Top Male R&B Singers
List of the Top Male R&B Artists
Modern day rhythm and blues, more specifically male R&B singers, can be dated back to the era of the 1980s when New Edition were the main male R&B artists, during a time when music was transitioning from the soul era of the 1970s to the rise of the more modern era of rhythm and blues.
By the 1990s and 2000s the rhythm and blues scene exploded with successful careers of both solo male R&B artists and R&B groups in the form of Boyz II Men, Usher, Keith Sweat, Brian McKnight, Tony Toni Tone, Jodeci, and many more as there is a long list of top male R&B singers from the 1990s.
Now as we enter the 2020s, R&B music has not lost a step with an extensive list of top artists, even though rap and hip hop has currently surpassed R&B music in popularity. Today is a new era and a new generation is in control creating a long list of talented male R&B artists, from artists that have millions of fans and have had longevity over multiple eras to artists that have only recently emerged onto the music scene.
Top 25 Male R&B Artists
1. Chris Brown
Chris Brown’s debut single “Run It!” raced to first place on the American Billboard charts in 2005 and committed himself there for five weeks. Chris Brown is a singer, songwriter, a gifted dancer and now also features sometimes as an actor. His exceptional talent benefits, above all, its versatility, which has led him to be one of the all-time greats in the rhythm and blues category.
Follow on Instagram: @Chris Brown and watch more on Youtube: Chris Brown
2. The Weeknd
On a weekend when he was only 17 years old, The Weeknd ran away from home and did not return. Born in Toronto, Canada, he leaped into the music business thanks to Toronto-based colleague Drake. The Weeknd has developed a vast discography that features some of the best R&B songs today. His tracks “Can’t Feel My Face” and “Starboy” have been bought almost 15 million times.
Follow on Instagram: @The Weeknd and watch more on Youtube: The Weeknd
3. Khalid
Considered to be one of the fast-rising R&B stars, Khalid Robinson, aka Khalid, suffered an itinerant upbringing. Originally from Fort Stewart, he had to move between Kentucky and New York as well as Heidelberg, Germany, due to his mother’s military career. Just after high school, Khalid made his first debut (2016) with single “Location.” Since then, all has not been the same for the R&B star, with several of his hit singles receiving nominations in the Grammy Awards.
Follow on Instagram: @Khalid and watch more on Youtube: Khalid
4. Ty Dolla $ign
Ty Dolla $ign started his music career with appearances on a couple of singles until 2010 when his feature on rapper YG’s “Toot It and Boot It” gained massive recognition. In 2013, Ty Dolla signed to rapper Wiz Khalifa’s Taylor Gang Records, under which he released his debut album “Free TC,” which peaked at number 14 on the Billboard 200.
Follow on Instagram: @Ty Dolla $ign and watch more on Youtube: Ty Dolla $ign
5. Trey Songz
Having been compared to the greats by many lovers of R&B, Trey Songz made his debut in 2005 with “I Gotta Make It,” which was released via the label Atlantic Records. The album reached number 20 in the US Billboard charts and was sold 300,000 times. As of 2020, Trey Songz had a total of eight studio albums, including several singles. He is considered one the best when it comes to R&B. In 2010, he was awarded Best male R&B artist in the 2010 BET Awards
Follow on Instagram: @Trey Songz and watch more on Youtube: Trey Songz
6. Bryson Tiller
Bryson Tiller is a contemporary R&B singer and songwriter self-termed “Trap soul” artist because of his love for hip-hop. In the early stages of his career, Bryson received approval from renowned artists Drake and Timbaland. This launched his music into a broader spectrum. Currently, he has three studio albums and a Christmas album dubbed “A Different Christmas” that he released recently on November 19, 2021.
Follow on Instagram: @Bryson Tiller and watch more on Youtube: Bryson Tiller
7. 6lack
Pronounced “black,” 6lack has long considered the number six as an essential figure, central to his identity. Hailing from Baltimore, Maryland, he started recording music at the age of four in his father’s music studio. His debut album “Free 6lack” was released in late 2016 and peaked at number 34 on the Billboard 200. He featured in Rolling Stone “10 New Artists You Need to Know” the same year of his debut.
