How R&B Became Introverted

[@12poprocks]

MJ said being mysterious is what keeps your career long and poppin

[@misterman6691]

Daniel well he long dead

[@misterman6691]

Daniel niggas see everything with social media 😭 the last phone mj had prolly a blackberry

[@d.52555]

Dry Boy Eazy He was still right, Jackass.

[@misterman6691]

xD how?😂😂

[@misterman6691]

DunnDigitalz5255 i’m not being a jackass he’s dead😑, social construct given the invention of the smartphone post 2008 and its use through the 2010 means majority of artists lives are on social media. tyler the creator and frank ocean both as polarizing and interesting as each other for opposite reasons if you ask me. frank is quiet and tyler makes as much noise as yu can in this industry.. still have long and fruitful careers

[@IlikepurpleXP]

Most poets/artists are introverted. Wanting to share your art with the world doesn’t necessarily mean wanting the attention that comes with it so this makes total sense.

[@uno9331]

No you're missing the point you cant avoid the fame people are trying to avoid the public knowing every detail of them because it's weird you cant have money without fame in the music industry even if you're underground you're still famous

[@uno9331]

Parris Robinson I wasn’t talking to you I was talking to the person who made this comment we’re talking on but I understand what you mean

[@TheMorganVEVO]

Exactly. They usually express themselves through their art work, not their off-stage personality or charisma. So fame can be a burden outside of the artistry aspect.

[@munnygawn9480]

I'm an author and use a pen-name

[@user-oo2gz9ln8v]

most these modern rnb people aren’t artists

[@alphabah49]

Until you realize a bunch of R&B artists back in the day were on drugs, depressed, suicidal or had other issues.

[@danijackie]

What makes you think the modern ones aren't as well?

[@animezae]

DANI JACKIE I’m wondering the same 😂

[@jayf8871]

Well it is emotional music. They’re probably more likely to be empaths

[@charnaeyoung9815]

@@danijackie They have a bigger microscope called social media so they need to keep their drug influenced actions to a minimum.

[@TB-cb3vj]

Not all

[@desciplesofthomassankara3021]

Introverted gang where yall at?

[@sxmara.x4164]

Boi 🤣🤣

[@bulldogydog13]

Checkin in main

[@ig3ntl3man3]

Trust me we in here #Gang

[@daniellaspace1617]

Yurr

[@gabrielalmonte4497]

....

[@issavirgo4838]

Maybe all Rnb artists are introverted but in the old days they weren’t bombarded by social media they also had drugs that kept them hyped up

[@rashadpreston7389]

We have more drugs now than then

[@iknowyourrightbut1136]

No matter what they killed it on stage, unlike her. Guess who else has anxeity? Beyonce...Bbeyonce. let me say again...Beyonce...that's why she is a star because she fights through it...everyone thinking they are special because they have anxiety not realizing everyone does 😆😆😩😩☠☠ That's what makes a star a star..because they can do what most can't.

[@tejaybe_sensei]

@@rashadpreston7389 but nowadays there's social media so everyone is going to know you do drugs instead of back then it was just he said she said. Social media makes you have no privacy. You can Google anybody and read on them. Back in the day there was no such thing.

[@clintjohnson1023]

@@iknowyourrightbut1136 there is s difference between being anxious and suffering from anxiety. Not everyone has anxiety. Plus Beyonce has been performing since she was a toddler. That's different to a summer walker.

[@IballVid]

@@iknowyourrightbut1136. It's not about being special because you have social anxiety, it's about being special because you are speaking out and openly about your anxiety. The video is not saying that people back then did not have those problems, it's saying that people now are incorporating their fears, demons, and mental struggles in their music which is different than what it used to be like. Just like what Clint said, there is a difference between being anxious and having anxiety. There is a difference between being sad and down, and having clinical and crippling depression. The fact that singers can now openly admit their struggles is a beautiful sign of the times. It is so important for everyone to talk about their feelings and seek help. Look for people who can love and or support you on your pursuit of happiness.

[@madmann1000]

Can we stop associating being introverted with mental illness? Being an introvert is not a mental issue.

[@n.m6015]

madmann1000 yeah fr

[@xxaidanxxsniperz6404]

Social anxiety and introversion are two different things

[@wilcisco1159]

I don't care if they label it as mental illness. I want to live as i am. Not being forced to be extrovert by the society

[@Jay_Em10]

Thank you. Society has such an extroverted bias and with it comes a gross misunderstanding about introversion. Its really ridiculous

Thank you!

[@seekingpathways1045]

They better thank SADE!...the queen of staying on top without her life being in the spotlight!

