Pluggnb emerged from the Plugg production sphere in the late 2010s in the works of XanGang and Goyxrd. Contrasting with the earlier straightforward and laid-back sound of MexikoDro's plugg, pluggnb emphasizes more melodic, intricate, and layered leads, and typically more complex and dense drum programming. Though it commonly uses "cheap"-sounding VST leads for the synth melodies, others have incorporated various different sounds to pluggnb beats, from a synthesized electric guitar and jazzy chords to lush atmospheres. With its name a portmanteau of "plugg" and "R&B", the style is very loosely inspired by old R&B music, though Jazz influence is markedly more prominent than that of any R&B genre, with jazz-inspired writing and instrumentation often present in pluggnb. The formative mixtapes of SlayWorld artists Summrs and Autumn! would popularize and help establish the genre's sound during 2018.

Originally developing along its vocal style, the original scene rose to popularity with the growth of its pioneering rapper/singers. Their melodic, auto-tuned, energetic and emotive vocals would be highlighted with the beats' equally melodic and lush nature, and the sound grew increasingly in popularity from 2018 onwards. The earier music of Weiland was an important influence for the early scene. Some of pluggnb's prominent vocalists and producers assisting in the development and spread of the sound include RewindRaps, Goonie, BenjiCold, Kankan, and iayze!. Following the intial wave, many vocalists would deviate from the initial style of production that dominated SlayWorld's early material, with more conventional Trap often dominating even Summrs and Autumn's tapes; however, pluggnb remained influential. A style of production characterized by prominent synth lines known as Rage partially developed from and find popularity in the pluggnb scene, with SlayWorld-affiliated artists such as Yeat finding particular popularity. A novel style nicked "R&B beats" evolved from pluggnb towards the late 2010s, trading much of the plugg and trap rhythms of pluggnb for simpler, minimal drum programming that somewhat emulates 2000s Contemporary R&B production. Pioneered by pluggnb producers Niko East and DiorDaze, the style saw success with rappers like Lil Xelly.