2025 marked a year of musical returns from beloved voices in R&B. Jon B, Melanie Fiona, Q Parker and Keri Hilson each released their first project in well over a decade. Mariah Carey also ended her musical sabbatical with Here For It All, her first album in seven years.
It was also a year for collaborative projects, such as Eric Benét’s The Co-Star, Terrace Martin and Kenyon Dixon’s Come As You Are, PartyNextdoor and Drake’s $ome $exy $ongs 4 U and Jacquees and DeJ Loaf’s F**k A Friendzone 2.
With the momentum of 2025 behind us, the genre shows no signs of slowing down. There are plenty of R&B albums and projects slated to be released this year that we’re excited to hear.
Below are R&B albums we’re anticipating in 2026. (Note: Release dates may change at any time. We will update this article as more information and albums are revealed.)
Elijah Blake, The Gemini (January 16)
Elijah Blake has been on a roll since signing with MNRK Records. After making his reintroduction with 2024’s elijah., the singer-songwriter will usher in 2026 with The Gemini. The nine-track album “captures the duality of love, loss, and self-discovery through his most vulnerable songwriting to date.”
The Gemini features the singles “Work It Out,” “White Rum,” “Shouldn’t Wanna Call” and “Glass House.” Regarding the latter track, Blake exclusively told Rated R&B, “For this project, I’ve been obsessed with juxtaposition, so in true Gemini fashion, I wanted to write a heart-wrenching song over a bed of what some would consider to be a backyard barbecue / 2-step bounce. To me, that’s what real love felt like at the time… rocky but not so sad, not all good but not all bad.”
Presave Elijah Blake’s The Gemini
Ari Lennox, Vacancy (January 23)
Ari Lennox’s third album, Vacancy, marks a new chapter for the Washington, D.C. native. The forthcoming set is her first album since parting ways with J. Cole’s Dreamville Records and signing directly to Interscope Records. (She was previously signed to Dreamville with distribution through Interscope.) The album’s 15 tracks include “Soft Girl Era,” “Vacancy” and “Under the Moon.” Lennox’s follow-up to 2022’s a/s/l features production by her longtime collaborator, Elite, as well as Bryan-Michael Cox and Jermaine Dupri, the team behind her hit “Pressure.”
Camper, Campilation (January 23)
Camper, formerly known as DJ Camper, has produced hits for artists including Mary J. Blige, Brandy, H.E.R., and Lucky Daye. Now, the Grammy winner will release his debut album, Campilation, on Jan. 23. Camper exclusively teased the compilation album in a 2023 interview with Rated R&B. “I’m calling it the Campilation album. I have all the R&B artists I love that’s my family on the album together. [The album is] like what DJ Khaled did with hip-hop, but this is R&B,” he said.
Campilation includes the previously shared “I Need It” with Syd and Tank, “War” with Ari Lennox and Jeremih, “Waiting On You” with Tone Stith and the recently released “OOWEE” with Jill Scott and Ty Dolla $ign. In the same interview, Camper said the album also features H.E.R., Brandy, John Legend and Jill Scott. An official tracklist has not been revealed yet to confirm the finalized features. “This is volume one. I’m going to do more volumes because everybody else going to feel like they [were] left out,” he added.
Jordan Ward, Backward (January 30)
After going FORWARD on his 2023 debut, Jordan Ward is set go BACKWARD on his sophomore effort. Arriving Jan. 30 via ARTium Recordings/Interscope, the album includes the lead single “Juicy” and the Sailorr-assisted “Smokin Potna.” Ward told Rolling Stone that his second album is lyrically inspired by songwriting titans such as Donny Hathaway, Roberta Flack, and Joni Mitchell.
“They wrote really good, simple songs,” Ward told the publication. “Coming up off the last project, I felt I had a lot of room to grow with the songwriting, as far as structuring [it,] having more clear takeaways for the songs, just also expressing things that I haven’t yet and wanted to, or even expounding on things I’ve talked about before, just to keep the story evolving.”
Presave Jordan Ward’s BACKWARD
Ella Mai, Do You Still Love Me? (February 6)
Ella Mai celebrated her 30th birthday (Dec. 3, 2024) with a surprise drop of a three-track EP. Aptly titled 3, the mini project, which includes the No. 1 hit “Little Things,” was a treat to Mai’s fans who have been awaiting the follow-up to 2022’s Heart On My Sleeve. Mai’s third album, Do You Still Love Me?, is out Feb. 6 via 10 Summers/Interscope. The 14-track LP consists of the official lead single, “Tell Her,” which samples Destiny’s Child’s “Say My Name,” and the previously shared fan-favorite, “Little Things.” While Mai has been pretty much mum about the album’s details, she did tease on social media that it’s “for the lovers, right in time for love day&right on time for Scorpio making season.”
