Source: Joshua Kissi / BMAC
In a year where we saw Beyoncé make a switch over to country, Alicia Keys take her talents over to Broadway and Rihanna complete her eighth consecutive year of choosing entrepreneurship over music, it wouldn’t be strange to begin wondering if anyone still wants to make R&B music.
Thankfully, 2024 proved that contemporary soul music is far from dead. Many releases by artists we’ve all grown to love, whether it be over the past two years or past 20, delivered greatly in keeping the genre alive. The 2025 GRAMMYs got it right for the most part in the “Best R&B Album” nominees category, but there were definitely a handful of great contenders that dropped this year worth highlighting as well.
Our editors came together with our own nominees and honorable mentions, ultimately agreeing on 10 projects that we feel represented all angles of R&B this year. As always, it’s never a conversation about “best sales” or who got the most streams on Spotify; we’re listening to everything! From NxWorries breaking their eight-year hiatus with the release of Why Lawd? to ex-Nickelodeon star Leon Thomas following up a big GRAMMY win alongside SZA earlier this year with his own album of bangers just a few months ago, let’s just say it was a harmonious year overall.
Whether you’re hearing some of these for the first time or they’ve been on your playlist all year long, we strongly believe these are the albums that sum up what 2024 sounded like from a contemporary R&B perspective.
J.R. “BANG” DAVIS
1. ‘Why Lawd?’ – Anderson .Paak & Knxwledge (as NxWorries)
Anderson.Paak and Knxwledge haven’t missed since linking up a near-decade ago to form NxWorries, and Why Lawd? keeps the tradition going. The sophomore effort delivers everything you love about Paak’s funk influence, and transitions like what you hear from the Charlie Wilson-assisted “NVR.RMX” into “DistantSpace” with the Last Artful and Dodgr make for peak moments. The album picked up a well-deserved nomination for “Best Progressive R&B Album” at the 67th Annual GRAMMY Awards, and it’s an easy favorite to win.
2. ‘MUTT’ – Leon Thomas
Before anyone goes yelling, “R&B is dead!” ever again, we implore you to first check for the real vocal virtuosos out here. Leon Thomas is a prime example, a surprising breakout act this year who delivered a genre-blurring masterpiece with MUTT. The album feels like an intimate studio session with a guy you met on Hinge, who’s life is nothing but creating music — all in a good way, of course! Leon weaves jazz, R&B and alternative vibes into a refreshing, soulful sound. His vocals are equally magnetic as they are angelic — he effortlessly glides between vulnerability and swag — all while the production stays intricate without ever feeling too overwhelming. MUTT captures that sweet spot where innovation meets emotional resonance, and it’s definitely the kind of album that reveals something new with each listen.
3. ‘Revenge’ – Muni Long
When Muni Long said while promoting this project that it would be “the R&B album of the year,” many (ourselves included!) were a bit skeptical of the boldness. Sure, she can write a great song and plenty of them, not to mention proving over the past few years to be a leader in the new school of R&B vocalists. However, that’s a very big claim to make during such a jam-packed year of releases. However, one full listen to Revenge is all it takes to moot any skepticism. What’s featured on this project is a full-blown masterclass in musical storytelling, displaying the vulnerability of a woman on the verge of a personal breakthrough while dealing with an oftentimes toxic relationship. Even if we didn’t know the real-life heartbreak that Muni was dealing with at the time, the emotions that she poured into every note made the project fully relatable, sonically pleasing and without question triggering to the listener. With standout tracks like “Make Me Forget,” “The Baddest” and the standout title track, this is the sound of a woman who is going through it yet knows that she will get through in the end.
4. ‘TYLA’ – Tyla
Although it seemed like Tyla already had her breakout year in 2023 with the GRAMMY-winning single “Water,” it was the clever decision to wait and drop her self-titled debut album in 2024 that really kicked things off for the young diva. Not only did she succeed in extending her 15 minutes of fame, the South African pop sensation proved her staying power with a string of follow-up singles assisted by visually-appealing videos, big-budget live performances and collecting even more awards. In short, TYLA is looking to be the start of a career that’s destined for global superstardom.
