R&B
R&B is a music genre rooted in rhythm and blues, combining soulful vocals with elements of pop, hip-hop, and electronic production. Originating in African American communities in the 1940s, it has evolved into a key influence on mainstream music, defined by smooth melodies, emotive lyrics, and groove-driven beats. Artists like Beyoncé, Usher, and H.E.R. have shaped contemporary R&B, integrating it into global pop culture and streaming platforms. Its cultural relevance comes from how artists blend intimate storytelling with innovative soundscapes, creating tracks that resonate across diverse audiences. Fans return for R&B’s ability to capture vulnerability and strength simultaneously, often propelled by viral moments on TikTok and high-profile collaborations with hip-hop stars, which keep the genre dynamic and central to today’s music conversations.
Latest Stories
Watch Joe Perform His R&B Classics on His NPR 'Tiny Desk Concert'
The singer invited his daughter to join as background vocalist on a live rendition of "I Wanna Know."
JP’s UK Culture Picks: June 2026
A new monthly column from Complex UK’s EIC, Joseph ‘JP’ Patterson.
Kelly Price Says Alleged Stalker Got Plastic Surgery to Look Like Her
The singer alleges an obsessed impersonator copied her appearance, cloned her phone and spent years trying to infiltrate her life.
Prince's Estate Opens the Vault for New Posthumous Album 'Timeless'
From teenage-era recordings to one of his final performances, the 10-track set traces Prince’s evolution with vault tracks like 'Stone' and 'With This Tear.'
Peabo Bryson Remembered by Céline Dion, Kenny Lattimore, and More After Death at 75
From Disney duets to timeless slow jams, stars like Céline Dion, Jody Watley, and Kenny Lattimore are remembering the voice, generosity, and legacy of Peabo Bryson.
Monica Mourns Her Dad M.C. ‘Billy’ Arnold Jr. in Heartbreaking Tribute Post
Inside Monica’s emotional Instagram tribute to M.C. “Billy” Arnold Jr., the father who shaped her life, music, and most personal lyrics.
‘Thriller’ Returns to No. 1 After 42 Years, Fueled by Michael Jackson Biopic
Michael Jackson's landmark 1982 album racked up 62,000 equivalent album units in a single tracking week, driven by 50.3 million streams.
Tank Slams Pitchfork for Giving Chris Brown’s New Album 1.3 Out of 10, Calling it 'Piece of Sh*t'
The R&B singer accused critics of disguising hate as opinion.
Chaka Khan Unleashes ‘Chakzilla’ With Sia on New Dance Anthem
How the 'I’m Every Woman' icon teamed up with Sia and producer Greg Kurstin for a towering new anthem at the center of her first album in seven years.
Anderson .Paak Reunites With South Korean Artist Dean for His Slinky “Aftertaste” Single and Video
The longtime collaborators reconnect more than a decade later with a sleek new R&B track and video.
JP’s UK Culture Picks: April/May 2026
A new monthly column from Complex UK’s EIC, Joseph ‘JP’ Patterson.
Omarion Flips Pharrell’s ‘Beautiful’ on New Single ‘The One’
Omarion taps Pharrell’s ‘Beautiful’ for a fresh R&B flip, a star-studded video, and a new album era aimed at bringing fans together on and offline.
Prince Estate Unlocks Vault for Haunting New Song ‘With This Tear’
Recorded at Paisley Park and once gifted to Céline Dion, the original 'With This Tear' reveals a quieter, more vulnerable Prince in full control.
Quincy Jones III Steps in to Oversee Late Father’s Estate After Others Decline
With Rashida Jones declining the role, QD3 is now responsible for overseeing Quincy Jones’ estate, including an unsold Los Angeles mansion listed for $40 million.
Sammie Claims He 'Beat Up' Ray J: 'He Started It, Then I Finished It'
Despite the incident, Sammie said the "One Wish" hitmaker was still his "brother."
New Edition Won the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Fan Vote, Still Got Snubbed
They topped the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame fan vote — but still missed the Class of 2026. Here’s how New Edition got shut out.
TLC’s Chilli Responds to Backlash Over Past Political Donations
Inside the donations, resurfaced posts, and response that sparked backlash around the TLC star.
Dionne Warwick Returns to New Jersey Alma Mater for Emotional Tribute
How an emotional homecoming, a long-delayed ribbon cutting, and a student choir brought Dionne Warwick’s career full circle.