally, my favorite genre of them all.
Cultural Analysis
How moments and songs in R&B are shaping the culture today.
The R&B J. Cole? Kehlani's 14 Best Features, Duets, & Collaborations
Kehlani’s artistic excellence and ability to overshadow other artists on a track make her the R&B equivalent to J. Cole. We rank the singer’s best features, duets, and collaborations.
The 2010s: The Evolution of Cloud R&B In 18 Mixtapes
In the 2010s, R&B bent further into alternative waves, becoming fascinated with nature, space, time, and the universe. Cloud R&B was born. And these are the 18 R&B mixtapes that defined that era.
The 19 Most Influential R&B Albums of '90s & the Waves it Left
From Bell Biv DeVoe’s New Jack Swing sound to Aaliyah’s form of Electro-R&B: here are the 19 most influential R&B albums of the ’90s and the various movements the respective albums inspired.
From DeFord Bailey to Ray Charles to Solange: The Long Lineage of Black Artists Making Country Music Pop
As a genre stemming from an alchemy of blues and folk, country music has a storied history in Black art spaces. Despite this presence often being erased, cast away, or discredited, from the 1920s to 2019, Black artists have been the one’s pioneering and preserving country music, and that impact can be seen through its traverse influence over art from across genres and generations.
How Modern R&B Revitalised Pop Music | uDiscover
Steeped in tradition while pushing music into new frontiers, modern R&B has infiltrated the mainstream and become the go-to sound for pop music. Here are the various umbrellas R&B has placed itself in, and the stars that are pioneering and leading these movements.
XO And Beyond: How The Weeknd Forged His Own R&B Empire
From shaping contemporary R&B to overlooking his own XO label and fashion line, The Weeknd has become one of the biggest artists of the decade. An explanation on his sonic sound from the first mix-tape, House of Balloons up to his most recent work on LPs and EPs.
A Guide to Pacific-Trap&B, Pop's Latest Genre From Ariana Grande, Kehlani, And More
Here are eight songs to explain the fusion happening between trap&B and various East Asian pop genres.
A Case for Ty Dolla $ign: The Reigning King of R&B
In the King of R&B debate -- sparked by newcomer, Jacquees-- this is an argument in favor of Ty Dolla $ign: Based on present hits, his peers, past legends, and the criteria.
Charting Black Excellence | Revisiting Toni Braxton's "countless bops" because Beyoncé said so
Usually when Beyoncé does a digital drop on any social platform, it’s like no other and you feel obligated to listen. On Halloween 2017, Bey took the internet by storm by recreating a few iconic and cult-favorite looks from Lil’ Kim. This past Halloween Eve, Instagram timelines were blessed by the singer dressing as one of her other idols: Toni Braxton. According to the artist who most hail as “Queen Bey,” Braxton is “one of our talented legends (who serves) countless bops.”
Charting Black Excellence | Ella Mai & all the other current faces of R&B
Looking at the charting accomplishments of R&B acts in 2018, and documenting the swift resurgence of the genre on the mainstream charts.
Beyoncé and JAY-Z's 'On The Run II Tour' stop in Vancouver was full of lessons
What was originally intended to be a trip to Vancouver to see The Carters on tour, turned out to be an eleven day West Coast trip to see Garbage in Seattle, Nick Cannon's Wild N Out Tour in Portland, and the landmarks of Los Angeles. These are the lessons learned about the foundations of music, and a black man's proximity to foreign spaces.
Charting Black Excellence | The significance of Normani and Khalid's "Love Lies" hitting No.1 on pop radio
Normani and Khalid’s presence in the top region reveals that pop radio, which considers itself the "Mainstream Top 40," has a ways to go when it comes to being fully representative. On the week of September 18, 2018, "Love Lies" became the first song on the pop radio charts with solely black artists to go No. 1 since Flo Rida in 2016. The first in the series of "Charting Black Excellence".
Dawn Richard Premieres Electro-Bounce Track 'Break Me': Listen
Always full of surprises, Dawn Richard caught fans off guard on Wednesday (May 17) when she premiered the previously unreleased track, "Break Me".
