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\n\tWhat a difference 10 years can make. That was the last time Billboard tackled the monumental feat of ranking the top R&B artists, dating back to the \u201850s. Michael Jackson, whose grew from his R&B roots to capture the King of Pop crown, ruled over that 2015 tally. Now as the music industry and fans celebrate Black Music Month 2025, Billboard<\/em> is picking up the \u201cbest of all time\u201d gauntlet once again.<\/p>\n \n\tExpanding from 35 to 75 entries,\u00a0this latest iteration kicked off Monday (June 16) with the reveal of the artists ranked 75-51, with subsequent daily unveilings through June 18 when the artists ranked 25-11 were introduced. Now the countdown concludes with the reveal of the list\u2019s top 10 honorees in tandem with today\u2019s Juneteenth holiday (June 19).<\/p>\n \n\tStaff discussions on how to go about determining the entries and rankings were, to say the least, heated. Helping to fuel these illuminating and sometimes raucous discourses were generational debates over old school vs. new school. At the same time, \u201cMount Rushmore\u201d debates were also raging on the social media front, as fans weighed in on which R&B artists \u2014 like Jackson, Chris Brown, Luther Vandross, R. Kelly and Usher \u2014 truly deserve to have their images carved in stone for all time.<\/p>\n \n\tIn the end, Billboard<\/em> staffers agreed on the following criteria: vocal prowess, body of work, career longevity, industry achievements, game-changing influence and enduring generational\/cultural impact. While some singers who made the list are also known for their lyrical skills, songwriting wasn\u2019t a major deciding factor in this instance. And legendary singers best known for fronting groups versus their solo work were not included \u2014 which means a ranking of the best R&B groups of all time is no doubt in the offing.<\/p>\n \n\tIn the meantime, any best-of compilation automatically invites naysayers to the party. As these 75 singers are revealed, the expectant clamor will rise in response to our staff\u2019s effrontery in deciding who\u2019s now on or off the list, who\u2019s risen or been dropped or who still has never made this latest version or the 2015 ranking.<\/p>\n \n\tMore crucial, however, is understanding a chief intention behind Billboard<\/em>\u2019s 75 Best R&B Singers of All Time. It\u2019s a teachable moment at a time when Black history, culture and its achievements are being erased or revised across the board. Black Music Month originated in 1979 via the efforts of the observance\u2019s co-founders Dyana Williams, Kenneth Gamble and Ed Wright. And each year it drives home an insightful comment made by author\/activist Maya Angelou: \u201cYou can\u2019t know where you are going until you know where you have been.\u201d<\/p>\n \n\tSo here\u2019s to the rich past and the unlimited future of the multifaceted jewel that is R&B as the reveal continues. And now a drum roll, please, as the final top 10 artists take center stage.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n