R&B is alive and well, baby! This topic is often recycled, and people seem to believe that R&B has died down and quality music isn’t being made anymore. There is a new generation of artists who are making records and doing what needs to be done. As listeners, we are constantly giving these artists their flowers and the recognition that they deserve, especially when nomination season comes around. From time and time again, award season for this particular genre is fairly disappointing. We are still on a high from Jazmine Sullivan cleaning out the last award season, but look at how long it took for her recognition to be celebrated.
There are so many quality artists making timeless projects, so how can R&B be dead when so many of us are listening and falling in love with the artistry? R&B is thriving, and like many fans, you find yourself vibing to the same tracks, anticipating new releases, or becoming acclimated to an artist’s new work. If you’re looking for artists to get into, these artists are carrying R&B and doing an amazing job. From their lyrics to their concepts to their standing out and being different, we truly respect their creativity and adore these artists who love their craft.
Ari Lennox, Age/Sex/Location – A true coming-of-age project. She’s tackling her 30s, maturing, and taking advantage of having boundaries. Ari’s sophomore album is an evolved version of Shea Butta Baby, and it all flows so beautifully; she allows you to feel seen with her music. At the most recent Soul Train Awards, she landed 6 nominations and put on a beautiful performance for her single “Waste My Time.”
Credit: Pitchfork
Lucky Daye CandyDrip – The replay value for this project is one of a kind! It’s sexy, it’s fun, and it’s now Grammy-nominated. Lucky Daye has had a long time coming with his artistry, and we love that he is able to give us everything we need in these heartfelt ballads.
Credit: Pitchfork
Tink Pillow Talk – Tink has been holding R&B down for years, and she is often labeled as underrated; we wholeheartedly agree! She brings the vocals; she brings the stories; she brings the soul. Do not sleep on her talent; she has so many albums, and we suggest listening to them all.
Credit: Pitchfork
Steve Lacy, Gemini Rights – With an eclectic, one-of-a-kind sound, Steve becomes in tune with his feelings and creates a soulful piece of work. With the Tik Tok trending song “Bad Habit,” he is tapping into R&B and loving unconditionally. He is now nominated for Record of the Year and Best Urban Contemporary Album. We love adding range to R&B from artists like Steve.
Credit: Pitchfork
In addition to the artists mentioned, there are so many R&B artists who are creating timeless music and keeping the genre very much alive. Honorable mention: Summer Walker has been carrying R&B with both of her projects, Over It and Still Over It, and she hasn’t received a nomination, a definite snub. We absolutely love her work and love that she chooses to move forward! In addition to Summer, Jazmine Sullivan, Bryson Tiller, Victoria Monet, Giveon, Jhene Aiko, Chris Brown, Snoh Aalegra, Brent Faiyaz, Cleo Soul, and DVSN, we can literally keep going. So yeah… R&B is not dead, people; it’s truly flourishing.
Who are your favorite R&B artists right now?
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