Totally R & B

Performers include: Alicia Keys, R. Kelly, Jaheim, Usher, Tyrese, Brandy, Joe, Donell Jones, Monica, Gerald Levert, Jimmy Cozier, Luther Vandross, Angie Stone, Deborah Cox, Nsync, Erick Sermon, Syleena Johnson, Kenny Lattimore, Chante Moore, Boyz II Men, Toni Braxton, Whitney Houston, Craig David, Justin Timberlake.
With hip-hop having a pointed influence on the state of contemporary rhythm & blues, it's no surprise that a run through the track listing of TOTALLY R&B will have soul traditionalists scratching their heads. Particularly when they notice Erick Sermon, formerly one half of rap duo EPMD, pop up with "Music." Of course, Mr. Sermon gets a pass, as his 2001 smash leans heavily on some extensive Marvin Gaye samples. The rest of this compilation is relatively smooth sailing as the neo-soul brigade is represented by Angie Stone ("Brotha"), Syleena Johnson ("Guess What"), and phenom Alicia Keys ("A Womans Worth"). Monica ("All Eyez On Me") and former duet partner Brandy ("Full Moon") represent the younger end of the diva spectrum while Whitney Houston ("One of Those Days") firmly maintains a grasp on her crown. While Usher ("U Got It Bad") and Tyrese ("How You Gonna Act Like That?") make a case for heartthrob status amongst the younger set, the legendary Luther Vandross ("I'd Rather") and R. Kelly ("Ignition") shoot things up to an even higher level.