R&B Shuffles On: Rolling Stone List Crowns 'Confessions Part II' King as Genre Refuses Requiems

In 2022, Diddy's declaration that R&B had shuffled off its mortal coil sparked debate, but Rolling Stone's recently released list "100 Greatest R&B Songs of the 21st Century" serves as a vibrant rebuttal—less a funeral dirge and more a celebratory mixtape proving the genre's undeniable pulse.

"This century," the magazine declares, "it's the pop world that's been doing the moonwalk across R&B's floorboards." This sentiment underpins the list, highlighting how R&B has not only infiltrated the mainstream but has also retained its own dynamic identity, refusing to be eclipsed.

At the pinnacle sits Usher's "Confessions Part II," a timeless representation of R&B's emotional depth and enduring impact. It's a worthy crown for a list that pulsates with diversity, showcasing the genre's evolution and breadth. Further down, Beyoncé's "Lemonade" burns with an intensity that defies categorization, while Mariah Carey's "The Emancipation of Mimi" and Rihanna's genre-bending "Anti" underscore R&B's chart dominance, each track a melodic journey through heartbreak, redemption, and empowerment.

Far from a dusty museum exhibit, Rolling Stone's list pulsates with the diversity of contemporary R&B. Neo-soul torchbearers like Bilal and Jill Scott groove alongside the piano-driven classicism of Alicia Keys and John Legend. The avant-garde futurism of Janelle Monáe finds common ground with the brooding mystique of The Weeknd, while the rawness of Monica and SZA underscores the genre's adaptability and inclusivity, proving it embraces all voices.

The symbiotic relationship between R&B and hip-hop, forged in the '90s, receives its due recognition. Outkast, Pharrell, and Drake's contributions remind us of the intertwined DNA of the two genres. Visionaries like Frank Ocean, Childish Gambino, and Solange further blur the lines, captivating both mainstream audiences and tastemakers, proving R&B's constant evolution and genre-bending potential.

Diddy's pronouncement, once viewed as a requiem, now feels like a missed cue. Rolling Stone's list doesn't just prove R&B's vitality; it thrusts the genre's microphone center stage, ready to drop beats and rewrite the narrative. The rhythm of rebellion remains strong, proving that R&B isn't ready to say its final goodbye but rather to belt out a powerful encore, its future vibrant and expansive.
Ultimately, Rolling Stone's list isn't just a ranking; it's a powerful declaration of R&B's vibrant presence and its refusal to be confined by pronouncements of demise. It's a testament to the genre's adaptability, inclusivity, and enduring impact on the musical landscape, proving that the rhythm of R&B continues to beat strong, resonating throughout the 21st century and beyond.

And as if to underscore this point, Usher—whose "Confessions Part II" reigns supreme on the list—gears up for a monumental Super Bowl halftime performance in 2024. His return to the NFL's grandest stage, armed with the experience of his 2011 appearance, promises to be a fitting testament to R&B's enduring power and cultural impact, ensuring that the genre's mic remains center stage, ready to drop beats and rewrite narratives for years to come.

Here are the Top 10 songs that have etched their names in the annals of R&B history according to the list:

1. Usher - "Confessions Part II" (2004): At the zenith of the list, Usher's magnum opus delves into the complexities of love, earning its place as a timeless representation of R&B's emotional depth and enduring impact.
2. D’Angelo - "Untitled (How Does It Feel)" (2000): A soul-stirring masterpiece that transcends time, D’Angelo's 'Untitled' remains an iconic exploration of sensuality.
3. Beyoncé - "Dangerously in Love" (2003): Beyoncé's solo debut is a testament to her vocal prowess and undeniable presence in the R&B realm.
4. Mary J Blige - "Be Without You" (2005): Mary J Blige's soulful anthem of resilience and love solidifies her status as the 'Queen of Hip-Hop Soul.'
5. Mariah Carey - "We Belong Together" (2005): Mariah Carey's comeback hit is a melodic journey through heartbreak and redemption, showcasing her vocal range.
6. Frank Ocean - "Thinkin Bout You" (2012): Frank Ocean's poignant ballad is a modern classic, offering a contemplative exploration of love and desire.
7. Alicia Keys - "Fallin'' (2001): Alicia Keys' breakthrough hit remains a timeless showcase of her piano virtuosity and emotive vocals.
8. John Legend - "Ordinary People" (2004): John Legend's stripped-down ballad captures the complexities of relationships with raw honesty.
9. Erykah Badu - "Bag Lady (Cheeba Sac Radio Edit)" (2000): Erykah Badu's 'Bag Lady' is a soulful meditation on emotional baggage and growth.
10. Brandy - "Full Moon" (2002): Brandy's ethereal 'Full Moon' rounds out the Top 10 with its celestial R&B vibes.

