In 2025, R&B experienced something of a renaissance.
Thanks to the success of singers like Kehlani, Mariah the Scientist, and Olivia Dean—each of whom scored top-40 hits—the genre began to feel dominant again, moving away from the icy, trap-inspired sound that had defined the space for so long.
A warmer, more nostalgic, throwback approach is taking hold, with younger artists intentionally separating themselves from some of the themes featured in contemporary rap. And despite broader societal anxiety around love and sex, that tension isn’t reflected in the music itself, which often feels passionate, sincere, and thoughtful.
In this year’s list of breakout singers, we’ve noticed a return to romance rather than an embrace of the casual fling. We’re also seeing the UK give rise to some of the brightest new stars in the genre. As we enter an era in which human artists will increasingly be measured against AI-generated singers—many of whom operate squarely within R&B—now feels like an especially important time for R&B.
And, just durgding by the names on this list, we couldn’t be more domestic. Here are 10 R&B artists to watch in 2026.
kwn
For fans of: 6lack, Syd, PARTYNEXTDOOR
Listen to these songs first: “worst behaviour,” Feat. Kehlani, “back of the club,” “do what i say”
Last Valentine’s Day, UK singer kwn (pronounced kay-wuhn) dropped the video for “Worst Behaviour,” which ends with an extended, passionate makeout session with the song’s guest singer, Kehlani.
The moment helped propel a track that had been buzzing since the fall into one of the year’s breakout R&B hits. It’s not just the video; the song itself is steamy and naughty—the perfect introduction to kwn, who knows how to merge the sensual with the audacious, often singing about sex with a blunt, take-your-girl intensity, carried by a voice that’s soft and disarming. —Dimas Sanfiorenzo
Odeal
For fans of: Brent Faiyaz, SiR, Omar Apollo
Listen to these songs first: “Miami” Feat. Leon Thomas, “London Summers,” “Nights in the Sun” Feat. Wizkid
Music comes in seasons, and last year Odeal had enough to hold down multiple. The Summer That Saved Me and The Fall That Saved Us arrived within four months of each other, but they’re distinct projects. Summer leans into upbeat, global, outside energy, while the follow-up is more introspective, pensive, and soulful. Both are excellent—and together, they point to even bigger things ahead, with the singer set to tour with Summer Walker later this year. —Dimas Sanfiorenzo
EJ Jones
For fans of: Otis Redding, Bobby Womack, Durand Bernarr
Listen to these songs first: “Gas Station Love,” “Too Good”
EJ Jones’ Otis Redding-esque vocals create a head-turning time capsule effect, with his breakout track “Gas Station Love” offering a glimpse of what’s to come for the Quality Control-signed artist. Blending smooth, seductive R&B with old-school soul, Jones’ commanding presence and scintillating runs pave the way for his pop sensibilities, especially on his debut single, “Too Good.”
Yet it’s “Gas Station Love” that stands as his defining effort so far—one that could have your uncle wondering whether he’s hearing a classic from decades past or today’s newest hit. —Jon Barlas
dexter in the newsagent
For fans of: Frank Ocean, PinkPantheress, Arlo Parks
Listen to these songs first: “eighteen,” “special,” “with u”
There’s something in the UK water.
Just as dominant as the country’s underground rap scene has been, there’s a real movement happening on the R&B side too—as you can tell from this list. One of the most exciting prospects is dexter in the newsagent, who has been releasing soft, acoustic-leaning ballads since the prime pandemic era.
She took things to the next level last year with her gorgeous debut Time Flies, released after her father died. It’s not a downbeat album; it’s actually uplifting, driven by vivid songwriting and an analogue, infectious strain of bedroom pop. —Dimas Sanfiorenzo
JayDon
For fans of: Usher, Chris Brown, Ne-Yo
Listen to these songs first: “I'll Be Good,” “Jealous Of The Moon,” “Brand New”
At just 18, JayDon has already had a performing career spanning nearly a decade.
He began as JD McCrary, performing Jackson 5 covers so potent they caught the attention of Childish Gambino, who brought him onto the Grammy stage; by 2019 he was the singing voice of Simba in The Lion King remake.
Now, with guidance from Usher, JayDon is transitioning into a solo artist; his mixtape Me My Songs & I was an unapologetically warm and danceable R&B album that sounds like it could have been recorded in 2002. —Dimas Sanfiorenzo
Gabriel Jacoby
For fans of: CeeLo Green, Anthony Hamilton, D'Angelo
Listen to these songs first: “the one,” “be careful,” “bootleg”
Let’s start with Gabriel Jacoby’s voice—smoky, raspy, and unmistakably Southern. Last year, he released gutta child, an eight-song project that showcases a wide palette of sounds.
