The First Wave of New Jack artists to emerge during the New Jack Swing Era released their debut or important albums primarily between 1987 and late 1989. Biographies of each artist from the First Wave are listed below:
The Second Wave of New Jack artists shined brightly or debuted between 1990 and the start of early 1992, as the New Jack Swing "Era" drew to its inevitable close. It was during this period that urban music became much more "corporate" as record companies tried to cash in. Biographies of the Second Wave are listed below:
The Post New Jack Era (1992-1994) served as a transitional time between the more lighthearted fare of original New Jack Swing Era and the earthier Hip-Hop Soul movement. Post New Jack Era biographies are listed below.
The First Wave of Hip-Hop Soul (1994-1998) could be divided in two periods, with 1996 being the dividing line. The earlier part of the first wave was perhaps the most uncompromisingly soulful era of the '90s. By the latter half (96-98), the music began to take on a more crossover approach thanks to albums such as 1997's My Way.
By 1998, the music industry would enter the Cheiron Pop Era (1998-2002), named after a style heavily influenced by freestyle, urban, and urban-informed Pop acts from between 1985 and 1995. Biographies below:
The Alternative/Neo-Soul movement was largely celebrated in popular media as the next big thing at the dawn of the new millenium. However, acts like the Brand New Heavies and The Family Stand were forerunners along with Terence Trent D'arby, Vertical Hold, and arguably some of Prince's late 80s material. Bios ('86-'98) below:
