The Best R&B Artists Of 2024

Akansha Kakkad
Updated May 2, 2024 27.3K views 77 items

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Voting Rules

Vote on the artists based on their 2024 music and performances.

Latest additions: Flo, Tyla, Tierra Whack
Most divisive: Muni Long
Over 1.2K Ranker voters have come together to rank this list of Best R&B Artists of 2023

This year's hottest rhythm and blues singer-songwriters are ready to takeover everyone's playlists. From Grammy Award winner SZA's sensational sophomore album SOS to Chris Brown's critically-acclaimed Breezy, 2024'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.

Which trending R&B musicians are you most excited to see live, and whose records are you currently listening to? Vote below for the best R&B singers of 2024, and be sure to also check out this year's top new R&B songs afterwards.

  • SZA
    1

    SZA

    772 votes
    Solana Rowe (born November 8, 1990), better known by her stage name SZA, is an American singer-songwriter. She was born in St. Louis, Missouri, later relocating to Maplewood, New Jersey. In October 2012, Rowe self-released an extended play titled See.SZA.Run, which she then followed up with her second EP, titled S, in October 2013. In July 2013, it was revealed that she had signed to Hip Hop record label Top Dawg Entertainment, through which she released Z, her third EP and first retail release, in April 2014. SZA is an PBR&B and neo soul singer whose music is described as Alternative R&B, with elements of soul, hip hop, minimalist R&B, cloud rap, ethereal R&B, witch house and chillwave. Rowe's lyrics are described as "unraveling", that revolve around themes of sexuality, nostalgia, and abandonment.
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  • The Weeknd
    2

    The Weeknd

    699 votes
    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 "world's most popular artist" by Guinness World Records in 2023. An advocate for racial equality and food security, he was appointed a World Food Programme Goodwill Ambassador in 2021.
  • Rihanna
    3

    Rihanna

    454 votes
    Born in Saint Michael, Barbados, Rihanna is a global icon known for her significant contributions to the music industry. Her full name Robyn Rihanna Fenty conveys her Caribbean heritage and she has often incorporated elements of this into her work. She was discovered by Evan Rogers, an American record producer who happened to be vacationing on the island and quickly recognized her talent. Rihanna's debut album Music of the Sun was released under Def Jam Recordings after she moved to New York City. The album showcased a blend of reggae, R&B and pop influences that were indicative of Rihanna's diverse musical taste. It peaked at number ten on the Billboard 200 chart, paving the way for further success with albums like A Girl Like Me and Good Girl Gone Bad, which included Grammy-winning single "Umbrella". Over time, she became renowned for continually reinventing her style and sound. In addition to music, Rihanna has been involved in various business ventures including fashion and cosmetics industries. She launched Fenty Beauty line which received widespread acclaim for its inclusivity promoting a broad array of shades suitable for different skin tones. Furthermore, she debuted her Savage X Fenty lingerie line, aimed at promoting body positivity among consumers. Her entrepreneurial efforts have been lauded as much as her artistic prowess, making Rihanna not just a successful singer but also an accomplished businesswoman.
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  • H.E.R.
    4

    H.E.R.

    417 votes
    Gabriella Sarmiento Wilson (born June 27, 1997), known professionally as H.E.R. (pronounced "her", an initialism for "Having Everything Revealed"), is an American R&B singer. After initial music appearances and singles under her real name, Wilson re-emerged in 2016 as H.E.R., releasing her debut EP H.E.R. Volume 1 under RCA, followed by four subsequent EPs. Her first compilation album H.E.R. (2017), consisting of tracks from her first two EPs plus six additional songs, was nominated for five Grammy Awards, winning Best R&B Performance and Best R&B Album. Her second compilation album, I Used to Know Her, was nominated for five Grammy Awards, including Album of the Year and Song of the Year for "Hard Place". In 2021, she was awarded the Grammy Award for Song of the Year for "I Can't Breathe", and the Academy Award for Best Original Song for "Fight for You" from the film Judas and the Black Messiah (2021). Her debut full-length album Back of My Mind was released in June 2021.
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  • Beyoncé
    5

    Beyoncé

    432 votes
    Beyoncé Knowles-Carter, known universally as Beyoncé, is a multi-talented artist who has made significant contributions to the music and entertainment industry. Born in Houston, Texas on September 4th, 1981, she first made herself known to the world as part of Destiny's Child in the late 1990s. The group quickly gained fame for their powerful vocals and harmonies. However, it was after her departure from the group that Beyoncé truly began to shine as an individual artist. With her debut solo album Dangerously in Love released in 2003, Beyoncé established herself as a powerhouse vocalist with a distinctive style blending R&B with pop sensibilities. This album won five Grammy Awards and featured two number-one singles: "Crazy In Love" and "Baby Boy". Her subsequent albums continued this trend of success; they were critically acclaimed and commercially successful globally. Notably among these are 'Lemonade', which showcased her artistic prowess by tackling themes of love, betrayal, and empowerment while also exploring various genres like country, blues, and reggae. Beyond music alone though lies another little discussed nook of Beyoncé's career - acting. She has appeared in several films including 'Austin Powers: Goldmember' (2002), 'The Pink Panther' (2006), 'Dreamgirls' (2006) where she earned two Golden Globe nominations for Best Actress – Motion Picture Comedy or Musical and Best Original Song. Moreover, Beyonce's philanthropic efforts have seen her involved with causes such as disaster relief following Hurricane Katrina as well as initiatives aimed at providing clean water access to those without it worldwide. Overall, Beyoncé represents more than just an entertainer; she is an icon who has proven to use her platform not only for artistic expression but also social activism.
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  • Brent Faiyaz
    6

