R&B music in the 1990s was full of soul, passion, and smooth sounds. It was a time when singers shared stories people could feel about love, heartbreak, and real life.

The music had deep meaning and catchy rhythms that pulled people in. This decade saw the rise of strong female groups, emotional male quartets, and bold solo stars.

With voices that touched the heart, artists like Mary J. Blige and 112 made R&B more popular than ever.

Their music connected with fans in a real way. Now, let’s know the most memorable R&B artists from the ’90s who helped shape this amazing time in music.

1. Mary J. Blige

People often call her the Queen of Hip-Hop Soul, but before that, she was just a girl singing in Yonkers, New York, trying to escape pain through music. Her early life was filled with struggle, but singing gave her strength.

She recorded a cover at a mall that changed her life. That tape led to her first break. Mary brought real feelings into R&B. Her honesty turned pain into power.

2. Toni Braxton

Toni’s path started in a family full of music, where she sang with her sisters in church. Raised in Maryland, her unique voice stood out even in a house full of talent. She studied music and stayed patient for her moment.

When it came, her deep, rich voice amazed the world. Toni also faced major health battles with her strength. She became a symbol of grace under pressure.

3. Aaliyah

Before she became a style icon, Aaliyah was a quiet and focused kid raised in Detroit. Her family supported her dream from the start, especially her uncle, who helped her enter the industry. She trained hard and stayed humble.

Aaliyah brought smoothness, mystery, and elegance to R&B. Even though her time was short, her legacy remains powerful. She’s remembered for changing how young artists are seen.

4. Brandy

Known as the “Vocal Bible” by many fans, Brandy started her career while still in school. She grew up in a musical household in California, surrounded by gospel and soul. Brandy’s voice had clarity and control that amazed people even at a young age.

She also became a television star, showing she had many talents. Her career helped open doors for young Black girls. Brandy brought both voice and vision to her work.

5. Monica

Monica’s talent showed up early, by the age of ten, she was singing solos in Atlanta churches. Her voice had power beyond her years. A record label saw her potential and signed her as a teenager.

Monica always sang from the heart, mixing gospel roots with modern beats. She remained grounded even during fame. Her music shows real-life emotion and strength.

6. Boyz II Men

This group began as high school students with big dreams in Philadelphia. Their tight harmonies came from hours of practicing together. Their talent caught the attention of a famous artist who gave them their first shot.

They brought clean vocals and deep emotion into every song. Their name became linked with heartfelt R&B. Boyz II Men proved that discipline and teamwork pay off.

7. Jodeci

Two sets of brothers from North Carolina teamed up to create something bold and fresh. Jodeci mixed church roots with street attitude. They wore leather, sang raw, and made R&B more edgy.

They weren’t afraid to push boundaries. Their production skills also set them apart behind the scenes. Jodeci gave R&B a new sound and a fearless image.

8. Dru Hill

Starting out by performing at a Baltimore fudge shop, this group hustled their way to success. They earned fans with their strong vocals and dramatic performances. The group was named after a local park, Druid Hill.

Each member brought a special style, but their harmonies were what really stood out. Their passion came through every note. Dru Hill showed that local talent could reach national fame.

9. Usher

Usher moved from Tennessee to Atlanta as a kid, and that change shaped his future. He was known through a talent show and signed early. Trained by professionals, he learned how to sing and dance with skill.

Over time, he grew from a young singer into a global superstar. Usher became known for his stage performance and smooth voice. His story is one of discipline and charm.

10. TLC

TLC was built on friendship, energy, and standing out. They formed in Atlanta with a mix of fire, fun, and bold ideas. Each member had a unique personality that made the group work. Their fashion and lyrics broke the mold for girl groups.

They weren’t afraid to tackle real issues in their songs. TLC balanced playfulness with purpose. That fearless blend of style and message made them icons of both music and culture.

11. SWV

Sisters With Voices, or SWV, began singing in church in New York. They started as backup singers before forming their own group. Their blend of gospel training and smooth R&B turned heads quickly. Their voices felt honest and soulful.

People connected with their relatable songs. SWV showed how faith and friendship create lasting music. Their ability to stay rooted while reaching mainstream success made them a beloved name in ’90s R&B.

12. Maxwell

Maxwell didn’t chase fame the usual way; he created his own sound slowly. Born in Brooklyn, he taught himself to play instruments and write lyrics. His music became part of the neo-soul movement. He brought calm, mature vibes back to R&B. Maxwell’s approach was thoughtful and rich.

He showed that quiet strength could still fill a room. That patience and self-direction helped him build a career based on substance over trend.