[@loributler127]

That's right Sade has cornered the market on being one of the hugely successful female artist a superstar who has stayed low key for over 3 decades and we love her for it. Some of these new artist lack the ability to create a persona so when it comes to at least having a personality that represents who they are there is a lack and very few will transcend over the rest like a Prince or Michael Jackson who created mystery by being shy but vulnerable which created a natural out of this world stage presence because they let their other worldly talent represent who they are on stage. The newer artist don't seem to have or are not given the time to develop as real artist which creates persona whether they are shy by nature or just want to shun the media and reveal nothing of themselves to their fans. It's called the music business and they do the music but want to ignore the business aspect like marketing, promotion and not presenting lack of interest in being good in interviews without coming across as aloof, boring or uninteresting. Most won't be remembered or have music that's remembered in 10 years let alone 30 or beyond people had talent and personality in the 80's 90's and some of the 00's I think it's fair to say that it's why there seems to be a void in the r&b that I've always loved with the exception of HER, Ella Mai rappers Noname, Raosody and the other few standout artists I'm lost for words at what's happened to r&b and hip hop these days. Too much of the same sound look and attitude. Just my opinion.

[@wakeupstopsleeping6300]

Because she makes sure she stay private

[@autobotdiva9268]

ok, she stay sold out concerts

[@thedepresseddog6035]

Don't forget Maxwell also

[@seekingpathways1045]

@@thedepresseddog6035 true him too.

[@ImMylesAwai]

Mary J Blige made being the "emotional, say your truth" R&b singer cool.

[@goatmamba4460]

And singing with a full voice

[@Galaxy_girl1]

I still love the my life album

[@joshuamcdowell5782]

Fantasia too

[@silent1267]

Nothing like the legends

@Tory Shaye lol

[@elijahpugh4735]

Prince and Michael Jackson both were super Introverts who commanded the R&B game so being introverted isn’t a crutch if you know how to Market it

[@cenoworldwide7979]

Elijah Pugh yeah but they also didn’t have social media back then where they would constantly have to hear or see ppl opinions

[@Blazenetwork1990]

The Notorious CENO Michael saw and heard people opinions everyday from the news outlet magazines and radio that was social media for him which took a toll on him as well

[@Jzarecta]

@@cenoworldwide7979 that doesn't mean they were critics free. What's the point of surrounding yourself with 'yes men' anyway?

[@spiritguidethee9992]

Because being Introverted isn't exactly the same as severe social anxiety sometimes the two conditions intertwine, but there's Levels to introversion not all introverts are the same

[@BLTGVon]

The Notorious CENO prince was hearing all the opinions ever since he started

[@jadenalise]

In a way The Weeknd pioneered being able to be elusive but mainstream at the same time. I think he opened the door for Bryson tiller, Khalid etc

[@coolida23511]

No, Sade did.

[@Ctwosrer]

Jaden Alise pioneered? Nah. U must haven’t heard of Sade

[@jadenalise]

I’m referencing artists of this decade, the ones mentioned in this video.

[@jadenalise]

And maybe Sade influence The Weeknd but as far as artists in this decade he was the first to be introverted and make a huge career out of it.

[@LocoNerd4Life]

Drake definitely helped

[@Fozzman97]

As a introvert can I just say I love this

[@caocacao-y7l]

Faraz Khan no

[@kerrajohnson3203]

*an

[@rrromain]

Faraz Khan yes

[@Tima-oz5te]

Amen

[@livewell-xt5xr]

Say that again

[@tommysinclair7237]

FYI there IS a CLEAR and MAJOR difference between being introverted, awkward, shy, and having social anxiety opposed to being unprofessional, giving dry performances/meet and greets, and laziness.

[@Shay45]

Introverted and shy are two different things FYI Shyness = social anxiety Introverted = a person who thrives on alone time and gets exhausted in extended social interactions

[@yoyodre]

You can't want to be in the public eye without being in the public eye

[@annikajade5600]

And not all introverts are awkward, shy and have social anxiety.

[@AHenry-xn9vy]

@@Shay45 Introvert is being shy and reserved. Being shy is not social anxiety. Y'all really making up definitions for these words and treating them as if it's some type of mental illness. It's not, it's just a personality which most people really aren't.

[@madmann1000]

sheepish goat no one should be forced to embrace people giving half ass performances.

[@jozzz222]

I love being an introvert. We so out of this world and beyond it 🖖🏽👽

[@parrishthomas92]

Legit

[@asktheuniverse231]

🤟🏾

[@wokk9543]

most people are introverted

[@sherwintavarez8539]

Tbh, I kind of like how private and introverted all the artists are nowadays, it's almost a reminder that they are just real normal people and arent these rich ass trap lords that all these rappers try to get everybody to see them as

[@cory5495]

exactly

[@kalync.8232]

They dont act like that tho. It’s ironic people say that because they live just as lavish lifestyles and are very aware of their power as public figures and abuse it as much as any rapper.

[@sherwintavarez8539]

@@kalync.8232 perhaps

[@ruggiec.ruggleby6511]

Why no mention of the Neo Soul R & B artists of the 00's? People like Erykah Badu, Lauren Hill, D'Angelo, Maxwell, Musiq, Bilal created an eclectic sound and elusive image with some interesting lifestyle and style choices as well.

