The 1990s was a golden era for R&B music, with a powerful resurgence of soulful tunes, catchy beats, and emotive lyrics. Female artists, in particular, rose to the forefront, offering unparalleled vocals and unforgettable hits. Here’s a look at ten 90s R&B female singers who left an indelible mark on the music scene.
1. Whitney Houston
Dubbed “The Voice”, Whitney Houston’s unparalleled vocal prowess saw hits like “I Will Always Love You” and “I’m Every Woman”. With her effortless blend of pop and R&B, Houston remains one of the best-selling music artists of all time.
2. Mary J. Blige
Often referred to as the “Queen of Hip-Hop Soul”, Mary J. Blige introduced a unique blend of R&B with an urban edge. Tracks like “Real Love” and “Family Affair” exemplify her raw emotion and powerful vocals.
3. Toni Braxton
With her sultry voice and heartfelt ballads like “Un-Break My Heart” and “Breathe Again”, Toni Braxton became a staple in 90s R&B. Her deep, husky vocals made her stand out in a crowd.
4. Brandy
Starting as a teen sensation, Brandy’s smooth voice and catchy tunes like “I Wanna Be Down” and “Have You Ever” solidified her as one of R&B’s leading ladies in the 90s.
5. Monica
Rivaling Brandy in teen stardom, Monica gave us hits like “Don’t Take It Personal” and “The Boy Is Mine”. Her crisp voice and emotive ballads made her a favorite among R&B lovers.
6. Aaliyah
Known for her soft-spoken yet impactful vocals, Aaliyah’s “Age Ain’t Nothing But a Number” and “One in a Million” showcased a fresh blend of R&B and contemporary urban music. Her untimely death left fans craving more of her unique sound.
7. Lauryn Hill
Formerly of The Fugees, Lauryn Hill’s solo career blossomed with the release of “The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill”. Tracks like “Doo-Wop (That Thing)” proved her prowess not only as a singer but as a rapper and lyricist.
8. Erykah Badu
Often credited as the “Queen of Neo-Soul”, Erykah Badu’s “Baduizm” introduced a fusion of R&B, jazz, and hip-hop. Songs like “On & On” presented a more laid-back, spiritual side of R&B.
9. TLC’s T-Boz and Chilli
While TLC was a trio, T-Boz’s raspy vocals and Chilli’s smoother tones brought us hits like “Waterfalls” and “No Scrubs”. Their distinct voices and harmonies made TLC one of the best-selling girl groups of all time.
10. SWV’s Coko
As the lead singer of Sisters With Voices (SWV), Coko’s powerful vocals led the group to success with hits like “Weak” and “Right Here”. Her voice became synonymous with 90s R&B ballads.
Conclusion
The 1990s R&B scene was blessed with a myriad of female artists who not only delivered chart-topping hits but also influenced future generations of musicians. Their voices, stories, and musical prowess continue to resonate, reminding us of a golden era in R&B music.
