I just realized that there are no black R&B groups anymore.
- Thread starter tuckgod
- Start date
There's been a shift in focus in what attracts consumers. Artists that emerge these days are more based on image/branding and "relatable" lyricism backed by cutting edge production.
During the late 80s-late 90s era there was a heavy emphasis on vocal showmanship, which is the main base of any true black RnB group.. groups like BIIM, Destiny's Child, New Edition, SWV, Dru Hill had a distinct vocal artistry (vocal layering, call and response, stylistic melisma 'runs', melody elaboration etc..) that was greatly admired during that time, which is why most of the successful artists during that time were also vocal monsters (Whit, Mariah, Brian Mcknight, Wanya, etc). Today those types of artists/singers aren't as appreciated anymore (I have a personal theory about that, but I'll make a thread one day).
Black consumers today don't particularly care out talented a singer/stylist you are because believe it or not, most ppl don't know how to distinguish that shyt.. They'd rather rappers these days sing their own hooks instead of ft a talented vocalist because the "realness" connects with their audience.
The novelty of extraordinary vocal talented has taken a backseat in our music culture.. as a result, black vocal rnb groups currently don't have an audience.
As far as Beyonce goes.. I believe she's even peeped game after releasing 4 which was a genuinely good throwback etude to traditional RnB ..with cuts like 1+1, Dance With You, Rather Die Young, Start over etc that flopped in the current market, forcing her to switch gears and really branch out artistically (in her vocal delivery, muscianship, writing) to reconnect to the audience with Self-titled. That was a huge eye opener as to how receptive the GP was to RnB music in today's market.. which isn't much at all.
During the late 80s-late 90s era there was a heavy emphasis on vocal showmanship, which is the main base of any true black RnB group.. groups like BIIM, Destiny's Child, New Edition, SWV, Dru Hill had a distinct vocal artistry (vocal layering, call and response, stylistic melisma 'runs', melody elaboration etc..) that was greatly admired during that time, which is why most of the successful artists during that time were also vocal monsters (Whit, Mariah, Brian Mcknight, Wanya, etc). Today those types of artists/singers aren't as appreciated anymore (I have a personal theory about that, but I'll make a thread one day).
Black consumers today don't particularly care out talented a singer/stylist you are because believe it or not, most ppl don't know how to distinguish that shyt.. They'd rather rappers these days sing their own hooks instead of ft a talented vocalist because the "realness" connects with their audience.
The novelty of extraordinary vocal talented has taken a backseat in our music culture.. as a result, black vocal rnb groups currently don't have an audience.
As far as Beyonce goes.. I believe she's even peeped game after releasing 4 which was a genuinely good throwback etude to traditional RnB ..with cuts like 1+1, Dance With You, Rather Die Young, Start over etc that flopped in the current market, forcing her to switch gears and really branch out artistically (in her vocal delivery, muscianship, writing) to reconnect to the audience with Self-titled. That was a huge eye opener as to how receptive the GP was to RnB music in today's market.. which isn't much at all.
Field Marshall Bradley
Veteran
Yall sound crazy... the industry loves nothing more than money... fukk Beyonce... if the industry could give us a Whitney clone because they knew people would buy her records, they would do it in a heart beat.... the people killed the industry... nikkas say they love old school RnB and aint bought a record of a new RnB artist with a throwback vibe in 7 to 10 years.... we don't buy records.... regardless of what it is....
UpAndComing
Veteran
Always thought Blaque was average as fukk
But all three of the group members were gorgeous as fukk
But all three of the group members were gorgeous as fukk
Lord Mecca
Eyes May Shine
The Internet is definitely my favorite group in a very long time... IMO Ego Death is one of the best albums (hip-hop and/or R&B) of this decade... but the whole problem is the lack of choice. Imagine this being 1994 and there was only En Vogue
Bro... it kills me that whenever Syd drops something I run full speed to it. Nothing wrong with it, but goddamn why can't it be Syd and like 5 others at LEAST.
Yeah, I haven't really gone hard searching for good R&B... but it's a damn shame that it has to be a research paper nowdays
theres alot of really dope music in the R&B thread @IllmaticDelta made in my sig..The Internet is definitely my favorite group in a very long time... IMO Ego Death is one of the best albums (hip-hop and/or R&B) of this decade... but the whole problem is the lack of choice. Imagine this being 1994 and there was only En Vogue
Bro... it kills me that whenever Syd drops something I run full speed to it. Nothing wrong with it, but goddamn why can't it be Syd and like 5 others at LEAST.
Yeah, I haven't really gone hard searching for good R&B... but it's a damn shame that it has to be a research paper nowdays
as far as R&B groups... if Phonte & Eric Roberson actually became an "official" group..
MyMindWarpsandBends
33119 AllMoneyIn4Ever
Came in this thread to say this
Why are people blaming Beyoncé for ruining Destiny's Child? That group was a launch pad for Beyoncé from the jump. It was called Destiny's Child (singular) not Destiny's Children (plural). On top of that, the group was managed by her father and styled by her mother.