There has been a new breed of female R&B singers that are proving R&B has never been dead. Most millennials remember the R&B Queens of yesteryear like Monica, Brandy, Aaliyah, Mary J. Blige, Faith Evans, Toni Braxton and Mariah Carey. All of whom debuted in the 90’s and continue to have momentum today. However, a foundation had to be laid. Typically, when people think of the great female singers; Aretha Franklin, Whitney Houston, and Mariah Carey are the ones entering the conversation. They proved that it was a lot about the vocal, creating timeless music and breaking barriers for women. They opened the doors for many to follow.
Then a decade later comes Beyoncé a force to be reckoned with; during her “commercial reign” many record companies used her as a prototype and signed new talent under that blueprint. The likes of Teairra Marie, Amerie, Christina Milian, Nivea and a host of other females singers attempted to use said “blueprint.” However, none quite impacted like B. Initially, Rihanna was being marketed as such, but quickly found her own lane and created endless #1 hits. She has become an icon in her own right.
When it comes to R&B singers, you have to factor all of the women that squeeze into a fine space of commercial success being completely underrated. Take powerhouse vocalists like Fantasia, Jennifer Hudson, KeKe Wyatt, and Jazmine Sullivan. All have solid fan bases, but has never reached their peak when it comes to commercial success and mass circulation.
These women success and recognition have been minimal in compared to their counterparts. Just as recent as last year was the world blown away by Jazmine Sullivan and her project “Heaux Tales.” You would have thought she was a new artist the way people took an interest in her. Jasmine’s voice is unmatched and she is just now receiving her flowers after three albums. We still forget about such R&B goddesses like Kelly Rowland who has an impressive discography of her own apart from Destiny’s Child, Sevyn Streeter who is a fierce songwriter, Tamar Braxton who is a vocal powerhouse and Keri Hilson who is often forgotten about and the contributions she’s made as a songwriter.
Now, presently in 2021, we have seen an emergence of strong R&B women dominating: Kehlani, Jhene Aiko, Summer Walker, H.E.R, Snoh Alalegra, Ari Lennox, and Ella Mai just to name a few. All of these women have been impacting R&B in a powerful way with their vulnerable, speak your heart approach. They have all added some special sauce into the mix. Even by collaborating with one another and appearing on each other’s project. This new breed of ladies are showing and proving, all while empowering each other. It could be safe to say that the blossoming “divas” of today are making their mark in a major way and have all taken elements from their predecessors paying homage.
