And yet, vocal tracks by these very same artists remain in high demand among a generation of emerging producers, who are appropriating elements of late 90s/early 00s R'n'B for futuristic dance concoctions (see: Jacques Greene, Le Youth, Follow Me).
Perhaps inevitably, we're beginning to see a new wave of artists emerge producing music that owes a debt to R'n'B's Timbaland-helmed heyday but also embraces up-to-the-minute production. Los Angeles singer Kelela is one such artist.
Her debut mixtape 'Cut 4 Me' is available free from Kingdom's Fade To Mind imprint. Established beatmakers Bok Bok, Nguzunguzu and Kingdom himself bring their respective A-games to the table but, a few tracks in, it's clear that Kelela's running the show.
Her 'light-touch' vocals certainly have more in common with the likes of Aaliyah, Kelis and Cassie than today's crop of chart-toppers and, over the course of the mixtape's 13 tracks, she showcases remarkable versatility and range.
From the spiky sass of 'Enemy' to feather-light slow-burner 'Cherry Coffee', 'Cut 4 Me' is the sound of a bright new talent making her presence felt.
