The 1990s was a pivotal decade for R&B music, with the genre evolving from the smooth, soulful sounds of the 1980s to a more eclectic and experimental style. As hip-hop began to emerge as a major force in popular music, R&B artists incorporated elements of the genre into their sound, creating a unique fusion that would define the decade.
Early 1990s: The Rise of New Jack Swing
The early 1990s saw the rise of New Jack Swing, a genre characterized by its blend of R&B, hip-hop, and dance music. Artists like Jodeci, H-Town, and Dru Hill became stars, thanks in part to the smooth, harmonious vocals and catchy, danceable beats of their music.
- Jodeci – “Forever My Lady” (1991) – This song, with its infectious chorus and smooth harmonies, helped establish Jodeci as one of the leading groups of the era.
- H-Town – “Knockin’ Da Boots” (1993) – This high-energy track, with its synthesized beats and catchy hooks, showcased the group’s ability to create music that appealed to both R&B and hip-hop fans.
- Dru Hill – “In My Bed” (1996) – This song, with its soulful vocals and soaring chorus, cemented Dru Hill’s status as one of the top R&B groups of the decade.
Mid-1990s: The Rise of Contemporary R&B
As the decade progressed, R&B music continued to evolve, with a new wave of artists emerging to create a more contemporary sound. This was marked by a focus on urban production, samples, and lyrical content that explored themes of relationships, love, and social issues.
- Aaliyah – “If Your Girl Only Knew” (1996) – This song, with its atmospheric production and sassy vocals, showcased Aaliyah’s ability to blend R&B with hip-hop and electronica.
- Mary J. Blige – “Be Happy” (1995) – This uplifting anthem, with its driving beat and empowering lyrics, cemented Mary J. Blige’s status as one of the most influential R&B vocalists of all time.
- New Edition – “Hit Me Off” (1996) – This song, with its retro-inspired production and smooth harmonies, proved that the classic R&B group could still thrive in the modern era.
Late 1990s: The Rise of Urban Pop
In the late 1990s, R&B music began to converge with pop, giving birth to the genre of urban pop. This fusion was marked by a focus on catchy, danceable melodies and a blend of R&B, pop, and hip-hop production.
- Busta Rhymes feat. Janet Jackson – “What’s It Gonna Be?!” (1998) – This high-energy track, with its catchy hooks and futuristic production, showcased the power of urban pop’s fusion.
- Usher – “You Make Me Wanna…” (1997) – This song, with its sultry vocals and seductive beats, cemented Usher’s status as a rising star in the world of urban pop.
- – This song, with its sassy vocals and catchy hooks, became an anthem for the decade’s female empowerment movement.
Conclusion
The 1990s was a transformative decade for R&B music, marked by its evolution from the smooth sounds of New Jack Swing to the fusion of R&B, hip-hop, and pop. From the emergence of new artists like Aaliyah and Usher to the continued success of established groups like New Edition and Dru Hill, the decade was filled with unforgettable hits that continue to influence R&B music to this day.
FAQs
What is the most influential R&B artist of the 1990s?
Mary J. Blige is often considered the most influential R&B artist of the 1990s, thanks to her critically-acclaimed albums “My Life” and “Share My World”. Her music tackled real-life issues and her powerful vocals raised the bar for future generations of R&B vocalists.
What is the significance of New Jack Swing?
New Jack Swing was a pivotal movement in R&B music that combined elements of hip-hop, funk, and rock to create a new, innovative sound. The movement helped establish R&B as a major force in popular music and paved the way for future genres like contemporary R&B and urban pop.
What is urban pop?
Urban pop is a genre that combines elements of R&B, pop, and hip-hop to create a distinctive sound. The genre emerged in the late 1990s and early 2000s and is characterized by its use of catchy hooks, electronic beats, and fusion of vocal styles. Urban pop became a major force in the music industry and continues to influence R&B music to this day.
What is the best R&B song of the 1990s?
The best R&B song of the 1990s is subjective and depends on personal taste. However, some of the most iconic R&B songs of the decade include Aaliyah’s “Are You That Somebody?”, Boyz II Men’s “End of the Road”, and TLC’s “Waterfalls”.
