First Dark
Yeap, it's that time again.
_Intro
Based upon the observations I've been making over the past few months about the R&B knowledge-level in this subforum, I feel that Hip-Hop 101 needs a new friend.
That's right. "R&B" stands for "Rhythm & Blues"... and nothing else.
+ What is it?:
Originally, the term "R&B" was used for the genre which is now known to most as "Soul". Much like the distinction between the genres of Rap and Hip-Hop, it is debatable as to whether or not R&B and Soul are still the same. I, personally, feel there is a difference between the two and that modern R&B is mainly rooted in its "Soul counterpart". [[But since this isn't the "Rap/Hiphop/R&B/Soul" subforum (yet), I won't get too deeply into that right now.]] It is, however, agreed that Jazz, Blues, and Gospel are three of the greatest influences upon both "traditional" and modern R&B. The term "R&B" resurfaced in popularity mostly during the 80's. Newer genres which are often times associated or coincide with R&B include New Jack Swing, Neo-Soul, Electro-Funk, and Hip-Hop.
+ What isn't it?:
While R&B may be a popular genre, it is not Pop. Popular R&B artists are not Pop artists.
For instance, Britney Spears is not an R&B artist, even if she sometimes portrays R&B influences.
I will attempt to clear up this widespread misunderstanding in the following sections.
+ How do I make the distinction between R&B and Pop?:
Well, I think the best way is to listen to and compare similar R&B and Pop artists... or better yet, listen to R&B artists who have become or are becoming Pop artists.
One way to understand the difference between the two is to examine the lyrical content. Both R&B and Pop lyrics are generally centered around romance. However, it could be said that R&B lyrics discuss love in a much deeper or more conceptual way, whereas Pop lyrics discuss love in a much more naive or superficial way.
Here's a pretty good quote about the lyrical content of Pop:
+ Many R&B artists crossover into Neo-Soul.
For more info on that visit Neo-Soul 101 !!
+ I still don'a understand what'a you mean.
I'll go over some of the R&B artists who have become Pop stars. Since I know 90% of the people in here probably have the attention span of a newborn baby... I'm going to keep them as short and simple as I can.
The R. Kelly story is rather depressing to me... for he was once my favorite solo R&B artist.
Once there was a young man by the name of Robert Kelly. He was a very talented R&B artist, releasing several to-be classic R&B albums. One day, a tape surfaced which many angry people found to be naughty and evil. He was in a big trouble, and felt that he couldn't make music the same way anymore if he wanted to save his career. So he took on a new persona which pleased the angered masses. He began making more "catchy" music, with happy melodies, beats, and smiling sunshine. He became the enchanted "Pied Piper", and the masses followed him into doom just like the rats from that fairy tale.
+ Moral of the Story:
Listen to R. Kelly's 12 Play and then to his Happy People/U Saved Me. If you still can't tell the difference, more helpful hints are to come.
[...Immature to IMX coming soon among others]
_Intro
Based upon the observations I've been making over the past few months about the R&B knowledge-level in this subforum, I feel that Hip-Hop 101 needs a new friend.
**Rhythm & Blues 101**
Welcome to a mini noitacu installment. Perhaps to be later expanded.
Welcome to a mini noitacu installment. Perhaps to be later expanded.
That's right. "R&B" stands for "Rhythm & Blues"... and nothing else.
+ What is it?:
Originally, the term "R&B" was used for the genre which is now known to most as "Soul". Much like the distinction between the genres of Rap and Hip-Hop, it is debatable as to whether or not R&B and Soul are still the same. I, personally, feel there is a difference between the two and that modern R&B is mainly rooted in its "Soul counterpart". [[But since this isn't the "Rap/Hiphop/R&B/Soul" subforum (yet), I won't get too deeply into that right now.]] It is, however, agreed that Jazz, Blues, and Gospel are three of the greatest influences upon both "traditional" and modern R&B. The term "R&B" resurfaced in popularity mostly during the 80's. Newer genres which are often times associated or coincide with R&B include New Jack Swing, Neo-Soul, Electro-Funk, and Hip-Hop.
