Author: Anthony Farrior

Yo, real talk, what happened to R&B, though? Like, remember back in the day when R&B had that soul, somethin’ you could actually feel deep down? Cats like Anita Baker, Teddy Pendergrass, Sade—man, they used to sing about real life, love, heartbreak, and all that. The music had substance. It wasn’t just background noise; it was a vibe. You threw on some R&B to set the mood, to reflect, or even just to vibe out on a Sunday afternoon.

But now? Man, it ain’t the same. R&B today, it got all mixed up with trap and hip-hop, and I ain’t knockin’ it, but they took the soul out of it. Everything’s about a catchy hook or somethin’ that’ll go viral, not the deep, emotional storytelling. You remember when artists used to actually sing? Like, hit them notes that give you chills? Now it’s all about auto-tune, and half the time, you can’t tell the difference between R&B and some watered-down rap.

Back then, R&B had layers—vocals, harmonies, and the lyrics were poetry. It made you think about your relationships, your life, made you feel somethin’. Today’s R&B? It’s like they tryna sell a product instead of create a moment. Everything sounds the same, and folks just followin’ trends instead of bein’ true to that real R&B sound.

I’m not sayin’ there ain’t no talent out there, ’cause we got some folks still holdin’ it down. But as a whole, it feels like we drifted away from what made R&B special. Like, what happened to those albums where every track told a story, where the whole thing was a journey? Nowadays, it’s like artists are just throwin’ songs together, chasin’ hits, instead of craftin’ timeless music.

I think it’s comin’ back around, though. Folks are startin’ to realize we miss that real soul in the music. It’s gon’ take time, but R&B can’t stay lost forever.

In September 2024, several K-pop artists have been trending due to major comebacks and continued global influence. Some of the top names include:

1. NewJeans – This girl group continues to dominate the charts with their innovative sound and captivating performances. They’ve gained massive popularity internationally for their unique concepts and high-quality production​(allkpop).
2. ATEEZ – Known for their powerful performances, ATEEZ made headlines in September with their Japanese release, “Royal,” a collaboration with BE. Their global fanbase remains strong due to their intense stage presence and storytelling through music​(Kpop Profiles)​(KPOP OFFICIAL).
3. RIIZE – One of the most anticipated comebacks, RIIZE dropped their first mini-album RIIZING: Epilogue on September 4. This new group from SM Entertainment has already attracted attention for their fresh sound and potential to be the next big boy group​(KPOP OFFICIAL).
4. BLACKPINK’s Lisa – As part of the group’s ongoing global domination, Lisa’s preview of her solo song “So Kiss Me” has created buzz, further proving her star power in the international music scene​(allkpop).
5. LE SSERAFIM – Continuing their rise, LE SSERAFIM is gaining traction with their bold, confident image and fresh approach to K-pop girl group concepts. They have built a strong fanbase thanks to their boundary-pushing themes​(Kpop Profiles).

These artists are pushing the envelope in both music and performance, helping K-pop maintain its place in global pop culture.