R&B

In an article about Tinashe's new album 'BB/Angel,' a woman with blonde hair looks up. She wears a white tee shirt with a slip dress over it. A hand-drawn angel halo is above her head.

Album Review: Tinashe Keeps it Solid on ‘BB/ANG3L’

Avery Heeringa, Columbia College Chicago

The R&B empress delivers a divine collection of seven forward-thinking earworms. …

September 19, 2023

in article about Young Money, screenshot from music video only

Young Money Reunites: Celebrating The Big 3’s Impact & Legacy

As three of rap's biggest stars reunite to commemorate their successful careers, it’s time we take a look back at their legacies that were years in the making.…

August 26, 2022

Beyoncé Brings Her Own ‘RENAISSANCE’ Into 2022

Avery Heeringa, Columbia College Chicago

Queen Bey delivers her seventh studio album filled to the brim with empowerment, immaculate energy and groove.…

August 18, 2022

In an article about R&B music, an illustration of a microphone.

Is Contemporary R&B Becoming Too Toxic?

Kwami Maranga, Binghamton University

While recent releases may be following larger trends, the music also reveals something interesting about a genre defined by love songs.…

August 14, 2022

Aaliyah from music video Are You That Somebody

The Undeniable Impact and Relevance of Aaliyah

Avery Heeringa, Columbia College Chicago

Thanks in part to the introduction of her work to streaming services, a forgotten artist is reborn.…

July 28, 2022

Glass Animals Is a Band With More To Offer Than Just Their Popular Hits

Sonia Noorbakhsh, UC Berkeley

This indie group might be known for a few specific songs, but they have so many unique, underrated gems in their discography.…

January 10, 2022

The Neighbourhood Is an Underrated Band With a One-of-a-Kind Sound

Sonia Noorbakhsh, UC Berkeley

The band can't be defined by a single genre, which is just one of the qualities that makes them so unique.…

December 26, 2021

In article about Adele's 30 album, an illustration of the artist herself.

Adele’s ’30’ Is a Magical Listen That You Won’t Want To Miss

Sonia Noorbakhsh, UC Berkeley

The beloved artist released a new record after a five-year wait, which comes complete with mature vocals and styles.…

December 5, 2021

Photo of Anderson .Paak and Bruno Mars performing as their new collaborative duo, Silk Sonic.

Silk Sonic’s Debut Album Is a Hit With Funk and Soul Lovers Everywhere

Virginia Laurie, Washington and Lee University

The duo formed by icons Bruno Mars and Anderson .Paak released a record full of '70s-inspired bops to their audiences' absolute delight.…

November 24, 2021

Summer Walker’s ‘Still Over It’ Has Women Everywhere Ready for a Good Cry Session

Re’nesia Mills, University of Tampa

After a two-year wait, the American R&B singer is preparing to release her second album that is sure to have female fans in their feels and craving more.…

October 22, 2021

In an article about her song Have Mercy, a photo of Chloe Bailey

Chlöe’s ‘Have Mercy’ Finds the Young Singer Coming Into Her Own

Mariam Nasief, Columbia University

Her new hit solo single, which evokes the R&B sounds of the '90s, shows off the singer's prowess both as an artist and as an entertainer.…

September 24, 2021

Olivia O'Brien and a group of friends sitting together in a living room setting for a music video from her album Episodes: Season 1. (Image via Google Images)

‘Episodes: Season 1’ Is Olivia O’Brien’s Chance To Be Her Own Main Character

Mai Senser, Virginia Commonwealth University

In the first half of her sophomore record, the singer-songwriter has taken control of her own narrative, exploring a wide variety of musical genres.…

June 27, 2021

2021 Will Be Defined by Empowering Women in Music

Sarah Esquivel, University of Texas at San Antonio

With plenty of highly anticipated releases and online concerts slated for this year, here are the female artists to keep an ear out for.…

February 7, 2021

In an article about Korean R&B, an image of Zion T.

