Top DMV R&B Artists
List of Virginia, Maryland, and Washington DC R&B Artists
The land of Go-Go music and the region that bred one of the greatest hip-hop and R&B producers all-time, Timbaland, the man behind the production of Missy Elliot, Aaliyah, and Ginuwine, Washington DC R&B artists alongside DMV R&B artists have been part of a culture of music that dates back decades.
The birthplace of one of the very first jazz and blues icons Ella Fitzgerald, the place of one of the all-time best soul singers Marvin Gaye, the place of hip-hop legend Missy Elliot, the DMV has always been a leader. In rhythm and blues, DMV R&B artists like Ginuwine, Mya, Johnny Gill, Dru Hill, Kenny Lattimore, D’Angleo, Amerie, and Raheem DeVaughn have continued the legacy of music in the communities of Washington DC, Maryland, and Virginia. Transitioning into a new era and generation, today’s DMV music scene consists of singers like Chris Brown, Ari Lennox, Kali Uchis, Brent Faiyaz and several others.
Top 12 DMV R&B Artists
1. Chris Brown
Chris Brown’s debut single “Run It!” rapidly climbed to the top of the music charts in 2005, and ever since Chris Brown has been a dominant force in R&B. Being a singer, songwriter, a gifted dancer, and sometimes an exceptional actor, Chris Brown’s talent benefits, above all, its versatility, which has led him to be one of the all-time greats in the rhythm and blues category.
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2. Kali Uchis
Years creating and being on a steady rise, the Northern Virginia native Kali Uchis received her breakthrough with the song “After the Storm,” which featured Bootsy Collins and Tyler the Creator. Since, she has become one of the top R&B artists, whether performing in the English or within the Spanish markets, Kali Uchis has remained one of today’s most celebrated R&B artists.
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3. Brent Faiyaz
Maryland R&B star Brent Faiyaz originally 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, which was nominated for a 2018 Grammy award. One thing that is clear, you can not doubt the creative and artistic abilities of Brent Faiyaz; the rapper turned R&B singer is versatile in his style and delivery.
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4. Ari Lennox
This soulful female R&B artist may have just come onto some fans’ radar after signing to J.Cole’s Dreamville and the release of Shea Butter Baby (2019), but this DMV R&B artist has been mastering her craft as a neo-soul and rhythm and blues artist for some time now.
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5. Mario
A veteran in the industry that was originally a teen sensation with his first appearances during the early 2000s with the songs “Just a Friend” and “Let Me Love You”. Mario has now grown with many of his fans and listeners, from our high school days and teenage years to days as adults and grownups, Mario has stayed with many fans throughout the journey.
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6. 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. The album reached number 20 on the charts and sold over 300,000 records. As of the 2020s, Trey Songz has a total of eight studio albums, along with dozens of chart topping and platinum and gold selling singles, only to leave him being considered one of the best in R&B.
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7. Shelley FKA DRAM
Formerly known as DRAM, this Virginia R&B artists was a rising rap star that released 2016’s biggest hit “Broccoli,” featuring Lil Yachty. Before switching gears and becoming Shelly, fka DRAM, his music was always a combination of hip-hop, rhythm and blues, with a touch of soul and funk, bringing out good feelings and good vibes. By 2019, DRAM reinvented himself into Shelley, FKA DRAM, releasing the project Shelley FKA DRAM.
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8. Kevin Ross
Multitalented singer and songwriter, Kevin Ross saw his beginning in the industry contributing to some of the biggest names in R&B as a songwriter for artists like Toni Braxton, Trey Songz, Jamie Foxx, and others. As an artist, Kevin Ross introduced himself to fans with the Dialogue In The Grey EP of 2014.
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9. Gallant
Washington DC R&B artist and Grammy nominated Gallant has been making waves in music for quite some time now. Debuting in 2013 with the EP Zebra, Gallant’s music quickly found success following the release of the album Ology, which became Grammy nominated and featured the hit “Weight in Gold.”
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10. Alex Vaughn
Alex Vaughn, a promising R&B vocalist from Maryland, has been gaining much recognition of late. The talented singer and songwriter Alex Vaughn initially began her time in music covering music’s most popular songs on social media before making her official introduction. From her early releases of several singles and an EP in 2017 to her recent acclaimed album The Hurtbook of 2022, Alex Vaughn is a rising star in R&B.
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11. Baby Rose
Baby Rose, who has been nominated for a Grammy Award, is one of the up and coming singers in R&B who has all of the talent to shape the future of the genre. Since her official debut in 2018, Baby Rose has gradually gained a loyal fan base by exhibiting her remarkable, soulful, and alluring vocals, especially with a host of releases of singles and albums over the last few years.
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12. Reggie Becton
The smooth sounds of Reggie Becton has been building momentum with the release of several albums, EPs, singles, and visuals. Not your typical mainstream rhythm and blues artists, Reggie Becton has definitely emphasized his original take on R&B with his imaginative visuals and songwriting skills.
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Honorable Mention DMV R&B Artists
– King Sis Instagram: @King Sis and YouTube: King Sis
– Rose Gold Instagram: @Rose Gold and YouTube: Rose Gold
– Mcclenney Instagram: @Mcclenney and YouTube: Mcclenney
– Anna Mvze Instagram: @Anna Mvze and YouTube: Anna Mvze
– Twelly Instagram: @Twelly and YouTube: Twelly
– Summer Dennis Instagram: @Summer Dennis and YouTube: Summer Dennis
– almira zaky Instagram: @almira zaky and YouTube: almira zaky
– K’ron Instagram: @K’ron and YouTube: K’ron
– Ariee Instagram: @Ariee and YouTube: Ariee
Washington DC R&B Related Topics
1 Top 20 DMV Rappers
2 Top 10 Atlanta R&B Artists
3 Top 15 New York R&B Artists
4 Top 25 Female R&B Singers
5 Top 25 Male R&B Singers
*Unofficial Order. The more popular artists that have a combination of the most followers, streams, views, and most recent releases are near the top.
*If any artists are missing from the list email media@kulturevulturez.com