The 1990’s ended now.

With a new century and a new millennium here, people wanted to witness
the next chapter of R&B singers. This chapter saw the growth of a new generation of artists who
wanted to sing about love, politics, cultural changes, and creativity. This was the excellent music
of the 2000’s. R&B saw the further merging with hip hop music during this decade too along with
legendary producers making people have joy like Timbaland. The era of the 2000’s involving R&B
music was filled with both legends proclaiming their comebacks (i.e. Mary J. Blige, Whitney
Houston, Mariah Carey, Anita Baker, etc.) along with younger artists setting a tone of their own
start of their musical legacies too. That time saw the new school artists assert their dignity and their
autonomy as musicians. The 2000’s involving R&B saw the further expression of neo-soul music
gaining a powerful influence in our culture. With social media growth, reality TV shows, and war
on terror debates, the 2000’s truly was a time of massive change.
This picture is from the music video of Be Without
You from her album of The Breakthrough (during
2005). Mary J. Blige is the Queen of Hip Hop Soul The Table of Contents
too.

1. Prologue

2. Underrated vocalists
(2001-2003)

3. New Sounds (2004-

2005)

4. Another shift: techno,

hip hop beats (2006-
2007)

5. Legends Still motivate

us (2008)

6. A New Generation of
Artists (2009)

7. Conclusion
The era of the 2000's saw many changes in American society. It was a time of my early adulthood. The
war on terror and debates about civil liberties were heavily abundant. With the Patriot Act, the TSA,
and other surveillance systems, we entered a new technological age. The Internet reached new levels of
power. Music became more accessible to the people. Reality TV shows were popularized in another
level. Napster soon was gone, but you have the growth of digitized music by the end of the decade of
the 2000’s. Many CD stores and VHS locations went out of business by 2009. In the meantime, music
in R&B was very glorious. Dance anthems, creative
beats, diverse groups, the further fusion of hip hop
and R&B, and the growth of unique, exciting artists
were themes of the time.

The songs of the first decade of the 21st century had

the elements of old school sounds from Toni Glenn Lewis’ 2009 neo- Brandy’s Talk About Love
Braxton, Maxwell, Mary J. Blige, Sade, and Tamia. soul song of Don’t You (ft. Kanye West)
Forget It is about showing represents Brandy to the
Also, this decade saw the growth of young talent empathy to a woman fullest in her great song,
with outstanding charisma like Ciara, Keyshia Cole, experiencing pain and her messages, and her gift
Usher, Kelis, Jennifer Sullivan, Beyonce, Destiny's hurt. of presenting music to the
world.
Child, Fantasia, Ashanti, Mario, Brick and Lace,
Keke Wyatt, Cherish, Blaque, Danity Kane, B2K, and other artists who knew the basis of musical
expression. The elephant in the room is that this era had pop stars from Britney Spears, Christina
Aguilera, and Justin Timberlake (who once made a comment disrespecting Prince) utilized a lot of
R&B/soul elements in their music. Many people found music as a form of escape from the tragic
realities of the war on terror and social injustices. Other human beings used music to make a point of
developing social consciousness including to standing up against social ills. Drums, percussion sounds,
and futuristic beats (from legendary producers like the Neptunes, Timbaland, Darkchild, Just Blaze,
Rodney Jerkins, Mannie Fresh, Swizz Beats, Jermaine Durpi, Salaam Remi, Scott Storch, Hi-Tek, etc.)
make up the music of that decade. Fashion in the 2000's was heavily influenced by the 1960's, 1970's,
and the 1980's. There were Pelle Pelle, BAPE, Nike, Fubu, along with jerseys along with more skinny
jeans by the late 2000's.

Yet, people should realize that R&B and soul music originated from us (who are black people). Any
artist of any color must respect black music in order to respect real music in general. That is the
principle. R&B music of the 2000s saw a fusion further of hip hop and R&B genres in collaborations
and songs. Music in general saw hip hop as most the powerful genre of this 21st century. The end of
2009 saw R&B changing once again into allowing new talent and legendary artists to continue to shine
their talents. That is why I will always say that the 2000s had some joints from the music from 3LW,
Lfye Jennings, Anthony Hamilton, Melanie Fionna, Leona Lewis, Alicia Keyes, Amerie (whose song of
All I Need from her 2005 Touch album was one of her most powerful songs vocally. Amerie is a very
underrated R&B artist), Jagged Edge, Craig David, Floetry, Brandy, Monica, Mya, Tweet, Corrine
Bailey Rae, Kelly Rowland, and other excellent artists. People as diverse as Vivian Green, Heather
Headley, Keri Hilson, Erkyah Badu, Avant, Lloyd, Jill Scott, Lil Mo, and Cheri Dennis made us dance
and think. Neo-soul music was popping back then as well. The 2000s experienced a massive expansion
of social media. YouTube, Wikipedia, Twitter, Google Maps, Myspace, and Facebook were all born in
the 2000s. While there was an expansion of globalization, the later third of the decade saw the massive
recession spreading all over the globe. The rise of autotune spread during that era. The first decade of
the 21st century saw new horizons and new opportunities for a diverse amount of individuals.

Underrated vocalists (2001-2003)

The year of 2000 in R&B music had a smorgasbord of underrated classic and underrated vocalists
constantly. If you loved dance music, it was there. If you love romantic or love songs, they were in
abundance. If you love songs with a message or with conscious issues, there flourished too during the
year of 2000. By January of 2000, songs like Donell Jones' U Know What's Up and Hot Boyz (with
Missy, Nas, Eve, and Q-Tip) were very much popular in the charts. The 1999 song of Montell Jordan's
Get It On Tonite was still high on the charts on February of 2000. Mariah Carey worked with Joe on a
song named Thank God I Found You. In the year of 2000, Destiny's Child's song of Say My Name was
everywhere, especially starting in March of 2000. That song was from their 1999 album of The
Writing's on the Wall. This album further established Destiny’s Child as a premier R&B group.

Toni Braxton made her third studio album called The Heart on April 25, 2000. It had a more urban
sound which departed from her usual ballads. Yet, it was a great album in its own right. The album
had people on it like Lisa "Left Eye" Lopes, Dr. Dre, and production done by Keri Lewis (a former
member of Mint Condition. Keri Lewis was Toni's Braxton former husband). Songs on it were Just Be
a Man About It, He Wasn't Man Enough, Spanish Guitar, and Maybe. She won one Grammy for it
during the 2001 Grammy Awards for Best Female R&B Vocal Performance. Cal Thomas in 2000 had
the song I Wish. One of the most underrated singers of the year 2000 is Avant. His song with Separated
is a classic. Many marriages had the album of Let's Get Married by Jagged Edge played in their marriage
ceremonies. Sisqo did a music video with the actress Lisa Raye called Incomplete. The song is about a
man’s love for a woman to complete his soul. Sisqo is an outstanding singer. The year 2000 had many
songs about relationships like No More from Ruff Endz, Wifey from Next, and other music. Xscape
had the song of Bounce with Me featuring Bow Wow. Profyle had the song called Liar. Erykah Badu
had the women's anthem of Bag Lady. R Kelly had I Wish. The end of the year of 2000 had many
anthems like Ms. Jackson from Outkast which is about the tensions among parents of a child in dealing
with a mother (involving child support).

Destiny's Child had the song of Independent Women Part 1. This song was from the Charlie's Angels'
movie and the album of Survivor. It featured Beyonce, Kelly Rowland, and Michelle Williams. In that
same year, D'Angelo had the song of Untitled (How Does it Feel), Lucy Pearl had the song of Dance
Tonight, and Aaliyah had the song of Try Again. Try Again was part of the Romeo Must Die
soundtrack. Timbaland produced the song. Aaliyah was the perfect artist to sing over futuristic beats.
Try Again was one of the greatest songs of the 2000s. Mya's Case of the Ex in 2000 was the time where
Mya shown the world that she is a grown woman. Mya danced greatly in that video. That song was
part of her album called Fear of Flying. The album had the song of The Best of Me featuring Jadakiss,
Free, etc. The gospel music duo of Mary Mary had the song of Shackles (Praise You). It mixed R&B
beats with gospel music. Mary Mary like Kurt Franklin have a new school flavor. 3LW had music like
No More. Ja Rule worked with R&B musicians at this time. Even in 2000, this was taboo, but now
many hip hop artists are doing it all of the time. The British artist Craig David had 7 Days. A lot of
people didn't know that Pink did the song of There You Go which is opposite of her rock sound now.
Pink admitted that her rock sound is her authentic self. Crazy from K-Ci and JoJo was one of their most
emotional records. Sammie made the song of I Like It. Tamia in 2000 had Stranger in My House
which dealt with romance. Kelly Price's He should of Told Me, Dave Hollister's One Woman Man,
and Avant ft. Keke Wyatt's My First Love were classics. Avant and Keke Wyatt had great musical
chemistry (both of them sang on that record beyond just signing). That is why they made more records
together.
Sister Tatyana Ali is 42 years old. She was born in North Bellmore, New York. She is the daughter of an Indo-Trinidadian
father and an Afro-Panamanian mother. She has acted long before 1990. In 1985, a 6-year-old Ali was on the PBS
educational show of Sesame Street. She was with Herbie Hancock (or the jazz legend) in a musical number. She was
on Star Search for 2 episodes. She is a real-life singer too. She covered the Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell song of
Ain't No Mountain High Enough. From 1990 to 1996, Tatyana Ali was on the TV sitcom of The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air.
She had fun, met friends, and gained more insights about the complex nature of acting. Her role on the show was
Ashley Banks. Her debut music album was Kiss The Sky in 1998. It was gold by early 1999. Her famous hit of
Daydreamin' was released on July 21, 1998. I heard of the song before as I was a teenager back in 1998. Will Smith
was in one video of Boy You Knock Me out. She had another hit called Everytime. She has been on movies and TV
shows. Ali had her own EP called Hello with the first single Wait for It. She was on movies like The Brothers, Glory
Road, and Nora's Hair Salon. She loved to be on BET and The Young the Restless. By 2011, Ali earned the Living Legacy
Award from the Caribbean Heritage Organization in Los Angeles. She earned her bachelor's degree in African American
Studies and Government in 2002 from Harvard University. She was a spokesperson for Barack Obama's 2009
presidential campaign. She headed over voter registration drives at college campuses. She has a husband and 2 sons.
Determination and living her own life on her own terms represent her.
Sade made another comeback with the song of By Your Side in the year of 2000. Her album in that
time was Lovers Rock. When that album came about, I was a senior in high school at November 13,
2000. It had reggae influences too. King of Sorrow was another song on that classic album. Lonnie
Lynn made the Light song. Janet Jackson made the song of Doesn't Really Matter with an important
message about how true love can work despite distractions, and that true love is never based on
immature superficialities. Musiq Soulchild released Love to represent for the neo-soul crowd. That
Other Woman was released by Changing Faces, and Joe released Treat her like a Lady (including the
club banger Stutter). Gerald Levert, Whitney Houston, Debelah Morgan, Shaggy, Nelly, and other
artists shown their musical talent. Jill Scott is one of the most soulful, neo-soul singers of all time. She
had co-writing the song of You Got Me (filled with Erykah Badu, the Roots, and a rap verse from Eve).
Jill Scott's debut album was “Who is Jill Scott? Words and Sounds Vol. 1,” which was released on July
18, 2000. One of her signature, popular songs was the single of "A Long Walk." Another song in the
album was the sensual song of "He Love Me." The album is one of the greatest albums of the 21st
century. Jill Scott is a gorgeous black woman from Philadelphia with excellent musical gifts that fans
always appreciate. She is an actress and philanthropist too.

2001 saw 9/11. By 2001, Stutter was high on the charts too. 112 released the song It's Over Now. This
was part of their album Part III. Slim and Daron shared lead vocals on the song. Jagged Edge's Promise
was about commitment in relationships. All for You from Janet Jackson showed amazing
dance choreography from her. Janet Jackson was 35 years old during that time, and the song was part
of her album of All for You. That song caused her to get a Grammy Award for Best Dance Recording.
Janet Jackson has always been an expert singer, dancer, and entertainer for over 35 years now. Usher
had the song of U Remind Me. This was part of her album of 8701. This album took him into another
level of being a musical star. It had singles like U Got it Bad, U Don't Have to Call, U-Turn, and Can U
Help Me. The music in Usher’s album focused not just on the complex nature of love. It dealt with
honest discussions about his vulnerabilities as a man in dealing with romantic relationships with
women. The Neptunes and Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis had production on the album. He won
Grammys and BET Awards. R Kelly worked with Jay Z in the song Fiesta. Mariah Carey had Loverboy
with Cameo. Guinwine had Differences, Mary J. Blige had Family Affair, and Jagged Edge ft. Nelly had
the club anthem of Where the Party At.