[@swaggerjones81]

Yeah he fell a bit short on this

[@CM-ee9fg]

my thoughts as well

[@MarquesTheProducer]

don't forget Aaliyah's 2001 album 🙏🏽

[@cmooreHD]

Cause I think those artist are.. soul / neo soul. Not r n b as these artists have been “classified as” ..

[@MarquesTheProducer]

Courtney Moore yeah, but a lot of R&B artists do Neo Soul today. Some of them don’t even know what it is. Neo Soul didn’t completely fall off. It just sounds sort of contemporary now. It sounds almost like Aaliyah’s or Brandy’s version. You can compare the (self-titled) Aaliyah album to many of the songs that are out now. The same with Brandy’s Full Moon album. Except, Brandy didn’t start FOCUSING on Neo soul until now.

[@trentonhamilton645]

R&B means Rhythm and Blues a definitive genre sound which was translated from jazz, soul and gospel, mainstream music is relying heavily way too much on auto-tune and disoriented production style.

[@kemmyoluwo4732]

Don’t forget disco..

[@losgryfog]

No auto tune, playing a live instrument, lyrics and instrumental written, performed, recorded and mixed by the person singing and playing the instrument. Listen, Like, comment, share & subscribe. 👇🏾👇🏾👇🏾👇🏾👇🏾👇🏾👇🏾👇🏾👇🏾👇🏾👇🏾👇🏾 kzbin.info/www/bejne/b3fFpJuMaJWdntU

[@karmicobsession1636]

Thats why there is traditional r&b

[@NTakaNiggatron]

Actually, rhythm and blues was originally like a fusion of jazz with standard 12-bar blues in the late 40s through the early 60s. Gospel became a large influence on it in the early to mid 60s and it then started to be called “Soul.” “Funk” evolved from all of those previous elements and co-existed with the other sounds of R&B/Soul from the late 60s through mid 70s. After that, Disco, which was basically a simplified and less-tasteful combination of Funk and Philly Soul, and it’s mainstream success pretty much killed authentic rhythm and blues and soul music, or made it less popular. Then, most of the mainstream/contemporary r&b from the late 70s and most of the 80s that wasn’t disco or post-disco became watered-down and very commercial. Hip-hop came along and eventually fused with the contemporary r&b. Then it, plus drum machines, synthesizers, and the overall lack of live instruments, made what we know as black American music something alien compared to what it was before the past 30-45 years. I prefer black music from the 50s, 60s, and early 70s, but I still like some of the stuff made afterwards, too.

[@quwandathornton]

And the same old trap sounds getting mixed up with both rap and hip hop Whole Other genres sound the same like rock and country music.

[@g718ny]

The overused of smart phones and Social media is the main reason why more ppl are introverted.

[@daloin87061]

Being introverted is the best way

[@rashedulkabir6227]

Some people are natural introverts.

[@kellegeez]

I don't agree. Being introverted or extroverted is in your DNA

[@marayalockett844]

Ok boomer

[@moood47]

Nothing wrong with being introverted. It's not a disease

[@Greenman42241]

Low key felt like Jhene Aiko should have been part of this conversation she’s also helped push R$B and it’s realism ..🦋

[@myamonet1194]

Del Rey Ik her music is so beautiful ✨

[@cm725]

I dont get introvert vibes from Jhene she seems ok with being social

[@majestymxnt7384]

She's not an introvert tho.

[@lovelydime7913]

Yes she should of been

[@0111ulquiorra]

She isnt a introvert

[@Arbj]

Im an intovert since the womb...but I feel like now introversion is trending and in style and alot of people are gonna start jumping on the introvert bandwagon🙄

[@bossbabyfuyuhiko6657]

You can't bandwagon a personality trait.

[@khoneymocha]

@@bossbabyfuyuhiko6657 lmao but thats what they're doing just like all the trends you shouldn't be able to banxwagon like being trans, or being sexually other, or being trans racial etc.

[@bmitch3726]

Lol its already started

[@noushs8004]

I’d chop my left nut to be an extrovert, no one wants this curse.

[@richild3967]

noush S oh shut up you have chosen to accept this title you as a human can chose to change but the internet has fooled you that you don’t need to

[@AlexWordu]

The R&B scene leaves the real creatives with anxiety... cuz they can’t properly express themselves without everything they do being criticized

[@deshawnbutler]

Facts

[@hazellee3225]

That Lady you showed was NOT Toni Braxton lol

[@Prokid16]

Hazel Lee thank you!!!!! I thought I was the only who caught it

[@OfficialRanika]

Right, lmaoo

[@trence5]

@@Prokid16 I caught it too.

[@StuckOnEarthXD]

I was just about to type this up. Like, how can you not find a real picture of THE Toni Braxton? Lol, I am tickled.

[@lonelyenchantress2172]

Exactly smh!!🤦🏾‍♀️

[@supportshop1438]

Back in the day they had to practice like crazy, do talent show,audition. Now all you need is a social media account to become a star.