    Brent Faiyaz

    520 votes
    Christopher Brent Wood (born September 19, 1995), better known by his stage name Brent Faiyaz, is an American singer from Columbia, Maryland. Faiyaz began uploading his experimental music (Black Child EP) onto SoundCloud in 2014 and moved from his hometown Columbia, Maryland to Charlotte, North Carolina before settling in Los Angeles, California to further his music career. On September 19, 2016, his 21st birthday, he released his debut EP, A.M. Paradox, which received positive reviews from music critics. He is currently working on a new album, titled Make It Out Alive, which is in the early recording process. On July 1, 2021, Faiyaz released a new single, "Wasting Time" featuring Drake. Following this, he appeared on tracks from Baby Keem's The Melodic Blue ("Lost Souls") and Tems's If Orange Was a Place ("Found"). On December 3, 2021, Faiyaz released the single "Mercedes", after having teased a project titled Wasteland on Instagram.
  • Summer Walker
    7

    Summer Walker

    444 votes
    Summer Marjani Walker (born April 11, 1996) is an American singer-songwriter. She is signed to LoveRenaissance and Interscope Records. Her commercial mixtape Last Day of Summer was released on October 19, 2018. Her debut studio album, Over It was released on October 4, 2019 and received universal acclaim from critics. The album debuted at number two on the Billboard 200 chart with 134,000 album-equivalent units in its first full tracking week. Walker made history when her debut album earned the biggest streaming debut ever for a female R&B artist. Walker also was the recipient for Best New Artist at the 2019 Soul Train Music Awards.
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  • Bruno Mars
    8

    Bruno Mars

    449 votes
    Bruno Mars was born Peter Gene Hernandez on October 8, 1985, in Honolulu, Hawaii. His multi-faceted talents as a singer, songwriter, record producer, and dancer have propelled him to the zenith of stardom, earning him numerous accolades and making him one of the best-selling music artists of all time. Mars's journey into the music world began at a tender age, heavily influenced by his musically inclined family. He moved to Los Angeles after high school to pursue his music career, signing with Motown Records in 2004. However, his career truly took off when he signed with Atlantic Records in 2009. With a unique blend of different musical styles, including pop, R&B, funk, soul, reggae, hip hop, and rock, Mars soon became a force to be reckoned with. His debut studio album, Doo-Wops & Hooligans (2010), was a critical and commercial success, spawning hit singles like "Just the Way You Are," "Grenade," and "The Lazy Song." Over the years, Bruno Mars has proven his mettle not just as a performer, but also as a songwriter, penning hits for other artists before his solo career took off. His contribution to the music industry has been recognized with numerous awards, including multiple Grammy Awards. Beyond his own albums, Mars's collaborations with other artists, such as Mark Ronson on the international blockbuster "Uptown Funk," have further amplified his global popularity.
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  • Alicia Keys
    9

    Alicia Keys

    246 votes
    Alicia Keys, born as Alicia Augello Cook on January 25, 1981, in New York City, is an American singer-songwriter, pianist and actress. Known for her soulful voice and signature piano playing, Keys is a classically trained pianist who began composing songs at age 12. She attended the Professional Performing Arts School in Manhattan, where she honed her skills and graduated as valedictorian at age 16. Keys's career breakthrough came in 2001 with the release of her debut album, Songs in A Minor, which sold over 12 million copies worldwide and earned her five Grammy Awards. This included the prestigious awards for Best New Artist and Song of the Year for her hit single "Fallin'." Over the years, Keys has released multiple chart-topping albums including The Diary of Alicia Keys, As I Am, and Girl on Fire, each showcasing her unique blend of R&B, soul, jazz, and hip-hop elements. Aside from music, Keys has also ventured into acting and philanthropy. She made her film debut in the 2006 action film Smokin' Aces and later appeared in The Secret Life of Bees. In 2003, she co-founded Keep a Child Alive, a nonprofit organization aimed at providing treatment, love, and support to families affected by HIV/AIDS in Africa and India. With her diverse talents and relentless dedication, Alicia Keys has firmly established herself as one of the leading figures in contemporary music and continues to inspire millions around the world with her artistry and humanitarian efforts.
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  • Jhené Aiko
    10

    Jhené Aiko

    292 votes
    Jhené Aiko Efuru Chilombo, better known as Jhené Aiko or simply Jhené, is an American singer and songwriter. Born and raised in Los Angeles, she began her career appearing in several music videos and contributing vocals for R&B group B2K. At the time, she was known as "Lil' Fizz's cousin", though she is not actually related to him. It was used as a marketing tool, suggested by Sony and Epic Records, to promote Aiko through B2K and attract an audience. In 2003, Aiko was set to release her debut album, My Name Is Jhené, through her labels Sony, The Ultimate Group and Epic, however the album was never released, with Aiko asking to be released from the label in order to continue her education. In March 2011, Aiko made her return to music with the release of her first full-length project, a mixtape titled .sailing soul.. On December 16, 2011, Aiko signed a recording contract with American record producer No I.D.'s record label Artium, distributed through Def Jam Recordings. In 2013, Aiko appeared on Big Sean's single "Beware", also featuring Lil Wayne, which became her first Top 40 hit on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart.
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  • Daniel Caesar
    11

