When you’re ready to relax and chill, you need a playlist of R&B Artists for a Chill Mood. Sometimes you just have to take a step back from everything and plug in your headphones. Everyone needs a break while they’re pursuing their goals. It’s these little breaks that stop us from burning out and keep us determined. Music is a great coping skill and it’s something that’s always at your disposal. Sometimes the only way to unplug is to plug in.
But you don’t have to go far and wide to find this escape. In addition to, or in place of, meditation for a sweet release, I have put together a list of the top R&B artists for a chill mood. There is so much music out there, so it was hard to narrow it down to only 21, but Facebook spoke, so here are the results.
21. Anderson .Paak
Anderson .Paak is a Californian singer, rapper, writer, and producer. He released his first album in 2012 and a second one in 2016, which was nominated for a Grammy. Then, he won his first Grammy in 2019 and then his second in 2020 for his album Ventura, released in 2019. .Paak is also one half of the group NxWorries with producer Knxwledge.
He makes the list for Best R&B Artists for a Chill Mood because of his raspy tone and melodic use of a variety of instruments. However, his music has enough of an upbeat tempo so you don’t drown your sorrows in sad music. His tunes are just a mellow mix of catchy raps and head boppin’ base lines.
20. Mac Miller
The Late Great Mac Miller is #20 on this list for the best Chill R&B Artists. Malcolm James McCormick was a rapper, singer, and songwriter out of Pittsburgh, PA. He began when he was 15 years old and released a couple of mixtapes in 2010 and 2011. He debuted his album Blue Slide Park in 2011 and his second album was released in 2013. Switching to Warner Bros. Records in 2014, he released GO:OD AM and The Divine Feminine, and Swimming.
Unfortunately, he passed in 2018 after a long battle with mental health issues and drug use. After his passing, his posthumous album, Circles, was released and nominated for a Grammy. Mac Miller resonates a lot with his listeners, making him a favorite among a diverse group of music aficionados. His low, grovely voice is soothing to listen to while his lyrics touch deeply and speak to each listener individually.
19. Masego
Masego is a Jamaican artist who has only been active for about seven years. He’s special because in addition to being a great singer, he can play a myriad of instruments including the sax, drums, and keys. Masego released his first EP in 2016 called The Pink Polo and followed it up with Loose Thoughts the same year. He then picked up momentum in his collaboration with FKJ in Tadow in 2017. Then a year later, he released his first album Lady Lady.
His alternative style takes on a jazz funk tone that’s so soothing to listen to, he had to make the list for R&B Artists for a Chill Mood. His music carries the Caribbean flair that makes you sway back and forth. You literally imagine yourself sitting on the beach, hearing him in the background, that’s where his music takes you. Although he’s new, he’s got a long future ahead of him.
18. Mariah Carey
Of course THE Mariah Carey had to enter the chat on best R&B Artists for a Chill Mood. She has been a fan favorite of all 90’s babies and beyond. Born in New York, the singer, songwriter and wearer of many hats has been giving us music since the late 1980s. In the last 30 years, she has given us over 12 albums, made many movie and TV appearances, become an entrepreneur and has become the definition of philanthropist.
Ms. Carey makes our list because when she’s not pumping out catchy pop hits, she’s delivering with the soulful and soothing chart toppers. You don’t have to go through heartbreak or be madly in love to start humming along to her well-known melodies. She’s a nice dose of old school vibes that we will always need, regardless what year it is.
17. Ne-Yo
Ne-Yo, a.k.a. Shaffer Smith, has been active since the late 1990’s. He began as a great songwriter, producing greats like “Let Me Love You” by Mario. A year later, he then released his single “Stay“, followed by his first album In My Own Words. This album reached #1 on the Billboard 200. Off that album, “So Sick“, shot up to the top of the Billboard Hot 100. Since then, he has delivered six more studio albums, all with international success and multiple Grammy nominations.
Ne-Yo’s music hits because his music transcends time. Whether it’s a single from 2006 or a one of his songs from his latest album, Good Man, anyone can relate to his music. You don’t have to be sad or heartbroken to belt out his melodies. The piano, guitar, and drums intertwine on all his songs to make you want dance in your car or relax with your headphones on full volume.
16. Erykah Badu
The incomparable Erykah Badu of course made the list for R&B Artists for a Chill Mood. She has been giving us Hits like “On & On” and “Next Lifetime” since the mid 1990s. She released her first album in 1997, titled Badzium, that went Triple Platinum. That was then followed by her first live album, Live, just a few months later that was certified double platinum. Throughout the early 2000s, she released three more albums, Mama’s Gun, Worldwide Underground, and New Amerykah Part one and two.