[@thetriplethreat3]

The fact that you used the actress who played Toni Braxton’s picture instead of actual Toni...I’m hurt lol

[@Cerl84]

shows how much he knows about black music. nothing.

[@swimteammtv4618]

well when you're not being unproductive and bashing your fellow black men I'd definitely be down to listen to your hip hop podcast . Until then go back to being bitter in your studio apartment while the rest of us enjoy the vid

[@lunarmgmt5556]

Feel like you missed out my boy PartyNextDoor but I’ll let it slide homie

[@officialconch]

He’s trash

[@Jadedgems]

Lunar MGMT all his songs sound the same

[@chachaslide180]

Lunar MGMT he missed Aaliyah too

[@animezae]

Is he really R&B?

[@jaylanthompson]

JLN hating ass

[@wowhowbizarre8176]

Surprised Frank I’m not leaving my house Ocean wasn’t on the thumbnail.

[@kakarot7483]

I want to make Rnb music but I don’t like being vulnerable. It feels like your opening up to the whole world about your feelings. Like the whole world is your therapist. Salute to rnb singers.

[@gelila.so.prophetic]

Im extremely introverted but it’s my gift, I’m more creative that way, peace of mind as well!

[@Senkuda]

Vulnerability is definitely accepted and appreciated by today's rnb listenership, but Miguel, Trey Songz, Bruno Mars are still more fun than gloomy...thank God for that

[@TonyTurner]

I thought Aaliyah would definitely be mentioned.

[@chrisl218569]

Bruno Mars still does R&B in the classic confident way

[@ry517]

Fame isn't healthy for human SOUL✨... BUT I UNDERSTAND 🧜🏾‍♀️

[@nelit708]

Toronto Artists really got the dark R&B poppin for the 2010’s.

[@dbrezz4438]

The weeknd drake pnd

[@manscv7037]

As an introvert and a huge fan of the weeknd, im glad how all the new inspired people by him are kind of introverts too and like to talk about mental health sometimes despite the Ironical fact that the weeknd dealt with mental health with drugs since he couldn't have better choices. He paved the way to all IMO.

[@ScottJarreau]

This is exactly why Tank has always been ahead of his time, and underrated. He has literally been bearing his entire soul since his first album and on every unreleased track he’s ever recorded.

[@amanichabikuli7125]

he said , "in this essay i will, ..."

[@chattyash]

This new R&b can miss me. Ill keep listening to music from the 80s,90s and early 2000s.

[@jwalk31]

I'm sorry but all I hear is.... My feelings... blah blah blah. I'm not gonna lie, I am an introvert and I feel that one chick when she cancelled tour dates because of social anxiety. I deal with it everyday, but.... that's the problem, they don't want to deal with it. I started dancing because I thought it would help me, and it did. I still feel that anxiety, mainly when I'm not dancing or teaching, just out in public and too many people are around for me, but damn stop whining. you are performers. MJ was an introvert, Prince was an introvert. That is well documented. It just sounds like excuses, and tbh.... most of the r&b today ain't poppin to begin with.

[@charmurff7422]

Well I think it's more easier to get treatment now for mental health issues. Than previously it was not known that depression was a true illness maybe back in the day you would have been considered weak for not falling in line doing all the things that the music industry wants or society. It takes courage to say that I need to reduce work to be healthy. I think more people should do this to have a balance. I wish I would have had the courage to do that at summer s age. I'm now realizing this after seeing the effects of too much work.

[@Shay45]

She is not just an introvert. She has social anxiety (shyness) If you are not shy or have any form of social anxiety you won’t understand.

[@LyricalIAm]

Shay45 I teach dance , make music, photography & speak publicly With social anxiety and I still keep moving on

[@brianaanderson9165]

Love what u said👏🏾

[@campbellnichelius]

For the people that didn't know, Yes there was a time when weeknd fans didn't even know what he looked like till the wicked games video...

[@tiarasolomon9279]

Entirely too sick of a “lack of confidence” being conflated with introversion.

[@richild3967]

Tiara Solomon thank you

[@manscv7037]

But you cant deny that the probability of lack of confidence increase with introversion, and could be the main part too for some. Some other introverts energy just run out quick. Have to recharge every now and then

[@MiketheNerdRanger]

I suffered with this for a long time, still do. But I'm actually an extrovert, and this confuses the crap out of people.

[@newnew4142]

I noticed that too. R& b has became more sappier & mellow than how it used to be. It's all about energy & vibes

[@d.luvevo711]

As a society, we're more aware of mental health and care so much more for the artists, encouraging them to put themselves first. Interestingly, this is actually hurting R&B. The genre feeds off of pain, depression, and struggle, and this new movement is trying to lift people out of that. Tiller is a good example, as a running joke is that his fans want him to be heartbroken again since he hasn't been able to keep creating classic music now that he's in a better mental state. Summer named her album "Over It" literally because she hates fame, and may be done with it after this year. Music is therapy for these artists, and when they find other outlets, the product isn't nearly as good. I think such rapid growth in our awareness and acceptance of mental health care is actually killing R&B, and that's not saying its a bad thing. But a lot of the genre doesn't have as much substance, because those who truly are in dark places and creating out of that pit, are now finding much better resources for redirecting that energy to improve their mental state. With Tiller, the Weeknd, PND, Summer, Miguel, Ari Lennox, 6LACK, and more we could've have a new era of great R&B, but (thankfully) these people are all caring for themselves now as opposed to putting all of their pain onto a record.

