Why R&B Music is Dying!

Al Green, Marvin Gaye, Boyz II Men, Stevie Wonder and Babyface. What do these artist have in common. All were great R&B singers who had tons of success during their careers. Unfortunately it seems that artists like these are becoming fewer and fewer in the R&B world. When a good artist does arise we hear very little from them and have to stumble upon them in order to hear their work. Nas recently said HIp Hop is Dead, and while I wouldn't quite say the same for R&B, I would say it is quickly starting the process.

One thing that is missing from R&B music is great vocalist and songwriters. There was a time even in the last decade where true talented vocalist were highly in demand. Artists actually had need vocal training in order to get and keep a record deal. Also if you were a songwriter you were always employed. Great songwriters could always find someone to work for. This is no longer the case. Today's R&B world is mostly focused on the ability to market a look. If you have the right look companies will make you appear as if you are talented. If you can dance, we will focus on that talent and not your vocal ability. Artists who clearly are not as talented as they should be are making records and all over video shows because they look a certain way and because they can dance.

Radio has changed. This is another sign that R&B is quickly dying. First, there are very few stations, if any that play only modern day R&B. Sure there are hip hop stations that play and R&B song every once in a while, and sure there are old-school stations that play music from the 70's, but their are no stations fully dedicated to playing current R&B music. This was not the case even 10 years ago. Hip hop has dominated the radio and many young people have not been exposed to great R&B music.

Love songs are what they used to be. When is the last time you heard a new, good love song that wasn't a country song. Artists simply don't sing about love like they used to. They talk a lot about sex, but very little about love. This is another reason R&B is quickly fading away. More artists need to express their true feelings about love and relationships.

I truly hope R&B does not die away. Hopefully there is room for all forms of music. The music world will always evolve and change but with out rhythm and blues, without love music, what will music be? There are a few artists out there still singing this music and making a name for themselves. Artists like Alicia Keys, Mary J Blige, Maxwell and Jaime Foxx, give me hope that this form of music can soon return to the music forefront.