Destiny Child's Survivor album in 2001 had the song Survivor. One of the great verses in the song came
from Kelly Rowland saying the following words:

"Wishin' you the best

"Pray that you are blessed

Bring much success, no stress, and lots of happiness

Monica’s song of U Should’ve
(I'm better than that) Known Better from her 2003
I'm not gon' blast you on the radio
album of After the Storm is one
of her great vocal performances
(I'm better than that) of the 21st century.
I'm not gon' lie on you and your family

(I'm better than that)

I'm not gon' hate on you in the magazines

(I'm better than that)

I'm not gon' compromise my Christianity Ashanti’s Happy ft. Ja Rule was in the
early part of Ashanti’s career. From
(I'm better than that) 2001 to the present, she has been
internationally talented. She is a great
You know I'm not gon' diss you on the Internet
singer. Also, she was in the film
'Cause my mama taught me better than that." Malcolm X when she was a child. She
was born in Glen Clove, NY at Long
Island.
Alicia Keys made her debut with the song of Fallin'. Alicia Keys sings greatly and could play the piano.
Fallin' was a huge hit. Alicia Keys is one in a generation talent. She was born and raised in the city of
NYC. The melodies and sounds of the song had gospel influences. It won many awards. Her first
album was Songs in a Mirror from June 5, 2001. Her music like A Woman's Worth, How Come You
Don't Call Me, and Girlfriend were powerful. She is a great songwriter too. The start of Alicia Keys was
similar to others in that Alicia first came out and people knew that her career would be long and
legendary. She was part of the nu-soul revolution. Many unsung artists released music like Sunshine
Anderson 's Heard it All Before, Blu Cantrell's Hit Em up Style, Jaheim, Tank, Faith Evans, Babyface's
There She Goes, Jimmy Cozier, City High, etc. 2001 was the year of the tragic passing of Aaliyah by a
plane accident. Her 2001 album of Aaliyah was a classic too. She had old school songs with new school
energy. Aaliyah was so ahead of her time that would be on the level of Beyonce and Rihanna if she was
alive today. People don't know that Aaliyah was a great actress too. Michael Jackson's Invincible album
had the old school songs with songs like You Rock My World and Butterflies. Lady Marmalade was a
song with Christina Aguilera, Lil' Kim, Pink, and Mya.

It's Over Now from 112 in 2001 was popular, Jon B's Don't Talk was popular, and the Isley Brothers
had the song of Contagious. Brian McKnight's Love of My Life, Ebony Vibe Everlasting, Ja Rule ft.
Ashanti's Always on Time, Ray J, Lil' Mo's Superwoman Part II, Tyrese, Koffee Brown's After Party,
Mis-Teeq, Missy Elliot, and other artists made 2001 an excellent year of music. 2002 saw the growth of
rappers singing with R&B singers like Ja Rule and Ashanti. Back then, that was very taboo. Tweet had
the song of Oops with Missy Elliot. Tweet is one of the most unsung, great singers of the 21st century.
She has a very sweet, sultry voice. She was born in Rochester, NY. She can sing and play the guitar.
Tweet is an excellent songwriter too. She grew up in the church playing multiple instruments. Her
debut album was Southern Hummingbird. She worked with Bilal and Ms. Jade on the album.

Ashanti made her song of Foolish in 2002. Ashanti is always a humble woman. This was part of her
debut album of Ashanti. Nelly worked with Kelly Rowland in the song of Dilemma. Missy made the
song Work It with innovative sounds. Erykah Badu made the album of Love of My Life (An Ode to Hip
Hop). This was part of the Brown Sugar movie soundtrack. It's a very inspirational, excellent song.
That song helped to bridge the gap among hip hop and R&B music. Eve worked with Alicia Keys in
the 2002 song of Gangsta Lovin.’ Amerie had the 2002 song of Why Don't We Fall in Love. Amerie is
another of the most underrated artist of that time period. She has harmonies, soul, singing ability, and
a great voice. She was from the D.C. area and many of her beats are influenced by the go-go sound.
Rich Harrison produced many of her songs. She has worked with Nas and LL Cool J plus other hip-
hop artists. All I Have was Amerie's debut album. She later won many BET and Soul Train Music
Awards. 2002 was an outstanding start for Amerie's career as a musician. Later, she would make more
music, go out to write, and have a family. Other artists with music in 2002 were Donell Jones, Sean
Paul with Gimmie The Light, Ginuwine with Stingy, Avant, Musiq Soulchild, Addictive with Truth
Hurts, Mario, Mariah Carey's Through The Rain, B2K, Brandy's Full Moon, Glenn Lewis, Jennifer
Lopez, Jaheim, and Dru Hill. 2002 was the time when there were tons of hip hop and R&B
collaborations.
The singer Joe is one of the greatest singers of our generation. He has hits
during the 1990's and in the 21st century too. He was raised at Columbus,
Georgia. He is the child of evangelist singers. Joe moved into Opelika, Alabama
later and graduated from Opelika High School in 1990. He made music
afterwards. Soon, he taught music education via a local church. He made his
debut album Everything in 1993. Later, he made music like I'm in Luv, The One
For Me, etc. In 1996, he became a superstar with the song All the Things (Your
Man Won't Do). His album of All That I Am was released in 1997. One of his
anthems was Don't Wanna Be a Player. As a songwriter and producer, he worked
with people like Xscape and Hi-Five. He worked with Mariah Carey to create the
great song Thank God I Found You. By 2000, he made the album of My Name
is Joe. Singles like Treat Her Like a Lady, Stutter, and I Wanna Know solidified
2000's R&B music as classic. He has toured with great artists like Ashanti. He
continues to make albums well into the 2010's. Joe is one of the greats indeed.
 112, Jagged Edge, and Gerald Levert are Brothers who are R&B Legends.

2003 would be a year in transition. There was one R&B artist who would just blow up to be the musical
icon of the 21st century. We know what her name is, and she was born in Houston, Texas. Before that,
there were outstanding R&B music in diverse ways too. She is Beyonce. The song Miss You by Aaliyah
was high on the charts in early 2003. This song celebrated the life and legacy of the great artist of
Aaliyah. The music video of the song featured diverse artists like Missy, Lil' Kim, Tweet, Queen Latifah,
Jaheim, Lyric, Lil Jon and the Eastside Boyz, Jamie Foxx, DMX, Quincy Jones, Amanda Lewis, Free,
and other human beings who gave tribute to the legend Aaliyah. Monica released the song of So Gone
in 2003. This song was part of her album After the Storm. Monica is one of the greatest singers of her
generation. This album was about her struggles, her joy, and her power as a young black woman. One
of the greatest songs on the album is U Should've Known Better. 2003 saw more rappers singing on
records like Jay Z's Excuse Me Miss and 50 Cent ft. Nate Dogg's 21 Questions. Pharrell worked with
Jay Z in 2003 with the song Frontin. Baby Boy was the song with Beyonce ft. Sean Paul. Alicia Keys had
the song of You Don't Know My Name. R Kelly had Step in the Name of Love. I don't agree with R.
Kelly's crimes against girls and women. I want to make that clear. I mention this information for
historical reasons. On June 17, 2003, Beyonce released her album of Dangerously in Love. Before,
Beyonce made very few solo records, but with that 2003 album, she went into another level of power.
Beyonce wrote songs, danced, and entertained crowds.

Some of Mya’s Music of the 21st Century

Case of the Ex (2000) My Love is Like…Wo Fallen (2003) Ridin (2007)

(2003)
Beyonce is the first black woman named Songwriter of the Year from ASCAP back in 2002. Beyonce
made hit after hit from her first solo album like Me, Myself and I, Crazy in Love (ft. Jay Z), Naughty
Girl, Yes, Signs, etc. Her ballads were powerful, and she became so popular that she was interviewed
by Oprah Winfrey in 2003 as well. That Dangerously in Love album made her won 5 Grammy Awards,
BET Awards, etc. Beyonce is just a phenomenally talented black woman, and she was 22 when she made
her first solo album Dangerously in Love. In 2003, Ginuwine made In Those Jeans, Ashanti had Rock
Wit U, and Marques Houston had Clubbin. Jagged Edge with Walked Outta Heaven, Avant with Read
Your Mind, Lumidee's song of Never Leave You, Mary J. Blige's Ooh!, and Mya's My Love is Like Woo
focused on love and relationships. Andre 3000 made the song of Hey Ya! which was ahead of its time.
Andre 3000 was a person who thought outside of box in terms of music. It was one of the most
important, talented songs of the 2000’s. It had elements of rock, pop, R&B, soul, and funk. Many classic
records in 2003 were The Isley Brothers' What Would you Do?, Kelis' Milkshake, Ruben Studdard's
Superstar, Lil' Mo ft. Fabulous 4 Ever. Luther Vandross's 2003 song of Dance with My Father was one of
his final songs before his passing. Black Eyed Peas had the song Where is The Love? featuring Fergie.

Kem had the song of Love Calls, Thalia had I Want You, and That Girl was the song form Marques
Houston. 2003 had classic albums like The Senior from Ginuwine, Body Kiss from the Isley Brothers
featuring Ronald Isley, Ashanti's Chapter II, Luther Vandross' Dance with My Father, Mary J. Blige's
Love and Life, Jagged Edge's Hard, Gerald Levert's Stroke of Genius, and the Diary of Alicia Keys. Alicia
Keys had songs by the end of 2003 like If It A'int Got You, Diary, and Karma. Alicia Keys continued
with her legacy with that second album. 2003 ended with R&B showing music that touched the
human soul.
 The Legendary Aaliyah (1979-2001)

Almost 20 years ago, a legendary singer passed away. She epitomized grace, beauty, humbleness, and
talent. Her gift was that she could sing like an angel, act, dance, and appeal to a wide spectrum of people.
Always a person with charisma, she always dreamed of performing entertainment to many crowds. She
was street yet sweet. She influenced R&B, hip hop, pop, and other genres. She is related to Gladys Knight
too. She is the late Sister Aaliyah Dana Haughton. She was born in Brooklyn, NYC and raised in Detroit.
After performing in Starch Search at the age of 10 years old, Aaliyah continued to sing. During her time,
Aaliyah was the Princess of R&B. She had a perfect 4.0 grade point average when she was at the Detroit
High School for Fine and Performing Arts. By 1994, her singing career reached new heights with her
debut album. Her debut single was Back and Forth. Her album of One in a Million was helped by
producers Timbaland and Missy Elliot. One in a Million came out in August of 1996. Timbaland and
Missy are from my area of the 757, so we certainly appreciate their sounds. Her songs like 4 Page Letter,
We Need a Resolution, More Than a Woman, Are You That Somebody?, etc. stood the test of time.
Aaliyah’s interviews always outlined her spirit of kindness. She was in many films like Romeo Must Die.
That came out when I was in high school. She always collaborated with many hip hop artists. In 2001,
she released the album of Aaliyah. She planned on being on more films from Sparkle to the Matrix series.
Aaliyah helped to redefine and develop R&B, pop, and hip hop in the 1990's and early 2000's. When
she passed away, I was almost 18 years old. It was a shock. Aaliyah combined a next-door vibe mixed
urban fashion plus charm. Aaliyah made some of the most innovative music of all time (her music videos
displayed next level creativity). Now, she is in the place of glory and peace.

Rest in Power Sister Aaliyah

 New sounds (2004-2005)

In 2004, it was a year when new school R&B artists rose in the space to express their God-given talents
to the world, and it was a time where legends of music excelled too. By January of 2004, Alicia Keys'
You Don't Know My Name was already a huge hit. Jamie Foxx started his R&B singing career in a
huge level as he dreamed about doing for years before 2000. By 2004, he worked with Kanye West and
Twista plus other artists to make music. Jamie Foxx can do comedy, act, sing, and play the piano. One
of the great hits of 2004 was the R&B club banger of Yeah! done by Usher featuring Lil Jon and
Ludacris. That song was so popular that it was played everywhere with the crunk beat. This was the
time when the South just dominated the R&B and hip-hop musical culture. Alicia Keys' If I Ain't Got
You and Usher's Burn were ballads that described the journeys of romance. Usher was personal in this
year with the song of Confessions Part II (even admitting his flaws). Ciara came out with the breakout
single of Goodies featuring the North Carolina hip hop artist of Petey Pablo. I knew from the beginning
that Ciara was a different type of singer. She could dance very well, and she can sing with a melodic
voice. Her debut album was Goodies with songs like 1,2, Step, Oh, and And I. The album was triple
platinum. A lot of people don't know that she was born in Austin, Texas to a military family. She settled
in Atlanta, Georgia later on.