+ What isn't it?:
While R&B may be a popular genre, it is not Pop. Popular R&B artists are not Pop artists.
For instance, Britney Spears is not an R&B artist, even if she sometimes portrays R&B influences.
I will attempt to clear up this widespread misunderstanding in the following sections.
+ How do I make the distinction between R&B and Pop?:
Well, I think the best way is to listen to and compare similar R&B and Pop artists... or better yet, listen to R&B artists who have become or are becoming Pop artists.
{{R&B vs Pop}}
Here is a basic color coded list of R&B artists, transitional artists, and Pop artists who have R&B roots/influences.
[ Key ]
[ Red = R&B artists who've not been sucked into the mainstream mold ]
[ Dark Red = R&B artists who are gradually becoming Pop artists ]
[ Black = R&B artists who've become Pop artists / Pop artists + R&B influences ]
Public Announcement
Ready For The World
Brand New Heavies
Tony Rich (Project)
Anthony Hamilton
Tony! Toni! Tone!
Vanessa Marquez
Alexander O'Neal
Donny Hathaway
Whitney Houston
Syleena Johnson
Kenny Lattimore
Jazzyfatnastees
Tevin Campbell
Raphael Saadiq
Musiq Soulchild
Chico DeBarge
Groove Theory
Brian McKnight
Bel Biv Devoe
Mint Condition
Amel Larrieux
Gerald Levert
Koffee Brown
Vivian Green
Carl Thomas
Erykah Badu
Mary J. Blige
Donell Jones
John Legend
Kino Watson
Boyz II Men
Angie Stone
No Question
Marc Nelson
Glenn Lewis
Nicole Wray
Soul II Soul
Keith Sweat
Vinia Mojica
K-Ci + JoJo
Soul 4 Real
Faith Evans
Blackstreet
Sam Salter
El DeBarge
Johnny Gill
Alicia Keys
Morris Day
Joss Stone
Lauryn Hill
Aaron Hall
Lucy Pearl
Art N Soul
Al B. Sure
Eric Benet
Immature
All-4-One
En Vogue
The Time
Babyface
Keystone
D'Angelo
Jill Scott
Fantasia
X-scape
Maxwell
H-Town
Dru Hill
Aaliyah
Latrelle
Amerie
Profyle
Floetry
Jodeci
J-Shin
Prince
Dwele
Avant
Troop
Allure
Rome
Ideal
Case
SWV
Next
Seal
Bilal
Lyfe
LSG
Res
702
Silk
Joe
112
TLC
Kelis
Isyss
Usher
Jon B.
Tyrese
Brandy
Ashanti
Ginuwine
New Edition
Jagged Edge
Bobby Brown
Mariah Carey
Janet Jackson
Montell Jordan
Jennifer Lopez
Ruben Studdard
Uncle Charlie Wilson
Christina Aguilera
Justin Timberlake
Ashlee Simpson
Michael Jackson
Christina Milian
Britney Spears
Destiny's Child
Kelly Clarkson
Nate Dogg
Beyonce
Omarion
R. Kelly
Sisqo
Ciara
Mario
IMX
B2K
J.lo
Here is a basic color coded list of R&B artists, transitional artists, and Pop artists who have R&B roots/influences.
[ Key ]
[ Red = R&B artists who've not been sucked into the mainstream mold ]
[ Dark Red = R&B artists who are gradually becoming Pop artists ]
[ Black = R&B artists who've become Pop artists / Pop artists + R&B influences ]
Public Announcement
Ready For The World
Brand New Heavies
Tony Rich (Project)
Anthony Hamilton
Tony! Toni! Tone!
