A playlist of the year’s best smooth like butter tunes – 50 songs we could not stop playing all 2019 in no particular order than for pure vibes. The best R&B / Soul songs of 2019. Featuring, Ari Lennox, Summer Walker, Jamila Woods, Snoh Aalegra, Mahalia, Sir, Layfullstop, Jerome Thomas, Mac Ayres & many more.
As 2019 draws ever closer to an end, we thankfully have music to celebrate or commiserate with. We have enlisted some of the standout moments of what has been yet another delightful year for R&B. Our playlist of the greatest R&B / Soul songs 2019 brought our way and some musings on the highlights down below.
Mahalia feat. Ella Mai – What You Did
We saw the power of female R&B uniting when Mahalia teamed up with Ella Mai on a single off her debut album, Love & Compromise. The single, What You Did not only provided nostalgia to the ears with two of R&B’s finest joining forces, the visual is also immaculate with the pair organically providing sister-like vibes.
Ari Lennox – Up Late
2019 has also been a breakout year for a number of artists with many releasing debut albums.
In May, Ari Lennox released her very much anticipated debut LP, Shea Butter Baby which was a brilliant listen from beginning to end. The project also gifted a stand-out collaboration between her and Masego, Up Late. (Sidebar: this collab makes eminent amount of sense if you follow these 2 on Instagram and understand their senses of humour. They are male-female versions of each others’ silly, but hilarious antics)
Ari will be performing 3 sold out London shows later this week, those fortunate to have got a ticket, are in store for a great night! If you aren’t so lucky, we will no doubt share a few clips on our Instagram feed & stories.
Summer Walker – Playing Games
You simply can’t discuss 2019 and R&B without mentioning Summer Walker. The Atlanta-born songstress has had an incredible year with her debut album Over It catapulting her to the most successful female R&B singer of the decade. One for true lovers of contemporary R&B, Over It, has a couple of features on our 2019 best R&B / Soul songs playlist.
SiR – That’s Why I Love You
TDE’s soulful artist released his debut album ‘Chasing Summer’ this year which again cemented his place in modern Soul music. The project dazzles with smooth Soul thorough-out, complemented by features from the likes of Kendrick Lamar & Jill Scott.
SiR is another artist that continues to evolve higher with each project and his single, That’s Why I Love You, featuring Sabrina Claudio is another standout track in 2019.
2019 has certainly delivered several monumental moments. Many more than we can do justice in a write-up, so be sure to check out a full list and playlist of our 50 standout tracks below, enjoy!
