R&B Is DEAD! What Happened?!? Part 23

[@smurfyboy92]

I think one thing that has hurt R&B since the 2010's is the fact that nobody makes uptempo R&B music these days. Everybody makes midtempo music that you can smoke & get high to, it's fine for a while but after a certain point it's gets tiresome. I understand we're living through trying times, but at some point you just wanna listen to music you can dance to and forget all your troubles, and R&B is not the genre for that right now

[@coolida23511]

Exactly. There was a time when R&B artists were producing club bangers, and we really dont see that anymore.

[@CalvinMichaels]

That part!

[@lamarlo4437]

Yes, also I've noticed whenever they want to reinvigorate R&B they use a white singer to do it, Robin Thicke Blurred Lines, Justin Beiber Purpose, Ed Sheeran X, Justin Timberlake 20/20, Sam Smith (sounds like Tank) and Ariana Grande. All white acts that pull in big numbers singing R&B, yet Beyonce 4 was considered to be a flop to some and Elle Varner Perfectly Imperfect gets treated like it doesn't exist

[@whoome1638]

Yep! I found myself looking for a replacement without realizing it. I’ve been listening to more Afro beats and other African artist who seem to get what I’m looking for with that particular uptempo. I’m so glad TEMS has gotten more recognition. Im tired of the summer walkers and ari Lennox. I like them both but it’s all kinda depressing

[@whoome1638]

Also I love Normani. She has the uptempo beats and talent but her label isn’t pushing her enough.

[@TGF25]

Calvin, fam you are PREACHING at the @28:00 mark! We grew up in an era where artists like Destiny's Child/Beyonce/Usher/Pink/Christina/Aaliyah/Janet/Brandy/Monica RODE & PUSHED an ALBUM for A YEAR & A HALF/2 YEARS because it had LEGS & THE SINGLES were STILL poppin after a year of the album's release! It's not like that anymore & you're right, it's very microwave & really exposes that the music today has little to no staying power/longevity! Also, we really gotta get out of this "VIBE" phase!

[@CalvinMichaels]

Back when projects were a whole event and had a shelf life…

[@TGF25]

@@CalvinMichaels Also, I wanna see your Destiny Fulfilled video because, I thought DF is Top 5 Greatest Girl Group Albums Ever & The Greatest Curtain Call Album Ever! Critics hated it because 1. they don't really care for R&B & 2. They didn't expect Beyoncè to go back to Destiny's Child after the success of the Dangerously in Love era!

[@cortezmiller1899]

And y’all remember soundtracks from movies? A lot of artist back then did soundtracks that would last for a few years as well.

[@TGF25]

@@cortezmiller1899 Soundtracks executive produced by Whitney Houston & Babyface JUST COULDN'T MISS in the 90s! In the early 2000s, soundtracks were the ultimate springboard into the album, Independent Women for Destiny's Child, Doesn't Really Matter for Janet, Try Again for Aaliyah, Lady Marmalade for Christina Aguilera!

[@marlonharrison5511]

Things like Pass the Mic and Verzuz has also helped bring back a lot songs and artists.

[@jdorecouture16]

Thank you for bringing this series back as I've been thinking about it since I've recently been listening to some new and older R&B music (2000's). You've been the best with explaining the stages of R&B and I hope this series continues to grow!

[@Quionna-j9i]

Great Video! I also hope we get a new shift in R&B. Some of my favorite R&B artists right now are Amber Mark, Joyce Wrice, VanJess, Nao, Lucky Daye, Jazmine Sullivan, Ari Lennox, CXH, Normani, Asiahn, Victoria Monet, Mary J Blige, Zaniah, Kirby, and Jade Nova!

[@bigstan54]

Just to add mine I have to check some of those artists too…Stokey, Buddy (Rnb/hiphop), Kevin Ross, Gallant, Marzz, Syd, The Internet, Shay Lia, SIR, Kindred, BJ Chicago Kid, Kehlani, Mack Wilds, Kaytranda, Kyle Dion, Justin Skye Sevyn Streeter, Anderson Paak, Kelela, Ledisi, Vivian Green, DVSN, Raheem DeVaghn, Leven Kali, Marsha Ambrosius…just some to mention.

[@v.a.l.5165]

Janet is a phenomenal example of using what you have to the greatest effect. That is a skill that many of those with the largest shares of vocal talent haven't mastered. That's why many singers with big wonderful voices can end up being boring.

[@theorderofthebees7308]

So true !!!!

[@denanewton1518]

Missed this series!! Lucky daye has been killing it! His album Candy Drip is really good! I’m liking him right now.

[@itsmarcomarcel]

Facts

[@ieishagaston3319]

I was gonna mention him. He's one of my favorites.

[@bigstan54]

Yep he might be coming to or near your city on his tour. Dope album!