Presave Ella Mai’s Do You Still Love Me?
Jill Scott, To Whom This May Concern (February 13)
Jill Scott has confirmed that her sixth album, To Whom This May Concern, will be released ahead of Valentine’s Day on Feb. 13. Her first album in over a decade is preceded by the lead single, “Beautiful People,” produced by Om’Mas Keith. The 19-track album features collaborations with Ab-Soul, J.I.D., Tierra Whack and Too $hort, with additional production by Adam Blackstone, DJ Premier, Camper, Andre Harris, Seige Montracity, Trombone Shorty, Eric Wortham, DW Wright and VT Tolan. To Whom This May Concern follows Scott’s 2015 LP, Woman, which debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200. The album included the Grammy-nominated “Can’t Wait.”
Presave Jill Scott’s To Whom This May Concern
Tiana Major9, November Scorpio (February 13)
Following the release of their Fool Me Once EP in 2022, Tiana Major9 took a hiatus. By that time, Major9 had gained buzz from their stunning At Sixes And Sevens EP (2020), released via Motown Records. The project included the Grammy-nominated hit “Collide” with EarthGang, also featured on the Queen & Slim soundtrack. In fall 2024, the East London native returned with “Alone,” released independently via +1 Records. “‘Alone’ is such a vulnerable offering to the world, through the lyrics, my vocal performance,” explained Major9. “It feels like a reintroduction to Tiana Major9 and an exclusive look into the world of TM9.”
“Alone’ is the lead single from Major9’s debut album, November Scorpio, out Feb. 13. Comprised of 11 tracks, the album also includes the previously shared “Money,” “Shook One” and “Always” with Yebba. Keeping featured guests to a minimum, the album also includes a collaboration with multi-instrumentalist Keyon Harrold. November Scorpio is described as “a deeply personal journey through love, growth, and self-discovery, showcasing her signature blend of jazz, soul, and R&B with a fresh, modern vibe.”
Presave Tiana Major9’s November Scorpio
Moonchild, Waves (February 20)
Progressive soul band Moonchild will release their sixth album, WAVES, on Feb. 20. “WAVES is about grief, healing, and growth — learning to find strength and meaning in the hard moments and remembering you’re not alone in them,” the group shared. “It’s a reflection of what we’ve each been going through over the past few years, and how we’ve learned to move with life instead of against it. Collaborating in person with so many incredible artists brought a whole new energy to the process — it reminded us how powerful music can be when you share space, vulnerability, and creativity together.” WAVES will include “Not Sorry” with Jill Scott and Rapsody, “For Yourself” with Lalah Hathaway and Chris Dave, “Ride the Wave” with Astyn Turr and “Strong” with Erin Bentlage.
Bruno Mars, The Romantic (February 27)
It’s hard to believe it’s been nearly a decade since Bruno Mars released a solo album. Since 2016’s 24K Magic, Mars has kept his voice active through several collaborations. Namely, his stint as one-half of Silk Sonic, alongside Anderson .Paak, took 2021 by storm with their blockbuster album, An Evening with Silk Sonic. Now, Mars is ready to conquer another year with his fourth solo album, The Romantic. On Jan. 5, he alerted his 36 million X followers, “My album is done.” Mars has also confirmed the first single releases Jan. 9.
Leven Kali, LK99 (March 13)
Alt-R&B singer Leven Kali is expected to release his third album, LK99, March 13 via Def Jam. In June 2025, he teased the direction of his new era with a six-track EP, LK99: The Prelude, loaded with earworms like “Sleepwalking” and “Are U Still.” On Jan. 1, Kali, who co-wrote Beyoncé’s “Bodyguard” from her Grammy-winning album Cowboy Carter, reflected on his last 365 days. “This year was full of blessings, so much love in my life, so many special moments, thank you to everyone who made it what it was, you know who you are, and I love ya’ll,” he wrote on Instagram. “Grateful, and ready to eat in 2026, LK99 album otw.” LK99 is the follow-up to 2020’s HIGHTIDE.
Kehlani, KEHLANI (April 24)
Kehlani’s self-titled fifth studio album is one of the most anticipated R&B albums of the year. Her breakout hit, “Folded,” continues to gain steam after its summer release. The 2000s-inspired ballad is competing in the Best R&B Song and Best R&B Performance categories at the 2026 Grammys. The follow-up to 2024’s Crash will also include the latest single, “Out The Window.” Kehlani has tapped several heavyweight producers and songwriters for her upcoming album, including Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis, Andre Harris, Khris Riddick-Tynes, Ryan Leslie, Pop Wansel and Pharrell, among others. During her Apple Music takeover in November, Kehlani confirmed that she has a collaboration with Usher on the album.