13. Faith Evans

Faith grew up in New Jersey, singing in church choirs with deep passion. Later, she moved to Los Angeles and began working behind the scenes in studios. Her voice had a raw beauty that made people take notice. She was the first female artist signed to a major hip-hop label.

Even through personal losses, she stayed dedicated to her art. Faith’s music carried love, pain, and healing. Her journey presents both her vocal talent and deep resilience in the face of life’s trials.

14. Silk

Silk came together in Atlanta, and each member brought serious vocal talent. They were discovered by a big-name artist who believed in their style. Their smooth sound made them known for slow, romantic songs. They practiced constantly to perfect their harmonies.

The group’s teamwork made their music unforgettable. Silk added a polished feel to ’90s R&B love songs. Their ability to blend sensuality with strong vocals gave them a lasting impact.

15. Johnny Gill

Johnny Gill had a voice that stood out even as a child in Washington, D.C. He started performing young with a family group. His powerful voice landed him both solo and group deals. He later joined a famous boy band and helped it evolve.

Johnny’s mature sound brought depth to every track. His long career shows both talent and lasting appeal. His rich baritone remains one of the most recognizable voices in R&B history.

16. Somethin’ For The People

Before stepping into the spotlight, this group was known for writing songs for others. Based in California, they understood how to craft a hit. Their own performances carried humor, rhythm, and style. They moved from behind the scenes to front and center.

Their blend of fun and skill made them stand out. Somethin’ For The People proved that writers can also shine as stars. Their playful lyrics and tight production gave them a unique place in the genre.

17. Sounds of Blackness

This powerful group from Minnesota wasn’t just a band; they were a message. Combining gospel, R&B, and African rhythms, they sang songs of hope and history. With dozens of members, their sound was full and rich.

They celebrated culture through every note. The group aimed to lift people’s spirits. Sounds of Blackness reminded us that music can be a powerful healing force. Their songs served as both celebration and protest, echoing generations of strength.

18. Deborah Cox

Born in Canada, Deborah began performing on television and singing backup vocals. Her voice could hit big notes with ease and emotion. She trained carefully before releasing her own music. She earned respect in both pop and R&B.

Deborah stood out with a mix of grace and strength. Her songs carried stories of love, growth, and courage. That emotional honesty gave her music the power to connect across audiences.

19. Selena

Selena grew up in Texas, performing with her family in small venues. Her voice was full of joy, and her presence lit up every stage. Though she sang in Spanish, she reached fans across all languages. She blended Tejano music with pop and R&B.

Selena broke cultural boundaries with warmth and talent. Even after her passing, her music lives on in millions of hearts. Her legacy reminds the world that talent paired with heart can never be forgotten.

20. Soul For Real

This group of brothers from New York made singing a family affair. Their chemistry made their harmonies natural and warm. They practiced hard and kept their bond strong. Their music had a young, fresh feel.

People connected with their charm and easygoing style. Soul For Real gave R&B a touch of sweetness. Their youthful energy and tight vocals made them fan favorites in the ’90s scene.

21. H-Town

Named after their hometown, this trio from Houston was proud of their roots. They had a street-smart sound mixed with smooth vocals. Their love songs were full of feeling. They spent time crafting their image and performance.

H-Town added fire to slow jams. Their Southern flavor gave them something special. Their passion and intensity helped define the sound of slow, emotional R&B.

22. Adina Howard

Adina came from Michigan and wasn’t afraid to speak her truth. Her music pushed limits and gave women more freedom to be bold. She carried herself with confidence and power. Her voice matched her strong attitude.

Adina opened the door for more open expression in R&B, reminding everyone that being fearless is a strength. Her boldness helped carve out space for female voices with no filter.

23. Blackstreet

This group was started by top producers who wanted smooth voices and strong beats. They pulled together talented singers who had great chemistry. Blackstreet found the perfect balance between R&B and hip-hop.

Their style was sharp, clean, and emotional. They became known for top-quality sound. Blackstreet helped raise the bar for group vocals. Their seamless blend of soul and rhythm influenced many acts that followed.

24. 112

These four young men from Atlanta were discovered while still in high school. Their voices blended with smoothness and care. They trained hard under big names in the industry. Their songs showed both coolness and heart.

112 gave R&B fans rich vocals with youthful charm. They brought romance and class to the scene. Their consistent sound made them stand out in a crowded wave of boy groups.

25. Jagged Edge

Two twin brothers and two close friends formed this group in Georgia. Their lyrics sounded like real talks between lovers. They had a tough yet loving approach. Their harmonies came from raw practice and belief in their music.