Follow on Instagram: @6lack and watch more on Youtube: 6lack
8. Bazzi
Bazzi is a multi-platinum certified singer, songwriter, and producer whose fresh hit “I Like That” has changed the sound of R&B in 2021. Music lovers have praised him for his genre-bending style and approach to songwriting. Bazzi’s discography has been welcomed worldwide with his debut album “Cosmic” certified Gold in Denmark.
Follow on Instagram: @Bazzi and watch more on Youtube: Bazzi
9. Miguel
American R&B singer, songwriter, and producer Miguel hails from the San Pedro district of Los Angeles, where many Americans of Mexican descent live. He signed his first music deal at the age of 14, which he terminated again at 18. After that, he went into contract with an indie label for two years but released no music. Currently, Miguel has four studio albums on which he features a mix of elementary rhythm and blues food with experimental sound ingredients.
Follow on Instagram: @Miguel and watch more on Youtube: Miguel
10. Jacquees
The Atlanta-based singer and songwriter, Jacquees has made a name for himself through delivering his own smooth, slick, and slimmering brand of the 21st-century R&B with an old-school twist. As a kid, Jacquees wanted to be a rapper until one day when his aunt heard him singing a song from the TV show “The Temptations.” Since his debut album “4275,” Jacquees has been a force in R&B music.
Follow on Instagram: @Jacquees and watch more on Youtube: Jacquees
11. Pink Sweat$
Nicknamed after the attire he became known for wearing in the recording studio, R&B singer and songwriter Pink Sweat$ is widely known for his ballads consisting of only his voice and the guitar. He made his music debut in 2018 and has released projects like 2020s The Prelude that has created a lasting emotional connection with many R&B fans all around the world.
Follow on Instagram: @Pink Sweat$ and watch more on Youtube: Pink Sweat$
12. PARTYNEXTDOOR
PARTYNEXTDOOR started his music career making electronic dance music-infused R&B under his real name Jahron Brathwaite. After signing to rapper Drake’s OVO record label, he released his single “Make a Mil” on Drake’s October’s Very Own blog. His first mixtape, PARTYNEXTDOOR, dropped on July 1, 2013, and in the Apple Music Store. It made it to number six on the Billboard Heatseekers Albums chart with sales of 2,000 copies and peaked at number 34 on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart.
Follow on Instagram: @PARTYNEXTDOOR and watch more on Youtube: PARTYNEXTDOOR
13. Brent Faiyaz
Maryland R&B star Brent Faiyaz started his career as a rapper. The 25-year-old pop star came to the music scene after releasing the single “Crew” with fellow DMV artists GoldLink and Shy Glizzy. The single was nominated in the 2018 Grammy Awards. With inspiration from rappers like Lil Wayne and Curren$y, you can’t doubt Brent; the rapper turned R&B singer is versatile in his style and delivery.
Follow on Instagram: @Brent Faiyaz and watch more on Youtube: Brent Faiyaz
14. YK Osiris
Self-proclaimed as the King of R&B on his latest album title, the 23-year-old pop star came into the spotlight at the age of 18. After self-releasing just a few of his songs online, YK OSIRIS was discovered by the higher ranks of the music industry and signed with Def Jam Recordings in 2019.
Follow on Instagram: @YK Osiris and watch more on Youtube: YK Osiris
15. Vedo
Self-proclaimed as the King of R&B on his latest album title, the 23-year-old pop star came into the spotlight at the age of 18. After self-releasing just a few of his songs online, YK OSIRIS was discovered by the higher ranks of the music industry and signed with Def Jam Recordings in 2019.
Follow on Instagram: @Vedo and watch more on Youtube: Vedo
16. Luh Kel
Hailing from St. Louis, Luh Kel is easily the fastest rising rhythm and blues star on the list. While Luh Kel’s sound may have similarities to the recent wave of melodic rappers, the majority of his songs are based around the emotions and love that has built the rhythm and blues genre. Making his debut with the hit song “Wrong,” Luh Kel has proven that he is here to stay and not just some one hit wonder.
Follow on Instagram: @Luh Kel and watch more on Youtube: Luh Kel
17. Eric Bellinger
Not only a talented singer, but Eric Bellinger has also known to be the man behind some of your favorite songs as a gifted songwriter. While his success as a singer is not nearly the same as his credits for songwriting, but Eric Bellinger has been releasing a handful of successful projects since the mid 2010s.
