R and B Takes Over: The Evolution of Rhythm and Blues through the 90s

Every decade has its musical era or movement with which it is equated, and the 90s was no different. From doo-wop and Motown owning the 60s, disco reigning in the 70s, to the dawn of hip hop in the 80s, they all contributed to a new genre and culture of music that would come to be known as rhythm and blues (r&b).  The mixture of soul, blues, rock and roll, and disco, and ultimately hip hop shaped r&b as it allowed artists to take different musical avenues and/or combined the sounds to create something new for the next generation.  The 1990s introduced another wave of girl and guy groups that skyrocketed to fame by including “ elements of rap—including sampling, scratching (a percussion technique that involves running a record needle manually across vinyl records), and declaimed vocals—had become part of what could perhaps best be described as dance-based, post-disco music” (The History of R&B).

The likes of Jodeci, Silk, Boyz II Men, BellBivDeVoe, Dru Hill, Next, and Mint Condition produced a range of songs from party music to baby makers to “baby, please don’t leave me’s”.  These guy groups exhibited soulful sounds and sex appeal that made their audiences swoon.  The stacked harmonies made for musical delight, and the half-naked wardrobe was aesthetically pleasing.  Songs like Jodeci’s “Forever My Lady” and “Do You Believe In Love” displayed how they were proud to exclaim love and adoration for women, and Dru Hill’s “We’re Not Making Love” that showed heartache at the hands of a failing relationship.  However, don’t sleep on the ladies, groups like SWV, TLC, Xscape, Brownstone, and Destiny Child had a following that would make Greek gods jealous.  Varying in looks from baggy and oversized to fitted and seductive clothing, girl groups of the 1990s also had something to say about life and love. SWV told us that the love of the right man can make you “Weak” in the knees, and that sometimes women are willing to do whatever it takes to find out if “[He’s] The One”.  Xscape helped us find someone “to run to when [we] need love”, and also gave us permission to keep a “Little Secret” but only if he’s worth it. 90s r&b music was so emotionally charged ranging from happy in love to brokenhearted to just getting down to the nitty gritty.

While groups reigned supreme, no one knew how to get down better than Mr. Bump and Grind himself, R. Kelly.  The Chicago native ruled the 90s with his seductive slow jams to get you in the mood.  With his sexually suggestive lyrics, and powerful tenor/baritone voice, R. Kelly knew how to reach his audience.  The ladies loved him with his tall, solid stature and bald head, and the fellas either wanted to be him or beat him for upping the ante of sex appeal and female appreciation.  He was just one of many that made women go crazy for their looks and voices, some of his musical peers include: Eric Benet, D’Angelo, Ginuwine, and Maxwell.

The 90s also brought about quite a few female heavy-hitters such Mary J. Blige (who would come to be crowned the Queen of Hip Hop and R&B), Faith Evans, Janet Jackson, Erykah Badu, and Lauryn Hill.  Given such the diversified artistry of these women, they were at the top of the r&b charts through their own respectful channels, occasionally joining forces to blow our minds.

Mary J. Blige hit the scene in a major way in 1992 with her debut album “What’s the 411?” This album featured her first single “Real Love” (Bowser).  The soulful raspy-ness, pain, and “street” influence of her voice made her relatable to the everyday woman.  She spoke about love in a real, raw, and uncut way, all of its ups and downs, goods and bads.  In the interim of her developing success she began dating lead singer of Jodeci “K-Ci”.  Their love was one of epic proportions, but “crashed and burned” after many years of tumultuous events.  There is no doubt that the love was real, K-Ci said so himself- ‘“I was in love with Mary. She never did anything wrong to me. She always gave me my props.”’ But they were self-destructive together and toxic for one another as both struggled with substance abuse. Though it made for good music, both were on a downward spiral until the hit rock bottom, but the love they shared will always be unmatched. —Nikkia Grant

Works Cited

Bowser, Edward. The Kings and Queens of R&B :1990-1999. 18 May 2015. Web. 13 December 2015. <http://www.soulinstereo.com/2015/05/the-kings-and-queens-of-rb-1990-1999.html>.

Hailey, KCi. K-CI OPENS UP ABOUT TUMULTUOUS RELATIONSHIP WITH MARY J. BLIGE: “I’M NOT GON’ LIE, I DID SOME THINGS” The Breakfast Club. Ed. Jazmine Denise Rogers. 2 April 2015. Web. 13 December 2015. <http://madamenoire.com/523153/k-ci-opens-up-about-tumultuous-relationship-with-mary-j-blige-im-not-gon-lie-i-did-some-things/>.

The History of R&B. n.d. Web. 13 December 2015. <http://slambeck.home.xs4all.nl/His/slshis4.htm#_Toc478089277>.