R&B is the genre of love, longing, and unapologetic vulnerability.
Marrakech – If the genre of R&B were a castle, artists like SZA and Chris Brown are its reigning monarchs.
Their hits feel less like songs and more like personal journal entries — messy, raw, and exactly what we need on repeat.
Let’s talk about the tracks that define their R&B legacy, without any timeline mishaps.
SZA: soulful introspection
SZA’s “Snooze” isn’t just a song — it’s a mood.
A track off her 2022 album “SOS”, it became a staple on playlists worldwide, cementing itself as one of her most-streamed masterpieces.
The blend of dreamy vocals and minimalist production makes it an ode to the kind of love that keeps us hooked, flaws and all.
While the track didn’t debut in 2024, its longevity on charts and in our hearts proves R&B knows no expiration date.
But let’s not sleep on “Love Galore” featuring Travis Scott, a classic from 2017’s Ctrl.
It’s that perfect mix of vulnerability and boundary-setting — a song for when you’re tired of waiting but not tired of loving.
Chris Brown: the consistent hit-maker
Chris Brown’s “Under the Influence” might have officially come out in 2019 as part of his Indigo project, but in recent years, it found a new wave of virality thanks to TikTok.
Its sultry tone and hypnotic beat made it a go-to for late-night vibes and dance challenges.
Meanwhile, “No Guidance” with Drake (2019) remains one of R&B’s sleekest anthems of the last decade.
The smooth back-and-forth between the two heavyweights set the gold standard for contemporary R&B.
And let’s not forget his contributions to newer tracks like “IDGAF” (2023), where he teamed up with Tee Grizzley and Mariah the Scientist to blend rap and R&B seamlessly.
A genre for the ages
R&B’s beauty lies in its timelessness. The songs from SZA and Chris Brown transcend their release dates, touching on emotions that never go out of style.
Whether it’s the ache of SZA’s “Snooze” or the slick confidence of Brown’s “Under the Influence,” these tracks remind us why we keep coming back to this genre.
So, tell me — what’s your go-to?
Are you humming along to SZA’s soft heartbreak or moving to Brown’s irresistible hooks?
Either way, it’s clear: some songs aren’t just music. They’re a feeling.