16 R&B Artists to Watch in 2021

This Toronto native and R&B singer / songwriter is quite simply mesmerising. An artist without a ceiling potential wise, Kennedy Rd is one artist you should definitely keep tabs on. She blessed us with her debut EP, Good Luv in January 2019. Arguably one of the best R&B EPs of the year. 

Vocally, flawless and in many ways a throwback to the 90s R&B era highs. In her own words “I’m just really focusing on the creativity and putting the music first”. It comes through in every note and lyric.

Known best for her singles Falling and King of Hearts, which amassed hundreds of thousands of streams on Spotify, her sound is the perfect blend of contemporary and Soul-shifting. To close out 2020, Kennedy released a 7-song EP titled Still Luv, featuring the hit single Afraid Of and the title track currently racking up streams. 2021 promises more greatness in store.

Singer, songwriter, dancer, and visual artist, KALLITECHNIS is a multi-talented artist hailing from Montreal.

A distinctive storyteller and vocally tenderly beautiful, she burst onto the scene back in 2016 with the single, Talk Talk Talk, followed by her debut EP [wet paint] in 2017 and followed up strong with 2019’s Chromatic. Human vulnerabilities, insecurities and deep, dark thoughts are all things KALLITECHNIS’ music speaks to with refreshing authenticity. All delivered with the catchy, memorable melodies. A debut album may be round the corner in 2021 and it promises to be a deliciously smooth and mindful ride.

Truly one of British Soul’s most exciting voices, Ragz Originale, serves as one of the best examples of the versatility and originality of the scene. Part of the Mini Kingz collective with other vanguards of the scene, Oscar #Worldpeace and Benji Flow, amongst others. Known for producing for Skepta, there’s so much more to this multipotentialate talent.

Ragz has started off 2021 strong with ‘brush u’, a smooth banger that shows off his way with catchy melodies and hooks, laid on production with soft echoes of afrobeats meets Hip Hop. ‘brush u’ is the first single off Ragz’ new mixtape ‘WOAH’, due January 29th 2021. We can’t wait for more from this one who’s sure to dominate in 2021.

In a climate of dreamy, nostalgia-fuelled R&B, Shaé has managed to carve out an eclectically Soulful grounded-in-R&B-yet-experimental lane. 

The UK-based songstress touches on femininity, race, as well as love, romance and emotions to name a few throughout her music. In 2019, her single, No Stallin’ hit 1 million streams on Spotify, a feat that came not long after she opened for Eminem alongside his protege, Boogie.

Visually, her videos always offer food for thought and exceptionally creative concepts. But what stands Shaé apart from the pack are her other-worldly vocals – a range that packs in sweet falsettos with strong soothing alto tones. Shaé is probably the UK’s best vocal emerging performer. That said, she also shines for the ‘feels’ and all round vibes she provides on tracks (check out her feature on Etta Bond’s No More Love).

Shaé has promised a debut EP in 2021 and if her singles which she has dropped are anything to go by, it will be an absolute vibe. 

As far as impact goes, South London based rapper / singer, ENNY had this and then some on the single, ‘Peng Black Girls’ last year. The type of track that the music scene needed was delivered with ENNY’s witty wordplay fully shining through. The empowering single featuring Amia Brave deservedly cut through the scene and was easily one of the standout tracks of 2020. The single was then also re-released as a remix featuring Jorja Smith. The COLORS performance of the track has already racked up 3.5 views within its first 3 weeks.

Somewhat of an anomaly of an artist, ENNY merges rapping with singing effortlessly well. A trait that has been showcased on all of the singles she released in 2020. She featured on The Silhouettes Project’s album on the single, ‘For South’ alongside her first single ‘He’s Not Into You’. ENNY has a canny way of touching on everyday subjects in a way that resonates. Her all-round vibe sonically just screams of an artist that can only get better and better. Having recently signed to FAMM, the same label as Jorja Smith, 2021 is looking to be a big one for ENNY.

