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Selected article 1

Portal:Rhythm and blues/Selected article/1 "Fantasy" is a song by the American singer-songwriter Mariah Carey. It was released on August 23, 1995, by Columbia Records as the lead single from her fifth album, Daydream (1995). The track was written and produced by Carey and Dave Hall. It samples Tom Tom Club's 1981 song "Genius of Love". The lyrics describe a woman who is in love with a man, and how every time she sees him she starts fantasizing about an impossible relationship with him. The remix for the song features rap verses from Ol' Dirty Bastard, something Carey arranged to assist in her crossover into the hip-hop market and credited for introducing R&B and hip hop collaboration into mainstream pop culture, and for popularizing rap as a featuring act.

"Fantasy" received critical acclaim, with reviewers praising in its production, lyrics, Carey's vocal performance and musical progression. The song became a global success, topping the charts in Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the United States, and reaching the top-ten in thirteen countries. In the US, "Fantasy" became the first song by a female artist, and second overall to debut atop the Billboard Hot 100, topping the chart for eight consecutive weeks. Additionally, it became Carey's ninth number one on the chart. (Full article...)

Selected article 2

Portal:Rhythm and blues/Selected article/2 "Don't Forget About Us" is a song by American R&B singer and songwriter Mariah Carey. It was written by Carey, Jermaine Dupri, Bryan-Michael Cox and Johntá Austin, and produced by Carey, Dupri and Cox. On October 10, 2005, it was released as the lead single from the reissue of her tenth studio album, The Emancipation of Mimi: Ultra Platinum Edition (2005). The song is influenced by R&B and hip hop soul music genres, and lyrically chronicles the emotions felt by the protagonist after the loss of their relationship. Carey explained that the true meaning of the song is to be interpreted by the listener, therefore not disclosing its entire meaning publicly.

The song received generally positive reviews from music critics, with many heavily comparing it to Carey's previous single "We Belong Together". Several reviewers felt the song's similarity marked Carey's lack of creativity with it, while others embraced its radio-friendly formula. "Don't Forget About Us" became Carey's seventeenth chart topping single on the US Billboard Hot 100, tying the record for most number-one singles by a solo artist set by Elvis Presley 36 years before. Internationally, the song topped the charts in Finland, and reached the top-ten in Hungary.

Carey performed the song at the 33rd Annual American Music Awards, and during the half-time of the Thanksgiving game between the Detroit Lions and the Atlanta Falcons. Additionally, the song was included on the set-lists of Carey's The Adventures of Mimi and Angels Advocate Tours. The song's music video chronicles the two time frames, Carey in the present, as well as the past memories she shared with her ex-lover that continue to haunt her. "Don't Forget About Us" was nominated for two awards at the 49th annual Grammy Awards held on February 11, 2007. (Full article...)

Selected article 3

Portal:Rhythm and blues/Selected article/3 "Baby Boy" is a song by American singer Beyoncé featuring Jamaican deejay Sean Paul, from her debut solo studio album, Dangerously in Love (2003). It was also included on the reissue of Paul's second studio album, Dutty Rock (2002). Both Beyoncé and Paul co-wrote the song with Robert Waller, Jay-Z and Scott Storch, who produced it with Beyoncé. Containing a lyrical interpolation of "No Fear" by hip-hop group O.G.C., "Baby Boy" is a dancehall and R&B song with Caribbean and Asian influences; its lyrics detail a woman's fantasies.

The song was released as the second single from Dangerously in Love on August 3, 2003, by Columbia Records and Music World Entertainment. "Baby Boy" topped the US Billboard Hot 100 for nine consecutive weeks and was Beyoncé's longest-running number-one single until 2007, when it was surpassed by "Irreplaceable". It reached the top-ten in many countries and was certified two-times platinum by the Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA) and platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). "Baby Boy" also reached the top-ten in Australia, Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany, Hungary, Ireland, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and the United Kingdom.

The accompanying music video for "Baby Boy" was directed by Jake Nava and mostly shows Beyoncé dancing in various locations. The song has remained a staple of Beyoncé's concert setlists. The American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP) recognized it as one of the most played songs of 2004. The next year, American singer-songwriter Jennifer Armour filed a copyright infringement lawsuit claiming that "Baby Boy" had used the primary musical hook from her song "Got a Little Bit of Love for You". The case was later dismissed. (Full article...)

Selected article 4

Portal:Rhythm and blues/Selected article/4 Dreamgirls is a 2006 American musical drama film written and directed by Bill Condon and jointly produced and released by DreamWorks Pictures and Paramount Pictures. Adapted from the 1981 Broadway musical of the same name, Dreamgirls is a film à clef, a work of fiction taking strong inspiration from the history of the Motown record label and its superstar act, The Supremes. The story follows the history and evolution of American R&B music during the 1960s and 1970s through the eyes of a Detroit girl group known as "The Dreams" and their manipulative record executive.

The film adaptation features an ensemble cast, starring Jamie Foxx, Beyoncé Knowles and Eddie Murphy with Jennifer Hudson, Danny Glover, Anika Noni Rose and Keith Robinson in supporting roles. In addition to the original compositions by composer Henry Krieger and lyricist Tom Eyen, four new songs, composed by Krieger with various lyricists, were added for the film. The film marks the acting debut of Hudson, a former American Idol contestant.

