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 1 . Mariah The Scientist - Burning BlueReleased on May 2, 2025, via Buckles Laboratories and Epic Records, "Burning Blue" threads fire-and-ice imagery through a stripped-back mix of soft percussion and sparse strings. Mariah The Scientist leans into emotional contradiction, where intimacy borders on risk, and detachment feels warm. The refrain "burning blue" suggests surrender that smolders rather than scorches—serene yet volatile. It's the lead single from her upcoming album, following "To Be Eaten Alive." The music video is directed by Claire Bishara
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 2 . Ravyn Lenae - Love Me Not"Love Me Not" brings together Ravyn Lenae's airy vocals and Rex Orange County's boyish croon in a duet that treads the fine line between longing and detachment. Released in October 2024 as part of "Bird's Eye," the song reflects Lenae's evolving artistry following her 2022 debut, "Hypnos." With an ear for genre-blurring sounds, she blends R&B with electronic elements, a signature she's honed since her "Moon Shoes" EP introduced her in 2015. The music video is directed by Ravyn Lenae
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 3 . Sevdaliza - Alibi (w/ Pabllo Vittar & Yseult)""Alibi"" intertwines the voices of Sevdaliza, Pabllo Vittar, and Yseult, merging English, Portuguese, and French. Produced by Sevdaliza and Mathias Janmaat, it samples ""Rosa"" by Totó la Momposina, a Colombian hit rooted in Carnival tradition. With baile funk and reggaeton influences, the song weaves themes of feminine resilience and empowerment. The track quickly soared in popularity, reaching over 35 million streams in weeks and placing Pabllo Vittar as the second drag queen on the Billboard Hot 100. The music video is directed by Fernando Nogari
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 4 . Doechii - Denial Is A River"Denial Is A River" finds Doechii unpacking betrayal with a smirk, drawing from a 2019 relationship where her partner's infidelity takes an unexpected turn. The title nods to Wendy Williams' infamous quip, setting the tone for a track that blends confessional storytelling with sharp wit. A therapist-like voice interjects, turning the song into a tense dialogue dissecting fame, excess, and emotional self-sabotage. The music video channels a '90s sitcom aesthetic, with celebrity cameos including Zack Fox, Rickey Thompson, ScHoolboy Q, and SiR. Following Doechii's Grammy performance, the song gains momentum, adding another striking entry to her evolving discography. The music video is directed by James Mackel & Carlos Acosta Featured on the album Alligator Bites Never Heal
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 5 . Tinashe - NastyTinashe's "Nasty" channels her alter ego “Nasty Nashe” through suggestive lyrics over a minimalistic R&B beat, produced by Zack Sekoff and Ricky Reed. Inspired by a custom necklace she made, the song blends singing and rap as Tinashe seeks an equally bold partner. Viral on TikTok, it gained traction after a user's dance video was shared widely. The desert-themed music video, directed by Jojo Gomez, portrays Tinashe as a futuristic figure pursued by robots, enhancing the song's audacious energy. The music video is directed by Jonah Haber Featured on the album Quantum Baby
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 6 . Mariah The Scientist - 2 YouIn "2 You," Mariah the Scientist explores themes of trust and vulnerability, portraying the emotional aftermath of a troubled relationship. Produced with Roark Bailey, the song's lyrics reveal Mariah's regrets and challenges in moving on. The track is characterized by its introspective tone, blending R&B with soulful elements. The music video is directed by Edgar Esteves and Jon Primo Featured on the album To Be Eaten Alive
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 7 . Mariah The Scientist - From A WomanMariah The Scientist's "From A Woman" forms a lyrical pair with "From A Man" by Young Thug. Through introspective lyrics, Mariah explores emotional independence and self-assurance, addressing vulnerability and the complexities of love from a female perspective. The song's haunting melody and candid lyrics draw listeners into Mariah's world of introspection and resilience. The music video is directed by LEFF Featured on the album To Be Eaten Alive
