This is actually not very surprising to me.

Here is what I don't buy: 1) "homewrecker" 2) Black people don't buy music.

^^^^^^^^ THIS--stop it.

Mainstream R & B is simply on the decline. I, personally, have been listening to R & B underground for YEARS. Rahsaan Patterson, Lalah Hathaway, Jesse Boykins III, Jhene Aiko, Marques Toliver, Eric Roberson, Muhsinah, Anthony David, Rochelle Jordan, etc....THIS is the new brilliance of R & B.

Above ground progressive R & B - 1) Frank Ocean 2) Miguel 3) Elle Varner 4) The Weeknd

Mainstays: Mary, Brandy, Maxwell, Monica, Keyshia, Alicia, Trey, Chris, Usher (and we can consider the pop elements of a couple of these)

R & B is no longer the favored genre. Just like rock has fell out of favor. Please do not be confused by the artists on billboard who are considered rock--that is POP.

Alicia's is simply settling into the current phase of R & B music sales.