[@blueviolets2106]

He’s a slow burner for me. I’m not feeling the album but this was the same with his first album. I didn’t like it but nearly a year later I was in love with it. His EP was great. I will revisit in a few months. I agree that he is not a vibe artist, his “awake” on all his records even on the slow tempo

[@AndreasTabuMuntu]

I wish I had this pep talk 10 - 12 years ago. There was a time when I genuinely hated being considered an R&B artist LMAO. I think you worded it well. Cause now that I think about it, I hated the business model that came with it. Not really the actual genre, genre. But still, I wish I really went for it. The good thing is, it's never too late. Time will tell. I think that's why an artist like a Doja Cat is so big right now, cause she's sonically not sticking to "the vibe" every song of hers sounds different and is literally a different genre. And I agree, that Normani's live version of Fair just hit differently than the studio version she released. Thank you for blessing us with a new video. I missed your content so much that I binge listened to your podcast back in January and then when I finished it, I realized that you sporadically post episodes there, so for a minute there I was like "c'mon Calvin! Give us something!!!" so thank you for this. If I may request a video idea, it'll have to be a Muni Long video. How she's been in the industry for many years, written for every popular artist under the sun, and finally getting her well-deserved shine now. I think she can be grouped with a Victoria Monet and Tiara Thomas.

[@kevseb66]

R&B will never truly die especially for those that love real music and not plastic, disposable bs posing as music. It's, "not on trend" right now but it will never die.

[@cortezmiller1899]

Pop is actually R&B even Country music.

[@keisi1574]

@@cortezmiller1899 And *you* are STILL talkin' bout' mainstream garbage. 🙃

[@darionjackson2599]

@@cortezmiller1899 not mainstream pop and r&b music

[@bmwjourdandunngoddess6024]

“Plastic disposable bs” girl bye. 💀 Hating on another musical genre will not save you.

[@bmwjourdandunngoddess6024]

@@keisi1574So basically you’re just a hater.

[@v.a.l.5165]

Pop as a genre isn't so much a genre with a distinct sound. It is more of a curation of the current popular elements combined. The late 90's and early 2000's had a very diverse and broad range of what was considered pop.

[@laronwilkes4898]

Appreciate you touching upon 'delivery' of vocals. Too many modern singers do this mumbly, sort of slurred delivery of lyrics and tones. It all tends to blend together IMO. Yes, Janet had this light, breathy falsetto, but it was unique and distinct.

[@cortezmiller1899]

Same with Aaliyah. But both Aaliyah and Janet were different in a way!

[@rikkidgermano9640]

@@cortezmiller1899 Aaliyah had some songs where she showcased her voice more but her sultry vocal approach worked better with her appearance.

[@Lilianamarie999]

Your commentary on the vibe era is everything I be feeling on the inside part. Variety has gone out the window so very few songs are memorable past the initial hype. Feel the same way about hip-hop. Most of my playlists are giving 80s to early 2000s because other than Silk Sonic I'm not very moved by the current state of affairs. Chloe and Normani are trying too hard to be more of the same when they are actually exceptional.

[@lamarlo4437]

Yes I remember when you could play an Whitney, Mariah, Mary, Toni and Faith song back-to-back and you knew who these artist were. For the past 15 years everyone literally sounds the same (Beyonce and Mary does this rapping/talking/singing combo) and are indistinguishable. Side note it seems that you can't have more than 1 black woman exist at the same time because they're to similar, yet Britney Spears, Christina Aguilera and Jessica Simpson are all different. The racism is too real

[@chrisman3431]

@@lamarlo4437 Bey has done the staccato rap singing style since No No No part Il in 1998. So, I don't know you brought her name up as if she follow these new girls. They are litteraly following her blueprint and copying her style

[@lamarlo4437]

@@chrisman3431 That's because Wyclef had a plane to catch and he needed to hear the song so Byonce sung it fast and that's how that came to be

[@bmwjourdandunngoddess6024]

@@lamarlo4437Beyoncé and Mary do not sound the same. Your own racism is jumping out 😭

[@lamarlo4437]

@bmwjourdandunngoddess6024 Singing style not the same voice

[@sm00thsubz81]

I think R&B will never die, it'll simply be dominated by more racially ambiguous/whiter looking people cause it starting to become painfully clear that people would rather see other races do rnb than the creators of said genre. I do think we'll see a radical shift in the genre in a yr or so

[@shiemah27]

You took the words out my mouth. I was watching bet soul and all of the r&b girls were mixed/or white. It was painfully noticeable 🫠

[@avon_mack]

@@shiemah27 I hope this isn't true

[@darionjackson2599]

It’s look that way these I miss those real times in r&b when it had diversity and a borderline when you had pop artists doing pop song new wave artists doing their type of music

[@bmwjourdandunngoddess6024]

That means, people need to dissect their own colorism/Anti-Blackness. Black ppl also need to start supporting their own.

[@weneedtodobetter2555]

Always a pleasure to listen to a Calvin breakdown 🎶

[@DJKLouiV]

Thank you, people don’t get that pop music is an actual sound, not just popular music.

[@chriskemani8642]

literally put into words how i feel about R&B these days… I’m bored with the same sonically mellow vibe. I love upbeat high tempo music. I rarely have today’s music on my phone. Janet’s “All for You” and “Janet.” are on full repeat and i just get so happy listening to them ugh.

[@Solodolo84]

Bruh, I thought you left us on stuck 🤣🤣 This is the series that brought me to your channel. Keep bringing the perspective. People know they don't want true r&b from us but stay cherrypicking from us. Many artists seen the future from Jimi Hendrix and Donny Hathaway to Barry White, Curtis Mayfield and Prince. Streaming does not bring in the numbers that physical copies once did. In my opinion, it's difficult to build a full album when the consumer is conditioned to listen to playlists and not the album experience. The attention span isn't the same, nor is the love for making substance filled music.

