Best R&B Songs of 2020 | New R&B song this year (2023)

Despite reports that the genre is "dead", R&B songs have thrived in 2020, serving as a home for new stars and experimental artists, each helping to push the conventions of the sound forward. Mainstays such as Ty Dolla $ign, Kehlani, dvsn and Jhené Aiko have released quality R&B music. Veterans such as Alicia Keys, The-Dream and Brandy returned to be the center of attention with solid offerings, while international stars such as Chloe x Halle, Snoh ​​​​Aalegra and Pink Sweat$ showed their potential to dictate the future of R&B music anyway.

Every year, the HipHopDX team engages in discussions, debates, and sometimes heated discussions to create a shortlist for the year-end awards. Check out all ouraward categories and nomineesbefore winners are announced on or after December 28, 2020.

In the spirit of bringing out the best of the best, HipHopDX has narrowed it down and produced the definitive list of the best R&B songs that made the 2020 soundtrack.

Editor's note:This list includes songs from December 1, 2019 to December 1, 2020. "Blinding Lights" by The Weeknd would have been a song of the year nomination had it been released during that time.

• "BS"– Jhené Aiko f. DELE.
• "Do it"– Cloe x Halle
• "Dragon Ball Durag"- Thunder Cat
• "Go crazy"– Young Thug e Chris Brown
• "Different Attacks"– SZA f. Ty Dolla $ ign

R&B Song of the Year 2020 Goes to...

"Do it"– Cloe x Halle

As the world went through crazy times, Chloe x Halle's "Do It" delivered the good summer vibes R&B fans needed in 2020. From their debut LP,unholy hour, the Scott Storch-produced track focuses on making you feel good and keeping good people in your circle. And with a hook as melodic as this one, it's all set to sing in the shower and the playlist to wake up to after a long day.

Escritores colaboradores: Trent Clark, Kyle Eustice, Justin Ivey, Josh Svetz, Dana Scott, Brandon Caldwell, David Brake, Kenan Draughorne, Devon Jefferson e Jeremy Hecht. Delantero de Josh Svetz.

"BS"– Jhené Aiko f. DELE.

Sometimes the best thing to ease the pain of a tumultuous breakup is to flex on the ex who hurt you. In the collaborative single by Jhené Aiko and H.E.R. “B.S.”, the two R&B singers sing about the self-esteem-boosting effect of getting back on stage, turning hurt feelings into a rallying cry of knowing your self-worth.

"Dragon Ball Durag"- Thunder Cat

Creating a beautiful melody while singing over a durag is a talent many singers lack, but Thundercat is an exception. The bass prodigy's latest single stays true to form with a stellar vocal performance and funk-inspired instrumental (theFunny videovisualization is also required).

"Go crazy"– Young Thug e Chris Brown

Young Thug and Chris Brown's "Go Crazy" is a kid's dream song of the 2010s. From Breezy's signature sweet falsetto coupled with Thugger's squeaky language, to The Show Boys' Drag Rap sample (also found on " Ball" by TI and Lil Wayne"), "Go Crazy" is a time capsule track that plays to the strengths of two of the most recognizable hitmakers of the past decade.

"Different Attacks"– SZA f. Ty Dolla $ ign

Every time SZA falls, the world takes a moment to listen. TDE's queen of R&B delivers again with her latest song, "Hit Different," featuring the stunning vocals of Ty Dolla $ign and grand, lavish production by The Neptunes. If SZA's vocals aren't enough to keep the listener hooked, one of the best tracks produced by Pharrell and Chad Hugo in years should do the trick.

"After hours"- The weekend

Note: This would have been in the top five list, but was posted after the Dec 1, 2019 deadline.

The Weeknd's ability to create hits is impressive, but on "After Hours", Abel delivered an unrivaled experience unlike any other from his latest project of the same name. The change of pace around the two-minute mark sees the song transition from a melancholy ballad to a lively improvisation. The Canadian singer changes the mood once more and closes the song with another change of pace.

