15 R&B Artists To Watch In 2025

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R&B may not always be the trendiest genre, but it has remained remarkably consistent. Over the years, it has grown broader in scope, moving past the days of powerhouse belters and classic R&B groups warmly singing about their romantic pursuits. Today, R&B is cooler, sexier, spicier, and more influenced by a mix of genres.

In fact, the genre-blurring nature of modern music makes it difficult to pinpoint exactly what qualifies as R&B anymore. But R&B has become more open to merging with alternative, global, and even electronic sounds.

The singer on our list of R&B artists to watch are carving their own paths, touching multiple genres—from pop to afrobeats to hip-hop. But at their core, what drives their music is the classic essence of R&B—whether through the themes (the complexities of love) or the musical foundations.

From artists like Laila! and Bryant Barnes, who have already amassed large followings, to emerging talents like James Savage and Dajah Dorn, here are 15 R&B singers to watch in 2025.

For fans of: PinkPantheress, Fousheé, Summer Walker

Listen to these songs first: “Not My Problem,” Like That!,” “Want 2”

At just 18 years old, Brooklyn singer and producer Laila! is living proof that the kids are alright. Yes, she was born in the mid-2000—when the likes of Rihanna and Ciara were fresh and baby-faced—but Laila!’s DIY and nostalgic sound pulls from 1990s bedroom R&B, evoking the aura of Aaliyah’s One in a Million and Brandy’s eponymous debut. With a deeply personal but playful approach, Laila! puts pen to page and brings fans into her young world of carefreeness and desire.

After giving early listeners a taste of her perspective on her first EP, In Ctrl!, Laila! followed up the 4-song appetizer with the real yearner anthem “Like That” and the ubiquitous ditty “Not My Problem,” both of which caused a stir on TikTok. If those tracks made Laila! an artist to watch, her debut LP, Gap Year!, solidified her place as one of Gen Z’s most original acts. Stepping out of the shadow of her legendary rapper dad, Yasiin Bey, Laila!—who just announced a headlining tour—is primed to take us back to school with a promising follow-up to her breakthrough year. —Jaelani Turner-Williams

For fans of: Frank Ocean, Steve Lacy, serpentwithfeet

Listen to these songs first: “Spinnin'”, “Nothings Into Signs,” “Pseudo”

Hailing from Nashville, Tennessee, singer-songwriter and instrumentalist Casper Sage blends elements of R&B with indie rock, creating a sound that transcends genre boundaries.

Reminiscent of a Blonde-era Frank Ocean, the southerner brings a relaxed and heartfelt feeling to his music. Songs like the pensive “Distance” and guitar-led “Fallen” intimately capture Sage’s imperfections in love and hopes to make amends for his shortcomings.

After a few early projects, Sage dropped his best work to date with the 2023 EP Synthesis+, an evolution of his earlier rap dabblings and a continuation of the chill soundscapes he’s been playing with. While Sage had a relatively quiet 2024—“Nothings Into Signs” was the highlight—the crooner often showcases at-home recording sessions on TikTok, giving fans hope that his best has yet to be heard. —Jaelani Turner-Williams

For fans of: Daniel Caesar, Givēon, Sampha

Listen to these songs first: “I’d Rather Pretend,” “Is This Love To You,” “Adore You”

Houston-born crooner Bryant Barnes first found a national audience thanks to a number of moving covers that went viral on TikTok. Barnes is good for more than stunning interpretations, though. His voice, which sits in the upper register, is objectively beautiful, his lyrics vulnerable like a diary entry. This is unvarnished, raw music, straight from the heart to the microphone.

On “I’d Rather Pretend,” which eventually emerged as a remix featuring d4vd, is the best introduction to Barnes. The song is a slow-melting piano ballad that finds a sweet spot between James Blake and Sampha. Barnes sings of heartbreak and the inability to see love as anything but a means to this tragic end. He croons: “You're so tempting, but I'm scared/ So I'd rather pretend/ That I don't love you like I do/ 'Cause I don't wanna hurt again.”

