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Ricky Martin: The “explosive” performer who brought Latin Pop to the global forefront with “Livin’ La Vida Loca.” He was all about the dance and the energy. Enrique Iglesias: The “King of Latin Pop” who focused more on romantic ballads and mid-tempo “club” tracks. He has more #1 hits on Continue Reading

New Edition: The blueprints. They brought the R&B foundation, the “Jackson 5” energy, and incredible choreography to the modern boy band era. New Kids on the Block: The white pop-crossover version of the NE model. Managed by Maurice Starr (who also worked with NE), they took the “boy band” concept Continue Reading

Bow Wow: A child star protégé of Jermaine Dupri, he had actual chart-topping hits and a legitimate “rap” flow that transitioned into a successful adult career. Romeo: The son of Master P, his career was built more on the “No Limit” brand and his “teen heartthrob” status than on lyrical Continue Reading

Keyshia Cole: The “Princess of Hip-Hop Soul” who brought raw, emotional “pain” to her music. Her songs were anthems for the “struggle” in love. Ashanti: The “Princess of Murder Inc.” who dominated the early 2000s with sweet, melodic hooks and a more “radio-friendly,” lighthearted R&B sound. Comparison: Keyshia Cole is Continue Reading

Brandy: The “alt-R&B” pioneer with a focus on harmony and texture. Her image was the “good girl” with a sophisticated, moody sound. Monica: The “soul-belter” with a powerful, traditional R&B voice. Her image was a bit more “street-smart” and her vocals were more direct and forceful. Comparison: Their rivalry defined Continue Reading

Shanice: A vocal prodigy known for her incredible range (including whistle notes) and her upbeat hit “I Love Your Smile.” Brandy: The “Vocal Bible.” Known for her unique “smoky” tone and her intricate, layered vocal harmonies that changed the way R&B was produced. Comparison: Shanice had the more “traditional” high-range Continue Reading

Roberta Flack: A classically trained musician whose songs like “Killing Me Softly” are masterclasses in restraint and melodic beauty. Her sound is sophisticated and “hushed.” Anita Baker: The architect of “Quiet Storm.” Her deep, contralto voice and jazzy phrasing on albums like Rapture redefined R&B for a more mature audience. Continue Reading

Peabo Bryson: The “King of the Ballad,” famous for his smooth-as-silk tenor and his legendary Disney duets (“A Whole New World,” “Beauty and the Beast”). James Ingram: Possessed a more “husky,” soulful, and versatile voice. He could deliver smooth R&B as well as pop-soul classics like “I Don’t Have the Continue Reading

Celine Dion: Stayed consistently in the “Adult Contemporary” lane, mastering the art of the movie soundtrack and the stadium ballad. Mariah Carey: Successfully bridged the gap between pure pop and hip-hop, working with rappers and producers to stay relevant in the urban market. Comparison: Celine is the ultimate “standard” pop singer. Mariah is Continue Reading

Celine Dion: The queen of the “power ballad,” known for her technical precision, incredible lung capacity, and dramatic, emotional delivery. Whitney Houston: Brought a distinct “gospel-soul” grit to her power ballads. Whitney’s voice often felt “warmer” and more rooted in R&B traditions. Comparison: Celine is the master of technical perfection and theatrical pop. Continue Reading