Dreamgirls debuted in four special road show engagements starting on December 4, 2006, before its nationwide release on December 15, 2006. With a production budget of $80 million, Dreamgirls is one of the most expensive films to feature a predominant African-American starring cast in American film history. The film received positive reviews from critics, who particularly praised Condon's direction, the soundtrack, costume and production design, and performances of the cast, in particular Hudson and Murphy, and was also a commercial success, grossing $155.4 million worldwide. At the 79th Academy Awards, the film received a leading eight nominations, winning Best Supporting Actress (for Hudson), and Best Sound Mixing. At the 64th Golden Globe Awards, it won three awards, including for the Best Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy. (Full article...)

Selected article 5

Portal:Rhythm and blues/Selected article/5 "Déjà Vu" is a song by American singer Beyoncé, featuring rapper Jay-Z. It was produced by Rodney "Darkchild" Jerkins, 808-Ray and Beyoncé for her second solo album, B'Day (2006). "Déjà Vu" is an R&B song, which incorporates elements of 1970s funk and soul music. Its music is largely based on live instrumentation, including bass guitar, hi-hat and horns, except the Roland TR-808 drum machine, which is a non-live instrument. The song's title and lyrics refer to a woman being constantly reminded of a past lover.

"Déjà Vu" was released as the album's lead single to US radio stations on June 24, 2006. The song received generally mixed critical reviews. Many critics noted the similarities of "Déjà Vu" with Beyoncé's own 2003 song "Crazy in Love". Critics commended the assertiveness and the sensuality with which Beyoncé sings the lyrics and compared her vocal delivery to that of Tina Turner in the late 1980s. "Déjà Vu" and its Freemasons club remix version received three nominations at the 2007 Grammy Awards. It was recognized as the Best Song of 2006 at the Music of Black Origin (MOBO) Awards.

Commercially, "Déjà Vu" peaked at number four on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart. It topped the Hot Dance Club Play chart, the Hot Dance Singles Sales chart, and the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart. The song was certified gold by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). "Déjà Vu" peaked at number one on the UK Singles Chart and reached the top ten in over fifteen countries. The song's accompanying music video was directed by Sophie Muller. About 5,000 fans petitioned online for a re-shoot of the video, complaining about, amongst other factors, the lack of theme, the wardrobe choice, and the allegedly sexual interactions between Beyoncé and Jay-Z. (Full article...)

Selected article 6

Portal:Rhythm and blues/Selected article/6 "Get Me Bodied" is a song recorded by American singer Beyoncé for her second solo studio album B'Day (2006). It was written by Beyoncé, Kasseem "Swizz Beatz" Dean, Sean Garrett, Makeba Riddick, Angela Beyincé, and Solange Knowles, while the production was handled by Dean, Beyoncé and Garrett. Beyoncé was inspired by her sister Solange and former Destiny's Child bandmates Kelly Rowland and Michelle Williams for the writing process. Columbia Records and Music World Entertainment released "Get Me Bodied" as the album's fifth single in the United States on July 10, 2007.

"Get Me Bodied" is an R&B and bounce song with dancehall and reggae influences. It features Beyoncé as the female protagonist going out an evening in the right dress and the right hair, to steam up any dancefloor and make sure her call to "get her bodied" is irresistible. The song was generally well received by contemporary music critics, who complimented its party sound and Beyoncé's vocals. The American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP) recognized it as the best R&B and hip-hop song of 2007. "Get Me Bodied" initially reached number 68 on the US Billboard Hot 100 in 2007, but due to a viral video reached a new peak of 46 in 2013.

Its accompanying music video was co-directed by Beyoncé and Anthony Mandler, and inspired by The Frug from Bob Fosse's film adaptation of the Broadway musical Sweet Charity. Solange, Rowland, and Williams make cameo appearances. The video was nominated for Video of the Year at the 2007 VH1 Soul Vibe Awards. "Get Me Bodied" was promoted by Beyoncé with live performances on her world tours and at the 2007 BET Awards. In April 2011, Beyoncé re-recorded the song and retitled it as "Move Your Body" for the Let's Move! Flash Workout campaign. An instructional video of the exercise routine was filmed for distribution to participating schools. (Full article...)

Selected article 7

Portal:Rhythm and blues/Selected article/7 "Green Light" is an R&B-funk song written by Beyoncé Knowles, Sean Garrett, and Pharrell Williams for Beyoncé's second solo studio album, B'Day (2006). Co-produced by The Neptunes and Beyoncé, it was released as the fifth UK single on July 30, 2007. The song received mixed responses from contemporary critics.

The single performed moderately on charts. "Green Light" peaked on the UK Singles Chart at number 12 and at number 46 in Ireland. The Freemasons remix of the track peaked at number 18 on the Dutch Top 40 chart. Its accompanying music video is inspired by Robert Palmer's 1985 music video "Addicted to Love". Beyoncé considered the video her toughest shoot, and features her all-female tour band Suga Mama for the second time.

After filming Dreamgirls in which Beyoncé landed a major role, she went on a month-long vacation. While in the break, she went to the studio to start working on her second solo album, B'Day. She was inspired by her role and she "had so many things bottled up, so many emotions, so many ideas". Beyoncé contacted American singer-songwriter Sean Garrett, who had worked with her in Destiny's Child and on her 2006 single "Check On It". Together with Pharrell Williams, who had also previously collaborated with Beyoncé, Garrett was booked to Sony Music Studios in New York City, each had studio to work in. The track was co-produced by Beyoncé and The Neptunes, along with "Kitty Kat", and was recorded by Jim Caruana and mixed by Jason Goldstein at the same studio.

