Alternative R&B, as its name suggests, is a subgenre that represents unconventional R&B music. The term was originally used in the 1990s to market artists like D’Angelo, Erykah Badu, and Maxwell, who are now categorized as neo soul. However, in recent years, alternative R&B has been used to describe a new sound of non-traditional, contemporary R&B that emphasizes creativity and experimentation. Artists like Frank Ocean, The Weeknd, SZA, and others have played a role in defining the style.
Discover the essential alternative R&B tracks below. (View the entire playlist here.)
Discover more subgenres in our Subgenre Spotlight series.
Beatsource is the music streaming service for DJs who play everything.
Tags: Playlist Subgenre Spotlight
