‘Tis the season again: to make a list, check it twice (and a couple more times for good measure) and then reveal who are the hottest artists of the year. In this case, we’re talking Billboard’s staff picks of the R&B artists who left the most indelible footprints in 2025.
Before moving forward, let’s underscore that these picks were not decided strictly by chart data. As we previously mentioned on our initial list in February, while chart success was a factor in the staff discussion, other criteria was also taken into account: vocal performance, musical and lyrical resonance, cultural buzz, touring success and business endeavors and partnerships.
There’s no doubt that some R&B fans will disagree with these staff picks and decry that other artists are more deserving of a slot on the list. However, there’s also no doubt that both sides can agree on one thing: that 2025 was a strong year for R&B.
As noted in Billboard’s October story predicting which R&B artists would score nominations for the 68th annual Grammy Awards, this year witnessed anticipated returns (Justin Bieber, GIVĒON, Teyana Taylor, Kehlani, Bryson Tiller) and breakthroughs by a mix of established and rising stars (Ravyn Lenae, Mariah the Scientist, PARTYNEXTDOOR, Leon Thomas).
This year also uncorked a refreshing blend of contemporary, alternative and traditional R&B as fermented by the aforementioned in addition to genre torch bearers such as Lalah Hathaway and Bilal plus promising movers and shakers such as Durand Bernarr, Kwn and Destin Conrad. Also notching notable buzz this year: Odeal and Summer Walker, the latter sliding under the wire with the final chapter in her Over It trilogy. Additional honorable mentions making in-roads in 2025 include Elmiene, Khamari and Alex Isley.
Then put another check in the win column labeled tours: R&B turned up and showed out this year, thanks to supremely successful runs by Chris Brown on his first-ever stadium world tour with special guests Tiller, Jhené Aiko and Walker; Brandy and Monica’s BPC Presents: The Boy Is Mine Tour; and The Queens! 4 Legends. 1 Stage. Tour starring Chaka Khan, Gladys Knight, Patti LaBelle and Stephanie Mills.
R&B also will be taking center stage once again at the upcoming Super Bowl LX pre-game festivities, when Coco Jones will perform “Lift Every Voice and Sing.” Jones follows in the footsteps of Ledisi — the former’s fellow Grammy-winning colleague and also 2026 Grammy nominee — who memorably performed “Lift” at last year’s Super Bowl pre-game celebration.
All of which underscores another truth that can be agreed upon: R&B is doing the damn thing! With that said, let’s now unveil the hottest R&B artists of 2025.