Badu’s music is a mix of R&B, 1980s hip hop, and 1970s soul music, making it the perfect concoction for a day when you just want to vibe. Her eclectic sound and big personality shine through in her music. It causes the old soul in everyone to start swaying side to side, caught up in the neo soul rhythm. Light some incense and find a comfortable spot to relax to the smooth sounds of Erykah Badu.
15. Ari Lennox
Courtney Salter, a.k.a., Ari Lennox is one of the newer artists on my list of Top R&B Artists for a Chill Mood. Born in D.C. she is similar to Erykah Badu, falling into the neo soul category. Signed to Dreamville Records, in 2016, she released an EP, Pho, and her debut album Shea Butter Baby in 2019. Lennox made a big splash appearing with J.Cole on the Creed II soundtrack with the song “Shea Butter Baby“.
Ari Lennox is beloved by many listeners because she brings an old school sound to a new school scene. She’s the bit of nostalgia that everyone craves, a reminder of the 90s. Because her sound is so different from mainstream, she is able to reach the population that wants to chill out and listen to good music. Her lyrics touch on real problems and her sound is so unique, there’s no way you could ignore it. She may be at the beginning of her career, but she’s got a long future ahead of her.
14. Trey Songz
Tremaine “Trigga” Neverson has been giving us consistent music for the last 15 years. From club hits, to twerking music, to baby making jams, he has it all. His mixtapes and albums are perfect for any mood or any group of people. Born in Virginia, the singer/songwriter entered the scene in 2005 with his debut album, I Gotta Make It and followed it up with Trey Day that had his first top twenty hit single, “Can’t Help but Wait”. From 2009-2017 he released Ready, Passion, Pain & Pleasure, Chapter V, Trigga, and Tremaine the Album.
Trey Songz is the perfect artist for setting the mood or just being in a chilling out. His voice is so soothing to listen to because that boy can SANG. His songs are catchy and they get stuck in your head so you can’t help but sing it to yourself. But, his albums aren’t the only places to get these great songs, because his mixtapes have some of his best work. With such a large library of songs to choose from, you’re bound to come across a few songs that relax you.
13. Khalid
Khalid is another new artist on the block. He’s from Fort Stewart, GA and is only 22 years old. He blew up after his song Location, released July 2016, peaked at #16 on the Billboard Hot 100. The song was then certified quadruple platinum. He debuted his first album, American Teen, in March 2017 and his EP Suncity. Then he released his second album Free Spirit. He’s collabed with multiple artists including Normani, Billie Ellish, and Megan Thee Stallion. After releasing Free Spirit, he was apparently the biggest global Spotify artist with 50.4 million monthly listeners.
He’s the perfect person to listen to when you’re trying to chill out. Khalid’s baritenor tones and catchy melodies are perfect for any mood and cross multiple genres. He may be new on the scene, but if you don’t have at least three songs on your playlists, you’re missing out on quality music.
12. Beyoncè
The Queen Herself comes in at number 12 on the list. Beyoncè Giselle Knowles-Carter, born September 4th in Houston, TX, has been giving us hit after hit since 1997. Starting out with the group Destiny’s Child, she ventured on her own with Dangerously in Love, her debut album. After Destiny’s Child split in 2006, she released her second album B’Day which had multinational #1s. In the mid 2000s, she acted in quite a few movies, and then released her third album I Am Sasha Fierce that set a record for six Grammy nominations. Throughout the 2010s, she released 4, Beyoncè, Lemonade (the world’s best selling album in 2016) and Everything is Love, a collaboration with her husband.
Even though Beyoncè gives us all the club hits, her ballads are what really move us. Most of her deep songs revolve around heartbreak, female empowerment, and self-love. Whether you’re a man or a woman, you’ll find solace and representation in her music. She is the Queen of our Free World for a reason. Whether its 2006 or 2066, Beyonce’s music will always fill the listeners with warm vibes, head to toe.
11. Ella Mai
Ella Mai, the English voice from Heaven is one of the newer artists on this list of R&B Artists for a Chill Mood. The singer/songwriter began at the British and Irish Modern Music Institute in London, 2014. She auditioned for X Factor on the 11th season. Then in 2015, she was discovered by American producer Mustard after uploading a four-track EP on SoundCloud called Trouble. The following three years, she released three more EPs, Time, Chance, and Ready, before releasing her self-titled debut album. Her best hit “Boo’d Up” won a Grammy for Best R&B Song and she won 3 Billboard Music Awards in 2019.
From her monologues and skits, to her soulful samples, Ella Mai is the perfect artist to listen to when you just want to relax. Her songs range from being about love, to heartbreak, to lust, making her versatile enough for any mood. Her range and mellow beats put you in a relaxing mood so you can reset.