Ciara is a songwriter too writing music for Blu Cantrell's debut album of So Blu and Fantasia Barrino's
Got Me Waiting (for Fantasia's debut album of Free Yourself). Ciara graduated from Riverdale High
School in Riverdale, Georgia in 2003. She signed with LaFace Records headed by L.A. Reid. She worked
with producer Jazze Pha. Ciara by 2004 is the First Lady of Crunk& B. As time goes on, Ciara will
continue to make more accomplishments, be blessed, and married a real humble man that is highly
spiritual. Usher and Alicia Keys made their duet of My Boo. Both are great singers, made classic albums,
and had musical chemistry. 2004 saw the merging of R&B and hip in music like with Snoop and
Pharrell in many songs. In 2004, Kelis made the song of Milkshake. Christina Millian (who is also a
famous Afro-Latina actress too) had the song of Dip It Low.

Destiny's Child had many songs called Lose My Breathe, etc. among their final album of Destiny
Fulfilled. Destiny's Child was one of the greatest groups of the 90’s and 2000’s. Destiny Fulfilled was
released on November 16, 2004. Beyonce, Kelly Rowland, Michelle Williams, LaTavia Roberson,
LeToya Luckett, and Farrah Franklin paved the way for so many women to perform on the stage today
of the 21st century. Destiny's Child further worked with frequent collaborators such as Rockwilder,
Swizz Beatz, and Rodney Jerkins as well as several new producers. Destiny Fulfilled was Destiny's
Child's 5th studio album. 2004 saw many new artists like Nina Sky's Move Ya Body, Houston's I Like
That, Chingy featuring Chris Weaver with One Call Away, Ruben Studdard with his album of Soulful,
Mario Winans with his album of Hurt No More, etc. R. Kelly shown his music of U Saved Me and
Happy People. Jill Scott released her album of Beautifully Human: Words and Sounds Vol. 2. Jill Scott's
song of Cross My Mind caused her to win her first Grammy Award for the Best Urban/Alternative
Performance category in 2005. Her album was released in America on August 31, 2004. One of her
greatest songs on the album was the song of Golden. Anita Baker released her album of My Everything
on September 7, 2004. Her songs like You're My Everything and How Does it Feel outline her classic,
soulful voice. She worked with producers like Barry J. Eastmond, George Duke, and Babyface. Beyonce's
song of Me, Myself, and I was huge on the charts in 2005 too. Other R&B and soul singers who made
music in the year were Ashanti, Eamon, Jamelia, Jennifer Lopez, Mario (with Let Me Love You), etc.
Brandy released her 4th album of Afrodisiac on June 28, 2004. She worked with Timbaland, Candice
Nelson, and Kanye West on that album. Her songs like Talk About Our Love, Who is She 2 U, and
Afrodisiac personified the Brandy sound. The album used hip hop sounds, experimental sounds, and
was one predecessor to alternative R&B (that is commonly shown in the 2020s). Nivea made the song
of Okay with Lil Jon and YoungBloodz. John Legend had his album of Get Lifted in 2004 too. The end
of 2004 saw talent flourish.

Ester Dean is one of the greatest music songwriters and singers of the
21st century. She is an actress too. For years, she has been a record
producer too. She is now 39 years old. She was born in Muskogee,
Oklahoma. She wrote songs for many artists like for Rihanna, Christina
Aguilera, Florence + The Machine, Beyoncé, Nicole Scherzinger, Mary J.
Blige, Kelly Clarkson, Ciara, Kelly Rowland, Keri Hilson, Britney Spears,
Selena Gomez, and Katy Perry. Also, she was a producer for Rihanna's
Loud album. She has been involved in films like those of the Ice Age
franchise. She was in the Pitch Perfect movie trilogy. She was raised in
Tulsa, Oklahoma. She used creative writing in order to establish music.
She went into Omaha, Atlanta, and Los Angeles to pursue her career.
Then, she wrote number 1 hits for many people in the music industry.
She also wrote songs for Usher and other people. Ester Dean has a mezzo
soprano range in her voice. She is a living legend. Her songs like Crazy
Youngsters, Rooted, etc. outline her powerful talent as an artist.
 ALICIA KEYS
Credit: Rex by Shutterstock
She is one of the greatest singers of our
generation. Her talent has been related to
singing, producing, songwriting, playing
instruments, and acting. She is Sister Alicia
Keys, and she is 40 years old. Manhattan,
NYC was the place of her birth. She has
always loved music as a child. She listened to
legendary jazz artists like Thelonious Monk,
Billie Holiday, Ella Fitzgerald, and Louis
Armstrong on Sunday mornings. Also, Alicia
Keys can play the piano to the music of
Beethoven, Mozart, Chopin, and Satie. She
studied acting and is an excellent pianist. Her
studying classical music excelled her career.
Harlem was the place where she constantly
expressed music. She met her friend and
future collaborator Kerry Brothers Jr. She
graduated from high school as a valedictorian
at the age of 16. She studied music at
Columbia University. Her debut song of
Fallin' was huge in 2001. From that time
onward, she became the legend that she is
today. Songs in a Minor was her debut album
(being its 20th year anniversary in this year).
A Woman's Worth is another classic from her.
She has won many Grammys, she has toured the
world, and she continues to inspire society. Her
song Unbreakable is another outstanding
record. The song No One is another of her
signature songs. She has a gift to make records
that make people think, shout, and feel good.
NY State of Mind featuring Jay Z was an anthem
for New York City. She hosted the 62nd Annual
Grammy Awards in 2020. Alicia Keys is a very
well-known philanthropist. She has helped to
assist people who experience HIV and AIDS in
Africa plus India. She has fought against
poverty. She has raised money to help the
victims of Katrina. She has supported the
Women's March. She has exposed bigotry and
environmental problems. Keys merges R&B and
hip hop songs into one. She has inspired Emeli
Sande, Janelle Monae, Normani, Adele, H.E.R.,
Rihanna, Ella Mai, James Bay, and other artists
of the 2020s. Alicia Keys is a wife and a mother
to children.
The year of 2005 involving R&B music was the time of huge comebacks by the legends of R&B music.
During the early part of 2005, the singer Mario had the song of Let Me Love You being high on the
music charts. The singer Olivia worked with G Unit in music. One of the most popular songs of 2005
was Amerie's 1 Thing. The vocals, beats, and melodies of the song was magnificent from Amerie (who
is from the DMV area). Amerie is one of the greatest R&B singers of the 21st century without question.
The song was influenced by go-go rhythms and a sample of Meters' 1970 funk song of Oh, Calcutta!
The song was from the soundtrack of the film Hitch. The remix had the rapper Eve on it. Amerie's
singing ability on that song was great. It was her most commercially successful song. In the year of
2005, Bobby Valentino had the son of Slow Down. Ciara had the duet with Bow Wow called Like You
as both of them dated in real life for a time. Gold Digger was a song with Kanye West and Jamie Foxx.
Akon using music singing with Young Jezzy on the record Soul Survivor. Chris Brown debuted in 2005
with the song Run It. Chris Brown was born in Tappahannock, Virginia. He was in the church choir,
and his debut album was in 2005 where it was double platinum. Chris Brown is a great entertainer,
controversial, and there are many things that I don't agree with him on.

Yet, this is history, and you have to record all R&B history filled with objectivity. Chris Brown said that
he has been influenced by Michael Jackson, Usher, Marvin Gaye, New Edition, etc. One artist with a
great comeback was Mary J. Blige with her album called The Breakthrough. It was released on
December 20, 2005. Immediately, the album was well liked. It was probably the greatest album of
Mary J. Blige of the 21st century. Songs like One, Be Without You, Take Me as I am, MJB da MVP, etc.
are classics. She worked with all-star group of songwriters and producers like 9th Wonder, Rodney
Jerkins, Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, Bryan-Michael Cox, JUSTICE League, Raphael Saadiq, Chucky
Thompson, Cool & Dre, Ron Fair, and will.i.am. The Breakthrough debuted at number one on the
Billboard 200. It sold about 3,100,000 copies. The album showed her R&B and hip-hop style. The
song Be Without You won Best Female R&B Vocal Performance and Best R&B song, and the album
The Breakthrough won the category of Best R&B Album.
Mariah Carey made an outstanding comeback with her 2005 album of The Emancipation of Mimi. It
was released on April 12, 2005. She continued her legacy as one of the greatest singers of all time with
that album. She worked with hip hop artists too like Snoop, Twista, Nelly, Pharrell Williams, etc. She
also worked with Jermaine Dupri and James Wright. Songs like It's Like That, We Belong Together,
Shake It Off, Get Your Number, Fly Like a Bird, and Say Somethin' were powerful. It debuted at number
one on the U.S. Billboard 200 selling over 404,000 copies in its first week. The Emancipation of Mimi
sold over 10 million copies worldwide. We Belong Together was at number one in America for 14
weeks. Mariah Carey proved to the world that she still had it. Mariah Carey won many awards for the
album like Garmmys, Soul Train Awards, and a Vibe Award. In 2005, Mario promoted his music of
Let Me Love You, Bobby Valentino had the song of Tell Me, Keyshia Cole had the song of Love, John
Legend had Ordinary People, Fantasia had Free Yourself, and Omarion released his album of O. Faith
Evans released her album of First Lady on April 5, 2005. She wanted move forward after having a long
career with Bad Boy records. The Neptunes, Mario Winans, Chucky Thompson, and others worked on
her album too. Kem released his album of Album II. Kem worked hard on his own merit from Detroit
to be one of the great R&B artists of the 2000’s and beyond. Alicia Keys had Unplugged. Keyshia Cole
had her debut solo album of The Way It Is in 2005 too. She is from Oakland, California. When she
was young, she talked with the late Tupac Shakur. She worked with artists like Jadakiss, Eve, Kanye
West, and others. The album described romance and love in complex terms. Singles like I Changed
My Mind, I Just Want It to be over, Love, etc. have themes that women relate too. Many people compare
her to Mary J. Blige when Cole first came out. Keyshia Cole represents the new generation of R&B
artists with new school and old school flavor that has motivated future artists as well.
 Another shift: techno, hip hop beats
(2006-2007)

R&B in 2006 was the start of a shift. It saw the growth of 2nd generation singers of the 21st century to
come alive along with legendary icons continuing to make music. By early 2006, Mary J. Blige's song
of Be Without You was very high in popularity. Cassie had the song of Me and U. Cassie, back then, was
very new on the scene. Cassie is a singer with a multiracial heritage. She was born in 1986 at New
London, Connecticut. Her mother is African American, Mexican American, and West Indian. Her
father is Filipino. She was a model when she was 14. Her album of Cassie was released on August 8,
2006. It sold 321,000 copies in America. Her other single in 2006 was Long Way 2 Go. This year saw
massive R&B singers and rapper collaborations like Beyoncé and Jay's Deja Vu, Chingy ft. Tyrese's
Pullin' Me Back, Ciara ft. Chamillionaire's Get Up, P Diddy ft. Nicole Scherzinger's Come to Me, and
Janet Jackson ft. Nelly's Call on Me. Chris Brown has the song of Say Goodbye. Beyoncé in 2006 had
another hit of Irreplaceable. Beyoncé’s 2nd solo album was B'Day being released on September 4, 2006.
This came with her 25th birthday. It sold 541,000 copies in its first week and debuted atop the
Billboard 200.