5. ‘Coming Home’ – Usher
It seems like there wasn’t a point in 2024 where Usher wasn’t making headlines. From starting off the year strong with a stage-rocking Super Bowl Halftime Show performance to going viral month-after-month for his cherry-feeding tendencies on the current Past Present Future Tour, the ATL native has definitely been making his city proud. It seems fitting, as Coming Home felt like one big love letter back to the city that helped to shape his decades-spanning career. Even though he did fill the eight-year album gap with projects like The Voice and a residency in Las Vegas, hearing Usher fully return to his element with the same energy and vocal prowess that he possessed 20 years ago is unparalleled in its greatness.
6. ‘So You Know’ – Lekan
Newcomer Lekan’s EP, So You Know, may not be a widely-known R&B album of 2024. However, you’d be remiss to sleep on a sonic treat that brings fresh, raw energy to the genre while still maintaining a deep sense of authenticity and emotional vulnerability. Lekan’s smooth vocals, captivating melodies, introspective lyrics and wildly stacked harmonies quickly captivate your ears with every note — headphones highly recommended if giving it a first listen! Lekan effortlessly bridges classic R&B with contemporary sounds, creating a style that becomes all his own. The EP overall explores themes of love, personal growth and self-discovery, resonating with listeners on a deeply personal level. Lekan’s ability to blend soul with alternative R&B while making it all sound cohesive sets him apart as a must-watch talent in the industry. Each song feels like a journey, with layered production and a vocal range that captivates and moves you to the core. So You Know isn’t just an EP, but an introduction to an artist poised to define the future of R&B.
7. ‘Heavy’ – SiR
SiR’s 2024 album, Heavy, is a standout amongst today’s R&B releases, offering raw honesty and incredible vibes that hit home. Inspired by his battle with sobriety, the album feels personal and real, like you’re listening to someone working through the struggles of life while finding peace along the way. From the first track, SiR pulls you in with soulful melodies and heartfelt lyrics that touch on growth, love and letting go of the past. Songs like “ONLY HUMAN” and “TRYIN MY BEST” are relatable and emotional, making you feel every word as he continues to keep that smooth, laid-back sound he’s known for. What makes Heavy so special is the overall vibe — it’s the perfect mix of deep and chill. Whether you’re feeling the late-night mood of “YOU” or the calming flow of “LIFE IS GOOD,” every track feels like it was made for the moment.
8. ‘Gratitude’ – Mary J. Blige
The Queen Of Hip-Hop Soul officially entered her legacy era this year with an induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame back in April, all while keeping us entertained on the small screen with her beloved character Monet Tejada on the STARZ series, Power Book II: Ghost. With the recent release of Gratitude, it feels like MJB’s musical journey has reached a point where she can create on her own terms — Billboard 200 be damned if the message still gets across! Thankfully that proves to be the case here, where standout tracks like “You Ain’t the Only One” still have the power to stand as an anthem for the ladies, and Mary herself still provides the strength of a woman as she holds her own next to emcees like Jadakiss on “Need You More” and Fabolous with her Adult R&B chart-topping lead single, “Breathing.”
9. ‘Winter’s Diary 5’ – Tink
Tink put the public knowledge of her breakup with lead producer/boyfriend Hitmaka one year prior into much of the lyricism and subject matter heard throughout Winter’s Diary 5. Ironically enough, it was him who would have a hand in producing virtually every song on the project due to prior contractual obligations. Overall, it resulted in an authenticity that makes you really believe the pain she sings about on standout cuts like “Huh,” “Songs About U” alongside fellow heartbreak queen Summer Walker and the album closer, “Pretty Girls.” Grab the Kleenex!
10. ‘VANTABLACK’ – Lalah Hathaway
For those seeking the perfect blend of R&B, jazz and even elements of golden era hip-hop with a modern twist by way of collaborators and slick production, Lalah Hathaway delivered an applaud-worthy body of work that might just be our dog in the fight at the aforementioned 2025 GRAMMYS. The album in its entirety is a beautiful message to the people and stands strong in the pro-Blackness of it all. Rapsody, Common, MC Lyte and Willow Smith are some of the standouts who come in to match Lalah’s smooth energy, and it’s a winning addition each time. Keep singing for us, sister!