Since the beginning of the year, several beloved R&B artists have finally dropped long-awaited projects. However, amidst the excitement for these established names, it’s important not to overlook the underground and upcoming artists who are also creating incredible music. There’s been a plethora of amazing albums and EPs from emerging talents that have already hit streaming platforms, each deserving of the same level of attention and recognition. Below, we have curated a list of some of our favorites that you might have missed, but should listen to sooner than later!
Josef Lamercier – Merci
Josef Lamercier, a rising star in the R&B scene, hails from New Orleans but relocated to Texas after Hurricane Katrina. With roots deeply entrenched in music since childhood, Lamercier’s journey from singing in church choirs to performing live shows fueled his passion for music. After making the move to Los Angeles to pursue his artistry, Lamercier quickly gained recognition as a top songwriter, contributing to hits like “Driftin” by Khamari, “Dance For Me” by Kyle Dion and more.
Inspiration for the project Merci stemmed from a place of grief. Josef Lamercier and Niko Oroc found solace in music amidst their respective losses, pooling together a diverse array of influences. Together, they embarked on a journey to encapsulate a haunting narrative—the memorialization of Lamercier’s lost family members and the profound legacy they left behind.
Zeina – Eastend Confessions
Zeina, an up-and-coming musician based in Montreal, has quickly gained fame, adeptly utilizing her versatile skills to expand her reach across multiple platforms. Her music effortlessly combines R&B vibes with Y2K aesthetics, resulting in a fresh and modern artistic expression.
Eastend Confessions is Zeina’s mixtape, rich with storytelling and reflections on her personal journey shaped by her culture and hometown. Emphasizing visual elements, particularly in fashion, her collective draws inspiration from these themes. The project explores the complexities of navigating between love and career in a world influenced by cultural and societal expectations. With a soundscape infused with Middle Eastern percussion and instruments, Eastend Confessions represents a unique blend of American, Western, and MENA influences, offering a refreshing perspective often underrepresented in the music industry.
Jean Deaux – Nowhere, Fast
Genre-defying songstress Jean Deaux has long sensed herself as a ‘Where’s Waldo’ amidst the bustling chaos of the galaxy, striving to discover her own pace and fearing the passage of time. As she navigates through these emotions and embarks on the journey of self-discovery, she seeks to embrace the present moment and explore the feelings that drive her towards the next phase of her life.
She set out to do this with her eight-track EP, Nowhere Fast, as she explored all aspects of growing into adulthood and growing into herself. It boasts collaborations like Destin Conrad, who graces the penultimate track, “Thinkin.” Produced by LIDO, the album, and includes previously shared singles like “Dreamin” and “Roll With Me,” which dive into themes of self-reflection and relationships.
Pip Millett – Tell Jimmy
Right around Valentines Day, the dynamic Manchester soul artist Pip Millett welcomed the dawn of the new year with the unveiling of her latest single, “Eating Out,” a mesmerizing collaboration with Grammy-winner Rae Khalil. This release not only delighted fans but also hinted at the impending arrival of a fresh musical endeavor. Today marks the fruition of that promise as Pip Millett presents her eagerly awaited EP, Tell Jimmy.
Embarking on a sonic journey spanning five tracks, this new project boasts a stellar lineup of collaborators, including the likes of Maverick Sabre and Linden Jay. For Pip Millett, Tell Jimmy stands as a significant milestone, marking her first major release since her critically acclaimed debut album, “When Everything Is Better, I’ll Let You Know,” which made waves upon its unveiling in 2022. With this latest EP, Pip Millett continues to carve her path in the realm of soul music, showcasing her growth as an artist and her knack for crafting emotionally resonant melodies.
Charlotte Day Wilson – Cyan Blue
Charlotte Day Wilson’s sophomore album, Cyan Blue, represents a captivating sonic journey that resonates with listeners on multiple levels. Following her acclaimed 2021 release, Alpha, fans have eagerly anticipated this latest offering, and Cyan Blue proves to be well worth the wait. Filled with an array of enchanting melodies and an irresistibly groovy rhythm, this album showcases Wilson’s evolution as an artist.
Central to the album’s allure is its meticulously crafted rhythm section, which lays the foundation for Wilson’s evocative vocal delivery. From the pulsating energy of the opening track, “My Way,” to the ethereal beauty of “Do You Still,” Cyan Blue captivates with its dynamic range and infectious rhythms. While the album features moments of lively energy, it’s the stripped-down tracks that truly shine, allowing Wilson’s raw talent and emotional depth to take center stage.
