I know Y2K is shorthand for the “the Year 2000”, so technically, 1998 albums shouldn’t really be here. However, that jittery sound that became really big in contemporary R&B from 1999 through 2002 has its roots in 1998. So now that’s out of the way, I want to discuss this era of the genre and how it shaped my tastes. 

Alex Frank for Vogue in 2014, stated that Aaliyah's 'One In A Million', album (1996), helmed by Timbaland and Missy Elliott, is credited as introducing a fresh new sound that dictated R&B's sonic palette for the rest pf the decade and beyond. He further added that music around this time was “endlessly galactic, almost cyborg” as heard on TLC’s comeback album, ‘Fanmail’. Other architects of the Other architects of Y2K R&B include Rodney “Darkchild” Jenkins, The Neptunes, Dallas Austin, Kandi Burruss, Kevin "She'kspere" Briggs, Jermaine Dupri and production duo and Tim & Bob. 

What I loved about this era is how just how energetic it was and colorful it was in its production. From powerful vocalists like Whitney and Deborah Cox, to girl groups making anthems and young solo divas like Brandy and Aaliyah reshaping the sound of R&B, I loved how there was something for everyone during this time. The ballads were expertly crafted as well. The ladies were soulful, sexy, fun and confident. I won’t even get into the incredible fashions and videos from this era. 

I wanna leave the floor open. What were your favorite female R&B albums from this era? Did I miss anyone? 

Women of Y2K R&B (1998 - 2002)