Souèasné R&B se definuje jako hudba, která vznikla na poèátku osmdesátých let, kdy se zkombinoval soul, rock, funk, hip hop, post-disco, jazz a pop dohromady. Souèasné R&B definuje elektronická struktura, hip hopovì inspirovaný rytmus a jemné vokály. Nìkdy se v takové písni pøíležitostnì vyskytne i rockovì orientovaný kytarový riff (dodává skladbì rockový element) èi saxofonové sólo (dodává písni smooth jazzovou atmosféru). Smooth jazz byl prvkem moderního R&B do roku 1995.

V souèasnosti probìhla také fúze stylù hip hop, moderního R&B a neo-soulu, což umožnilo vznik hip hop soulu.

Contemporary R&B, also known as simply R&B, is a music genre that combines elements of rhythm and blues, soul, funk, pop, hip hop and dance.

The genre features a distinctive record production style, drum machine-backed rhythms, an occasional saxophone-laced beat to give a jazz feel (mostly common in contemporary R&B songs prior to the year 1995) and a smooth, lush style of vocal arrangement. Electronic influences are becoming an increasing trend and the use of hip hop or dance-inspired beats are typical, although the roughness and grit inherent in hip hop may be reduced and smoothed out. Contemporary R&B vocalists are often known for their use of melisma, popularized by vocalists such as Michael Jackson, R. Kelly, Stevie Wonder, Whitney Houston and Mariah Carey.[

Rhythm and Blues

Rhythm and blues-souèasné