New Era Artists Revitalizing The R&B Genre

As the universal language of music evolves, it brings new talent and faces to the surface. Today’s R&B presents an unequivocal sound, with many sampling some of the most memorable baselines and reinventing a chorus to capture the hearts and minds of millions. Now, there is a new wave of Black Women whose music is making its way to mainstream outlets, with songs that make the mind wander and the body move. From viral TikTok sounds to Hollywood soundtracks, their vocals are making rounds throughout the industry and straight to our streaming apps.

Here are the new era artists revitalizing the R&B genre.

Tiana Major9

British singer and songwriter Tiana Major9 introduces listeners to a new, soft and sultry sound on the legendary Motown label. In 2018, her single “Collide” with EARTHGANG was featured on the highly regarded Queen & Slim soundtrack.

The Grammy-nominated artist released the “At Sixes and Sevens” EP in 2020 and her latest project includes the single “Try Peace”, which she performed on COLORSxSTUDIOS. Some of Tiana Major9’s most impressive tracks can be heard on acoustic releases, placing the singer’s live, soothing vocals over gentle guitar strings.

On Instagram, she recently documented the experience of supporting the sold out U.S. Heaux Tales Tour with headliner Jazmine Sullivan.

Alex Isley

With classically-trained vocals and a sonic love that runs deep for legends like Stevie Wonder, Alex Isley is a subtle R&B vibe personified. Isley is also the daughter of the musical pioneer Ernie Isley, a founding member of the legendary Isley Brothers. Orchestrating everything from instrumentals to the chorus in an a cappella style, her #60SecondThursdays trend never ceases to captivate listeners with tranquilizing vocal arrangements.

The “musically-rich” singer released the hit single “Good & Plenty” (2020) with Jack Dine and Masego, and later added to its momentum with a remix featuring singer Lucky Daye. During the 2022 Billboard Awards, Icon Award recipient Mary J. Blige acknowledged her love for Alex Isley and progression of the R&B genre.

Her 2022 album Marigold with Jack Dine features the hit “Love Again” and “On & On” with Robert Glasper. The L.A. native recently announced her Marigold Tour in partnership with Femme It Forward, kicking off in August 2022 in San Francisco, California.

Gwen Bunn

Gwen Bunn is a singer and multi-platinum producer with Decatur, Georgia roots and an unparalleled vision for the music industry. The multifaceted artist launched Melody Dungeon Music, giving way to a distinct sound that would later catch the attention of Island Records, label of the late Amy Winehouse.

Bunn brought a 90s flare to the scene with the release of single “Between The Lines” (2020), featuring and sampling the legendary Faith Evans. The Grammy Award winner recently gave fans an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the video for her latest single “Put It On Me” and announced that she will be joining Alex Isley on the Marigold Tour.

Coco Jones

Coco Jones is a multi-talent on television screens and behind the mic, with an R&B style described as soulful as it is relatable, as diary-honest as it is marked by powerful storytelling. As an actress, Jones has quickly become a fan favorite as the Gen-Z Hilary Banks on the record-breaking show Bel-Air on Peacock. After an independent run and the release of her 2019 album H.D.W.Y., the singer joined Def Jam as one of its newest artists in March 2022.

Coco Jones recently returned as a guest on The Terrell Show, giving viewers a listen to her renditions of classics in a game of word association, with a glimpse into her vibrant and humorous personality. Complimented by seductive visuals, the rising star’s latest single “Caliber” is now streaming across music platforms worldwide.

Jade Novah

While many know Jade Novah for her hilarious social media skits and incomparable Beyoncé impressions, there is no denying that she is a vocalist who has the range. You can find the “Jade of all trades” laying down vocals for timeless R&B covers and original tracks over husband Devin Johnson’s acoustic keys.

Her 2018 album All Blue earned the singer and songwriter an NAACP Image Award nomination for Best New Artist. The versed star recently took centerstage for Black Music Honors, with sisters-in-song Dondria and Zonnique, to pay tribute to Keri Hilson. Fans have kept the singer’s music in rotation with feelings described as “drifting off into paradise”. Jade Novah’s creative evolution remains on full display with her latest single “Lost In You”.

Lead Photo: Jacob Webster