[Latest] Quick Guide to Trends in Western R&B Music [2025]

CANDY GUM (ft. Jessie Reyez & Becky G)Emotional Oranges

Emotional Oranges – CANDY GUM (ft. Jessie Reyez & Becky G) [Official Music Video]

Emotional Oranges, a male-female duo based in Los Angeles, are bringing a fresh breeze to the emerging R&B scene.

Their February 2025 release rides sensual melodies over uptempo beats and features a powerful collaboration with Canadian artist Jessie Reyez and Latin pop star Becky G.

The group, who gained attention with “Motion,” used as the theme song for RuPaul’s Drag Race, blends ’90s R&B, funk, and neo-soul into a distinctive sound.

This new work fully showcases their appeal, highlighted by beautiful harmonies that convey sensuality and self-empowerment.

It’s a track perfect for a night when you feel like falling in love or as the soundtrack to a late drive.

SMHJae Stephens

Jae Stephens – SMH (Official Music Video)

Jay Stevens, a Dallas, Texas native who blends early-2000s R&B with a modern pop sensibility, calls herself an “R&B-pop futurist” and solidified her unique sound with the 2023 album SELLOUT.

Her new song dropping in April 2025 is a polished slice of R&B-pop woven from crisp handclaps and sleek synths.

Centered on themes of freedom and agency in love, it showcases her agile falsetto and catchy, conversational rhythmic phrasing.

The music video features cameos from Maeta and TA Thomas, and she’s slated to open for UK girl group FLO on their AAA Tour in spring 2025—making this track a promising sign of what’s to come.

MARRIAGENelly Furtado

Nelly Furtado – MARRIAGE (Visualizer)

Breaking a seven-year silence, Canadian songstress Nelly Furtado released her album “7” in 2024.

The track she unveiled in April 2025 is a narrative-rich mid-tempo ballad that explores marriage, love, and staying true to oneself.

Set to a sophisticated blend of R&B and soul, her deeply emotive vocals resonate with listeners.

Produced by Gray Hawken, the piece took two years to make and was recorded across three cities.

Released as a double A-side single with “GOD,” it does not appear on the album “7.” It’s a song to turn to when you want to reflect on deep love and life.

Bout URema

Rema – Bout U (Lyric video)

A gem of a love song where sweet, shimmering melodies blend seamlessly with the dynamic rhythms unique to Afrobeats.

Nigeria-born Rema is a proven talent who has made remarkable strides in the Afrobeats scene—from his 2019 EP “Rema” to his collaboration with Selena Gomez on “Calm Down.” His 2024 show at London’s O2 Arena was a resounding success, and in April 2025 he also performed at Coachella, one of the world’s largest outdoor festivals.

This track features an enchanting sound that fuses Afrobeats and R&B, highlighted by stylish guitar work.

With an aura that hints at the sparkle of new love, it’s perfect for driving playlists or party scenes.

Need MeSevana

Sevana – Need Me

A heartwarming love song has been born, beautifully blending Jamaica’s traditional music with modern R&B.

Taking a new step as an independent artist, Jamaican singer Sevana delivers an April 2025 track that builds on reggae and R&B while weaving in elements of jazz and soul for a sophisticated sound.

Her smooth, emotionally rich vocals gently sing of honesty and devotion in love.

Released by GoodHz Music, the song is produced by Tessellated, with co-production and mixing by Joe Davis.

Serving as a signature work for Sevana—who appeared as Judy Mowatt in the biopic Bob Marley: One Love—it’s a deeply moving track that leaves a lasting impression.

This Is WhyTucker Nichol, Lil Wayne

Tucker Nichol, Lil Wayne – This Is Why (Official Video)

Tucker Nichol, a singer-songwriter from Nashville, Tennessee and former Miss Tennessee USA, is drawing attention on the American pop-R&B scene.

This release is a collaborative track with hip-hop legend Lil Wayne—an ambitious piece that tackles the heavy theme of breaking free from a manipulative relationship, conveyed through Nichol’s soulful vocals and Wayne’s seasoned flow.

It’s a remake of a song from her 2022 album “Too Close To Home,” and the music video, directed by Julia Robert, is now out.

A highly recommended track for anyone interested in reflecting on mental health and self-esteem.

World At My FeetVictor Ray

Victor Ray – World At My Feet (Visualiser)

Victor Ray captures listeners’ hearts with a soulful voice that blends simplicity and sincerity.

Born in Uganda and raised in Newcastle, UK, the singer-songwriter honed his craft busking on the streets and is now based in London.

This newly released track from I WILL.

, the culmination of his EP series i was.

, i felt.

, and i tried.

, delivers a powerful message that fuses soul, R&B, and hip-hop.

Drawing on experiences of overcoming setbacks and inner conflict, he sings affirmingly about self-worth, offering listeners a genuine sense of hope.

Fresh off a successful acoustic tour in the UK in March 2025, he is set to tour Australia starting in May.

With emotionally rich vocals and earnest lyrics, this is a song that gently lifts listeners up and stays with them.