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A Beginner’s Guide to R&B: Artists You Should Add To Your Playlist

This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at St. John's chapter.

Over the past few decades, R&B music has become one of the most successful genres in the music industry. Today, we see R&B artists reaching the top of the charts for their outstanding production, creating some of the best hits of all time. If you are looking for suggestions on what R&B artists to get into, I listed some of my favorites and a few of their works that you should definitely add to your playlist!

Brent Faiyaz

Maryland R&B singer Brent Faiyaz, known for his toxic love songs, dropped his latest album this year, Wasteland. Faiyaz never disappoints with his production as he tells a story with his music. Wasteland focuses on Faiyaz’s lustful lifestyle taking a toll on his relationship with the mother of his child. From “VILLAIN’S THEME” to “ANGEL” with the skits in between, you are able to enjoy a vivid experience with each track. This album is an astonishing project by Faiyaz you should check out. 

Dijon

If you are looking for a simple and soothing style of R&B music, singer and producer Dijon is the perfect artist for you. His 2021 studio album, Absolutely contains romantic, animated room sounds as if you were in a private jam session. For instance, the tracks “The Dress” and “God In Wilson” are beautifully written gospel-like songs you should listen to as Dijon takes the style of R&B and innovates it to the next level. 

Tory Lanez

The Canadian rapper and singer’s 2021 album, Alone At Prom deliberately revives the sounds of 80s R&B and pop music as it takes you back in time with each nostalgic track. From the late-night drive anthem, “The Color Violet”, to the 80s prom dance narrative, “Lady of Namek”, we hear electronic dance and new wave music being tied into the modern-day style of R&B. 

Summer Walker

The Atlanta R&B singer, Summer Walker has such an angelic voice that matches the energy of her passionate, loving lyrics. Her groundbreaking 2019 album, Over It, contains her top-charting tracks, “Stretch You Out” featuring A Boogie wit da Hoodie, and “Girls Need Love (Remix)” featuring Drake – both R&B hits that deserve a listen if you haven’t checked the album out yet!

These are some artists to listen to and consider adding to your playlist if you are ever trying to get into R&B music. I can guarantee that after giving these artists a listen, you will not be disappointed!

Marissa Duldulao

St. John's '26

Marissa is currently a sophomore at St. John’s University in Queens, New York. She is originally from Orlando, Florida. She's majoring in Communications, minoring in film and writes articles on music, fashion, films, culture and feminism. IG: @marissa.dul