R&B is certainly not dead! When it comes to crooners, we have to give flowers to some of the most underrated and talented male vocalists out right now. Our Top 10, in no particular order, goes to these gentlemen who have been re-shaping the landscape of rhythm and blues over the last few years but haven’t quite gotten their just due yet. Some you may already be familiar with, and some we want to introduce you to them based on their body of work to date and what they’re bringing to the table when it comes to their contributions to soul music.
TA Thomas is an up-and-coming R&B artist who recently signed with Def Jam Records, marking a significant milestone in his career. you may remember him from his stint in the quintet next town down a few years ago. Known for his smooth vocals and emotive storytelling, TA Thomas has captivated fans with his latest single, “Risky,” which showcases his unique blend of classic R&B vibes and modern sensibilities. In 2023, he released his highly anticipated project, Caught Between 2 Worlds, a collection of tracks that delve into themes of love, identity, and the complexities of personal growth. This project, which is a stellar body of work solidifies his place in the music industry and highlights his talent and versatility as an artist.
Kenyon Dixon, the Grammy-nominated R&B singer/songwriter, continues to make waves in the music industry with the release of his latest single, “Far Away.” Known for his rich, soulful voice and heartfelt lyrics, Dixon’s music resonates deeply with fans of classic and contemporary R&B. Last year, he released his eighth studio album, The R&B You Love, a project that showcases his dedication to the genre. The album features standout singles like “Lucky,” “2000s R&B,” and “Slow Dancing,” each capturing the essence of R&B that Dixon is celebrated for. His work consistently reflects his passion for music and his commitment to delivering authentic R&B experiences.
Khamari is a talented R&B artist hailing from the Dorchester neighborhood of Boston, Massachusetts who is making waves with his soulful sound and introspective lyrics. Signed to RCA Records, Khamari continues to captivate audiences with his unique blend of classic and contemporary R&B. Fans say his sound is reminiscent of Frank Ocean. His latest project, a brief nirvana features the singles “Doctor, My Eyes” and “These Four Walls” showcases his growth as an artist, delving into themes of love, self-discovery, and personal growth. With his emotive voice and heartfelt storytelling, Khamari is quickly establishing himself as a standout artist in the R&B scene. Keep an eye on this rising star as he continues to make his mark on the music industry.
Tone Stith is a 29-year-old straight out of South Jersey who has been making quite the name for himself over the years. signed to RCA Records, his smooth, yet sultry vocals and falsetto have been serenading ladies all across the globe. His penmanship has landed him the opportunity to write records for Chris Brown as well as others. his latest offering is his 7-song EP, P.O.V., which was released in 2023 and features songs like “Girl Like You,” “Lonely,” as well as “Smoking In The Park (Paradise).” A Soul Train “Best New Artist” Nominee, He has opened for prominent artists like H.E.R. on her “The Lights On Tour” and Chris Brown on his “Heartbreak on a Full Moon Tour,” showcasing his ability to captivate large audiences.
Gene Noble is a dynamic singer/songwriter from Long Island, NY whose powerful vocals and poignant lyrics have carved out a distinct space in the music industry. Starting his career behind the scenes, Noble’s songwriting talents quickly gained recognition, leading him to work with top artists like Usher, Chris Brown, and Faith Evans. In the past, he’s toured with both Sting and Chris Brown as a background singer. As a performer, Gene Noble has released several compelling projects, showcasing his versatility and depth as an artist. His music often delves into themes of love, heartache, and resilience, resonating deeply with listeners. His most recent offering comes in the form of an 8-song project titled, Feel A Way.With a blend of R&B, soul, and contemporary sounds, Noble’s trajectory continues to ascend, marked by critical acclaim and a growing fanbase. His dedication to his craft and ability to connect with audiences make him a notable and influential figure in modern music.
Arin Ray is an R&B artist and songwriter from Cincinnati, Ohio, known for his smooth vocals and contemporary sound. He gained initial fame as a contestant on The X Factor and has since built a successful career in the music industry. Arin Ray has released several albums, including PHASES III(2023), Hello Passion (2022) Platinum Fire (2018) and Phases II(2019), showcasing his evolution as an artist. In addition to his solo work, Arin Ray has written for a range of prominent artists, contributing his songwriting talents to tracks for Chris Brown, John Legend, and Jeremih. Recently, Arin Ray has been busy working on new music, collaborating with other artists, and continuing to refine his sound. His dedication to his craft and ability to blend classic R&B with modern influences make him a standout figure in the contemporary R&B scene.