Under Fire: T.I. and Tiny Deny Decades-Old Assault Allegations Amid Recent Lawsuit

Photo Credit: Piotr Sikora for VH1

Hip-hop power couple T.I. (Clifford Harris) and Tiny (Tameka Harris), renowned for their music careers and reality TV appearances, are facing serious allegations of drugging and sexually assaulting a woman in 2005. The claims are detailed in a lawsuit filed in Los Angeles on Tuesday.

According to the complaint, a Jane Doe accuses the celebrity couple of luring her from a nightclub to a Los Angeles hotel room, where she alleges they assaulted her after giving her a spiked drink. The incident, said to have occurred almost 18 years ago, has resurfaced due to California's Sexual Abuse and Cover-Up Accountability Act.

The plaintiff, an Air Force veteran in her early twenties at the time, claims to have met T.I. and Tiny through an associate named “Caviar,” whom she encountered at a party at rapper Coolio’s house. She asserts that she was separated from her group and ended up alone with the couple and two other women.

The lawsuit provides graphic details of the alleged abuse, accusing T.I. of coercing the plaintiff into watching pornographic material and engaging in inappropriate acts. Tiny is alleged to have been involved in restraining the accuser and participating in the assault.

The accuser describes feeling extremely ill during the assault and asserts that she was escorted out of the hotel room the next morning while in "serious pain."

In a statement to TMZ, T.I. and Tiny deny the accusations, stating that they have consistently refuted these claims for the past three years. They characterize the allegations as "fake claims" and express confidence in their innocence, stating, "We will not be shaken down, and we look forward to our day in court."

The lawsuit adds to the ongoing legal challenges faced by the celebrity couple, who have been outspoken against previous accusations.

Tupac Murder Suspect's Bail Delayed Over Witness Tampering Fears

Duane "Keffe D" Davis

In a surprising turn of events, the bail hearing for Duane "Keffe D" Davis, the individual charged in connection with the 1996 murder of hip-hop icon Tupac Shakur, faced postponement on Tuesday in Las Vegas. The delay was granted in response to prosecutors' concerning claims that witnesses in the case might be at risk, citing jail telephone recordings and a list of names shared with Davis' family members.

Davis, a former Los Angeles-area gang leader, is the only person ever charged in the infamous drive-by shooting that claimed Shakur's life and left rap mogul Marion "Suge" Knight wounded. Knight is currently serving a 28-year sentence in a California prison for an unrelated shooting in 2015.

The court-appointed defense team for Davis sought the delay to allow for a proper response to the prosecution's assertions. Attorney Robert Arroyo, representing Davis, indicated that the defense aims to address the allegations in court in writing. Last week, Arroyo stated that he did not see evidence indicating any witness had been named or threatened.

The prosecution's court filing, presented last week, asserted that Davis poses a threat to the public based on jail telephone recordings and the dissemination of a list of names. The filing did not specify if Davis instructed harm to anyone or if any individuals directly associated with the case faced physical harm.

Davis, originally from Compton, California, is currently held at the Clark County Detention Center in Las Vegas. If convicted at trial, he could potentially face a life sentence.

The case resurfaced in July with Davis' arrest, a significant breakthrough in the decades-old investigation into Shakur's murder. Davis, once considered a gang member, had previously disclosed his involvement in the killing on BET's "Death Row Chronicles" in 2018 and later chronicled the events in his 2019 memoir, "Compton Street Legend."

Prosecutors argued that Davis' own words, including jailhouse calls and interviews over the years, serve as critical evidence in the case. In an October jail call, Davis' son allegedly mentioned a "green light" authorization, a phrase suggesting permission for violence, causing enough concern for authorities to take steps to ensure the safety of at least one witness.

The legal battle intensifies as Davis' defense contends that his descriptions of Shakur's killing were embellished for financial gain and "entertainment purposes." Meanwhile, prosecutors assert that Davis' repeated confessions, both in interviews and before law enforcement, indicate his responsibility for orchestrating Shakur's murder.

Davis' bail hearing is now scheduled for January 9, adding another layer of anticipation to a case that has captivated the public for over two decades.