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Top R&B albums of 2023

For our R&B artist. *Takes a deep breath. * I don’t know what more disappointing. The Hip Hop scene or the R&B. Last year, I wrote how difficult it was for me to come up with a list. And as I look back on my list from last year, I hardly listen to the ones I said were the top. My first love, R&B is fading away. Although, this year was a little better than last, it still was struggle. None-the-less here at the tip picks for 2023.

Written By: Jewels Alexandria
5 Minute Read

November 2, 2023

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01

Rory
I Thought It'd Be Different

The first song I heard from the album was, “I Want You But You'll Never Know,” last year. And being the Alexis Isley fan I am, I was instantly drawn to it. Unaware that a full project was on its way.  This touches on all the feels for R&B, Hip Hop and alternative pop. It is a great album to set mood for a relaxing day. The project has an incredible list of featured artist from, Ari Lennox, Emotional Oranges, James Fauntleroy and DRAM. Rory, a former employee of the Joe Budden Podcast realsed a mystical album full of love, failed relationships and fun.

02

MAETA
When I Hear Your Name

My first encounter with this project was after hours of studying. After two hours I was ready to call it a quits. Getting bored with studying, I searched through my phone looking for something new. The first song I heard, "F**k Your Friend."  A completely different meaning than what I thought that gThis debut album is full of catchy songs, tranquilizing ballets that will leave you humming the tunes the entire day. 

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03

Dinner Party
Enigmatic Society

Terrace Martin, Robert Glasper, 9th Wonder & Kamasi Washington, Dinner Party. These household producers/song writters are seriously making a name for themselves. Enigmatic Society is a Hip-Hop/Jazz infused album is full of soulful themes. The album art is has a nice display of Hip Hop culture. This is the 2nd album by the group and I look forward to more.

04

Emotional Oranges
STILL EMO?

This LA duo has been putting out wonderful projects for the past 5 years. Although, not the most authentic sounding R&B, they sure know how to make a damn good song.  From alt-pop to funk, this duo has something for just about anyone.

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05

Arin Ray
Phases III -EP

Arin Ray continues to keep R&B alive. Rather it be a feature or a full project, he gives it his all. He also is one who is not afraid of live instrumention. Although, not so much on this EP, he does give us some seductive R&B that will pair well with an evening in. 

Today marks 4 years of The Juke Joint! 4 years of passion, devotion to a love for the art. 4 years of networking and learning different styles of music. The Juke Joint is devoted to displaying unground music. And with the help of local musicians, The Juke Joint is still striving to expand and get to know each and every individual artist in their own unique way. It has been a pleasure to do business with each and every artist and I look forward to many more years to come. To the fans, thank you so much to taking the time to ready each article and listen to each playlist. Thank you for tuning in to New Music Fridays to catch the latest album releases. There is plenty more to come for 2024 and I cannot wait to share it with you!

 

Much love,

Jewels Alexandria (CEO)

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