EPISODE 129

The sound of R&B is difficult to pin down. Since the 1950s, the label has been used both as a genre and as a catch-all for the entirety of black popular music. Soul, funk, disco and even hip-hop have at times been covered by this R&B umbrella — Billboard has changed how it counts what genres over the years. On Chance The Rapper’s new album, The Big Day, all of these influences come through. He’s not alone. On recent Kehlani’s records for example, 90s R&B and 2000s trap both play a role. But both these artists are a far cry from the 50s R&B sounds of Sam Cooke. To understand how R&B has changed over time, we consult with Trevor Anderson, manager of Billboard’s R&B/Hip Hop chart. Then we speak with R&B super-producer Oak Felder to understand how R&B is progressing and what it might become.

MORE READING

For an in depth history of R&B on Billboard read Chris Molanphy’s feature on Pitchfork

SONGS DISCUSSED

Chance The Rapper – Hot Shower

Chance The Rapper – I Got You

Sam Cooke – You Send Me

Elvis Presley – Crying In the Chapel

The Temptations – I Can’t Get Next To You

Mtume – Juicy Fruit

Biggie – Juicy

Toni Braxton – Breath Again

Janet Jackson – That’s The Way Love Goes

Boys II Men – I’ll Make Love To You

Lauryn Hill – Doo Wop (That Thing)

Diddy – I’ll Be Missing You (feat. Faith Evans & 112)

Nelly – Dilemma

Kehlani – Distraction

SWV – Weak

Aaron Hall – I Miss You

Usher – You Make Me Wanna

Brandy – Sit-in Up In My Room

Dru Hill – In My Bed

Silk – Freak Me

Demi Lovato – Sorry Not Sorry

Jodeci – Cry For you

Mariah Carey – Vision of Love

Kehlani Everything Is Yours

Chance The Rapper – All Day Long

Queen – Fat Bottom Girls

Diana Ross – I’m Coming Out

H.E.R. - Hard Place