Music Moose

R&B was very much quiet for a majority of the 2010’s, however emerging acts in the later part of the decade have transformed the genre and a responsible for its increased popularity. Here’s a ranking of the best R&B projects of 2020.

10. Scribz Riley – Wish Me Luck

Grammy Award-winning producer, songwriter, singer, and rapper Scribz Riley is usually behind the shadows, but 2020 has seen him step into the limelight and reveal the man behind the pen. Scribz’s first EP ‘Wish Me Luck’ exhibits his versatility and promise as an artist.

9. Ty Dolla $ign – Featuring Ty Dolla $ign

Singer, songwriter, rapper Ty Dolla $ign released his third studio album this year after three years of features and random singles. The album boasts a 25 song track-list, and shows of Ty’s range from trap to gospel. Although the album isn’t predominantly R&B whenever Ty is in that bag he most definitely delivers.

8. Dvsn – A Muse In Her Feelings

OVO sound collective ‘dvsn’ have been around since 2015 and have been underrated for a while now. However, their latest album ‘A Muse In Her Feelings’ seems to find the group push for more mainstream success, especially when taking into consideration the star studded line up.The album is full of modern R&B jams and ballads with solid production throughout.

7. Giveon – Take Time

After his feature on Drake’s ‘Chicago Freestyle’, many took an interest to who this unknown baritone singer was. Since then he has released two EP’s and a has Grammy nomination under his belt. ‘Take Time’ is full of R&B ballads that draw inspiration from 60’s and 70’s Jazz music.

6. THEY. – The Amanda Tape

The R&B duo rose to prominence in 2015 after their collaboration with Skrillex , now releasing their second full-length album this year. The Amanda Tape is a guitar led project full of R&B gems. The duo’s song writing and melodies make you wonder why they don’t get any recognition. Tracks like ‘Play Fight’ are amongst some of the best R&B tracks you’ll hear this year.

5. Jhenè Aiko – Chilombo

‘Chilombo’ is Jhenè’s third studio album and continues the themes of despair, love and independence. The singer takes us on the journey of heartbreak and emerging stronger. Jhenè continues to serve as an integral figure in the R&B community and Chilombo is no short of that.

4. Tiana major9 – At Sixes And Sevens

Last year Tiana featured on the Queen & Slim soundtrack and now nominated for a Grammy. The Newham songwriter is making waves so far in her early career. The songstress style is reminiscent of Jazmine Sullivan and Lauryn Hill, combining jazz, reggae and R&B throughout the EP. Tiana at this rate can certainly push the sound of R&B to the top within the UK.

3. Bryson Tiller – A N N I V E R S A R Y

Three year since his sophomore album, Bryson Tiller dropped his highly anticipated album ‘A N N I V E R S A R Y ’. The album still finds me yearning for more from the Kentucky singer, but he has clearly refined his pen. Tiller has stepped away from his ‘Trap Soul’ sound and more into traditional R&B, which made an enjoyable experience.

2. Kehlani – It Was Good Until It Wasn’t

The songstress has been criticised for going ‘pop’ in the past, but now has returned to her R&B roots for ‘It Was Good Until It Wasn’t’. Kehlani’s latest efforts make some of her best work in recent memory. Tracks like ‘Toxic’ and ‘Everybody’s Business’ show improvement in her song writing ability and potential to snatch the title of R&B princess.

1. Brent Faiyaz – F*ck The World

Grammy nominated artist Brent Faiyaz has been on my radar since his feature on 2016’s ‘Crew’. Brent’s melancholic sound and peculiar song writing make him one of the stand out R&B artists in recent memory. ‘F*ck the World’ gives us a glimpse into the world of Brent as well as smooth 90’s-esque records with his own unique twist.