This Swedish artist broke onto the scene with her sensationally soulful debut single, ‘Slowzy’ in February 2020. An artist with a high sky of potential, Napoles meshes the essence of Neo-Soul with her unique modern twist effortlessly. In September, she released her debut EP ‘Slowin It’. The project is easily one of 2020’s best EPs and showcased everything that makes her one to watch. 

Vocally, Nápoles’ conversational tone shines throughout alongside a backdrop of truly soulfully smooth beats. Slowin It also has a very close, warm intimate feel that immediately creates a listening experience, more than just a collection of songs. Speaking on her influences for the EP, “My main goal was to create a dreamy feel… The songs differ from each other but at the same time I feel like they all go well together.” We’re dreaming of big things to come for this star

If you’ve seen out the BLUES100 cypher, you’ll be familiar with the incredibly talented Ayeisha Raquel. The East London raised singer-songwriter is only going from strength to strength and we are 100% here for it!

To date, she has already opened for Qhairo and Che Lingo, taken a Boiler Room stage with Gold Link. Sonically she brings a tonne to the musical table. Ayeisha’s music is deeply but tenderly soulful, with an authentic rawness that hits home from the jump. Vocally, she floats across tracks smoothly, with one of the sweetest voices in UK R&B right now.

She’s highly sought after by producers from Darkness to Emil to Nikhil Beats to grace their beats with her lush vocals. Ayeisha’s music has also been supported by Acoustic Live UK, ReprezentRadio, No Signal and The Pit LDN and we are fully tuned into expecting a 2021 project from her!

Faye Meana is special. The singer, songwriter, producer and all around creative provided us with easily one of the standout projects of 2019 with her EP, Shades of A Dreamer. In 2020, she followed up with another self-produced project, After the Rain. That said, it is Faye’s ability to infuse influences from R&B, Hip-Hop and Neo-Soul throughout her sound which truly resonates. Even more astounding is that she self-produces her music as well, as she explained to us when she chopped it up with us on her musical journey thus far.

Faye Meana, is a true artist in every sense of the word and is doing things on her terms and we’re simply loving the fruits of her hardwork.

If the eclectic vibe is more your flavor, then you’re in luck. Oscar #Worldpeace provides that in abundance. Hailing from the musical hotbed of Tottenham, North London, Oscar is the type of artist you really cannot box into any specific genre.

This year, he dropped his debut album Sporadic and EP His & Hers. Throughout both projects, Oscar delves into a variety of sounds ranging from rap, jazz and soul. Moreover, his witty wordplay works a wonder bringing an all round vibe.

A multi-instrumentalist producer from South London, Emil recently mesmerised the UK music scene with his EP, Ambrosia. The project fuses the best of future Soul, Hip Hop and drum for a dreamy ride for the listener. Ambrosia means ‘food for the gods’ and the project lives up to this monicker.

Collaborating with some of the UK R&B and music scene’s best emerging artists, including Knucks, Ayeisha Raquel and Joose the conqueror, Emil is establishing himself as one of UK Soul’s most formidable producers. His sound spans beyond the UK’s shores, reflecting his global influences he cites as Kaytranada, K.Dot, Iamnobodi and his time living in Vancouver, Canada.

Emil is truly one of the most innovative producer / artists in UK music, with one standout project under his belt, we can’t wait for what more is to come.

If you are yet to have discovered Alex Isley, now truly is the time. She discovered her love of music and passion for performing at an early age and takes great pride in the influence and legacy of her family’s music. Her father, Ernie Isley, and her uncles are collectively the Isley Brothers, so need we say anymore. 

That said Alex Isley is an outstanding talent in her own right and is blossoming wonderfully into a true R&B artist to be highly recommended. She released two EP’s in 2019, The Beauty of Everything Pt.2 & Wilton. Both of which epitomise soothing Soul with a modern twist at its best and again is testament to Alex and her ability to fuse the timeless feels of yesterday with today. 2020 brought Good & Plenty, one of the best R&B songs of the year and a gorgeous Tiny Desk set.