The electro-bounce record holds an ethereal consistency which aligns closely with previous work in Richard's Blackheart and Redemption eras. With a synthesized, sensual voice that rides along to a blunt 808 bass line, the singer proclaims, "I'm not scared to be me."
The electro-bounce record holds an ethereal consistency which aligns closely with previous work in Richard's Blackheart and Redemption eras. With a synthesized, sensual voice that rides along to a blunt 808 bass line, the singer proclaims, "I'm not scared to be me."
Toni Braxton’s 25 Best Songs: Critic's Picks
Often when discussing the elite pack of divas who ruled the '90s and early aughts, Toni Braxton is cast aside. This shouldn’t be the case — there’s way more to her story than ”Un-Break My Heart.”
Known for her sultry, low-ranging contralto voice, Braxton -- who turns 50 this Saturday, Oct. 7 -- provided the R&B, pop, and adult contemporary hemispheres with a slew of signature classics. The dramatic flare of these songs, matched with her film noir aesthetic and style, convincingly sold Braxton’s...
Known for her sultry, low-ranging contralto voice, Braxton -- who turns 50 this Saturday, Oct. 7 -- provided the R&B, pop, and adult contemporary hemispheres with a slew of signature classics. The dramatic flare of these songs, matched with her film noir aesthetic and style, convincingly sold Braxton’s...
Revisiting Aaliyah’s Strangest Song, An Homage to Soap Villain Erica Kane | Pitchfork
Thirty-eight years ago today (January 16, 1979), Aaliyah was born in Brooklyn. Nine years earlier to the day, the biggest diva the soap opera world has ever known made her debut, when Susan Lucci joined the cast of ABC’s “All My Children” as Erica Kane. The connection between the divas runs deeper than the same birthday. On the remastered edition of Aaliyah’s final album, 2001’s Aaliyah, as well as her posthumous greatest hits compilation, *I Care 4 U *(2002), appears a peculiar bonus track title...
An argument for "Hello" being Beyoncé's best song
When I just sit back and think about some of Beyoncé’s best cuts, the underappreciated top my list: the Freakum Dresses, the Die With Yous, the Creoles, the Signs, the No Angels, the Kitty Kats, and the Ring The Alarms of the bunch. For me, the front runner of that list is “Hello.”
Master Class: 'The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill' and its long-lasting impact on floetic R&B and hip-hop
Floetic Hip-Hop & R&B: The poetic-songwriter sound propelled by 'The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill'
Master Class: How New Orleans, New Jersey, Miami and Baltimore run Bounce, Bass and Club mixes
Regional Club Music and Mixes: The genres of Miami Bass, NOLA Bounce, Brick City Club, and B-More Club Mixes
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Album Reviews
Revisiting throwbacks and current releases.
15th Anniversary of ‘Touch:’ How Amerie Made a Modern Day Go-Go Classic with "1 Thing"
Released 15 years ago, Touch marked the pinnacle of Amerie Roger’s creative partnership with producer Rich Harrison. I spoke with the singer about how the two crafted their go-go-influenced classic.
"I Definitely Understand the Importance of Having a Good Story:" Carl Thomas Breaks Down the Making of His R&B Classic 'Emotional'
Twenty years ago, Carl Thomas released his debut album, Emotional on Bad Boys Records. I talked to the singer about writing and creating his R&B classic. Eventually drawing comparisons to the project and daytime soap operas.
Anti: When Rihanna Rejected The Pop Paradigm | uDiscover
After ruling the charts for over a decade, Rihanna was ready to leave the pop assembly line and get personal on her eighth album, ‘Anti’.
Rated R: Rihanna’s Fearless Journey To The Darkside | uDiscover
Rather than turning away from her trauma, Rihanna remerged with her most revelatory and defiant work to date with her ‘Rated R’ album.
‘Talk That Talk’: When Rihanna Got Her Freak On | uDiscover
With her ‘Talk That Talk’ album, Rihanna continued her reign over pop music, throwing genre and romantic conventions to the wind.