    Daniel Caesar

    284 votes
    Ashton Simmonds, better known by his stage name Daniel Caesar (born April 5, 1995) is a Canadian R&B and soul singer-songwriter. After independently building a following through the release of two critically acclaimed EPs Praise Break and Pilgrim's Paradise, Caesar released his debut album Freudian in August 2017, which also garnered widespread critical acclaim. His breakout single "Get You" amassed over 10 million streams on Apple Music since its October 2016 release. According to his management, the singer's catalog has garnered over 20 million global streams on Apple Music and 68 million streams on Spotify, with a listener-ship of over 4,000,000 per month.
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  • GIVĒON
    12

    GIVĒON

    367 votes
    Giveon Dezmann Evans (born February 21, 1995), known as GIVĒON, is an American R&B singer and songwriter. He rose to prominence with his collaboration with Drake on their 2020 single, "Chicago Freestyle". That same year, Giveon released the EPs, Take Time and When It's All Said and Done, the former being nominated for a Grammy Award for Best R&B Album, and the latter reaching the Top 10 on the US Top R&B Albums chart. He released "Heartbreak Anniversary", as the second single from Take Time, which reached the Top 40 in the US and was certified Platinum by RIAA. In 2021, GIVĒON was featured alongside Daniel Caesar on the Justin Bieber single "Peaches", which debuted at number one on the Billboard Global 200 and US Billboard Hot 100 charts.
  • Chris Brown
    13

    Chris Brown

    397 votes
    Born in Tappahannock, Virginia, Christopher Maurice Brown, better known as Chris Brown, has become a household name in mainstream music. Developing an interest in music from a young age, he taught himself to sing and dance, inspired by iconic figures such as Michael Jackson. His talent was evident early on and he was signed by Jive Records in 2004 when he was just 15 years old. Chris Brown's debut album, self-titled Chris Brown, was released in 2005 and immediately soared to the top of the charts. This album included the hit single "Run It!", which topped the Billboard Hot 100, making Brown one of the youngest artists to achieve this feat. Over his career, he has won numerous awards, including a Grammy for Best R&B Album for F.A.M.E. in 2012. Brown's discography is extensive and diverse, showcasing his versatile talent as he continues to experiment with different genres and styles of music. However, Brown's journey has not been without controversy. He faced immense criticism following a highly publicized incident involving fellow artist Rihanna in 2009. Despite facing significant backlash, Brown continued to produce music and maintain a strong fanbase. Additionally, he ventured into acting, appearing in films like Stomp the Yard and Think Like a Man. Chris Brown's story is one of both great success and notable controversy, painting a picture of a talented but complex figure in the entertainment industry.
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  • Khalid
    14

    Khalid

    291 votes
    Khalid Donnel Robinson (born February 11, 1998), known mononymously as Khalid, is an American singer and songwriter. His debut single, "Location", was released in July 2016, and his debut studio album, American Teen, was released on March 3, 2017.
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  • Steve Lacy
    15

    Steve Lacy

    254 votes
    Steven Thomas Lacy-Moya (born May 23, 1998), better known as Steve Lacy, is an American guitarist, bassist, singer-songwriter, and record producer. He was born in Compton, California and gained recognition as a member of the Grammy-nominated R&B band, The Internet, in 2015. In February 2017, Lacy released his debut project, a song-series, titled Steve Lacy's Demo.
  • Kehlani
    16

    Kehlani

    238 votes
    Kehlani Ashley Parrish (born April 24, 1995) is an American singer, songwriter and dancer, signed to Atlantic Records. Kehlani is originally from Oakland, California, where she achieved initial fame as a member of the teen group Poplyfe. In 2014, she released her first commercial mixtape, Cloud 19. The mixtape was listed as one of the Complex's "50 Best Albums of 2014." In 2015, Kehlani released her second commercial mixtape, You Should Be Here. The mixtape debuted at number 5 on the national R&B/Hip-Hop chart, preceded from her sold-out North American promotional tour. In 2016, she was nominated for the Grammy Award for Best Urban Contemporary Album for You Should Be Here. Kehlani released her first major-label debut album, SweetSexySavage on January 27, 2017.
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  • Mary J. Blige
    17

    Mary J. Blige

    208 votes
    Mary J. Blige, an iconic figure in the music industry, is best known for her soulful voice and her profound influence on the evolution of R&B music. Born on January 11, 1971 in The Bronx, New York, Blige's journey to stardom began at a young age when she signed with Uptown Records in 1989, making her the youngest and first female artist on the label. Her debut album What's the 411? released in 1992, was a commercial success that not only catapulted her career but also revolutionized the R&B genre by blending soulful melodies with hip-hop beats. Blige's discography is a testament to her longevity and versatility as an artist. Throughout her career, she has released over a dozen studio albums, eight of which have achieved multi-platinum status worldwide. Among her most notable works are My Life, which Rolling Stone ranked as one of the 500 greatest albums of all time, and The Breakthrough, which earned her multiple Grammy awards including Best R&B Album. Beyond her success as a recording artist, Blige has also made significant strides in acting, earning critical acclaim for her roles in films like Mudbound and TV shows like The Umbrella Academy. Despite facing personal and professional challenges, Blige's resilience is evident in her work. Her music often reflects her experiences, resonating with audiences and earning her the title "Queen of Hip-Hop Soul." Blige's contributions to music have been recognized with numerous accolades, including multiple Grammy Awards, American Music Awards, and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. A trailblazer in every sense, Mary J. Blige's indelible impact on the music industry continues to inspire artists and listeners alike.
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  • Miguel
    18

