Contemporary R&B
Also known as "R&B Today," this subgenre combines elements of traditional R&B with modern production techniques.
- Notable Artists: Beyoncé, Usher, Rihanna.
- Beyoncé - "B'Day"
- Usher - "Confessions"
- Rihanna - "Good Girl Gone Bad"
- Alicia Keys - "Songs in A Minor"
- Chris Brown - "Exclusive"
Neo-Soul
Blends R&B with elements of soul, jazz, and hip-hop, often featuring introspective lyrics and live instrumentation.
- Notable Artists: Erykah Badu, D'Angelo, Jill Scott.
- Erykah Badu - "Baduizm"
- D'Angelo - "Brown Sugar"
- Jill Scott - "Who Is Jill Scott? Words and Sounds Vol. 1"
- Maxwell - "Urban Hang Suite"
- Lauryn Hill - "The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill"
Alternative R&B
Pushes the boundaries of traditional R&B with experimental production, electronic elements, and non-linear song structures.
- Notable Artists: Frank Ocean, The Weeknd, Janelle Monáe.
- Frank Ocean - "Channel Orange"
- The Weeknd - "House of Balloons"
- Janelle Monáe - "The ArchAndroid"
- Solange - "A Seat at the Table"
- Miguel - "Kaleidoscope Dream"
TrapSoul
Combines R&B vocals with trap music production, often exploring themes of love, relationships, and street life.
- Notable Artists: Bryson Tiller, PARTYNEXTDOOR, 6LACK
- Bryson Tiller - "Trapsoul"
- PARTYNEXTDOOR - "PARTYNEXTDOOR"
- 6LACK - "FREE 6LACK"
- SZA - "CTRL"
Gospel R&B
Infuses R&B with gospel music elements, featuring powerful vocal performances and spiritually uplifting lyrics.
- Notable Artists: Kirk Franklin, Mary Mary, Marvin Sapp.
- Kirk Franklin - "God's Property"
- Mary Mary - "Thankful"
- Marvin Sapp - "Thirsty"
- Yolanda Adams - "Mountain High... Valley Low"
- Hezekiah Walker - "Live in Atlanta at Morehouse College"
New Jack Swing
Combines R&B with hip-hop and electronic dance beats, popular in the late '80s and early '90s.
- Notable Artists: Teddy Riley, Bobby Brown, Keith Sweat.
- Bobby Brown - "Don't Be Cruel"
- Keith Sweat - "Make It Last Forever"
- Teddy Riley - "No Diggity" (produced for Blackstreet)
- Guy - "Guy" (self-titled)
- Janet Jackson - "Rhythm Nation 1814"
Quiet Storm
Known for its smooth and romantic sound, often played on late-night radio.
- Notable Artists: Luther Vandross, Sade, Anita Baker.
- Luther Vandross - "Never Too Much"
- Sade - "Diamond Life"
- Anita Baker - "Rapture"
- Peabo Bryson - "Straight from the Heart"
- Al B. Sure! - "In Effect Mode"