[@theorderofthebees7308]

The way you broke down Church and all that you learn being there as member or apart of the choir was so insightful - I have never heard it put that way -

[@NorthPhilly-zr7xc]

Gospel was the birth of r&b people keep forgetting all them singer's back then came from the church singing and playing instruments some of them like boyz to men came from music school r&b needs that church feel again

[@khayeel634]

The bottom line is the record labels don’t promote black artists who are doing R&B and singing positive and influential music. Instead, they promote rappers who present a negative vibe in order to institute the prison pipeline, and they also promote white artists who are singing R&B/Pop. Also, the majority of the decision makers in the music business don’t have a clue about what is good music. They know good business, but not good music.

[@Solodolo84]

Bingo!!!! At least back in the day, it was a balance of party/mood/love/introspective/groove sounds. Scarface said it best and Calvin also touched on it, music today sounds like one long song. Who stole the soul?

[@khayeel634]

@@Solodolo84...exactly! Back in the day there were so many bands, yet they were all different and people loved that! Now, they’re always trying to find the next Whitney or the next somebody in stead of trying to find someone who is unique and talented, and that’s mainly because they’re not creators, they’re imitators who follow the same formula wash, rinse and repeat! Smh!

[@NorthPhilly-zr7xc]

@@khayeel634 it's these trap beatz and autoune aswell r&b doesn't sound good on trap beatz in my opinion

[@franman576]

Clearly someone knowledgeable in the artform. Your opinion was very well articulated and its clear you have real passion for music.

[@Bajimusic]

I am a so called R&B songwriter and you are on point with your views on the state of R&B. I hole more top actswill pick up the baton like Bruno and Silk Sonic. Those who make music for the love of it need to stay true. Yes you may no make lots of $$$ starting out but if more true R&B saturates the media platforms it will rise in popularity with the younger ears and the script will be flipped and true R&B will rise again. Got my fingers crossed. Love your perspective #SOS Band

[@Marvelous_M]

As an R&B fan I honestly appreciate this review. Keep this series going. I am a firm believer that R&B & Soul is the best, most diverse, and well versed genres. I am currently enjoying Lucky Daye’s debut album! 💕 he reminds me of Frank Ocean. I also love anything by Eric Bellinger his new album New Light and other projects are lively R&B. Lloyd’s TRU LP is thoughtful as well. I’m still itching for R&B that gets me at the first time like “yooo turn that up I like this” 😂 anything that makes me want to get up and dance. Unpopular opinion Tory Lanez dropped an 80’s sounding album that was pretty good - “alone at prom”. The other day i was thinking about how the ROCK/EMO trend is coming back. It seems like there’s a watering down, boredom, uncreative spin to all genres these days. Except hip hop/Rap unfortunately while i absolutely LOVE it I’m SO SICK and tired of the lack of diversity on the radio these days. Lol seems like there’s just 1 type of sound for each genre. Even the way we discover new music isn’t as fun as back in the day. I don’t like my Apple Music suggestions. I’d rather go find an artist on my own, Shazam a song I like, etc. Lively, catchy melody, bubbly, spark ⚡️

[@dawb86]

To me how we find music now is more fun. It's like being treasure hunters if you will lol. With the radio being so extremely limited in this era, I've found some of my favorite artists of the last ten years through Shazam, okayplayer, reading reviews, following certain pages on Instagram, similar artists being played on playlists, however I could. It takes longer but it's more rewarding and what's the alternative? Being forced to listen to the same fifteen artists all day long with radio?

[@Dashdaddy1]

Jazz

[@Marvelous_M]

@@dawb86 yeah I absolutely don’t listen to radio lol and I don’t care about billboard either. I’ve found some new artists on tiktok now that I’ve opened myself to where to look. But I meant since were not buying CD’s it’s almost impossible to discover a new artist organically. Shazam is a life saver 😂

[@sxy1tanni]

My God brutha you are an encyclopedia of knowledge, research, and facts. Just discovered you. Very delighted.

[@TheTruthAintInYa]

I swear I’ve been saying the same thing there’s like after 7pm music or even like getting off work at 5 on a Saturday before going out with your friends. Let’s not forget there are different types of R&B too

[@VENIKA]

If I trust anyone to do a series like this, it’s you, you really know your stuff! I agree that R&B is the MOST diverse genre, if we listen to D’Mile and how he has really created a new sound with Lucky Daye and Victoria Monet, or even Chloe & Halle and their vision of R&B/pop, this is the 2022 evolution of R&B and someone else will come in to further develop this in another 10 years. R&B makes up 90% of the music I listen to, the genre is still very much alive. I also commented before I got to your music recommendations, Kevin Ross & Amber Mark are my two favourite artists rn!!!

[@ajat3202]

I just learned about him & he’s creative & deserves more attention

[@JosephCyrus-mx8gp]

What kind of evolution? 😂

[@TheStinalee201120]

I missed this whole series but I agree. If it wasn't then ppl wouldn't have been so in awe when Keep You In Mind by Gourdan Banks came out. I feel R&B was replaced by Pop mainstream wise, sadly. I'm not even sure people today can enjoy true R&B.