Vanessa Marquez
Alexander O'Neal
Donny Hathaway
Whitney Houston
Syleena Johnson
Kenny Lattimore
Jazzyfatnastees
Tevin Campbell
Raphael Saadiq
Musiq Soulchild
Chico DeBarge
Groove Theory
Brian McKnight
Bel Biv Devoe
Mint Condition
Amel Larrieux
Gerald Levert
Koffee Brown
Vivian Green
Carl Thomas
Erykah Badu
Mary J. Blige
Donell Jones
John Legend
Kino Watson
Boyz II Men
Angie Stone
No Question
Marc Nelson
Glenn Lewis
Nicole Wray
Soul II Soul
Keith Sweat
Vinia Mojica
K-Ci + JoJo
Soul 4 Real
Faith Evans
Blackstreet
Sam Salter
El DeBarge
Johnny Gill
Alicia Keys
Morris Day
Joss Stone
Lauryn Hill
Aaron Hall
Lucy Pearl
Art N Soul
Al B. Sure
Eric Benet
Immature
All-4-One
En Vogue
The Time
Babyface
Keystone
D'Angelo
Jill Scott
Fantasia
X-scape
Maxwell
H-Town
Dru Hill
Aaliyah
Latrelle
Amerie
Profyle
Floetry
Jodeci
J-Shin
Prince
Dwele
Avant
Troop
Allure
Rome
Ideal
Case
SWV
Next
Seal
Bilal
Lyfe
LSG
Res
702
Silk
Joe
112
TLC
Kelis
Isyss
Usher
Jon B.
Tyrese
Brandy
Ashanti
Ginuwine
New Edition
Jagged Edge
Bobby Brown
Mariah Carey
Janet Jackson
Montell Jordan
Jennifer Lopez
Ruben Studdard
Uncle Charlie Wilson
Christina Aguilera
Justin Timberlake
Ashlee Simpson
Michael Jackson
Christina Milian
Britney Spears
Destiny's Child
Kelly Clarkson
Nate Dogg
Beyonce
Omarion
R. Kelly
Sisqo
Ciara
Mario
IMX
B2K
J.lo
One way to understand the difference between the two is to examine the lyrical content. Both R&B and Pop lyrics are generally centered around romance. However, it could be said that R&B lyrics discuss love in a much deeper or more conceptual way, whereas Pop lyrics discuss love in a much more naive or superficial way.
Here's a pretty good quote about the lyrical content of Pop:
David Holbrook
The attitude to sexual love in the 'pop' song is so ugly and mechanical as to seem schizoid, and psychopathological. Exposed as they are to such powerful cultural statements, young people are being encouraged to forfeit genuine commitment in love in favour of depersonalised sexual activity, with an undercurrent of violence, and to take false solutions in which they must deny their deepest needs, by hate.
+ Many R&B artists crossover into Neo-Soul.
For more info on that visit Neo-Soul 101 !!
+ I still don'a understand what'a you mean.
I'll go over some of the R&B artists who have become Pop stars. Since I know 90% of the people in here probably have the attention span of a newborn baby... I'm going to keep them as short and simple as I can.
_R. Kelly R.I.P. (1992-199 cool _
The R. Kelly story is rather depressing to me... for he was once my favorite solo R&B artist.
Once there was a young man by the name of Robert Kelly. He was a very talented R&B artist, releasing several to-be classic R&B albums. One day, a tape surfaced which many angry people found to be naughty and evil. He was in a big trouble, and felt that he couldn't make music the same way anymore if he wanted to save his career. So he took on a new persona which pleased the angered masses. He began making more "catchy" music, with happy melodies, beats, and smiling sunshine. He became the enchanted "Pied Piper", and the masses followed him into doom just like the rats from that fairy tale.
THE END
+ Moral of the Story:
Listen to R. Kelly's 12 Play and then to his Happy People/U Saved Me. If you still can't tell the difference, more helpful hints are to come.
[...Immature to IMX coming soon among others]