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 8 . Sevdaliza - No Me Cansare (w/ Karol G)"No Me Cansaré" is an electrifying fusion that pairs Sevdaliza's genre-hopping eccentricity with Karol G's unmistakable charisma. The track thrives on a mix of alternative pop aesthetics and Latin rhythms, creating a hypnotic push-and-pull dynamic between the two voices. Beneath its glimmering production lies a narrative rooted in unwavering love and self-determination, resonating with themes of female resilience. Its Brazilian-shot video, directed by Willems Kantine, adds a sun-soaked visual layer that juxtaposes with the song's emotional intensity. Emerging from a shared moment at Rock in Rio for a crowd of 150,000, the collaboration feels as spontaneous as it is strategic. While Sevdaliza's intricate arrangements offer emotional texture, Karol G injects an anthemic quality that ensures it sticks to the memory. The production credits—Sevdaliza, Mathias Janmaat, and Frankie Scoca—layer lush beats with a deliberate rawness, avoiding over-polish. It challenges typical genre boundaries without veering into the abstract, striking a balance between experimentation and accessibility. The music video is directed by ILLEMSKANTIN
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 9 . Ari Lennox - PressureAri Lennox's "Pressure," produced by Jermaine Dupri and Bryan-Michael Cox, samples Shirley Brown's "Blessed Is the Woman." The song merges Motown soul with modern trap elements, with lyrics focusing on self-confidence and living authentically. The music video celebrates disco and soul divas, with a retro vibe reminiscent of icons like Diana Ross and Donna Summer. Certified Gold by the RIAA, "Pressure" became a defining hit in Lennox's career. The music video is directed by Chandler Lass. Featured on the album Age/Sex/Location
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 10 . Lucky Daye - OverLucky Daye's "Over," produced by D'Mile, samples Musiq Soulchild's "Halfcrazy." The song digs into the anxiety and tension of an on-and-off relationship. The music video, featuring Jordyn Woods, captures the tumultuous nature of such connections. The track, platinum-certified, highlights Daye's vulnerability amidst conflicting emotions of desire and restraint. The music video is directed by Machine Operated Featured on the album Candydrip
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 11 . Teyana Taylor - MorningTeyana Taylor and Kehlani's "Morning" explores desire and intimate connection through lush R&B, with production by Mixx, Tune Da Rula, and Louis Gold. The Def Jam track's smooth ambiance and sensual lyrics add depth to the artists' portrayals of romantic intensity and connection. The music video is directed by Teyana Taylor Featured on the album The Album
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 12 . Ari Lennox, J. Cole - Shea Butter Baby"Shea Butter Baby" by Ari Lennox, featuring J. Cole, combines neo-soul and R&B in a track featured on the Creed II soundtrack. Produced by Elite and Shroom, the song's lyrics explore themes of intimacy and passion, with shea butter symbolizing the sensual connection between lovers. The music video, set against a moody backdrop, mirrors the song's warm and intimate tone. The music video is directed by Bennett Johnson Featured on the album Shea Butter Baby
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 13 . Young M.A - Went Legit FreestyleFresh off Brooklyn pavement, "Went Legit Freestyle" surfaces in 2025 with Young M.A both behind the mic and the camera. The self-directed video keeps it local—shot in her home borough—right where her bars first made noise. It leans into her freestyle streak, a mode she's been running since “Ooouuu” turned triple platinum. Still unsigned, still sharp, she makes space for street-coded punchlines over stripped-back beats. The visuals don’t try too hard—they just mirror the artist: uncompromised and exactly where she wants to be. Remember the 2016 BET Hip Hop Awards? That freestyle wasn’t a detour; this is just the next stop on the same route. The music video is directed by Young M.A / @shotbykns >> More by the same : Website
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 14 . Swedish House Mafia - Lioness (w/ Niki & The Dove)Dropping in June 2024, "Lioness" brings together Swedish House Mafia and Niki & The Dove in an electro-pop anthem teased by the trio in live shows. Its extended mixes and lush beats combine their signature sound with Niki & The Dove's ethereal vocals, while remixes by Kevin De Vries and SLVR add fresh twists to this captivating release. The music video is directed by Joshua Teplitz
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 15 . Lucky Daye - That'S YouLucky Daye's "That's You," co-produced with Bruno Mars, blends R&B with soul and funk, with lyrics exploring longing and intense connection. D'Mile's production infuses warmth, while Mars's influence adds universal appeal. The song's groove and depth reflect the nuances of passionate relationships. The music video is directed by Nick Walker
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 16 . Snakehips - All My Friends (w/ Tinashe & Chance The Rapper)Blending gospel-tinged harmonies with sleek electronic textures, "All My Friends" channels Snakehips' weariness with the London club scene into a polished lament on party fatigue. Released in October 2015 as a standalone single through Sony Music UK and Columbia Records, the track enlists Tinashe and Chance the Rapper, who each record their parts separately, their verses stitched together via remote production. The video unfolds in one long tracking shot, drifting between snapshots of club-goers' nights unraveling under fluorescent lights, with Tinashe taking quiet center stage. "All My Friends" scores an Ivor Novello Award in 2016 for Best Contemporary Song—ironic for a track about wanting to leave before the afterparty even begins. The music video is directed by Mister Whitmore