"Autobuses"– Dreamville F. Ari Lennox

Ari Lennox shined in DreamvilleRevenge of the Dreamers III: Director's Cut,delivering the beautiful single "BUSSIT". Ari seems so in charge with her artistry right now and this song showcases her ability to effortlessly keep up.

"No time"– Bryson Tiller f. Pato

Early in Bryson Tiller's career, there was talk of him signing with OVO. This sparked rumors of a collaboration between Tiller and Drake, but nothing materialized. Five years later, on Tiller's final LP, the two joined forces and proved the wait was worth it.

"Heavy Conscience"– 070 smoothie

070 Shake delivers a unique mix of nostalgic synths and modern percussion on "Guilty Conscience", which comes from her.Lifestyleproject. Shake mixes genres on this track, blending R&B vocals with pop hooks and memorable melodies. There's no denying that the singer has found her sound and "Guilty Conscience" is the perfect sound sampler.

"Die 4 Your Love"– Snoh ​​​​Aalegra

In "Dying 4 Your Love", Snoh ​​​​​​Aalegra believes she has found that special someone, despite resistance to the exclusivity of her object of desire. And while he was fine with the lack of commitment, he grew tired of the games. The conflict in Aalegra's voice sells the song, shifting her tone from annoyance to yearning and resignation seamlessly as she offers the last chance to reciprocate the feelings she has.

"Groundhog"- baby pink

Baby Rose has already mastered the art of storytelling just from the inflections and tones she hits in her music, displaying a distinctive voice that can make the alphabet ring deep. “Marmot” is yet another example of the power that her vibrant voice has to evoke everything she feels at the moment and endured in 25 years of life.

"Black Parade"- Beyoncé

Beyoncé always seems to know the perfect time to break out of her reign and release new music. "Black Parade" sees Bey continuing the rapping style of singing he displayed in his last two projects. The Queen floats above the instrument as she calls for reparations for her people and references police firing rubber bullets at protesters.

"Fair Chance"– Thundercat f. ty dolla firmar & lil b

Los Angeles bassist manager Thundercat poured his heart out on "Fair Chance" as he remembered his late friend and collaborator Mac Miller. With a little help from Ty Dolla $ign and Lil B, the talented trio promise to continue to "keep up" with Miller over the song's ethereal, slow beat.

"Too big"– Chico Burna

Burna Boy's passionate voice goes a long way on "Way Too Big," one of the standout tracks from the Nigerian star's latest project,twice as loud. Underpinned by infectious percussion and an EDM-inspired Afrobeat chorus, Burna Boy's voice reaches for the stars. Sometimes tender, sometimes powerful, Burna Boy has shown that he's not on the road anymore, he's already there.

"Entertain"- dvsn

dvsn has returned from hiatus to release one of the best R&B albums of the year,A muse in your feelings, which was anchored by the dream single "A Muse". The Toronto duo sampled Lonnie Liston's "A Garden of Peace", which was sampled in JAY-Z's "Dead Presidents", putting a new spin on a classic sample.

Here's HipHopDX's playlist of the best R&B songs of 2020. And don't forget to follow us on Spotify for updates!

"Grammy Week"– Kaash Paige f. Don Toliver

"Redeem" -SAINT JOHNF. 6falta by Kehlani

SAiNt JHN has a unique ability to create catchy melodies without sacrificing lyrical integrity. "Ransom" is a perfect display of that skill set. When you add two of R&B's best emotional verse killers as features, there's no way this song won't be a hit.

"Gather Your Feelings"–Jazmine Sullivan

"Superpoder" -KIRBY & D Humor

hawaii remix–Maluma e The Weeknd

Maluma turns to The Weeknd for a remix of his smash hit "Hawái" as the two continue to dominate 2020. The single already had all the makings of a hit, but with the addition of a soulful verse from The Weeknd, it has the potential to continue producing streams through 2021. Plus, hearing Abel flex his Spanish on a song is a bonus.

"hope"- They are.

