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Quizzes > Entertainment & Pop Culture > Music

Take the Ultimate R&B, Soul & Hip Hop Quiz!

Ready for the R&B music quiz and soul artists trivia? Then tackle the ultimate hip hop artists quiz!

Difficulty: Moderate
2-5mins
Learning OutcomesCheat Sheet
Paper cut collage of vinyl records microphones headphones musical notes on sky blue background for R B Soul Hip Hop quiz

Ready to prove your music mastery? Step into our R&B Soul Hip Hop Quiz to celebrate the legends and deep cuts that shaped generations. This free rnb music quiz challenges you with iconic soul voices, classic hits, and tough music trivia questions on rap rhymes and jazz-infused melodies. Along the way, you'll identify chart-topping singles, guess album release years, and match legendary tracks to their creators. Fans of smooth vocals and bold beats will love mixing soul artists trivia with hip hop artists quiz moments. Click through our r&b trivia and dive into the hip hop quiz now to test your skills, claim your crown, and let's jam!

Who is commonly referred to as the 'Queen of Soul'?
Gladys Knight
Chaka Khan
Aretha Franklin
Dionne Warwick
Aretha Franklin earned the nickname 'Queen of Soul' due to her powerful vocals and chart-topping hits in the 1960s and 1970s. She was the first woman inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1987 for her influence on soul music. Her signature song 'Respect' remains an anthem of empowerment. More on Aretha Franklin
Which pioneering hip hop single by The Sugarhill Gang was released in 1979?
The Message
Planet Rock
King Tim III
Rapper's Delight
'Rapper's Delight' is widely recognized as the first hip hop single to gain mainstream success, hitting the Billboard charts in late 1979. It introduced rap music to a wider audience outside the Bronx. The track's bassline samples Chic's 'Good Times.' More on Rapper's Delight
Which artist is known as the 'King of Pop' but also heavily influenced by R&B and soul?
Michael Jackson
Prince
Stevie Wonder
James Brown
Michael Jackson earned the title 'King of Pop' for his global success and innovative blend of pop, R&B, and soul styles. Albums like 'Off the Wall' and 'Thriller' feature strong R&B grooves and soulful vocals. His dance moves and music videos reshaped popular music. More on Michael Jackson
Which decade is widely credited as the birth period of hip hop culture?
1980s
1970s
1990s
1960s
Hip hop culture emerged in the Bronx during the early 1970s with DJs like Kool Herc throwing block parties. Breakdancing, MCing, graffiti, and DJing formed the four elements of the culture. The movement gained mainstream attention by the end of the decade. More on hip hop history
Which singer had a global hit with 'What's Love Got to Do with It'?
Tina Turner
Whitney Houston
Patti LaBelle
Janet Jackson
'What's Love Got to Do with It' became Tina Turner's biggest solo hit in 1984, earning her multiple Grammy Awards. The song topped the Billboard Hot 100 and revitalized her career. Its success is chronicled in her biopic 'What's Love Got to Do with It.' More on the song
Who co-founded Def Jam Recordings alongside Rick Rubin?
Russell Simmons
Antonio 'L.A.' Reid
Sean Combs
Lyor Cohen
Russell Simmons teamed up with Rick Rubin in 1984 to start Def Jam, which became one of hip hop's most influential labels. They launched careers for artists like LL Cool J and the Beastie Boys. Def Jam's success set a blueprint for major-label hip hop. More on Def Jam
Which R&B group released the hit 'No Scrubs' in 1999?
En Vogue
TLC
SWV
Xscape
TLC's 'No Scrubs' topped the Billboard Hot 100 in 1999 and won Best R&B Performance at the Grammy Awards. The song's message empowering women became an anthem. It was written by Kandi Burruss, T-Boz, and Chilli. More on No Scrubs
Who is credited with inventing the DJ scratching technique?
Afrika Bambaataa
Jam Master Jay
Grand Wizard Theodore
DJ Kool Herc
