RHYTHM + BLUES RESONATES
Ella Mai, Khalid, Alicia Keys, Frank Ocean, H.E.R.
Titanic voices in R&B have constructed the emotional ethos of generations. PROVOKR’s top 5 list today presents a few who elevated this genre. First, Frank Ocean broke boundaries in defining the characteristics of an R&B star. His nostalgia mixtape, his first, attracted the attention of Jay-Z and Beyonce. And after coming out as bisexual, Frank released his Channel Orange, an album that explored new methods of production and songwriting. In 2016, he released Blonde, which was a generationally defining and sonic exploration of R&B that changed the genre. Its visual partner, Endless, is an optical project that is a journey through time, space and relationships. Throughout the video, Ocean builds a staircase to the sky, symbolizing his climb to success as an entrepreneur and musical talent.
The pinnacle of this music and the roots of Ocean’s devotion to his craft–the honesty, courage and skill through which he composes his music, opens the door to his soul. The possibilities he creates for his listeners are “endless,” as he communicates nuanced emotions and tones through his sounds. Ocean is an elite, charting unfounded territory in R&B.
H.E.R. is another artist whose artistic design and beauty are innovating the world of music and video production. H.E.R.’s videos, like “Slide,” are well choreographed and cinematographically unique. Her songs are mellow and sexual, making beautiful dream-like sounds that echo early Beyonce. Her song, “Every Kind of Way,” is a love song that adds atmosphere and character to the traditional R&B track. H.E.R’s themes of love and empowerment create opportunities for female artists in R&B and her videos reshape this artform.
Ella Mai shares this profound ability, too. Her sexy lyrics and crisp production generate elaborate emotional tracks, such as “Trip.” Mai is a classic vocalist with majestic tones that wrap around listeners. Her style and sound transform her music that is enhanced by unique piano chords and Mai’s incredible vocal range. She is an innovative artist who belongs in R&B.
Next, Khalid is a dynamic force in R&B. His appearances on popular tracks like “Beautiful People” with Ed Sheeran highlight his versatility as an artist. His unique pop-hybrid 2017 debut album, American Teen, offered us terrific tunes like “Young, Dumb, and Broke.” Relatable, right? PROVOKR loves this album.
R&B veteran and talent Alicia Keys is the last artist on our list. She’s made music with Drake and Jay-Z and has a long list of platinum solo projects. Songs like “No One” are anthems that supersede any one category. Keys has redefined artists’ expectations and shaped R&B as much as the late Aretha Franklin.
We hope you enjoy PROVOKR’s top R&B list.
