2015 was one of the best years for hip-hop music. We got new dances, slang, beef and enough albums to make your Apple Music subscription worth the $10. But what about the slow jams? Where did soul music go? Where are the new artists pushing R&B forward?
Genres are being blurred. Artists such as Bryson Tiller and PartyNextDoor are providing a format unheard of previously in R&B. However, you still have young singers such as Kehlani, groups such as The Internet and veterans such as Ty Dolla $ign providing a modern R&B soul sound. Let’s look at a few new artists guaranteed to make a big impact in 2016 – the year of R&B.
BJ The Chicago Kid
BJ The Chicago Kid has been the voice behind some of your favorite artists for years, but it’s finally time for the Motown signee to take center stage. His soulful sound has all the fundamentals of R&B, but with a contemporary feel you can relate to. His debut release, In My Mind, is slated for a February release. Get familiar with B.J.’s latest visual for “The Resume” featuring Big K.R.I.T.
Eryn Allen Kane
The young songstress has been missing in the R&B game for a minute, which makes Eryn Allen Kane’s entrance so important. Her latest EP, Aviary Act 1, made major headlines with the standout track “Piano Song.” After starring in Spike Lee’s controversial film Chi-raq, Kane is setting herself up to be a major player in 2016. Don’t sleep on her smooth voice and vibrant writing. Watch her latest video “Slipping” below.
Anderson .Paak
One of the most talked about new artists this year is Anderson .Paak. He stormed into national spotlight with his feature on Dr. Dre’s Compton. His 2014 release Venice set SoundCloud on fire. Now he’s looking to reach newer heights with his first major release Malibu – expected to release in January of 2016. Listen to a sneak peek of his album with the track “The Season/Carry Me” produced by the legendary 9th Wonder and Callum Connor.
Ibeyi
Ibeyi provides an international flavor that’s been missing from soul music for some time. 2016 will the twin sisters’ biggest year yet! With French, Cuban, English and Yoruba influences all fused into one, the sky is truly the limit for these two sisters. Their hollow but fulfilling sound is unique and stands out in a landscape of copy cats. Dive deep with their 2015 self-titled release, and enjoy their video for “River.”
DVSN
This is probably the most daring selection of this list. The mystery behind DVSN is enormous. Nobody even knows who DVSN is, but 2016 will be a good year for the singer. SoundCloud has created another sensation with this one, so consider this an early invitation to the bandwagon. Checkout DVSN’s SoundCloud below and fall in love with the smooth sounds.
Oh yeah, anybody heard from this guy?
