The song “OMG” by Usher might as well announced the end of R&B. It was as if the genre couldn’t exist by itself, and needed, for existing and have place in the pop charts, to mix with dance and electro music. Though artists like Miguel, Frank Ocean or Janelle Monáe are few examples of mainstream R&B success, it is true that the genre doesn’t have the same prestige it had in the 90s. It is true that the genre has changed. But it is far from dead. In fact, it could be said that the genre is leaving some kind of underground golden age. Or at least silver for the nostalgic of the 90s, the true golden age of R&B.
SZA and Jesse Boykins III are two of the artists that lead this silver age. Kelela, Kwabs, FKA Twigs, Inc. could also be added in the list. One characteristic that unites these artists is their presence on the Internet. Putting mixtapes, making remixes and re-fixes on SoundCloud, blogging on Tumblr and tweeting. They are from the young and connected generation and know how to interact with their audience.
SZA
SZA’s “Z’’ is her first album after “See.Za.Run” and “S” EPs. The album features song with Chance the Rapper, Kendrick Lamar and productions by Felix Snow and Toro Y Moi. One of the criticisms held against the new R&B generation is a focus on heavy production. Indeed heavy productions can be a way to hide a weak voice. This is not the case with SZA, whose voice is not particularly powerful but stands out and blends well with the productions.
The best songs like “Warm Winds,” “Green Mile” or the pop “Julia” features her best vocals as well as soft and introspective lyrics. “Sweet November” with a sample from the late Marvin Gaye, a beautiful shout-out to one of the
JESSE BOYKINS III
On the other hand, Jesse Boykins III is blatantly “SOUL.” “Love Apparatus” is his third album. What is surprising with this album is that it is produced by Machinedrum who is an electro musician and producer. The mixing of electro and R&B can give us the Worst (see: “OMG”) or the best, like Love Apparatus. The collaboration between the two artists produces a sensual and groovy album, that’ll be perfect for summer nights.
Favorite songs include “GreyScale,” “4 Ever No More” and the funky “B4 the Night Is Thru.”
These two albums are ambitious and show that there are still artists who are willing to explore themes of love and relationship through this sometimes derided, but beloved and influential genre.
KELIS
Kelis? New? Yes. She’s been in the game for fifteen years. In 1999 came out “Caught Out There,” with its iconic video of the artist screaming while shaking her pink and green Afro “I hate you so much right now.” Since then she released “Tasty,” “Kelis Was Here,” and “Flesh Tone” and took a break to become a saucier. Kelis is a chameleon; each release is unsettling and innovating.
The name of the new album is “FOOD.” After her last album, Flesh Tone, Kelis took cooking classes to be a saucier. The album is about Food and therefore everything. Life, children, family, love. The first two songs are called “Breakfast” and “Jerk Ribs.” The latter has an afro-beat on which Kelis’ raspy voice sings invokes her childhood in Harlem. Overall the album is autobiographical. The singer is confident as ever, experimenting with sounds. There are a lot of horns and catchy chorus. 50 minutes of pleasure, this album will make you want to dance while cooking your favorite dish.
Favorite songs include: Jerk Ribs, Rumble and Bless the Telephone.