The sound of R&B is difficult to pin down. Since the 1950s, the label has been used both as a genre and as a catch-all for the entirety of black popular music. Soul, funk, disco and even hip-hop have at times been covered by this "R&B" umbrella. On Chance The Rapper's new album, The Big Day, all of these influences come through—and he's not alone. On recent Kehlani records, 90s R&B and 2000s trap both play a role. But both these artists are a far cry from the 50s R&B sounds of Sam Cooke. To understand how R&B has changed over time, we consult with Trevor Anderson, manager of Billboard's R&B/Hip Hop chart. Then we speak with R&B super-producer Oak Felder to understand how R&B is progressing and what it might become.

Songs Discussed

Chance The Rapper – Hot Shower

Chance The Rapper – I Got You

Sam Cooke – You Send Me

Elvis Presley – Crying In the Chapel

The Temptations – I Can’t Get Next To You

Mtume – Juicy Fruit

Biggie – Juicy

Toni Braxton – Breath Again

Janet Jackson – That’s The Way Love Goes

Boys II Men – I’ll Make Love To You

Lauryn Hill – Doo Wop (That Thing)

Diddy – I’ll Be Missing You (feat. Faith Evans & 112)

Nelly – Dilemma

Kehlani – Distraction

SWV – Weak

Aaron Hall – I Miss You

Usher – You Make Me Wanna

Brandy – Sit-in Up In My Room

Dru Hill – In My Bed

Silk – Freak Me

Demi Lovato – Sorry Not Sorry

Jodeci – Cry For you

Mariah Carey – Vision of Love

Kehlani Everything Is Yours

Chance The Rapper – All Day Long

Queen – Fat Bottom Girls

Diana Ross – I’m Coming Out

For an in depth history of R&B on Billboard, read Chris Molanphy's feature on Pitchfork.

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