His seven-track 2024 EP, VANITY, served as a proper introduction to this lovesick worldview—thematically gut-wrenched but melodically stunning. Will Schube

For fans of: Victoria Monét, Kehlani, Tems

Listen to these songs first: “Dry Cry,” “Sweat (Part ll),” Feat. Sean Paul, “Devastating (Interlude)”

Bringing an island flavor to contemporary R&B is Barbadian vocalist Amanda Reifer. Formerly the sole woman in the 2010s reggae and pop group Cover Drive, Reifer stepped into the spotlight as a solo artist in 2018, the same year the group disbanded. It wasn’t until four years later, though, that Reifer gained worldwide attention for her appearance on Kendrick Lamar’s Mr. Morale & the Big Steppers highlight "Die Hard" alongside Blxst.

Now, in 2024, Reifer is fully in tune with her roots. She’s embraced a newfound maturity on tracks like “In and Out (Interlude),” a smoky nod to the origins of PR&B, and “Colonize,” a sultry midtempo reinterpretation of the 2004 Rupee classic “Tempted to Touch.” Other songs, like “Bitch Like Me (Intro)” and “Devastating (Interlude),” establish Reifer’s dedication to lover’s rock. We officially have high hopes for Reifer’s upcoming debut album, The Reifer Files, which should be coming this year. —Jaelani Turner-Williams

For fans of: Don Toliver, Bryson Tiller, Tinashe

Listen to these songs first: “KEHLANI,” “305,” YOU & I”

Jordan Adetunji hails from Northern Ireland, but the 300 Records signee is deeply familiar with the machinations of American rap and R&B. Adetunji is a true double threat, showcasing dexterous, precise flow patterns with a confident vocal delivery. He’s been releasing songs since 2020, but found genuine mainstream success with his breakthrough track “KEHLANI.”

On the cut, he looks for a girl who’s as bad as Kehlani, a clever referential trick that found success that transcended its initial virality. Adetunji included the track on his early 2025 release, A Jaguar’s Dream, which proves he’s far more than the sole hit single. He plays with dance rhythms, straight ahead R&B, and trap-leaning rap, recruiting industry mainstays like Bryson Tiller, Lil Baby, and Kehlani herself—on the “KEHLANI” remix, of course—to help bolster his biggest moment to date. Will Schube

For fans of: PartyNextDoor, Dvsn, Majid Jordan

Listen to these songs first: “Oakland Pt. 2,” “3AM in Oakland,” “impromptu”

Drake is often credited with inventing the "timestamp" rap song—a tradition that traces back to his major-label debut. So, it only makes sense that one of his latest cosigns is an artist trying to make the “timestamp” R&B song a thing. In 2023, Bay Area singer Karri gained buzz with his moody track "3AM in Oakland," which quickly caught the attention of Drake's camp, specifically Chubbs, who signed him to the imprint PFL.

It’s a perfect fit. Despite his Bay Area origins, Karri fits seamlessly into the mold of coldhearted, trap-inspired R&B that Toronto perfected. His sound is dark and vibey, and his lyrics paint vivid pictures of his complex, sometimes contentious relationships with women. Last month, he dropped Late Night Slider Music: brisk, defiant, and atmospheric. But what stands out is how much of it feels Drake-coded, from the flows to the topics. The EP closes with "415 to the 6," where Karri sings, "A lot of girls I messed with don’t want to keep around, I’m back home, a lot of friends turned foes 'cause I’m litty now."—Dimas Sanfiorenzo

For fans of: SZA, Jhené Aiko, FKA twigs

Listen to these songs first: “POOKIE’S REQUIEM,” “W1LL U L13?,” “WEATHERED”

If you've got the chops, pairing your vocal skills with creative visuals isn’t the worst idea. Case in point: SAILORR, who has found inventive ways to present her breakout breakup single “POOKIE’S REQUIEM” to the world. On From the Block, the Vietnamese singer, rocking black grills, performed in front of a collection of women all dressed in matching pink. She followed that up by performing the song upside down during a recent appearance on On the Radar.

