In 2024, R&B flourished with standout albums and singles from Usher, Muni Long, Normani, and Chris Brown. Usher’s Coming Home reaffirmed his legend, while Muni Long’s “Ruined Me” showcased her powerful storytelling. Normani dazzled with the euphoric “All Yours,” and Chris Brown delivered the smooth hit “Residuals.” These artists and their projects kept R&B thriving and evolving.
BEST ALBUMS: Usher‘s ninth studio album, Coming Home, marked a triumphant return, debuting at No. 2 on the Billboard 200 with 91,000 units sold in its first week, coinciding with his Super Bowl LVIII halftime show performance. Featuring collaborations with artists like Summer Walker, Burna Boy, 21 Savage, and Jungkook. The lead single, “Good Good,” reached the top 30 on the Billboard Hot 100.
Released in August, Revenge is Muni Long‘s second album under her current moniker. The 14-track project delves into the complexities of relationships, offering a therapeutic exploration of personal experiences. The album features collaborations with notable producers such as Tricky Stewart, Jeff “Gitty” Gitelman, and Jermaine Dupri. Singles like “Made for Me” and “Make Me Forget” achieved significant success, with the latter becoming Long’s first number one hit on Billboard’s Adult R&B Songs chart.
Kehlani‘s fourth studio album, Crash, presents a dynamic blend of genres, reflecting the highs and lows of desire and self-examination. The album features collaborations with artists like Jill Scott and Young Miko, enhancing tracks such as “Sucia.” While some songs incorporate diverse musical styles, including dancehall and trap-inflected R&B, standout tracks like “What I Want” and “After Hours” showcase Kehlani’s vocal strengths and innovative sampling.
Normani‘s much-anticipated debut album, Dopamine, delivered euphoric R&B tracks that resonated deeply with fans and critics alike. Lucky Daye‘s third album, Algorithm, reunited him with producer D’Mile to create an innovative mix of retro-soul and future-R&B, further cementing his artistic growth. Bryson Tiller returned with his self-titled album, Bryson Tiller, reaffirming his place as a master of moody, introspective tracks. Rising star Tyla made an impact with her debut album, Tyla, introducing fresh energy and global appeal to the R&B scene while Tems offered a profound and introspective project with Born In The World, solidifying her status as an international force. Chloe Bailey dazzled with Trouble In Paradise, a bold and deeply personal album that explored themes of heartbreak and self-discovery.
BEST SONGS: Tyla’s sultry “Truth or Dare” brought a fresh energy, blending Afrobeat influences with R&B. Summer Walker’s “Heart of a Woman” showcased her signature vulnerability and soulful vocals, exploring themes of strength and self-love. Tems captivated listeners with “Love Me Jeje,” a heartfelt track blending vintage African sounds with contemporary R&B, highlighting her unique artistry.
Tinashe delivered with the seductive “Nasty,” a fan-favorite that pushed boundaries with its daring production. Normani’s “All Yours” brought euphoric melodies and polished production with a guest writing feature from Sevyn Streeter, solidifying her place as an R&B as a powerful songwriter. Muni Long continued her streak of emotional storytelling with “Ruined Me,” a poignant exploration of heartbreak. Chris Brown’s “Residuals” offered a smooth, groove-laden track that demonstrated his enduring ability to craft infectious hits. Coco Jones’ Grammy-nominated “Here We Go (Uh Oh)” marked a significant milestone in her career.
These tracks, along with Kehlani’s upbeat “After Hours,” Tommy Richman’s impactful “Million Dollar Baby,” and other hits, underscored the dynamism of R&B in 2024. Each song brought something unique to the genre, showcasing its evolving soundscape and the talent of a new generation of artists alongside established icons.
