The 1990s and early 2000s saw the rise of some of the most iconic and game-changing female R&B voices in music history, inspiring some of the newer artists loved today. 

With powerhouse vocals and unique lyrical skills, these women changed the game when it came to R&B. 

LAURYN HILL

Lauryn Hill first rose to fame with Grammy-winning group the Fugees, but through her 1998 solo debut album “The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill,” she gained notoriety as a force of her own.

Some notable songs from this album include “Doo Wop (That Thing)” and “Ex-Factor.”

During the 1999 Grammy Awards, Hill took home five trophies from her 11 nominations. 

These awards included Album of the Year, Best New Artist, Best Female R&B Vocal Performance, Best R&B Song and Best R&B Album.

Lauryn Hill became the first woman to win five Grammy awards or more in one night, according to Grammy. 

MARIAH CAREY

After releasing her self-titled debut album in 1990, Mariah Carey had her big break-through. 

Today, Carey is regarded as the “Queen of Christmas” due to her wildly successful 1994 album “Merry Christmas,” according to Billboard. 

Mariah Carey is the best-selling female artist of all time and has 19 Billboard 100 No. 1 singles, the most of any solo artist in history, according to Spotify. 

BRANDY

Brandy is nicknamed “The Vocal Bible” for her ability to sing almost any genre of music with both passion and range, according to ThisisRnB.  

Brandy’s second studio album, “Never Say Never,” peaked at No. 2 on the Billboard 200 and has sold over 16 million copies worldwide, according to Billboard. 

Artists such as Ariana Grande, Sam Smith and Rihanna have regarded Brandy as their inspiration and muse, according to the Los Angeles Times. 

WHITNEY HOUSTON

Easily one of the most influential and talented female artists of her time, Whitney Houston is best known for her impressive vocal range and her hit songs “How Will I Know” and “I Will Always Love You,” a Dolly Parton cover. 

Houston was the first Black artist to claim three “diamond albums,” or albums whose sales reached over ten million copies, according to Billboard. 

Whitney Houston currently holds the record for most awarded female artists of all time, having won over 400 awards throughout her career, according to the Whitney Houston Official Site. 

A majority of these awards and nominations were for her 1998 album “My Love is Your Love.”

AALIYAH

In 1994, Aaliyah released her first album at 14 years old, “Age Ain’t Nothing but a Number,” which garnered success immediately, according to the Aaliyah Official Site. 

Throughout Aaliyah’s career, she won eight awards with 48 nominations overall, according to IMDB. 

Some of her most notable songs include “Are You That Somebody,” “One in a Million” and “Rock the Boat.”

Aaliyah has earned the nickname of “Princess of R&B,” as she has been credited for redefining contemporary R&B and hip hop, according to Unity Radio. 

Who is your favorite ‘90s female R&B singer?

Results of last week’s poll: Which “Friends” Thanksgiving episode is best?

“The One Where the Underdog Gets Away” – 0%

“The One With the Football” – 23%

“The One with All the Thanksgivings” – 15%

“The One Where Ross Got High” – 38%

“The One with the Rumor” – 23%

Other – 0%