Forever Slept-On: Top 10 Most Unappreciated R&B Artists

Forever Slept-On: Top 10 Most Unappreciated R&B Artists

- By Bossip Staff
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Free+Yourself

Neither iconic nor irrelevant, these criminally-underrated singers are rarely mentioned in R&B/Soul legend discussions. Some more culturally-influential than others, we’ll never understand why they’re not more celebrated than they are today.

Here are the ten most unappreciated R&B artists. Take a look.

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Fantasia

Tasia Mae is always slandered for her 5th grade reading level but her catalog and stage presence are undeniable. Beautifully-turnt up and free, she gives you everything—ALL of her—whenever she performs (barefoot).

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Anthony Hamilton

The King of Sharecropper Soul SANGS with the passion of 1000 Djangos. Vocally-soul-stirring, with a classic debut (“Coming From Where I’m From”), he’s one of the greatest pure Soul crooners of his generation.

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Faith Evans

Faith never reached her full potential despite having an elite voice and strong fanbase. For most of her chaotic career, she was one hit away but struggled to find that platinum sound. Life’s never fair.

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Musiq

The bite-sized crooner has too many classic albums to still be musically-unappreciated. Maybe it’s the wonky-eye or 5’2” physique. We just don’t know.

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Syleena Johnson

Mostly known for her incredible hook on Kanye’s “All Falls Down,” the smoky voiced-soulstress should be much bigger than she is. Signed to the artist-devouring label J Records, she was never a priority on the now defunct imprint.

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Raheem DeVaughn

Radio Raheem would still be relevant had he stayed a Neo-Soul artist but sold his soul to Def Jam. Like Chrisette Michelle, he was forced into an R&B box and never seemed comfortable. Tragedy.

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Dwele

Musically-brilliant, the Detroit-bred wonder has quietly dropped R&B/Soul gems since 2000. Some people still don’t know who or what a Dwele is, but he’s one of the most consistent artists in music today.

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Lloyd

Say what you want about the glittery leather leggings wearing-singer, his sophomore album “Street Love” is an R&B classic. And yes, it’s the ONLY reason why he qualified for this list.

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Tank

It’s unknown why the talented singer/songwriter isn’t more popular but he has classics and consistently solid albums. “Slowly?” Timeless. “Take My Time (Feat. Chris Brown)?” Woo, YES.

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Kindred the Family Soul

The spirit of Black Love lives in the married duo’s infectious brand of R&B/Soul. Lost faith in love? You need more Kindred in your life.

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