Selected article 8

Portal:Rhythm and blues/Selected article/8 "Irreplaceable" is a song recorded by American singer-songwriter Beyoncé Knowles. The song was written by Beyoncé, Ne-Yo, Tor Erik Hermansen, Mikkel S. Eriksen, Espen Lind, Amund Bjørklund, and co-produced by Stargate and Beyoncé for her second solo album, B'Day (2006). Originally not created for her, Beyoncé re-arranged the demo presented by the producers—a country-turned-R&B-pop song. The lyrics refer to breaking up with an unfaithful man, part of Beyoncé and Ne-Yo's vision of creating a record that people could relate to, and was considered an anthem to female empowerment.

Following the less successful chart performances of "Déjà Vu" and "Ring the Alarm", "Irreplaceable" was released on December 5, 2006 in the United States as the album's third single, and the second single in most international music markets. "Irreplaceable" was a worldwide commercial and critical success, becoming Beyoncé's second best-selling single in her solo career after "Crazy In Love" and B'Day's most successful release. The single performed well on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100, remaining at the top spot for ten consecutive weeks. Certified as multi-platinum, "Irreplaceable" was one of the best-selling singles in 2007, and its addition to Beyoncé's achievements establishes her among the most successful female artists to date.

"Irreplaceable" was lauded by contemporary critics, citing its distinct production compared with most tracks featured on the album. The song won awards, including one during the 2007 Soul Train Music Award. The single's music video features the debut performance of Beyoncé's all-female band Suga Mama, and earned Beyoncé additional awards.

Selected article 9

Portal:Rhythm and blues/Selected article/9 "Lose My Breath" is an R&B-dance-pop song performed by the American group Destiny's Child. It was written by Beyoncé Knowles, Kelly Rowland, Michelle Williams, Rodney Jerkins, LaShawn Daniels, Fred Jerkins III, Sean Garrett, and Shawn "Jay-Z" Corey Carter for Destiny's Child's fourth studio album, Destiny Fulfilled (2004). The song was already developed by Jerkins before it came to Destiny's Child. After hearing the song, they further improved it with help from Jay-Z.

"Lose My Breath" was released as the album's lead single in late 2004, considered as their comeback after a three-year hiatus. The single was critically and commercially successful, receiving positive responses from critics and the public. "Lose My Breath" reached the top spot on most charts in Europe, making it one of Destiny's Child's most successful single releases.

The song was nominated at the 2005 Grammy Award for Best R&B Vocal Performance by a Duo Or Group. The single's music video, which features Destiny's Child in three characters, also received nominations.

American record producer Rodney Jerkins, who had previously collaborated with the group on the 2000 single "Say My Name", had worked on the material before Destiny's Child knew about it. Beyoncé Knowles and Michelle Williams heard only the drums of the track and they liked it. They went to their band mate Kelly Rowland, who was excited without hearing it after seeing their expressions. Alongside Jerkins, the group asked for help from American rapper Jay-Z. Jay-Z made a chorus without hearing the track. They took the chorus and wrote the verses and bridge around it.

"Lose My Breath" is an R&B song performed with a dance beat. The song is composed in the key of E♭ major and is set in common time. The song features drum sequence and choppy beats with hand-clappy percussion and clipped synthesizer blips. The lyrics are constructed in the chorus-verse pattern. The song opens with a chorus following Beyoncé's rendition of the first verses. The chorus follows, leading to Rowland's second verses. The chorus is repeated twice before the bridge by Michelle. The trio sings together in a short ad lib ending with a repeated chorus.

Selected article 10

Portal:Rhythm and blues/Selected article/10 "Ring the Alarm" is a song recorded by American singer Beyoncé for her second studio album, B'Day (2006). It was written by Knowles, Kasseem "Swizz Beatz" Dean, and Sean Garrett. Columbia Records released "Ring the Alarm" as the second single from B'Day in the United States on October 17, 2006, while "Irreplaceable" (2006) was serviced as the album's second international and third US single. The song's development was motivated by Knowles' role in the Broadway musical adaptation Dreamgirls (2006). The cover art of "Ring the Alarm" proved controversial because Knowles used alligators during the photography session. PETA declared that Knowles' posing with a baby alligator was arguably abusive to an animal.

"Ring the Alarm" is an R&B song. Its introduction features a blaring siren, which sets an aggressive tone. The song's lyrics involve a woman who feels threatened, and is unwilling to allow another woman to profit from the protagonist's efforts to improve her lover's life. While some commended her willingness to take risks, others were polarized about her aggressive vocals. "Ring the Alarm" was nominated for Best Female R&B Vocal Performance at the 49th Annual Grammy Awards.

