R&B

Needless to say, 2025 was an eventful year. Thankfully, many R&B artists rose to the occasion with music to get us through each day. Before we dive into our top 25 R&B albums, we would be remiss if we didn’t acknowledge some of the many artists who kept it short but impactful with standout EPs:

RSVP, the supergroup consisting of Ray J, Sammie, Bobby V and Pleasure P, has returned with their new single “Lay You Down.” On the seductive jam, produced by 88Fingaz and Deezle, the R&B gents vividly spell out their intentions in the bedroom with their respective partners. “Girl, I wanna lay you down / We ain’t

Rising R&B sensationJayDon has teamed with his label boss, Usher, for his “Lullaby (mega Remix),” alongside emerging act Paradise. Not only does the remix feature a fresh verse from Usher, but JayDon and Paradise also croon new lyrics, which give the bedroom jam an even moodier touch. Usher kicks things off with a confessional. “Now

Chris Brown‘s collection of RIAA certifications continues to grow. The global R&B star has earned over a half-dozen new awards from the Recording Industry Association of America. His self-titled debut album advances to 4x platinum, with over four million copies sold in the U.S. It now ties Brown’s 2007 album,Exclusive, for his highest-certified album. Several

Dawn Richard is back. The Danity Kane alum has released her new single “A Flex” via Merge Records. On the Katalyst Collective production, Richard confidently flaunts her bedroom skills that keep her man coming back for more.“I’m a very freaky girl / I keep it in the pocket when I twirl / Move it all

A new Ella Mai album is upon us. The Grammy-winning singer has announced her third album,Do You Still Love Me?,releases Feb. 6, 2026, via 10 Summers/Interscope Records. “My 3rd studio album … wow. i cannot believe we are here! this is for the lovers, right in time for love day&right on time for scorpio making

Elijah Blake isn’t willing to let his relationship deteriorate before his eyes. On his new self-penned single “Glass House,” Blake seeks clarity from his partner amid a rough patch.Part of him wants to find a solution to keep their union afloat, while deep down, he wonders if there’s a future between them. “Maybe I could

Kehlani has unveiled the official music video for her latest single “Out The Window.” The Gabe Phoenix and Travis Colbert-directed clip revisits the flair of music videos from the late ’90s and early 2000s. It’s packed with nuggets that make you appreciate visuals from the golden era of R&B even more. From mini-world sets and

Ambré ushers in a new era with her single “She” out via Roc Nation Distribution. Over a slow-burning backdrop, which she co-produced with Louie Lastic, Ambré finds herself caught in a fluctuating relationship that oscillates between closeness and distance. “Give her what she deserves, ooh / Oh, I’m tryna make her comeback / But she

Rising Afro-R&B artistOdealhas released his new EP,The Fall That Saved Us,via OVMBR/LVRN Records. The nine-track set, which follows July’s The Summer That Saved Me, includes collaborations with Afrobeats star Wizkid (“Nights In The Sun”) and multi-instrumentalist Elijah Fox (“Reason”). WhereasThe Summer That Saved Mecaptured the rush of freedom and self-discovery, The Fall That Saved Usis

Rising soul sensation Sekou has released his new mixtape, In A World We Don’t Belong (Pt. 1), via EMI/Republic Records. Anchored by the singles “Catching Bodies” and “Never Gunna Give You Up,” the five-track set captures Sekou’s pursuit of love. On the former, the 21-year-old places commitment over casual flings, while the Barry White-inspired “Never

R&B General Tank has returned with his new song “Control” via R&B Money/BMG. It was produced by Bizness Boi, Abi, Crater, Oh Gosh Leotus and Dylan Hyde. On the silken ballad, which interpolates Janet Jackson‘s 1986 classic of the same name, Tank takes command in the bedroom to deliver a pleasurable experience to his lover.

Q Parker knows a thing or two about romance. As a founding member of the legendary group 112, Parker has voiced some of R&B’s finest romantic songs. From the pleading “Cupid” to the steamy “U Already Know,” Parker has become a subject-matter expert over the last three decades. “Romance is all the things that make

Kevin Ross doesn’t need much for Christmas. The singer-songwriter’s new song “This Winter” unwraps what the holidays truly mean for him. “All I need is love, for Christmas / And that will be enough, for Christmas,” he sings in the chorus. Speaking on “This Winter,” Ross notes, “This song is really about love being the

R&B newcomer Gabriel Jacoby has released his debut EP,Gutta Child, via Pulse Records. The eight-track set is a collection of sounds and influences genetically coded in the Tampa native’s musical DNA. He channels the R&B, funk, hip-hop, and pop of the 2000s into a sound that feels familiar but with a fresh spark. “For my

Ciara is in her Afrobeats bag. The R&B-pop star has teamed with Afropop artists MOLIY and Oxlade for her new song “Nice n’ Sweet.” The three co-wrote it with Courtlin Jabrae, Christopher Chan and Kwaku Etwi. Produced by Shyne and Lucky Jones, “Nice n’ Sweet” is a candy-coated come-on that’s equal parts rhythmic and sensual.

Rising R&B sensation kwn (pronounced kay-wun) has announced the second North American leg of her With All Due Respect Tour. The East London native’s 18-city run launches March 5, 2026, at the Vogue Theatre in Vancouver. From there, she will visit Los Angeles, Houston, Chicago, Philadelphia, Toronto, and more before concluding April 8 in New

Savannah Ré is feeling full of love in her new single “Hold You,” which is out via Matrimony Records. Produced by her husband YogiTheProducer (Chris Brown, Kehlani), “Hold You” embraces the power of touch and the closeness it brings two lovers behind closed doors. “Since I get the chance to hold you / Wish that