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SZA: The Voice of Vulnerable Authenticity
SZA is the most-nominated artist at the 2024 GRAMMYs, receiving nine nods, and was awarded Best Progressive R&B Album for her record-breaking album SOS. SZA doesn’t just sing about love – she sings about insecurity, desire, and the chaos in between. Since the release of “Ctrl”, she’s redefined vulnerability in R&B. Her sophomore album “SOS” broke streaming records and solidified her as the definitive R&B voice of the 2020s.
What sets SZA apart is her ability to transform messiness into art. Her lyrics are messy, raw, and deeply human – allowing fans, especially Black women, to hear themselves in ways the genre hadn’t previously allowed. Songs like “Saturn” showcase her evolution as an artist who can balance commercial appeal with artistic integrity.
Her influence extends far beyond chart performance. SZA secured massive success with “Snooze,” which spent an unprecedented 30 weeks at No. 1 on Billboard’s R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay chart, and was the only song to spend all of 2023 on the Hot 100. This level of sustained popularity demonstrates her unique ability to create songs that resonate across different audiences while maintaining her distinctive artistic voice.
Victoria Monét: From Songwriter to Spotlight
Victoria Monét, long known as a behind-the-scenes songwriting powerhouse, finally took center stage with “Jaguar II”. Victoria Monét took home the 2024 Best R&B Album trophy for her acclaimed work Jaguar II. Additionally, the 34-year-old was awarded Best Engineered Album, Non-Classical. There’s also Victoria Monét, who won Best New Artist and Best R&B Album at the last Grammys for her acclaimed “Jaguar II”.
Her transition from behind-the-scenes collaborator to front-and-center artist represents one of the most impressive career pivots in recent R&B history. Having written for major stars like Ariana Grande, Victoria brings a deep understanding of songcraft to her own music. Her sound blends classic R&B sensibilities with contemporary production techniques, creating music that feels both nostalgic and forward-thinking.
2024 saw the release of the long-anticipated deluxe edition of JAGUAR II, as well as a holiday version of the project. This prolific output demonstrates her commitment to evolving her artistry while maintaining the quality that earned her Grammy recognition. Victoria’s success proves that technical excellence and artistic vision can coexist beautifully in modern R&B.
Frank Ocean: The Enigmatic Pioneer
Frank Ocean has been credited by several music critics as a pioneer of the alternative R&B genre. Both of his studio albums were listed on Rolling Stone’s “500 Greatest Albums of All Time” (2020). Despite his relatively sparse output, Ocean’s influence on contemporary R&B cannot be overstated. Ocean’s albums Channel Orange and Blonde have redefined what R&B can be. Ocean is known for his artistic vision, which challenges conventional norms within the industry. His readiness to explore identity, love, and social issues connects with listeners worldwide.
Ocean’s approach to music-making is notoriously meticulous and mysterious. “Frank stays in the kitchen,” Pharrell shared. “And that’s probably the reason why he doesn’t serve as much. He really enjoys the culinary process.” In 2023, Ocean was quite active in teasing snippets of unreleased music on his Instagram but nothing has been announced so far. This perfectionist approach has created an almost mythical status around his work.
Ocean has maintained a relatively quiet release schedule in recent years, with limited new material since 2020. Yet his influence continues to shape new artists entering the genre. His willingness to experiment with unconventional song structures and deeply personal narratives has opened doors for countless artists who prioritize artistic expression over commercial formulas.
Coco Jones: The Rising Powerhouse
Emerging R&B talent Coco Jones took the trophy for Best R&B Performance for her romantic song “ICU.” To win, the BELAIR star beat out Chris Brown, Robert Glasper, Alex Isley, SiR, Victoria Monét, and SZA. Her victory in such a competitive category signals her emergence as a major force in contemporary R&B. Jones brings a blend of classic vocal technique with modern sensibilities that feels both timeless and current.