‘Unapologetic’: How Rihanna Bore Her Soul And Addressed Her Contradictions
Addressing her public controversies and her party girl reputation on ‘Unapologetic’, Rihanna created a thrilling conclusion to a stunning four-album run.
Loud: How Rihanna Became Pop’s Favourite Party Girl | uDiscover
After unburdening herself of trauma on ‘Rated R’, ‘Loud’ saw Rihanna return to the pop fold, delivering the party album the world was waiting for.
Music Of The Sun: How Rihanna Basked In Her Influences To Find Her Voice
‘Pon De Replay’ revealed Rihanna’s prowess as a hitmaker, but her debut album, ‘Music Of The Sun’, album proved she was a Caribbean queen in the making.
Mary: Mary J Blige’s Soulful Return To Her R&B Roots | uDiscover
Throughout her career, Mary J Blige has received many titles to describe her unique brand of soul. On her fourth studio album, 'Mary', the “queen of hip-hop soul” stripped away her usual contemporary sounds, opting for a classic R&B approach. ‘Mary’ saw Mary J Blige follow her 70s muse and take a plunge into neo-soul.
Good Girl Gone Bad: Charting Rihanna’s Daring Transformation
With ‘Good Girl Gone Bad’, Rihanna liberated herself from a predictable pop career and transformed into the fierce icon we know today.
Charting Black Excellence | Mariah Carey's 'Caution' is an authentic reminder of her artistry
As a response to some irresponsible and revisionist statements from Perez Hilton, this is a reminder that 'Caution' has an energy that will redirect music once again, and showcase why Mariah Carey is an important figure in Pop and R&B.
How 53 Rihanna songs shaped four definitive 'RIHvember' eras
A look back at how each song on Rihanna's four November album releases of 'Rated R', 'LOUD', 'Talk That Talk', and 'Unapologetic' shifted her public image from a culture figure to a living icon.
How Amerie's '4AM' EPs recall Prince's 'Purple Rain' soundtrack
One of the perks of listening to any solid music project—in the case, Amerie’s double-disced 4AM EPs—is pinpointing possible influences. On the first of the EPs, 4AM Mulholland, that eureka moment of tracing back happens during the three-track stretch starting with “The Wall,” followed by the EP’s titular track, and ending with “A Heart’s For The Breaking.” It’s at the heavy dosage of electric guitar in “The Wall,” the concept of driving around to find love (with a hint of 80s new wave noir) on “Mulholland,” and the etherealness existing on “A Heart’s For The Breaking” that rings truest to the vibes of Prince’s Purple Rain.
Revisiting Brandy's 'Never Say Never' 20 years later
When Brandy released Never Say Never on June 9, 1998, R&B had been in the throes of a contemporary renaissance. Brandy also found herself in a metamorphosis stage, both artistically and as a teen star entering adulthood. Comprised of 16 tracks, the singer's sophomore project not only chronicled her adjustments to love and music, but also blueprinted her signature silky, smooth sound.
Why the best components of Drake's 'Scorpion' are his Quiet Storm moments
On the LP, Drake discerns his ability to preserve the history and legacies of one of R&B's most successful slow jam genres, one that has consistently influenced the sound of late nite radio.
A reminder that Demi Lovato's 'Tell Me You Love Me' is a gem amongst R&B albums that heal
In light of her overdose in Summer 2018, a look back at how her 2017 album Tell Me You Love Me incorporates R&B to display the healing mechanisms of Demi Lovato during heartbreak.
Revisiting how Michael Jackson's 'Thriller' era set the pop industry standard
On the King of Pop's 60th birthday, we recall how the LP balanced pop choruses, lyrical structuring, and R&B-fueled instrumentation, while embodying past sonics and setting a tone for the future of pop music.
Trey Songz: Anticipation 3 Album Review | Pitchfork
At the end of last December, videos surfaced of Trey Songz destroying a stage at Joe Louis Arena in Detroit during a mini-temper tantrum. The event staff who prevented Trigga from performing past the venue’s 11:30 pm curfew presented him a golden opportunity for free promo—the smirk on the singer’s mugshot, which went viral, all but announced “new music is dropping soon.” Sure enough, Trey Songz and his frequent collaborator, Fabolous, surprised fans with their joint EP *Trappy New Years *on New
The Interviews
Read what the stars of R&B have to say about their experiences in the genre.
