R&B Masterpieces in Western Music: From the Latest Hits to Timeless Classics [2025]
The history of R&B—rhythm and blues—goes way back, and the term itself is said to have existed since the 1940s.
That said, the image most people have of R&B as a music genre today was largely established from the 1990s onward, shaped through the lens of club music.
In this article, the first half features a lineup focused on the latest hits and standout tracks by rising artists, while the latter half is packed with classic songs from the 1990s, often called the golden age of R&B.
It offers a broad selection that also looks at subgenres like contemporary R&B, neo-soul, and alternative R&B, so we encourage newcomers to R&B to check it out as well.
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Western R&B Classics: From the Latest Hits to All-Time Blockbusters [2025] (81–90)
Family AffairMary J Blige
Mary J.
Blige, the legendary female R&B singer known as the “Queen of Hip-Hop Soul.” She’s made a recent comeback to the top of the scene, so even younger listeners may know her.
She was a hugely successful R&B singer throughout the 1990s and 2000s, producing numerous mega-hits.
One of her classic songs is Family Affair—an R&B track infused with hip-hop flavor.
If you like Lauryn Hill’s musical style, you’ll likely enjoy Mary J.
Blige’s songs as well.
Waves (feat. 6LACK)Normani
Here is Normani’s sultry solo debut single, released in 2018, featuring the artist she admires, 6lack.
She originally appeared on a talent show as part of the group Fifth Harmony starting in 2012.
As a dancer herself, her moves—along with those of her backup dancers—are really cool.
Nice & SlowUsher
Usher, an artist who enlivened the R&B scene of the 2000s, is known for music rooted in classic R&B sounds and is also highly acclaimed for his dance performances.
His track “Nice & Slow” is celebrated as one of his signature songs, crafted in a classic R&B style strongly influenced by his close collaborator Babyface.
While he has been leaning more toward dance music in recent years, it would be great to hear him return to timeless R&B like this again.
On My MamaVictoria Monét
Victoria Monét is a female R&B singer whose authentic musicality has earned high praise from many critics.
Among the R&B tracks we’re introducing this time, this one is especially approachable.
The track feels like a mix of slow jam and hip-hop, but because it relies on simple progressions, I think there are plenty of verses that will be easy to get into even for those not used to R&B.
The quirky track that samples Charlie Boy’s “I Look Good” is also very unique, so be sure to listen to the original sample as well.
SOS (Sex on Sight)Victoria Monét
Grammy-nominated, powerhouse singer-songwriter Victoria Monét drops a sexy, playful R&B number.
The American artist has crafted hits for industry heavyweights, including Ariana Grande’s “Thank U, Next.” For this track, she welcomes R&B icon Usher as a guest, channeling an urgent physical and emotional longing—so intense it’s likened to a rescue from a natural disaster.
Released in August 2024, the song serves as the lead single from the deluxe edition of the album Jaguar II.
Romantic and timeless, it’s a perfect recommendation for anyone nursing a bittersweet end-of-summer crush.
Fire We MakeAlicia Keys, Maxwell
A collaboration by American artists Alicia Keys and Maxwell.
Released in 2013, it reached No.
1 on the U.
S.
charts.
The music video, set in the late 1950s, was filmed at a hotel in New Orleans.
Western R&B Masterpieces: From the Newest Hits to All-Time Classics [2025] (91–100)
Shook UpCase
Known by the name Case, Case Woodard is an American R&B singer-songwriter active since 1992.
This track was released in 2015 as a single from the album “Heaven’s Door,” and it reached No.
19 on the U.
S.
charts.