What distinguishes Coco Jones is her ability to channel raw emotion into polished performances. After a blistering rookie campaign that consisted of multiple Grammy nominations – and an eventual win for her ring-the-alarm hit “ICU” – along with another successful season of the Peacock hit series, Bel-Air, Coco Jones dodged the sophomore slump with an impressive 2024. To up the ante, last Friday (Jan. 2), how many other artists can say they were up for a Grammy with a song someone else dedicated to them?
Her success demonstrates that traditional R&B vocal excellence still has a place in the contemporary landscape. Jones represents a bridge between classic soul traditions and modern production techniques, creating music that honors the genre’s history while pushing it forward. Her continued presence in major award categories suggests a long and influential career ahead.
Tems: Global R&B Innovation
As someone who’s studied Céline Dion, Destiny’s Child and Mariah Carey and dreamt of making soul-stirring songs that send people into their feelings, Tems succeeded with aplomb. And while Born in the Wild and “Love Me JeJe” earned Tems 2025 Grammy nominations for best global music album and best African music performance, respectively, her best R&B song nod for “Burning” further reinforced the rich diversity of her music.
Tems represents the globalization of R&B, bringing Nigerian influences into the genre while maintaining its core emotional appeal. Born in the Wild became her highest-charting project on Top R&B Albums (reaching No. 5) and marked her career-first entry on the Billboard 200, peaking at No. 56. Her success demonstrates how R&B can transcend geographical boundaries while remaining true to its roots.
And the notion that African artists like Tems cannot be bound to the catchall “Afrobeats” term, as their music has traveled well past the borders of the continent. This recognition of her artistic diversity reflects a broader evolution in how the music industry categorizes and celebrates global R&B talent. Tems proves that authentic artistry can find its audience regardless of traditional genre boundaries.
Leon Thomas: The Multi-Talented Storyteller
With the release of Mutt – an introspective survey of relationships in the social media age, told through rock-infused R&B and soul – Thomas quickly became one of the hottest names in R&B. Whether you’re hearing “Answer Your Phone” in a bar or turning up to “Yes It Is” at an R&B function, Thomas has the hottest album in R&B right now.
While the title track – and lead single – is as tantalizing as ever, it’s the way Leon strings together old-school balladry (“Answer Your Phone”), delectable bites of contemporary R&B (“Yes It Is”), and guitar-shredding rock (“Dancing With Demons”) that truly flaunts his eye-popping range and versatility. At the center of it all is his voice; Leon can rip through a breakneck riff as easily as he can assume the staccato cadence of a melodic rapper. Through his thorough examination of romance in the social media age, singlehood, and the vast expanse of Black music, Leon Thomas’ Mutt stands as the most stunning R&B album of 2024.
Thomas’s background as a songwriter and producer for artists like Ariana Grande and Drake has given him a unique perspective on crafting hits that resonate across different audiences. His ability to seamlessly blend genres while maintaining emotional authenticity represents the future direction of R&B. Now the voice behind the latest ACC Network anthem (“How Fast”) with a sold-out solo headlining tour to his name, 2025 is poised to be Thomas’ year.
Summer Walker: Emotional Transparency
The 2025 BET Awards Best Female R&B/Pop Artist category is stacked – but four names stand out not just for their nominations, but for their cultural dominance: SZA, Victoria Monét, Coco Jones, and Summer Walker. Together, they represent a powerful shift in what R&B means today – and who it’s for. Summer Walker has carved out her own space in the genre by embracing radical honesty about mental health, relationships, and personal struggles.
Her approach to R&B prioritizes emotional authenticity over polished perfection. Walker’s music often feels like intimate conversations rather than performance pieces, creating a unique connection with listeners who appreciate her vulnerability. This authentic approach has resonated particularly strongly with younger audiences who value transparency in their musical artists.