[@Ziko577]

Yeah but the genre itself may be done for as these days, most folks are seeking ways to heal themselves and R&B was never about that at all. I fear it may go the way of the dodo much like other genres of music.

[@jiachenxu5480]

I totally agree that mental health has become an important theme in R&B, but it can sometimes dilute the genre's character. Fans of R&B often connect with songs that explore personal struggles and pain, which can be lost when artists prioritize mental health. For instance, Keshi's hit song "2 soon" resonated with listeners because it was written during a difficult time of heartbreak and abandonment. This kind of emotional authenticity is what draws R&B fans in and helps them relate to the music. Not only is there a greater focus on mental health, but a key factor is the influence of hip-hop. As hip-hop became more popular and influential in the mainstream, many R&B artists added elements of hip-hop to their music, including rap and beats, which led to a blurring of the lines between the two genres. Moreover, instead of creating lyrical content, many R&B artists are taking inspiration from hip-hop, so that the content will mostly refer to social issues rather than just romantic relationships. Unfortunately, this trend has caused some listeners to question whether certain music can still be classified as R&B. The Weekend is a good example of this, as his focus on collaborating with other artists has allowed his songs to gradually move towards hip-hop and moved away from a strictly R&B sound.

[@kira3051]

Even though Beyoncé is not exclusively R&B but she is also a pioneer of not being in the spotlight and introversion for this decade

[@nayomiohouo840]

i don’t think that’s introversion, that’s her simply wanting to be private. cus we *know* she loves and thrives off of performing

[@kira3051]

Nayomi Ohouo true true

[@laylak765]

Beyoncé is an introvert, you can tell by the way she pauses when she speaks. You can be an introvert & love performing. It all depends

[@richiemc_]

This is one of the best hip hop channels

[@Elwrt455]

Give me the R&B/Soul of early-70's, early-80's, and 90's-early-2000's

[@colepitt2184]

I miss RnB of the 90s and early 2000's where it was uplifting and still had mega-radio play. The artists were very mature as well. Now everybody suffers from social anxiety and we have weirdos for the most part who are awkward during interviews. This introverted thing just aint the wave man and it has the RnB audience isolated. You barely hear RnB on the radio these days. Make RnB Great Again!!!

[@erroldunn5947]

PREACH!!!!!!!

[@phenomenonnarutokun]

R&B is deeper than ever before, we good

[@erroldunn5947]

What I don't really enjoy is more profanity in r&b music. There's a tasteful way of doing so, but most of these new artist think that including more profane words mean having a deeper connection...not always, in my opinion it's not the genre for it.

[@mugiwararaw]

Billie Eilish

[@colepitt2184]

Luffy1045 No it’s not stop it 🤣. It’s more depressing than ever before. Get some sunlight.

[@epiphannytaylor3211]

Lmao stop the reaches. R n b isn’t introverted, these ppl are.

[@docrussojr]

I saw The Weeknd and clicked.

[@yesman9601]

Frankie Russell xotwod

[@ayooandy]

Be introverted all u want but get a team who understands u and markets u that way.. why is summer doing meet and greets when she doesn’t like ppl ( their energy)

[@rjames1669]

Wanting too much attention is superficial. Everybody wanna be seen and heard but ain't saying nothing that deserves spotlight attention.FOH

[@rashadpreston7389]

Fr tho

[@melissam8546]

So true

[@Shay45]

For artists being seen and heard brings in the money. Which they use to live their lives

[@angelinaoliver5587]

Agreed!💯

[@trlpop7911]

@@Shay45 TMH willing. You don't need a bunch of name brands and bragging on the gram...and songs to "live your life". Narcissism folks. Widely accepted today- with the help of social media.

[@OhDatsJaVion]

I actually love the introvert millennial/gen-z artist🙌🏿🙌🏿 it’s very refreshing

[@charro028]

JaVion Riley I wish ppl loved the non-celebrity ones more! 😢

[@seekingpathways1045]

I agree who cares about their personal life... They get paid to sing.

[@OhDatsJaVion]

charro028 I do 😘, but it’s just hard to try and date/approach someone who got feelings for me, led alone approach me if there really shy

[@jaydamay6815]

this isn't R&B becoming introverted , this is alternative R&B

[@monalisa9636]

Young people obviously never heard about the 90s Grunge era. You’re not the first generation to sing about feelings. 🤷🏽‍♀️

[@kenzieb4907]

Arinze Ihezue the band is called Alice In Chains

[@Shay45]

Arinze Ihezue Are you talking about Kurt Cobain from Nirvana??