Most tracks are driven by deep guitar grooves and punchy, funky horns, while Jacoby, who was born in South Carolina, hits notes that would make CeeLo Green turn his head. What makes gutta child a success is its versatility. You have a track like “Bootleg,” led by hyperactive Spanish-style guitar and cowbells that create an almost frantic pace; but then you also have a song like “Be Careful,” which slows things down—a molasses-thick, emotionally uplifting ballad. —Dimas Sanfiorenzo
Pimmie
For fans of: SZA, Kehlani, Snoh Aalegra
Listen to these songs first: “PIMMIE’S DILEMMA,” “I’m Not Ready,” “One Deep”
On track eight of Drake and PND’s album Some Sexy Songs 4 U, a mysterious, ethereal singer makes an appearance.
The song, called“PIMMIE’S DILEMMA,” reminded fans of Drake’s early co-sign of Yebba—but in reality, it marks the introduction of Houston-based Pimmie. She pairs soulful vocals with a lo-fi texture on tracks like “3 am things” and “Over Freestyle,” where her vocal runs and falsettos are pure ear candy.
Her songwriting is equally sharp, cutting through the toxicity and emotional numbness that define many modern relationships. She explores the space between hollow hookups and persistent trust issues with a rare, incisive sensitivity. —Antonio Johri
Isaia Huron
For fans of: Lucky Daye, Jordan Ward, Destin Conrad
Listen to these songs first: “SEE RIGHT THROUGH ME” Feat. Kehlani, “THE EVERYTHING SONG,” “UNSURE”
Isaia Huron has an instinctual knack for melody.
The Greenville-raised singer and multi-instrumentalist has all the makings of R&B’s next big star—shape-shifting between the sultry tones of late-night vibes and pop-leaning anthems. Huron cut his teeth as a drummer before going solo, dropping a handful of EPs since 2020, but his first proper project, CONCUBIANA, feels like he’s nearing his final form.
Tracks like “THOTFUL,” “FIDDY,” and “SEE RIGHT THROUGH ME” with Kehlani swell with moody, turn-down-the-lights energy. Huron’s voice acts as a warm light within the darkness of the bedroom. —Jon Barlas
Jaymin
For fans of: Bryson Tiller, Jacquees, Summer Walker
Listen to these songs first: "Something Real," "Wamu," HELP!
Jaymin has called himself a “rapper at heart,” and you can hear it in some of his flows, which can be jittery and rhythmic. But he doesn’t have the typical rapper persona. He’s a lover boy at his core. “Wamu” is deeply romantic, centering on attentiveness to a partner’s needs, while his breakout “Something Real” carries a similarly devoted tone. —Dimas Sanfiorenzo
Girlfriend
For fans of: Mariah the Scientist, H.E.R., Doja Cat
Listen to these songs first: "Sticky Situation," "Bon Voyage" Feat. Tierra Whack, "Siideways"
“Father Time,” the opening track from Girlfriend’s brisk new album Honey Water, begins with an apology for a drunk dial. “Say shit at the wrong time too often / And it’s not the first time, just like toast / I get kind of rough 'round the edges / Maybe we could toast up to that shit,” she sings.
The moment points to the real issue at hand: Girlfriend is struggling to move on from a past relationship—a tension that drives the album. And narrative is an important word here, because Girlfriend’s strength lies in vivid, often relatable storytelling packed with emotional detail. —Dimas Sanfiorenzo
Bonus Pick: An AI Artist?
For fans of: A lesser version of your favorite R&B singer
Listen to these songs first: Xania Monet, “How Was I Supposed to Know,” Sienna Rose, "Into the Blue"
One of the biggest stories in R&B right now is the rise of AI singers—and the tension that comes with it. Established artists like Kehlani and SZA have spoken out against the trend, but there is still a clear push from the industry, with labels eager to get involved.
These AI singers are appearing all over social media, especially TikTok, whether it’s Sienna Rose—who hasn’t been confirmed as AI but seems likely—or Xania Monet, whose creator reportedly secured a $3 million contract. The idea of a truly AI-driven breakout R&B star may seem more like smoke than mirrors, but it can’t be entirely ruled out. —Dimas Sanfiorenzo