Music has always been an ever-changing and evolving art form, with artists constantly pushing boundaries and redefining genres. R&B is a highly beloved genre, and many notable singers have found their voices within it. While it’s easy to stay in one’s comfort zone, acts are always willing to test the limits, and experiment extensively within a genre. However, some R&B icons go above and beyond, fearlessly crossing into other musical territories entirely. Beyoncé’s venture into country music is the latest example of such versatility.
From pop to rock, Hip Hop to reggae, many R&B idols have wholeheartedly embraced musical experimentation. In doing so, they have left an enduring imprint on the music industry by defying conventions. Here, we’ll shine a spotlight on some of these remarkable singers who have transcended the confines of R&B. With ambition and determination, they have made an impact far beyond the borders of their musical origins.
Beyoncé
Beyoncé, renowned for her powerful R&B vocals, is now widely regarded as a groundbreaking, visionary artist. Throughout her career, she has constantly experimented with genres, incorporating elements of pop, EDM, reggae, and even rock into her music. When it comes to versatility and range in regards to musical experimentation, not many R&B singers come close. Time after time, she has proven her ability to transcend genre limitations. The track “Hold Up,” from her Lemonade (2016) album, effortlessly combines reggae with elements of soul and rap. Likewise, her recent releases, “Texas Hold ‘Em” and “16 Carriages” are full-on country songs. Beyonce has shown herself most capable of holding her own in different music genres. The Queen Bey’s ability to slay in all these different territories needs to be studied.
Rihanna
Known for her distinct and versatile vocals, Rihanna seamlessly infuses various genres into her music. While she has not released music in a while, her reputation stands firm. Although she is primarily regarded as an R&B vocalist, she is one of a handful of singers who can succeed in many other genres. Throughout her musical career, Rih has been known to incorporate her Caribbean roots into her works. When she released “Man Down” in 2011, with its reggae and soulful vibes, it ushered in a new era in the singer’s career. Equally notable are her electrohouse collaborations with Calvin Harris, “This is What You Came For” and “We Found Love.” With her chart-topping hit, “Work,” Rihanna also explored dancehall music.
Alicia Keys
With a classical training in piano, Alicia Keys has always been an interesting and notable artist. Using the instrument as an extension of herself, she’s always brought a peculiar touch of elegance to R&B. Additionally, the singer’s ability to infuse soulful vocals with intricate piano arrangements truly sets her apart. However, Keys has also explored the territories of pop in several of her albums. These include The Element of Freedom(2009), Here (2014), and Alicia (2020). On Alicia, she went even further, experimenting with orchestral pop and reggae on tracks like “Love Looks Better” and “Wasted Energy.”
Frank Ocean
When it comes to an alternative approach to R&B and genre-blurring, Frank Ocean is among a handful of essential singers. His distinctive style of music incorporates a myriad of influences, allowing him to carve out a niche for himself. Ocean’s sophomore album Blonde (2016) contains elements of psychedelic pop and ambient pop in the tracks. Blonde is a testament to the singer’s ability to create a dreamy, genre-defying soundscape that resonates with a broad audience.
Kelly Rowland
Kelly Rowland has an impressive solo catalog. Without a doubt, she is among the best R&B singers of her generation. Despite her reputation as an R&B vocalist, however, she has released various hit songs in other genres. Rowland went full-on EDM onhits like “When Love Takes Over” and “Commander.” She also experimented with dance-pop on the track “Work,” cementing her status as a genre-bending icon.
Usher
A stalwart in the R&B scene, Usher has successfully switched between genres various times with his music. He has worked on pop, EDM, and Afrobeats, among others. Tracks like “DJ Got Us Fallin’ In Love” and “OMG” demonstrate his ability to experiment with EDM elements. Looking 4 Myself (2012) remains his most experimental album with songs like “Can’t Stop, Won’t Stop” and “Numb.” On his most recent album, he incorporated Afrobeats into the track “Ruin,” and showcased his capacity to push genre boundaries.
Janet Jackson
The R&B and pop icon Janet Jackson has effortlessly navigated between genres throughout her career. She is celebrated alongside many other iconic R&B singers, and rightly so. However, unlike some R&B vocalists, Jackson has successfully crossed genre lines many times in her career. For example, with her album Rhythm Nation 1814 (1989), she played a crucial role in popularizing the New Jack Swing genre. She has also fearlessly experimented with funk, rock, and disco, among others. Some of her most experimental and celebrated tracks to date are “Black Cat,” “If,” and “Control.”
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