The Florida singer’s voice is a lower octave than you might expect based on the light, bubbly clothes she often wears, but the success of her viral hit proves she knows exactly what she’s doing with it. She’s already dropped a remix with Summer Walker, with both artists unapologetically tackling heartbreak in their own way. SAILORR only has three songs out so far, but we’re excited by what we’re hearing. —Jordan Rose

For fans of: Tiwa Savage, Amaarae, Adekunle Gold

Listen to these songs first: “American Love,” “Ole," Feat. BNXN, "Goosebumps”

Eighteen-year-old Qing Madi has potential to be the next great afrobeats star. The singer, who hails from Benin City, Nigeria, first built a fanbase thanks to her 2022 single, “See Finish,” which found an excited audience on TikTok. Since then, she has continued to deliver the goods in the form of her 2023 self-titled EP, which features standout cuts like “Ole” with BNXN and “American Love.”

Madi, restless to continue cultivating her own unique voice, kicked things off in 2025 with the release of Ali Bomaye, a four-track collection that nevertheless establishes her as one of the most exciting voices in the alternative pop space. The title track is a bouncy club-ready anthem that features vocal flourishes reminiscent of Rihanna, while “Goosebumps” takes its title seriously. The track is a creepy, almost futuristic, built around simple percussive grooves and a warbling synthesizer. At the center stands Qing Madi, confident and sure that huge things are on the horizon.—Will Schube

For fans of: Halle Bailey, Jhené Aiko, H.E.R.

Listen to these songs first: “Bloom,” “Hello,” “Most Wanted”

Aqyila’s music embodies R&B at its core, with songs that fit perfectly in a variety of moods. If you’re looking for a new addition to your "rest and relax" playlist, check out “Bloom,” where she fully embraces romance. Over a lush, soothing beat, she sounds head over heels as she sings:

“Know it's difficult to say "I love you" out loudBeen a minute since I went and took the love routeBut you visit and you kiss away my self-doubtAnd you're closest to the sidewalk when we go out”

For something more upbeat and a little sexier, the Afrobeats-inspired “Most Wanted” delivers, presenting a song that’s breezy and sultry all at once. Aqyila’s voice is soft, but her ability to elongate each note gives her songs weight and depth. We’re excited to hear what’s next from this Toronto singer, but honestly, we’re still playing her 2023 EP For the Better, which showcases her remarkable talent and range. —Jordan Rose

For fans of: Ty Dolla $ign, Chris Brow, Brent Faiyaz

Listen to these songs first: “MUTT,” “ANSWER YOUR PHONE, “FEELINGS ON SILENT,” Feat. Wale

If you’re of a certain age, you probably first came across Leon Thomas through the hit Nickelodeon show Victorious, where he was one of the stars. Even back then, the R&B singer was showing off his impressive vocal chops, hinting at the talent that would fully blossom years later.

Thomas has written for A-list artists like Ariana Grande, Drake, and SZA, but now he’s finally claiming some of those hits for himself. Signed to Ty Dolla $ign’s EZMNY Records imprint, his breakout album MUTT proved he’s not just a great songwriter and producer—he’s also got great vocal presence and the ability to craft engaging songs about the ongoing struggle between love and temptation.—Jordan Rose

For fans of: SZA, Joji, Givēon

Listen to these songs first: “Where'd It Go Wrong?,” “My House Is Not A Home,” “Feel It”

It’s hard to believe d4vd is only 19 with the level of emotional maturity he brings to his music. The singer-songwriter has a special way with words, weaving sweet nothings and deep, dark secrets into every track. He has the ability to transport you to another time and place—whether it’s lifting you up with viral hits like “Here With Me” and “Romantic Homicide,” or letting you wallow in the depths of your emotions. His music isn’t just about feeling something; it’s about thinking deeper, opening up to vulnerability, and reminiscing on moments that resonate. So much so that SZA had the Houston-born, NYC-based artist open up on her SOS Tour last year.

