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 1 . 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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 2 . 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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 3 . 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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 4 . 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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 5 . 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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 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 . 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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 8 . 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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 9 . Teyana Taylor - Bare Wit MeTeyana Taylor's "Bare Wit Me" pays homage to the 1930s aesthetic, with a video inspired by Harlem Nights. Produced by Bizness Boi, Cardiak, and Ninety Four, the song combines R&B and soul with retro funk. The storyline follows Taylor through a crime drama narrative, where she takes on a masculine character in a zoot suit, adding a unique, stylized flair to the song's themes of trust and romantic indecision. The music video is directed by The Aunties Featured on the album The Album
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 10 . 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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 11 . 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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 12 . Katy Perry - I'M His, He'S Mine (w/ Doechii)Katy Perry and Doechii infuse dance-pop with hip-hop flair, sampling Crystal Waters' "Gypsy Woman." Skydiving visuals and street-chic aesthetics in Barcelona amplify its exploration of dynamic identity, with Perry's VMAs performance showcasing this captivating collaboration. The music video is directed by TORSO Featured on the album 143
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 13 . Young M.A - BigYoung M.A's "BIG," produced by NY Bangers, is a confident anthem in the trap and hip-hop vein. The track's lyrics reflect her openness about her sexuality, wealth, and self-assurance. With a melancholic melody, "BIG" emphasizes Young M.A's journey through success and her uncompromising style. The music video is directed by Marc Diamond Featured on the album Herstory in the Making
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 14 . Victoria Monét - AlrightVictoria Monét's "Alright," produced by KAYTRANADA, taps into themes of sexual freedom and female empowerment. Monét's lyrics depict her as a “bad girl” breaking stereotypes. The song channels early 2000s icons, with a music video choreographed by Sean Bankhead and nodding to visuals from Missy Elliott, Janet Jackson, and Britney Spears. Through bold lyrics and a vibrant beat, "Alright" solidifies Monét's liberated persona. The music video is directed by scott cunningham Featured on the album Jaguar II
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 15 . Sir - Hair Down (w/ Kendrick Lamar)"Hair Down" by SiR, featuring Kendrick Lamar, celebrates self-confidence amid life's pressures. Produced by Anthony "Top Dawg" Tiffith, the song's chill R&B and soul influences create a laid-back atmosphere, while Kendrick's verse adds depth, reflecting on fame and authenticity. Filmed in Inglewood, the video highlights SiR's journey from his roots to the music world. The music video is directed by Jack Beger Featured on the album Chasing Summer
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 17 . 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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 18 . Dreamville - Sacrifices (w/ Earthgang & J. Cole Feat. Smino & Saba)Dreamville's "Sacrifices," featuring EarthGang, J. Cole, Smino, and Saba, is a collaborative effort on Revenge of the Dreamers III. Produced by Groove and Henny Tha Bizness, the song's introspective lyrics cover dedication and personal costs for success. With its emotional weight, the track serves as a tribute to EarthGang's Olu's late father, with the music video adding a sentimental dimension. The music video is directed by Scott Lazer, David Peters, and Chad Tennies Featured on the album Revenge of the Dreamers III
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 19 . Audrey Nuna - Mine"Mine" lands as Audrey Nuna's latest single, released on September 20, 2024, ahead of her album "TRENCH," which follows on October 18 through Arista Records. Produced by Myles William, Stavros, Anwar Sawyer, and Johnny May, the track blends her signature mix of R&B and rap, a style she labels "rage n B." The accompanying video situates her in a futuristic digital world, weaving 3D animation and visual effects into its aesthetic. Nuna, born Audrey Chu in New Jersey on April 2, 1999, first made waves performing "America the Beautiful" at the US Open when she was ten. After a year at NYU's Clive Davis Institute, she left to pursue music, signing with Arista Records in 2019. She first released "A Liquid Breakfast" in 2021, with "Mine" and "TRENCH" marking the next stage of her trajectory. The music video is directed by Zac Dov
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 20 . Sir - Nothing Even Matters"Nothing Even Matters" by SiR stands as a hypnotic homage to love's overwhelming pull. The track draws upon the DNA of Lauryn Hill's classic, spinning it into a contemporary R&B piece laced with raw sentiment. The production leans into mellow rhythms, creating a lush canvas for SiR's velvet vocals to unravel feelings of devotion. It's less a reinvention than a refinement, bridging nostalgia with modern intimacy effortlessly. The accompanying music video underscores the atmosphere, translating the song's quiet intensity into visual poetry without overextending its premise. Released under Top Dawg Entertainment, the single bolsters SiR's discography without bombast, choosing instead to let emotion take the lead. If love songs can be immersive yet understated, this one nails both effortlessly. The music video is directed by Loris Russier
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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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