    Miguel

    222 votes
    Miguel Jontel Pimentel (born October 23, 1985) is an American singer, songwriter and record producer. Raised in San Pedro, California, he began pursuing a music career at age thirteen. After signing to Jive Records in 2007, Miguel released his debut studio album, All I Want Is You, in November 2010. Although it was underpromoted upon its release, the album became a sleeper hit and helped Miguel garner commercial standing.After Jive's dissolution in 2011, he moved to RCA Records and released his second studio album, Kaleidoscope Dream, in 2012 to critical acclaim. In June 2015, Miguel released his third studio album, Wildheart, which also received critical acclaim. In 2017, his fourth studio album War & Leisure was released to further acclaim. Miguel incorporates R&B, funk, hip hop, rock and electronic styles into his music, and has been compared to vocalists Babyface and Prince.
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  • Ella Mai
    19

    Ella Mai

    203 votes
    Ella Mai Howell (born November 3, 1994) is an English singer and songwriter. She is signed to DJ Mustard's label 10 Summers Records and has released three extended plays. Her most recent EP, Ready, was released in February 2017 and featured the single "Boo'd Up", which was released in 2018. Her debut album, Ella Mai, was released on 12 October 2018.
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  • Coco Jones
    20

    Coco Jones

    153 votes
    Courtney "Coco" Jones (born January 8, 1998) is an American singer, songwriter, musician, dancer and actress. She was born in Columbia, South Carolina, but raised in Lebanon, Tennessee. Jones rose to prominence starring in the Disney Channel film, Let It Shine and TV series Good Luck Charile. Jones was featured on Radio Disney's Next Big Thing, or N.B.T.. Jones was formerly signed with Hollywood Records. Jones released her debut single "Holla at the DJ," followed by her extended play, Made Of.
  • John Legend
    21

    John Legend

    171 votes
    John Legend, born as John Roger Stephens in Springfield, Ohio, is an acclaimed American singer-songwriter and musician recognized worldwide for his soulful voice and thought-provoking lyrics. Legend's journey towards fame began when he was just four years old, singing gospel songs in his church choir. His musical abilities were further honed during his time at the University of Pennsylvania, where he directed a co-ed jazz and pop a cappella group. Legend's breakthrough came when he was introduced to then up-and-coming hip-hop artist Kanye West, leading to collaborations that would eventually propel him into the limelight. His debut album, Get Lifted, released under West's GOOD Music label, won him his first Grammy Award for Best R&B Album. This marked the beginning of Legend's successful career, which has seen him release multiple hit singles and albums, earning him numerous awards, including an Oscar, a Tony, and multiple Grammys, making him one of the few artists to achieve the coveted EGOT status. Aside from his music career, Legend is also known for his philanthropy work and social activism. He launched the Show Me Campaign in 2007, an initiative that focuses on education as a key to break the cycle of poverty. He has also used his platform to speak out on issues such as criminal justice reform, education inequality, and other social issues. Despite his fame and success, Legend remains grounded, continuously using his influence to effect positive change in society.
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  • Ari Lennox
    22

    Ari Lennox

    170 votes
    Courtney Shanade Salter (born March 26, 1991), better known by her stage name Ari Lennox, is an American singer and songwriter from Washington, D.C. She is signed to J. Cole's record label, Dreamville Records. On July 21, 2015, she was featured on Omen's album Elephant Eyes on the track "Sweat it Out". On December 8, it was announced that she, as well as Carolina rapper Lute, was signed to Dreamville Records. She made an appearance on the collaborative album Revenge of the Dreamers II, on the track "Backseat" with Cozz. On October 21, 2016, she released her debut EP titled Pho. Ari Lennox later appeared on J. Cole's song "Change", and performed as an opening act on the 4 Your Eyez Only Tour during 2017. In 2018, she went on to guest feature on two songs with her label-mates: EarthGang on "Nothing but the Best", and Bas on "Iracus". On July 16, 2018, Ari Lennox releases the first single, “Whipped Cream”, for her debut album, with an accompanied music video on September 5.
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  • Ty Dolla $ign
    23
    Tyrone William Griffin Jr. (born April 13, 1985), known professionally as Ty Dolla Sign (stylized as Ty Dolla $ign or Ty$), is an American singer, songwriter, rapper, and record producer. He first gained major recognition in 2010 for his guest feature on YG's "Toot It and Boot It", which he had written and produced for Def Jam Recordings. In the summer of 2013, he signed a record deal with Wiz Khalifa's Taylor Gang Records. In November 2015, he released his debut studio album, Free TC, which peaked at number 14 on the Billboard 200. Ty Dolla Sign is known for his songs "Paranoid", "Or Nah", and "Blasé", as well as his writing contributions to "Loyal", "Post to Be", "FourFiveSeconds", and "Psycho", which was his first track to hit number one on the Billboard Hot 100. Aside from his solo music career, Ty Dolla Sign is also a member of production team D.R.U.G.S., alongside Chordz 3D, Buddah Shampoo, Nate 3D, James Koo, Fuego, and DJ Dahi.
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  • Victoria Monét
    24
    Victoria Monét McCants (born May 1, 1989) is an American singer, songwriter, and record producer. She became involved in performing arts at a young age, singing in the youth choir at her church, and performing in a city dance team. She soon took to writing and began working with producer Rodney Jerkins. Previously signed to Atlantic Records, Monét released her debut EP Nightmares & Lullabies: Act 1 in 2014 and her follow-up EP Nightmares & Lullabies: Act 2 in 2015. Monét would follow this with the Life After Love, Pt. 1 and Life After Love Pt. 2 EPs in February and September 2018 respectively. Part one of her debut album, Jaguar, was released on August 7, 2020. Monét has written songs for many artists, including Nas, Ariana Grande, Fifth Harmony, T.I., GOOD Music, Lupe Fiasco, Chrisette Michele, Coco Jones, Chris Brown, and Dirty Money. In 2019, Monét received two Grammy Award nominations for Album of the Year for her work on Grande's Thank U, Next and Record of the Year for "7 Rings."
  • Chlöe
    25