This was Beyoncé’s 2nd consecutive number one solo album in America. Deja Vu and Irreplaceable
from the album became women anthems. She had on the albums more songs like Ring the Alarm, Get
Me Bodied (co-written by her sister Solange), Freakum Dress, and Green Light. In 2006, Beyoncé was
in the films Dreamgirls and The Pink Panther. She used funk, hip hop, and R&B in the music. Many
people saw controversies with the album from alligators used in a video to the suggestive, sexual lyrics.
Back in 2006, it was very controversial to show sexual innuendo in music videos. B'Day was an album
was Beyoncé became more liberated to touch on more adult subject matter. It was her first visual album.
 Upon its release, B'Day received generally favorable reviews from critics and earned several accolades,
including the Grammy Award for Best Contemporary R&B Album at the 49th Annual Grammy Awards
in 2007. Rihanna increased her powerful presence in the music industry by 2006. She is an Afro-
Barbardian powerhouse of talent and business skills. She was born on February 20, 1988 in Saint
Michael, Barbados. Her name is Robyn Rihanna Fenty. Rihanna has two brothers, Rorrey and Rajad
Fenty, and two half-sisters and a half-brother from her father's side, each born to different mothers from
his previous relationships. Rihanna's mother is Monica Braithwaite Fenty and his father is Ronald
Fenty. Rihanna loves reggae music and saw her mother being physically abused by her father. Later,
Rihanna more a musical trio with her classmates in 2003. Producer Evan Rogers found Rihanna and
allowed her to go to America to perform. She made Pon de Replay in 2005 and the Last Time. Her
debut album was Music of the Sun. Rihanna sent a demo to Jay Z and L.A. Reid. Jay Z never left the
building until Rihanna signed a contract. She waited in Jay-Z's office until 3:00 in the morning to get
lawyers to draft up a contract, because he wanted to prevent her from signing with another label.
Rihanna once lived with Rogers and his wife.

All of these musicians have made their marks in music. Estelle (who is one the far right. She was born in
London. Her music includes songs like American Boy, Thank You, Conqueror, etc.) has changed the
game with her music too. She is a producer, songwriter, actress, and hip-hop artist.

Rihanna's 2nd album was A Girl Like Me being released on April 2006. It had R&B and guitar sounds.
It was her first album going platinum. Her lead single was SOS. Other songs were Unfaithful, We Ride,
and Break It Off. In 2006, there were artists like Akon, Ray J, Ne-Yo, Fergie, Justin Timberlake, Keyshia
Cole, Cherish, Christina Milian, Omarion, Nelly Furtado (with her album of Loose from June 7, 2006
with songs like Say it Right, In God’s Hands, and Do It was very popular), Trey Songz, Jamie Foxx,
Kelis (with Bossy ft. Too Short), and other artists making music. Fefe Dobson made records in that time
period as well. LeToya Luckett made the song Torn, establishing her own solo career. The Ohio artist
Lyfe Jennings made huge records. Avant had the son of 4 Minutes. Monica worked with Dem Franchize
Boyz with Everytime tha Beat Drop. Ruben Studdard, Vivian Sakiyyah Green (from Philadelphia),
Lionel Richie, Anthony Hamilton, and Heather Headley released music. Heather Headley is a great
vocal artist. In 2006, Jaheim released Ghetto Classics, Ne-Yo released In My Own Words, Prince had
3121, Avant had Director, The Isley Brothers had music, Donell Jones released Journey of a Gemini,
Monica had the Makings of Me, Ciara had Ciara: The Evolution, and Janet had 20 Y.O. Janet Jackson's
album of 20 Y.O. celebrated 20 years after he third studio album of Control (that was made in 1986).
She worked with Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, her then boyfriend Jermaine Dupri, and L Roc, plus
other producers on 20 Y.O. The Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) certified it
platinum, becoming Jackson's eighth consecutive platinum album. Worldwide, the album has sold 1.5
million copies. 20 Y.O. earned a Grammy Award nomination for Best Contemporary R&B Album in
2007. Songs on it are Call on Me, So Excited, and With U.

In 2007, R&B saw new old school sounds and techno sounds. By early 2007, Beyonce's Irreplaceable
and Ciara's Promise along with Lloyd ft. Lil Wayne's You were high on the charts. Fantasia made the
song When I see U. Fantasia is one of the most talented vocalists of our generation. She has been praised
by Patti Labelle and other legends like Debbie Allen. She is that great. Fantasia has been an actress too.
Fantasia was born in High Point, North Carolina on June 30, 1984. She sang with great singers like
Kem and Rashaan Patterson. Her self titled album Fantasia was released on December 12, 2006.
Robin Thicke made the song Lost Without U. The anthem of Let It Go had Keyshia Cole, Missy Elliot,
and Lil Kim. J Holiday had the song of Bed. One of the most popular songs of 2007 was Alicia Keys
No One. That song was shown everywhere when it came out. In 2007, Omarion had his album
growing called 21. Omarion has been one of the most underrated, greatest dancers of our generation.
The Dreamgirls movie soundtrack was very popular (with the great voice of Jennifer Hudson). The
move of Dreamgirls is loosely based on the rise of the Supremes. It had great actresses and actors, and a
powerful storyline or plot. Pretty Ricky had their songs. Gerald Levert's album In My Songs was highly
inspiring. Artists like Prince with Planet Earth, R. Kelly, Bobby Valentino, and other people released
music. Keyshia Cole released Just Like you. Angie Stone made her comeback with The Art of Love and
War. Alicia Keys released her third album in November 9, 2007 with As I Am. She worked with Kerry
Brothers, Jack Splash, and Linda Perry. The album debuted at number one on the US Billboard 200,
selling 742,000 copies in its first week, and was eventually certified quadruple platinum by the
Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). It became an international commercial success
and spawned four singles that achieved chart success, including "No One", which became the song
most listened to of 2007 in the United States. Alicia Keys won many awards including 3 Grammy
Awards. It sold over 5 million copies worldwide. Alicia Keys's Superwoman was another one of her
anthems.

In 2007, Leona Lewis released the Bleeding Love song. Leona Lewis has a great voice and is one of the
nicest, humblest vocalists of our generation. She is a woman born in London. She was on X-Factor
before releasing albums. Leona Lewis was born on April 3, 1985 in the United Kingdom. She is an
actress, activist, and songwriter. Her debut album Spirit was released in 2007 selling over 10 million
copies. Spirit (2007), which was certified 10× platinum in the UK and became the fourth best-selling
album of the 2000s and one of the best-selling albums in UK chart history. According to the Official
Charts Company, Spirit is officially the best-selling debut album by a female artist in the 21st
century. The lead single, "Bleeding Love," spent seven weeks at number one in over 30 countries,
including the UK where it became the best-selling single of 2007 and the US Billboard Hot 100,
becoming the best-selling single of 2008. Its follow-up single, "Better in Time", was also successful. As
a result, Leona Lewis was proclaimed Top New Artist by Billboard in 2008. The Spirit album had other
great songs like Run, I Will Be, A Moment Like This, and Better in Time/Footprints in the Sand. At
the 2008 Music of Black Origin Awards Spirit won the MOBO award for Best Album and Lewis was
nominated for Best UK Female. In the US, Spirit debuted at number one on the Billboard 200, selling
208,607 copies in its first week, which made Lewis the first British solo artist to top the chart with a
debut album, and the first British woman to hit number one with an album in over twenty years when
Sade Adu topped the chart in February 1986 with Promise. I certainly cherish the talent and humble
spirit of Leona Lewis.

The music from Kem, Beyonce, Janet Jackson, Fantasia, Floetry, Musiq Soulchild, Alicia Keys, and
other artists prove that the 2000's had some great joints. The Sister in the far right is the great Afro-
British singer Jamelia Niela Davis (who won many British music awards).

In 2007, Rihanna released Good Girl Gone Bad. It was her 3rd studio album. It featured producers like
Christopher Stewart, Terius Nash, Neo da Matrix, Timbaland, Evan Rogers, Carl Sturken, and
Stargate. It was a R&B record with dance pop music. It was a turning point in her career. It propelled
her career into another level. The music, sound, and lyrics were edgier. It dealt with more adult themes.
Rihanna wanted to show that she is a grown woman now. The album received seven Grammy Award
nominations and one win in the Best Rap/Sung Collaboration category for "Umbrella" at the 2008
ceremony. The album debuted at number two on the US Billboard 200 chart and sold 162,000 copies
in its first week. Certified six-times platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America
(RIAA), it sold more than 2.8 million copies in the United States. The album reached number one in
Canada, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom. As of 2017, the album had sold over 9 million copies
worldwide. The single of Umbrella was one of the most popular songs of the 21st century. It was shown
everywhere. Her other singles in the albums were Don't Stop the Music, Rehab, Shut Up and Drive,
and Hate That I Love You. Ne-Yo co-wrote and provided vocals on the song Hate That I Love You.
"Umbrella" (which featured hip hop artist Jay Z) reached number one in more than seventeen countries
worldwide, including on the UK Singles Chart and the US Billboard Hot 100 chart. In the United
Kingdom, the song topped the singles chart for ten consecutive weeks, while in the United States, it was
at the top for seven consecutive weeks. As of June 2013, "Umbrella" has sold 4,236,000 digital copies
there, making it Rihanna's fifth-best selling single in the country. To further promote the album,
Rihanna embarked on her first worldwide and second overall tour, the Good Girl Gone Bad Tour
(2007–09). She performed in Europe, North America, Oceania, Asia and Africa. During the concert
shows she wore S&M-inspired outfits and high boots. The Girl Good Gone Bad album from Rihanna
caused Rihanna to be a total international super star of music. 2007 saw Akon, Trey Songz's Can't
Help But Wait, Sean Kingston, Omarion, Mary J. Blige, Usher, R. Kelly, Musiq Soulchild with
B.U.D.D.Y., Ciara's Like a Boy, Lloyd, Tank, Neo-Yo, Pretty Ricky, J. Holdiay, Robin Thicke, Jennifer
Hudson, Joe, Gerald Levert, Chris Brown's Wall to Wall, and other artists who their music to the world.

Jazmine Sullivan, Erykah Badu, and Lyfe Jennings have worked in creating
great music for years.

Legends Still motivate us (2008)

In 2008, R&B music saw new artists establishing themselves as musicians to be taken seriously. It was
the time when Barack Obama won the election to make him the first elected African American
President in American history. First Lady Michelle Obama was the first black woman who was First
Lady in the history of the United States of America too. By early 2008, Alicia Keys' song of Like You'll
Never See Me Again was very popular. Keyshia Cole's I Remember was one of her greatest songs. It
was very popular in 2008. It came from her 2007 2nd album of Just Like You. With the ballads on that
album, some called her (Keyshia Cole) the Princess of Hip Hop Soul. She consulted a variety of
producers and songwriters to work with her on the album, including Missy Elliott, Bryan-Michael Cox,
Scott Storch, Rodney Jerkins, The Runners, J. Wells, Pete Rock, and Soulshock. Guest vocalists include
Missy Elliott, Lil' Kim, Too $hort, Amina Harris, Anthony Hamilton, Young Dro, T.I., Chink Santana,
and Piper. R&B saw more hip-hop collaborations with Usher ft. Young Jeezy in Love in This Club and
Lil Wayne ft. Static Major with Lollipop. Heaven Sent was a song from Keyshia Cole was very popular
in 2008. Rihanna's Take a Bow dealt with breakup. Jazmine Sullivan made her debut album in 2008.
Her famous song of Need U Bad was very vocally powerful. Jazmine Sullivan is a young singer with an
old school soul. She was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on April 9, 1987.

Jazmine Sullivan can sing for real. She is that talented. Her debut album was called Fearless being
released 2008. The producers on the album are Missy Elliott, Stargate, Carvin & ; Ivan, Wyclef Jean,
Jack Splash and Salaam Remi. The album earned Sullivan seven Grammy Award nominations and
has sold 517,000 copies in the United States and since been certified gold by the Recording Industry
Association of America (RIAA) for exceeded sales of 500,000. Jennifer Hudson is another singer with
an outstanding voice, and she released the song of Spotlight in 2008. Ne-Yo had the song of Miss
Independent praising hard working women. Ne-Yo is underrated as a singer and songwriter. He is
probably one of the greatest songwriters of the 21st century, and I'm not being facetious. He has written
songs for legends from as diverse as Celine Dion, Beyoncé, Leona Lewis, Alexandra Burke, Whitney
Houston, Anastacia, Ciara, Corbin Bleu, Enrique Iglesias, Dima Bilan, and to other musicians. He was
born in Camden, Arkansas and raised in Las Vegas, Nevada. He won many awards too. His third studio
album, Year of the Gentleman (2008), saw continued success and further Grammy Award nominations
for Best Contemporary R&B Album as well as Album of the Year. Its singles "Closer" and "Miss
Independent" were also nominated for the Grammy Award for Best Male Pop Vocal Performance, Best
Male R&B Vocal Performance, and Best R&B Song. Year of the Gentleman has been certified platinum
twice in the US, selling two million copies, also platinum three times in the UK and once in Japan. Ne-
Yo has a tenor voice. His influences are Michael Jackson, Luther Vandross, Babyface, Blackstreet, and
Usher. The end of 2008 saw Beyoncé’s song of Single Ladies (Put a Ring On It) being shown as another
women's anthem of empowerment. In 2008, Mary J. Blige released Growing Pains, Raheem
DeVaughn released Love Behind the Melody, Alicia Keys had As I Am, Day 26 had music, Ray J had
All I Feel, Mariah released E=MC2, Lyfe Jennings released Lyfe Change, Keith Sweat had Just Me, Usher
had Here I Stand, Lloyd had Lessons in Love, and John Legend had Evolver. Musiq Soulchild released
Onmyradio too.
The singer Ne-Yo is an underrated songwriter.
In fact, many of the classic songs of the 21st
century has been written by him. He worked
hard in Las Vegas and throughout the world to
grow his career. The image from the left is from
his music video of “Because of You.” The video
was released in 2007. He was born in Camden,
Arkansas. He has done it from producing, being
a television judge, and supporting the arts in
general.
 AMERIE

Amerie’s 1 Thing song in

2005 was everywhere.
It’s drums, it’s go-go The picture above is from her 2007
beats, and the creativity album of Because I Love It. Her
of the sounds were Forecast intro song on the album is
amazing in that song. one of the best intros in R&B music
history.

