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Contemporary R&B, also known as simply R&B, is a genre of popular music that emerged in the 1980s and continues to evolve today. It is characterized by a blend of soul, funk, hip-hop, and pop music elements, often featuring smooth vocals and sensual lyrics. Contemporary R&B has produced some of the biggest music stars of recent years, including Beyoncé, Rihanna, and The Weeknd. The genre’s influence can be heard across a wide range of musical styles, from pop to hip-hop to electronic dance music.
The roots of contemporary R&B music can be traced back to the 1940s and 1950s when rhythm and blues music emerged as a popular genre among African American musicians. This music was characterized by its use of blues chord progressions, call-and-response vocals, and a strong emphasis on rhythm.
In the 1960s and 1970s, soul music emerged as a dominant force in popular music. Artists such as Aretha Franklin, Marvin Gaye, and Stevie Wonder became household names, and their music helped to define the sound of the era.
In the 1980s, contemporary R&B began to take shape as a distinct genre. Artists such as Michael Jackson, Whitney Houston, and Prince helped to popularize the genre, which was characterized by its use of synthesizers, drum machines, and other electronic instruments.
In the 1990s, contemporary R&B music continued to evolve, with artists such as Boyz II Men, TLC, and Mary J. Blige dominating the charts. This era was characterized by its use of hip-hop beats and samples, as well as a greater emphasis on vocal harmonies and melodic hooks.
In the 2000s and 2010s, contemporary R&B continued to evolve, with artists such as Beyoncé, Rihanna, and Usher pushing the genre in new directions. This era was characterized by its use of electronic dance music (EDM) elements, as well as a greater emphasis on visual aesthetics and fashion.
