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The Come Up

Tomorrow's stars. Today's discoveries. Meet the rising R&B artists making their mark, handpicked by RNBEATS0. Real talent, real recognition.
RNBEATS0 cover: The Come Up, five to watch, a strip of stills from each artist's video
The Come Up · November 2026

The Come Up: five new R&B voices “to watch now”

Elmiene, nomi., rjtheweirdo, Jai'Len Josey and kwn: why they're next.

By FIFI, Editor-in-Chief · Nov 3, 2026 · 3 min read
RNBEATS0 cover: Elmiene, The Come Up No. 01
Cover: RNBEATS0, using a still from Elmiene’s “Reclusive” video.
Editorial pick
Elmiene

BET picked him for the New Soul Honor at the Soul Train Awards, where he'll also perform (airs Nov 27 on BET and CBS). The 'Someday' singer is one of the most talked-about new voices in UK soul.

BET / Paramount press release (Oct 29, 2026)UPI (Oct 29, 2026)
RNBEATS0 cover: nomi., The Come Up No. 02
Cover: RNBEATS0, using a still from nomi.’s “r u?” COLORS performance video.
Editorial pick
nomi.

Debut album this wolf may cry dropped Oct 30 on Earth Angel Records. Lead single "r u?" got a COLORS performance and topped Sound RNB's Friday Rankings, and NME put her on its Radar.

Spotify — this wolf may cryCOLORS — r u? (YouTube)
RNBEATS0 cover: rjtheweirdo, The Come Up No. 03
Cover: RNBEATS0, using a still from rjtheweirdo’s “studio rat” video.
Editorial pick
rjtheweirdo

Oak Cliff's own opened Spotify's first R&B festival on Sunday. His EZMNY debut EP At Least She's Beautiful (April) features Ty Dolla $ign.

Rated R&B — debut EP (Apr 2026)KERA feature (May 12, 2026)
RNBEATS0 cover: Jai'Len Josey, The Come Up No. 04
Cover: RNBEATS0, using a still from Jai’Len Josey’s “Good Soup” live performance video.
Editorial pick
Jai'Len Josey

Def Jam debut Serial Romantic (April, exec-produced by Tricky Stewart) got a Pitchfork review, a headline tour this autumn and a spot on Spotify's RNB X Live bill.

Pitchfork reviewBillboard — tour dates
RNBEATS0 cover: kwn, The Come Up No. 05
Cover: RNBEATS0, using a still from kwn’s “risk it all” video.
Editorial pick
kwn

One of Complex's 10 R&B Artists To Watch in 2026, with a soft voice and blunt, sensual writing. She played Spotify's RNB X Live in Dallas this weekend.

Complex — 10 R&B Artists To Watch In 2026Spotify — with all due respect
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