In my generation, Amerie is a singer with dynamic creativity and a powerful voice.

She was raised in the DMV (i.e. the D.C., southern Maryland, and Northern Virginia
region), so her music has been influenced by go-go and a fast beat with horns to make
the point clear that we have the right to dance. Also, her music is introspective about
the complexities of love and romance. Sister Amerie was born in Fitchburg,
Massachusetts, and she innovated R&B music in incredible ways. She studied at
Georgetown University. In July 2002, Amerie's debut single, "Why Don't We Fall in
Love", was released, peaking at number 23 on the Billboard Hot 100 and becoming a
top ten hit on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs and Hot Dance Club Play charts. Many
of songs use drums and other diverse instruments. A song from Amerie means that
you will either dance or have some fun. Tons of her classic songs are 1 Thing, Forecast,
All I Have, Show Me, Rollin’ Down My Face, Fallin’, Somebody Up There, All Roads,
Crush, etc. She received a BET Award nomination for Best Female R&B Artist and an
Image Award nomination for Outstanding New Artist. In 2005, she won the Aretha
Franklin Award for Entertainer of the Year from the Soul Train Lady of Soul Awards
show. She is a wife and a mother now. After albums and tours, she still maintains her
down to Earth personality. To explain 21st century R&B music, you must include her
great talent.
 Numerous 2000’s R&B groups
The 2000’s had many R&B groups. These groups, in many cases, came from the 1990’s and
some started in the 2000’s. Yet, they were all unified in desiring to show their experiences
and talent via music. The 2000’s was a time when new sounds flourished along with the
same soul of excellence being present as well. The songs from Destiny’s Child to Floetry
made people to have a lot of memories back then.

Destiny’s Child B2K Jagged Edge Ruff Endz 3LW

702 Pretty Ricky Danity Kane Lucy Pearl Tha’ Rayne

Total Cherish Next City High Floetry

Black & Lace 112 Isyss HerSanity Koffee Brown

Brutha Dru Hill Blaque Black Buddafly Allure


He is one of the greatest singers of
our generation, and Anthony
Hamilton is 51 years old. For
decades now, he presented a great
voice and a profound sense of the
respect for love. His platinum
album of Coming' Where I'm
From in 2003 increased his
popularity. Charlotte, North
Carolina is the city of her birth.
He used R&B, soul, and neo-soul
music among his catalogue. When
he was 17 years old, he started to
sing the church's choir. He
attended South Mecklenburg
High School. In that location, he
sang at their award-winning choir
under the direction of Mark
Setzer. He came into NYC to sign
Andre Harrell's Uptown Records.
This is the music video of Anthony
Hamilton and Jill Scott in their classic
song of So in Love. Both artists are
great legends of music.
Hamilton co-wrote the 1999 hit U
Know What's Up for the singer
Donnell Jones. He sang in the single
Po' Folks with Nappy Roots in
2002. Charlene is one of his best
songs including So In Love
(featuring Jill Scott). In 2006, he
won the BET J "Cool Like That"
Award. He sang music as part of the
American Gangster film soundtrack.
By 2020, Hamilton released his
single Back Together featuring the
late Rick James. Hamilton has
worked with D’Angelo, Leela James,
LeVelle, LaToya London, and other
artists. He won a Grammy too.
Anthony Hamilton loves his 6 sons.
He remains one of the greatest
soulful artists of all time.
On November 12, 2008, Beyoncé released her 3rd studio album of I Am...Sasha Fierce. Sasha Fierce is
her alter ego. It was a double album. The album had electropop and Europop elements. Jay Z and Etta
James inspired her on songwriting and artistry. Beyoncé worked with people like Babyface, Tricky
Stewart, The-Dream and Ryan Tedder. The albums of Sasha Fierce boasted production from
Darkchild and Sean Garrett. The album had songs like If I Were a Boy, Ego, Diva, Sweet Dreams, and
Halo. Beyoncé worked with Lady Gaga with Video Phone. It's an album that garnered seven Grammy
Award nominations at the 52nd Annual Grammy Awards ceremony (2010), including a nomination
for Album of the Year, winning five and eventually collecting a record setting six wins—the most
awards won in one night by a woman artist. I Am... Sasha Fierce won a Soul Train Music Award for
Best Album of the Year at the 2009 Soul Train Music Awards. Beyoncé won the American Music Award
for Favorite Soul/R&B Female Artist at the American Music Awards of 2009, while I Am... Sasha Fierce
garnered a nomination for Favorite Soul/R&B Album. Beyoncé also won a BET Award for Best R&B
Artist at the BET Awards 2009. By the end of 2008, Beyoncé just went into another level.

When Prince, Patti Labelle, Alicia Keys, Tina Turner, Celine Dion, Diana Ross, Mary J. Blige, Janet
Jackson, Mariah Carey, Donna Summer, and other legends praise Beyoncé as a great singer and
performer, it shows that Beyoncé is one of the greatest icons of the 21st century without question. In
2008, songs and music like Just Fine from Mary J. Blige, J. Holliday songs, Can't Help But Wait from
Trey Songz, Never from Jaheim, Take You down from Chris Brown, Crying Out for Me from Mario,
Touch my Body from Mariah Carey, The Dream's music, Woman from Raheem DeVaughn, Magic
from Robin Thicke, Get Like Me from David Banner ft. Chris Brown, Shoulda Let You Go from Keyshia
Cole ft. Amina, No Air of Jordin Sparks ft. Chris Brown, Usher's Love in this Club Part II ft. Beyonce and
Lil Wayne, Erkyah Badu's Honey, etc. Jordin Sparks is a singer from Arizona. She is a person with a
naturally nice personality, and she was in the film of Sparkle back in 2012 later on. Janet Jackson's
Discipline album was released on February 22, 2008. She worked with old school and new school
producers like Darkchild, Ne-Yo, Shea Taylor, Stargate, Johntá Austin, Jermaine Dupri, Tricky
Stewart, and The-Dream. The album experimented with the electropop, house, and dance-pop genres
and contained R&B and hip hop-oriented tracks. One of her greatest songs on the album was Feedback.
Her dance choreography on Feedback was amazing. Rock With U, Luv, Greatest X (which is one of her
greatest songs on the album vocally), and Can't B Good were other songs on the album.

Melanie Fiona, Keri Hilson, and Ledisi represent the new artists of the
2000’s who represent the further strength of R&B music to the fullest.

A New Generation of Artists (2009)

In 2009, R&B music saw the growth of a new generation of musicians. The start of 2009 had Beyonce's
single Single Lades being top on the charts. Jamie Foxx featuring T-Pain had the song Blame It.
Jeremih released the song of Birthday Sex. Keri Hilson had the song Knock You Down in 2008 with
Kanye West and Ne-Yo. Keri Hilson is an artist who is underrated too. Keri Hilson is also a great
songwriter for many famous musicians too. She is from Georgia. She worked with Timbaland and
other legends. Maxwell's Pretty Wings was one of the greatest songs of his career. Jay Z worked with
Alicia Keys with the NYC anthem of Empire State of Mind. Usher had the song Papers detailing the
issue of breakup and divorce. Trey Songz ft. Drake had the bold song of "I Invented Sex." In 2009, the
Notorious film soundtrack had hip hop and R&B music. Albums with popularity in 2009 and coming
out in late 2008 were A Different Me from Keyshia Cole and Intuition from Jamie Foxx. Bobby V had
the album of The Rebirth in 2009. Charlie Wilson made the comeback album of Uncle Charlie too.
The Dream had Love vs. Money. Keri Hilson released her album of In a Perfect World on March 24,
2009.

The album earned Hilson Grammy Award nominations for Best New Artist and Best Rap/Sung
Collaboration during the 52nd Annual Grammy Awards ceremony on January 31, 2010. Keri Hilson
is a woman who loves the art of music. Songs from Hilson like Return the Favor ft. Timbaland, Slow
Dance, Energy, Alienated, etc. showed the diverse emotions and experiences of women in general.
Prince and Bria Valente had the album of LOtUSFLOW3R / MPLSound / Elix3r. Day 26 released
Forever in a Day. Chrisette Michele had the album of Epiphany in 2009 too. This was her 2nd album.
Chrisette Michele is one of the new school, very talented vocalists. She was born in New York state. Ne-
Yo co-wrote and co-produced many of its songs. Chrisette Michele is an outstanding vocalist, and some
compared her voice to Ella Fitzgerald. Songs like Epiphany, Notebook, Blame It On Me, etc. are part of
her album. Jeremih released his album of Jeremiah. Maxwell made a huge comeback album with
BLACKsummers'night on July 7, 2009. The album debuted at number one on the US Billboard 200
chart, selling 316,000 copies in its first week. It became Maxwell's fourth consecutive US Platinum
album and produced four singles that achieved Billboard chart success. He won 2 Grammys with the
album. That album had the lead single of Pretty Wings.” By the end of the 2000’s, singers like Nicole
Scherzinger would work with singers like Avant, Timbaland, Keri Hilson, A. R. Rhaman, and other
people to show their musical talent to the world. Ledisi released the album Turn Me Loose in 2009.
This was her fourth album.