[@lamarlo4437]

It's been replaced by white acts. Vivian Green had a 🔥🔥 song called I Don't Know and it didn't get the attention it deserved, yet Ariana Grande pulls in huge number? They always want to replace the very same ppl who created the genre and made it what it is

[@TheStinalee201120]

@@lamarlo4437 isn't our sound always? Kind of like on The Five Heartbeats when the Four Horsemen came in. 🤷🏾‍♀️ I'm just sticking to classic R&B, anything that pleasantly surprises me in mainstream (which is extremely rare), and dabbling in some Afrobeatz. Been loving the variety of artists from the different African countries.

[@jb2736]

@@TheStinalee201120 My children was raised listening to R& B music. They are in their late 30' s and this is what they still listen too.😅

[@bmwjourdandunngoddess6024]

@@lamarlo4437True, but you’re using a global superstar compared to someone who isn’t. 😭 Ariana was pulling bigger numbers than today, so I’m not sure if we should use her as a comparison.

[@latoyawatts168]

There’s a difference Tropical R&B and Contemporary R&B and this one is what we are used to from back then up into the early 2000’s

[@sandrahudson1950]

Hey Calvin, love when you do these series, you have so much knowledge and understanding about the music industry, and not just RnB, and agree with practically everything you said. Keep this going, keep schooling us❤️

[@cortezmiller1899]

Aaliyah was a good example of Urban Pop, that’s why they named her the Queen of Urban Pop. Even though she was R&B and Hip Hop! I agree, R&B is the most diverse music genre. Pop and Country music to me is R&B. It’s a copy of Black R&B, but have White folks singing it. Even though those genres came from Blacks!

[@coreyrae0183]

I really need to catch up on this series. R&B definitely changed and I think record companies are focused on how many 'pop-centric' r&b acts they can produce for their return on investment.

[@janlet627]

An Angela Bofil Biopic would e great too! I didn't realize she had TWO strokes.

[@angelm2755]

R&B is dead unless a blue eye soul sings it. Normani just released a beautiful r&b song called fair and it’s doing poorly on the charts because few are supporting it . I will go a step further and say slower songs in general are dead unless Adele sings them.

[@_Kim_Possible]

Fair is such a good song 😭 it reminds me of Marvins Room and it sucks how it isn’t doing so well

[@chrisman3431]

@@_Kim_Possible NO SHADE BTW

[@_Kim_Possible]

@@chrisman3431 I agree. That’s just the consequences of streaming era. Lots of popular songs nowadays lack a decent full on bridge

[@_Kim_Possible]

@@chrisman3431 I agree. That’s just the consequences of streaming era. Lots of popular songs nowadays lack a decent full on bridge

[@lenciMusic]

This was interesting! There are so many R&B artist who make music that is diverse or even just great music. However it’s hard for us to rise above the big labels with budgets and promotion resources. Loved the video! 😇🙏🏾🧡

[@marig9236]

Just popped up on my feed, I'm digging in. Im love RnB and grew up listening to early hits of the 80s to late 90s. Its a sound that cannot be replicating and I think the main reason we dont hear RnB anymore is due to the fact the artists do not get enough money.

[@vanessaseymour2634]

Check out Silk Sonic's (Anderson Paak and Bruno Mars) album, 'An Evening With Silk Sonic'. They currently have a hit with a cover of Con Funk Shun's 1982 r & b classic 'Love's Train'. Their vibe is a homage to 70's soul with a modern twist.

[@jb2736]

Yes....I love the sound to their music...the voice blends are awesome. 🎶

[@ElleMS-14]

Agreed!! I’m tired of the vibe sound. Life is depressing enough. Bring some energy back to music! Lol!! In the past, whenever the world was in a crappy place, you could rely on uptempo music to brighten up your day (ie 60’s, 70’s, 80’s). Artists need to take note.

[@bluedalia1114]

Not going to happen. Everything will change when People start buy albums

[@lamarlo4437]

Since 2010 there's been a huge shift in R&B where R&B artist do this combo of talking/rapping/singing that their music fits into many categories and become indistinguishable. A very great album that was over looked was 2012 Elle Varner Perfectly Imperfect. Every song is a greatly crafted masterpiece of R&B and it wasn't promoted like it should have been. Now Adele makes pop/r&b/soul music that ppl refer to it as old lady music yet it sells millions on millions and yet Elle Varner makes an R&B album that's more Uptempo and it get treated like.it doesn't exist? Beyonce 4 was an R&B album and ppl said it was a flop because it didn't have an radio friendly songs. R&B is a well known genre that is radio friendly, I guess at that time coming from Beyonce it wasn't.