“Pick Me Up” – Ty Dolla f. Future and young bandit

Ty Dolla $ign delivers another bass groove and, with help from Thugger and Future, turns it into a smoky, self-tuned love session. The combination of Los Angeles and Atlanta adds a dash of romance and sings about the finer things in life. Songs like this add a touch of light and help distract people from the darkness of 2020.

"Stuck on You" -To knock

"Dead Alive"–Brent Faiyaz

"Luz"–Joji – by Diplo

“3 hours tour”– Alicia Keys née sampa

Alicia Keys has returned with her first new album in nearly four years and has asked some of the game's most prominent young voices for help. On "3 Hour Drive," Keys and Sampha show off their vocal chops, going back and forth on the dreamy instrumental. The beat, produced by the duo, is highlighted in the last minute of the song, as the mixture of synthesizers and light drums creates a reflective climate, perfect for driving.

"Elephant in the Room"– 6 ABSENT

"Azul Nipsey"– Snoop-Dog

Uncle Snoop temporarily traded his cheerful personality for a tribute song dedicated to the late Nipsey Hussle. The moody song pays homage to Snoop's love of R&B with a sample of Dorothy Moore's 1970s hit "Misty Blue" and paints a bleak picture of the lasting effect Nip's death had on the music legend. West Coast.

"Easy"– Amina f. summer hiker

From the critically acclaimed AminéLimbocomes "Easy" featuring R&B goddess Summer Walker. The "REEL IT IN" rapper laments beautifully about tough and unrequited love, all backed by Walker's smooth tones. With a soulful and soulful '70s-style production, the track is primed for the chilly fall weather.

"Jaguar"—Victoria Monet

"Smile"– Juice world f. The weekend

The rap world is still reeling from the loss of Chicago rapper Juice WRLD last winter. Thankfully, fans were blessed with the posthumous tribute.legends never die, a story filled with the life of Juice WRLD and the joy and tragedy he experienced during it. “Smile,” brilliantly assisted by The Weeknd, tackles the light and dark sides of Juice's life, resulting in a moving and powerful song about love.

"Gold mine"– Sabana Cristina

In the music world before the internet, being ahead of your time was never a good thing. Such is the case with Adina Howard, who displayed so much sex appeal in her 1995 hit single "Freak Like Me" that it made TLC look like a Jehovah's Witness. And while Howard's career never took off, her one-hit wonder bluntness inspired many who came after her, as evidenced by South Florida's Savannah Cristina interpolating the pioneering classic into the sultry love song "Gold Mine."

"Limit"- cognac

“Better than I imagined”-Robert Glasper b. SU. & Meshell YourcelloComment

"My love"– Summer Walker f. PARTY NEXT DOOR

"Groundhog"- baby pink

Baby Rose has already mastered the art of storytelling just from the inflections and tones she hits in her music, displaying a distinctive voice that can make the alphabet ring deep. “Marmot” is yet another example of the power that her vibrant voice has to evoke everything she feels at the moment and endured in 25 years of life.

"Dome"- They are.

Check out the best R&B songs from January to June 2020

“ATL Freestyle” – 6LACK

With the nation's Black Mecca under national scrutiny following the police shooting in Rayshard Brooks, 6LACK reminds listeners that the city is multifaceted from their point of view on "ATL Freestyle." The straightforward single is bursting with Eastside flavor and a melodic sonic froth of hot sauce to match.

"Unholy Hour"– Cloe x Halle

"Very high"– Justine Skye

Justine Skye knows how hard it is to break up with someone you're deeply in love with, as if her presence triggers a jolt of ecstasy through your neuroreceptors. On "Too High," Skye does her best to keep her distance, sounding like she's singing under a waterfall as she fights the urge to give in to the temptations of getting revenge on a guy she can't get over.

"I can not breath"- They are.