A full length album should be on the cards for 2021 and we wait in high anticipation for when that lands.

Since introducing herself with singles like Crown City and Bohemian Queen on her debut project, Color Reaction in 2018, U.K. gem Layfullstop has continually shown why she’s one of the most exciting talents around. Colour Reaction is a nine-track mixtape which showcased her wonderful wordplay and razor sharp lyrical ability.

Following on from that, the Manchester based artist dropped her ‘Cherries’ EP, another dazzling project that features standout cuts like ‘PMT’ and ‘SOS’. Then she racked a COLORS session under her belt.

As far as genuine creativity goes, Layfullstop is one of a kind. She has the ability to paint vivid pictures through her flow and lyrics as well as being one of those artists that refuses to be tied down into any specific genre which is hugely admirable. Layfullstop is another big talent from the creative hub of Manchester who we feel will go onto only better and bigger things in 2021.

Another R&B artist and songwriter on the rise is London’s very own Bellah. Described as the “British answer to Summer Walker”, she delighted us with two EPs in 2020 (In The Meantime, June 2020) (The Art of Conversation, November 2020). 

Vocally flawless, Bellah is a prime example of an artist bridging the gap of nostalgic R&B with modern soul. Her recent release, The Art of Conversation progresses this and fully cements her name as one of the vanguards of the emergent UK R&B scene. The EP is full of bangers start to finish that are true to modern R&B but place her firmly in her own lane sonically and lyrically. Her songs are infectiously catchy, with impressively witty lyricism.

Bellah has been on a steady incline and slew of releases since 2019. We don’t expect her to stop now and can’t wait to see what 2021 brings.

R&B / Soul Artist, Kadeem Tyrell is making waves on the UK Music Scene. Hailing from Battersea, South London. Kadeem Tyrell epitomises the alternative Souful sound that is somewhat dominating the UK R&B scene.  Following a string of collabs over the last couple of years with East London producer, Nat Brown and garage producer, RYN, Kadeem struck out solo in 2018 with his debut EP Feels. This was then followed by one of the best EPs of 2019, Elements, which included April 25th, a single that speaks on the critically important subject of mental health and is now at 2.5 million Spotify streams. 2020 singles, including Talk to Me and What’s the Problem have kept the momentum going.

Born to musical parents and raised in the church, it was inevitable that Kadeem’s love for music would blossom. His DJ father exposed him to everything from lovers rock to rare groove and his vocal versatility is clear on all his projects. Kadeem is an artist to keep tabs on as we enter 2021. An artist who can dazzle across many genres whilst never surrendering his soulful roots.  He’s even promised a legendary collab coming.

If soulful R&B from a male perspective is your thing, LANDEL is your guy. The Birmingham-based singer songwriter, video director and producer has grown from strength to strength in 2020. Releasing a 6 track EP The Sunset in June 2020 the project displayed everything LANDEL has to offer. Smooth lyrics, soulful vocals and a laid back approach.

Stemming from being originally a video director, the transition from behind the camera to center stage is rarely seen. However, he has made this seamless. Since the lane switch, he has continued to hone his current sound which fits perfectly inside the current landscape. Sonically, LANDEL intertwines a soulful mix of Jazz, R&B and Hip-Hop which not only plays smooth to the ear but also adds a unique sound, not commonly heard in a trap infused scene. Be sure to check out The Sunset EP if you haven’t already, as we are expecting big things in 2021.

This Toronto native and R&B singer / songwriter is quite simply mesmerising. An artist without a ceiling potential wise, Kennedy Rd is one artist you should definitely keep tabs on. She blessed us with her debut EP, Good Luv in January 2019. Arguably one of the best R&B EPs of the year. 

Vocally, flawless and in many ways a throwback to the 90s R&B era highs. In her own words “I’m just really focusing on the creativity and putting the music first”. It comes through in every note and lyric.

