The R&B Artists To Watch for 2026
Discover the 10 R&B artists that we think are up next in 2026.
As R&B continues to stretch beyond traditional borders in 2026, we’re excited to help introduce voices that feel honest, forward-thinking, and rooted in craft. Think of this as an invitation: a head start, a shared secret, a reminder that the best discoveries often happen early. Welcome to the new year. We’ll put you on to who’s next with our Artists To Watch ‘26.
Gabriel Jacoby
Gabriel Jacoby has steadily built a name over the past 12 months. His recent releases — anchored by the gutta child era — introduced him as an artist unafraid of vulnerability, raw storytelling, and stripped-back production. With momentum building and a clear artistic identity already established, Gabriel enters 2026 positioned for his first major breakout year.
Storm Ford
Hailing from Providence, Rhode Island, and now living in Atlanta, Storm Ford is bringing a richness to R&B music with her amazing vocals. If songs like "Trying" are any indication, R&B fans are about to fall in love with the storm in 2026.
JayDon
2025 was a great year for JayDon, but 2026 is poised to be even greater. Now that he's released his debut mixtape 'Me My Songs and I' and his single "Lullaby" is picking up steam in mainstream circles, prepare to see JayDon bringing his high energy everywhere this year. We could very well be looking at our next era-defining superstar talent.
Ebony Riley
Ebony Riley’s rise has been fueled by her ability to blend classic soul influences with contemporary R&B songwriting. The model and singer has everything it takes to take over R&B. Over the past couple of years, Ebony has been sharpening her sound and expanding her presence as a performer with songs like “Only You” as she readies her debut album.
CARI
There's something in the water in the UK because they stay blessing us with amazing talents like CARI. Influenced by an eclectic range of music legends across genres, CARI's brand of music is the kind that we crave. It's alternative. It's soulful. It's unique. It's CARI. If you haven't already, listen to her 'FLUX' EP and you'll know exactly what we mean.
2BYG
It’s been a while since we’ve had a band with vocals like 2BYG, but these boys from Texas aren’t playing games. Taking inspiration from the great R&B groups of the ‘90s while putting their own modern spin on R&B, we can’t wait to see what 2BYG (which stands for To Be Young & Gifted) does next.
Arno Sacco
He has only released two singles to date, but that’s all we needed to hear to know that Arno Sacco is a name we’ll be saying a lot in 2026. Born in Belgium and now based in London. Arno has the kind of vulnerability and tenderness to his voice that stops you in your tracks and makes you pay attention.
EJ Jones
Memphis singer EJ Jones is about to bring soul music to the forefront in a big way in 2026. With vocals that are mature beyond his years, Quality Control’s new signee is making waves with his viral sensation “Gas Station Love.” And his upcoming project: it’s just as good and just as soulful.
Isaia Huron
Isaia Huron had a breakthrough year in 2025, but we feel like he's only scratched the surface of where he's going in 2026. 'CONCUBANIA' was one of our favorite releases of last year, thanks to songs like "I CHOSE YOU" & "THOTFUL." Now, we're craving what's next for the singer, songwriter, producer extraordinaire.
Girlfriend
Girlfriend's music is relatable and catchy - it's ear candy. The singer's voice and productions instantly transport us back to the 2000s, when artists like Ashanti and Keyshia Cole dominated the airwaves. Her upcoming project 'Honey Water' is gonna set the tone for an amazing year of R&B to come.
As always, stay tapped in with the present and the future of R&B on our YAMS playlist – updated weekly.
Natanya should of been on this list, along with EJ Ross
Love how this spotlights the breadth of whats happening in R&B right now instead of boxing it into one lane. The part about voices that feel honest and rooted in craft gets at why some artists blow up while others with technical chops dont, it's that authenticity thing that cant be faked. I stumbled onto Gabriel Jacoby a few months back and got hooked on the stripped-back production, its refreshing when someones not hiding behindoverproduction. This list feels like actual curation rather than a playlist algorythm spit out.