Might London be the brand new hub for R&B? For years, music followers have puzzled if R&B is doomed. After all acts like Summer time Walker and Victoria Monét proceed to carry down the style that’s so near Black people’ hearts, however after rap took over the mainstream over the past twenty years, even our musical greats have observed a change inside R&B.
Timbaland and Jermaine Dupri each beforehand expressed their disappointment with the brand new era of musical expertise, however what if we’re merely not wanting in all the best locations? Singers like RAYE and Cleo Sol are standouts as leaders of the brand new wave of singers, and past them, previous acts like Jorja Smith and Adele have all the time had People’ hearts.
For those who’re in search of new R&B artists so as to add to your on a regular basis playlist, you may want to look abroad and faucet into British R&B. Listed here are 5 musical acts to get you began.
RAYE
Though RAYE has written for a few of your favourite musicians, she didn’t get her huge break till 2022. That’s when the singer, whose actual title is Rachel Eager, bursted into the music world with “Escapism,” her single which was a business success. The Ghanaian and British singer even gained a file six Brits in 2024, proving she’s right here to remain.
RAYE is called a powerhouse vocalist channeling inspiration from the likes of Amy Winehouse and Ella Fitzgerald. She’s even collaborated with Doja Cat, LISA and Halle Bailey, proving she’s extra than simply your common jazz singer. From her classical aesthetic to performances certain to go away your jaw dropped, RAYE is a standout act within the British R&B world.
Cleo Sol
Cleo Sol likes to maintain out of the highlight, however the British star has amassed a fanbase that’s something however underground. All three nights of her New York Metropolis efficiency debut had been offered out this previous March, with followers begging her to come back again to the states a while quickly. And although her reside performances and public appearances are scarce, Sol by no means disappoints.
As a pacesetter of the present soul music wave, she is a breath of recent air with music which additionally serves as remedy. Songs like “Why Don’t You” and “Construct Me Up” are certain to offer you goosebumps, particularly with that soulful voice of hers. And in the event you needed extra of Sol, it’s also possible to verify of the music collective SAULT, which she is a lead vocalist alongside rapper Little Simz, and her producer husband FLO.
KWN
For those who’ve been on the music facet of TikTok, you may’ve heard of KWN. The R&B producer and songwriter arrived on the music scene lately, and though her discography is small, the standard of her catalog is unbelievable. And on prime of her catchy and layered melodies, KWN additionally produces her music.
Her most up-to-date launch, “Do What I Say,” went viral on TikTok after months of teasing the tune to followers. She’s collaborated with Kehlani and Jordan Adetunji, and even joined each artists on stage to carry out their collabs. She’s a breakout star who’s certain for greatness. Plus, all of her music movies function a one take film scene devoted to the respective tune. Simply take a look at this one.
Nia Smith
The London-born singer is just 20 years outdated, however she is already making a reputation for herself as a singer. With nods from Jamaican artist Popcaan, Nia Smith is one other voice you may anticipate to listen to extra from. Her R&B and soul music is each catchy and complicated. Her latest EP titled “Give Up the Worry” was launched in November.
Even BillBoard praised Smith’s wonderful skills saying, “the soul singer floated between a succession of prestigious music faculties, together with the BRIT College and East London Arts & Music. But, she has the vocal and lyrical chops to again up all and any premeditated trade help.”
FLO
For many who say there are not any new singing teams, meet FLO. The British trio is made up of members Stella, Renée and Jorja, and collectively, the lady group has been making a reputation for themselves across the globe. Hits like “Bending my Guidelines” and “Cardboard Field” have landed them collabs with Kehlani, Glorilla and even Missy Elliot.
Whereas their studio data stand alone as cohesive and even paying homage to 2000s R&B, it’s FLO’s reside performances that hold followers coming again for extra. The lady group is at the moment on the North American leg of their “Entry All Areas” tour.