Ledisi does jazz too and is one of the most underrated great singers of our time. Letoya released Lady
Love in 2009. Whitney Houston's album of I Look to You was certainly a classic. She made records like
Nothin' But Love and Million Dollar Baby. On July 21, 2009, Whitney Houston hosted a listening party
with Davis in New York City. Among those in attendance were Alicia Keys, Diane Sawyer, Martha
Stewart and Vivica A. Fox. The album preview triggered a standing ovation, and the song Million
Dollar Bill was among those that received critical acclaim. I Look to You was one of her greatest last
songs of her life. Michael Jackson passed away in 2009, and her album of This is It was certainly a
memorial to his contributions to music. Michael Jackson broke down barriers and contributed so much
in the development of modern-day music in enumerable ways. That is why he is the greatest
entertainer of our generation. Chris Brown released Graffiti. R. Kelly had Untitled. Rihanna had the
album of Rated R. This album was about Rihanna saying this is who I am, take it or leave it. It was
released on November 20, 2009. It had a different direction using rock, dubstep, dancehall, and other
elements. Will.I.Am worked with her. Songs like Rude boy, Rockstar 101, Wait Your Turn, Hard, etc.
had a more adult edge to it. Rated R was the album from Rihanna that influenced her future releases
to this day. Many of the songs are about love and overcoming adversity. The album was about
promoting her independence from a situation (we know what that situation) and living her life in full
freedom. Her future albums of Loud (2010) and Anti (2016. Some say that Anti is her best album)
existed from the root of Rated R.
Sister Kelis is 44 years old. She is a famous singer, songwriter, and chef. She was born
and raised in the Frederick Douglass Houses in Harlem, New York City. Her father was
an African American jazz musician and Pentecostal minister (formerly a professor at
Wesleyan University). Her mother is a fashion designer who inspired Kelis to pursue her
own singing career. She has 3 sisters, two older and one younger. Kelis sang in church
choirs and played the violin, piano, and saxophone while attending the private school of
Manhattan County School. She was educated at the Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School
of Music & Art Performing Arts, where she created the R&B group of BLU (Black Ladies
United). By 1997, she gave background vocals to artists. She worked with the Neptunes
and her debut album of Kaleidoscope was in 1999. Caught Out There was her early
single. She was on ODB's song of Got Your Money. In 2001, Kelis won the Brit Award for
International Breakthrough Act and the NME Award for Best R&B/Soul Act. By the end of
2003, she released the album of Tasty. The famous song from her of Milkshake was very
popular. Kelis continued to make music and started her chef career. She performed
worldwide from London to other places to this day. She won the New York Music Awards
many times. Kelis is outspoken, she says that she is a Christian, and she is ahead of her
time with her style.
 JENNIFER HUDSON
Jennifer Hudson’s 2008
song of Spotlight was
filled with harmonies,
great vocals, and a
great message.
When it is all said and done, she will
continue to be an iconic singer and
entertainer. She performed globally,
and she was born in Chicago. Also,
she is known to love her family
unconditionally. Jennifer Hudson is
an iconic performer of our
generation. Not only did she won an
Academy Award, a Golden Globe
Awards, a BAFTA Award, and a
Screen Actors Guild Award for Best
Supporting Actress. She is an
amazing actress too. Black Nativity,
The Secret Life of Bees, and other
movies are in her repertoire. Her
voice is very powerful as being one of
the greatest singers of our
generation. Her debut album won
her a Grammy. She graduated from
Dunbar Vocational High School in
1999.
By August of 2021, Jennifer
Hudson’s movie of Respect
will be released to the public.
Hudson plays the legend
Aretha Franklin, and the
Franklin family supports
Hudson’s role too.
Jennifer Hudson had the greatest
performance in the movie of Dreamgirls.
She is her own woman. She has one
child. Also, she continues to perform in
theater. Theater is one of her many loves.
Working hard, being grounded, never
giving up, and standing up for what is
right describe her life story. She has been
through the rain as all of us has been
through at least once in our lives. Yet,
Jennifer Hudson is a fighter and uses
perseverance as her motivation to excel
into more heights of glory. She has been
inspired by Whitney Houston, Aretha
Franklin, and Patti Labelle. She praised
Mariah Carey too. Like many legends,
she sang in the church. Her career grew
by her being on American Idol and being
part of the movie Dreamgirls. Jennifer
Hudson is a very heroic black woman.
As we shall see in the future, Rihanna's Anti album would evolve R&B music into another level of
creative power. Another new artist of the new generation is Melanie Fiona Hallim. Her parents are of
Afro-Guyanese, Indo-Guyanese, and Portuguese descent. Her debut album was The Bridge. For years,
I always love her voice, her talent, and her lyrical skills. Fiona was born in Canada. She was part of a
singing group before establishing her own solo album. She collaborated with Future Cut, Vada Nobles,
Stereotypes, J. Phoenix and Peter Wade Keusch. Her debut single, "Give It to Me Right", was sent to
radio stations on February 28, 2009, and peaked at number 20 on the Canadian Hot 100 chart and
number 41 on the UK Singles Chart. The second single, "It Kills Me", became her breakout song on
the Billboard Hot 100 where it entered the Top 50, along with topping the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop
Songs chart. The song earned Hallim a Grammy Award nomination for Best Female R&B Vocal
Performance. The song "Monday Morning" is her biggest hit in Europe to date. The Bridge also earned
her a NAACP Image Award nomination for Outstanding New Artist. In 2012, Hallim won two
Grammy Awards for Best Traditional R&B Performance and Best R&B Song for the song "Fool for You"
with CeeLo Green. Melania Fiona Hallim has a great voice. What a great way to end 2009 with
acknowledging the superb talent of an excellent musician like Melanie Fiona Hallim.

One of the most underrated singers of the 21st

century is Corrine Bailey Rae. The image to the left
is from her music video Like A Star. The song came
out in 2005, and it is found in her 2006 album
entitled, Corrine Bailey Rae. The album debuted
at number one on the UK Albums Chart. It had
classic songs in it like Put Your Records On,
Trouble Sleeping, and I’d like To. By the 2010’s,
she made the classic record of Green Aphrodisiac.
Corrine Bailey Rae won Outstanding New Artist at
the 2007 NAACP Image Awards. She was born in
Leeds, England in 1979.
 Fantasia

Fantasia here is performing Fantasia is singing in tribute to

her song Enough during the Stevie Wonder in this picture.
2019 BET Awards. For almost Her talent is incredible. Now, she
2 decades now, Fantasia has has been involved in acting,
amazed crowd with her vocal theater, and other facets of life.
abilities.

She is a woman who can SANG. There are people who can sing, but she can SANG for real. For years
now, she has overcome the storm to be a blessing for so many people, especially women. From having
her own TV autobiography in Lifetime to be one of the greatest singers of this generation, she has a
great light. Performing, acting, and loving her family have enriched her own life. She is Sister Fantasia
Barrino, and has a one in a lifetime talent. She was born in High Point, North Carolina. Her first
cousins are the R&B duo K-Ci and Jo Jo. Back in the 1970's, her uncles (in the Barrino Brothers
group) showed music too. She suffered a great deal early in her life. Yet, Fantasia has also shown great
accomplishments and inspiration. Fantasia sang at American Idol. Afterwards, her career grew into
unprecedented heights. Her debut single was "I Believe." Her other classics are Bittersweet, Truth Is,
Free Yourself, and In the Middle of the Night. She has been on movies and won many awards
including Grammys. She also performed at Aretha Franklin's funeral in 2018. For years, she has been
in theater and other arenas. She has some of the greatest friends (like the fitness expert Sister Sonya
D. McRoberts) around to give her advice and encourage her. On July 18, 2015, she married Kendall
Taylor, a businessman. Fantasia is that great as she is one of the greatest singers of all time.
The R&B music of the 2000s had many powerful, inspirational musical songs. From club anthems,
futuristic techno inspired songs, and to powerful ballads, the music of that decade were prominent and
influential. The 2000s was the time of the start of the war on terror, the growth of romance-related
reality TV shows, and political debates galore. Likewise, talented musicians made their way to show
their talent like Mario, Amerie, Ciara, Fantasia, Melanie Fiona, Sunshine Anderson, Kelly Rowland,
3LW, Jill Scott, Lloyd, Jaheim, Musiq Soulchild, Rihanna, Ledisi, Jordin Sparks, Chris Brown, Akon,
and other singers. The sounds of that era included the growth of neo-soul, love ballads, and by the end
of the decade filled with electronic sounds. A lot of the music then was a continuation of the melodies
and rhythms found in the late 1990's. The rise of a younger generation artists was widespread in that
time period too like Vivian Green, Jazmine Sullivan, Shontelle, Leona Lewis, Keyshia Cole, Floetry, Lyfe
Jennings, and the outstanding singer of Jennifer Hudson. Many artists got their start from TV shows
like American Idol. Many of them would expand their careers by going into acting in various movies
including TV shows. One of the most underrated songwriters of that time were Ne-Yo and Keri Hilson.
Legends rose to the occasion during the 2000s like Whitney Houston, Mariah Carey, Janet Jackson,
Toni Braxton, Gerald Levert, and Brian McKnight.
 THE RISE OF BEYONCE
Beyoncé here was in a 2002 interview with
Dave Fanning of the UK. She spoke on
music, writing, God, and other issues.
Beyoncé in 2002 just started her solo career
during this time along with being in
Destiny’s Child at the same time. This was
her start. Back then, Beyoncé was already a
young superstar, and she wasn’t even 25
years old yet. She is all Texas, and Beyoncé
Beyonce’s 2000’s anthems has a strong support system from families
to friends to be the icon of our generation
(selling over 118 million records). Hard
work is part of her legacy from working as
a child in singing to doing movies.

Irreplaceable In 2002, she received Songwriter of the

Year from American Society of
Composers, Authors and Publishers
becoming the First African American
woman to win the award. Yes, I watched
Single Ladies the Carmen movie that starred her in it
too. Beyoncé can sing, dance, perform, and
write her own songs. Her working with
Sheila E. in her 2002 BET performance of
the song of “Work it Out” documents her
Listen as a legendary artist. Her success during the
2000s was recognized with the RIAA's
Top Certified Artist of the Decade as well
as Billboard's Top Female Artist of the
Decade. She won 24 NAACP Image
Awards, 31 BET Awards, and 17 Soul Train
Music Awards.
Diva

Ring the Alarm

 Esperanza Spalding’s Black Gold (from 2012) outlined the great value of Blackness. The
music video (as shown on the far right) showed a black father caring for his black sons.

The modern R&B movement today came about from 2010 to the present. Modern R&B in the 2010's
and 2020’s is characterized by new school soundcloud sounds, romantic songs showing introspection,
political music, hip hop influenced artists, and comebacks from legends like Babyface and Toni
Braxton (whose album in the 2010's was one of the greatest R&B albums in the 21st century. That is
why their duet album won many awards including a Grammy). Many artists of the 2010s and 2020s
involved in R&B are human beings like: Bryson Tiller, Rihanna, Miguel, Usher, Beyonce, Alicia Keys,
Estelle, Natalie La Rose, Kali Uchis, Ne-Yo, Tinashe, Ciara, Jennifer Hudson, Janelle Monae, Lianne
La Havas, Audra Day, Emeli Sande, Snoh Aalegra, Toni Braxton, Victoria Monet, Glenn Lewis, Chloe
and Halle, Tamar Braxton, Justine Skye, Elle Varner, Leona Lewis, Trey Songz, Sevyn Streeter, Kem,
Queen Naija, Jacquees, Carolyn Malachi, Kelly Rowland, K. Michelle, Monica, Brandy, Dinah Jane,
Ann Marie, Ari Lennox, Esperanza Spalding, Maxwell, Anthony Hamilton, Corinne Bailey Rae,
Tyrese, RaVaughn Nichelle Brown, Jazmine Sullivan, Solange, Mariah Carey, Summer Walker, Toni
Braxton, Nikki Hayes, Savannah Cristina, Russ, Babyface, Alessia Cara, Niki, Weeknd, Khalid,
Normani, Khelani, H.E.R., John Legend, Daniel Casear, SZA, Tiara Thomas, and other artists. R&B,
like any form of music, constantly evolves. There is great talent out here in our generation, even in 2021.
Later on, in the future, the modern essence of R&B music will be shown here.

