Welcome to The State of R&B, ESSENCE’s look at the past, present and future of rhythm and blues. In this piece, ESSENCE editor Rivéa Ruff reports on the blending of hip-hop and R&B. Since the ...

What would you give to be a fly on the wall observing some of the richest moments during the ‘90s heyday of hip-hop? For rap heads who came up within that time, no amount of convincing can change ...

Since the turn of the 21st century, critics have prophesied that R&B, a once-dominating music genre, is dead. Male artists aren’t professing their love in pouring rain, draped in silk shirts anymore.

Women made history in the 90s, setting precedents for the entertainment industry and beyond. Many of the biggest living legends of today made their debut in this era or further established themselves ...

The familiar boom-bap of Craig Mack’s 1994 single “Flava in Ya Ear” sends pure nostalgia through tap dancer Ayodele Casel.

Hip-hop and R&B have traveled from the raw, message-driven beats of the '80s and '90s to today’s melodic, genre-blending sound. Artists like Blxst embody the modern wave—mixing rap and R&B with ...

Crafting infectious hits that stay on repeat has evolved greatly in Hip-Hop’s 50 years of existence. Before we had drum machines, DJ Kool Herc unknowingly sparked a revolution while spinning records ...

The Soundtrack For 'Menace II Society' Released 33 Years Ago 'Menace II Society' Soundtrack Released 33 Years Ago ...