Tyla, Leon Thomas Among Spotify’s Top 10 R&B Artists To Watch For 2024

It’s that time of year again — Spotify has revealed their top 10 R&B artists on the rise for 2024.

Amaria, Bellah, Chxrry22, Elmiene, Jordan Ward, Khamari, Lekan, Leon Thomas, Naomi Sharon, and Tyla are among the streaming platforms top acts to dominate the current year.

Alaysia Sierra, Spotify’s Head of R&B, told VIBE exclusively, “This year is our second annual R&B Rising Artist to Watch list, and it’s reflective of artists we feel are poised to have a great 2024. They’re all at different points in their careers, and we’re so excited for this class as they each bring something different to the genre. Elmiene is a true student of R&B with a voice that embodies nostalgia. Jordan Ward is doing things his own way — he’s having fun and approaching R&B through his love of hip-hop and other genres. Naomi Sharon is really celestial, the depth of her lyrics and warmth of her voice is transcendent. And Lekan, the newest of them all, with only three songs out in the world — one was enough to know he’s got something special.” 

Similar to last year’s inaugural list, each act has an “essential track” listed to familiarize fans with their work. New listeners are urged to stream Amaria’s “All For You,” Bellah’s “Evil Eye,” Chxrry22’s “The Falls,” Elmiene’s “Mad At Fire” — which was part of VIBE’s Best R&B Songs of 2023 — Jordan Ward‘s “WHITE CROCS,” Khamari’s “These Four Walls,” Lekan’s “Familiar,” Leon Thomas’ “Breaking Point,” Naomi Sharon’s “Regardless,” and of course, Tyla’s “Water,” which landed among the top five on our Best Of list.

In addition to the R&B Rising list, Spotify’s domestic team also selected their top artists to watch across various genres including Latin, Pop, Country, and Hip-Hop.

In 2023, Coco Jones, FLO, Alex Vaughn, Destin Conrad, and LAYA were among the inaugural class of rising R&B acts. Each went on to have a dynamic year in their respective careers.

Listen to the full R&B Rising playlist below.