[@chrisman3431]

Right, that album had like Party, Countdown and Love on Top which was a number one RnB hit for like 7-8 weeks straight but only peaked at number 20 on the billboard hot 100. Those 3 songs should've been top 10, top 5 hits. And the irony is that these are some of her most well known singles in 2022. Especially Love on Top and same with Run The World which peaked at number 29 despite being one of her signature hit kinda like Britney's I'm a slave For You or Xtina's Dirty which were not well received by radio at the time. But thanks to iconic music videos, dance choreography and live performances (Britney at the 2001 VMAs with the albino snake, Bey's 2011 bbmas artist of the millenium award performance with the synchronized choreo with the graphics and the hologram . All those songs stood the test of time and are still referenced in pop music and pop culture today

[@lamarlo4437]

@chrisman Exactly, alot of the tim4s it's the record labels who say what will and will not sell because they're a business and their interest is making money. 2009-2013 were the years of dubstep, EDM and Euro dance music so many R&B acts included and downright made that type of music opposed to R&B ( Chris Brown F.A.M.E and Fortune albums). Then in 2013 Robin Thicke comes out with Blurred Lines and it reinvorgates R&B and becomes the best selling R&B song of 2013. Heard this before and I'll repeat it they love our music they just don't want to hear it from us

[@chrisman3431]

@@lamarlo4437 Exactly, JT's 20/20 Experience monstruous success in 2013. It sold like 968k the first week which is HUGE and BEFORE streaming. And songs like Suit & Tie which was very retro soul and jazzy was a HUGE hit and "revived" live instrumention and old school soul/RnB music with brash instruments. Then both Chris Brown with Fine China and Usher with Good Kisser came out with a similar retro old school soulful sound, vibe and asthetic in their visuals and dance choreo. But they were NOT able to achieve the same level of success bc top 40 radio and pop radio paid them dust. But it was PURE classical black music from the 60s. Justin Timberlake, Blurred lines Robin Thicke (not Lost without You Robin), Adele, Sam Smith, Mark Ranson (even tho I F with a lot of the stuff he produced and composed for Amy Winehouse and others) Post Malone, Justin Bieber, Ed Sheeran who stole EVERY melody imaginable from VERY recognizable classics from black music icons from the US (Marvin Gaye, TLC, R.Kelly...) and Jamaica as well like Shaggy. All of them whites and non black racially ambiguous, black adjacent POCs (cough cough JLo, Bruno and Cardi) have all benefiting from black artists and black music accross the board PERIOD. These are culture vultures. The exeception are Teena Marie, Jon B, Jojo, Amy Winehouse (I love her to death) and few others

[@lamarlo4437]

@@chrisman3431 💯, they can do this because the gatekeepers don't gate keep. Country has been keeping white, even though it has evolved into other subgenres, the main consensus is white. When Beyonce performed with the Dixie Chick's at the CMT awards it created controversy, when Carrie Underwood made a song with Ludacris it was lauded. Overall they just don't want us to be great

[@LIL-MAN_theOG]

My boy said Ten City..what an epic house group that influenced alot. And alot of folks forget Lenny Kravitz has a ton of r&b-esque music too ..toggling between rock,soul,pop and R&B

[@sammygirl62393]

Oh wow! I was going to rewatch your "R&B is dead" series yesterday! Thanks for the upload!

[@Anastasia25]

Great video! Some of my favorite contemporary R&B artists are SZA, Victoria Monet, Chloe x Halle, and Jershika Maple.

[@aaronford57]

Hello, Mr. Calvin Michaels. I’ve been binge watching your content and I’m digging it so far. And I’m putting your music on my Spotify playlist. Keep up the great work!

[@briansanders7590]

What you said is so true another example is George Michael, one of the reason why he had issues with the music industry because he sees himself as a R&B artist and they fought with him. He sued and lost because the court said the industry has the right to sell you the way they want. If you give them a pop album that what they expect is pretty much what the judge told him. Did you know that he (Michael himself) release singles to the R&B audiences only from the 90's on.

[@JWill951]

Great video! Everything you said, I agree with especially with R&B being a vibe and it's been that way for awhile now. No uptempo R&B songs are being put out. You should check out Frankie J's new album, Back 2 Us. He uses an actual band for this album which is something I haven't heard in awhile and the album is very good. Frankie J is a great vocalist and he did a really good job putting this album together. J. Holiday's latest album, Time is very good too. Lucky Daye's new album is 🔥

[@NorthPhilly-zr7xc]

People ain't going to church anymore the church is where all thos good singer's came from and all thos good musicians bands came from

[@1111ScorpQn]

Since artists stop singing in the rain on their album cover, it ain’t been the same.. like Carl Thomas, Keith Sweat & jodeci. That’s r&b for me! IJS

[@CalvinMichaels]

They used to be out in the STORM going through it😂😂😂

[@1111ScorpQn]

@@CalvinMichaels right😆

[@NorthPhilly-zr7xc]

@@1111ScorpQn not only that r&b singer's and music came from the church we need more choir men and woman back in r&b again instruments

[@1111ScorpQn]

@@NorthPhilly-zr7xc Sure. I guess if you’re Christian you may feel that way..

[@NorthPhilly-zr7xc]

@@1111ScorpQn I mean it's a fact I'm not saying everyone has to be a Christian you don't at all but all the greats came from the church singing and playing instruments r&b doesn't have that choir singing voice and love of it in it anymore And I feel like to many singer's wanna be rapper's now they even look like rapper's

[@maddengamer94]

miss this series

[@maddengamer94]

@Calvin Michaels I was graduating from High School when this series dropped times flying by fast

[@fayettenampeach]

I just want to say that I love your channel!! I'm going to start calling you Professor because the wealth of knowledge you have is astonishing!! I came for the music. I stayed for everything else you talk about. Keep it up!!