    Chlöe

    185 votes
    Chloe Elizabeth Bailey (born July 1, 1998), known mononymously as Chlöe, is an American singer, songwriter, actress, dancer and record producer. She is best known for being one half of the musical duo Chloe x Halle with her sister Halle Bailey, together earning five Grammy Award nominations since 2018. In 2021, she released "Have Mercy" as the lead single from her upcoming solo debut studio album.
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  • Jazmine Sullivan
    26
    Jazmine Marie Sullivan (born April 9, 1987) is an American singer-songwriter. Born and raised in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, her debut album, Fearless, was released in 2008 to commercial and critical success. The record topped Billboard's Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart and was certified gold by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). It spawned four singles, including "Need U Bad" and "Bust Your Windows", both of which peaked in the top 40 of the Billboard Hot 100 chart and the former of which became Sullivan's first and only number one on the Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart. Sullivan followed this with her second studio album, Love Me Back, in 2010, which was received favorably by critics. Sullivan has received one Billboard Women in Music Award, two Soul Train Music Awards and two BET Awards over the course of her career. She has also received 15 Grammy nominations, tying with Björk as the female artist with the most Grammy nominations without winning.
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  • Jorja Smith
    27

    Jorja Smith

    125 votes
    Jorja Smith (born June 11, 1997) is an English singer from Walsall, West Midlands. She has independently released numerous singles and one extended play, Project 11 (2016), and is known for her guest appearances on the songs "Jorja Interlude" and "Get It Together" from Canadian rapper Drake's album More Life (2017). In 2018, Smith won the Brit Critics' Choice Award.
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  • Tinashe
    28

    Tinashe

    110 votes
    Tinashe Jorgensen Kachingwe (; born February 6, 1993) is an American singer, songwriter, dancer, record producer, and actress. Born in Lexington, Kentucky, Tinashe moved to Los Angeles as a child to pursue a career in entertainment. Her notable roles included as a motion-capture model in the animated film The Polar Express (2004), Robin Wheeler in the Cartoon Network television series Out of Jimmy's Head (2007–2008), and a recurring role in the CBS series Two and a Half Men (2008–2009). Between 2007 and 2011, Tinashe was a member of the girl group the Stunners. Following their disbandment, she released the positively-reviewed self-recorded mixtapes In Case We Die (2012) and Reverie (2012). Following their success, Tinashe signed with RCA Records and released her third mixtape, Black Water (2013). Her debut single, "2 On", reached number one on the Rhythmic airplay chart, and peaked at number 24 on the Billboard Hot 100. Her debut studio album, Aquarius (2014), was noted by music critics as one of the most “solid” debuts by a new female artist in years. The album garnered her nominations for Soul Train and BET Awards. Her collaboration with Snakehips and Chance the Rapper, "All My Friends", won the Ivor Novello Award for Best Contemporary Song in 2016. Tinashe's second studio album Nightride (2016) reached number 8 on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart in the US. Joyride (2018), her third studio album, peaked at number 58 on the Billboard 200 chart and reached number 6 on the UK R&B Albums chart. Tinashe describes her music as "rhythmic pop" that explores the genres of alternative R&B, pop, and hip hop.
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  • Mariah the Scientist
    29
    Mariah the Scientist is an R&B artist from Atlanta, GA. As of 2019, she is signed to RCA Records.
  • Anderson .Paak
    30
    Brandon Paak Anderson (born February 8, 1986), better known by his stage name Anderson Paak, is an American musician and record producer from Oxnard, California. He released his debut album, O.B.E. Vol. 1 in 2012, under the pseudonym Breezy Lovejoy. He went on to release Venice in 2014, under his current moniker. Paak followed with Malibu, in 2016, which received a nomination for Best Urban Contemporary Album at the Grammy Awards. Apart from his solo career, Paak is also one-half of NxWorries, alongside record producer Knxwledge. He is accompanied by the band The Free Nationals, who play a variety of instruments such as electric guitar, bass, piano, keyboards and drums and also serve as backing vocalists.
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  • Teyana Taylor
    31

    Teyana Taylor

    136 votes
    Teyana Me Shay Jacqueli Taylor (born December 10, 1990) is an American singer, actress, dancer, and model from Harlem, New York City. In 2005, Taylor signed a record deal with American musician Pharrell Williams' Star Trak Entertainment imprint, before making her first national appearance on MTV's My Super Sweet 16. In 2012, she signed to Kanye West's GOOD Music label through Def Jam, after asking for her release from Star Trak. As an aspiring songwriter, Taylor has worked with and written records for artists such as Usher, Chris Brown, and Omarion. Taylor has appeared on runways during Fashion Week and has also landed high-profile features, such as on Kanye West’s My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy. She stars in the VH1 reality television show Teyana and Iman, alongside her husband, NBA player Iman Shumpert.
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  • Normani
    32

