R&B music has long been synonymous with soulful melodies, heartfelt lyrics, and emotional depth. Over the years, the genre has evolved, sometimes blending with pop, hip-hop, and electronic elements, but always retaining its ability to touch the heart. In 2024, a new wave of artists is reviving and redefining R&B, infusing it with fresh sounds while paying homage to its roots. From smooth crooners to boundary-pushing experimentalists, these 15 artists are leading the charge in the genre's renaissance.
Eli Sostre
Eli Sostre, a Brooklyn-based artist and producer, debuted with *Still Up All Night* in August 2016, receiving positive public reception. Known for his moody fusion of rap and R&B, Sostre collaborates frequently with producer SORIANO. His music has been featured on platforms like *Pigeons & Planes*, *XXL*, and *The Fader*, gaining critical recognition. Less than a year after his debut, Sostre released *Sleep Is for the Weak*, showcasing his versatility and solidifying his place in the music scene.
Omar Kadir
Bay Area artist Omar Kadir has quickly gained popularity as a singer-songwriter and urban street dancer, amassing over 700K followers across social media. His hit singles "Catch Up" and "The Last Thing I Do" earned millions of streams on Spotify and traction across YouTube and SoundCloud, landing on major playlists like *Most Necessary*.
In early 2019, Omar collaborated with Mozzy, and their track was featured on Sirius XM’s *Hip Hop Nation*, earning buzz before its release. A former *So You Think You Can Dance* contender and member of Flex Flave/Zulu Nation, Omar’s extensive dance background enriches his hip-hop artistry, making him one to watch.
Frvrfriday
Tommy Ruhingubugi, known by his stage name FRVRFRIDAY, is a Canadian artist, producer, and songwriter from Edmonton, Alberta. He quickly gained attention with his distinctive high voice and modern R&B sound.
FRVRFRIDAY's breakout came in 2017 with the release of his *MORE THAN YOU KNOW* EP, which helped attract a growing fanbase. In 2018, he followed up with the *WHOISFRIDAY* EP, featuring the hit track “Channel Red.”
His breakthrough came in 2020 with the release of “Window Shopping,” a single featuring prominent rapper Lil Baby. The collaboration and track garnered significant attention, propelling FRVRFRIDAY into the spotlight.
Anfa Rose
Anfa Rose, a 22-year-old artist of Moroccan descent from Sydney, is focused on letting his music grow organically. While some of his tracks have received over 50,000 plays on SoundCloud, he’s less concerned with numbers and more dedicated to creating timeless music. His career began at Dream Big Studios in Sydney, leading to the 2015 EP *She Been Waiting* and his latest full-length project, *Debauched*, produced with close friend Dopamine. The album blurs the line between mixtape and album with its cohesive sound, a result of their year-and-a-half collaboration. With a global upbringing and extensive travels, Rose brings an effortlessly universal vibe to his music, reflecting relatable themes regardless of one’s location.
451
London-based artist 451 blends songwriting, production, and literary inspiration to create a unique sound. His name, taken from Ray Bradbury's *Fahrenheit 451*, speaks to his boundary-pushing approach.
451’s 2018 debut *Couleur* featured eight tracks, including collaborations with Toronto’s SAFE and production from Mark Cruz and Sam Fresh, establishing his emotive, introspective style. In 2021, he released *Night Vision*, a mixtape with standout tracks like “Nobu No More” and “Fall’s Profit Freestyle,” followed by singles such as “Hot For Me” and “On Edge.” In 2022, he shared *Sierra*, a collection of songs that didn’t make the cut for other albums, giving fans insight into his evolving creativity.
With each release, 451 continues to carve out his place in the music scene as an innovative and dynamic artist.
Vory
Vory, a Dream Chasers Records signee under Meek Mill, is a Houston-born, Louisville-raised artist and songwriter who has made significant contributions to the music world behind the scenes. He first gained recognition in 2015 at just 18 years old for his work on Bryson Tiller's hit "Don't," where he provided the signature chopped and screwed voice. This collaboration with Tiller launched a series of successful partnerships, including co-writing "Friends" for The Carters and "Mob Ties" for Drake.
While Vory has made a name for himself as a sought-after songwriter, he has always continued to release his own music. His discography includes several solo projects, with his most recent being his self-titled EP released in December 2020. The project, his first since 2016's *Overdose*, follows his 2018 *Lucky Me* and 2019's *Say* EP. Vory's music blends singing and rapping over somber beats, allowing him to connect deeply with listeners through his introspective lyrics.
K.Forest
K. Forest is a rising R&B singer from Brampton, Ontario, best known for his contribution to Travis Scott's track "Guidance" on the album *Birds in the Trap Sing McKnight*. Forest’s musical journey began in his teenage years, initially spurred by sibling rivalry with his sister, a church singer. Inspired to match her vocal prowess, he started singing and eventually developed his own style.