Grand Wizard Theodore discovered scratching in 1975 when he accidentally moved a record back and forth. His innovation became a fundamental hip hop DJ technique. He demonstrated it publicly and taught other DJs. More on Grand Wizard Theodore
Which New York City borough is considered the birthplace of hip hop?
Manhattan
Queens
The Bronx
Brooklyn
The Bronx is widely credited as hip hop's birthplace, where DJs like Kool Herc first hosted block parties in the early 1970s. The borough's cultural mix and urban environment fostered the four pillars of hip hop. Annual celebrations like Zulu Day honor these origins. More on The Bronx
Which R&B singer's group included Beyoncé Knowles?
Destiny's Child
3LW
Xscape
SWV
Beyoncé rose to fame as the lead singer of Destiny's Child, one of the best-selling girl groups of all time. Hits like 'Say My Name' and 'Survivor' defined late '90s and early 2000s R&B. The group won multiple Grammys before disbanding in 2006. More on Destiny's Child
What is Jay-Z's birth name?
Shawn Carter
Andre Young
Curtis Jackson
Nasir Jones
Shawn Corey Carter is Jay-Z's real name, and he adopted his stage name as a nod to his childhood nickname 'Jazzy.' He grew up in Brooklyn's Marcy Projects before co-founding Roc-A-Fella Records. He has become one of hip hop's most successful entrepreneurs. More on Jay-Z
Which record label released Michael Jackson's album 'Thriller'?
Motown Records
Columbia Records
Def Jam Recordings
Epic Records
'Thriller' was released in 1982 on Epic Records, a subsidiary of CBS Records. It remains the best-selling album worldwide, thanks to hits like 'Billie Jean' and 'Beat It.' The album's success cemented Michael Jackson's global superstar status. More on Thriller
Which soul artist wrote and originally recorded 'A Change Is Gonna Come'?
Otis Redding
Curtis Mayfield
Sam Cooke
Marvin Gaye
Sam Cooke wrote 'A Change Is Gonna Come' in 1963 as a response to the civil rights movement and racial inequality. It became an enduring anthem for social justice. Cooke's soulful delivery and poignant lyrics influenced countless artists. More on the song
Lauryn Hill was a member of which hip hop group before her solo career?
Salt-N-Pepa
Arrested Development
The Fugees
Salt-N-Pepa
Lauryn Hill gained fame as part of The Fugees, alongside Wyclef Jean and Pras Michel. Their 1996 album 'The Score' featured hits like 'Killing Me Softly.' Hill's blend of rap, soul, and singing set up her acclaimed solo debut. More on The Fugees
Which R&B singer released the album 'Confessions' in 2004?
Ne-Yo
Usher
Trey Songz
Chris Brown
Usher's 'Confessions' sold over 10 million copies in the U.S. and featured hits like 'Yeah!' and 'Burn.' The album won three Grammy Awards and is considered his biggest commercial success. It explored themes of love, betrayal, and personal reflection. More on Confessions
Which legendary group recorded 'I Want You Back' in 1969?
The Supremes
Gladys Knight & the Pips
Jackson 5
The Temptations
'I Want You Back' was the Jackson 5's debut single on Motown in 1969 and became a number-one hit. It introduced Michael Jackson to the world as lead vocalist. The song's upbeat production and youthful energy made it an instant classic. More on the song
Which rap single holds the record for longest run at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100?
Old Town Road
Lose Yourself
Hot in Herre
In Da Club
Lil Nas X's 'Old Town Road' featuring Billy Ray Cyrus spent 19 weeks at number one, breaking the Billboard Hot 100 record. Its fusion of country and trap broadened hip hop's audience. The song's viral success was driven by TikTok and streaming. More on Old Town Road
Who produced Wu-Tang Clan's hit 'C.R.E.A.M.'?
RZA
Pete Rock
DJ Premier
Dr. Dre
RZA, the de facto leader of Wu-Tang Clan, produced 'C.R.E.A.M.' for their 1993 debut album 'Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers).' His gritty, sample-based style helped define East Coast hip hop. The song's title stands for 'Cash Rules Everything Around Me.' More on C.R.E.A.M.
Which soul singer starred as Billie Holiday in the film 'Lady Sings the Blues'?
Aretha Franklin
