Welcome to H∆SHTAG$, our new series of mini-documentaries shedding light on some of the most fascinating themes and music movements emerging from the web in recent times.

For this series debut, we’re taking a look at the current renaissance of contemporary R&B in music, with artists including Miguel, How To Dress Well, electronic producer and former half of The Weeknd, Jeremy ‘Zodiac’ Rose, Toronto songstress Rochelle Jordan, her producer KLSH, and BadBadNotGood. How has the Internet inspired and galvanized this new breed of artists? Have online communities and media been too quick to label genres and movements? What does the future hold for the many strains of the R&B genre? Journalists and bloggers Melissa Bradshaw (The Quietus), Erik Kirtley (Indie R&B) and Alex Macpherson (The Guardian) weigh in on the implications and (mis-)interpretations too.

 Also, download an exclusive tune, "PE1" from Jeremy 'Zodiac' Rose below.

Like what you see? Check back next Wednesday, February 6, for a new edition of H∆SHTAG$. For more information on the episodes, check our series trailer here.

Download: Zodiac "PE1"

Grab an exclusive from (former half of The Weeknd) Jeremy 'Zodiac' Rose, as featured in episode one of H∆SHTAG$ above.