Contemporary RnB vs Alt RnB: Exploring the Differences

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Mar 30

Both are popular but what’s the difference?

R&B has long been a defining genre in modern music, evolving over time and branching into distinct sub-genres. Two of the most prominent styles that have emerged in recent years are Contemporary R&B and Alternative R&B (Alt R&B).

While both styles originate from the same rhythmic and melodic foundations, they differ in sound, themes, production, and audience appeal. In this article, we will explore what sets these two sub-genres apart, highlighting their unique characteristics and cultural significance.

What is Contemporary R&B?

Contemporary R&B, sometimes referred to as mainstream R&B, has been dominant in popular music since the 1990s. It blends elements of classic R&B, pop, and hip-hop, creating a smooth, radio-friendly sound.

Characteristics of Contemporary R&B:

Polished production with high-quality mixing and mastering.
Smooth, melodic vocals often featuring vocal runs and harmonies.
Catchy hooks that make songs more commercially appealing.
Influences from hip-hop and pop, making it accessible to a broad audience.
Themes centered on love, relationships, and nightlife.

Artists Associated with Contemporary R&B:

Beyoncé – Known for blending R&B with pop and hip-hop influences.
Rihanna – Incorporates mainstream appeal with R&B vocal styles.
Usher – A classic example of smooth, melodic R&B mixed with dance elements.
Chris Brown – Fuses R&B with hip-hop and pop, creating commercially successful hits.
Alicia Keys – Emphasizes traditional R&B elements with contemporary production.

Contemporary R&B is often designed for mainstream success, making it a staple in radio playlists, award shows, and streaming charts.

What is Alternative R&B (Alt R&B)?

Alternative R&B, often abbreviated as Alt R&B, emerged in the early 2010s as an experimental and boundary-pushing sub-genre. It diverges from traditional R&B by incorporating elements of indie, electronic, ambient, and even rock influences.

Characteristics of Alt R&B:

Experimental production featuring atmospheric beats, electronic textures, and unique soundscapes.
Less conventional song structures that deviate from typical verse-chorus patterns.
More poetic and introspective lyrics, often tackling themes like mental health, identity, and personal struggles.
A darker, moodier tone compared to mainstream R&B.
Fusion of multiple genres including electronic, alternative rock, and lo-fi beats.

Artists Associated with Alt R&B:

The Weeknd – Early mixtapes (House of Balloons) defined the dark, moody sound of Alt R&B.
Frank Ocean – Known for introspective lyrics and genre-defying production.
FKA twigs – Blends R&B with avant-garde electronic and experimental sounds.
SZA – Introduces raw, confessional songwriting with an unconventional approach to melody.
Kelela – Fuses R&B with futuristic electronic elements.

Alt R&B pushes the boundaries of the genre, attracting listeners who crave depth, complexity, and innovation in their music.

Musical Differences Between Contemporary R&B and Alt R&B

Both sub-genres share a foundation in R&B, but their stylistic approaches make them unique listening experiences.

Lyricism and Themes

One of the key distinctions between Contemporary R&B and Alt R&B lies in their lyrical content and storytelling approach.

Contemporary R&B primarily focuses on relationships, love, heartbreak, and personal confidence. It often features catchy, memorable hooks and follows traditional storytelling formats.
Alt R&B, however, explores more introspective and unconventional themes. Artists in this sub-genre frequently discuss mental health, loneliness, existential struggles, and self-discovery.

For example:

A Contemporary R&B song might focus on a romantic night out (Beyoncé – "Drunk in Love")
An Alt R&B song might explore the feeling of detachment and self-doubt (Frank Ocean – "Self Control")

Production and Sound Differences

Contemporary R&B: Polished and Mainstream

Heavy use of radio-friendly beats and auto-tuned harmonies.
Instrumentation often includes digital drums, synths, and bass-heavy production.
Songs are structured in a way that makes them easily digestible for mainstream listeners.

Alt R&B: Experimental and Atmospheric

Incorporates unconventional sounds, such as reverb-drenched vocals, distorted synths, and ambient production.
Many Alt R&B songs feel dreamlike or cinematic, creating a sense of immersion and mood.
Lo-fi elements and deconstructed beats make songs sound more raw and emotional.

A great example of this contrast is:

Contemporary R&B: "No Guidance" by Chris Brown (traditional structure, polished sound)
Alt R&B: "Nights" by Frank Ocean (beat switch, unconventional progression)

Audience and Cultural Appeal

Both Contemporary R&B and Alt R&B have strong fan bases, but their appeal varies based on listener preferences.

Who Listens to Contemporary R&B?

Fans of mainstream music and commercial hits.
Listeners who enjoy upbeat, polished production.
People who connect with themes of romance, empowerment, and partying.

Who Listens to Alt R&B?

Music enthusiasts who appreciate experimental sounds.
Listeners drawn to deeper, more introspective lyrics.
Fans of indie and underground music scenes.

While Contemporary R&B dominates radio airwaves and streaming charts, Alt R&B has carved out a dedicated following in indie and alternative spaces.

Conclusion: Two Distinct But Equally Impactful Sub-Genres

Contemporary R&B and Alt R&B represent two sides of modern R&B music—one embraces tradition and mainstream appeal, while the other challenges conventions and pushes artistic boundaries.

Contemporary R&B is polished, structured, and widely accessible, making it a dominant force in mainstream music.
Alt R&B is moody, abstract, and emotionally rich, appealing to listeners who crave experimentation and innovation.

Both styles continue to shape the evolution of R&B, proving that the genre is far from stagnant. Whether you prefer the smooth melodies of Contemporary R&B or the experimental landscapes of Alt R&B, both sub-genres offer something unique to the world of modern music.

Alternative R&B. (n.d.). Wikipedia. Retrieved March 19, 2025, from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alternative_R%26B

Beatsource News. (2023). Alternative R&B: Subgenre spotlight. Retrieved from https://news.beatsource.com/alternative-rb-subgenre-spotlight/

Contemporary R&B. (n.d.). Wikipedia. Retrieved March 19, 2025, from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Contemporary_R%26B

Trill Mag. (2023). The rise of alternative R&B in modern music. Retrieved from https://www.trillmag.com/entertainment/music/the-rise-of-alternative-rb-in-modern-music/

The Independent. (2014). Alternative R&B: Much more than bump'n'grind. Retrieved from https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/music/features/alternative-r-b-much-more-than-bump-n-grind-9142021.html

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