Analysis of the R&B genre

The History of R&B 
R&B, also known as 'Rhythm and Blues", originated in the early 1950's and laid the ground- work for Rock and Roll. The term was originally used by record companies to describe recordings marketed predominantly to urban African Americans. R&B combines the elements of Jazz, gospel and The Blues. In the commercial rhythm blues music of the 1950's through to the 1970's, the bands usually included instruments such as piano's, one or two guitars, bass, drums, saxophone and sometimes background vocalists. The pop music is of black origin, with soulful vocal styles and features such as improvisation. The lyrics typically focus on themes such as freedom, economics, aspirations, sex and failures in terms of relationships. Some of the most famous Rhythm'n'Blues artists include the vocalist and bandleader, Louis Jordan and Los Angeles Blues-man "T-Bone" Walker.

The term 'Rhythm and Blues' has undergone a number of shifts in meaning. In the early 1950's, R&B was applied to the blues records. Beginning in the mid-1950's, after R&B contributed to the development of Rock and Roll, "R&B" became used to refer to music styles that incorporated electric blues as well as gospel and soul music. During the 1960's, R&B became increasingly popular, resulting in British bands such as 'The Rolling Stones' and 'The animals' making R&B music. This ultimately formed the building blocks of 'Contemporary R&B' which developed in the 1980's and combined elements such as soul, funk, pop, hip-hop and dance. Popular R&B vocalists and the end of the 20th century included Michael Jackson, R. Kelly and Whitney Houston. 

R. Kelly - Ignition (Remix)

From conducting research on R&B music I have found that R. Kelly's 'Ignition", released in 2003, shows clear characteristics of the R&B genre. But more specifically, contemporary R&B. For instance, within the video R. Kelly appears to have various relationships with different women to whom are wearing minimal, yet seductive costumes. In regards to the lighting of the music video, it is evident that artificial lighting has been employed to make the location darker and give the room a 'party' vibe; thus complimenting the R&B themes and genre. In this small clip, camera angles such as mid-shot and low angle are used to show the power and authority of the males within the video. For instance the low angles of the men dancing behind the women.

Within the video, R. Kelly plays a male who attracts the attention of women who are of the same ethnicity. This is a reflection of other R&B videos; thus giving the video an apparent narrative. There are very few people of a white ethnicity within this music video as R&B is of a black origin, meaning only black males and females tend to be included within the music videos and vocals. This is what the audience would be familiar with, therefore it attracts a wider audience due to it relating to the rhythm and blues genre. 

There is also a clear use of mise-en-scene relating to the costumes of the women in the music video. Miss-en-scene refers to the arrangement of scenery and stage properties in a play. Females in R&B videos usually wear minimal and seductive costumes; as shown in the image above. This is due to women being perceived as sexual objects due to sex being a main theme within the R&B genre. The absence of clothing is supposedly something that men desire and ultimately appeals to the male audience. This is also done by the colour of the clothing. In this scene some women are wearing red clothing, this is seen as a more seductive colour that relates to relationships and love; which is also a main theme of R&B. This costume choice creates a sexual atmosphere which best relates to the R&B genre. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y6y_4_b6RS8

The Weeknd 'I Can't Feel My Face'
The next R&B video I analysed was The Weeknd's 'I Can't Feel My Face', which was released in 2015. This R&B video has clear conventions of R&B by the use of artificial lighting. For example, spotlights are used to put The Weeknd in focus, this is accompanied by an extreme close-up shot; which also suggests he is being looked at and/or admired by other women within the location of the video which is a nightclub. In contrast, when the camera is focused on a woman, the camera angles include high-angles which shows the point of view of The Weeknd, giving the impression he is standing over her to show dominance. This adheres the conventions of a typical R&B video in which the male is superior. In addition, the setting is dark which creates a sensuous ambience between the two genders within the music video. 

Other typical conventions used within this music video is the use of mise-en-scene; such as the costumes and makeup on the individuals. The overall costume choice within the music video is simple yet effective as they use basic colours and materials. However, the bright lighting and dull backgrounds make the costumes stand out. The men in the video, including 'The Weeknd' himself, wear all dark clothing such as black baggy bomber jackets or tops, boots and jeans. Wearing baggy costumes and jewellery such as a chain gives the impression that they are 'big' and 'tough' as well as wealthy. This adheres to one of the themes of R&B which is money. 
As you can see in the image below, The Weeknd's costume is basic yet efficacious and stands out against the vibrant background he is standing in front of.  

The women in the video have a similar costume style. Although there is only one main female within the video, her costume consists of a white crop top and shorts. This would be considered minimal clothing as areas such as her chest, arms, midriff, legs and shoulders are exposed. The reason to this is because women are typically used in R&B videos to make the males look increasingly prominent, whereas the females are perceived as inferior; as shown in R. Kelly's R&B song 'Ignition'. This is also done by using camera angles. An example of this is in the small clip above. By aiming the camera down onto the girl, it makes it look as if she is being looked at by the artist himself, or by other men within the nightclub; therefore making her look submissive and vulnerable as she is lower down in the shot as if she is on her knees. This also contributes to women being seen as sexual objects in R&B.
The cosmetics used are effortless yet seductive, fitting in well with the hazy room due to the people within the club smoking; this essentially sets a typical Rhythm'n'Blues atmosphere. The woman's dark eye shadow and shiny lips are consequently alluring to the audience. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KEI4qSrkPAs