10 Up & Coming Women R&B Artists You Need On Your Playlist
Are you like me, where you listen to the same ten songs every day? Here are some artists, young and old, from the U.S. to the U.K., who are all making a name for themselves. Most of these artists have less than 50,000 monthly listeners on Spotify, but deserve more recognition.
These women released a lot of their songs during quarantine, often addressing their experiences with the pandemic through their music. Artists like Rebecca Garton and Kali Claire will make you want to dance, while Marzz and Nia Ashleigh have more of a calming vibe. Keep reading to find a musician who resonates with you.
via @marzzofficiall Instagram
1. Marzz
Where to Listen: Spotify, SoundCloud, Apple Music, Tidal
From Louisville, Kentucky, singer/songwriter Marzz has a small, but strong discography. In her song “Rain Freestyle“ she puts her own unique twist on the song “Rain” by SWV. Once you hear her riff over this familiar backing track, all you’ll want to do is close your eyes and listen. Her vocals are truly mesmerizing. If I sang like that, I wouldn’t shy away from covering a classic either.
via @_kaliclaire Instagram
2. Kali Claire
Where to Listen: Spotify, Soundcloud, Apple Music, Tidal
Kali Claire is from South London, and was raised in a single parent household with her mom. As she grew up listening to music, and eventually started making songs by herself, she taught herself how to produce so she could continue to write and sing. Her music attracted all my attention, and made me want to dance. Her first song of 2021, “Disrespekt,” was just released on March 26th. “It’s about boundaries, and knowing my worth!” said Kali. Louder for the people in the back, Kali!
via @niaashleigh_ Instagram
3. Nia Ashleigh
Where to Listen: Tidal, SoundCloud, Spotify
Nia Ashleigh was on Broadway at 10, as Nala in the Lion King. She has Jamaican and Canadian roots, and she’s also representing Newark, NJ. She currently has one song available to stream called “Kevin.” It's the relaxing, yet empowering song we all need when we are struggling to recognize our own self worth. She sings about her healing process, and how she is stronger than all of the bullsh*t that comes her way.
via @bethlehemmillion Instagram
4. Beth Million
Where to Listen: Spotify, Apple Music, SoundCloud
Beth Million is inspired by artists like H.E.R., Anderson .Paak, and Ms. Lauryn Hill. On her website’s “about me” section, it says “Based in New York City by way of Geneva, Atlanta, and Ethiopia… Beth Million uses her music to empower through vulnerability and reflection.” She sings about her relationship struggles in an upbeat, fun tone. Her song, “Coastin'” ft. 80purppp makes me want to drive around with my girlfriends-- windows down, shades on, with the sun shining overhead.
via @ibebellah Instagram
5. Bellah
Where to Listen: Spotify, Tidal, SoundCloud, Apple Music
In her Spotify bio, Bellah is referred to as “the UK’s answer to Summer Walker, Kehlani, or SZA.” That’s because her lyrics are honest, and “like the inner pages of a diary.” For example, in her song “Good Thing,” she writes, “I know your love language is words of affirmation, and I ain’t got the skills for that. But I’ll take a bullet for you with no hesitation.”
It’s personal, yet relatable for anyone who has a hard time expressing how they feel to other people. Her song “Home” is one to listen to with headphones. Trust me, you won’t regret it.
via @mneliaa Instagram
6. Mnelia
Where to Listen: Spotify, Apple Music, SoundCloud, Tidal
Mnelia is based in West London, with roots from Guinea Bissau and Gambia. Her most popular song is called, “Say Yeah,” and samples the early 2000’s classic “You” by Lloyd. In the same song she says, “Ima tell you one last time stop playing with me.” It’s the confidence for me. She uses a beat that makes you want to dance, and the song is definitely the bad b*tch anthem she considers it to be.
via @yasvwofficial Instagram
7. Yas VW
Where to Listen: Spotify, Apple Music, SoundCloud, Tidal
Yasmin Vaughan-Williams, a.k.a. Yas VW is only 21 years old. She only has three songs on her discography, two of which were released last year. Her Instagram bio says, “Healing you with Harmonies.” Her harmonies do sound amazing, and her song, “Off the Ground” with Jacob Latimore describes just how listening to her music is sure to make you feel.
via @rebeccagarton Instagram
8. Rebecca Garton
Where to Listen: Spotify, Apple Music, Tidal, SoundCloud
Rebecca Garton was born in Ghana, and has read over 3,000 books. She has lived all over the world, from Nigeria to the UK, and experienced everything from culture shocks, to racism, to the loss of her father to cancer. Never giving up on her dreams, Rebecca Garton has been releasing music since 2014. Her songs “All Me” and “All Me - Pt. 2” will have you captivated, and moving before you even realize.
via @mariahthescientist Instagram
9. Mariah the Scientist
Where to Listen: Spotify, Tidal, SoundCloud, Apple Music
Mariah the Scientist’s first EP came out in 2018, but I think people are listening to her music now more than ever. Her album “MASTER,” is one to listen to after a breakup, and might make you want to yell at your ex. She focuses on redemption, and overcoming disrespect. Fun fact, she went to St. John’s University in New York for biology, and she started making music at the same time. Her music is influenced by OutKast and Frank Ocean, and performers like Whitney Houston and Mariah Carey.
via @munilong Instagram
10. Muni Long
Where to Listen: Tidal, Apple Music, SoundCloud, Spotify
Muni Long wrote songs for Rihanna and Selena Gomez, but is now starting to make her own music. She was 18 when she was signed by Capitol Records in 2009. She has been a songwriter for the past 13 years, but she was recently diagnosed with lupus.
“It really put things into perspective,” Long said. “I was like, ‘If I die, I will be so pissed, having never gone after the things that I wanted.’ That's really what set it off.” Her music is newly released, but feels nostalgic. You’ll know once you listen to her song, “Build a Bae.”
Written by Samira Farah
Header photo by Dusan Jovic via Unsplash
