2020

Pop>Rap>R&B

“ i couldn’t agree more though. that’s the best part of r&b lol” - Facts. Once upon a time, the genre contained some of the most talented and diverse vocalists out of any musical style.. A huge wealth of incredible vocal talent. Now it seems like most of these folks are monotone whisper singers or trading autotuned verses with rappers.

I thought this while making the post but I couldn't think of any popular artists making Boys 2 Men, Usher in the 90s type music S*** might just be too outdated. They're closer to that sound than "R&B artists" were a few years ago tho. In 2014, artists making music like they do would not have their popularity. Artists like Usher and Ne-yo were caving to the popular edm scene, then artists were caving to the trap scene. Never listened to the full project, but I imagine Late Nights by Jeremih is an example of this. I also hated the sound of Syd's album, too many hi-hats when she would've sounded better on more traditional R&B or soul beats imo

My point is, R&B is far from the worst its ever been when we're currently seeing a resurgence from those dark ages where popular R&B artists were trying to incorporate trends from other genres that didn't fit At least the line between R&B and neo-soul is pretty blurry, like I wouldn't be mad at someone classifying Solange as either

i feel like DVSN is the one carrying that traditional r&b sound the hardest.

...Again on his album is so od

Imo it’s the older RnB acts that gets categorized as Adult Contemporary that’s carrying the traditional RnB torch: Tank, Brandy, Tamar, Chris (when he wants to), Luke James, Jazmine, Ledesi etc.

Bj the Chicago kid and PJ Morton are the traditional RnB guys for this generation holding it down

DVSN is in that alternative umbrella too (he just more vocally gifted than most of his peers

“ At least the line between R&B and neo-soul is pretty blurry, like I wouldn't be mad at someone classifying Solange as either” - Solange is under that neo wave too, especially with her last two albums.

If you listened to a traditionally produced RnB record from an artist from this generation like PJ Morton (who is furthest removed from the alt RnB of today) there are distinct differences that keep that line from blurring compared to artists like 6lack, Brent, SZA, Ty dolla, Summer etc.

Examples:

Feel like it’s historically always been like this

This cap lol. Y’all ain’t even top CTRL yet.

Yessir
Pop > rap > r&b in 2020

she right but ppl love generalizing hiphop as mumble rap just to get their point across.

How is that possible?? This new s*** isn’t really rnb

And she’s correct

her reasoning is terrible how can you say with a straight face that current R&B is better because it's less repetitive

and folk always have to bring up mumble rappers

“a straight face that current R&B is better because it's less repetitive” - Facts. as if most mainstream RnB today isn’t mfs doing that breathy, cursive talk-singing or ppl whispering spells of sweet nothingness in their listeners ear. it’s been close to a decade since I’ve heard anyone really sing with volume lmao.. when did everyone become so afraid to raise their voice lol

there's a couple artists out there that are still killing it, but the genre lost its sexiness. it's not as sensational as it used to be.

listen to how smooth artists like Jodeci were and you can hear the difference. subtle lyrics, vocal chops, passionate instrumentation. all of it's gone for the most part.

It’s about even

I expect her to think that tho

After Hours
Anniversary
A Muse In Her Feelings
CTV3
F*** The World
Chilombo

plus tons of r&b/rap fusion tracks

might have to agree with her

I think in rnb singing ability is going down but the music is still in the same vein and what people need to hear right now.

If singing ability is the only thing you care about I get why you’d say rnb sucks now but if that’s all you care about just listen to your ginuine in peace lol

Snoh dvsn giveon brent isnt rnb? Shut up lmao

Put me on to some of the biggest artists you think are making traditional R&B

Yeah but in the 90s Hip-Hop isnt close to what it is now

As a result, every genre, R&B included, tries not to stray too far from hip-hop, hence the popular R&B being a “whisper”

R&B has been better since....forever

And you don’t have to sing like Patti Labelle for it to be “real” R&B” lol

At the end of the day Hip-Hop has become the most dominant genre, and melody has always been a factor in the market, that has in turn made the “whisper” acts in vogue.

Drake has super charged this. Biggest act in the biggest genre, a lot of what mainstream R&B is today is accepted because of him (and the Dream as well)

Damn that’s like kicking someone when they’re already down but okay