Contemporary R&B rose in the 1980s from the ashes of Disco. Some of the first artists to embrace this new sound were Michael Jackson, Whitney Houston, Stevie Wonder, Mariah Carey…Tina Turner was even able to revamp her career due to the smooth, synthesized tones.
The new sound encompassed elements of Funk, Soul, Pop, Dance-Pop, and Electronic music with a smooth, polished finish.
For more on Contemporary R&B, check out this write-up.
To kick start the “Baby Makin’ Project,” for some it only seems logical and appropriate to begin by highlighting who many applaud to be the King of R&B, R.Kelly. When speaking of R&B in this highlight, we are talking about Contemporary R&B, and for the last 20 years R.Kelly has reigned on and behind the scenes as a musical giant. The 3 time Grammy-winning, Chi-town native has created hit after hit, and the argument can be made that in fact he actually was the one to “invent sex”*. Interestingly enough, R.Kelly has never been shy to show gratitude to the ‘Big-Man-Upstairs’, having written some Gospel tracks. That being said, Mr.kelly is no saint, and yes, this is in reference to the sex scandal that has haunted his career for the past 10 years; he was recently found not guilty on all accounts.
The 41-year old singer has had an amazing career, and is still producing music with the release of his Write Me Back album June 26.
For more on R.Kelly visit the Official R.Kelly site.
*In reference to Trey songz I Invented Sex, Ready (2009)
*Songs not uploaded to Grooveshark Playlist