Known best for her singles Falling and King of Hearts, which amassed hundreds of thousands of streams on Spotify, her sound is the perfect blend of contemporary and Soul-shifting. To close out 2020, Kennedy released a 7-song EP titled Still Luv, featuring the hit single Afraid Of and the title track currently racking up streams. 2021 promises more greatness in store.

Singer, songwriter, dancer, and visual artist, KALLITECHNIS is a multi-talented artist hailing from Montreal.

A distinctive storyteller and vocally tenderly beautiful, she burst onto the scene back in 2016 with the single, Talk Talk Talk, followed by her debut EP [wet paint] in 2017 and followed up strong with 2019’s Chromatic. Human vulnerabilities, insecurities and deep, dark thoughts are all things KALLITECHNIS’ music speaks to with refreshing authenticity. All delivered with the catchy, memorable melodies. A debut album may be round the corner in 2021 and it promises to be a deliciously smooth and mindful ride.

Truly one of British Soul’s most exciting voices, Ragz Originale, serves as one of the best examples of the versatility and originality of the scene. Part of the Mini Kingz collective with other vanguards of the scene, Oscar #Worldpeace and Benji Flow, amongst others. Known for producing for Skepta, there’s so much more to this multipotentialate talent.

Ragz has started off 2021 strong with ‘brush u’, a smooth banger that shows off his way with catchy melodies and hooks, laid on production with soft echoes of afrobeats meets Hip Hop. ‘brush u’ is the first single off Ragz’ new mixtape ‘WOAH’, due January 29th 2021. We can’t wait for more from this one who’s sure to dominate in 2021.

In a climate of dreamy, nostalgia-fuelled R&B, Shaé has managed to carve out an eclectically Soulful grounded-in-R&B-yet-experimental lane. 

The UK-based songstress touches on femininity, race, as well as love, romance and emotions to name a few throughout her music. In 2019, her single, No Stallin’ hit 1 million streams on Spotify, a feat that came not long after she opened for Eminem alongside his protege, Boogie.

Visually, her videos always offer food for thought and exceptionally creative concepts. But what stands Shaé apart from the pack are her other-worldly vocals – a range that packs in sweet falsettos with strong soothing alto tones. Shaé is probably the UK’s best vocal emerging performer. That said, she also shines for the ‘feels’ and all round vibes she provides on tracks (check out her feature on Etta Bond’s No More Love).

Shaé has promised a debut EP in 2021 and if her singles which she has dropped are anything to go by, it will be an absolute vibe. 

As far as impact goes, South London based rapper / singer, ENNY had this and then some on the single, ‘Peng Black Girls’ last year. The type of track that the music scene needed was delivered with ENNY’s witty wordplay fully shining through. The empowering single featuring Amia Brave deservedly cut through the scene and was easily one of the standout tracks of 2020. The single was then also re-released as a remix featuring Jorja Smith. The COLORS performance of the track has already racked up 3.5 views within its first 3 weeks.

Somewhat of an anomaly of an artist, ENNY merges rapping with singing effortlessly well. A trait that has been showcased on all of the singles she released in 2020. She featured on The Silhouettes Project’s album on the single, ‘For South’ alongside her first single ‘He’s Not Into You’. ENNY has a canny way of touching on everyday subjects in a way that resonates. Her all-round vibe sonically just screams of an artist that can only get better and better. Having recently signed to FAMM, the same label as Jorja Smith, 2021 is looking to be a big one for ENNY.

This Swedish artist broke onto the scene with her sensationally soulful debut single, ‘Slowzy’ in February 2020. An artist with a high sky of potential, Napoles meshes the essence of Neo-Soul with her unique modern twist effortlessly. In September, she released her debut EP ‘Slowin It’. The project is easily one of 2020’s best EPs and showcased everything that makes her one to watch. 