Durand Bernarr, BERNARR. (May 1)
Durand Bernarr has been on an incredible run in the 2020s, blossoming more with each era. From headlining multiple sold-out tours to earning consecutive Grammy nominations, Bernarr is solidifying himself as an R&B mainstay. In the span of five years, he has released three albums — Dur&, Wanderlust and BLOOM (which was ranked the Best R&B Album of 2025 by Rated R&B) — and an EP (titled En Route). His fourth album, BERNARR., is set to arrive on May 1.
Chris Brown, BROWN (May 8)
Chris Brown’s 11:11 era was quite successful, to say the least. His 11th album, released in 2023 and reissued with a deluxe edition in 2024, spawned his second Grammy win, multiple No. 1s, including the fan-favorite “Residuals,” and a sold-out arena tour. In summer 2025, Brown celebrated 20 years in music with his first-ever stadium tour, Breezy Bowl XX, which grossed nearly $300 million. Now, the R&B superstar sets his sights on his 12th album, tentatively titled BROWN. He launched the era with “Holy Blindfold” in June and followed up the next month with “It Depends,” featuring Bryson Tiller. The latter track is now certified gold by the RIAA with over 500,000 equivalent units sold.
6LACK, Love Is The New Gangsta (May 22)
6LACK has lain low since wrapping up his Since I Have A Lover World Tour. The Baltimore-born artist has been enjoying life as a new father and quietly working on new music. His fourth album, Love Is The New Gangsta, is slated for release sometime in 2026. The alt-R&B sensation confirmed the news in a teaser video on Instagram that included a snippet of a new track.
B2K, Title TBA (TBA)
Not only will B2K reunite on their Boys 4 Life Tour, but the R&B-pop group is also expected to release their first album in 24 years. Although details are under wraps, the follow-up to 2002’s Pandemonium! is slated to arrive in February via BPC Music Group, the recently-launched record label arm of Black Promoters Collective, the live music company behind the tour. According to a press release, the album will be released in support of the tour, which launches mid-February.
Dawn Richard, TBA (TBA)
Dawn Richard embraced stillness on Quiet in a World Full of Noise, her 2024 joint album with multi-instrumentalist Spencer Zahn. Now, the Danity Kane alum is ushering in a new era with “A Flex,” which dropped at the end of 2025. It’s the first offering from Richard’s upcoming solo album. “The track is the kind of confidence that only I can give in my records. Dipped in legacy, the kind of flex that comes from survival, culture, and craft,” said Richard. “It signals a new album on the way, one that continues my mission of building worlds through sound, movement, and memory.” Richard’s forthcoming solo project will follow 2021’s Second Line.
Destin Conrad, TBA (TBA)
Destin Conrad is showing no signs of slowing down. “I be acting like ima take a break but it don’t work,” he wrote on X/Twitter. The rising R&B sensation, whose debut album, Love On Digital, is nominated for a Grammy, confirmed that he is working on a follow-up. While details have not been shared yet, the untitled album is slated to be released sometime this year. It will follow his experimental jazz project, wHIMSY, which dropped four months after Love On Digital.
Erykah Badu & The Alchemist, Abi & Alan (TBA)
In summer 2025, Erykah Badu and producer The Alchemist released “Next To You,” the first single from their upcoming joint album, Abi & Alan. The forthcoming project was reportedly scheduled to release Aug. 29, 2025. However, the day before, Badu went live on Instagram to announce that it wasn’t coming out. “Don’t worry tho … No aug 29 It’s @alanthechemist fault,” Badu wrote in the caption, with a smiley face emoji.
On the supposed album release date, The Alchemist tweeted to fans, “Please show me where i said anything was coming out today.” Abi & Alan does not have a release date at this time. However, it will drop under Badu’s new imprint, Control Freaq Records and EMPIRE. It will mark her first album since 2010’s New Amerykah Part Two: Return of the Ankh. (In 2015, she released her fan-favorite mixtape But You Caint Use My Phone.)
Kelly Rowland, TBA (TBA)
While Kelly Rowland hasn’t officially announced an album, the legendary singer has been in the studio. In August 2025, producer Troy Taylor shared a few in-studio photos on Instagram of him and Rowland, as well as a muted clip of them seemingly working on down melodies. “Working with a legend who knows what and how she wants it to feel and go,” Taylor wrote. “This is why I do this.”
After her stint on Brandy and Monica’s The Boy Is Mine Tour in December, Rowland took to Twitter to tease that she was getting back to recording more music. “I miss TOUR!! I miss my crew! I miss the stage!! TBH, I’m ready to be back! So let me get my A$$ in the studio to create,” she wrote. Even though it’s been over a decade since 2013’s Talk A Good Game, Rowland has released several standalone singles since then, plus two EPs: The Kelly Rowland Edition (2019) and K (2021).