Diana Ross
Nina Simone
Lynn Whitfield
Diana Ross made her film debut portraying Billie Holiday in 'Lady Sings the Blues' (1972), earning an Academy Award nomination. Her performance captured Holiday's tragic life and vocal style. The movie's soundtrack also charted on the Billboard 200. More on Lady Sings the Blues
Which N.W.A member went on to co-found Death Row Records?
MC Ren
Ice Cube
Eazy-E
Dr. Dre
After leaving N.W.A, Dr. Dre co-founded Death Row Records in 1991 with Suge Knight. He produced landmark albums including Dr. Dre's own 'The Chronic' and Snoop Dogg's 'Doggystyle.' Death Row became synonymous with West Coast G-funk. More on Death Row Records
Which artist released the R&B album 'Voodoo' in 2000?
Erykah Badu
Maxwell
Ginuwine
D'Angelo
D'Angelo's sophomore album 'Voodoo' dropped in 2000, earning critical acclaim and a Grammy for Best R&B Album. It featured a live, organic sound and musicians like Questlove. The record influenced neo-soul and contemporary R&B. More on Voodoo
Which solo debut album gave Lauryn Hill her first Grammy wins?
MTV Unplugged No. 2.0
Death of a Ladies' Man
Chanté's Got a Man
The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill
Lauryn Hill's 1998 debut 'The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill' won five Grammy Awards, including Album of the Year. The record blended hip hop, R&B, and reggae influences. It remains a landmark in neo-soul history. More on the album
Which R&B singer performed 'Exhale (Shoop Shoop)' for the film 'Waiting to Exhale'?
Whitney Houston
Mary J. Blige
Toni Braxton
Anita Baker
Whitney Houston's 'Exhale (Shoop Shoop)' was written by Babyface and featured on the 1995 film 'Waiting to Exhale.' The song topped the Billboard Hot 100, marking her 11th No. 1 single. It showcased Houston's vocal range and emotional delivery. More on the song
What is Dr. Dre's birth name?
Andre Young
Antonio Reid
Sean Combs
Curtis Mayfield
Dr. Dre was born Andre Romelle Young in Compton, California, in 1965. He co-founded N.W.A and later his own labels Death Row and Aftermath. His production work has shaped modern West Coast hip hop. More on Dr. Dre
Which group had the hit single 'End of the Road' in 1992?
New Edition
Jodeci
Boyz II Men
Color Me Badd
Boyz II Men's 'End of the Road' spent 13 weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, becoming one of the decade's biggest ballads. It won a Grammy for Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group. The song showcased their harmonious vocals. More on the song
Which solo artist released the debut album 'The Chronic' in 1992?
Warren G
Ice Cube
Snoop Dogg
Dr. Dre
'The Chronic' was Dr. Dre's debut solo album on Death Row Records and defined the G-funk sound. It launched Snoop Dogg's career with tracks like 'Nuthin' but a 'G' Thang.' The album's production and guests reshaped West Coast hip hop. More on The Chronic
Which R&B artist's real name is Lawrence Parker, known by his stage name KRS-One?
Scarface
Rakim
Big Daddy Kane
KRS-One
Lawrence 'Kris' Parker adopted the stage name KRS-One ('Knowledge Reigns Supreme Over Nearly Everyone'). He co-founded Boogie Down Productions in the mid-1980s. KRS-One is known for socially conscious lyrics and pioneering rap philosophy. More on KRS-One
Which music executive founded Bad Boy Records in 1993?
Berry Gordy
Russell Simmons
Sean 'Diddy' Combs
Lyor Cohen
Sean Combs, also known as Puff Daddy or Diddy, founded Bad Boy Records in 1993. The label launched artists like The Notorious B.I.G. and Mase. Bad Boy became known for its fusion of hip hop and R&B. More on Bad Boy Records
Which British artist released the album 'Back to Black' in 2006?
Leona Lewis
Amy Winehouse
Estelle
Joss Stone
Amy Winehouse's 'Back to Black' fused soul, jazz, and R&B influences, earning critical and commercial success. It won five Grammy Awards in 2008 and contains hits like 'Rehab.' Winehouse's retro style reignited interest in classic soul. More on Back to Black
Which neo-soul singer released 'On & On' as her debut single in 1997?
