R. Kelly

Nineties R&B was baby-making music for a reason: it was passionate, intense and romantic even. R. Kelly was part of that era and even now, ten albums deep with Untitled, he clearly hasn't abandoned the format. Let's not deny Kelly's formidable singing talent ― it's evident on ballad "Religious" ― but his blatant bawdiness ("Banging on the Headboard," "Go Low") is still as tired as it was when he was stuck in that non-proverbial closet. Still, Kelly knows how to please his fans even when he's switching up his quick-spoken R&B for something more up-tempo, like the disco-inspired "Be My #2" and electronica-baiting "I Love the DJ." And working with some of today's most popular singers and rappers (from Keri Hilson to OJ Da Juiceman to the Dream) helps him retain relevance for a newer generation of R&B listeners, who probably are unfazed by Kelly crooning on the album closer "Girl, you make me wanna get you pregnant."