Staff Picks: The 10 Best R&B Albums of 2024

Though rap was at the forefront of conversations this year because of high-profile feuds, WWE-style storylines and shocking lawsuits, R&B kept things calm, smooth and sexy with some of its highest-profile entrants to the crowded genre.

For some, it was a year of a resurgence — one that saw Grammy-nominated singer Marsha Ambrosius emerge from the shadows after nearly a six-year layoff between albums and etch together arguably her best work to date with the Dr. Dre-helmed Casablanco. 2024 also saw another Grammy winner double up his intentions and fire away a potent deluxe album for his 11:11 series; after 20 years, Chris Brown remains at the apex of R&B because of his unapologetic lyrics and seamless tonality that continues to rip through any production darted his way.

While the veterans churned out delectable ear candy, the R&B newbies renewed listeners’ faith in believing the genre was alive and well. Previously best known for his precocious songwriting abilities, Leon Thomas took leaps and bounds as an artist when he sculpted his new album Mutt, signaling his growth along those lines. African artists Tyla and Tems showcased their versatility in their promising albums and showed they can flirt with any genre they deem fit. While novices would quickly throw the Afrobeats label on these Grammy darlings, a smooth listen to Tyla and Born in the Wild is enough to grant these ladies proper seating at the R&B table.

Please do yourself a favor and check out our ten best R&B albums of 2024.