The single debuted at number 12 on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart, becoming Knowles' highest US debut at the time. It reached number 11 on the chart, becoming her first solo single to peak below the top 10. Its accompanying music video was inspired by the 1992 film Basic Instinct and was directed by Sophie Muller. It was filmed inside a cavernous hangar on the Brooklyn waterfront in New York City. The video garnered generally mixed reviews by critics, who universally thought that it was eccentric. Knowles promoted "Ring the Alarm" through various live performances on televised shows and awards ceremonies, including the 2006 MTV Video Music Awards. The song was included on her set list on the Beyoncé Experience (2007) in Los Angeles, her world tour I Am... World Tour. (2009–10), her On the Run Tour (2014) with Jay-Z, the Formation World Tour (2016), and her OTR II (2018) with Jay-Z again. (Full article...)

Selected article 11

Portal:Rhythm and blues/Selected article/11 "We Belong Together" is a pop/R&B song recorded by Mariah Carey for her tenth studio album The Emancipation of Mimi (2005) and released as the album's second single in 2005. Written and produced by Carey, Jermaine Dupri, Manuel Seal, and Johnta Austin, the song was inspired by 1980s R&B and soul. Its arrangement is built on simple piano chords and an understated back beat, and its lyrics chronicle a woman's desperation for her former lover to return after their separation.

Following a career-decline between 2001 and 2003, Carey achieved considerable success with "We Belong Together" as the song topped the charts in many countries, including Australia, Brazil, Croatia, Philippines, South Africa, and the United States Billboard Hot 100 for fourteen non-consecutive weeks. The song is also the most successful song by a female artist in the history of Billboard.

In the U.S., the song also repeatedly broke many BDS Airplay records. The song was warmly received by critics, and won Carey a number of industry awards, including two Grammy Awards in 2006.

Further information: The Emancipation of Mimi

"We Belong Together" was not composed until late into the production of The Emancipation of Mimi. Following an unsuccessful career period between 2001 and 2003, Carey began production on the album in 2004. By November of that year she had considered the album complete, but some of what became its more popular tracks had yet to be written. Antonio "L.A." Reid, the chairman of Island Def Jam Records, encouraged Carey to attempt additional studio sessions with producer Jermaine Dupri. "L.A. was like, 'You and Jermaine Dupri make magic together, why aren't you in the studio with him?'" she recalled. "'I said, 'I love Jermaine, is he free? I know he's doing a million things.' [...] But Jermaine said, 'Come on down.'"

Selected article 12

Portal:Rhythm and blues/Selected article/12 "Burn" is an R&B-ballad song written by American singers-rappers and songwriters Usher, Jermaine Dupri and Bryan-Michael Cox. The song was produced by Dupri and Cox for Usher's fourth studio album Confessions (2004). "Burn" is about breakup in a relationship, and the public referred to it as an allusion to Usher's personal struggles.

Originally planned as the album's lead single, "Burn" was pushed back after favorable responses for the song "Yeah!". The song was released as the second single from the album in July 2004. The single topped various charts around the world, including the Billboard Hot 100 for eight non-consecutive weeks; however, it failed to attain the same success of its predecessor. "Burn" was certified platinum in Australia and gold in New Zealand and United States. The song was well-received by critics and garnered award nominations.

When Usher planned to make a new record after his third album, 8701, he decided to not branch out that much with musical collaborators and continue building music with his previous producers. Usher again enlisted record-producer Jermaine Dupri, who had collaborated on his two previous albums, along with The Neptunes, R. Kelly, among others to work on his fourth studio album Confessions. Dupri contacted his frequent collaborator Bryan-Michael Cox, who had also made hits like the 2001 single "U Got It Bad" for Usher. During the early session for the album, Dupri and Cox talked about a situation which later became "Burn". At that time, Usher's relationship with his two-year relationship with TLC's Chilli was flaming out.They said, "Yo, you gotta let that burn... That's a song right there", and started writing.

Selected article 13

Portal:Rhythm and blues/Selected article/13 "My Boo" is a duet between Usher and Alicia Keys, written by Jermaine Dupri, Keys, Usher, Manuel Seal and Adonis Shropshire. Set over a hip hop-style track, the song was produced by Dupri. It was included in the re-release of Usher's fourth album Confessions. The song received mixed reviews from critics, and garnered awards.

The song was released as the fourth single from the album in 2004. The single stayed on the top of Billboard Hot 100 for six weeks, but failed to equal the success of the album's first two releases, "Yeah!" and "Burn".

Usher and American R&B-soul singer Alicia Keys had previously collaborated with the remix of Keys' 2004 single "If I Ain't Got You", which was released in the United Kingdom. During the production of Usher's fourth studio album, Confessions, they thought for various female singers to pair him with the song. However, Jermaine Dupri, who co-wrote the song including Usher's number-one hits "Yeah!", "Burn" and "Confessions Part II", felt that he had established good relationship with Keys since she had worked with him and Usher.

Dupri based the concept of the song from the perspective of Keys and Usher had relationship in the past.For him, Usher and Keys "talk about how they used to be in love and how those feelings are still lingering despite the two not being involved anymore." For Keys, "The song is talking about the first person you ever really had feelings for. I think we all know what that feels like. Even though you move on and meet new people, you always remember that first person."

"My Boo" is an R&B-hip hop song with a mid-tempo melody. It is composed in the key of F major, in common time. The lyrics are constructed in verse-chorus-chorus form. Usher starts the intro, and Keys followed her rap-intro, with background vocals from Usher. He proceeds to the first verse and chorus, leading to Keys singing another chorus, altering some of the lyrics of the original chorus to create a dialogue. Keys sings the second verse and Usher for the chorus, with background vocals from Keys. Keys repeats her version for the chorus. The song breaks with Usher and Keys singing "My oh, My oh, My oh, My oh, My Boo", one after the other. Usher repeats the chorus again, and they sing the intro of Keys.