Erykah Badu
India.Arie
Jill Scott
Lauryn Hill
Erykah Badu's 'On & On' introduced her unique blend of R&B, soul, and hip hop, earning her a Grammy for Best Female R&B Vocal Performance. It appeared on her debut album 'Baduizm.' Badu became known as the 'Queen of Neo-Soul.' More on On & On
Which rapper released the album 'Illmatic' in 1994?
Nas
The Notorious B.I.G.
LL Cool J
Jay-Z
Nas's debut album 'Illmatic' is regarded as one of the greatest hip hop albums, noted for its lyricism and cohesive production by legends like DJ Premier. It narrated life in Queensbridge Projects. Though it had modest initial sales, its legacy grew over time. More on Illmatic
In which year did Tupac Shakur tragically pass away?
2000
1998
1996
1994
Tupac Shakur was shot in Las Vegas on September 7, 1996, and died six days later on September 13 at age 25. His death remains one of rap's most high-profile unsolved murders. Tupac's influence continues posthumously through music and poetry. More on Tupac
Which producer duo was known as The Bomb Squad and worked with Public Enemy?
Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis
Trackmasters
Hank Shocklee and Eric Sadler
The Neptunes
The Bomb Squad, led by Hank Shocklee and Eric Sadler, crafted Public Enemy's dense, sample-heavy sound in the late 1980s and early 1990s. Their production style influenced political rap. Albums like 'It Takes a Nation of Millions' remain classics. More on The Bomb Squad
Which song marked Sade's first UK number-one single in 1985?
Your Love Is King
The Sweetest Taboo
Hang on to Your Love
Smooth Operator
'Smooth Operator' was released in 1984 and became Sade's breakthrough single, reaching No. 1 on the UK charts in early 1985. The track showcased Sade Adu's cool vocals and jazzy saxophone riffs. It established the band's smooth soul sound. More on Smooth Operator
Which R&B group had a breakout hit with 'Weak' in 1993?
Brownstone
Candy Dulfer
Total
SWV
SWV (Sisters With Voices) released 'Weak' in 1993, which topped the Billboard R&B chart and peaked at No. 2 on the Hot 100. The song solidified their status as a leading '90s girl group. Its smooth production and emotional vocals earned lasting acclaim. More on Weak
Which track opens Public Enemy's album 'Fear of a Black Planet'?
Welcome to the Terrordome
911 Is a Joke
Fight the Power
Future Shock
'Future Shock' kicks off the 1990 album 'Fear of a Black Planet' with bombastic sampling and politically charged lyrics. It set the tone for an album exploring race and media bias. The album remains influential in conscious rap. More on the album
Which Motown founder began the label in 1959?
Berry Gordy
Smokey Robinson
Marvin Gaye
Smokey Robinson
Berry Gordy Jr. founded Motown Records in Detroit in 1959, creating a hit-making machine that blended soul, pop, and R&B influences. Motown artists like The Supremes and Marvin Gaye dominated the charts throughout the 1960s. Gordy's assembly-line approach innovated popular music production. More on Motown
Who produced Aaliyah's hit 'Try Again' for the film 'Romeo Must Die'?
Timbaland
Babyface
Missy Elliott
Dallas Austin
Timbaland wrote and produced 'Try Again' in 2000 for the film 'Romeo Must Die,' showcasing his futuristic beats and syncopated rhythms. The song topped the Billboard Hot 100 based solely on radio airplay. It remains a hallmark of early 2000s R&B. More on Try Again
Which OutKast album won the Grammy for Album of the Year in 2004?
Stankonia
Southernplayalisticadillacmuzik
Speakerboxxx/The Love Below
ATLiens
OutKast's double album 'Speakerboxxx/The Love Below' won the 2004 Grammy for Album of the Year, blending hip hop, funk, and pop across two solo discs by Big Boi and André 3000. It featured chart-toppers like 'Hey Ya!' and 'The Way You Move.' The album showcased the duo's versatility. More on the album
Which R&B single by Marvin Gaye was banned in several US cities for its sexual content?
Let's Get It On
Sexual Healing
I Heard It Through the Grapevine
Ain't No Mountain High Enough