[@flyleelee5351]

Rnb is ALL ABOUT feelings, always has been 🤦🏾‍♀️

[@moood47]

Wrong video

[@Killinemkid]

...Grunge isn't R&B though is it... What he said is R&B artists gave up the pop star personas for something more vulnerable

[@Daydreamerr13]

When I think of this trend I remember back to 2011 when I first discovered The Weeknd and how dope and unique his sound was he for sure paved the wave for this new ~introvert/sad rappers wave

[@oxch0ngxo]

THAT'S NOT TONI BRAXTON!

[@thecharlieL]

oxch0ngxo Right!! That's an actress who played her in her biopic. Smh

[@oxch0ngxo]

CharlieL I SCREAMED

[@magnolialilly790]

EYE mean...🤦🏾‍♀️

[@melissam8546]

I was so confused!

[@SunShine-ou2uu]

I didn’t freaking think so..

[@atlfalconsfan4425]

okay, forgive me, but R&B music used to be about love, the power of love, being in love and what it can do to you. The reality is with social media disconnecting us more than ever and less people having someone in their life to even claim the are deeply, madly in love with (ex. no one sang it better than the Temptations) this generation is plunging deeper into isolation, depression and despair and I think the music is reflecting that. Love is harder and harder to come by and therefore seeming to be left out of the music as well.

[@Bedwetter4lyfe]

Thank you for this, XO community appreciates it.

[@shallowslumber]

I'm an introvert too, I wonder why that's why I've been gravitating toward R&B too. It has that chill otherwordly vibe Iike. Introverts can be charismatic too.

[@tristanirby6272]

It’s good how a lot of R&B Singers and groups are becoming more humanized and letting people in on their personal lives, but in a way I still love old school R&B. Don’t get me wrong I’ll listen some newer stuff too and like a few of them but I love the songs, singers and groups I grew up listening too.

[@Must_beniceluv]

Dang, this really makes me miss the old RnB 😭😭😭

[@justynh1321]

You know what kills me, R&B used to be like jazz. However its rough random and free style edges sanded off and polished into a jem, a diamond polished up from the rough apeal of jazz. Now its growing new harsh edges, adapting features of rap, i cant stand that the smooth voices of old acomponied by saxaphones, organ and mellow synths were replaced with harsh voices and the trappings of rap. Its rap for people who dont like rap, and well i don't like rap because its what it is, its grity and harsh, same way i dont like grunge or thrash, dark, or hair metal.

[@dangeroustelevision6515]

R&B changed when it stopped singing about love.

[@tadialbert1036]

The weeknd and frank definitely started this

[@dmg.2443]

No they didn't.

[@tadialbert1036]

@@dmg.2443 they definitely did

[@tadialbert1036]

@@dmg.2443 all this lil r&b artist around nowdays were influenced by the weeknd and frank. U cant even argue bout that cuz it's a fact

[@dmg.2443]

@@tadialbert1036 introversion and social anxiety is not something that's influenced especially not from someone outside of your social circle and family of origin. Michael Jackson and Prince were also socially awkward. Now what?

[@dmg.2443]

@@tadialbert1036 even D'Angelo came before Frank and the Weeknd

[@leonalex330]

Back in the day RnB artists had to be sleek, sexy, stylish, somewhat flashy and smooth. I think to market a successful RnB artist nowadays they basically need to be brooding, jaded, dark, mysterious and a bit gruff.

[@99growlithe99]

You’re right. At this point, dark and introspective broodiness is the expected formula given its wild success. It’s the default flavor of RnB now.

[@JO-iv7tl]

I believe r&b at it's heart always deals emotions. Along that vein only introverts can channel that outer reality into something relatable. Being able to internalize your own view points without self censorship always leads to a more truthful experience between artist and audience. A step in the right direction. R&b forever.

[@Dls2769]

Its sad when someone makes a long dissertation about something and go on and on about something when they dont know what they are talking about

[@phillinsogood]

Nothing will ever top the 90’s & early 00’s R&B when people really saaaaaaang

[@blackamagic8618]

Philip Moore Beyonce sang in 4 album but black people let it flopped . So now No more r&b music from her again

[@vinx3407]

1960s and 1970s rnB is better than 90s and early 00s RnB. 90s and early 00s is being overrated because of the 20 year old nostalgia wave

[@erichicks8698]

Didn't even realize that this video needed to be done however this was very informational. I enjoyed this video.

[@sjw4life546]

Wait a second. R&B music still exists? Good to know

[@paytonbf1]

I think that most R&B geniuses are naturally introverted. And that’s because they have so much passion and soul, inside!

[@ethereal74]

The amount of research done for these videos is mind boggling !

[@Black_American_Native]

N this is why r&b is dead. It's cool to be like that in your music but r&b is suppose to be broad. We can't all be depressed. Also there was songs that touched on social issues. Smh

[@TheBamaPrinceable]

This.