15th Anniversary of ‘Touch:’ How Amerie Made a Modern Day Go-Go Classic with "1 Thing"
Released 15 years ago, Touch marked the pinnacle of Amerie Roger’s creative partnership with producer Rich Harrison. I spoke with the singer about how the two crafted their go-go-influenced classic.
"I Definitely Understand the Importance of Having a Good Story:" Carl Thomas Breaks Down the Making of His R&B Classic 'Emotional'
Twenty years ago, Carl Thomas released his debut album, Emotional on Bad Boys Records. I talked to the singer about writing and creating his R&B classic. Eventually drawing comparisons to the project and daytime soap operas.
For Kevin Ross, It’s About Being R&B’s Generational Bridge
Attending a karaoke session in February, I witnessed Kevin Ross show out with his entourage and fans while singing R&B songs from the past and present. The singer and songwriter appeared in the VIBE office the next day to discuss his impact in keeping R&B alive as well as the state of the industry. He promotes his new EP and is accompanied by Canjelae, who offers her own takes on the industry she faces.
K. Michelle On Being A Monster: “We Have Different Faces For Different People”
For Kimberly Michelle Pate, also known as K. Michelle, the concept of having a filter and self-censorship is nonexistent. You can always count on the Memphis-bred singer to speak her mind, and she doesn’t care who takes offense. Before her album release party-- a ball of voguing, hosted alongside Big Freedia-- the singer visited the office to discuss her new album, overcoming health struggles, her pending transition from R&B songstress to country music darling, and of course... racists.
Tayla Parx: A New Kind of All-American Artist [Interview]
The singer-songwriter talks the power and purpose in writing for others-- such as Ariana Grande and Christina Aguilera-- while maintaining artistic authenticity, defying music industry norms, and becoming a new breed of American artist.
Hiatus Kaiyote's Nai Palm on Her Solo Debut 'Needle Paw,' Australian Roots & Covering David Bowie
As Naomi "Nai Palm" Saalfield commanded the stage of the Music Hall of Williamsburg in Brooklyn, Monday night (Oct. 16) her raw vocal talent became more of a powerful instrument than the Flying V-type electric guitar she was holding. Wearing a spacy metallic blouse and matching knee-high, platform boot, the frontwoman of Australian indie quartet Hiatus Kaiyote captivated the venue’s intimate crowd with her everlasting vocal range and depth previewing songs from her solo album, Needle Paw (Sony M
Ashanti Talks New Single & NFL's 'Take a Knee' Protests: 'I'm Praying That Things Change Very Soon'
Upon the release of her new song “Say Less," pioneer of contemporary R&B, Ashanti spoke candidly about her new production ventures, the tabloids, her Ciroc endorsement, the NFL protests, and her fame in the world of memes.
Sevyn Streeter on 'Girl Disrupted' Album, 'Sweet & Street' Style, Colorism & State of Today's R&B: Exclusive
It's almost surreal that Sevyn Streeter finally released her debut studio album Girl Disrupted after two decades of songwriting and performing for the industry. I spoke to the artist about her recording journey, and what she's had to face as a dark skin Black woman working in the industry.
Jhene Aiko's Older Sister, Mila J, on Her 'Scorpio Fashion Sense', Playboy Photo Shoot, & Love of SZA
In the game for years, Mila J came into 2017 blazing with her Valentine's Day mix-tape, MILAULONGTIME. That creativity resulted in her standout EP, Dopamine, which included new tracks. Praising the project during the interview, I spoke to the eccentric R&B star about Scorpios, going with the flow, and her androgynous fashion sense.
Singer Drew Vision Danced for Beyonce, Modeled for Coach and is Ready for Center Stage: New Face, Fresh Style
After creating a buzz on the scene, Drew Vision is ready to show the world what his stylish brand of R&B is made of. He shares his hopes and dreams, and talks about what's store for the future.