What is a question about this article? If the question is unanswerable, say "unanswerable".

The early 1990s marked the softening of urban R&B at the same time alternative rock emerged and traditional pop saw a significant resurgence. This in part led to a widening of the market, not only allowing to cater to more niche markets, but it also became customary for artists to make AC-friendly singles.

What happened to urban R&B in the early 1990s?
softening