Selected article 14

Portal:Rhythm and blues/Selected article/14 What's Going On is a studio album by soul musician Marvin Gaye, released May 21, 1971 on the Motown-subsidiary label Tamla Records. Recording sessions for the album took place in June of 1970 and March–May of 1971 at Hitsville U.S.A., Golden World and United Sound Studios in Detroit and at The Sound Factory in West Hollywood, California. The first Marvin Gaye album for it to be credited as produced solely by the artist himself, What's Going On is a unified album consisting of nine songs, most of which lead into the next. It has also been categorized as a song cycle, since the album ends on a reprise to the album's opening theme. The album is told from the point of view of a Vietnam War veteran returning to the country he had been fighting for, and seeing nothing but injustice, suffering and hatred.

What's Going On was the first album on which Motown Records' main studio band, The Funk Brothers, received an official credit. Featuring introspective lyrics about drug abuse, poverty and the Vietnam War, the album was also the first to reflect the beginning of a new trend in soul music. What's Going On was an both an immediate commercial and critical success and has endured as a classic of early-1970s soul. In worldwide critics/artists and public surveys, it has been voted as one of the landmark recordings in pop music history and is considered to be one of the greatest albums ever made.

In March 1970, Marvin Gaye had fallen into a deep depression after the death of his singing partner Tammi Terrell. He refused to record and perform, and went as far as to attempt a career in football with the Detroit Lions. After an unsuccessful Lions tryout, Gaye came in contact with Al Cleveland and the Four Tops' Renaldo Benson, who were working on a politically conscious song called "What's Going On". Gaye helped Cleveland and Benson complete the composition, and planned to produce it as a recording for Motown act The Originals. Cleveland and Benson persuaded Gaye to record the song himself, and in June 1970 Gaye recorded "What's Going On" and his own composition, "God Is Love".

Selected article 15

Portal:Rhythm and blues/Selected article/15 Modern Sounds in Country and Western Music is a studio album by American rhythm and blues and soul musician Ray Charles, released in April 1962 on ABC-Paramount Records, in both mono and stereo format, ABC-410 and ABCS-410. Recording sessions for the album took place in early to mid-February 1962 at Capitol Studios in New York City and at United Recording Studios in Hollywood. The album features country, folk and western standards covered and redone by Charles in popular song forms of the time, such as jazz and R&B, as well as production by himself and renown conductor Sid Feller.

As his fifth LP release for ABC-Paramount, Modern Sounds in Country and Western Music became a rapid critical and commercial success as it brought Ray Charles further mainstream notice, following his tenure for Atlantic Records. With the help of the album's four charting singles, Charles earned recognition in the pop market, as well as airplay on both R&B and country radio stations. Modern Sounds and its lead single, "I Can't Stop Loving You", were both certified gold in sales by the Recording Industry Association of America on July 19, 1962, as each record had sold half a million copies in the United States.

Regarded by many music writers and critics as Charles' greatest studio effort, Modern Sounds in Country and Western Music has been included on several publications' "best album" lists in disparate genres, as well as R&B and country music lists, respectively. Modern Sounds has also been considered as a landmark album in American music, as Charles' integration of soul and country bended racial barriers in music, amid the height of the civil rights struggle. In the process of recording the album, Charles became one of the first black musicians to exercise complete artistic control over his own recording career. In October 1988, Modern Sounds was reissued on compact disc by Rhino Entertainment. In 2003, the album was ranked number 104 on Rolling Stone magazine's list of the 500 greatest albums of all time.

Selected article 16

Portal:Rhythm and blues/Selected article/16 Voodoo is the second studio album by American R&B and neo soul musician D'Angelo, released January 25, 2000 on the Virgin Records-imprint label Cheeba Sound in the United States. Recording sessions for the album took place at Electric Lady Studios in New York City during 1998 to 1999, with an extensive line-up of soul, funk, jazz, and hip hop musicians associated with the Soulquarians musical collective, including Ahmir "Questlove" Thompson, Pino Palladino, James Poyser, and Russell Elevado. Voodoo contains an experimental, groove-based funk sound with live instrumentation and a vintage production style, which contrasts the conventional structure of D'Angelo's debut album Brown Sugar (1995). It also exhibits a maturity in his songwriting with personal themes of spirituality, sexuality, love, growth, and fatherhood.

Following heavy promotion and an anticipated release, Voodoo was met with a considerable amount of commercial and critical success. The album became a chart success within weeks after release with the help of its hit third single, "Untitled (How Does It Feel)", and its controversial music video. Despite some criticism for its loose, experimental structure, the album received mostly positive reviews from writers and music critics that praised its diverse musical style and vintage influences, and it was also voted at or near the top of many publications' "best album" lists. It has been recognized as a creative milestone of the neo soul genre and has been considered by music writers as a masterpiece. In spite of its chart success and critical praise, the album did not parallel the sales and single-oriented success of his debut album.

