A 1990s offshoot of the hugely successful urban contemporary style--and a direct sibling of the earthier neo-soul movement--contemporary R&B artists such as D'Angelo and Meshell Ndegeocello bypass some of the slick production values so prevalent in urban music of the '80s and '90s in an effort to recapture the stirring emotion of yesteryear's classic soul and R&B. Whereas neo-soul artists (Macy Gray, Erykah Badu) pursue a slightly grittier vocal path, contemporary R&B singers are more prone to incorporating hip-hop beats and rapping vocals. What often results is a semi-organic compromise that infuses the popular new jack swing sound of the early '90s with a what's-old-is-new-again approach.

Notable Artists: Maxwell; Lauryn Hill; D'Angelo