His musical influences expanded during a week-long stay in South London, where his cousin introduced him to the grime scene. This exposure to the genre sparked his interest in producing beats and singing over them. Upon returning to Brampton, Forest teamed up with producer dF, who has since produced most of his music.
Forest gained significant attention when Travis Scott sampled his song "Guidance," featuring Baba Femi, in Scott’s hit track "Guidance." This collaboration helped solidify Forest's place in the R&B scene and showcased his unique sound.
B1uan
From rural south Alabama, Brandon Jayuan Lewis, known as B1uan, has evolved into a multi-talented artist, producer, and writer with influences from Drake to Travis Scott. His musical journey began in 2013 when his cousin left an open verse on a song, inspiring the young artist to start creating his own music. Born on October 24, 1997, B1uan’s unique sound brings an unexpected blend of Trap Soul and Contemporary R&B to the region. His debut *POLAROID EP* introduced smooth, hard-hitting tracks like "Polaroid" and "Feels," complemented by his own album artwork. Follow-up singles "SLIPPIN" and "BETTER" continue to showcase his evolving sound and talent.
HIDDENHILLSFOREVER
Azarious Moody, better known by his stage name Hiddenhillsforever, is a Seattle-raised, Atlanta-based artist who began his music career in 2018. He gained attention on SoundCloud with his distinctive high voice and exciting cadence, particularly through tracks like “911 Carrera S.” This helped him attract a growing fanbase.
Hiddenhillsforever crafts a unique sonic experience, blending warped guitars, choppy 808s, and his layered vocals to create a psychedelic wonderland. His tracks are rich with colorful, luxurious soundscapes that immerse listeners in chaotic yet beautiful storytelling.
With each song, Hills showcases vulnerability, often delving into heartbreak and personal struggles, offering fans an intimate glimpse into his life. His music combines bouncy synths, glitchy drums, and octave shifts, transporting listeners into the raw emotions and vivid scenes of his world.
Talal
Dubai-based R&B artist Talal has been making waves over the past two years with his refreshing yet nostalgic approach to the genre. While many contemporary artists experiment with R&B’s boundaries, Talal channels the smooth vocals and strong beat-driven sound that recalls R&B’s golden era but with a modern twist. Tracks like "OTW" featuring Jamie Deville and "I.Y.W.L" highlight Talal’s impressive talent and unique style. With his commitment to quality and authentic R&B sound, Talal is only just beginning his journey as a standout artist to watch.
Marr Grey
Marr Grey, an artist from Baltimore, Maryland, creates a unique sound that merges hip-hop with dark, moody R&B influences. His upcoming debut album, *Night Rida*, captures the vibe of late-night drives, with already-released singles like “G-Code” and “Type.” Working with producers such as Top FLR, TEAUXNY, and Dub Tha Prodigy, Grey's music embodies a "nightrider" aesthetic, evoking the reflective and introspective mood he associates with nighttime drives.
Kdence
Boston native Kdence is at the forefront of the trapsoul movement, blending soothing vocals with unique flows that create a gritty yet tranquil vibe. His music delves into personal experiences, reflecting on relationships, the environment he grew up in, and his lifestyle. Kdence's ability to convey emotion through his music, while seamlessly merging trap beats with soulful melodies, sets him apart as a rising artist in the genre.
Two32
TWO32 is a genre-blending artist with a dedicated fanbase known as the TwoCrew, amassing over 200k streams across digital platforms. His diverse background—rooted in the Dominican Republic and shaped by life in rural Mississippi, Atlanta, and New York City—adds a unique flavor to both his music and his bold personal style. His vibrant upbringing and multifaceted influences resonate strongly in his distinctive sound and fashion, setting him apart as an innovative voice in the music scene.
Hrtbrkfever
Hrtbrkfever is an artist, singer, and songwriter known for his unique voice and exceptional choice of beats and samples. His music brings a refreshing sound to the genre, blending smooth melodies with deep emotion. His songs often explore the complexities of love and heartbreak, creating a relatable vibe that resonates with listeners. Though much remains unknown about the artist himself, his body of work speaks volumes, establishing him as an emerging talent with immense potential. With his distinct style and raw emotional depth, Hrtbrkfever is poised to make a significant impact in the music space.
Vayu
Labeling himself as "underground R&B's dark horse," Vayu is an up-and-coming artist making waves with his distinctive sound. Blending elements of trap, drill, and R&B, he creates a unique fusion that sets him apart from the mainstream. With his ability to seamlessly merge gritty beats with smooth melodies, Vayu is carving out his own lane in the music scene. As he continues to gain recognition, it's clear that this talented artist is one to watch, and you’ll likely be hearing a lot more from him in the near future.
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