Vocally, Nápoles’ conversational tone shines throughout alongside a backdrop of truly soulfully smooth beats. Slowin It also has a very close, warm intimate feel that immediately creates a listening experience, more than just a collection of songs. Speaking on her influences for the EP, “My main goal was to create a dreamy feel… The songs differ from each other but at the same time I feel like they all go well together.” We’re dreaming of big things to come for this star

If you’ve seen out the BLUES100 cypher, you’ll be familiar with the incredibly talented Ayeisha Raquel. The East London raised singer-songwriter is only going from strength to strength and we are 100% here for it!

To date, she has already opened for Qhairo and Che Lingo, taken a Boiler Room stage with Gold Link. Sonically she brings a tonne to the musical table. Ayeisha’s music is deeply but tenderly soulful, with an authentic rawness that hits home from the jump. Vocally, she floats across tracks smoothly, with one of the sweetest voices in UK R&B right now.

She’s highly sought after by producers from Darkness to Emil to Nikhil Beats to grace their beats with her lush vocals. Ayeisha’s music has also been supported by Acoustic Live UK, ReprezentRadio, No Signal and The Pit LDN and we are fully tuned into expecting a 2021 project from her!

Faye Meana is special. The singer, songwriter, producer and all around creative provided us with easily one of the standout projects of 2019 with her EP, Shades of A Dreamer. In 2020, she followed up with another self-produced project, After the Rain. That said, it is Faye’s ability to infuse influences from R&B, Hip-Hop and Neo-Soul throughout her sound which truly resonates. Even more astounding is that she self-produces her music as well, as she explained to us when she chopped it up with us on her musical journey thus far.

Faye Meana, is a true artist in every sense of the word and is doing things on her terms and we’re simply loving the fruits of her hardwork.

If the eclectic vibe is more your flavor, then you’re in luck. Oscar #Worldpeace provides that in abundance. Hailing from the musical hotbed of Tottenham, North London, Oscar is the type of artist you really cannot box into any specific genre.

This year, he dropped his debut album Sporadic and EP His & Hers. Throughout both projects, Oscar delves into a variety of sounds ranging from rap, jazz and soul. Moreover, his witty wordplay works a wonder bringing an all round vibe.

A multi-instrumentalist producer from South London, Emil recently mesmerised the UK music scene with his EP, Ambrosia. The project fuses the best of future Soul, Hip Hop and drum for a dreamy ride for the listener. Ambrosia means ‘food for the gods’ and the project lives up to this monicker.

Collaborating with some of the UK R&B and music scene’s best emerging artists, including Knucks, Ayeisha Raquel and Joose the conqueror, Emil is establishing himself as one of UK Soul’s most formidable producers. His sound spans beyond the UK’s shores, reflecting his global influences he cites as Kaytranada, K.Dot, Iamnobodi and his time living in Vancouver, Canada.

Emil is truly one of the most innovative producer / artists in UK music, with one standout project under his belt, we can’t wait for what more is to come.

If you are yet to have discovered Alex Isley, now truly is the time. She discovered her love of music and passion for performing at an early age and takes great pride in the influence and legacy of her family’s music. Her father, Ernie Isley, and her uncles are collectively the Isley Brothers, so need we say anymore. 

That said Alex Isley is an outstanding talent in her own right and is blossoming wonderfully into a true R&B artist to be highly recommended. She released two EP’s in 2019, The Beauty of Everything Pt.2 & Wilton. Both of which epitomise soothing Soul with a modern twist at its best and again is testament to Alex and her ability to fuse the timeless feels of yesterday with today. 2020 brought Good & Plenty, one of the best R&B songs of the year and a gorgeous Tiny Desk set.

A full length album should be on the cards for 2021 and we wait in high anticipation for when that lands.

Since introducing herself with singles like Crown City and Bohemian Queen on her debut project, Color Reaction in 2018, U.K. gem Layfullstop has continually shown why she’s one of the most exciting talents around. Colour Reaction is a nine-track mixtape which showcased her wonderful wordplay and razor sharp lyrical ability.

