AI may be able to mimic the voices of singers, but it can’t evoke genuine emotions like real artists can. As someone close to a few independent artists, I see firsthand how hard they work to release a song.

From working various jobs to fund their projects to hours-long studio and writing sessions, actual music creation isn’t giving a computer a prompt and having it make a voice inspired by real musicians. There’s been a lot of conversation surrounding AI music lately, especially since AI artist Xania Monet snagged a $3 million record deal.

Instead of streaming music made without passion, give the women of R&B below a stream. You’ll find yourself going through “all the feels” as they sing about real-life experiences, love, self-worth, and more.

Halle Bailey

Halle’s debut album, Love?… Or Something Like It, is an elegant R&B masterpiece. When I first listened to it, I heard the soulful sounds of a woman sharing her experience with love, or at least a feeling really close to it. I was hooked from the first listen and eventually wrote about my favorites from the release, which reminded me of a romance movie soundtrack.

Recommended songs: “Overtime,” “Heaven,” “Alone” featuring Mariah the Scientist, and “No Warning” featuring H.E.R.

Coco Jones

Coco Jones came for everything people told her she couldn’t have, from Billboard hits to a Grammy and a popular Peacock series. Her debut album, Why Not More? is authentic rhythm and blues, and has songs that all generations can vibe to. However, her 2022 EP, What I Didn’t Tell You, is what made me go, “Oh, she is IT!”

Recommended songs: “Caliber,” “ICU,” “Thang 4 U,” and “On Sight”

Victoria Monét

Before “On My Mama” skyrocketed her to mainstream success, Victoria Monét had singles that should’ve seen longevity on Billboard and streaming charts. The Grammy winner’s sound reminds me of artists from the ’80s and ’90s that we don’t hear much of today, and she’s filling that void.

Recommended songs: “Moment,” “A*s Like That,” “New Love,” and “Coastin'”

Summer Walker

No one is Finally Over It like Summer Walker. If you’re looking for R&B music that puts you in your feelings, she’s the perfect artist to stream. Like many, most of her songs come from real-life experience that hits different when you’re in a similar situation.

Recommended songs: “Potential,” “Finally Over It,” “Throw It Away,” and “Body”

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