I know for me it’s always refreshing to discover new artists, and these R&B singers are just that — refreshing. Here are some hard working women in music you should do your ears a favor by listening to.
1. SZA
Top Dawg Entertainment’s sole female artist has been making a name for herself despite her latest release of music, Z (2014), being from about 3 years ago. Her soothing sounds of R&B are soft yet strong, and her words cut deep with passion. Her accompanying vocals on Rihanna’s “Consideration” off of Anti (2016) has given her more exposure, as well as being featured on label-mate Isaiah Rashad’s “Stuck in the Mud” on The Sun’s Tirade (2016). Rumors of a release date for her debut album Ctrl of February 3, 2017 were being circulated, but fans and myself included were disappointed when nothing was released that day. Sources from TDE claimed that if it it did not come directly from them, it wasn’t true. However, we can expect her album very soon, perhaps within the month. For now, take a look at her interactive website and listen to her newest single “Drew Barrymore” which will be featured on Ctrl.
2. Syd
I first discovered Syd’s talents when she was DJ and producer for music collective Odd Future back in 2012. Since then she’s left the group, but during her time there she formed her own R&B group with Matt Martians, with the duo now formed into a full band, as well as working on her own music. The band’s latest album Ego Death (2015) brought them widespread acclaim by earning them a nomination for Best Urban Contemporary Album at the 2016 Grammys. Her debut solo album Fin released February 3, 2017, features elements of hip hop, soul and R&B, with her vocals as strong as ever in a blend that makes her unique, and a voice that breezes through your ears.
3. Kali Uchis
This Colombiana has a unique sound that you don’t hear often in the music industry right now. Her doo-wop blend of R&B with a retro vibe is what sets her apart from other R&B vocalists, and not to mention the creativity she is packed with, as can be seen through her music videos. Kali Uchis also takes pride in being Latina and where she comes from. Her music video for one of her most popular songs “Ridin Round” takes place in Columbia and gives viewers a glimpse of the culture. Her first studio EP Por Vida (2015) showcased her talents with music, and she’s been hinting that her debut album is set to be released this year as well.
4. Abra
Like SZA, Abra is Awful Records’ queen of the label, being the only female artist on its roster. Her music reminds me of 80’s pop, but with a more raw and hypnotic sound. She’s released 3 projects since being on Awful, and the latest being Princess (2016). The first song and single off the album “Come 4 Me” shows her power within herself by stating she wanted to start the album off “with an attitude of confidence as opposed to the heartbroken stuff people are used to — that sad girl shit.”
5. Mabel
Mabel decided to go in the musician direction the same as her mother, Neneh Cherry, but go a different route with her sound. Although she has a limited discography so far, the singles Mabel’s put out show promising material for a hit R&B female singer coming out of the U.K. Her latest single, “Thinking of You” (2016) talks about falling for someone, a theme that’s present in her other songs too, which hopeless romantics can appreciate. I’m excited to hear more of her, as she’s hinted at new things coming soon.
This is a girl you should look out for.
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