[@CalvinMichaels]

✊🏾✊🏾✊🏾💙💙

[@ephriamv]

Great analysis, Calvin! 20 - 30 years ago, the music industry innovators where U.S.- centric, influencing musicians globally. We recognized the producers' sound more than the artists' voice back then. Today, the musical landscape and structure is global... from the genres to profits. I would love to see more U.S. rnb artists collaborate and/or use production outside of the U.S. so that there's more of a sonic pallette than what we're used to... rnb sometimes sounds the same here in the U.S.

[@ephriamv]

A great example... 5yrs ago Jennifer Hudson released an rnb song produced by UK producer/artist Calvin Harris called Remember Me kzbin.info/www/bejne/nKGQp6t9adSBhJo. Sonically, it was brilliant... however commercially, in the U.S. market, not so much. It was nostalgically modern take on rnb... would have loved to have heard more from there collaboration.

[@dwa3210]

I agree with what you said about American artists collabing with more international artists. The problem is that the world is not being advertised to American consumers. So when a person decides to be a recording artist or is already an established act, the idea of collaborating with someone who isn’t known by the US becomes a “dicey” situation. Mainly because the labels are thinking of their bottom line.

[@tashakhanway6619]

Great video!! You are so on point!!!

[@keepsit100atalltime9]

What happened to good R n B is so called Gangsta Rap. Everything was going well up until late 90s early 2000's. I listen to mostly 90s music. That music still had love in it. Heck I stopped listening to the radio a while ago. I just jam my cds.

[@edwardkelly3280]

I feel they took off a long relationship part in RNB. The late 90s-2000s when I grew up they have some songs that people can truly dance to the music

[@apmg924]

I’m so tired of this vibe music lol it’s energy draining. Slick gives me the blues, revs my anxiety and strips me of my energy

[@AllenLewis]

I enjoy this series. Good Video.

[@ruff1draft]

I like your in depth history of your videos keep up the great work

[@wattpadjunkie1133]

Yassssss!!!! You're back with my favorite series but you made us wait a bazillion years

[@diatammy]

I think Trevor Jackson & Jacob Latimore is helping R&B. They are more independent and they can sing & dance. Lucky Daye & H.E.R. are very talented & strengthening R&B.

[@ajat3202]

I’ve never paid much attention to them

[@t.b.306]

Wowww I started watching your series around 2014 and you are always spot on in your views to me. It’s probably the hardest to comprehend for some but I get your points being born in 1986. Now the crazy thing is that I didn’t properly classify music in its correct decade growing up because Kiss 104.7 would play music from the 60s and up lol. It all sounded good to me. It’s also crazy seeing the result of digital music and being a part of the Napster gen lol. But I grew up on vinyl, tapes, then cds, then iPod, now everything’s on the phone😅. Every time you do one of these I start listening to a different era. We have soooo much music, I love Rnb!

[@ruff1draft]

You mentioned TLC's Creep. That song gets played like three time a day in Asda Romford Essex

[@Gothicblackchic]

All I know is that I’m personally bored with hip hop and rappers

[@Kody-hf6eh]

Me too it just way too many rappers nowadays. But that's why I don't listen to it Rap anymore. But I hope R&B singers can takeover the pop culture mainstream again.

[@Gothicblackchic]

@@Kody-hf6eh I hope the real singers takeover R&B not that whisper singing. We need a tevin Campbell and Whitney

[@Ladyrolanda]

R&B definitely seems dead to me. The radio stations only want hip hop bc it has mainstream appeal. Cash rules everything.

[@dawb86]

It's not overwhelmingly supported by the mainstream, particularly the black artists. That's not the same as the genre itself being "dead." A lot of independent artists doing their thing over the last decade that don't tend to get their props...

[@Ladyrolanda]

@@dawb86 theres not much that sounds familiar to R&B to me. If you get something out if it, Im happy for you. 😊👍🏾

[@darionjackson2599]

Yeah that it’s not your parents type of music anymore my parents was born in the 60s and 63 and 65 so they was around music from the 70’s and early 80’s through the 80’s my moms listened to certain rap and hip hop music from that era like new jack swing rap I was born in 85 so I was around the rest of the 80’s the 90’s was the best r&b music era Bc of the groups it was so so many specially it was diverse

[@LiotaR]

you articulate every point so well i cant explain my points without rambling i feel like you pick a topic you go to a sub topic and then you tie it back into the main point so that the audience doesn't lose focus

[@NorthPhilly-zr7xc]

R&b died when they stopped signing artists with real talent and who could really sing vocally back then artists was coming from musical backgrounds and alot of them came from the church singing and playing instruments some of them like boyz to men came from music school singing r&b need that church feel musician ship back again with the love of GOD

[@clarkkent502]

THANK YOU for this video!!!! Yes all the music all sounds the same!!!!!!! I’m tired of the drowsy slow talk/singing music!!! Where are the uptempo’s? The grooves!!! The melodies!!!!! Yes have some bright sounds!!!! Party vibes!!!! THANK YOU FOR THIS!!!!!! Hip-Hop and R&B are missing VARIETY!!!!! I’m tired of the whole Stripper fight Popping Pills music in Hip-Hop!!! Sorry but I’m over the Atlanta Sound…. Can we please get variety back again? I miss the days when The East Coast had their sound, the West Coast had their sound, Atlanta had their sound, Texas, Florida, The Mid West, Tennessee all had their sound!!!! Variety please come back!!!!

[@eolay4411]

I've been saying this! The PBRNB/ Cursive singer sound is 11 years old now if we count the Weeknd and Frank Oceans mix tapes (2011) or SZA's (2014) and Bryson Tiller (2015). I'm over it. Yes there are people making great renditions of it but man I was a child of the 90's I know RnB can slap. Please give us our era of New Jack Swing 🙏 something high energy as a dj this would be truly a god send. For a second I thought it was gona happen with a Jersey club x RnB crossover after Ciara's Level Up and Cookiee's Vibe or even a modern iteration of Miami Bass but alas I continue to wait. Here in the UK while we bump Jazmine Sullivan and Summer Walker that spot had been filled by Afrobeats, Alte and Afroswing tbh. Ps could you do a video on MJB she remained relevant throughout it all.

[@MPRADEJ]

SALUTE TO LUCKY DAYE & HER FOR KEEPING R&B ALIVE‼️‼️‼️

[@Marvelous_M]

They are carrying the genre for sure!

[@ajat3202]

@@Marvelous_M Xavier Omar,Victoria Monet,vanjess,yuna,& mereba are some talented artists as well

[@albertoldschool6950]

Good to see you! Great Lighting!

[@avon_mack]

As an RnB freak I'm glad to have found this

[@bigstan54]

It’s like you take the words out of our mouths on your perspectives..respect. I’m a hiphop head but as I get older I look for younger artists with that traditional feel. In my playlist now…some old and new…Stokey, Buddy (Rnb/hiphop), Kevin Ross, Gallant, Marzz, Syd, The Internet, Shay Lia, SIR, Kindred, BJ Chicago Kid, Kehlani, Mack Wilds, Kaytranda, Kyle Dion, Justine Skye, Sevyn Streeter, Anderson Paak, Kelela, Ledisi, Vivian Green, Raheem DeVaghn, Leven Kali, DVSN, Marsha Ambrosius…just some to mention.

[@victorybeginsinthegarden]

Streaming killed the r&b business can't keep up with the volume

[@bluedalia1114]

True .

[@thadadecountydiva]

Calvin looking like a whole snack lol ❤ Great content

[@crisian8213]

R&b isn’t dead but streaming is prejudice against black r&b artists, especially black female artists and Spotify is the #1 culprit. One would think r&b would excel in the age of pick your own music, but it seems like streamers want nothing to do with r&b and streaming is a boys’ club, which is also odd the era of the progressives.

[@CalvinMichaels]

!!!

[@jerryjaguar3239]

12:40 literally noone Calvin:IT'S STILL AN R&B SONG Love you bro lol

[@yanikeonpurpose]

I like this series. It’s the only content of yours I can watch & I listen to your podcast, as I hate gossip & news related stuff. Maybe more series like this..??

[@jjj0026]

This is exactly why Silk Sonic won all the r&b awards. Although its retro 70s soul/funk, there music STOOD OUT from all the vibe songs. Also daps to Jazmine Sullivan and Lucky Daye for standing out in 2021.

[@KAW8503]

I gotta admit I love yams by masego too it's definitely different I keep it on repeat

[@thomasrobinson3550]

Yes you are correct that R&B is dead, especially with the content being pushed by the fledgling music industry. This is due to major labels are becoming increasingly obsolete, and radio stations aren't catering to the independent artist. The internet has disrupted and corrupted how music is being sought and genres with the who, what, when, why, and how individuals promote their independent label, branding/merchandise, and image while the music gets pushed to the rear.

[@aaronaragon7838]

63. Grew up with Ray, Aretha, Cooke, Redding, Gladys...what happened?

[@aaronaragon7838]

The music of the 20th Century was a Golden Age that will never happen again. Blues, Gospel, Rock n Roll, Hip Hop, Hillbilly, Rockabilly, Samba, Reggae, Morna, Hawaiian slack key, JAZZ, Mersey Beat of the Beatles...and Armstrong, Trane, Ellington...too much talent. Tik Tok just ain't gonna make it better y'all.

[@donnya8759]

sza early on had very ethereal sounds and was considered experimental but after ctrl it became "vibey"

[@keishasmith4815]

I luv yur voice..I can listen to yu talk all day!!! 💗

[@synnyjester3x]

I will help revive R&B through my music and my pen for other artists 🙃

[@valerieproctor7366]

Sorry! Iam missing it, I only listen to late 60's 70's 80's and 90's classic R&B, not really familiar with many of today's noise!

[@maddengamer94]

what bout early 2000s rnb

[@shiemah27]

There really are some good artist from this generation. I have tidal and I love it because the algorithm has introduced me to real r&b from the younger artist.

[@ertfgghhhh]

Surp (lean) and indica is why r&b sounds like it does. The writers, producers, and artists use these items and it changes their art. Another change is church. Starting in mid 90s, people stopped going and sending their children to church. Gospel music is the basis of contemporary music. Most r&b acts came from church. Music is difft now

[@NorthPhilly-zr7xc]

Facts even the way they use to dress back then from the suites and ties bow ties, the singing even the look of r&b has change

[@Chris-Tracy94]

Not it’s time to come outside the house 😩😩😩🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾 Calvin was spilling the tea the “ vibes era” we’re was perfect sign the pandemic or for a night in but dang we out here in these streets again ( with a mask on of course) hopefully the bright uptempos make a resurgence ( Britney , Beyoncé , Rihanna??? 👀👀👀)

[@p4rt_t1me_g0d]

Nice to find out that you're an artist! I'd like to hear your opinion on Thundercat, he's extremely cultured for a young guy.

[@anony1596]

I LOVE Amber! Going to see her for my birthday 🥰

[@denieshaclowers2485]

This was a good video by the way, but him explaining the “vibe” era of music that started in 2016 is really true though because I just realized we’ve been in the “vibe” era for 7 yrs now and realizing that everybody is not Sade….

[@anony1596]

✨Tiffany Evans and Jawan Harris are making music again✨ Gonna use the comment section to promote Jawan x Tiffany lol Tiffany Evans and Jawan Harris are R&B singers. They were most active in their teens/childhoods but now they're grown and sexy. Bring the genre to life for my generation 🥰💕 Please show some love. They only have two single out rn. 'To Myself' is my fav

[@JWill951]

I didn't know she was back making music. I'm still mad about them not pushing her like that. Promise Ring had the potential to be at least a Top 20 hit on the Hot 100. I'm going to check out Jawan Harris though

[@evolving3657]

Love the music..."Hard cover"

[@missedjam]

Great series Calvin! What do you think about Xavier Omar? Love Masego’s Yams.

[@ajat3202]

Xavier Omar is one my new favorites

[@remuspierre7573]

Awesome Reaction

[@princessshenaniganspresent5538]

R&B is definitely hidden at this point. Kenny Lattimore really holding it down.

[@darionjackson2599]

I remember back when I was younger it was a lot of people would buy albums specially the older generation I would see somebody with a TLC Monica her first album faith evans tevin Campbell brandy I like Nicki Minaj but why is she headlining the essence

[@princessshenaniganspresent5538]

@@darionjackson2599 honestly I think it's name recognition. I think they think her name will bring more bodies to the crowd.

[@darionjackson2599]

@@princessshenaniganspresent5538 I think more a young crowd and young generation also from 18-23 aleast I thought it was all r&b people hosting it not rap

[@chrisman3431]

@@darionjackson2599 Probably Nicki pull in the numbers and ppl are buying her tickets in like less than 30 minutes in the US, UK, Australia and everywhere abroad. She carried female for an entire decade and stood on her own in a male dominated industry. You can't be mad at her hustle after 14 years in the game 🤷🏾‍♂️

[@jb2736]

I think Bruno Mars & Super Sonic is helping to bring back R& B music..🎶

[@Ilovechicago100]

Yes 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾

[@bluedalia1114]

They are not

[@quirkyangelxoxo]

@@bluedalia1114 exactly. they’re helping to make it a corny old-sounding genre

[@chantricestasher3902]

Me and R&B is Dead are the same age now! 😆

[@v.a.l.5165]

The soulfulness and the diversity you spoke of in R&B isn't as prevalent in the current climate commercial music. Because music is so quick and easy to make now, it seems to me that there is less care taken and less creativity put into it. It is almost a factory churn for artists in every genre now.

[@zheahra]

Hi, Calvin. I think everybody gets to eat off of R&B music except black ppl. Racism is the reason why artist don't want to be labeled as an R&B artist. They won't let you compete with their artist. They have their picks. That's it.

[@quirkyangelxoxo]

agreed, I’d go further and say everyone gets to eat off of R&B except unambiguous black women. they allow one or 2 at a time (Summer Walker + SZA).

[@ruff1draft]

To be honest one off the smartest older artists out there is Gladys Knight especially with her credit card adverts

[@keepsit100atalltime9]

I love Ms. Knight! Such a class act. I love how she has kept in classy through out the years. She didn't have to show any skin bc she has REAL TALENT.

[@LIL-MAN_theOG]

Let's be real when we talk about Prince..all his epic most famous R&B slow jams are virtually unknown to white people. I tell white folks about the huge Prince songs we jam on, white folks are like whut ?!?!? They only know his pop hits

[@t.b.306]

Adore ❤️ is 🔥

[@anthonyrivas6203]

Tony Sway and his wife Janice Corrido are keeping R&B alive Check out Janice Corrido song called Please Stay

[@anony1596]

Does anyone listen to Joyce Wrice? What are y'alls thoughts? My friend and I really enjoy her album but we both say her voice leaves something to be desired? Can't really articulate it idk

[@chrisman3431]

I REALLY have to listen to her last album. I've seen that viral video on social media of her dancing to Janet's All For You

[@jdorecouture16]

I just got into her and her sound/voice reminds me of Brandy. I did enjoy what I've heard so far, but I understand why you may feel something is missing? I think she's developing her voice still but I appreciate her sound.

[@Kody-hf6eh]

I first heard of her songs two years ago on Spotify added them to my playlist. Her music is very amazing to me.

[@ruff1draft]

The churches in America gives you those Little Richard versatile vocals

[@cjayg.4553]

I totally agree with this, I just wish that RnB was up tempo again. I like some Daniel Cesar, Her, snoh Allegra I want to dance

[@chizmok5093]

i literally hate vibe r&b music. the mumbling/rapping/whispering is so annoying. it's all so dull and depressing and the lyrical content is so not uplifting