Walker represents a generation of R&B artists who refuse to hide their struggles behind glossy production or perfect vocals. Instead, she uses imperfection as a tool for connection, creating music that feels accessible and genuine. Her continued prominence in major award categories demonstrates that audiences are hungry for this type of authentic expression in contemporary R&B.
Usher: The Enduring Legend
Usher Raymond IV reigns as one of the most popular R&B artists in 2024. Various chart-topping contributions to the genre have established his long career spanning over two decades. In recent years, Usher has maintained his relevance as a versatile artist. His performance at the Super Bowl 2024 showed he can engage with a global audience.
Following in the footsteps of past recipients Timbaland, Swizz Beatz and D-Nice, Usher took home the ASCAP Voice of the Culture award, which recognizes ASCAP artists who have significantly impacted music and culture. This recognition acknowledges not just his commercial success but his cultural influence on the genre. Usher’s ability to remain relevant across multiple generations of R&B fans demonstrates the lasting power of exceptional artistry.
Usher’s latest album, Coming Home, features collaborations with artists and producers. It is appealing to long-time fans and new listeners. His songs like “Bad Habits” and “Confessions, Part III” have connected with audiences due to his signature smooth vocals. His continued success proves that experience and innovation can coexist beautifully in modern R&B.
The Weeknd: Dark Alternative R&B
Abel Makkonen Tesfaye (born February 16, 1990), known professionally as the Weeknd, is a Canadian singer, songwriter, record producer, and actor. A prominent figure in contemporary popular music, he is noted for his unconventional music production, artistic reinventions, and his signature use of the falsetto register. His accolades include 4 Grammy Awards, 20 Billboard Music Awards, 22 Juno Awards, 6 American Music Awards, 2 MTV Video Music Awards, a Latin Grammy Award, and nominations for an Academy Award and a Primetime Emmy Award.
Among the world’s best-selling music artists with over 75 million records sold, Tesfaye holds several streaming and Billboard chart records. Tesfaye was listed by Time as one of the world’s most influential people in 2020, and was dubbed the “most popular artist on Spotify” by Guinness World Records in 2023. The Weeknd’s influence on alternative R&B cannot be understated, as he helped define the darker, more electronic-influenced direction the genre has taken in recent years.
His approach to R&B incorporates elements of pop, electronic music, and hip-hop while maintaining the emotional intensity that defines great R&B. The Weeknd’s success has opened doors for artists who want to experiment with R&B’s boundaries while reaching mainstream audiences. His cinematic approach to music-making continues to influence how contemporary R&B artists think about album construction and artistic identity.
Daniel Caesar: Soulful Introspection
Daniel Caesar has risen through the ranks of contemporary R&B since his debut album, Freudian. He is known for his smooth vocals and heartfelt lyrics. His music explores themes of love and vulnerability. His collaborations with artists like Brandy and Giveon have shown his versatility while contributing to the genre’s evolution.
In 2024, Caesar remains a well-known figure within R&B due to his consistent quality music output. Daniel Caesar isn’t afraid to wear his heart on his sleeve. He sings from the heart instead of just going through the motions. This emotional honesty has become his signature, creating deeply personal music that resonates across different audiences.
Caesar represents a more traditional approach to contemporary R&B, focusing on songcraft and vocal delivery rather than production innovation. His success demonstrates that there’s still room in the genre for artists who prioritize classic R&B values while addressing modern themes. He engages audiences with his soulful sound. He has got the music industry buzzing with a growing fanbase and a string of hits. He is going places, and you don’t want to miss out on what he has in store.
Rising Stars Shaping Tomorrow
Last year, the genre enjoyed considerable success, with a plethora of artists contributing in more ways than one. Last year, the genre enjoyed considerable success, with a plethora of artists contributing in more ways than one. Usher and Chris Brown proved to be enduring icons with decades of experience and accolades on their resumes. With their immaculate stage presence and electric tour dates, they proved why they’re the proverbial cream of the crop and are the standard for up-and-coming artists.
