Genre choice

The choice of my genre is contemporary r&b, artists like Beyonce, Rihanna, Usher and many more alike are seen to be under this category. In the 2000's, the influence of r&b and hip hop together started to get recognition and became more popular. R&B was based on rhythm and hip hop relied on more hardcore and soulful urban, in which both genres lacked these qualities of the opposition and together created a new sound. The rhythmic aspect descended from new jack swing which was popular from late 1980's to mid 1990's, new jack swing is a fusion genre which includes dance-pop, house, funk, R&B, swing, hip hop, motown and soul. 

Like contemporary R&B, new jack swing developed by integrating new and old styles. The main reason for genres to be involved in other categories to produce a new genre is because when a genre appears to be separate, then artists are often left out if they are influenced by two or more genres. 

For example, Rihanna has a fusion of r&b, reggae, pop, dance and urban pop.

Ne-yo has a fusion of r&b, pop, dance, soul and hip hop.
Each artist can make their own statement through what fusions they reflect in their music, making everyone individual and unique.

Examples of fusions 

Hip-hop soul= hip hop + soul (artist example, Ne-Yo)

Crunk= rap + electro (artist example, T-pain)

Alternative metal= alternative rock + heavy metal (artist example, Slipknot)

Jay-Z and Beyonce 

Beyonce is a great example for contemporary R&B. She is the third most honoured woman and is the most nominated in Grammy history, with 16 awards and 42 nominations. Overall she has received 214 nominations and won 123 worldwide. 

Her latest album 'I am... Sasha Fierce' sold six million copies worldwide and over 15 million digitally worldwide. In the 52nd Grammy awards (2010), the album received 8 nominations and won 5 including 'Best contemporary R&B album'; Beyonce has won best contemporary R&B album in 2004 and 2007 as well. Her influences for 'I am... Sasha Fierce' were husband Jay-Z and Etta James.