Female Transformation In  R&B Music (90’S – 2000’S) - Boohema Boohene (08/09/2013)

Rhythm and Blues also known as R&B has been around since the 1940’s. The term was originally used by record companies to describe recordings marketed predominantly to urban African Americans, at a time when "urbane, rocking, jazz based music with a heavy, insistent beat" was becoming more popular

                  

It consists of slow harmonies, melodies and lyrics about real life situations hence appeals to many when going through a rough time in their life. In the past, music was a way of expression and many blacks used it to communicate their struggles amongst each other; struggles such as racism, segregation, abuse, love, marriage, children and many other topics.

90’s R&B music differs from the contemporary styles of today. Not necessarily in the slow rhythm and melodies used, but the lyrics have become less meaningful and heartfelt overtime which has now defamed the genre. Monica a 90’s singer, who started when she was 15 had a hit song in 1995 named ‘Just one of those days’. To a regular audience it appears that Monica needs some space between her and her boyfriend; because maybe she is not sure about her relationship any more. This type of scenario would relate to many teenage girls as they were probably going through the same situation, and this song assures them that they are not alone.

Females in the 90’s were always pouring out their heart in their lyrics, especially to the opposite gender about how they felt lost without them, or they were heartbroken. This makes women come across as very fragile weak and dependent on men to restore happiness in their lives although they also cause them pain. However over a period of 10 years this has changed drastically.

Females are now independent and talking about how they don’t need a male to define them for example the hit song: Independent woman by Destiny’s Child gave women hope that they could be in control of their lives. It’s amazing to see how Women are viewed positively in today’s society, when in the 1990’s they were oppressed and undermined. This has definitely been a positive outcome for females. Other empowering artists include; Jennifer Lopez, and Janet Jackson.  

Besides the words losing a sense of meaning in R&B music and drastically changing in terms of context. Because of the industry changing, contemporary R&B music is now about what sells and what can become mainstream instead of the lyrics, which is why the whole genre is declining. Real talented singers have become underground whilst mediocre singers have climbed their way up to the top. Personally this breaks my heart as I feel a whole generation will miss out on good music.

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