R&B, or Rhythm and Blues, is a music genre that combines elements of jazz, gospel, and blues. It usually showcases powerful vocals, driving rhythms, and heartfelt lyrics that often explore themes of love and relationships. Over time, R&B has evolved to include influences from hip-hop, funk, and pop, making it a dynamic and widely embraced genre in today’s music scene.
I’ve made a list of my favorite R&B artists that could be a good place to start when checking out new artists to add to your playlists.
5. Daniel Caesar
Daniel Caesar was born on April 5, 1995, in the Scarborough district of Toronto, Ontario, Canada. He first gained recognition with his 2014 debut EP, Praise Break, and Hold Me Down, on with another EP entitled Pilgrim’s Paradise the following year. His popularity as an artist went through the roof with his 2016 single “Get You”. I love his passionate voice; his lyrics are always relatable and get me in my feelings.
4. The Weeknd
Abel Tesfaye, a.k.a. The Weeknd was born on February 19th, 1990 in Scarborough, Toronto, Canada. He first went viral for his debut single “Wicked Games” in 2013. Since then, his most popular songs so far have been “Can’t Feel My Face,” “Save Your Tears,” and “Die for You” with Ariana Grande. I think his voice is heaven-sent. His lyrics have brutal self-honesty, and his music is diverse; they are all straight-up bangers.
3. Bruno Mars
Bruno Mars got really popular when the banger “Uptown Funk” came out. It topped charts all over the world, and the two other artists even won a Grammy for it. I love Bruno Mars’s music because he makes the most catchy songs. He’s an R&B, pop, funk, soul, disco, rock, and reggae artist.
2. Frank Ocean
Frank Ocean gained popularity with the mixtape Ocean widely known, and led to his collaborations with rappers Jay-Z and Kanye West. I absolutely love Frank Ocean’s music because he’s a mysterious, emotional, musical genius. He has an amazing ability to tell a story through his music.
1. SZA
SZA first gained recognition through her self-released EPs.SZA.Run (2012) and S (2013), which helped her become the first female artist to sign with Top Dawg Entertainment. I love SZA because she makes songs that cover subjects such as self-reflection, new beginnings, and mental health struggles. She’s okay with being real on the internet, and I adore her for that.