What’s most impressive is that he turned making songs in his sister’s closet on Bandlab into multi-billion-streamed hits in just a few years. And yet, we haven’t even seen him reach his peak. Tracks like the infectiously groovy “Feel It” (which earned a spot on the popular Prime Video series Invincible), the rock-leaning “Fly Away,” and the brooding “The Bridge” from his debut EP Petals to Thorns all showcase d4vd’s versatility and somber yet evocative vocals.

But it’s his ability to live on the fringes of R&B while seamlessly blending multiple genres that’s his greatest superpower. His latest single, “Where’d It Go Wrong?,” might just be his best track to date—marking the beginning of a full-fledged breakout in 2025. —Jon Barlas

For fans of: Joyce Wrice, Ella Mai, Victoria Monét

Listen to these songs first: “Love U 4 Free,” “90's FINE,” “Twice on Sunday”

Hailing from Jacksonville, Florida, Dajah Dorn spent much of her childhood in the church. Now an adult artist, she’s more focused on exploring different shades of R&B than staying rooted in gospel.

Her debut EP, Having My Way, embraces ‘90s-inspired sounds—whether it's the D’Angelo-inspired funk on “When it Comes to Me” or the boom-bap-inspired drums and chants on “90’s Fine”—but with a contemporary twist. The topics and slang are distinctly Gen Z. With lines like “In my soft-girl era, but I’m never soft,” the project centers around self-reliance and replenishing your cup, and not wallowing in heartbreak.

In short, the project is good vibes. It’s also a little mischievous. Check out the track “Only Child,” which is literally about “self love” and includes the lyric, “I’m playing with myself tonight.”

Hey, the album is called Having My Way for a reason. —Dimas Sanfiorenzo

For fans of: Steve Lacy, Mac Miller, James Blake

Listen to these songs first: "Hero," "Hounds," "RIPCORD"

greek—a Virginia-based singer, songwriter and producer who’s scored placements with JID and SoFaygo—scintillates with soulful vocals, otherworldly tracks and a nostalgic feel that courses through his catalog. Nowhere is this more evident than on his sophomore project, Accelerator. Tracks like “RIVER,” “RIPCORD,” “VIRGINIA CREEPER,” and “THERE FOR YOU” all feel personal, crafted with a level of care only an artist with full creative control can achieve.

Producing the entire 10-track project himself, greek weaves riveting guitar solos, soft-key pianos, heavenly falsettos, and groovy “DANCE” cuts into Accelerator, showcasing his raw talent at every turn. —Jon Barlas

For fans of: Daniel Caesar, Charlotte Day Wilson, PartyNextDoor

Listen to these songs first: “Come Find Me,” “Alive,” “Treaty”

It came fast, so you might’ve missed it: James Savage, a Louisville, Kentucky native, got a shoutout on Jack Harlow’s 2023 track “They Don’t Love It” (“James is up next”). A few months later, James released his debut single, Before the First Leaf Falls, opening up to anyone ready to discover his sound.

His barebones catalogue—just enough to get hooked but not so much that it feels overwhelming—showcases a smooth, emotive tone that sits effortlessly atop both fresh, guitar-driven production and rich, drums-heavy beats.

On Treaty," his vocal runs and range evoke PartyNextDoor, but James brings a level of earnestness and vulnerability that sets him apart from the usual R&B tropes. His delivery and lyrics go beyond the typical "toxic, sexy" wordplay of his peers. There's a playfulness in his runs and nuanced production that even dips into Frank Ocean territory—his cadences reminding us that flirtations with melody can make R&B feel fresh and exciting.

Whether you’re a real R&B head or just enjoy diversifying the sounds on your playlists, James Savage should prove worthy of an early investment. —Allison Battinelli

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