10. Bryson Tiller
Bryson Tiller is my personal favorite R&B Artist for a Chill Mood. Born in 1993 in Louisville, KY, this rapper/singer/songwriter hopped on the scene in 2011 with his mixtape Killer Instinct Vol. 1. Then, he quickly followed this with his debut single, “Don’t“, the number one song on his first album Trapsoul. His second album, True to Self, was released in 2017 and featured singles, “Something Tells Me” and “Run Me Dry“. He has yet to release another album, but has quite a few features.
Although some of his songs feature his hard rap style, most of his other songs show his softer side. Both albums feature voicemails and voice overs with gentle music playing in the background. His songs may put you in a bit of a somber mood, but you are mellowed out, nonetheless. Listeners are waiting with much anticipation for his next album, but until then, his first two albums will give you everything you need to put yourself in a relaxed mood.
9. Kehlani
Kehlani Parrish is a singer/songwriter from Oakland, CA. She started out her career as part of a group called Poplyfe. Then in 2014, she released her first mixtape Cloud 19 which made the Complex list for 50 Best Albums of 2014. You Should Be Here was her second mixtape that ended up #5 on the R&B/Hip-Hop Chart and was nominated for a Grammy. Next, in 2017, Kehlani released her debut album SweetSexySavage and her second one in 2020 called It Was Good Until It Wasn’t.
I deviated from the Facebook poll with this one because she is the epitome of R&B Chill Music. If you’re going through a breakup or just want to hang out, you turn on Kehlani. She has such a unique voice and a wide range that she sounds so good to listen to. Sometimes she even throws in some rap that flows seamlessly into any song that she puts out.
8. J. Cole
Jermaine Cole is a North Carolina rapper and the owner of Dreamville productions. He first gained attention with his mixtape The Come Up. Following that, he then released The Warm Up and Friday Night Lights In 2009 and 2010 respectively. He signed with Jay-Z’s Roc Nation label and released Cole World: The Sideline Story, hist first album. It jumped up to number one on the US Billboard 200, similarly to Born Sinner, his second album which also topped the charts. In 2014, he released my personal favorite 2014 Forest Hills Drive which earned him a Grammy nomination. His last two albums, 4 Your Eyez Only and KOD earned him his 4th and 5th #1 albums.
J. Cole’s last two albums in particular have stood out to make him a good R&B Artist for a Chill Mood. His music has gotten more serious and taken on a relaxed tone. His messages about Black empowerment, government corruption and mental illness/addiction are all things his listeners relate to. This makes his music realer than a lot of other raps songs that talk about million dollar houses and cars. He’s the perfect person to put on to set a vibe and start reflecting on life.
7. Lauryn Hill
Ms. Lauryn Hill was born in New Jersey in 1975. She began rapping in 1988 as a member of the Fugees. Hill stepped out on her own and released her first and only album The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill. This album broke records for 1st week sales for a female artist and in 2013, more than ten years after its release, it had sold more than 20 million copies worldwide and 8 million in the U.S. It also earned her 10 Grammy nominations in one year, the most by any woman ever, and won 5.
Lauryn Hill may have dropped out of the public eye, but her music is more prominent than ever. Even if you have never heard of Lauryn Hill, she’s influenced a lot of modern day music (i.e. Drake’s sample of Nice For What). She was a pioneer of the neo soul movement and her sound is so unique and refreshing. Her music is perfect for R&B Artists for a Chill Mood. She gives you the old school 90s vibes while talking about issues that still plague a lot of us today.
6. Summer Walker
Summer Walker is an easy addition to the list of top R&B artists for a Chill Mood. Very new to the scene, she released her first mixtape Last Day of Summer in 2018. Then, in 2019, she released her debut album Over It. It was #2 on the Billboard 200 chart and set a record for the biggest streaming debut ever for a female R&B artist. She can play piano and guitar and has had several collabs with established artists like Jhenè Aiko and Bryson Tiller.
Listeners love Summer Walker because of her raspy tone and bold lyrics. She’s the ultimate chill girl and it comes through strongly in her music. Her unique personality and style lure curious music fans in, and once they discover her, they can’t get away. Her music is simple and easy to listen to when you just want to escape from the world for a little bit. If she’s not on your playlist, you’re missing out.
5. Usher
Ursher Baby has been giving us music for almost 30 years. Born in Dallas, but raised in Chattanooga, he moved to Atlanta at the age of 12 and started singing lessons. At a local competition, a LaFace Records Talent Scout spotted him and he released Usher, is debut album in 1994. My Way was released in 1997, his second album, and put him on the charts with his #1 single “Nice & Slow“. 8701 was his next album and won him two Grammys. He then released Confessions and sold 20 million copies worldwide. He released four more albums, all with number one singles, Grammy nominations/wins, and selling records.
