R&B and Soul have always been about emotion, memory and mood. The kind of music that instantly transports you back to tender moments, teenage crushes or late-night slow jams. Today, a new generation of artists like Amaria BB continues that lineage, blending silky vocals and heartfelt storytelling with the timeless influence of 1990s and 2000s greats.
Amaria BB herself is certainly one to watch. Born and raised in London, she has carved out a lane pulling from R&B, Neo-Soul, Jazz and even the feel of mid-2000s slow jams. All while sitting comfortably beside modern artists like SZA, Summer Walker and Cleo Sol. With her recently released mixtape 9PM In Paris, Amaria BB has become a staple across R&B playlists and DJ mixes that champion smoother, more sensual sounds.
We asked Amaria BB to spotlight some of the finest mixes celebrating the full spectrum of R&B and Soul.
DJDAYDAY – Grown & Sexy R&B Mix (Vol 1)
If you grew up in the 1990s and early 2000s, some of the R&B on this mix will give you all the memories! Masterfully curated by Mixcloud legend DJDAYDAY, ‘Grown & Sexy’ conjures images of high school proms, house parties and general hangouts with your partner or love interest. Featuring some of the best R&B artists of any era, including Mary J. Blige, Lauryn Hill and Ashanti, get ready to get into your feels!
Emily Rawson – 90s, 00s, Now Hiphop, RnB, Dancehall for Capital Xtra
Emily Rawson is one of the hardest working DJs around. From her incredible ‘Supa Dupa Fly’ club nights to countless guest mixes on BBC Radio – via opening up for the likes of Busta Rhymes – she radiates the sounds of contemporary Black music. This Capital Xtra guest mix for DJ Charlesy is no exception. Rawson expertly glides through some real R&B classics. Then, she transitions to Hip-Hop and Dancehall with utter finesse. Not only that, but Rawson’s newly launched event series ‘R&B LDN’ is a serious vibe.
House FM – Supa D – The HouSupa Show 19th July 2020
When soulful vocal tones touch bouncy House vibrations, you’re onto a winner. Supa D cooked up an intensely enjoyable entry for his ‘HouSupa’ show on House FM back in 2020. He showcased that R&B and Soul can be packaged in imaginative ways that retain their essence.
Paul Collins – Rare Grooves & Modern Soul Flavours (#966)
What’s life without some Rare Groove? Well, we’ll never have to know thanks to Paul Collins. His ‘Rare Grooves & Modern Soul Flavours’ showcase on Global Soul Radio is a beautiful look through the deepest corners of Soul, Jazz, Funk and R&B. The 966th edition doesn’t disappoint. With tunes spanning from the 1960s to the 1980s, Collins’ ear for Rare Groove is exceptional.
Larizzle – KISS XTRA Friday Show 6
We know a thing or two about Larizzle’s bag. The DJ, producer and musician crafts memorable musical moments wherever he lands, and his regular KISS XTRA is a ground for premiering the latest and greatest of modern Black music. He doesn’t let up, with R&B in the mix as well as Amapiano, Afrobeats, Soca and House.
Follow Amaria BB on Instagram and check out her project, 9PM In Paris, out now.