“2020 Riots: How Many Times”– Trey Songz

There's an unparalleled intimacy when it feels like an artist overcome with emotion sits down and begins recording their raw reactions onto a new track. It's like listening to Trey Songz lament the loss of black lives in "2020 Riots: How Many Times." Songz's usually soft voice cracks and struggles as she struggles to vocalize her agony over the countless police killings of black people across the country, resulting in an emotional performance in which she knows the question she's asking is crying out for an answer. it is sadly rhetorical. .

"baby mommy"– Brandy f. rapper casual

"Water"- Advance

Kehlani's "Water" lives on on the Oakland singer's second albumIt was good until it wasn'tand finds Lani taking charge of a sexual relationship that ishelloin. Fans will need exactly what the title suggests when they're done with this sultry, piano-filled track.

"No options"– Justine Skye

"You also do not"– Draco F. Chris Brown

When Drake is sitting in his posh Toronto enclave thinking about those creepy paragraph texts one would recklessly send, he is arguably in his best element. That feeling of being too paranoid to love, even when you want to try, that gave us "Marvin's Room", "Jaded" and other albums worthy of Drake subtitles. "Not You Too" with Chris Brown is the highlight ofFitas demo Dark Lane —from producer Noel Cadastro's drum patterns and swinging melody to Drake urging "trust" in the midst of a relationship where not all cards are on the table.

"All I need"–Jacob Collier f. Mahalia e Ty Dolla $ign

"Duel"– Kehlani F. James Blake

As expected, Kehlani puts all her emotions on the table with "Grieving" featuring British singer-songwriter James Blake. In a slow, melancholy pace, the Oakland-born artist mourns the loss of a relationship in the most brutally honest way possible as she fights for peace and quiet in her life.

"Back home"–Trey Songz f. summer hiker

"He hit his head"– Young Thug e Chris Brown f. Gunna

While the quarantine has severely limited most activity, Young Thug and Chris Brown's "She Bumped Her Head" makes it virtually impossible to sit still. The clever log rattle finds bothlimusine y bthe co-stars grab a balloon from the ever-dripping Gunna as the trio play fast songs to a fast beat.

"Naked With Me"– Teyana Taylor

"Sky Mind" - Radiant Child

The members of London-based Radiant Children started out as session musicians but have grown to become a full-fledged band. On their latest single, the simple guitar riffs lead to a fast-paced, top-down summer vibe with frontwoman Fabienne Holloway confidently singing, "Sky mind/Watching the clouds come and go", painting a vivid picture of a day perfect. the listener's mind.

“Flawless Do It Right Pt. 3” – DVSN p. summer hiker

“Rapper Weed” – SiR f. move the skeleton

The opening lyrics to SiR's "Rapper Weed" inject visions of "clear skies" into listeners' heads, but the track's sweltering Cali ambience adds a dash of palm trees, endless sunshine and warm wind to match. Naturally, life in quarantine has prevented this from being a reality, but this explosive and soft number combined with a broken window, a light and even stronger breeze will be adequate compensation for now.

"Snow Child"- The weekend

The Weeknd became known for his melancholy anthems about complicated relationships and excesses in everything from women to drugs. “Snowchild” is a departure from Abel's usual writing themes, and finds the Canadian singer reflecting on how far he's come on his journey. The song reveals The Weeknd's more introspective side and gives listeners a glimpse into his life.

“10k Hours”– Jhené Aiko f. For us

Jhené Aiko's new album is full of notable songs, but "10k Hours" stands out with its smooth melody, heartfelt lyrics and a Nasty Nas collaboration. The Queensbridge-raised legend gets vulnerable about a lost relationship on the runway, providing the perfect accompaniment to Aiko's verses.

"Convenient"- They are.

FROM HIM. started the year releasing several singles, but "Comfortable" is the closest to the sound that made the world fall in love with his voice. The stripped down guitar blends perfectly with H.E.R. while showing how comfortable she is with her artistic direction.

"Fkn Around"– False ppl. Stallion Megan Thee

Phony Ppl's latest single delivers a mix of old school funk with modern vocals and a stellar rap verse from Megan Thee Stallion. What more can you ask for from a single in 2020?