Usher hands down makes this list because regardless of the decade, he makes music for everybody. He can sing and his voice pairs perfectly with the mellow instrumentals in the background. His soulful music has made people fall in love, deal with breakups, and everything in between since he started. He’s been around for a long time and shows no signs of slowing down.
4. DVSN
DVSN is a canadian R&B duo made up of Daniel Daley and Nineteen85, a producer. They are both signed to OVO Sound, or Drake’s label and started their careers with multiple songs released on SoundCloud and Apple music like “Too Deep” and “Hallucinations“. They then released Sept. 5th, their debut album March 2016 and their second album, Morning After in September 2017. Their last album A Muse in Her Feelings April 2020 which featured lots of artists like Future and Snoh Aalegra.
DVSN is a great addition to the list of R&B Artists because of their old school sound and the way they blend together. Although I haven’t listened to them a lot, they were highly voted on the list, making them a fan favorite. Their falsetto and tenor voices are the perfect harmony for when you just want to hang out and create a chill environment. They’re not on Drake’s label for no reason. These are budding stars getting ready to make their mark on the world.
3. Jhenè Aiko
Jhenè Aiko Chilombo has quietly been around the scenes for almost two decades. She started out hanging around B2K, appearing in music videos and contributing vocals. Taking a break from music, she returned in 2011 with her mixtape Sailing Soul(s). After being featured on Big Sean and Lil Wayne’s chart topper “Beware“, she released her second EP Sail Out. From 2014-2020, she released her studio albums Souled Out, Trip, and Chilombo.
Jhenè uses a mix of different sounds and instruments to create the perfect meditation melodies. You can’t help but feel relaxed and chilled out after listening to her music. You go along with her on her journey to find love, peace and happiness, as you listen to her music. She gets bigger and bigger every year, touching the souls and hearts of men and women everywhere.
2. Snoh Aalegra
Snoh Nowrozi was born Shahrzad Fooladi in Sweden and now operates in L.A. She began writing when she was 9 and started her singing career under the name Sheri. After a couple of singles and an album that did well in Sweden, she debuted as Snoh Aalegra. She was featured on quite a few singles and released her EP There Will Be Sunshine. She was mentored by Prince from 2014 until his death and released her EP Don’t Explain. Then she released her first album as Snoh Aalegra Feels in 2017. A couple of years later, she released her second album Ugh, Those Feels Again. It peaked at #3 on Billboards R&B chart.
The battle for the top of the list was a close one, but she reigns #2 on the votes for Best R&B Artists for a Chill Mood. Her soulful music and old school vibes come across strong in all of her music. Listening to her music simply relaxes you and puts you in a type of euphoria. She may be new the American scene, but she has quickly shot her way into many listener’s hearts.
1. H.E.R.
Gabriella Wilson is best know by her stage name H.E.R. which stands for Having Everything Revealed. She is a singer and songwriter who rose to fame by participating in Radio Disney’s Next Big Thing. At 14, she released her first single, “Something to Prove“, and reemerged in 2016 using her new name H.E.R. After coming back on to the scene, she released five EPs, H.E.R. Volume 1, H.E.R. Volume 2, and The B Sides, I Used to Know Her: The Prelude and I Used to Know Her: Part 2. In 2017, she released her first album which was a combination between her first two EPs and six extra songs. She was nominated for and won Grammys at both the 61st and 62nd Awards.
H.E.R. epitomizes R&B music. Everything about her is so lowkey and subtle, that when you just want to be, this is who you listen to. She’s only in her 20s, but brings the soul of an early 90s singer. Her alto, raspy tone is perfect for just hanging out, and her different use of instruments adds versatility to her songs that opens her up to all kinds of different listeners. She’s collaborated with a lot of different artists, especially ones that have been around, so you can’t go anywhere without hearing H.E.R. That means everywhere you go, you’ll get wrapped up in her amazing talent.
Melanated and Meducated Playlists
This brings us to the end of this great list of music, but this is certainly not 100% inclusive. There are so many honorable mentions that could hav easily extended this list to 50 or 100. Some of these great artists are 6lack, Aaliyah, Chris Brown, Frank Ocean, Jazmin Sullivan, Roddy Rich, Solange, Tiana Major9, to name A FEW. Please share your thoughts below on who else you think should be on this list and let’s share music!
Check out this playlist and feel free to add it to your library for when you’re just in a chill mood!
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