    Normani

    128 votes
    Normani Kordei Hamilton (born May 31, 1996), recording mononymously as Normani, is an American singer, songwriter and dancer. She is a former member of the girl group Fifth Harmony. In 2017, she was a contestant in season 24 of Dancing with the Stars. Her first single as a soloist, the 2018 duet "Love Lies" with Khalid, recorded for the film Love, Simon, reached number 9 on the US Billboard Hot 100. Normani later featured on songs from Jessie Reyez and Quavo. She also collaborated with Calvin Harris on the two-single EP Normani x Calvin Harris, and released the single "Waves" featuring 6lack in November 2018. Her song with Sam Smith, "Dancing with a Stranger" was released in January 2019. Normani's debut solo album is set to be released in early 2019 by RCA/Keep Cool Records.
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  • Trey Songz
    33

    Trey Songz

    145 votes
    Tremaine Aldon Neverson, famously known as Trey Songz, is a highly celebrated American singer, songwriter, and actor. Born on November 28, 1984, in Petersburg, Virginia, he displayed keen interest in music from a young age. His talent was evident during his early adolescence when he began performing, gaining recognition for his vocal prowess. Trey took his first major step towards stardom when he signed with Atlantic Records in 2003. His debut album, I Gotta Make It, released in 2005, set the stage for his illustrious music career. The album made its mark on the Billboard 200, setting Trey Songz up as an artist to watch. His subsequent albums such as ‚Trey Day‚ Ready, Passion, Pain & Pleasure‚ further established him as a significant figure in the R&B genre. His 2012 album Chapter V debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 chart, underscoring his rising influence in the music industry. Besides his musical pursuits, Trey also ventured into acting. He made his acting debut in the drama series Lincoln Heights and later appeared in films like Texas Chainsaw 3D and Baggage Claim. Despite his success in music and acting, Trey has never lost sight of his roots. He founded the Angels With Heart Foundation, a charity aimed at engaging his fans in acts of kindness and charitable work. Trey Songz's diverse talent and his commitment to giving back to the community truly make him a multi-faceted star.
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  • Don Toliver
    34

    Don Toliver

    27 votes
    Caleb Zackery Toliver (born 1994), known professionally as Don Toliver, is an American rapper, singer, and songwriter. He released his first major label mixtape, Donny Womack, in August 2018.
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  • Muni Long
    35

    Muni Long

    116 votes
    Priscilla Renea Hamilton (born September 14, 1988), also known under the pseudonym Muni Long, is an American singer and songwriter. In the late 2000s, she was signed to Capitol Records, and released her debut album, Jukebox (2009). In 2018, she released her second album, Coloured (via Thirty Tigers/Sony Music); both under her birth name. During the 2010s, she began writing/co-writing songs for other recording artists, including the singles "California King Bed" by Rihanna, "Worth It" by Fifth Harmony, Kelly Clarkson's "Love So Soft", "Imagine" by Ariana Grande, and Pitbull's "Timber" featuring Kesha; with the latter reaching number one in multiple countries, including the United States and the United Kingdom. She has also co-written songs for Ariana Grande, Mariah Carey, Madonna, and Mary J. Blige, among others. She later adopted the stage name "Muni Long" (pronounced "money long"). In 2021, she received a Grammy nomination for her work on the album Back of My Mind by H.E.R.
  • Lucky Daye
    36

    Lucky Daye

    111 votes
    David Debrandon Brown, better known by his stage name Lucky Daye, is an American singer and songwriter from New Orleans, Louisiana. He is signed to the RCA joint venture label Keep Cool and released his first EP on the label titled I on November 9, 2018, and his second EP, II, on February 6, 2019. The EP's are part of a series leading up to his debut album Painted, which is set for release in 2019.
  • Queen Naija
    37

    Queen Naija

    107 votes
    Queen Naija (born October 17, 1995), known professionally as Queen Naija, is an American singer and songwriter. In December, she self-released the song "Medicine". She was an unsigned social media star, but the song made a No. 45 debut on the Billboard Hot 100 for the week of April 10, 2018. In June 2018, she released her second single, "Karma", this time as a signed artist to Capitol Records. On its release day, the song reached #1 overall on the iTunes charts.
  • Bryson Tiller
    38

    Bryson Tiller

    12 votes
    Bryson Djuan Tiller (born January 2, 1993), is an American singer, songwriter and rapper. Tiller initially gained notable recognition following the release of his debut single, "Don't", and his debut studio album, Trapsoul.
  • Kiana Ledé
    39

    Kiana Ledé

    71 votes
    Kiana Ledé Brown (born April 3, 1997) is an American singer, songwriter, actress and pianist currently based in Los Angeles, California. She starred as Zoe Vaughn on the second season of MTV's horror series Scream. Ledé also starred as Veronica Washington on Netflix's original series All About the Washingtons. Kiana's debut album, Kiki, was released on April 3, 2020, to commercial and critical success.
  • Usher
    40