Along with its critical and commercial legacy, Voodoo has been noted for serving as D'Angelo's last studio album prior to his period of legal controversies and absence from the music scene after the end of the album's international supporting tour in late 2000. While successful early on, the tour eventually became marked by internal issues. On March 1, 2000, Voodoo was certified platinum in sales by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), following sales in excess of over one million copies. In 2003, the album was ranked number 488 on Rolling Stone magazine's list of the 500 greatest albums of all time.

Selected article 17

Portal:Rhythm and blues/Selected article/17 Winter in America is a studio album by American soul musician and poet Gil Scott-Heron and musician Brian Jackson, released in May 1974 on Strata-East Records. Recording sessions for the album took place on three recording dates in September and October 1973 at D&B Sound Studio in Silver Spring, Maryland. The album serves as the third collaborational effort by Scott-Heron with Jackson, following the latter's contributions on Pieces of a Man (1971) and Free Will (1972). As their first record produced together, it was also the first of their recorded work to have Jackson receive co-billing for a release. Winter in America features introspective, socially-conscious lyrics by Scott-Heron with mellow instrumentation stylistically rooted in jazz and the blues. Jackson's free jazz arrangements accompany the fusion, which Scott-Heron dubbed as "bluesology". The album contains proto-rap elements such as spoken word-vocalization and stripped-down production, which allowed them to rely on traditional African and R&B sounds.

Winter in America serves as Gil Scott-Heron's and Brian Jackson's debut album for Strata-East Records following a dispute with their former label and departure, while also serving as the two musicians' only release for the independent jazz label. Upon its release, the album featured limited distribution in the United States and eventually became a rarity for record collectors prior to its subsequent U.S. re-release. However, with the help of the its only single "The Bottle", Winter in America proved to be Scott-Heron's and Jackson's breakthrough effort, as well as a commercial success in comparison to their previous work.

The album proved to be Gil Scott-Heron's and Brian Jackson's most critically acclaimed release and has often been viewed by many music writers and critics as their greatest work. In addition to earning such critical acclaim, Winter in America has also been noted by several critics for its influence on such music genres as neo soul and hip hop music, as the genre's artists have been influenced by Scott-Heron's and Jackson's unique approach regarding lyricism and sound. On March 10, 1998, Winter in America was reissued on compact disc for the first time in the United States by Gil Scott-Heron's Rumal-Gia Records.

Selected article 18

Portal:Rhythm and blues/Selected article/18 Let's Get It On is a studio album by American soul musician Marvin Gaye, released August 28, 1973 on Motown-subsidiary label Tamla Records. Recording sessions for the album took place from June 1970 to April 1972 at Hitsville U.S.A. and Golden World Studio in Detroit and from February to July 1973 at Hitsville West in Los Angeles. Let's Get It On served as Gaye's first venture into the funk genre and romance-themed music. The album has been noted by several music writers for its sexually-explicit lyrical content, being described as "one of the most sexually charged albums ever recorded."

Following the breakthrough success of his socially-conscious album What's Going On, the initial acclaim of Let's Get It On helped establish Marvin Gaye as a sex icon, while furthering his mainstream appeal. With the help of the hit single title track, the album became the most commercially successful album of Gaye's recording career, as it further expanded his creative control during his tenure with Motown. The recording sessions for Let's Get It On contributed in emphasizing Gaye's multi-tracked vocals to the forefront of his music and influenced later R&B and soul production. The sexual balladry and seductive, funky sound featured on the album had a profound effect on the music industry and soul musicians at the time, and helped pioneer slow jam music and quiet storm, while influencing many contemporary R&B artists.

Following its initial reception of general praise from critics, the album has been regarded by many music writers and critics as a landmark recording in R&B and soul music, as Gaye's smooth soul sound on the album marked a change for his record label's previously success with the "Motown Sound" formula, while also helping further funk music's popularity during the 1970s. Let's Get It On has also been ranked at or near the top of many publications' "best album" lists in disparate genres. On September 18, 2001, Let's Get It On was reissued by Motown Records as a two-disc deluxe edition release featuring extensive liner notes and digital remastering, as well as material from the initial recording sessions. In 2003, the album was ranked number 165 on Rolling Stone magazine's list of the 500 greatest albums of all time.

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Portal:Rhythm and blues/Selected article/19 There's a Riot Goin' On is the fifth studio album by American funk and soul band Sly and the Family Stone. It was recorded from 1970 to 1971 at Record Plant Studios in Sausalito, California and released later that year on November 1 by Epic Records. The recording was dominated by band frontman/songwriter Sly Stone during a period of escalated drug use and intra-group tension.

With the album, Sly and the Family Stone departed from the optimistic sound of their previous music and explored a darker, more challenging sound featuring edgy funk rhythms, a primitive drum machine, extensive overdubbing, and a dense mix. Conceptually and lyrically, There's a Riot Goin' On embraced apathy, pessimism, and disillusionment with both Stone's fame and 1960s counterculture amid a turbulent political climate in the United States at the turn of the 1970s, influenced by the decline of the civil rights movement and the rise of the Black Power movement. The album's title was originally planned to be Africa Talks to You, but it changed in response to Marvin Gaye's album What's Going On (1971), released six months before Riot.

A commercial success, There's a Riot Goin' On topped the Billboard Pop Album and Soul Album charts, while its lead single "Family Affair" reached number one on the Pop Singles chart. The album was eventually certified platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) for sales of at least one million copies in the US. Originally released to mixed reviews, the album has since been praised as one of the greatest and most influential recordings of all time, having impacted the funk, jazz-funk, and hip hop genres in particular. It has appeared in publications' best-album lists, including Rolling Stone's "500 Greatest Albums of All Time", on which it placed 99th in 2003 and 82nd in 2020. (Full article...)

