Let’s be real—R&B has changed in amazing ways over the past several decades, forever reinventing itself while never losing its soul. From suave crooners to diva belters, each era has seen us introduced to artists who redefined love, heartbreak, and everything in between. These ten artists didn’t just release hits—they created legacies, impacted generations, and provided us with soundtracks for countless memories. Here’s a glance at ten R&B legends who’ve kept the genre alive and flourishing, each in their own indelible way.
10. Monica
Monica has been a consistent voice in R&B since the mid-’90s, and her persistence is all the more impressive for being so consistent. She hit the ground running as a teenager with a vocal maturity beyond her age, and she never quit. Tunes such as “Angel of Mine” and “So Gone” were immediate classics, demonstrating both her powerhouse range and her emotional range. What separates Monica is that she can grow and remain authentic, both vulnerable and strong, and with a classic sense of style that’s kept her in heavy rotation for decades.
9. Jazmine Sullivan
When Jazmine Sullivan sings, you feel every word. She’s one of the few singers who can switch between heartbreak and empowerment in a verse. Her debut album, Heaux Tal, solidified her as not only a vocal force but also a keen storyteller not afraid to get into the messy truth of love, lust, and identity. Tracks such as “Pick Up Your Feelings” and “Bust Your Windows” showcase her range, both technical and emotional, and serve as a reminder of why she’s one of the genre’s most iconic contemporary R&B voices.
8. Dru Hill
Prior to Sisqó breaking out on his own to release “The Thong Song,” he and his act Dru Hill were 90s R&B kings. Their performances, showmanship, and emotive delivery made them stand out from the rest. Songs like “In My Bed” and “Never Make a Promise” married smooth vocals with genuine emotion, providing listeners with both energy and heartache in equal amounts. They were able to distill the sound of a generation, part church choir, part street corner harmony, and their impact on subsequent boy bands and R&B crews is unquestionable.
7. Charlie Wilson
Not many artists have had careers as long-lasting and successful as Charlie Wilson. Beginning with The Gap Band and extending well into his solo career, “Uncle Charlie” has been an R&B icon for generations. His voice, warm, soulful, and immediately identifiable, has only improved with age, like a good wine. Tracks like “Outstanding,” “You Are,” and “Charlie, Last Name Wilson” demonstrate his capacity to seamlessly cross generations while never losing that happy, feel-good spirit. His work with other artists such as Kanye West and Pharrell demonstrates his sound remains as ageless as ever.
6. Lauryn Hill
Lauryn Hill did not require a gigantic discography to leave her impression; she needed but one magnum opus. The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill is a generation-defining album that combined R&B, soul, and hip-hop with an intensity of emotion and sincerity not often equaled before or since. Her unbridled narrative, combined with her unparalleled delivery, created a new standard for realness in music. Even years on, “Ex-Factor” and “Doo Wop (That Thing)” remain cultural landmarks. Lauryn Hill’s impact is so deep, it’s still being felt across all aspects of R&B and beyond.
5. Ne-Yo
Ne-Yo is one of those blessed talents who shine both in front of the mic and behind the pen. His silky, smooth vocals turned hits such as “So Sick” and “Miss Independent” into overnight sensations, but his writing credits speak louder still; he’s penned for the likes of Beyoncé and Rihanna. His ability to create memorable melodies that linger, combined with lyrics that reach into the heart, cemented his status as one of contemporary R&B’s most vital voices. Whether he’s warbling about broken hearts or personal growth, Ne-Yo’s music somehow manages to touch.
4. Guy
Before there was Usher or the return of New Edition, there was Guy—the group that revolutionized R&B during the late ’80s and early ’90s. Charters of the new jack swing phenomenon, Teddy Riley, Aaron Hall, and Timmy Gatling merged hip-hop rhythms with smooth R&B harmonies, producing a sound that took clubs and radio by storm. Songs such as “Groove Me” and “Let’s Chill” still pack the same punch today. Guy didn’t just make hits—they built the blueprint for modern R&B’s rhythm-driven style.
3. SWV
Sisters With Voices, better known as SWV, brought soulful harmonies and undeniable confidence to R&B’s golden age. Their signature song “Weak” is practically a national anthem for anyone who’s ever fallen in love. But their hits didn’t stop there, “Right Here,” “I’m So into You,” and “Rain” still sound as fresh as ever. What set SWV apart was their chemistry, the type of vocal mix that sounds easy but takes years to master. They had power and softness just right, a combination that still inspires women’s R&B groups today.
2. Bobby Brown
Before Chris Brown, before Usher, there was Bobby Brown, the first bad boy of R&B. After he departed from New Edition, Bobby made his own way with swagger, charm, and undeniable talent. His solo career in the late ’80s and early ’90s produced such hits as “My Prerogative” and “Every Little Step,” blending R&B with hip-hop swagger. He was unconventional, crazy, and totally necessary for the genre’s growth. Like or dislike him, Bobby Brown altered the R&B movement and performance.
1. Chris Brown
Say what you will about the scandal, there’s no way to deny Chris Brown’s influence on R&B and pop music. Since his debut at the age of 16, he’s been pushing the boundaries of what it means to be a contemporary performer. With a voice that varies from soft to incendiary and dance steps that compete with the legends, Chris Brown has come close to two decades of chart and stage domination. Singles such as “Forever,” “No Guidance,” and “Under the Influence” demonstrate his versatility as he melds R&B, hip-hop, and pop into something distinctly his own. Love him or hate him, his longevity and artistry speak for themselves.
Ultimately, these ten artists are the lifeblood of R&B, each contributing their own sound, tale, and aesthetic to the equation. From classic love songs to anthems of female empowerment, they’ve provided us with music that still sounds as good today as it did the day it was released. Whether you’re a product of their era or a more recent convert, one thing is for sure: R&B would not be what it is today without the impact of these ten artists.