Artists To Add To Your Playlist in 2026
2025 was a year filled with viral TikTok songs and the emergence of many up-and-coming artists making their well-deserved mark on the music industry. Now that we are fresh into the New Year, it’s the perfect time to think about what artists we hope to see more of in 2026.
Ravyn Lenae
Image courtesy of Ravyn Lenae’s official Instagram
Ravyn Lenae’s, “Love Me Not,” gained popularity in 2025 and the song earned her a spot on Billboard Hot 100. Her music carries an upbeat funky tune that is sure to have you singing along. Lenae, born in Chicago, released her second studio album “Bird’s Eye,” in 2024 and has been on the rise ever since. She recently had a sold out headline North American and European tour, solidifying the impact her music is making on the world. What’s most lovable about Lenae is how her music makes you feel and her blend of rock, folk & electronic music with R&B (also known as alternative R&B), Lenae is entering genres not typically dominated by Black women, but she’s surely here to stay.
Leon Thomas
Image courtesy of Leon Thomas’ official Instagram
Many of us grew up watching Leon Thomas play “Andre” on Nickelodeon's “Victorious.” Even then, we were all impressed by his musical talent. So, it’s no surprise that his musical genius is entering the mainstream with his hit album, “Mutt.” The album earned him six Grammy nominations, including “Best R&B Album.” So far, Leon Thomas is starting the year off with a bang as he joins Bruno Mars’ Romantic Tour. But we know, without a doubt, that Leon Thomas will continue to show us more of his talent as the months go by.
Kehlani
Image courtesy of Kehlani’s official Instagram
Kehlani is finally getting her well-deserved recognition. Since the release of her 2015 album, “You Should Be Here,” Kehlani has always been an artist carving a unique space in the music industry. From TikTok trends landing Kehlani her first top ten entry on the Billboard Hot 100 and her first no. 1 on Billboard’s Hot R&B/Hip-Hop chart, “Folded” was a top song of 2025. The song also earned her two Grammy nominations. Slated to release a new album in Spring 2026, Kehlani has the public’s eyes on her at a pivotal point in her career. There’s no doubt that Kehlani will slide into the New Year with a few more hit songs unfolding for us.
Olivia Dean
Image courtesy of Olivia Dean’s official Instagram
Olivia Dean is a British singer-songwriter, capturing the hearts of all the lover girls. Her soulful sound is refreshing and has been welcomed by all of us with open arms. Songs like “Man I Need,” “A Couple Minutes,” and “So Easy (To Fall in Love),” are reminding all of us what love is and what it can feel like. In an interview with Nylon, Dean shared, “I know that so many songs are written about love, but I think it’s the most important thing in the world, so we must keep digging on the topic,” and we wholeheartedly agree. Dean has also been nominated for a Grammy for her song, “Nice to Each Other” in the “Best New Artist,” category and we are hopeful to see her take home the win!
Elmiene
Image courtesy of Elmiene’s official Instagram
Elmiene’s soothing voice is filled with soul and a realness that is refreshing to hear. The British-Sudanese singer has only been on the scene for about three years but his impact is proof of his talent. “Useless (Without You)” is a beautiful song that talks about what it feels like to be without a love you once had. He speaks about the beauty of songwriting and hopes to bridge into the genres of folk, rock and punk. He went viral in 2021 for his cover of “Untitled (How Does It Feel)” by D’Angelo and his first ever single, “Golden,” was featured in Virgil Abloh’s final Louis Vuitton show. Now, Elmiene’s vocals are spreading across the world, and his lyrics and honesty in every word are something that we can all relate to.
Sailorr
Image courtesy of Sailorr’s official Instagram
If you are a “retired crash-out,” looking for some music to fit your vibe, Sailorr is your girl. She began her music journey on SoundCloud when she went by Sailor Goon, a reference to Naoko Tekeuchi’s anime Sailor Moon. Her hit song, “Pookie’s Requiem,” was released in 2025 and went viral on TikTok, gaining attention from artists like Summer Walker. This led to the Florida-born artist’s feature on Walker’s song “How Sway.” Her most recent album, “From Florida’s Finest,” has been a hit that her listeners can relate to. She describes herself as someone who is “prioritizing her peace rather than being pressed in real life.” On her song “Sincerity,” she sings, “I don’t look what's in my rearview. Don’t intervene with my pain relief. That’s why I don’t ever call back,” Rather than taking her feelings out on the person, she takes it to the studio.
Odeal
Image courtesy of Odeal’s official Instagram
If you haven’t heard of Odeal yet, you’re missing out. Blending R&B with the sounds of Alte, Odeal’s sound is unique and powerful. His 2025 Tiny Desk performance solidified that his sound is quickly gaining traction around the world. Born in Germany, raised in Spain, the United Kingdom and Nigeria, Odeal’s musical influence comes from many parts of the world. His single, “Soh-Soh” gave him his first spot on Billboard’s U.S Afrobeats Songs chart, leading to being awarded as Billboard’s African Rookie of the Year. Not only is Odeal focused on making music that is soulful, he is also focused on his other creative endeavors like OVMBR, which stands for, “Our Variances Makes Us Bold and Relentless.” OVMBR parties aim to bring Odeal’s fans together while empowering the creative community. In the future, he hopes to turn it into a festival that will, “give back to young creators in Africa who need a platform.”