Louis York, TBA (TBA)
Louis York, the New American Soul duo consisting of hitmakers Claude Kelly and Chuck Harmony, indicated that their next album is on the way. “Everything is peaceful, love. Wrapping up the new album,” they shared on Instagram in mid-December. “New LouisYork. 2026.” To tide over fans, in November, they released their delicious track “Sweet Potato Pie.” The currently untitled album is the follow-up to 2024’s Songs With Friends. The latter featured genre-spanning collaborations with Anthony Hamilton, Gramps Morgan, Jessie J, Lalah Hathaway, and more.
Omarion, O2 (TBA)
Omarion has a busy year ahead. Aside from his upcoming reunion tour with B2K that will be coupled with their first project in over 25 years, Omarion will also release his new solo album. O2, a sequel to his 2005 debut album, O, is preceded by the single “For War,” which dropped in late October. Omarion’s upcoming album will follow his dual 2023 releases, Full Circle: Sonic Book One and Full Circle: Sonic Book Two.
Steve Lacy, Oh Yeah? (TBA)
Last August, Steve Lacy dropped “Nice Shoes” as the first single from his third album, Oh Yeah? In an interview with Rolling Stone, Lacy explained that his upcoming LP will be more lyrically dense than his previous works. “When I first started making sh–t or producing stuff with the Internet, I would always make the beat, make a hook, and just give it away,” he told the publication. “That was my process for a while, so words were always just kind of secondary. I’m like, ‘If my beat hard, this bass line hard, the chords hard, what else do we need?’ But now I’m like, ‘OK, I want to say sh–t how I would say sh–t.’”
In an October Instagram post, Lacy gave a status update on Oh Yeah? “‘Making albums r sooo fun!! itll be done so so sooon cant wait for u to hear it,’” he wrote, alongside the smiling mask crying face meme. Oh Yeah? follows Lacy’s Grammy-winning album Gemini Rights, which included his No. 1 smash hit “Bad Habit.”
Teedra Moses, TBA (TBA)
It’s been over 10 years since Teedra Moses released her last album, Cognac & Conversation. In November 2020, she returned with “Cashmere Compliments,” which was supposed to be the lead single from her long-awaited album. At the time, the album was slated for a spring 2021 release, but it was pushed back. Moses didn’t leave fans hanging, though. In May 2021, she dropped “Make Me” and in November 2025, she released Complex Simplicity (Reimagined), which featured reworked versions of select songs from her beloved debut album. The EP wrapped up the anniversary campaign she embarked on for the album, which included viral performances on NPR’s Tiny Desk and COLORS, as well as special live engagements. Perhaps, 2026 will be the year when Moses returns with her third album.
Tiffany Evans, TBA (TBA)
It’s been a decade since Tiffany Evans released her All Me EP. Since that 2015 project, the “Promise Ring” singer has dropped a few one-off singles and even formed a short-lived duo with Jawan Harris (Jawan x Tiffany) in 2020. In 2025, Evans made her official return with “Would You” and “Hope You Understand Me.” Both ‘90s-inspired tracks will appear on her forthcoming project, which is slated to arrive in 2026.
Tone Stith, The Edge (TBA)
After parting ways with RCA Records and signing a deal with independent label MNRK Records, Tone Stith reemerged in July 2025 with “Shut Up.” It’s the first offering from his upcoming album, which is scheduled to release this year. Before the year concluded, Stith dropped “Fly” in December. He co-produced it with Kenneth “KP” Paige and Brody Brown, with whom he also worked on the preceding single. Stith’s new album will follow his 2023 EP, P.O.V.
Tweet, Memoirs of a Southern Hummingbird (TBA)
R&B veteran Tweet will make a comeback with Memoirs of a Southern Hummingbird, her first album in a decade. The album includes the lead single, “Toot Toot,” a previously unreleased track that was originally intended for her second album, It’s Me Again (2005). “I’ve always wanted to set the record straight about the hiatus… So many unreleased records… I never stopped creating. I kept recording, kept writing, kept living,” she said. “Now I’m finally in a space to give my fans the real story. All the true gems that never made the cut. This is TWEET! Welcome to the Memoirs of a Southern Hummingbird.” Tweet’s upcoming fourth album, currently slated for release in early 2026, follows 2016’s Charlene.
Victoria Monét, TBA (TBA)
Victoria Monét is gearing up to launch a new era. The “Alright” singer recently teased a new single, presumably titled “Let Me,” on her social media channels. The smooth track is the first taste from her upcoming album, which is said to be inspired by ‘90s R&B. “This album that I’m working on right now is so, so R&B. Jaguar II was R&B, but it was set in the era of the ‘70s. This feels more like ‘90s R&B,” Monét told Angel Reese during an interview on the Unapologetically Angel podcast.
This article will continue to be updated as more information becomes available.
