Exploring All the Sub-Genres of R&B
Rnb is just as complicated as in any genre
Rhythm and Blues, or R&B, is one of the most popular and influential types of music in the world. It has been around for many years and has changed a lot over time. R&B is known for its smooth melodies, emotional lyrics, and deep, soulful singing. But did you know that R&B has many different styles? These different styles are called sub-genres, and they each have their own unique sound.
From the old-school soul music that makes you feel deep emotions to the modern beats of today's artists, R&B has something for everyone. Let’s take a closer look at some of the most important sub-genres of R&B, their history, and the artists that make them special.
1. Classic Soul – The Heart of R&B
One of the oldest and most beloved styles of R&B is classic soul. This type of music started in the late 1950s. It then became popular in the 1960s and peaked near the mid-1970s. It came from a mix of gospel, blues, and jazz music. Classic soul is all about strong, passionate singing and emotional storytelling.
What Makes Classic Soul Special?
Powerful vocals that make you feel the emotion in every word.
Live instruments, like pianos, horns, and guitars.
Deep, meaningful lyrics about love, life, and struggles.
Smooth and heartfelt melodies that stay with you.
Famous Classic Soul Artists:
Aretha Franklin – "Respect"
Marvin Gaye – "Let’s Get It On"
Sam Cooke – "A Change Is Gonna Come"
Otis Redding – "Sittin’ on the Dock of the Bay"
Classic soul still influences music today. Many modern R&B singers look up to these legends and try to bring that same emotion into their music.
2. Neo-Soul – A Fresh Take on Classic Soul
In the 1990s, a new style of R&B was born. It was called neo-soul, which means "new soul." This music took the smoothness of classic soul and mixed it with modern sounds like hip-hop, jazz, and funk.
What Makes Neo-Soul Special?
Relaxed, jazzy beats with a warm, old-school feel.
Deep, poetic lyrics about love, life, and self-growth.
A mix of live instruments and modern production.
Soft, soulful singing with a unique style.
Famous Neo-Soul Artists:
Erykah Badu – "On & On"
D’Angelo – "Untitled (How Does It Feel)"
Jill Scott – "A Long Walk"
Lauryn Hill – "Ex-Factor"
Neo-soul is perfect for those who love music that makes you think and feel deeply. It’s a mix of old and new, making it a favorite for many R&B fans.
3. Contemporary R&B – Today’s Sound
When people say "R&B" today, they often mean contemporary R&B. This is the style that started in the 1980s and 1990s and is still going strong today. It mixes pop, hip-hop, and electronic beats to create a modern and radio-friendly sound.
What Makes Contemporary R&B Special?
Catchy hooks and smooth vocals.
A mix of singing and rapping.
Heavy use of auto-tune and electronic beats.
A blend of different styles like hip-hop, pop, and dancehall.
Famous Contemporary R&B Artists:
Beyoncé – "Drunk in Love"
Usher – "Confessions Part II"
Rihanna – "Needed Me"
Chris Brown – "No Guidance"
This style of R&B is always changing. It mixes different sounds and keeps up with the latest trends in music.
4. Funk – The Groove That Makes You Dance
Funk is a fun and energetic sub-genre of R&B that started in the 1960s and 1970s. It’s all about the rhythm, the groove, and making people dance.
What Makes Funk Special?
Strong basslines that make you move.
Upbeat, danceable rhythms.
Lively horn sections and funky guitar riffs.
Call-and-response singing with the audience.
Famous Funk Artists:
James Brown – "I Got You (I Feel Good)"
Parliament-Funkadelic – "Give Up the Funk"
Prince – "Kiss"
Rick James – "Super Freak"
Funk is full of energy, fun, and rhythm, making it one of the most exciting forms of R&B.
5. Gospel R&B – Music That Lifts the Soul
Gospel music has always been connected to R&B. Some of the best singers in R&B started by singing gospel music in church. Gospel R&B combines faith, soulful singing, and inspiring messages.
What Makes Gospel R&B Special?
Powerful, emotional vocals.
Lyrics about faith, hope, and love.
A mix of choir harmonies and R&B beats.
A blend of gospel traditions and modern sounds.
Famous Gospel R&B Artists:
Kirk Franklin – "Stomp"
Mary Mary – "Shackles (Praise You)"
Tasha Cobbs Leonard – "Break Every Chain"
Yolanda Adams – "Open My Heart"
Gospel R&B is uplifting and spiritual, making it special for those looking for music that touches the heart.
6. Alternative R&B – The Future of R&B
Alternative R&B is a new and experimental style that mixes R&B with electronic music, rock, and indie sounds. It is moody, artistic, and sometimes mysterious.
What Makes Alternative R&B Special?
Dreamy, atmospheric production.
Soft vocals with electronic effects.
Deep, sometimes dark, emotional lyrics.
A mix of R&B, indie, and electronic sounds.
Famous Alternative R&B Artists:
The Weeknd – "Blinding Lights"
Frank Ocean – "Thinkin Bout You"
FKA twigs – "Cellophane"
SZA – "Good Days"
Alternative R&B is for people who love creative and unique music that doesn’t follow the usual rules.
Final Thoughts
R&B is a beautiful and diverse genre with many different styles. Whether you love the deep feelings of classic soul, the fun and funky rhythms of funk, or the modern beats of contemporary R&B, there is a sub-genre for everyone.
Here’s a quick recap:
Classic Soul – Timeless and emotional.
Neo-Soul – Deep, poetic, and jazzy.
Contemporary R&B – Trendy, catchy, and modern.
Funk – High-energy and danceable.
Gospel R&B – Uplifting and spiritual.
Alternative R&B – Dreamy, creative, and futuristic.
So, next time you listen to R&B, explore its different styles and find what speaks to you. There’s a whole world of R&B waiting to be discovered!
References
Books
Guralnick, P. (1986). Sweet Soul Music: Rhythm and Blues and the Southern Dream of Freedom. Back Bay Books.
White, A., & Bronson, F. (1993). The Billboard Book of Number One Rhythm & Blues Hits. Billboard Books.
Web Articles & Online Resources
AllMusic. (n.d.). R&B music genre overview. Retrieved from https://www.allmusic.com
Rolling Stone. (n.d.). Rhythm & Blues music news, reviews, and artist spotlights. Retrieved from https://www.rollingstone.com
NPR Music. (n.d.). R&B features and analysis. Retrieved from https://www.npr.org/music
Documentaries & Interviews
Hughes, D. (Director). (2016). Hip-Hop Evolution [Documentary series]. Netflix.
TV One. (n.d.). Unsung [Television series]. TV One Network.
Hehir, A. (Director). (2017). The Defiant Ones [Documentary series]. HBO.