▶The Hottest R&B Artists of 2026 Right Now: Staff Picks
- Billboard highlights R&B artists thriving across music, touring and culture.
- Kehlani and Leon Thomas are among the strongest 2026 contenders.
- The picks mix established names with rising performers.
Billboard’s staff picks identify the R&B artists making the strongest impact in 2026, using chart performance, vocals, cultural relevance, touring and commercial activity. - Leon Thomas and Kehlani are presented as leading contenders, with Thomas accumulating more than ten features and Kehlani’s “Folded” reaching No. 6 on the…





