2026 is already shaping up to be a standout year for R&B lovers. Some of the genre’s most beloved voices are returning with new music, fresh eras, and projects that promise to soundtrack everything from late-night drives to slow mornings and cuffing-season feelings. From long-awaited comebacks to exciting new chapters, here’s a look at the R&B albums we can’t wait to hear in 2026.

1. Jill Scott — To Whom This May Concern (Feb. 13)

Jill Scott is officially back, and fans couldn’t be happier. On Jan. 2, the Philadelphia native announced the release of her highly anticipated sixth studio album, To Whom This May Concern. Along with the announcement, Scott debuted the project’s first single, “Beautiful People,” immediately setting the tone for what’s to come.

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Since sharing the news, Scott has been giving fans glimpses into the creative process behind the album, revealing a lineup of collaborators she affectionately refers to as “Beautiful People.”Among them is Grammy-winning producer Om’Mas Keith, whose involvement alone has fans buzzing. The upcoming release marks Jill Scott’s first new album in more than a decade, following 2015’s Woman, making this one of the most anticipated R&B drops of the year.

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