'Let's Get It On' (1973) faced bans due to its overtly sensual lyrics and Gaye's intimate vocal delivery. Despite controversy, it topped the Billboard Hot 100 and became one of his signature songs. Its production by Ed Townsend emphasized groove and romance. More on Let's Get It On
Which song opens with the lyric 'Right about now, the funk soul brother'?
The Rockafeller Skank
Weapon of Choice
Praise You
Freak Like Me
Fatboy Slim's 1998 hit 'The Rockafeller Skank' begins with the repeated line 'Right about now, the funk soul brother,' sampled from Lord Finesse. The track became emblematic of late-'90s big beat electronic music. It features heavy breakbeats and catchy hooks. More on The Rockafeller Skank
Which R&B group's debut album was titled 'Boyz II Men'?
Boyz II Men
H-Town
Jodeci
Blackstreet
Boyz II Men's self-titled debut album released in 1991 featured hits like 'Motownphilly' and established their smooth vocal harmonies. It went quadruple platinum and won Best R&B Performance. The group set new standards for male R&B ensembles. More on Boyz II Men
Which song by Stevie Wonder features the lyric 'funky soul brother'?
Superstition
Higher Ground
None of the above
Signed, Sealed, Delivered I'm Yours
None of Stevie Wonder's well-known songs include the lyric 'funky soul brother' - that line belongs to Fatboy Slim's 'The Rockafeller Skank.' Stevie Wonder's hits are celebrated for their funk, soul, and pop fusion but do not contain that phrase. More on Stevie Wonder
Which early hip hop track is credited as the first to feature James Brown samples?
The Adventures of Grandmaster Flash on the Wheels of Steel
Rapper's Delight
Apache
King Tim III (Personality Jock)
The Incredible Bongo Band's 1973 instrumental 'Apache' was among the first widely sampled tracks, featuring prominent James Brown breaks. Early hip hop DJs like Kool Herc and Afrika Bambaataa used its drum breaks as foundational loops. It remains one of the most sampled recordings in hip hop history. More on Apache
What was the first single released by Motown's main soul group, The Miracles?
Way Over There
Got a Job
Everybody's Gotta Pay Some Dues
Shop Around
The Miracles' first single on Tamla Records was 'Got a Job' in 1958, an answer record to The Silhouettes' 'Get a Job.' It helped establish Berry Gordy Jr.'s label in its earliest days. Smokey Robinson's group would later become Motown's flagship act. More on The Miracles
Which female rapper's debut album was titled 'Supa Dupa Fly'?
Da Brat
Queen Latifah
Lil' Kim
Missy Elliott
Missy Elliott released 'Supa Dupa Fly' in 1997, showcasing her futuristic production with Timbaland and groundbreaking visual style. The album debuted at No. 3 on the Billboard 200 and went platinum. Its single 'The Rain (Supa Dupa Fly)' remains iconic. More on Supa Dupa Fly
Which landmark R&B song features a prominent sample of Isaac Hayes' 'Ike's Mood I'?
Da Art of Storytellin'
Triumph
Shook Ones, Pt. II
I Used to Love H.E.R.
OutKast's 'Da Art of Storytellin' (Part 1)' from 'Aquemini' (1998) samples Isaac Hayes' 'Ike's Mood I,' using its lush orchestration to underpin André 3000's narrative verse. The sample adds soulful warmth to the Southern hip hop track. More on Ike's Mood I
Which Uptown Records founder later launched LaFace Records with L.A. Reid?
Jimmy Jam
Babyface
Andre Harrell
Sean Combs
Andre Harrell founded Uptown Records in 1986, pioneering the new jack swing sound. In 1989, L.A. Reid and Babyface left Uptown to form LaFace Records under Arista. LaFace went on to sign TLC, Usher, and Toni Braxton. More on Uptown Records
Which pioneering hip hop DJ released the 12-inch single 'Turntable TV' in 1995?
DJ Premier
Qbert
Grandmaster Flash
Mix Master Mike
Mix Master Mike released 'Turntable TV' in 1995, showcasing advanced turntablism techniques with rapid cutting and scratching. He rose to fame with the Invisibl Skratch Piklz and later joined the Beastie Boys. His work pushed DJing as an art form. More on Mix Master Mike
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Study Outcomes