Jagged Edge stayed loyal to their roots. They kept it real in both image and sound. That authenticity helped them connect deeply with everyday love stories.

26. Tony! Toni! Toné!

Starting in Oakland, this family-led group brought instruments and soul to the stage. They honored old-school R&B while adding modern twists. They played guitar, bass, and drums themselves. Their songs felt warm and full of life.

They didn’t follow trends; they made their own. Tony! Toni! Toné!, blended pop, soul, and family unity. Their work paved the way for live musicianship in a digital-heavy era.

27. Bell Biv DeVoe

Formed by three members of a legendary boy band, this trio took R&B in a new direction. They added a hip-hop edge and street fashion. Their style was loud, clever, and fun. They weren’t afraid to mix bold beats with strong voices.

Bell Biv DeVoe made music for both clubs and hearts. They brought a whole new flavor to male groups. Their fearless energy helped birth the New Jack Swing sound of the early ’90s.

28. After 7

These talented men came from Indianapolis with polished voices and class. Two brothers and a college friend formed the group. They were mentored by a famous relative who helped guide their sound.

Their songs were grown-up, smooth, and honest after 7 made music with respect and romance. Their elegance stood out in the ’90s. They proved that love songs could be both mature and deeply moving.

29. Immature

As teens from Los Angeles, this trio brought energy and fun to the stage. They started young but worked like pros. Over time, they grew into more mature artists. Their songs evolved with them.

Immature became a voice for young love and emotions. They showed that youth and talent go hand in hand. Their growth reflected the journey of their fan, who matured alongside them.

30. Trina & Tamara

These sisters built their bond into beautiful music. Growing up in California, they sang at home and in school before writing for others. Their sound was soft, personal, and touching. Their harmony felt natural and full of heart.

Trina & Tamara proved that sisterhood is a strength. They gave a gentle voice to ’90s R&B. Their close connection gave their songs a feeling of warmth and truth.

31. Missy Elliott

Missy didn’t just sing, she imagined music in wild, new ways. Raised in Virginia, she began as a songwriter before taking over the spotlight. She mixed fun, fashion, and clever lyrics. Her style was fearless and unforgettable.

Missy Elliott became one of the most creative forces in music. She showed that being different is what makes you great. Her innovation redefined what it means to be a female artist in hip-hop and R&B.

Other 90s R&B Artists 

32. Teena Marie

33. Tracie Spencer

34. Joi

35. Pebbles

36. Trina Broussard

37. Keke Wyatt

38. Sade

39. Adriana Evans

40. En Vogue

41. Heavy D & The Boyz

42. Lisa “Left Eye” Lopes

43. Jermaine Dupri

44. Jimmy Jam

45. Terry Lewis

46. Mariah Carey

47. Avant

48. Keith Sweat

49. Bobby Brown

50. New Edition

51. Ralph Tresvant

52. Sisqó

53. K-Ci & JoJo

54. Gerald Levert

55. Brian McKnight

56. R. Kelly

57. Angie Stone

58. Carl Thomas

59. Leela James

60. Chanté Moore

61. Joe

62. Tamia

63. Mýa

64. Ginuwine

65. Case

66. Lenny Kravitz

67. D’Angelo

68. Lauryn Hill

69. Erykah Badu

70. Jill Scott

71. India.Arie

72. Tony Rich

73. Brownstone

74. Total

75. Next

76. Changing Faces

77. Karyn White

78. Shanice

79. Kelly Price

80. LeVert

81. Mint Condition

82. Al B. Sure!

83. Tevin Campbell

84. BeBe Winans

85. Tamia Hill

86. Zhane

87. For Real

88. Portrait

89. Jade

90. Xscape

91. Kut Klose

92. Men of Vizion

93. Solo

94. Allure

95. Az Yet

96. Color Me Badd

97. Hi-Five

98. Public Announcement

99. Intro

100. Basic Black

101. Lo-Key?

102. Shai

103. Christopher Williams

104. Glenn Lewis

105. Donell Jones

106. Montell Jordan

107. Rome

108. Jesse Powell

109. Horace Brown

110. Sam Salter

111. Playa

112. Profyle

113. Ideal

114. Silk E. Fyne

115. Divine

Frequently Asked Questions

How did Producers Create Space in ’90s R&B Mixes?

They kept instruments dry, used little reverb, and made sure vocals stood out clearly.

Why did R&B Groups Become so Popular in the 90s?

Groups offered rich harmonies and gave fans more voices to enjoy together.

How did Radio and TV help R&B Artists Reach More Fans?

Heavy radio play and music videos on TV made artists and songs super popular.