2026 is already shaping as much as be a standout yr for R&B lovers. A few of the style’s most beloved voices are returning with new music, contemporary eras, and tasks that promise to soundtrack every part from late-night drives to gradual mornings and cuffing-season emotions. From long-awaited comebacks to thrilling new chapters, right here’s a have a look at the R&B albums we will’t wait to listen to in 2026.
1. Jill Scott — To Whom This Might Concern (Feb. 13)
Jill Scott is formally again, and followers couldn’t be happier. On Jan. 2, the Philadelphia native introduced the discharge of her extremely anticipated sixth studio album, To Whom This Might Concern. Together with the announcement, Scott debuted the venture’s first single, “Lovely Folks,” instantly setting the tone for what’s to return.
RELATED CONTENT: Tems: The Nigerian Star Redefining World R&B
Since sharing the information, Scott has been giving followers glimpses into the artistic course of behind the album, revealing a lineup of collaborators she affectionately refers to as “Lovely Folks.”Amongst them is Grammy-winning producer Om’Mas Keith, whose involvement alone has followers buzzing. The upcoming launch marks Jill Scott’s first new album in additional than a decade, following 2015’s Lady, making this one of the crucial anticipated R&B drops of the yr.
2. Ari Lennox — Emptiness (Jan. 23)
Ari Lennox is stepping right into a daring new period with Emptiness, her first album since parting methods with Dreamville. The venture captures an artist at a crossroads, artistic, private, {and professional}, which regularly makes for probably the most compelling music.
Lennox first teased followers again on Oct. 23, 2025, with the discharge of “Below The Moon,” a soulful R&B ballad that explores each the tender and “vicious” sides of affection. Emptiness indicators progress, independence, and emotional honesty, and R&B followers are keen to listen to how this new chapter unfolds.
3. Ella Mai — Do You Nonetheless Love Me? (Feb. 6)
After stepping away from the music trade in 2022 to concentrate on motherhood and private life following the discharge of her hit album Coronary heart on My Sleeve, Ella Mai is able to return along with her third studio album, Do You Nonetheless Love Me?
In keeping with Essence, the album is executive-produced by Mustard and can replicate the place she is in life—trustworthy and with readability.
“I’ve by no means carried out something that doesn’t align with me. I push the boundaries generally, however I’m nonetheless very comfy in my house,” the singer advised Essence in Might 2025.
She added that she and her group have been “placing the ending touches” on the brand new album. Explaining the sound of the forthcoming venture in a Dec. 3 Instagram submit, Mai shared that Do You Nonetheless Love Me? is devoted to “the lovers, proper in time for love day&proper on time for Scorpio making season.” In true R&B style, the drop comes simply in time for Valentine’s Day.
4. Kehlani — Untitled (Spring 2026)
Kehlani is deep in album mode and clearly enthusiastic about what’s coming subsequent. In keeping with Revolt, their upcoming venture, set to drop in spring 2026, was impressed by the success of “Folded.”
“Spring is like my little blissful time to bloom,” Kehlani mentioned throughout a Nov. 19 interview on The Cruz Present. The star mentioned they’re excited for followers to listen to it as a result of it’s the primary time they felt so certain about their course and sound.
“That is the primary album the place I’ve ever identified precisely what I used to be making…it got here collectively in 4 months,” Kehlani mentioned with a smile. “It’s nearly carried out. I’m in, like, closing vocals, mixing, the options are rolling in … They’re all actually cool; they’re all actually individuals I actually respect and look as much as.”
On Christmas Eve, the Grammy-nominated singer revealed they have been near turning within the long-awaited album.
With “Out the Window” and “Folded” already resonating deeply with followers, expectations are excessive, and pleasure is even increased.
If this lineup is any indication, 2026 is about to be a gorgeous yr for R&B.
RELATED CONTENT: Tales From TikTok: IKTR! Kehlani Has Decentered Males From Their Life, And They’re Loving It
