Choose a musical genre/genres to feature in your magazine. List the names of bands/artists that

are part of this genre, a brief history of the genre and the type of imagery associated with it.

About The RnB Genre…• Contemporary R&B (also known as simply R&B) is a music genre

that combines elements of hip hop, soul, R&B and funk.• Although the abbreviation “R&B” originates from traditional

rhythm and blues music, today the term R&B is most often used to describe a style of African American music originating after the demise of disco in the 1980s. Some sources refer to the style as urban contemporary (the name of the radio format that plays hip hop and contemporary R&B).

• Contemporary R&B has a polished record production style, drum machine-backed rhythms, an occasional saxophone-laced beat to give a jazz feel (mostly common in contemporary R&B songs prior to the year 1993), and a smooth, lush style of vocal arrangement. Electronic influences are becoming an increasing trend, and the use of hip hop or dance inspired beats are typical, although the roughness and grit inherent in hip hop may be reduced and smoothed out. Contemporary R&B vocalists are often known for their use of melisma, popularized by vocalists such as Michael Jackson, Stevie Wonder, Whitney Houston and Mariah Carey.

History…

• As the disco era came to a close, a new generation of producers began adding synthesizers and slick drum machine beats to African American music. Michael Jackson was among the first post-disco black musician to cross over to mainstream audiences. In its early years, mainstream R&B was very pop-oriented. Notable 1980s R&B musicians include Luther Vandross, the SOS Band, Mtume, Freddie Jackson, DeBarge, Loose Ends, and Stephanie Mills.

• Tina Turner made a comeback during the second half of the 1980s, while Whitney Houston and Janet Jackson broke into the pop music charts with a series of hits.

RnB Artists…

• Rihanna• Drake• Beyoncé• Sean Paul• Eminem• Ne-Yo• Katy Perry• Lady GaGa

RnB Artists In PicturesRihanna

Beyoncé

Ne-Yo

Sean Paul