Is R&B Boxing in Black Artists? Mariah the Scientist Speaks Out

Does the R&B Genre Box in Black Artists? A Conversation with Mariah the Scientist In a recent interview with Complex, singer-songwriter Mariah the Scientist discussed the challenges Black artists face due to rigid genre classifications. She argues that the R&B label often limits artistic expression, preventing artists from exploring diverse musical styles. "If you Black and you sing, they saying it's R&B," Mariah stated, highlighting the reductive nature of this categorization. Mariah uses Beyoncé as a prime example of an artist who transcends genre boundaries. Beyoncé's album "Cowboy Carter" is cited as a testament to this, blending country, gospel, blues, and opera with R&B to tell a story of American musical evolution. This demonstrates the potential for Black artists to create music that defies traditional genre limitations. The interview also reveals the evolution of public perception regarding Mariah's initial comments on the topic. Initially met with criticism, her views are now gaining wider acceptance, indicating a growing recognition of the issue. This shift in perspective underscores the importance of open dialogue and critical examination of genre conventions in the music industry.