    Usher

    7 votes
    Usher Raymond IV, known mononymously as Usher, is an internationally recognized American singer, songwriter, dancer, and actor. Born on October 14, 1978, in Dallas, Texas, Usher developed a passion for singing at a young age, participating in local talent shows and church choir which led him to pursue a career in the music industry. Usher's professional journey kicked off when he signed with LaFace Records at just 14 years old, releasing his self-titled debut album in 1994. Despite a lukewarm reception to his initial release, Usher persevered, achieving significant commercial success with his second album My Way in 1997, which spawned the Billboard Hot 100 number-one hit "Nice & Slow". His 2004 album Confessions established him as one of the best-selling musical artists of the 2000s, selling over 20 million copies worldwide and earning him his first Grammy Award. Not only recognized for his musical prowess, Usher has also made notable contributions in acting and philanthropy. He has appeared in several films and TV series, including The Faculty, She's All That, and In the Mix. In 1999, he founded New Look Foundation, a non-profit organization aimed at providing comprehensive education and career development to underprivileged youth.
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  • dvsn
    41

    dvsn

    13 votes
    Dvsn (stylized as dvsn and pronounced "division") is a Canadian R&B duo, composed of Daniel Daley and Nineteen85. The duo is signed to OVO Sound. On May 5, 2017, dvsn released "Think About Me" as the lead single from their second album. A month later, "Don't Choose" was released as the second single. On August 9, 2017, dvsn announced that Morning After would be the title of their next album. A new single, titled "Mood" was released on September 4, 2017. The next day, dvsn revealed that the album will be released October 13, 2017. Morning After was made available for preorder on September 22, 2017.
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  • FKA twigs
    42

    FKA twigs

    83 votes
    Tahliah Debrett Barnett, known by the stage name FKA twigs, is a British singer, songwriter, producer and dancer. She was born and raised in Gloucestershire, and became a backup dancer after moving to London when she was 17 years old. Barnett first entered the music industry with the release of her extended plays EP1 and EP2. Her debut studio album LP1 peaked at number 16 on the UK Albums Chart and number 30 on the U.S. Billboard 200.
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  • Snoh Aalegra
    43

    Snoh Aalegra

    92 votes
    Snoh Sheri Nowrozi (born Shahrzad Fooladi, September 13, 1987), better known by her stage name, Snoh Aalegra, is a Swedish singer and songwriter based in Los Angeles. Her debut album Feels was released in 2017, followed by Ugh, Those Feels Again in 2019 and Temporary Highs in the Violet Skies in 2021.
  • YEBBA
    44

    YEBBA

    62 votes
    Yebba is an American Grammy-award-winning singer and songwriter from West Memphis, Arkansas. She first became known for her backing vocal performance on Chance the Rapper's SNL performance of the song "Same Drugs" in 2016 and releasing her debut single "Evergreen" in 2017. She has also collaborated with a number of artists, including PJ Morton, Sam Smith, Mark Ronson, Stormzy and Ed Sheeran.
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  • Leon Bridges
    45

    Leon Bridges

    86 votes
    Todd Michael Bridges (born July 13, 1989) known professionally as Leon Bridges, is an American gospel and soul singer, songwriter and record producer from Fort Worth, Texas. He is best known for his song "Coming Home", which received regular airplay and was also a Top 10 Most Viral Track on Spotify. Bridges' debut album, also titled Coming Home, was released on June 23, 2015, on Columbia Records.
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  • Ann Marie
    46

    Ann Marie

    62 votes
    Joann Marie Slater (born November 20, 1995), known professionally as Ann Marie, is an American singer signed to Interscope Records. She is best known for her single "Secret", which has garnered over 50 million views on YouTube and peaked at number 22 on the Billboard Hot R&B Songs chart. Her debut EP Pretty Psycho was released on July 10, 2019.
  • JoJo
    47

    JoJo

    79 votes
    JoJo, born Joanna Noëlle Levesque on December 20, 1990, is a multi-talented American artist known for her vocal prowess and versatility in the entertainment industry. Raised in Foxborough, Massachusetts, JoJo demonstrated an early passion for music and performance, which led to her signing with Blackground Records at the tender age of twelve. She quickly gained recognition with her debut single "Leave (Get Out)" in 2004, which not only topped the Billboard Pop Songs chart but also earned her the distinction of being the youngest solo artist to have a number-one single in the United States. JoJo's career trajectory was not without its challenges. Following the success of her first two albums, JoJo in 2004 and The High Road in 2006, she found herself embroiled in a protracted legal battle with her record label that prevented her from releasing new music for nearly a decade. Despite this setback, she used this period to hone her songwriting skills and explore her artistic identity. In 2014, she won her freedom from the record label and immediately signed with Atlantic Records, marking a new chapter in her career. In the subsequent years, JoJo went on to release multiple successful albums including Mad Love in 2016 and Good to Know in 2020, both of which received critical acclaim for their mature themes and JoJo's vocal performances. Apart from her singing career, JoJo has also showcased her acting chops in several TV shows and films such as Aquamarine and RV. Her journey underlines her determination, resilience, and sheer talent, making her a compelling figure in contemporary pop culture.
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  • Lizzo
    48

    Lizzo

    164 votes
    Melissa Jefferson (born April 27, 1988), better known by her stage name Lizzo, is an American alternative hip hop artist based in Minneapolis, Minnesota. She is a founding member of indie hip hop groups The Chalice, Grrrl Prty, The Clerb, Ellypseas, and Absynthe. Her debut album, Lizzobangers, was released in 2013. Two years later, Lizzobangers was followed by Big Grrrl Small World in 2015, which, only one year later, was followed with the 2016 major-label EP Coconut Oil.
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  • Yung Bleu
    49