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 17 . Snow Tha Product - Tell You Like ThisThe bass hits hard, the percussion cuts sharper, and Snow Tha Product wastes no time making her point. "Tell You Like This" runs on minimalist production—dark synths, tight 808s—leaving plenty of room for her rapid delivery and locked-in bilingual flow. English, Spanish, doesn’t matter—every bar hits with the same bite: self-assured, uncompromising, and allergic to outside opinions. Structure-wise, it’s clean—verse, hook, repeat—but the repetition is intentional, a controlled echo chamber of lines that lay down non-negotiable boundaries. The choruses aren’t trying to be hummed—they're declarations planted dead center under a spotlight of confrontational calm. Her phrasing stays precise, her tone never wavers—this is confrontation by design, not impulse. If anyone misses the message, that’s on them—the track does plenty of telling and zero apologizing. The music video is directed by BARF MEDIA
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 18 . Sevdaliza - MessiahSevdaliza's "Messiah" is a complex blend of sensuality and spirituality, entwining Latin pop and reggaeton with gospel-infused imagery. The song questions conventional beliefs, portraying desire as a pathway to divinity with lines like "My messiah / Free me from desire." It challenges traditional notions of pleasure and holiness, asking, "Why is it such a sin to believe in the God inside me?" This track emerges as a gospel for outsiders, spotlighting feminine strength and queer desire. The accompanying music video visually mirrors themes of resurrection and self-belief. Sevdaliza, an Iranian-Dutch talent, continues to blend electronic, alt-R&B, and experimental pop, not only through music but also as a visual artist and director. The music video is directed by Tanu Muiño >> More by the same : Website
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 19 . Adekunle Gold - SinnerAdekunle Gold releases "Sinner" in 2021 as a teaser for his album Catch Me If You Can. Produced by Blaise Beatz, the song finds a mid-tempo groove that’s equal parts Afrobeat rhythm and R&B sway. Nigerian-American singer Lucky Daye slips in for the guest spot, smoothing out an already sleek arrangement. Gold’s sultry delivery melts over a guitar-led backdrop, betraying no rush to reach the chorus. Call it one of his more internationally-minded moves—certainly among the smoother ones. The music video is directed by Magdalena Wosinska
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ABOUT ALTERNATIVE R&BAlternative R&B: DefinitionAlternative R&B, often referred to as Alt R&B, is a subgenre of contemporary R&B that emerges in the mid-2000s but gains a distinct identity and dedicated following by the 2020s. Alt R&B reimagines traditional R&B with a deconstructionist approach, steering away from conventional love themes to delve into more personal, introspective territories. Alternative R&B: MusicMusically, Alt R&B stands out with its unconventional and sometimes minimalist style. Ethereal melodies and layered vocal harmonies create a dreamy atmosphere, while rhythms borrow subtly from hip-hop, lending a fluid quality. Beats are often languid, allowing the vocals space to breathe and lending the music an intimate feel. Minimalist instrumentation weaves acoustic and electronic sounds, frequently using analog synthesizers, reverb effects, and richly textured electric guitars. In the 2020s, popular producers like Blake Slatkin, Arca, Mndsgn, and Kaytranada exemplify this hybrid approach, bridging retro and futuristic textures through organic beats and intricate soundscapes, often created with digital audio workstations (DAWs). Alternative R&B: WordsAlt R&B lyrics typically explore personal and introspective themes, addressing emotional challenges, toxic relationships, mental health, alienation, and identity. Unlike traditional R&B, which often celebrates passionate romantic declarations, Alt R&B reveals nuanced and vulnerable personal stories. A memorable excerpt from SZA‘s “Garden (Say It Like Dat)” goes, “Lie to me and tell me that I look good, lie to me, lie to me, oh.” Here, she conveys the desire for approval, even when it’s superficial. Another example is Brent Faiyaz’s “Hard to Love,” which reflects doubts about his capacity for genuine love. These songs evoke complex, often contradictory emotions that resonate deeply with contemporary audiences. Alternative R&B: Key Record LabelsHere is a list of labels known to promote and produce Alt R&B: |
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