Praise R&B
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Praise R&B uses R&B grooves, pop hooks and gospel vocals for songs of worship, gratitude and celebration. It is brighter and more congregational than devotional soul, often built for clapping, singing along and moving rather than private reflection. The track may use new jack swing, funk, hip-hop, pop-R&B or dance production, but the lyrical posture is praise: thankfulness with a beat.
History
Contemporary gospel absorbed R&B and urban radio sounds through artists such as The Winans, Commissioned, Fred Hammond, Kirk Franklin, Mary Mary, BeBe & CeCe Winans, Tye Tribbett and later Kierra Sheard and Jonathan McReynolds. Praise R&B became especially visible when gospel songs crossed to youth audiences and when R&B production made church music feel current without losing worship function.
Defining artists
Essential listening
Sources
- Contemporary gospel histories
- Billboard gospel and R&B coverage
- artist discographies
- church youth-music retrospectives