@Lexie Fajardo

The ’90s was a revolutionary time in R&B: Not only had the mature, quiet-storm-oriented sound evolved to its most sophisticated state, you started to really hear the influence of hip-hop—a shift that changed not only R&B, but the sound of modern pop in general. From neo-soul to new jack swing, the classic-sounding to the more cutting-edge, these are the tracks that shaped R&B in the ’90s and early 2000s. Our editors update picks regularly, so if you hear something you like, take a minute and add it to your library.

R&B is one of the most dynamic, adventurous sounds in modern music, a place where art both personal and provocative meets the mainstream. From the alt vanguard to modern vets, straightforward to left-field, these tracks capture where R&B is now and point the way to where it’s going. This week, Kehlani’s newest single “Folded” is at the top of the playlist. The post-breakup track finds the singer-songwriter inviting an ex to come pick up their clothes, even though, secretly, they’re yearning to be with them again. “It’s so silly of me to act like I don’t need you bad/When all, all I can think about is us since I seen you last,” they confess on the opening verse. We update this playlist regularly. If you like a track, add it to your library.