Following on from that, the Manchester based artist dropped her ‘Cherries’ EP, another dazzling project that features standout cuts like ‘PMT’ and ‘SOS’. Then she racked a COLORS session under her belt.

As far as genuine creativity goes, Layfullstop is one of a kind. She has the ability to paint vivid pictures through her flow and lyrics as well as being one of those artists that refuses to be tied down into any specific genre which is hugely admirable. Layfullstop is another big talent from the creative hub of Manchester who we feel will go onto only better and bigger things in 2021.

Another R&B artist and songwriter on the rise is London’s very own Bellah. Described as the “British answer to Summer Walker”, she delighted us with two EPs in 2020 (In The Meantime, June 2020) (The Art of Conversation, November 2020). 

Vocally flawless, Bellah is a prime example of an artist bridging the gap of nostalgic R&B with modern soul. Her recent release, The Art of Conversation progresses this and fully cements her name as one of the vanguards of the emergent UK R&B scene. The EP is full of bangers start to finish that are true to modern R&B but place her firmly in her own lane sonically and lyrically. Her songs are infectiously catchy, with impressively witty lyricism.

Bellah has been on a steady incline and slew of releases since 2019. We don’t expect her to stop now and can’t wait to see what 2021 brings.

R&B / Soul Artist, Kadeem Tyrell is making waves on the UK Music Scene. Hailing from Battersea, South London. Kadeem Tyrell epitomises the alternative Souful sound that is somewhat dominating the UK R&B scene.  Following a string of collabs over the last couple of years with East London producer, Nat Brown and garage producer, RYN, Kadeem struck out solo in 2018 with his debut EP Feels. This was then followed by one of the best EPs of 2019, Elements, which included April 25th, a single that speaks on the critically important subject of mental health and is now at 2.5 million Spotify streams. 2020 singles, including Talk to Me and What’s the Problem have kept the momentum going.

Born to musical parents and raised in the church, it was inevitable that Kadeem’s love for music would blossom. His DJ father exposed him to everything from lovers rock to rare groove and his vocal versatility is clear on all his projects. Kadeem is an artist to keep tabs on as we enter 2021. An artist who can dazzle across many genres whilst never surrendering his soulful roots.  He’s even promised a legendary collab coming.

If soulful R&B from a male perspective is your thing, LANDEL is your guy. The Birmingham-based singer songwriter, video director and producer has grown from strength to strength in 2020. Releasing a 6 track EP The Sunset in June 2020 the project displayed everything LANDEL has to offer. Smooth lyrics, soulful vocals and a laid back approach.

Stemming from being originally a video director, the transition from behind the camera to center stage is rarely seen. However, he has made this seamless. Since the lane switch, he has continued to hone his current sound which fits perfectly inside the current landscape. Sonically, LANDEL intertwines a soulful mix of Jazz, R&B and Hip-Hop which not only plays smooth to the ear but also adds a unique sound, not commonly heard in a trap infused scene. Be sure to check out The Sunset EP if you haven’t already, as we are expecting big things in 2021.

The 19 year-old R&B artist from Croydon is another talent that has progressed very well in 2020. Rachel’s ability to provide a unique blend of down-to-earth smooth soul which touches on love, heartbreak, upliftment rings true throughout her music.

Lyrics is where Rachel really stands out as her layered writing patterns provide a solid base for her to weave pictures through her music. When speaking on her creative process she added “Over the last year or so, I’ve just been writing, and I’ve explored a lot of styles and genres. I’ve started to figure out what I like, and I’m enjoying this vibe more. I’m just enjoying playing about”. 

Added to this, her vocal ability is outstanding. You really feel the spirit of London in her music. It packs her music with a certain punch that deeply resonates.

2019 brought her EP Mama’s Boy which was a concise and hugely impactful project. Whlist 2020, brought stand-out singles like Give Me A Reason and Beautiful Disaster featuring Sam Dotia. Here’s to hoping 2021 brings another project.