6 Korean R&B Artists Whose Music Will Soothe Your Soul

Laura Song, Biola University

These musicians sound a little different from their K-pop counterparts, but the music is just as good.…

November 25, 2020

Illustration of musical duo Chloe x Halle by Daisy Daniel's

Chloe x Halle Have Cemented Their Place in Music History With ‘Ungodly Hour’

Renee Cantor, University of Pittsburgh

Sibling acts like the Jackson 5, the Jonas Brothers, HAIM and the Bee Gees need to make room because there's a new and ferocious sister duo that's here to stay.…

August 26, 2020

Instagram picture of Lil Baby's single "The Bigger Picture," a protest song

Here Are Some of the 5 Most Impactful Protest Songs of 2020

Madelyn Haasken, Bemidji State University

Using beautiful melodies, catchy beats and lyrics that stick with you, this music reflects the struggles of these tumultuous times.…

July 16, 2020

illustration for article about black artists by Amy Young

5 Black Artists Whose Legacies Have Transcended Time

Gabrielle Pascal, Hofstra University

American pop culture has been defined by black excellence for decades. From Gordon Parks to Aaliyah, black artists continue to influence the new generation.…

June 24, 2020

Singer Sam Rui in an article about internation R&B

8 International Artists Raising the R&B Genre to New Heights

Michelle Young, Simon Fraser University

Contemporary rhythm and blues has been one of the most prominent musical styles over the past few years — what are these global newcomers adding to the mix?…

June 5, 2020

Drawing of Yaeji holding a record in a review of WHAT WE DREW.

Yaeji’s Diverse ‘WHAT WE DREW 우리가 그려왔던’ Focuses on Growth

Michelle Young, Simon Fraser University

The electronic artist's latest record draws on personal experiences and mixes a wide range of genres to create something mesmerizing and boldly experimental.…

April 27, 2020

Normani and Destiny in Montego Bay, Jamaica

What a Collab With Normani and Ryan Destiny Sounds Like

Rickea Bell, Saint Peter’s University

These two have been working hard for their whole careers. It's time to see them work together.…

February 2, 2020

Is R&B Making A Long-Awaited Comeback to the Music Scene?

Cynthia Vasquez, Rutgers University, New Brunswick

After falling a little behind the times, its smooth sounds are back to capture the ears and hearts of listeners.…

January 21, 2020

H.E.R. Dropped the Album ‘I Used to Know Her,’ and We Are Loving It

Rickea Bell, Saint Peter’s University

This album is the comeback of R&B no one knew we needed.…

September 17, 2019

Jeff Bernat: The Filipino Singer That Brings New Vibes to R&B

Mela Lozano, University of Texas at San Antonio

He will have you reminiscing about your first love in every song.…

August 17, 2019

Klasey Jones’ New EP, ‘Arrival,’ Is an Electronic Blend of Past, Present and Future

Eric Alexander, University of Colorado Denver

One of the U.K.'s fastest-rising producers is expanding his signature style.…

August 12, 2019

Fox’s ‘Star’ Has Officially Overtaken ‘Empire’ As the Network’s Best Musical Drama

Myah Clinton, University of Alabama at Birmingham

Mostly because Lucious is just too ridiculously terrible.…

August 25, 2018

6 Female Artists Who Prove Women Are Defining and Perfecting Alternative R&B

Maya Ramani, University of Virginia

10/10 would recommend taking a listen.…

July 30, 2018

In ‘Scorpion,’ Champagne Papi Confirms He Is Indeed a Papi, Among Other Surprises

Jamie Lovley, University of Maine

The album's impressive streaming record might actually be its least surprising quality.…

July 2, 2018

Kali Uchis Is the Coachella Artist to Watch in 2018

Emilie Romero, University of Nevada

After years of financial struggles, Kali Uchis has finally found success in the music industry.…

April 13, 2018

5 Albums to Look Forward to in the Month of March

Xavier Austin Reyna, University of Texas at San Antonio

Watch out this month – artists are dropping albums like no tomorrow and you’ve got to be prepared. Here's a list of some you should definitely look out for. …

March 8, 2018