[@starvalentino]

Your topics are so well thought out and creative!

[@baatile]

It has also become boring and monotonous. If you’ve heard one artist, you’ve heard them all.

[@Rebrandking]

Agreed.

[@abbyd2663]

ever heard Weeknd

[@fantasyvsreality1013]

The artist Mario music has truly captured what R&B is suppose to be. His music is like the 2000s part 2. Hope he becomes the next King of RnB👑👑👑

[@monalisa9636]

I’ll get hate. But I see this as weakness. Younger people, especially young black people are so effing emotional and soft. I’m an introvert and emotional. But I also don’t feel the need to overly share about every single emotion. I’ve gotten tough over the years because I pulled myself up by the boots. The world is not rainbows and butterflies. Depression is real, but dwelling on it and never wanting to be uncomfortable doesn’t help. Just goes to show. Fame isn’t for everyone. People will feel bad for you for a while, but always complaining will make them turn on you.

[@prettyinpinkgirlchannel5291]

If this ain't the most realest shit I ever herd and this resonate with me on so many levels

[@TheLeah2344]

Thank you 🙌🏿

[@Shaddowkhan]

Ok Boomer

[@waynedexter]

Being introverted is the least of modern RnB’s problems

[@divalocity]

Many of these singers aren't introverted, they just can't sing. The mainstream media has destroyed our pool of talent by quickly putting anybody out there who fits the image sans the talent.

[@isaiahwinbrone]

I miss r&b music from the 90's & the early 00's

[@dushawnpowell234]

It took 2 years fa me to see The Weeknd’s face .. I was curious asf

I think the changes we see in r&b are due to its convergence with hip-hop.

[@BMEZY]

i just need vocal showmanship to return to form.. I’m sick of the whiny whisper nasal singing😪

[@esq1030]

Devonte Lampkin Big Facts

[@mylokaf]

I’m sick of The Weekend’s nasally voice lol. That’s why most of the tributes to legends that we see at award shows fall flat because most of these younger singers can’t sing as well as the old-school singers. Nothing would make me cringe more than listening to The Weekend attempt to sing Marvin Gaye. 🤮

[@SHESTAGOOEYFROMOPIUS]

@@mylokaf bruh

[@TheBamaPrinceable]

Not only vocal showmanship but variety in production. Almost all modern R&B has that same downbeat somberness no matter who produces it. Despite being more "personal" and "down to earth", R&B as a genre is multifaceted but for some reason, people choose to only partake in one singular style.

[@nathanielhendrix4798]

Myka Fisher I like The Weeknd honestly. I think trying to emulate the old way is stupid

[@raylugar8807]

Bro you are on to the truth. I have watched 3 of your videos. Your perspectives are on point and accurate. Thank you for giving people a different way of looking at hip hop.

[@abbyd2663]

1.Weekend 2. Chris brown 3. Bruno mars saving the R &B🙏

[@abbyd2663]

@Mariah&WhitneyLamb sorry I respect your opinion but your opinion is Wrong

[@abbyd2663]

@Mariah&WhitneyLamb you can explain if you want to I'm all up

[@praneelmajumdar472]

Hell yeah weeknd

[@PaolaTheTimeLord]

this is probably why i’ve always loved r&b 😭

[@BlackEffect]

The Weeknd is leader of the R&B new school

[@ItzJeweled]

He isn’t that new school tbh, he’s been in the game for a pretty long time

[@BlackEffect]

Jeweled yea he is these new niggas FATHER. He ushered in this mystique and sound u hear

[@DanielCastro-nw6fy]

this is facts hes the leader for this new generation of R&B, its fun to watch how the generations pass the torch, watchinn how artist like chris brown are inspiring the next gen of r&b music

[@jasonh9335]

As much as I love artists like Prince, I think it’s good to finally focus on the music instead of image. It makes me think of when rock music went from “glam hair metal” to “grunge” in the early 90s. Now if we could just lose all the genre labels and just enjoy the music.

[@Vexil07]

They make the most fire music

[@shermandixon8349]

Soul went back to gospel ,jazz went back to jazz . I only listen that good era of soul music throwback any day& anytime on KZbin . thanks KZbin for making it so much loved and possible for me !!!!

[@williamkelley1537]

That photo of Toni Braxton was not the real Toni. It’s the actress from her biopic.

[@لالهوةإلالهوتي]

RnB has become depressed and depressing. I’m grateful we have the escapism of early RnB

[@charlesislaw]

Nobody wants to be a MegaStar anymore

[@IlikepurpleXP]

Charles Stevenson that sounds draining as hell lol

[@charlesislaw]

@@IlikepurpleXP lol!!

[@creolito9600]

You won't see people like Michael Jackson or Beyoncé anymore now artist act like they are you friends

[@rion7889]

@@creolito9600 wym by this ?

