Short answers, pulled from the story.
Michael Jackson's Off the Wall was released in 1979 and transformed rhythm and blues by weaving disco rhythms with lush orchestral arrangements and a new kind of vocal intimacy. This record redefined the architecture of modern R&B by creating a tapestry of smooth soul, soft rock, and alluring funk that influenced decades of music to follow.
Janet Jackson and her producers Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis crafted the 1986 album Control which fused the rhythmic elements of funk and disco with heavy doses of synthesizers, percussion, and a rap music sensibility. Their work became a blueprint for the future and established Janet Jackson as a leader in the incorporation of stylistic traits of rap over the next few years.
Whitney Houston's The Bodyguard: Original Soundtrack Album sold over 45 million copies worldwide to become the best-selling soundtrack of all time. The decade was defined by record-breaking hits including Boyz II Men and Mariah Carey's One Sweet Day which became the longest-running No. 1 hit in Hot 100 history.
Usher released Confessions in 2004 which sold 1.1 million copies in its first week and over 8 million copies in 2004. The album was eventually certified Diamond by the Recording Industry Association of America and sold over 10 million copies in the US and over 20 million copies worldwide.
The 2010s saw R&B evolve into a style called electro-R&B that slowly began dominating the genre by incorporating more electronic and machine-made sounds and instruments. This style uses effects such as Auto-Tune and new computerized synths to give R&B a more futuristic feel while still attempting to incorporate many of the genre's common themes.
Artists such as SZA, Victoria Monet, Frank Ocean, and the Weeknd have been pivotal in bridging mainstream R&B with alternative styles in the 2020s. They introduce ethereal soundscapes, electronic elements, and unconventional storytelling to a broader audience while streaming platforms and social media amplify the reach of the genre.