Follow on Instagram: @Eric Bellinger and watch more on Youtube: Eric Bellinger
18. Gashi
The New York based artist began his career during the beginning of the 2010s, but not until the 2019 release of the self-titled Gashi did the rising R&B star’s career begin to pick up steam. Now, the trajectory for Gashi’s career seems to be headed to the consideration as one of the world’s top rhythm and blues and pop stars in the industry.
Follow on Instagram: @Gashi and watch more on Youtube: Gashi
19. Roy Woods
One of the many talented artists north of the border, Roy Woods does not need the Drake cosign that he received to prove his level of talent. Coming into the music industry in 2015, Roy Woods’ freshman album was a complete classic, consisting of tracks like “Drama”, “Get You Good”, and “Jealousy”.
Follow on Instagram: @Roy Woods and watch more on Youtube: Roy Woods
20. BLXST
A mixture of hip hop and rhythm and blues, BLXST has been emerging as a fan favorite for some time now. Known for the hit single “Chosen” with Tyga and Ty Dolla $ign, as well features with a number of the top artists, be expected to hear much more from BLXST in the near future.
Follow on Instagram: @ BLXST and watch more on Youtube: BLXST
21. Marc E. Bassy
A mixture of pop and rhythm and blues, singer/songwriter Marc E. Bassy began during the late 2000s with the soulful pop band 2AM Club as the lead singer. Since the groups last release, the Bay Area native has been transitioning into a career as a solo artist after years of songwriting for some of the world’s most notarized artists and performing as the lead for the once 2AM Club.
Follow on Instagram: @Marc E. Bassy and watch more on Youtube: Marc E. Bassy
22. Lucky Daye
Though Lucky Daye may be new to some, the New Orleans native has been grinding for some years now. From making his first appearance on American Idol to lacing background vocals and receiving songwriting credits for some of rhythm and blues top stars, Lucky Daye has come a long way.
Follow on Instagram: @Lucky Daye and watch more on Youtube: Lucky Daye
23. Duckwrth
Though some may consider the Los Angeles native a rap and a hip-hop artist, his music serves as the true definition of rhythm and blues. Almost ten years professionally releasing music, Duckwrth is one of the most creative and innovative artists on this list.
Follow on Instagram: @Duckwrth and watch more on Youtube: Duckwrth
24. Buddy
Known for his collaborations with the late Nipsey Hussle, Buddy is not your average rhythm and blues artist. A combination of hip hop and R&B, and combination of representing for the streets, your average joe, or something for the ladies, Buddy’s music consistently reaches the listeners of multiple demographics.
Follow on Instagram: @Buddy and watch more on Youtube: Buddy
25. Tone Stith
Another discovery by the man who founded Drake, Jas Prince, Tone Stith has been grinding much of late. While the New Jersey native may not have a collection of hits, at least just yet, but he has a gift and a talent that has landed one of R&B top rising stars.
Follow on Instagram: @Tone Stith and watch more on Youtube: Tone Stith
Honorable Mention Male R&B Artists:
Elijah Blake Instagram: @Elijah Blake and Youtube: Elijah Blake
Jacob Latimore Instagram: @Jacob Latimore and Youtube: Jacob Latimore
Ro James Instagram: @Ro James and Youtube: Ro James
THEY. Instagram: @THEY. and Youtube: THEY.
John K Instagram: @John K and Youtube: John K
Marmar Oso Instagram: @Marmar Oso and Youtube: Marmar Oso
Ryan Trey Instagram: @Ryan Trey and Youtube: Ryan Trey
Vory Instagram: @Vory and Youtube: Vory
Xavier Omär Instagram: @Xavier Omär and Youtube: Xavier Omär
elhae Instagram: @elhae and Youtube: elhae
NBDY Instagram: @NBDY and Youtube: NBDY
Male R&B Singers Related Topics:
1 Top Female R&B Singers List
2 Top 15 Best Canadian Male R&B Singers List
3 Top Male R&B Artists of the 80s and 90s
4 Top 30 All-Time Black Love Movies
*Unofficial Order, with the more popular artists that have the largest followers, subscribers, and listeners, along with releasing the most recent music, being near the top.