[@afrosensei5308]

I agree with this to a point. A lot of times the artists who are larger than life (Elton John, Prince, Beyonce, Janet, Freddie Mercury, MJ, Marilyn Manson) are extremely introverted offstage. They just channel their extroverted side onstage via an extravagant image. On the flipside someone who is very introverted in public can be very sociable offstage. It's not one size fits all

[@iknowyourrightbut1136]

Comparing MJ, The Weeknd and Bryson to summer??? Lmao they have energy and stage presence no matter how introverted they are when they are on stage they are amazing ..summer lacks star skills sorry!

[@majestymxnt7384]

My only problem is there's too many of em now. Bryson, Abel, SZA and Summer and now everybody wants to be a weirdo, introvert R&B singer singing over mellow trap beats. Thas why I really appreciate Ari Lennox. She's a big breath of fresh air. Or even 6LACK. He's an introvert in his music but you can hear him fighting to get out of that state.

[@kenzieb4907]

Everyone you mentioned followed in Abel’s footsteps

[@majestymxnt7384]

@@kenzieb4907 Well duh.

[@bronxkies]

R&B sucks now. It’s all these young folks pretending to be cerebral as if they actually have any depth. R&B folks of yesteryear stayed in their “intellectual lanes” and were eloquent, soulful and beautiful. They knew who they were, at least in their music. Sure, they were in fact on drugs and struggled in front of cameras and behind the scenes with addictions of various kinds, but their zeal for their music was electrifying. They expressed many emotions, thoughts and ideas that surpassed that of sex and partying. Mariah Carey is a good example of this. She, and her cowriters, crafted lyrics that placed you in her diary. You could hear of anguish and heartbreak in “Breakdown” with Bone Thugz n Harmony. It was a song of its time stylistically but from the chords, the choice of feature artists, and the lyrics, you could feel the hurt and solemn mood of a heartbreak. She talks about how it drives her insane and how she’s suffering but she covers it up so nobody is on to what she’s going through. Artists nowadays could do that but they too are a product of their era- narcissistic, materialistic brooding adults in arrested development. Nowadays, R&B is filled with “artists” who slur their words, mumble through their teeth and try to express 3 dimensional ideas through clunky 2 dimensional means. They’re not deep. They’re all “depressed”, “moody”, “broken” and suffer from anxiety. It’s not honest. It’s not genuine. It’s a fad. It’s boring and lack luster.

[@quidagis33]

Is any artist happy or sings about seeing the light besides wading in the darkness? I haven't listened to r&b in the last 10 years or so because what my friends tried to introduce to me sounded like music that would put me to sleep. I want to have fun, feel love and think as a music consumer. I appreciate the honesty of the new artists but I also appreciate the self-discipline, artist development of the past. I like not knowing about an artist to the point they seem mysterious but I also like connecting to their lyrics. I also like the artist to look like they want to sing in front of people and engage with the audience! So if you know of any that do this, please let me know! And, for good measure, if you know any artist that actually doesn't use expletives and tries to use more of the English vocabulary, please let me know. Thanks!

[@MarquesTheProducer]

R&B does not suck. Who are you listening to...don't even try to play SZA. Mariah Carey is on her own lane in music. Don't expect everyone to be like her. There's people like H.E.R., Bryson Tiller, Jazmine Sullivan (favored by Brandy), Brent Faiyaz/Frank Ocean (similar to Aaliyah), Teyana Taylor (very similar to Toni Braxton), Jhené Aiko, Tamar Braxton, Daniel Caesar, Ari Lennox (favored by Erykah Badu), Snoh Aalegra (similar to Sade), etc. R&B basically never changed. Young people always owned the spotlight since the 90s. R&B was always based off of emotion.

[@vinx3407]

People are gonna pretend like RnB music hasn't been singing about emotions since it started, wtf are ya'll from? Phyllis Hyman and Gill Scott Heron and Bobby Womack and many others all sung about real shit and their music was sad but still was invigorating in its sadness and confidence, unlike current music that is sad but is as listless and wimpy and weak as it wants the listeners to be. Music is supposed to be lush and confident in its direction wherever it wants to take, not lackluster and half baked, alas, they need to be cheap and cut corners so production is taking a hit of course.

[@3boodae749]

I thought this video was gonna be about how far rnb has fallen since around 2004... cuz it sucks badly now.

[@Temujin18S]

Facts

[@fatherbewithme]

With the exception of Artists like Teyana Taylor, Sza, HER, Jazmine Sullivan, Jade Novah to name a few

[@vicmoridon46]

Introverted r&b singers isn't new, it's called neo soul

[@a.taylor8294]

How did you totally overlook consideration of the role that the neo-soul era likely played in the transition between older systematic R&B to the openness and emotion you're highlighting in modern R&B? Sorry, there were plenty of R&B artists bearing their problems and real emotion in the 90s and early 2000s.

[@stewarteasy72]

Today's R&B music can't hold the candles for the real old school R&B music. I heard about K. Michelle ripping off New Edition's Can You Stand the Rain. I used to be a fan of Usher until 2008 and 09.