VEDO is an acclaimed R&B artist and songwriter who has been a prominent figure in the music industry for over a decade. Hailing from Benton Harbor, Michigan, VEDO gained widespread attention as a contestant on Season 4 of The Voice. Since then, he has built a successful career, known for his smooth vocals and heartfelt lyrics. VEDO’s most recent releases include his albums Next Chapter (2024) and 7 (2023), both of which showcase his growth and versatility as an artist. His song “You Got It” connected well with his large female audience and went on to garner him a gold plaque. Over the years, VEDO has written for some of the industry’s top artists, including Chris Brown, Usher, and Ella Mai. Collaborating with a range of talented musicians, VEDO has solidified his reputation for creating memorable and impactful music. His accomplishments include chart-topping singles, millions of views on YouTube, and a dedicated fanbase. With his talent and dedication, VEDO continues to make significant contributions to contemporary R&B and remains a key player in the genre.
Eric Bellinger is arguably one of the most hardworking singer/songwriters of today. the 40-year-old Grammy award-winning Los Angeles-born artist has written for some of your favorite acts, such as Chris Brown, usher Justin Bieber just to name a few. To date, he’s released at least 33 projects as an artist spanning nearly 15 years in the game. he’s best known for his heavy collaborative efforts with other fellow artists as well as songwriter peers. his most recent project is The Rebirth 3: The Party & the Bedroom, which features the singles, “Drop” feat. Sevyn Streeter & “Gang Slide” feat. mozzy.
Raised in Florida, with roots from both the Dominican Republic and Haiti, Elijah Blake is no stranger to the game. his success as a songwriter is what got his footing in the door when he was just 16 years old, writing records for Trey Songz. he later went on to pen hits for superstars like Rihanna, Keyshia Cole, & usher to name a few. he signed to def jam and released his debut album, Shadows & Diamonds back in 2015 with his crossover banger, “I Just Wanna…” He’s put out a few EPs and projects over the years, but Elijah is still yearning for his big break while having been through the trials and tribulations of the music business. His self-titled forthcoming album, Elijah is due on August 2nd and it features the singles, “Ghostbuster,” “Company” & “Westside Story.”
ELHAE, whose name stands for “Every Life Has An Ending,” is an R&B artist from Minot, North Dakota, who has been steadily rising in the music scene with his unique sound and soulful lyrics. Growing up in a musically inclined family, ELHAE was exposed to various genres from a young age, which influenced his diverse musical style. His trajectory in the music industry began with the release of his debut EP, Aura (2015), which garnered significant attention and set the stage for his subsequent projects. ELHAE’s discography includes albums like Forgotten Flowers (2023), Aura III (2021), and Trouble in Paradise (2019), each showcasing his evolution as an artist and his ability to blend R&B with elements of hip-hop and electronic music. Recently, ELHAE has been busy working on new music, collaborating with other artists, and performing live shows. After dealing with the ups and downs of the major label system, ELHAE has previously been signed to both Atlantic Records and Motown, but these days he’s taken the independent route through his dream loud music group imprint. his latest offering is last month’s “More”
Kevin Ross is a talented R&B artist who has been making significant contributions to the music industry for over a decade. Hailing from Washington, D.C., Ross has built a reputation for his smooth vocals, impressive songwriting, and captivating performances. He first gained widespread attention with his debut EP Dialogue in the Grey (2014), which led to his major label debut album, The Awakening (2017). Over the years, Kevin Ross has released multiple projects, including his sophomore album Audacity Vol. 1 (2020) and Audacity Vol. 2 (2020). His discography showcases his growth as an artist and his ability to blend traditional R&B with modern influences. Ross has written for some of the industry’s top artists, including Trey Songz, Jamie Foxx, and Toni Braxton. His songwriting prowess has earned him respect and recognition among his peers and fans alike. In a bold move, Kevin Ross transitioned from a major label to an independent artist, establishing his imprint, Art Society Music Group. This shift allowed him greater creative freedom and control over his music. Despite the challenges of going independent, Ross has continued to thrive, consistently releasing quality music and expanding his fanbase. Kevin Ross’s journey in the music industry is marked by his dedication to his craft, his ability to adapt and evolve, and his unwavering commitment to delivering authentic R&B experiences. As he continues to create and perform, Ross remains a significant and influential figure in the R&B genre.
Check out our latest playlist featuring all of the guys featured on our Top 10 list below:
