Summer Walker Critiques Modern R&B, Prefers Old School Style

At the 2025 MTV VMAs, R&B star Summer Walker openly expressed her dislike for contemporary R&B, emphasizing her preference for classic artists such as SWV, Xscape, and Brandy. While she clarified her remarks were "no shade," she indicated modern R&B lacks the soulful, intricate qualities that defined the genre's golden era in the '90s and early 2000s. Walker also shared songwriting advice, encouraging women to write about unfaithful partners with a smart pen. She attended the VMAs with an older white man, whom she referred to as her "special friend," drawing attention and praise from fans. Additionally, Walker announced her upcoming album "Finally Over It," which concludes her musical trilogy and promises to explore multiple genres. Her candid critique highlights ongoing debates about R&B's evolution and the balance between innovation and maintaining emotional depth.