Top Three Alternative R&B Artists To Listen To In 2023
Alternative R&B music is a style of contemporary R&B music that hailed popularity around the mid 2000s. It gives off that soulful vibe like classic R&B, but has more of a kick to it whether it be mixing with synthetic sounds/beats, adding some rap into it, or even adding some EDM and rock styles. For me, Alternative R&B music is my sweet spot, my home, and I think the growth of Alternative R&B artists is only going to get bigger especially with mainstream artists like Kehlani, 070 Shake, and Frank Ocean putting it on the map.
Because of this, I wanted to share with you my three best alternative R&B artists that you should hear in 2023.
- Lithe
Lithe is a Melbourne producer whose producing abilities really show in his music. He is able to produce songs with such light and vibey rhythms but at the same time is able to switch over into a more intense sort of hard rap style that makes you wonder if it is the same person singing. He is definitely someone on the come up to watch out for, with over 1 million listeners on Spotify yet less than 10k followers on Instagram it’s going to be amazing to see his growth within the next couple of years. His confidence in his music ability and consistent style is what really sets him apart here. As a first time listener, I would recommend to listen to “Geneva (ft. Eli Sostre)” and “Off My Shoulder?”, both of which provide that contrasting vibe between a soft and hard rap style.
2. Col3trane
Col3trane hails from the UK and in all honesty, there’s no other way to describe his music style other than just giving off immaculate vibes. He’s another vibey artist that just pulls you in the way he’s so suave with the beat and keeps a consistent flow throughout the entire song. He is so sure of what he’s doing that you’ll always know when he’s on a track. If fact, what will draw you in about Col3trane is that he is so confident in his art and music that you’ll just end up listening and going through his entire roster. It also doesn’t hurt that he’s easy to look at. He has so many bangers that it’s hard to choose one, go to song; however if I had to give a recommendation start with the “Heroine” album. It’s the first album I discovered by him and I think this album encompasses his versatility as an artist.
3. Miraa May
Miraa May is an Algerian born, UK, raised singer whose voice is so soulful and lyrics are so smooth that you will only find yourself singing along. She’s still on the come up, but her music already has such a natural feel to it that I can only imagine what else she’s able to bring. One thing that’s super special about Miraa May is the way she is able to bring her own style to every song she is featured in. In these features, she doesn’t get lost in the song, but instead brings her authentic self to them. I would recommend to check out her song “Nobody” and listen to her features with Col3trane called “Rendezvous” and her feature with Sainte called “No Love.”