The next generation of R&B artists is emerging with fresh perspectives and innovative approaches. A standout in the new wave of British R&B, Tiana Major9 seamlessly blends jazz influences with her soulful sound, creating music that feels both timeless and fresh. Her sharp songwriting and ethereal vocals capture raw emotion with effortless elegance. Tiana’s ability to craft deeply resonant tracks has solidified her as a consistent force in the genre for years now.
These emerging artists are taking the foundations laid by established stars and building something entirely new. They’re incorporating influences from jazz, hip-hop, electronic music, and global sounds while maintaining the emotional core that defines great R&B. The diversity of backgrounds and approaches among rising stars suggests an exciting future for the genre, one that will continue to evolve while honoring its rich history.
The Global Expansion of R&B
Each of them has their own unique touch to r&b, blending it with soul, jazz, breakbeat, folk & afro beats. You can find all these talented artists (and many more) on our smooth soul / r&b playlist (available on all streaming platforms). The globalization of R&B has brought incredible diversity to the genre, with artists from different countries and cultures adding their unique perspectives to the traditional R&B template.
Artists like Jorja Smith from the UK, Gaidaa’s music is effortlessly global, blending her Dutch-Sudanese heritage with contemporary R&B and Neo-soul. Her voice is rich with emotion and a dreaminess to her tone. Her artistic / sonic range and ability to craft compelling narratives make her a force to be reckoned with. You can really feel her unique artistry and authentic approach, solidifying her place as a powerful and essential voice in today’s music landscape.
This international expansion has enriched R&B by introducing new rhythmic patterns, vocal techniques, and cultural perspectives. The genre’s ability to adapt and incorporate global influences while maintaining its essential character demonstrates its continued vitality and relevance in contemporary music. These global artists are not just copying American R&B formulas but creating something entirely new that speaks to their own cultural experiences.
The Evolution Continues
Today’s R&B landscape is more diverse and innovative than ever before. From Grammy Award winner SZA’s sensational sophomore album SOS to Chris Brown’s critically-acclaimed Breezy, 2025’s top R&B artists effortlessly fuses dynamic hip-hop/soul instrumentals with diverse cross-cultural influences while simultaneously staying true to the genre’s traditional roots. Industry queens Beyoncé, Mary J. Blige, and Lizzo never cease to slay with their flawless records; and Gen Z musicians Steve Lacy, H.E.R., Jorja Smith, and Chlöe continue to shatter glass ceilings with their exceptional talent.
The genre has always thrived on emotion, but this new class of women isn’t interested in perfection. They’re giving us honesty, artistry, and fresh sonic identities that can’t be boxed in. This shift toward authenticity over perfection represents a fundamental change in how R&B artists approach their craft and connect with audiences.
The future of R&B looks incredibly bright, with established stars continuing to evolve and new voices emerging with fresh perspectives. The genre’s ability to adapt to changing musical landscapes while maintaining its emotional core ensures its continued relevance. These artists are not just making music; they’re defining the soundtrack for a new generation of listeners who value authenticity, innovation, and emotional truth above all else.
Conclusion
The current state of R&B represents a beautiful convergence of tradition and innovation. From SZA’s vulnerable authenticity to Victoria Monét’s technical mastery, from Frank Ocean’s enigmatic artistry to the global perspectives of artists like Tems, today’s R&B is more diverse and exciting than ever. These artists are writing the next chapter of a genre that has always been about human connection, emotional truth, and musical excellence.
Who wins Best Female R&B/Pop Artist this year is anyone’s guess – but the real win is that all four are nominated. The future of R&B is feminine, fierce, and fully in their control. The genre continues to evolve, embracing new sounds and perspectives while honoring its rich history of innovation and emotional expression. What do you think about the current direction of R&B? Tell us in the comments.
Christian Wiedeck, all the way from Germany, loves music festivals, especially in the USA. His articles bring the excitement of these events to readers worldwide.
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