R&B’s Hottest Collaborations of 2019
The year of 2019 brought about a lot of dope music, R&B included. Some of R&B’s best music of the year came in the form of collaborations. From Daniel Caesar and Brandy to H.E.R. and YG, take a look at some of R&B’s hottest collaborations of 2019.
“Love Again” by Daniel Caesar ft. Brandy
Canadian singer Daniel Caesar dropped his single “Love Again ” ft. Brandy in July 0f 2019. “Love Again” derived from Caesar’s sophomore studio album Case Study 01. The song was nominated for a 2020 Grammy Award for “Best R&B Performance.” It also peaked at No. 1 of Billboard‘s U.S. Adult R&B Songs chart.
“None of Your Concern” by Jhene Aiko ft. Big Sean
Twenty88 fans were sent into a frenzy when Jhene Aiko dropped her single “None of Your Concern” ft. rapper Big Sean who Aiko was previously in a relationship with. Many of Aiko’s fans took to social media to criticize Sean’s verse, which they felt was insensitive being that Aiko sang about her hurt and pain and being “suicidal” on the single and Sean mainly rapped about sex, which boosted the song’s popularity. “None of Your Concern” peaked at No. 7 on Billboard’s U.S. R&B chart.
“Something Real” by Summer Walker ft. Chris Brown & London On Da Track
After Chris Brown took to social media stating that he wanted to collaborate with R&B newcomer Summer Walker, the two connected and made Brown’s goal come to fruition. Shortly after, Walker released “Something Real” featuring Brown and her producer/boyfriend London On Da Track. “Something Real” landed at No. 19 on Billboard‘s U.S. R&B chart.
“Morning” by Teyana Taylor ft. Kehlani
Teyana Taylor’s sultry single “Morning” featuring Kehlani was released at the top of November of 2019. Taylor who affectionately refers to herself as Spike T, paying homage to Academy Award-winning director Spike Lee, directed the video which was just as steamy as the song itself, if not even more. “Morning” peaked at No. 23 on Billboard‘s U.S. Bubbling Under Hot 100 Singles chart.
“Racks” by H.E.R. ft. YBN Cordae
H.E.R.’s “Racks” ft. YBN Cordae derives from H.E.R.’s second compilation album, I Used To Know Her. “Racks” didn’t necessarily peak on any of Billboard‘s charts. However, the single that moves away from H.E.R.’s typical formula is a fan favorite.
“What You Did” by Mahalia ft. Ella Mai
Brittish singer Mahalia’s single “What You Did” featuring Ella Mai comes from her sophomore studio album, Love and Compromise. The single featuring the two Brittish singers peaked at No. 22 on the Billboard U.S. R&B chart. It also landed at No. 12 on Billboard‘s U.S. Adult R&B chart.
“Show Me Love Remix” by Alicia Keys ft. 21 Savage
Alicia Keys returned in 2019 with her single “Show Me Love” featuring Miguel that comes from her forthcoming album A.L.I.C.I.A. The song followed Keys’ release of her loose single “Raise A Man.” “Show Me Love” peaked at No. 41 on Billboard‘s U.S. R&B chart. After releasing the original song Keys released the official remix featuring 21 Savage, which became a fan favorite.
“Shea Butter Baby” by Ari Lennox ft. J. Cole
Dreamville’s first lady Ari Lennox dropped her single “Shea Butter Baby” featuring her label head and mentor J. Cole which is the title track of her debut album. It was originally released in November of 2018 on the soundtrack of Creed II. In February of 2019, “Shea Butter Baby” was released as a single for Lennox’s debut album. The song which is certified gold peaked at No. 26 on Billboard‘s U.S. Adult R&B Songs chart.
“Slide” by H.E.R. ft. YG
Charting at No. 11 on Billboard‘s U.S. R&B chart, H.E.R.’s single “Slide” featuring YG is an infectious fun song that gives off West Coast vibes. The record was released as a loose single and is currently receiving major radio spins. In the video for the record, H.E.R. pays homage to her hometown Vallejo, California as well as the entire Bay Area.