By Timothy
 THE NEO-SOUL EXPLOSION OF THE 2000’S
Musiq Soulchild’s song of
B.U.D.D.Y. (from 2007) is about
how friends can evolve their
relationships into lovers. This
singer is from Philly like many
legendary neo-soul artists are
from.
Kindred The Family Soul (made
up of the married couple of
Fatin Dantzler and Aja Gaydon.
They are based in Philadelphia.
Fatin is from Newark, NJ, and
Aja is from LA) is one of the
most underrated singing
groups of all time. Their song of
Far Away (from 2003) is an
emotional, political, and
powerful song with a message
with a yearning for a better
tomorrow.
In 2003, singer Anthony Hamilton
released Comin’ From Where I’m
From. It showed an honest portrayal of
many people. Anthony Hamilton is a
greatly talented artist.
India Arie’s song of I Am Not my
Hair from 2006 featuring Akon
has a clear message. The message
is that our natural hair shouldn’t
be used by people to dehumanize
our value as black people.
Regardless of our hair, we are
human beings worthy of dignity
and respect.
From Atlanta, the neo-soul artist
Algebra Blessett was in the video
U Do It for Me in 2006. Algebra
can play the guitar too. She is an
outstanding musician.
By the 2000’s, neo-soul became more international.
People from every walk of life love the sounds and
music from neo-soul. Neo-soul helped to carry
forward the artistry of R&B and music in general
during the first decade of the 21st century indeed.
People like Floetry and Sunshine Anderson made their
contributions. Artists like Algebra Felicia Blessett also
made their music very much known. The drums, the
soul, and the notes of neo-soul will always be honored
by me as an extension of the glory of human creativity.
In other words, the 2000’s had tons of great music.
Maxwell’s 2009 song of Pretty Wings
outline the beauty of a woman and ups and
downs of relationships. Maxwell, by the
2000’s, was already an icon of music. He just
added to his legend with his further
comebacks in the 2000’s and beyond.
One of Jill Scott’s best songs
vocally is Golden (in 2007). Jill
Scott was her own self
affirmation, her own glory, and
her own joy. Jill Scott broken a
lot of barriers in music. She is
one of the many women icons
of neo-soul music.
Erykah Badu ft. Common’s
Love of My Life is a love
letter to hip hop from the
start to its modern age. The
song showed great vocals
and a captivating message.
The song is part of the
Brown Sugar soundtrack
too. After almost 50 years,
hip hop is still here.
Angie Stone’s 2001
song of Brotha
celebrated righteous
black men
everywhere.
 MANY OF THE PROMINENT FILMS OF THE 2000’S
The movie of American Gangster (2007)
was about the account of the drug
dealer Frank Lucas (played by Denzel
Washington). It not only exposed Lucas’
nefarious empire. It focused on the
crooked cops from the NYPD, who used
drug money for personal
embellishments. A federal task force
brought Frank Lucas and the crooked
NYPD members down.
Tupac: Resurrection (2003) is one of the
greatest Tupac Shakur documentaries of
all time. It showed his life
chronologically and the impact of his
long legacy in the hip hop world. It
remains an honest portrayal of the most
influential hip hop musician of all time.
This is It (2009) presented some of the
final moments of Michael Jackson.
Michael Jackson wanted to do a final
concert before retiring from concerts.
He didn’t know that the footage in the
movie would outline some of his final
experiences on this Earth. Michael
Jackson was the greatest entertainer of
this generation without question.
Coach Carter (2005) is a modern-day
version of the Lean on Me film. It is
about one coach named Ken Carter
(played by Samuel L. Jackson)
helping California urban kids to
achieve greatness on and off the
basketball courts. He used wit,
strength, and determination to
change many lives including the life
of his son. It starred Debbi Morgan
and Ashanti too.
Will Smith stars in the epic of Ali
(2001). The movie of Ali shows the
complex and heroic life of
Muhammad Ali. It praises his
greatness and shows his errors. It
shows the time from winning the
match against Sonny Liston in 1964
to his victory against George
Foreman in 1974. Jada Pinkett Smith
and Nona Gaye star in the movie too.
Remember the Titans (2000) was a
film that became a football movie
classic. It was based on the true story
of coach Herman Boone (played by
Denzel Washington) working to
integrate the T.C. Williams High
School in Alexandria, Virginia. He
works with an unlikely ally of
assistant coach Bill Yoast (played by
Bill Patton) to cause black and white
players to achieve victory.
Love and Basketball (2000) remains
of the one of the most romantic
films of all time. Gina Prince-
Bythewood directed the film about
a man and woman (played by Omar
Epps and Sanaa Lathan) who share
a love of basketball as kids. Later,
they fall in love. They maintain their
love through the ups and downs of
college life. Black Love is always
Beautiful.
Ridley Scott’s movie of Gladiator
(2000) was a monumental movie. It
stars Russell Crowe in his role as a
Spanish Roman soldier, as a slave,
and as a gladiator. He confronts the
son of an emperor, and he fights for
his freedom. His shows
camaraderie with his gladiator
friends, and he seeks unity with his
family that has passed away.
The Departed (2006) was directed
by Martin Scorsese and written by
William Monahan. It was about the
real-life Boston Winter Gang. It also
deals with the corrupt FBI agent
John Connolly and Irish gangster
Whitey Bulger. It stars Leonardo
DiCaprio, Matt Doman, Jack
Nicholson, and Mark Wahlberg.
One of the most honest films about
racism in the South is from the film
Glory Road (2006). It didn’t sugarcoat
anything. The movie is about the
integrated NCAA team of University
of Texas at El Paso. The team had an
all-black starting lineup (with Bobby
Joe Hill, etc.), and they won their
NCAA Championship. The UTEP
suffered racism, discrimination, and
hate, but they never gave up on their
dreams.
Notorious (2009) shows the life of the
Notorious B.I.G. From Brooklyn to Los
Angeles, his life is shown. From Afro-
Jamaican parents to being one of the
greatest MCs in history, the Notorious
B.I.G. story is presented. The film stars
Angela Bassett, Jamal Woolard, Derek
Luke, Anthony Mackie, Antonique
Smith, and Naturi Naughton.
The movie of Black Hawk Down (2001)
is all about American soldiers trying to
survive an ambush from Somalian
forces (led by Aidid’s militia). It was
directed by Ridley Scott. This 1993
raid in Mogadishu was bloody. It stars
Josh Hartnett, Ewan McGregor, Eric
Bana, Tom Sizemore, Tom Hardy, etc.
The raid has caused more than 1,000
Somalis to die and 19 Americans
soldiers to die too.
 USHER RAYMOND

The musician Usher has been part of R&B culture for decades now. He was born in Dallas,
Texas, raised in Chattanooga, Tennessee, and he later lived in Atlanta, Georgia. He can
show songs about love, partying, resiliency, imperfections, and a wide spectrum of subjects.
By the 2000’s, he was one of the bestselling musical artists of the 2000’s decade. His albums
of 8701 and Confessions defined him as a premier artist. He has been inducted into the
Georgia Music Hall of Fame too. Songs like Burn, Confessions Part II, Yeah!, U Remind
Me, Love in This Club, Bad Habits, etc. outline how he feels. He is an open book. People
know who he is, and Usher is a very honest person. From philanthropy, movies, and other
business avenues, Usher (like many artists) have built a long-lasting brand. He loves his
children unconditionally. During the 2000’s, he was one of the many leaders of the R&B
movement. Now in 2021, Usher continues to express himself via music, movies, and other
endeavors.
 The 2006 film of Dreamgirls
was not only an ode to R&B
music. It was an ode to the
Supremes and other all-
women R&B singing groups
who sacrificed so much for
entertainment, happiness,
and the art of music. The
movie starred 3 beautiful
black women whose names
are Jennifer Hudson,
Beyoncé, and Anika Noni
Rose. Jamie Foxx, Eddie
Murphy, Sharon Leal, and
“To anyone who has ever had a dream, and thought
other prominent black
actors and black actresses
outlined great performances
in the movie too.
The movie came after the
original 1981 Broadway
musical of the same name
(starring the legends of
Jennifer Holliday, Sheryl Lee
Ralph, Loretta Devine,
Vondie Curtis-Hall, Obba
Babatunde, and other human
beings). The Dreamgirls film
was a prominent moment in
our history. The movie also is
based on Motown. Jennifer
Hudson won Best Supporting
Actress for her role in
Dreamgirls.
your dream wasn’t, wouldn’t, couldn’t come true. I
am here to tell you that this is what believing looks
like. This is what striving looks like. And don’t you
ever, ever give up on you!”

-Sheryl Lee Ralph (in 2022 winning an Emmy for

Abbott Elementary)

Melanie Fiona is an outstanding singer. She is a

mother, a songwriter, and she was born and
raised in Toronto, Canada. She is born in the
same year I was born in too. Her 2009 album of
The Bridge is filled with soul and power with
songs like Bang Bang, Monday Morning, Ay Yo,
Priceless, It Kills Me, etc. She earned 2 Grammy
Awards in 2012 for the song of Fool for You
with CeeLo Green.
What can you say about her. Leona Lewis is one
of the humblest, nicest singers of all time. Leona
Lewis has a very great singing voice too. Her
albums of Spirit, Glassheart, I Am, and Echo
make her a 21st century legendary artist.
Involving in songwriting, theater, music, and
philanthropy, she is a great light. She is from the
UK.
 GINUWINE

Ginuwine is now 50 years old, and he contributed so much to R&B culture and music. He can perform, he can dance,
and he has been involving in singing songs for over 25 years now. Recently, he won an award from the Black Music
Honors at Nashville, Tennessee in June of 2021. As a singer and songwriter plus actor, he has great experience in the
music industry. He has been a dancer too. Ginuwine graduated from Forestville, High School at Forestville, Maryland.
So, he lived in the DMV region. Swing Mob was a group that he was a member of filled with legends like Missy Elliot,
Timbaland, and Static Major. From 1996, his career grew into more popularity with songs like Pony. His other hits
were Same Ol’ G, So Anxious, None of Ur Friends Business, Differences, Get Involved (ft. Timbaland and Missy
Elliot), etc. He was one of the greatest R&B artists of the late 1990's and early 2000's. He sold almost 7 million records
in America. He was born in Washington, D.C. He graduated from Prince George's Community College in Largo,
Maryland with a paralegal associate degree. He was allied with Timbaland, Missy Elliot, Aaliyah, and other artists in
Da Basement Crew. He has been on many films and shows. He was in TGT which is another music group with artists
like Tyrese and Tank. Ginuwine loves all his children and is a legend of the music world. He loves all his children, and
his legacy is intact forever. Ginuwine caused a throwback of intricate dancing in music videos to have another comeback
during the 90’s and 2000’s eras.
HONORING A LEGEND

Some sad news is that Clarence Williams III

recently passed away days ago at the age of 81 years
old. He was one of the greatest actors of all time.
He was on the show the Mob Squad. Also, he was
in the movie Sugar Hill being in one of his best
roles as an actor. Clarence Williams III worked on
Season 2 of Twin Peaks too. He was born in New
York City. He is the grandson of jazz and blues
composer plus pianist Clarence Williams and Eva
Taylor (who was a singer as well). He was in the
movie The Cool World in 1964. Clarence
Williams III loved his wife unconditionally, who
is the actress Gloria Foster. Remaining the icon,
his legacy permanently lives on.
Rest in Power Brother Clarence Williams III.
 ONE OF THE GREATEST TO
HAVE EVER DO IT FROM
VIRGINIA.

D’Angelo is a genius. Him being a singer,

songwriter, and playing multiple instruments
is well known. He is more than a neo-soul
artist. He is an overall great musician along
with legends like Erykah Badu, Lauryn Hill,
Maxwell, and Angie Stone. From his first
album of Brown Sugar in 1995 to his other
music, he helped to propel R&B culture into
another level. He loves his 3 children too. He
won many awards. His comeback album of
Black Messiah from 2014 was one of the best
His Famous Albums
albums of all time musically and vocally.

He was raised in a Pentecostal family where music

was everywhere. During his time in Richmond,
Virginia (the place of his birth), he was part of a
musical group early on. D’Angelo was inspired by
Prince, the Native Tongues (or a hip hop
Brown Sugar (1995)
collective of Tribe and other artists), Gangstarr,
and Main Source. Music from James Brown, Sly
and the Family Stone, Jimi Hendrix, and other
people motivated him artistically too. On
February 14th, 2021, D'Angelo appeared on
Instagram Live to announce that he would be
performing at the Apollo Theater on February
27th, 2021 in cooperation with the American
webcast Verzuz. The event was billed as D'Angelo
Black Messiah (2014)
VS Friends and featured no opponents; instead,
D'Angelo performed a solo set with shared
performances with his peers and collaborators,
Keyon Harrold, Method Man & Redman, and
H.E.R. D’Angelo is certainly one of the greatest
of all time.
 RIHANNA: A STAR IS BORN
Rihanna’s 2006 song of
SOS showed the world
her musical talent and
charisma. SOS is from
her album of A Girl Like
Me.
This was Rihanna in 2008, and she is 33 years old now
in 2021. Rihanna is part of the new generation of young
artists. She is very talented, she is outspoken, and she has
a business empire. She was born in Saint Michael,
Barbados, and she was raised in Bridgetown, Barbados.
Rihanna is an actress too. From doing R&B music, pop,
reggae, EDM, and other genres, she is one of the most
popular musicians of the 21st century. Rihanna has sold
over 250 million records worldwide making her one of
the best-selling music artists of all time. She has 14
number ones and 31 top ten singles in America and 30
top ten entries in the UK. She won 9 Grammy Awards,
13 American Music Awards, 12 Billboard Music Awards,
and 6 Guinness World Records. Also, Rihanna has a
long history of working in humanitarian causes,
entrepreneurial ventures, and fashion projects. She
loved reggae music as a child. Shontelle (another singer)
was her drill sergeant at a sub military program as an
army cadet. She worked in an all-girl group when she was
child before going solo. Pon De Replay was her early
song. Jay Z and others signed her. Music of the Sun was
early album that sold a lot. She made more records like
SOS, Unfaithful, We Ride, and Break It Off. Good Girl
Gone Bad was her breakthrough album.
Rihanna’s Umbrella
song in 2007 was
very popular. It was
number 1 in many
world charts
including in America.
The song propelled
Rihanna’s career
into new heights.
It had songs like Umbrella, Shut Up and Drive, and
Don't Stop the Music. By the late 2000's, she was her
own woman. By 2009, she had more adult albums like
Rated R. Mezzo-soprano is Rihanna’s singing voice.
She is an Afro-Caribbean black woman who has her
own expression. Rihanna is known for using
experimental sounds in her music. She has been
influenced by Janet Jackson, Beyonce, Fefe Dobson,
Brandy, and other legendary artists. Rihanna's legacy
is that she was one of the first of many of the new
generation of singers who came about in the 21st
century that wanted nothing more than to
unapologetically show their music on their own terms.
People like SZA, Fifth Harmony, Rita Ora, Normani,
and other singers are inspired by her. Rihanna has
always been political. She fights police brutality, stood
in favor of Colin Kaepernick, opposed the anti-
immigration orders from Trump, and helped her
home country of Barbados.
 Mario Vivian Green India Arie Raheem Devaughn