  1. Recall Iconic Artists -

    Identify key R&B, Soul & Hip Hop artists by name and signature hits, sharpening your recall for the rnb music quiz and soul artists trivia.

  2. Recognize Landmark Songs -

    Match classic tracks to their creators, enhancing your familiarity with songs featured in our hip hop artists quiz and overall music trivia questions.

  3. Analyze Musical Styles -

    Differentiate between R&B, Soul and Hip Hop stylistic elements by listening for rhythm, vocals and production cues in each question set.

  4. Evaluate Your Music IQ -

    Assess your knowledge gaps with targeted feedback on quiz performance, helping you track progress in R&B Soul Hip Hop Quiz mastery.

  5. Explore Fun Facts -

    Uncover surprising trivia and behind-the-scenes stories about legendary artists to enrich your appreciation of music history and trivia.

Cheat Sheet

  1. Evolution of R&B -

    The genre that emerged in the 1940s blended blues, jazz, and gospel, evolving via Atlantic Records hits such as Ruth Brown's "Mama, He Treats Your Daughter Mean" (Library of Congress). Use the mnemonic "Big Jams Get Real" (Blues, Jazz, Gospel, Rhythm) to recall R&B's foundations. Reviewing RIAA and Billboard archives shows how R&B grew into soul and modern R&B over decades.

  2. Defining Characteristics of Soul Music -

    Soul music builds on gospel's call-and-response pattern and emotional intensity, often featuring dynamic horn sections and gospel-infused backing vocals (Smithsonian Institution). Remember "S E V E N" for Soul Elements: Syncopation, Emotion, Vocal power, Energy, Nurturing lyrics. Analyzing sheet music and vocal arrangements from Otis Redding and Sam Cooke offers clear examples of these traits.

  3. Pioneering Soul Artists and Landmark Albums -

    Aretha Franklin's I Never Loved a Man the Way I Love You (1967) and Curtis Mayfield's Superfly (1972) set benchmarks in lyrical depth and production innovation (University of Michigan Digital Collections). Create an artist-to-album flashcard set - e.g., "Aretha - Respect" or "Mayfield - Superfly" - to reinforce key releases. Consulting Rolling Stone's 500 Greatest Albums list can help prioritize must-know records.

  4. Core Elements of Hip Hop Culture -

    Hip hop grew from DJing, MCing, breakdancing, and graffiti in the Bronx, with DJ Kool Herc's 1973 back-to-school jam marking a pivotal origin (Cornell University Hip Hop Collection). Use the acronym "D.M.B.G." to recall each pillar: DJing, MCing, Breakdance, Graffiti. Reviewing foundational tracks like "Rapper's Delight" (Sugarhill Gang) and "The Message" (Grandmaster Flash) demonstrates early stylistic features.

  5. The Art and Law of Sampling Beats -

    The iconic "Amen Break" (The Winstons, 1969) demonstrates sampling's power, but legal know-how is vital - remember the four Fair Use factors (Purpose, Nature, Amount, Effect) as "P.N.A.E." (UCLA Library). Tools like WhoSampled.com and official clearance services help trace and license samples properly. Case studies such as De La Soul's sampling disputes highlight the importance of rights management.

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