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The Way I See It is the third album by American R&B singer, songwriter, and producer Raphael Saadiq. It was released on September 16, 2008, by Columbia Records – his first for the label. Prior to signing with Columbia, Saadiq had independently released his 2004 album Ray Ray, recorded with the songwriting and production duo Jake and the Phatman. He developed a creative partnership with their colleague, audio engineer Charles Brungardt, who shared Saadiq's fascination with historic recording techniques and equipment. In 2008, the singer returned from a vacation that had inspired him to pursue classic soul music and recorded The Way I See It primarily at his North Hollywood studio with Brungardt.

Saadiq and Brungardt disregarded their previous experience in recording production while making The Way I See It. Instead, they experimented with older recording techniques in an attempt to recreate the Motown music aesthetic of the 1960s, producing a traditional soul album that emphasizes upbeat hooks and draws on the Motown Sound and Philadelphia soul styles. Saadiq, whose lyrics mostly deal with romantic subject matter, described it as a series of love songs about music and remaining faithful to it despite trends. The album's title reflects his singular vision for the music, while the packaging is fashioned after the musical eras that inspired Saadiq, evoking dramatic and colorful LP covers by artists such as the Temptations and Ray Charles.

Initially overlooked by consumers, The Way I See It charted steadily on the Billboard 200 and became a sleeper hit, selling 282,000 copies in the United States by 2011. It also performed well in European countries such as France, where it charted for 51 weeks. The album received mostly positive reviews from critics and was nominated for the 2009 Grammy Award for Best R&B Album. An exemplary release of the classic soul revival at the time, it garnered Saadiq a newer, more diverse audience as he toured extensively in support of the album, performing concerts in the US, Europe, and Asia. (Full article...)

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Portal:Rhythm and blues/Selected article/21 "Untitled (How Does It Feel)" is a song by American R&B and neo soul musician D'Angelo, released January 1, 2000 on Virgin Records in the United States and in the United Kingdom on EMI in 1999. It was issued as a radio single in promotion of his second studio album Voodoo (2000). The song was written and produced by D'Angelo and R&B musician Raphael Saadiq at Electric Lady Studios in New York City. Originally composed as a tribute to influential musician Prince, "Untitled (How Does It Feel)" contains a vintage style and sound similar to that of Prince's early musical work, and its lyrical content is suggestive of a man's plea to his lover for sex and desire. The song exhibits musical elements of soul, funk, rock, and quiet storm. Much like most of Voodoo, the song contains prominent overdubbing of D'Angelo's vocals.

The song received generally favorable reviews from music writers that praised its similarity to Prince's musical style, and it earned D'Angelo a number of awards. "Untitled (How Does It Feel)" proved to be the most commercially successful single from Voodoo, and it also earned notice for its controversial music video. Directed by Paul Hunter and manager Dominique Trenier, the video consists of entirely one shot featuring a muscular D'Angelo appearing nude and lip-synching to the track. It received much airplay on music video networks such as MTV and BET. While initial reaction to the music video was mixed with praise for its sexuality and accusations of sexual objectification, it earned D'Angelo a number of accolades and helped increase his mainstream notice. The video also contributed the success of the single.

The music video for "Untitled (How Does It Feel)" had a considerable impact on D'Angelo's career, as it helped engender an image of him as a sex icon to a younger generation of fans. This status for D'Angelo lead to his period of absence following the conclusion of the supporting tour for Voodoo. In 2001, the song won a Grammy Award for Best Male R&B Vocal Performance and was nominated for Best R&B Song. The U.K. single's cover artwork is an homage to musician Jimi Hendrix and Electric Lady Studios. Rolling Stone magazine ranked "Untitled (How Does It Feel)" number 4 on its list of the top singles of 2000.

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Portal:Rhythm and blues/Selected article/22 Maxwell's Urban Hang Suite is the debut album of American R&B and neo soul musician Maxwell released April 2, 1996, on Columbia Records in the United States. Recording sessions for the album took place between 1994 and 1995 at CRC Studios in Chicago and at Electric Lady Studios, RPM, Sorcerer and Chung King Studios in New York City. The album contains elements of R&B, funk, jazz and smooth soul, as well as featuring prominent classic influences in sound and musical style. A concept album, Urban Hang Suite is composed of a song cycle that focuses on an adult romance from first encounter to its conclusion, examining the concept with balladry and slow jams. The album's themes include love, sex, marriage, monogamy and spirituality. The concept was based on Maxwell's own personal experience.

After it was presented to Columbia label executives in 1995, Maxwell's Urban Hang Suite was shelved for nearly a year, partly due to doubts of its sales potential, before being released to generally positive reviews and considerable commercial success. In spite of an initial lack of mainstream interest, the album experienced a boost in sales with the help of the single "Ascension (Don't Ever Wonder)", which sold 500,000 copies within a year. Despite some negative criticism towards its lyrical substance, music writers lauded the album's vintage overtones and Maxwell's songwriting, and it was viewed as a departure from the hip hop-oriented contemporary R&B of the time. Urban Hang Suite earned Maxwell several accolades and comparisons to soul singer Marvin Gaye, and within a year it sold one million copies in the U.S..

