The Death of R&B? A Raw Conversation Across Generations
When radio legend Don Miller dropped into the Gen 2 Gen studio, what started as a celebration of R&B quickly turned into a heated debate about the genre's evolution - or some might say, its decline. With 30 years of broadcasting experience, Miller didn't hold back on what's really happened to rhythm and blues.
"Nobody's Making Love Anymore"
Perhaps the most striking observation came when Miller pointed out that modern R&B has lost its emotional core: "Nobody's making love anymore. They make fun songs." This sparked an intense discussion about how today's music reflects a fundamental shift in relationships and values.
The contrast was clear:
- Then: Songs about courtship, romance, and long-term love
- Now: Songs about "situations," hookups, and temporary connections
The Economics Behind the Evolution
Miller dropped a bomb that shifted the entire conversation: "The ownership of every record label in this country – there are no black people owning record labels anymore." This economic reality has fundamentally changed what gets produced and promoted.
The generational divide became evident when discussing this transformation:
- Boomers remember when R&B reflected grown folks' experiences
- Millennials caught the tail end of the "love song" era
- Gen Z has grown up in an entirely different musical landscape
The Gen Z Perspective
Interestingly, our Gen Z co-hosts brought unexpected depth to the conversation. While they've grown up in an era of trap soul and situationships, some showed surprising knowledge of classic R&B. As Lai (26) demonstrated, age doesn't always dictate musical appreciation.
However, when the crew attempted to sing classic R&B songs, it became painfully clear how much has been lost between generations - most only knew the hooks!
The Industry's Role
The conversation took a serious turn when discussing how the industry shapes what young people hear. As Miller explained, today's music often promotes:
- Anti-family messages
- Materialistic values
- Temporary relationships over lasting connections
Is There Hope for R&B?
Despite the heavy criticism of modern R&B, the episode wasn't all doom and gloom. The crew identified some current artists who maintain the genre's soulful traditions, even if they're not getting mainstream attention.
Cultural Impact
Beyond just music, the discussion revealed how R&B's evolution reflects broader changes in Black culture:
- Dating norms
- Family structures
- Generational values
- Cultural priorities
The Bottom Line
As Don Miller pointed out, "You can't let your history be a mystery." Whether you're a fan of classic R&B or modern sounds, understanding the genre's evolution - and what drove those changes - is crucial to appreciating where we are now.
Perhaps the most important takeaway wasn't about which era was better, but rather how economic control and cultural shifts have fundamentally changed what we call R&B. The question remains: Can the soul of R&B survive in an era of instant gratification?
