MakeRNB
The 1990s were the golden era of R&B — a decade that gave us smooth love ballads, dance-floor anthems, and soulful grooves that still inspire artists today. But R&B in the 90s wasn't just one sound. It was a family of genres, each with its own style, story, and stars.
Let's break down the key R&B genres of the 90s, their unique traits, and the artists and songs that defined them.
What is New Jack Swing?
New Jack Swing was the heartbeat of dance floors in the early 90s. Created by producer Teddy Riley, it fused R&B melodies with hip-hop beats, giving R&B a harder, funkier edge.
Characteristics: Swing beats, punchy drum machines, funky basslines, choreographed group performances.
Key Artists: Guy, Bobby Brown, Janet Jackson, Bell Biv DeVoe.
Classic Tracks:
- Bobby Brown – Rock Wit'cha
- Guy – Groove Me
- Bell Biv DeVoe – Poison
- Janet Jackson – Rhythm Nation
What is Hip-Hop Soul?
If New Jack Swing was about fun, Hip-Hop Soul was about raw honesty. Coined in the early 90s, this style blended hip-hop's gritty beats with the emotional storytelling of R&B, making it the "real voice of the streets."
Characteristics: Urban edge, hip-hop rhythms, deeply personal lyrics.
Key Artists: Mary J. Blige, Jodeci, Faith Evans.
Classic Tracks:
- Mary J. Blige – Real Love
- Jodeci – Come and Talk to Me
- Faith Evans – Soon As I Get Home
What is Quiet Storm?
Originally a 70s radio format, Quiet Storm R&B took on a new life in the 90s. This was the soundtrack of late nights — silky, romantic, and designed for candlelit moods.
Characteristics: Slow tempos, lush arrangements, intimate lyrics.
Key Artists: Babyface, Anita Baker, Toni Braxton.
Classic Tracks:
- Babyface – Whip Appeal
- Toni Braxton – Breathe Again
- Anita Baker – I Apologize
- Maxwell – Ascension (Don't Ever Wonder)
What is Neo-Soul?
By the mid-to-late 90s, a new wave arrived: Neo-Soul. Mixing classic soul with modern R&B, jazz, and funk, this genre was poetic, organic, and deeply introspective. It spoke to listeners looking for depth and authenticity.
Characteristics: Organic instruments, jazzy harmonies, laid-back grooves, thoughtful lyrics.
Key Artists: Erykah Badu, D'Angelo, Lauryn Hill, Maxwell.
Classic Tracks:
- Erykah Badu – On & On
- D'Angelo – Brown Sugar
- Lauryn Hill – Ex-Factor
- Maxwell – Whenever Wherever Whatever
What is Contemporary R&B?
Finally, we can't talk about 90s R&B without mentioning Contemporary R&B, the mainstream sound that dominated radio and MTV. Polished, soulful, and universally appealing, this style became the face of R&B worldwide.
Characteristics: Smooth vocals, glossy production, love-centered ballads.
Key Artists: Mariah Carey, Boyz II Men, Whitney Houston, Toni Braxton.
Classic Tracks:
- Boyz II Men – I'll Make Love to You
- Toni Braxton – Un-Break My Heart
- Mariah Carey – Always Be My Baby
- Whitney Houston – I Will Always Love You
Why the 90s Still Matter ✨
The 90s were more than just a moment — they set the blueprint for today's R&B. From Beyoncé's polished ballads to The Weeknd's moody neo-soul influences, you can hear echoes of these genres everywhere.
👉 If you're making your own 90s R&B playlist, try picking one song from each genre above — you'll get the full picture of how diverse, yet interconnected, this golden era really was.