2024 Staff Picks: Our Favorite Indie R&B Tracks of the Year

The R&B scene in 2024 has been shaped by a wave of artists who’ve poured authenticity, vulnerability, and raw talent into their music. This section highlights some of our favorite indie voices, many of whom call Dallas home. From Chaynler Joie’ conversational intimacy to 4Batz’s undeniable rise toward stardom, each song here stands as a testament to the timeless power of R&B. These tracks don’t chase trends—they set them, carving out unique spaces in the genre while staying true to the artists' individuality.

1. 4Batz - U Made Me A St4r (Project) 4Batz has delivered an undeniable statement with every song on his project so we through the whole body of work on the list. Track after track, he proves that he’s yet to miss, consistently putting out music that feels both polished and deeply personal. Despite still being at essentially the beginning of his music career, 4Batz carries himself with the confidence and quality of an artist already cemented in the mainstream. With Billboard placements and heavyweight collaborations featuring Drake, Kanye, and Usher, it feels like the world already knows he’s here to stay. If Usher is considered the current King of R&B, then 4Batz is arguably the Prince—or on his way to earning that title very, very quickly. This project isn’t just music; it’s a declaration.

   
   
   
   

2. cOoL WATeR foR thE nIGHT by 1999 WRITE THE FUTURE, Amaarae, Warren Hue 1999 WRITE THE FUTURE, Amaarae, and Warren Hue came together on 'Cool Water for the Night' to create something truly unique. While it comfortably sits in the R&B space, the track pulls from '70s and '80s funk influences, blending them with a soulful yet electrifying sound. The result is a magical listening experience that feels both nostalgic and futuristic. Every artist involved brought their best to the table, and the collaboration shines brightly because of it.

   
   

3. Lord Knows by Aaron Page Aaron Page’s 'Lord Knows' is a powerful display of vulnerability and raw emotion, capturing the essence of R&B in pure. It’s always refreshing to see young artists fully embrace the emotional depth that the genre demands, and Page does so with grace and authenticity. What makes this track even more special is how clearly you can hear him speaking directly to the woman he’s addressing through the song—it feels personal, intentional, and deeply heartfelt. Every note and lyric carries weight, making it a standout moment in his catalog.

   
   

4. Reckless by Mira Mira’s 'Reckless' is carried by a voice that feels almost hypnotic—soft, smooth, and undeniably captivating. There’s a unique magic in the way she delivers each note, effortlessly hitting every mark while maintaining an air of ease and grace. It’s a dangerous kind of voice that could make you drop your guard entirely, leaving you hanging on every word, no matter the emotion behind it. Mira doesn’t just sing a song; she creates an atmosphere, pulling listeners into her world with every syllable.

   
   

5. Red Wine by Lavoyce Lavoyce’s 'Red Wine' radiates pure grown-woman energy, carried by an undeniable confidence and a presence that commands attention. As a Grammy-nominated songwriter, she steps into this record with a poise and authenticity that feels both intentional and effortless. What sets this track apart isn’t just its uniqueness—it’s the fact that it doesn’t try to be different; it simply is. Lavoyce created something entirely her own here, and you can feel that sense of self throughout every note. It’s one of those rare records that stands alone, refusing to fit into any familiar mold, and that’s precisely what makes it so special.

   
   

6. Call on Me by Reb Creasy Reb Creasy’s 'Call on Me' is a refreshing pivot from his usual rap-heavy catalog, showcasing his ability to fully step into the world of R&B. Known primarily for his Wiz Khalifa type experimental approach to music, Reb Creezy takes a bold turn here, embracing smooth melodies and heartfelt vocals that feel authentic and intentional. This track doesn’t just hint at his versatility—it fully embodies it, marking an exciting chapter in his artistic journey.

   
   

7. Homie, Lover, Friend by Chaynler Joie Chaynler Joie’ 'HomieLoverFriend' captures the essence of classic 1980s R&B with its mix of soulful vocals and conversational delivery. The song feels deeply personal, almost like she’s speaking directly to the listener, creating an emotional connection that sets it apart. With four distinct versions—standard, stripped, acapella, and instrumental—Joie showcases her dedication to offering a fully immersive listening experience. A Louisiana native now residing in Dallas, Joie brings a rich blend of Southern soul and heartfelt storytelling to this standout track, making it both timeless and fresh.