So where are we today?
R&B’s reduced acclaim in the mainstream has led to some theories being passed through the grapevine (shout out to the pre ‘90s legend Marvin Gaye). One argument is that today’s society cares much less about ‘soft’ musical content. And as many lyrics, from original R&B, are often perceived as ‘emotional love songs’, some people have attributed the decline to this. Drake often being ridiculed for being ‘soft’ may be used as an example by supporters of this thesis as evidence of this shift. But, as well connected this theory may seem at first glance, not all artists making R&B fit into the stereotypical ‘soft lyrics’ category. Therefore, this concept is not a one size fits all explanation.
Now that we are in 2019, the genre’s spectrum is at the height of its evolution and is more diverse than ever before! There’s an array of artists delivering quality tunes influenced by a mix of sounds, whilst simultaneously drawing from the soulful heart of R&B. Although the mainstream popularity of the original R&B sound has decreased, the diversity embraced in the genre now is incredibly vast. There are also artists, that have a more established following, in the eyes of the media, who very much owe musical inspiration to the genre. Childish Gambino, Solange, Ella Mai, Sza and H.E.R are R&B. Also, Bryson Tiller’s debut album, Trap Soul, incorporates heavy Trap, whilst also being truly R&B. It personifies how the genre has developed to encapsulate variety over time.
An Ocean of Sounds
On this point, there is also a plethora of emerging artists building this new-age of R&B and Soul music. New Zealand native, Jordan Rakei is an electronic Soul artist, whilst fusing an ocean of other sounds into his music. Eye To Eye is an example of this mashup, as the song begins with a smoother soulful sound, but switches into a folky/electronica vibe in the latter part. In comparison, tracks like Ari Lennox’s Up Late maintain a classic slow jam composition throughout, clearly showcasing that the genre’s roots are not lost.
Other upcoming R&B artists include Daniel Caesar, Ella Mai and Raveena ooze neo-soul vibes. Contemporary jazz is also a current sound being weaved into R&B, through the likes of Oscar Jerome and Tiana Major 9. Adding to this copiousness is Joy Crookes who leans more towards the Blues side of the genre.
And it doesn’t stop there! African influences are being brought into the genre, through artists and songs like Cleo Sol’s One. This is truly an ethereal feel drawn from the earlier eras of the genre, yet expressed through a different innovative lens.
Many of the artists participating in this interpretation of R&B are forming a strong following, often independent of mainstream attention. The streams they receive speak volumes and reveal that the genre is indeed still thriving. Nao is an example of this. She has built a steady following over the years and is increasingly being given more media attention having performed at major festivals, including Glastonbury.
So, with all of this being said, the question stands how do we define R&B in 2019? Well, we can conclude that in many ways, the traditional R&B / Soul of the 90’s & 00’s has given way to a multi-genre with several sub-genres that draw from the richness of the traditional sound. It is much richer in diversity, but the sweet melodies, rhythm and the indescribable essence of Soul still remain at its core.
At The Blues Project, we love the full tapestry of modern R&B and Soul. From Hip-Hop Soul, Electronic Soul, Contemporary Jazz, Contemporary Neo-Soul / R&B and other sounds inspiring the artists under these categories. We are here for all modern forms of R&B and Soul music. From the ‘90s all the way up till this present day. We stan them all!
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