    Yung Bleu

    91 votes
    Jeremy Biddle (born April 4, 1994), known professionally as Yung Bleu, is an American rapper and singer. He is best known for his 2020 single "You're Mines Still", which peaked at number 18 on the Billboard Hot 100 after it was remixed by Drake.
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  • Sabrina Claudio
    50
    Sabrina Claudio (born September 19, 1996) is an American singer and songwriter. In late 2016, Claudio uploaded several songs to SoundCloud, before compiling a select collection as part of her debut extended play, Confidently Lost, which was released independently in March 2017. Her single "Unravel Me" peaked at number 22 on the Billboard Twitter Emerging Artists chart, and her single "Belong to You" peaked at number 2 on the same. Her debut mixtape, About Time was released on October 5, 2017. It peaked at number 13 on Billboard's Top R&B Albums chart.
  • Pink Sweat$
    51

    Pink Sweat$

    75 votes
    Pink Sweats (stylized Pink Sweat$), is an American singer and songwriter from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He is managed by Thrice Cooked Media. He released his first EP Volume 1 on November 2, 2018, after the single "Honesty" started to gain buzz, reaching #23 on Spotify's Global Viral Chart and #10 on Spotify's US Viral Chart, and tallied over 2 million streams in under 8 weeks.
  • DaniLeigh
    52

    DaniLeigh

    86 votes
    DaniLeigh (born December 20, 1994) is a Dominican singer and rapper from South Florida who currently resides in Los Angeles. She is best known for her songs "All I Know" and "Lil Bebe."
  • Alina Baraz
    53

    Alina Baraz

    73 votes
    Alina Baraz (born September 24, 1993) is an American singer and songwriter from Cleveland, Ohio. During 2015, Baraz and electronic producer Galimatias released a collaborative EP together titled Urban Flora through Ultra Music after discovering each other's work online. The EP was met with positive reception and streaming success. Since 2016 Baraz has been working to create her debut solo studio album and has released her first solo singles.
  • Luke James
    54

    Luke James

    65 votes
    Luke James Boyd, better known as Luke James, is an American singer-songwriter. Born in New Orleans, Louisiana, he began his musical career singing background for R&B artist Tyrese and later writing songs for recording artists such as Chris Brown, Britney Spears, Keri Hilson and Justin Bieber. Under the management of record producer Danja, James released his first mixtape, #Luke, in 2011. The mixtape's critically acclaimed single "I Want You" earned him a Best R&B Performance nomination at the 56th Annual Grammy Awards. Like the first project, he released his second mixtape, Whispers in the Dark, as a free music download in 2012. His self-titled debut studio album was released on September 23, 2014.
  • Sevyn Streeter
    55
    Amber Denise "Sevyn" Streeter (born July 7, 1986) is an American singer and songwriter, best known for being a member of the girl groups TG4 and RichGirl where she was known as Se7en. She signed to Atlantic Records and released her debut single "I Like It" in 2012. Her debut extended play Call Me Crazy, But... was released on December 3, 2013. It sold over 17,000 copies within its first week and spawning her first top 40 hit single "It Won't Stop", and "Next". The single achieved gold certification from RIAA marking it as her biggest selling single to date. In 2015, her first extended play (EP) Shoulda Been There, Pt. 1 was released. The extended play was preceded by two singles "Don't Kill the Fun" and "Shoulda Been There". Her debut studio album Girl Disrupted was released on July 7, 2017. The album has been preceded by the release of five singles "Prolly", "My Love for You", "D4L", "Before I Do" and "Fallen". She has written songs for artists Chris Brown, Alicia Keys, and Usher.
  • PJ Morton
    56

    PJ Morton

    54 votes
    PJ Morton is an American R&B singer, musician, producer and one of the keyboardists in the pop rock band Maroon 5. On March 27, 2012, Morton released his first solo recording, the free EP Following My First Mind, on Lil Wayne's Young Money label. Adam Levine was featured on the lead single, "Heavy"; other musicians on the EP include Lil Wayne, Jazmine Sullivan and Chantae Cann. On May 14, 2013, Morton released his first major-label debut album, New Orleans.
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  • Layton Greene
    57
    Layton Greene is an American singer and songwriter from East St. Louis, Illinois. She is signed to Quality Control Music and Universal Music Group. Her debut EP, Tell Ya Story, was released on September 9, 2019. Greene is Quality Control Music's first R&B artist.
  • Jon Batiste
    58

    Jon Batiste

    45 votes
    Jonathan Michael Batiste (born November 11, 1986) is an American musician, bandleader, and television personality. He has recorded and performed with artists in various genres of music (Stevie Wonder, Prince, Willie Nelson, Lenny Kravitz, Ed Sheeran, Roy Hargrove, and Mavis Staples), released his own recordings, and performed in more than 40 countries. Batiste regularly tours with his band Stay Human, and appears with them nightly as bandleader and musical director on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert since 2015. Batiste also serves as the music director of The Atlantic and the Creative Director of the National Jazz Museum in Harlem. In 2020, he co-composed the score for the Pixar animated film Soul, for which he received an Academy Award, a Golden Globe Award, and a BAFTA Film Award (all shared with Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross). As of 2021, Batiste has garnered 14 Grammy Award nominations.
  • Amber Mark
    59

    Amber Mark

    50 votes
    Amber Mark is an American R&B singer-songwriter and producer from New York City, New York. In 2018, Mark quickly gained popularity with her single "Put You On" featuring DRAM.
  • INAYAH
    60

    INAYAH

    69 votes
    Inayah Lamis is an American R&B singer, songwriter, and social media personality who rose to stardom in May 2018 following her remake of Ella Mai's track, Boo'd Up. She released her debut album S.O.L.A.R. (2019) and Side A - EP (2021) through EMPIRE and Inayahlator Enterprises.