There was a time when artists like Chaka Khan, Earth, Wind, and Fire, and Gladys Knight ruled the R&B charts. Today, the artists who grace the charts in this genre include Joss Stone, Justin Timberlake, and Robin Thicke. What happened to the legends? Has R&B lost its soul or has it taken on a new flavor?
Don't get me wrong, I think anyone with a soulful voice regardless of their race should take a stab at R&B, but what happens when an artist like Justin Timberlake is "taking the place" of, say, Joe, or Musiq on the R&B chart when he also dominates the Pop chart? Do artists like Joe and Musiq receive equal treatment? I think not. Likewise, has the industry gone too far when Robin Thicke's song, "Lost Without You" dominates the #1 position on Billboard's Top R&B/Hip-Hop Song chart and the leading R&B radio airwaves? While R&B is making way for these blue-eyed soul singers, what extension is being given to artists like N'Dambi or M.D. West or Conya Doss, "traditional" R&B singers who have received no airplay? In my opinion, Joss, Justin, and Robin (as well as Amy Winehouse) are taking spots that "belong" to them.
All I'm saying is this, when artists like Bad Brains, Living Colour, and Fishbone receive substantial airplay and support by the Rock community, then, and only then, should artists like Joss Stone, Justin Timberlake, and Robin Thicke receive Grammys in the R&B category, have #1 R&B hits, and receive R&B recognition. After all, everyone has to pay their dues, but these artists were simply given them.
