Will Jamal Roberts Join the New R&B Wave?

It feels like we’re on the brink of a long-overdue R&B wave. The Boy Is Mine tour is shaking things up, Kehlani dropped “Folded” (and her new single “Out the Window” is even better), and, although, Grammy nominee Leon Thomas II released "Mutt" last year, we’re still talking about it.

Add Chris Brown’s viral “It Depends,” featuring Bryson Tiller (with Usher stepping in for the remix), the Breezy Bowl, Mariah the Scientist topping the R&B album charts with Hearts Sold Separately, Coco Jones’ critically acclaimed debut Why Not More?, and the momentum is undeniable. Teyana Taylor scored her first Grammy nod with Escape Room, joining Thomas, Jones, and Kehlani as nominees via the Recording Academy. Additionally, Kendrick Lamar and SZA’s “Luther", which samples Mr. Vandross himself, resonated throughout the year.

Moreover, Summer Walker has a highly anticipated album on the horizon, Finally, Over It, due November 14, 2025. Mario remains a staple. Keri Hilson has returned after 15 years of dormancy. B2K is gearing up for tour, and Toni Braxton, Boyz II Men, and New Edition are hitting the road, too. Many beloved, seasoned R&B acts have been touring for years (Mya being one of them, who recently entranced audiences when she stepped in on The Boy is Mine tour), but these days truly feel like something of a renaissance.

And then there’s this year's American Idol winner, Jamal Roberts, whose effortless soulful vocals captured the world. He’s currently serenading audiences on The Boy Is Mine tour. Just two months after making history as only the second Black man to win the show since Ruben Studdard in 2003, he dropped his debut single “Mississippi,” a southern-style soulful pop tribute to his hometown. The talent is real, and the promise is even bigger.

Roberts has already proven he’s going to always deliver, now he needs the best production to propel him. Producers like Harmony Samuels, D. Phelps & Freaky Rob, London on Da Track, Cardiak, Wu10, and Bruno Mars come to mind. There’s a long list of classic producers specializing in quality R&B who would suit his voice beautifully.

What producers do you think would be the best fit for the rising star?

Check out his performance of “Nothing Compares to You” below.