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

Dancing In The SmokeNEW!GIVĒON

GIVĒON – Dancing In The Smoke (from Netflix Series “Nobody Wants This” Season 2) (Official Audio)

Giveon, an R&B singer renowned worldwide for his deep baritone voice, is a bona fide talent who was nominated in four Grammy categories for his contribution to Justin Bieber’s hit “Peaches.” His new song, released in October 2025, appears on the soundtrack for season 2 of the Netflix drama “Nobody Wants This.” Blending influences of 1980s new wave and synth-pop, it’s a slow-burning ballad that captures wavering emotions and the struggle of a love you don’t want to end.

It’s a perfect fit for anyone grappling with a relationship on the brink or for fans of bittersweet love stories.

go (ft.Kehlani)NEW!Karri

go

Kali is a young R&B singer from the San Francisco Bay Area.

After her 2023 track “3AM in Oakland” blew up on social media, she was named Billboard’s R&B Rookie of the Month in January 2025.

Here’s her new song featuring fellow Bay Area native Kehlani.

Reinterpreting E-40’s 2006 hyphy classic “Tell Me When to Go,” the track preserves the original groove while elevating it into contemporary R&B with synths and organ.

It’s a love song that sings of invitation and praise for the other person, with Kehlani’s harmonies adding depth to the piece.

Blending respect for Bay Area music culture with a new-generation sensibility, it’s recommended for anyone seeking a nostalgic yet silky nighttime vibe.

AlrightNEW!Lojay

Lojay – Alright (Official Visualizer)

XOXO, the highly anticipated debut full-length album by Nigerian singer-songwriter Rogei, was released in October 2025.

Closing out the record is a gem of a track born from a collaboration with producer P Priime.

Its bright synths, rhythmic percussion, and silky bassline weave a fusion of Afrobeats and R&B that brings listeners a sense of comfort and optimism.

In line with the album’s overarching theme of “feelings that couldn’t be put into words,” the project concludes with a hopeful message, expressing a calm state of mind found beyond confusion and doubt.

With a global tour kicking off in London on the horizon, Rogei is an artist whose future is truly exciting.

Just How You AreNEW!Leon Thomas

Leon Thomas – Just How You Are

After making his mark on Broadway and in popular Nickelodeon shows, Leon Thomas has produced and written songs for major artists like SZA and Ariana Grande.

In 2024, his album “MUTT” reached No.

1 on Billboard’s R&B Albums chart, cementing his status as a solo artist.

Released in October 2025, this track is the lead single from the EP “PHOLKS,” a groovy R&B number where a funky bassline interlocks with brass.

Carrying a straightforward message about loving oneself as they are, the song deftly fuses retro funk sensibilities with modern production, brimming with an irresistible, body-moving appeal.

DisarrayNEW!Lianne La Havas

Lianne La Havas – Disarray (Official Lyric Video)

London-based singer-songwriter Lianne La Havas, who has Greek and Jamaican roots, is known for her delicate blend of folk and soul.

She has released her first new song since her self-titled 2020 album in October 2025.

Introspective in nature, the track explores the breakdown of a relationship and tumultuous emotions, weaving together dreamy fingerpicked electric guitar with her crystalline vocals.

Recorded live with guitar and vocals tracked simultaneously, its spontaneity vividly captures shifting feelings.

The minimal arrangement highlights her expressive power to stunning effect—an ideal song for a quiet night.

In My Bag (ft. GloRilla)FLO

FLO, GloRilla – In My Bag ft. GloRilla (Official Video)

FLO, one of the most talked-about young groups in contemporary R&B, has released a track that expresses confidence and a drive for success.

Featured on their debut album “Access All Areas,” released in November 2024, the song blends R&B and pop elements.

In the lyrics, the members proudly celebrate their individuality and luxurious lifestyle, delivering a burst of positive energy to listeners.

American rapper GloRilla also joins as a featured artist, adding further depth to the track.

It’s a perfect song for boosting self-esteem and stepping into your power.

NahNEW!Khalid

Khalid – Nah (Official Google VR Music Video)

R&B singer Khalid, who shot to stardom with his debut album American Teen released in 2017, has returned with his fourth album, After the Sun Goes Down, released in October 2025—an ambitious work that captures his state of mind after publicly embracing his sexuality.

The tracks placed early in the album are dark, cool R&B ballads centered on themes of betrayal and parting.

A strong will to reject others’ expectations and relationships is conveyed alongside minimal, bass-driven production.

The contrast between the polished production and his warm vocals is striking, setting the album’s overall tension in motion.

It’s a track that, throughout, conveys his determination to reclaim his own voice.