The 1990s were a golden era for R&B music, with countless talented female artists leading the way and shaping the sound of the decade. These women not only made a mark on the charts but also influenced generations of music lovers. In this article, we’ll take a look at 16 iconic 90s R&B female singers who contributed to the legacy of R&B music.
16 Iconic 90s R&B Female Singers You Need to Remember
1. Mary J. Blige – The Queen of Hip-Hop Soul
Mary J. Blige emerged in the early 90s and quickly became known as the “Queen of Hip-Hop Soul.” Her debut album, *What’s the 411?*, combined soulful melodies with hip-hop beats, a unique blend that resonated with many. Blige’s raw, emotional delivery and her ability to connect with listeners through her powerful ballads, such as “Real Love,” made her one of the defining voices of the 90s.
Her career spanned decades, and she remains a pivotal figure in the genre, paving the way for future artists who blended R&B and hip-hop influences. Rap music also played an important role in her musical journey, allowing her to experiment with diverse sounds and collaborations.
2. Toni Braxton – The Sultry Diva
Toni Braxton was known for her sultry voice and emotional delivery. With her breakthrough hit “Breathe Again” from her self-titled album, Braxton quickly rose to prominence. Her rich contralto voice and her ability to convey deep emotions set her apart from other artists of the time. She became a global star, selling millions of albums and earning multiple Grammys.
3. Aaliyah – The Princess of R&B
Aaliyah’s career was tragically cut short, but she left an undeniable impact on 90s R&B. Her smooth vocals and innovative music videos helped shape the sound of the late 90s. Hits like “Try Again” and “Are You That Somebody” featured a unique mix of R&B and hip-hop, setting her apart from her peers. Aaliyah’s influence is still felt today, especially with her genre-defining approach to blending pop, R&B, and urban sounds.
4. Brandy – The Vocal Prodigy
Brandy’s debut album, *Brandy*, was released in 1994, and it showcased her impressive vocal range and maturity at such a young age. With hits like “I Wanna Be Down,” she quickly became a staple on R&B charts. Her mature voice and heartfelt lyrics won over fans, making her one of the most beloved R&B stars of the 90s.
5. Janet Jackson – The Icon of Pop and R&B
While Janet Jackson’s career started in the 80s, she truly found her stride in the 90s. With her groundbreaking album *Rhythm Nation 1814*, Janet solidified her status as one of the most influential pop and R&B artists. Her fusion of social commentary with infectious rhythms and choreographed dance routines made her an icon. Hits like “That’s the Way Love Goes” are still celebrated today for their emotional depth and unique production.
6. Mariah Carey – The Voice of the Decade
Mariah Carey is often regarded as one of the greatest vocalists of all time. Her five-octave range and her ability to hit whistle notes helped her stand out in the R&B and pop scenes. With iconic 90s hits like “Vision of Love” and “Hero,” Mariah’s success is unparalleled, and she is often credited with bringing the art of vocal runs and melisma to the forefront of popular music.
7. Xscape – The R&B Girl Group
Xscape was one of the most successful girl groups of the 90s, known for their harmonies and strong vocal performances. Hits like “Just Kickin’ It” and “Understanding” displayed their ability to blend R&B with elements of gospel and hip-hop. The group’s music was deeply influential, and they were instrumental in paving the way for future girl groups in the R&B genre.
8. SWV – Sisters With Voices
SWV was one of the most popular R&B groups in the 90s, with hits like “Weak” and “Right Here.” Known for their powerful vocals and harmonies, the group quickly became one of the defining acts of the decade. Their influence is still felt in the music of many modern R&B artists who continue to incorporate their style into their own work.
9. Brandy – The Vocal Prodigy
Brandy’s 1994 self-titled debut album introduced the world to her powerful voice, which she used to deliver heartfelt ballads and infectious pop tunes. Her smooth vocals and relatable lyrics struck a chord with fans across the world. With songs like “I Wanna Be Down” and “Baby,” Brandy captured the spirit of the 90s R&B sound.
10. Monica – The Heartfelt Singer
Monica’s debut album, *Miss Thang*, was released in 1995 and showcased her incredible vocal range. Her hit song “Don’t Take It Personal” became a classic, and she quickly became one of the best-selling female R&B artists of the 90s. Known for her strong yet vulnerable voice, Monica made a lasting impact with her ability to connect with listeners on an emotional level.
11. Lil’ Kim – The Queen of Rap
Lil’ Kim emerged in the 90s as one of the most significant figures in rap, particularly for women in the genre. As part of the Junior M.A.F.I.A. group, she contributed to the rise of East Coast hip-hop and is often credited with influencing a generation of female rap artists. Her bold lyrics and unique style made her a household name in rap music. Lil’ Kim’s impact is still seen in modern rap and hip-hop culture today.
12. Missy Elliott – The Innovator
Missy Elliott broke through in the 90s with her groundbreaking album *Supa Dupa Fly*. Her fusion of rap, R&B, and electronic music set her apart from her contemporaries. Known for her futuristic music videos and her incredible flow, Missy became one of the most innovative artists of the decade. She is often regarded as a trailblazer for women in rap and hip-hop, and her influence can still be felt in the music of contemporary artists.
13. Aaliyah – The Princess of R&B
With her soulful voice and ability to push boundaries, Aaliyah quickly became one of the most influential figures in 90s R&B. Her smooth delivery and unique blend of R&B, pop, and hip-hop made her a force to be reckoned with. Aaliyah’s impact is still felt today, especially in the work of artists who continue to experiment with genre blending.
14. Faith Evans – The First Lady of Bad Boy Records
Faith Evans was one of the premier female R&B artists of the 90s. Signed to Bad Boy Records, Evans was the first lady of the label and was known for her powerful voice and ability to create deeply emotional songs. Hits like “You Used to Love Me” became staples on R&B charts and helped establish her as one of the genre’s most beloved artists.
15. Deborah Cox – The Dance Diva
Known for her dynamic vocal range and infectious energy, Deborah Cox became one of the top R&B singers of the 90s. Her dance-infused R&B style was popularized by hits like “Who Do U Love” and “Nobody’s Supposed to Be Here.” Cox’s powerful vocals and her ability to blend R&B with dance and pop elements made her a key figure in the 90s music scene.
16. Jill Scott – The Neo-Soul Queen
Jill Scott burst onto the scene in the late 90s with her debut album *Who Is Jill Scott? Words and Sounds Vol. 1*. Her unique blend of R&B, jazz, and spoken word made her one of the defining artists of the neo-soul movement. Her smooth voice and deeply poetic lyrics continue to resonate with fans, and she remains a key figure in contemporary R&B music.
SEE ALSO: Discover the 11 Most Influential Country Singers of the 1980s
Conclusion
These 16 artists helped shape the landscape of 90s R&B music and continue to influence new generations of musicians. From the sultry ballads of Toni Braxton to the innovation of Missy Elliott, these women defined a genre and left a lasting legacy in the world of music.
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