John Legend Tyrese Avant Carl Thomas

Jaheim Tweet Bilal Adriana Evans

Blu Cantrell Heather Headley Tyra Bolling Cheri Dennis

Truth Hurts Sharissa Keyshia Cole Sylenna Johnson

Nivea Brooke Valentine Nina Sky Jonell

Sunshine Anderson Macy Gray Craig David Mya

 THE DIVERSE MUSICAL GENRES OF THE 2000’S
Timbaland is
one of the
greatest
makers
history. As a
During the 2000’s,
producer,
Nicki Minaj started
worked
her hip hop career
as part of a new Keri Hilson and
generation of other
women musicians artists.
who want the
world to respect
their craft.
The Aftermath/Shady/Gunit
hip hop collective was very
much a presence in the
2000’s decade. In the Club
was one of 50 Cent’s highest
selling songs is one example
of that reality.
Andre 3000’s Hey Ya was
creative, brave, and showed
the truth that music can be
diverse and great at the same
time.
In 2003, Where is the
Love became an
anthem song for the
Black Eyed Peas
group. Kim Hill was an
original member, and
the new member J. Rey Britney Spears in the
beat
Soul (she has great 2000’s grew into
in
talent) is another another level of
outstanding musician popularity and
he
too. influence. She and
with
others carried the
pop music explosion
great
of the time period.
Music, in general, during the 2000’s was about a mixture
of new artists, old school legends, and electronic sounds.
YouTube, music TV shows, and other social media
platforms helped to grow the careers of many musicians
too. Gospel, hip hop, rock, country, pop, jazz, and other
genres of music were well known and celebrated globally.
While this time saw an explosion of hip hop talent, pop
music & R&B music also carried the decade onward with
artists as diverse as Britney Spears, Nelly Furtado, Toni
Braxton, Kelly Rowland, and other human beings.
Taylor Swift by the
late 2000’s became a
household name.
She was the new
country/pop artist
Linkin Park made back then. She talks
emotional records about her
about love, politics, relationships in
music, etc. They songs, and she is
DMX, Jay Z, and Ja Rule are 3 are in the nu-metal transparent in her
different people with different rock wave. views.
personalities. Yet, all 3 men took
NY hip hop into the next level by
the 21st century.
Mary Mary’s song of Shackles
in the 2000’s was a futuristic
Lady Gaga, Avril Lavigne, and Amy vibe in gospel music while
Winehouse expressed their talents praising the Lord.
greatly.
 HONORING TWO QUEENS OF NEO-SOUL
ERYKAH BADU
She is a woman known as one leader of neo-soul. She has made
albums, been an actress, is a songwriter, and one of the most
influential singers of all time. She is a record producer too. She
is Sister Erykah Badu, and she is now 50 years old. Dallas,
Texas is the place of her birth. Badu was singing and dancing
at the Dallas Theater Center when she was 4 years old. She
worked at the Black Academy of Arts and Letters (TBAAL).
Her godmother Gwen Hargrove and Uncle TBAAL founder
Curtis King inspired her career. She performed hip hop when
she was 14 years old. Erykah Badu graduated from the Booker
T. Washington High School for the Performing and Visual
Arts. She studied theater at the HBCU of Grambling State
University. Her debut album was Baduizm in 1997. It was a
very powerful neo-soul album. Many people compared her to
Billie Holiday. It became 3 times platinum. Her music
definitely deals with love, conscious issues, and spirituality.
Many of her songs are anthems like On and On, Tyrone, and
You Got Me (featuring the Roots and Eve). Mama's Gun came
out in 2000 with Bag Lady and other music. One of her great
songs was Love of My Life with Common that celebrated hip
hop. That song was on the Brown Sugar movie soundtrack. She
constantly evolves musically and made music that makes folks
think about the world. She has worked with other greats like
Bilal. Bilal is a singer form Philadelphia. Everyone knows about
Bilal. She has worked in many charities, is an activist in South
Dallas, and has her own organization of BLIND (Beautiful
Love Incorporated Non-Profit Development). BLIND helps to
promote music, dance, theater, and the visual arts in the inner-
city areas for the youth. She is inspired by R&B, 1970's soul,
and 1980's hip hop. She loves her family and her 3 children.
JILL SCOTT
The legend of Jill Scott is 49 years old. As one of the great
singers of neo-soul, her contributions to music are never
forgotten. She is a singer, a songwriter, a model, a poet, and an
actress. She was born and raised in Philadelphia which is home
to tons of R&B/soul legends. North Philadelphia is where she
grew up at. Her mother Joyce Scott and her grandmother loved
her greatly. She attended Temple University after graduating
from the Philadelphia High School for Girls. She worked many
jobs and came into the music industry. Questlove of the Roots
found Jill Scott to place her in the co-writing position of the
song You Got Me featuring Erykah Badu. Scott worked with
Eric Benet, Will Smith, and Common. Jill Scott's debut album
of Who is Jill Scott? Words and Sounds Vol. 1 was very popular
in 2000. A Long Walk is one of her signature records. She
earned a 2005 Grammy for Best Urban/Alternative R&B
Performance for "Cross My Mind." She made more music too.
She worked with George Benson and Al Jarreau in the single
God Bless the Child (which was an ode to the late Billie
Holiday). Jill Scott worked with hip hop artists like the Roots
and Lupe Fiasco in the single of Daydreaming. Hate on Me is
another of her anthems.
She had a recent May 9, 2020 Verzuz battle with Erykah Badu.
More than 700,000 viewers tuned in to the battle like Michelle
Obama, Spike lee, Quincy Jones, and Janet Jackson. Jill Scott
was in the Kirk Franklin video of I Smile. Jill Scott is a versatile
singer who can sing jazz, opera, spoken word, etc. She has been
on shows and movies like Girlfriends, The No. 1 Ladies'
Detective Agency, the BET series Black Panther, First Wives
Club, etc. Her philanthropy work has helped young people
constantly from the Blues Babe Foundation to other people.
 HONORING GERALD LEVERT
(1966-2006)

Gerald Levert was one of the greatest singers of our

generation. He was a singer whose gift was that his
music was primarily about the glorious representation
of how a man shows love for a woman. Showing that
love in the right way is always beautiful. Music was in
his family tree. His father was the legendary artist Eddie
Levert (who was the lead singer of the R&B/Soul group
of the O’Jays). Gerald Levert made 9 solo albums, 6
with LeVert, 2 with his father Eddie Levert, 2 with
LSG, and working with other groups. He was raised in
Ohio. Cleveland, Ohio always loved him. He was an
outstanding songwriter too, as he wrote plus produced
songs for Patti LaBelle, Barry White, Stephanie Mills,
Teddy Pendergrass, James Ingram, New Edition, etc.
He worked with the Black Men United group (of 40
African American men) to create a song for the Jason’s
Lyric movie soundtrack (in 1994) called You Will
Know (in opposition to violence and promoting black
unity). In 1997, he worked with Keith Sweat and
Johnny Gill in their LSG supergroup. In My Songs was

RIP Brother
his posthumous album that won a Grammy. Also, he
won many other Awards like a BET Awards, an Image
Award, and Soul Train Music Awards. He had a
charisma and a power. Songs like Casanova, In My

Gerald Levert Songs, Made To Love Ya, and That’s What Love Is (ft.
Miki Howard) increased the power of music. Also, he
loved his 3 children too.
 She is an artist who inspired younger artists, and
she was bridge where old school and new school
people appreciate her talent. She is Sister
Ashanti, and she is now 41 years old. Glen Cove,
New York at Long Island is the place of her birth.
For over 20 years, she has been a musician, an
actress, and a philanthropist. She is a great
This is from one of her songwriter too. Her mother is a dance teacher,
early songs called Happy and her father was a former singer. Her
ft. Ja Rule. It came out in grandfather, James, was a civil rights leader who
2002. worked with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. during
the 1950's. Ashanti wrote songs as a child, and
she was in the film Malcolm X back in 1992.
She was in Irv Gotti's label of Murder Inc., and
her career increased massively. Later, she had
songs like Foolish, Always on Time, etc. Her
debut album of Ashanti in 2002 blew up. Happy
and Baby were some of her timeless music. Her
first album won many awards like a Grammy, 8
The song Baby is the Billboard Music Awards, etc. based on her talent.
third single from When Patti Labelle defended her, that meant
Ashanti’s self-titled debut something about Patti's great character. Chapter
album in 2002. The
II in 2003 was her 2nd album. Rain on Me is
music video featured
many people including one of her best songs in her career. Braveheart was
Nia Long. her comeback album too.
She is inspired by Mary J. Blige and other artists
as diverse as Ella Fitzgerald to Smokey Robinson.
Ashanti worked with anti-domestic violence
causes. She raised money to help Hurricane
Katrina victims. From supporting the Boys and
Girls Club to helping to rebuild a house, Ashanti
has always been on the frontlines of making
society better for fellow human beings. One recent
film that she was in is A Christmas Winter Song
in 2019. Ashanti is one of the most hardworking
musicians of our time. So, we have great respect
for her contributions to society.
 TWO HUMBLE, GRACIOUS, AND GREAT ARTISTS
Musiq Soulchild Alexandra Burke
He is 44 years old. He is one of the leaders of the neo-
soul music movement. He blends R&B, funk, blues, jazz,
gospel, and other music. He was born and raised in the
great city of Philadelphia. When his music comes about,
people think about its message and dance frequently.
He loved to beat box and scat at jazz clubs when he was
much younger. He was raised in a Muslim household.
Later, he was inspired by icons like Donny Hathaway,
Marvin Gaye, and Stevie Wonder. He signed with Def
Soul Records in 1999. By the 1990's and 2000's, neo-
soul was alive and blooming. Musiq Soulchild had
songs like Halfcrazy and Dontchange. Later, he had
songs like B.U.D.D.Y., Teachme, and Makeyouhappy.
9ine is an album he did with Syleena Johnson. So
Beautiful is one of his greatest records. Musiq Soulchild
continues to make music too. He even worked with the
Roots on one record. He appeared on Rapsody's
November 2017 album called Laila's Wisdom on the
song A Rollercoaster Jam Called Love. He has written a
book, and he loves hid children. Musiq Soulchild has
shown some of the greatest music of our generation.
She is one of the nicest and humble musicians of our
generation. I heard of music for years, and I have great
deal of respect for her talent. She is an outstanding
singer. She is Sister Alexandra Burke, and she is now 33
years old. She is an Afro-British songwriter and actress
too. She was born in Islington, London, England. She is
the daughter of David Burke and Melissa Bell. We know
Melissa Bell from the iconic group of Soul II Soul. Yes,
that is Bell's daughter. Burke is famous for being on X
Factor in 2005 singing her heart out. She worked hard
on the show and gave a rendition to Whitney Houston's
classic of "I Wanna Dance with Somebody." Beyoncé
came on stage to give her respect, and she became
emotional. Burke has a nice heart, and she is a gorgeous
black woman with a great love of fashion. Her first album
was Overcome in 2009. Burke continues to act and invest
in other endeavors. She is inspired by Beyoncé, Michael
Jackson, Mariah Carey, Aretha Franklin, Kelly Rowland,
and Whitney Houston. Alexandra Burke has raised
money to help the victims of the 2010 Haiti Earthquake,
and she has worked in charities in London. She has made
more albums in 2012 with Heartbreak on Hold and The
Truth Is in 2018. She worked in theater too with the 2021
production of Joseph and the Amazing Tehnicolor
Dreamcoat. Alexandra Burke certainly has experienced a
great life in her walk. I wish Sister Alexandra Burke more
blessings.
 The next part of the History of R&B series will
fully describe R&B music of the 2010's and the
2020's (representing modern R&B music).

The next, upcoming part will be the last part of

this historic series. Yet, I will always mention R&B
music information in the future.

Peace and Blessings Y'all.