The sound of R&B is difficult to pin down. Since the 1950s, the label has been used both as a genre and as a catch-all for the entirety of black popular music. Soul, funk, disco and even hip-hop have at times been covered by this "R&B" umbrella. On Chance The Rapper's new album, The Big Day, all of these influences come through—and he's not alone. On recent Kehlani records, 90s R&B and 2000s trap both play a role. But both these artists are a far cry from the 50s R&B sounds of Sam Cooke. To understand how R&B has changed over time, we consult with Trevor Anderson, manager of Billboard's R&B/Hip Hop chart. Then we speak with R&B super-producer Oak Felder to understand how R&B is progressing and what it might become.
Songs Discussed
Chance The Rapper – Hot Shower
Chance The Rapper – I Got You
Sam Cooke – You Send Me
Elvis Presley – Crying In the Chapel
The Temptations – I Can’t Get Next To You
Mtume – Juicy Fruit
Biggie – Juicy
Toni Braxton – Breath Again
Janet Jackson – That’s The Way Love Goes
Boys II Men – I’ll Make Love To You
Lauryn Hill – Doo Wop (That Thing)
Diddy – I’ll Be Missing You (feat. Faith Evans & 112)
Nelly – Dilemma
Kehlani – Distraction
SWV – Weak
Aaron Hall – I Miss You
Usher – You Make Me Wanna
Brandy – Sit-in Up In My Room
Dru Hill – In My Bed
Silk – Freak Me
Demi Lovato – Sorry Not Sorry
Jodeci – Cry For you
Mariah Carey – Vision of Love
Kehlani Everything Is Yours
Chance The Rapper – All Day Long
Queen – Fat Bottom Girls
Diana Ross – I’m Coming Out

For an in depth history of R&B on Billboard, read Chris Molanphy's feature on Pitchfork.
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