The album had a considerable impact on Maxwell's career. Its success helped elevate his reputation to that of a sex symbol as well as a serious performer on the music scene. Maxwell has been credited with shaping the "neo soul" movement that rose to prominence during the late 1990s. Along with D'Angelo's debut album Brown Sugar (1995), Urban Hang Suite has been recognized by writers for helping provide commercial visibility to the neo soul genre, a musical style that focuses on classic influences rather than the mainstream sound of its contemporary R&B counterpart. It has been cited as Maxwell's greatest work and remains as his best-selling release. In 2002, the album was certified double platinum in sales by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), following sales in excess of two million copies.

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Portal:Rhythm and blues/Selected article/23 Neo soul is a term coined by music industry entrepreneur Kedar Massenburg during the late 1990s to market and describe a style of music that emerged from soul and contemporary R&B. Heavily based in soul music, neo soul is distinguished by a less conventional sound than its contemporary R&B counterpart, with incorporated elements ranging from jazz, funk, and hip hop to pop, fusion, and African music.

Developed in the United States and United Kingdom during the 1980s and early 1990s as a soul "revival" movement, neo soul emerged into the mainstream with the commercial and critical breakthroughs of several neo soul artists during the 1990s, as it was marketed as an alternative to the producer-driven, digitally-approached R&B of the time. Since its initial mainstream popularity and impact on the sound of contemporary R&B, it has been expanded and diversified musically through the works of both American and international artists. According to Mark Anthony Neal, "neo-soul and its various incarnations has helped to redefine the boundaries and contours of black pop".

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Portal:Rhythm and blues/Selected article/24 Stone Rollin' is the fourth studio album by American recording artist Raphael Saadiq, released March 25, 2011, on Columbia Records. Recording sessions for the album took place at Blakeslee Recording Company in Los Angeles from 2009 to 2010. Inspired by the loud, raw sound of his live performances, Saadiq worked with recording engineer and long-time collaborator Chuck Brungardt to produce a grittier, more aggressive sound for the album. Primarily performed by Saadiq, Stone Rollin' expands on the classicist, soul music style of his previous 2008 album, The Way I See It, with other R&B styles, including funk, blues, and rock music. Music writers have noted the album for its stylistic breadth, groove-based compositions, contemporary detail, varied subject matter, and incorporation of the Mellotron keyboard.

Initially released in Europe, the album attained international charting in several countries, including Norway, where it reached its highest chart position. In the United States, it debuted at number 14 on the Billboard 200 chart, selling 21,000 copies in its first week, making it Saadiq's highest-charting release in the US. The album produced three singles, including the US R&B hit "Good Man". Upon its release, Stone Rollin' received general acclaim from music critics, earning praise for its classicist style, musical eclecticism, and Saadiq's songwriting. As of May 2011, the album has sold 32,100 copies in the United States. Saadiq promoted the album with a concert tour spanning from March to August 2011, performing shows in North American venues and European music festivals.

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Portal:Rhythm and blues/Selected article/25 House of Music is the fourth studio album by American R&B group Tony! Toni! Toné!, released November 19, 1996, on Mercury Records. Recording sessions for the album took place at various recording studios during 1995 to 1996, with production handled primarily by the group members. Following the success of their 1993 album Sons of Soul and their hiatus as a group, Tony! Toni! Toné! members Raphael Saadiq, D'wayne Wiggins, and Timothy Christian Riley worked on songs for the album independently before putting together their finished recordings. House of Music expands on their previous work's classicist R&B influences with live instrumentation and balladry. Music writers have noted the album for its incorporation of traditional and contemporary musical styles, themes of love and romance, and witty, sensitive lyrics.

The album reached number 32 on the US Billboard 200 chart, on which it spent 31 weeks. It was certified platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) within its first year of release, having shipped one million copies in the United States. Two singles were released in promotion of the album, "Let's Get Down" and "Thinking of You". Upon its release, House of Music received general acclaim from music critics, who praised its musical style, classicist influences, and the group's musicianship and songwriting. An expected international tour in support of the album did not materialize and it proved to be the group's last album together, as they subsequently disbanded due to creative differences and pursued separate music careers.

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Portal:Rhythm and blues/Selected article/26 Sons of Soul is the third album by American R&B band Tony! Toni! Toné!, released on June 22, 1993, by Wing Records and Mercury Records. It follows the success of their 1990 album The Revival, which had extended their popularity beyond R&B audiences and into the mainstream.

The band originally held recording sessions for Sons of Soul at several studios in California, including Westlake Recording Studios in Hollywood and Paradise Recording Studio in Sacramento. When they became jaded with the various people frequenting those studios, Tony! Toni! Toné! moved their sessions to Caribbean Sound Basin in Trinidad, where they ultimately wrote and recorded most of the album. It was produced entirely by the group, who worked with various session musicians and utilized both vintage and contemporary recording equipment.

Sons of Soul was recorded as an homage to Tony! Toni! Toné!'s musical influences—classic soul artists of the 1960s and 1970s. Its music incorporated live instrumentation, funk, and hip hop elements such as samples and scratches. Lead singer and bassist Raphael Wiggins handled most of the songwriting, which was characterized by quirky, flirtatious lyrics and reverent ballads. (Full article...)

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