Photo Credit: Ben Porter
London has always served as a global hub for sound; an eclectic city in which rock, jazz, electronic, and other musical cultures intersect. But in 2025, a new niche is reshaping its music scene: UK R&B. With artists like Jorja Smith, Odeal, and KWN at the forefront, UK R&B has firmly secured its place on the global map.
And R&B’s 2025 revolution isn’t limited to artists—an entire generation of emerging writers, producers and creative collaborators are also helping to curate a sonic identity defined by lush live instrumentation, vintage nostalgia and global reach. This wave, defined by an intentional approach to craft, is exemplified by a number of genre-defining names. Here are just three names, among many others, that are helping to define UK R&B’s sound from the inside out.
Scribz Riley
At the forefront of UK R&B is Scribz Riley, an East London-born producer, writer and artist who exemplifies the genre’s global ascent. His most recent work — four cuts on Doja Cat’s album Vie — encapsulates both his influence and his ability to consistently deliver records that dominate the charts.
Riley’s catalogue includes key collaborations with industry-leading artists in contemporary R&B, such as Chris Brown, SiR, Doja Cat, H.E.R. and many more. As an artist in his own right, his 2020 project “Wish Me Luck” features artists such as 6LACK, JADA and Kaash Paige, with singles like “Mandy” surpassing 14 million streams.
Splitting his time mainly between London and Los Angeles, Riley has become a sought-after creative voice on both sides of the Atlantic. His sonic identity blends polished R&B textures with experimental edge, making him a trusted collaborator for major labels and an architect of the UK’s global reputation in R&B.
Charlie Pitts
Based in South London, Charlie Pitts’ name is behind some of the UK’s most recognizable R&B releases this year. His production credits include “Hold Up” by Sasha Keable (over 5 million Spotify streams), “All That It Takes” by Odeal (approaching 6 million streams) — both standout tracks that highlight Pitt’s gift for inventive arrangement and textured sound design. Each record leans on saxophone-driven production, an instrument that has become increasingly synonymous with the resurgence of modern R&B, and a hallmark of Pitts’ creative style.
Beyond these streaming successes, Pitts has contributed to studio projects with KWN, Yazmin Lacey, and other emerging voices, cementing his role as a behind-the-scenes architect of the UK scene. His unique production approach blends live instrumentation and soulful musicianship inspired by the 60s and 70s with forward-thinking vocal layering, creating a sonic blueprint that feels both classic and contemporary. In doing so, Pitts has helped define a UK R&B sound that not only resonates at home but is beginning to transcend borders.
Joel Compass
Another South London-based sound shaper is writer-producer Joel Compass, whose work continues to bridge the gap between classic R&B warmth and forward-thinking digital production. Operating between London and Los Angeles, Compass has carved out a distinctive sonic identity — one that blends soulful tradition with experimental edge, and has made him a trusted collaborator for some of the biggest names in modern R&B..
His credits include co-writing on Daniel Caesar’s “Superpowers” (over 430 million Spotify streams), production on Snoh Aalega’s “Tangerine Dream” (7.5 million streams), and most recently, “Auction” by Sasha Keable and Destin Conrad (5 million streams). The latter track is particularly notable for its inventive use of vocal processing in the hook.
With a catalogue defined by subtle complexity, emotional depth, and technical experimentation, Compass represents a key figure in UK R&B’s global evolution, whose work resonates far beyond the UK’s borders..
Benners
The UK R&B wave is defined by it musicianship. Many of its names come from backgrounds in classical or jazz, and Ben Porter (AKA benners) is a clear example. His work includes H33RA’s single “BAD4U” (now at almost 2 million Spotify streams), for which he created the 90s-inspired guitar motif that both prompted and defined the track. He was also the sole producer behind Kadeem Tyrell’s “Handle That,” fusing Outkast-inspired horn arrangements with modern textures reminiscent of Victoria Monét. Together, these productions helped drive over 4.5 million Spotify streams in the past year alone, positioning Porter as one of the UK’s most impactful emerging producers.
Beyond his UK output, benners’ influence has quickly become international. He recently produced three tracks on Canadian artist Jordan Astra’s album Time Will Tell, including the single “Good Love” (featuring Nonso Amadi) and the album-closing ballad “Safest Place” with Yuna. He also produced four of the five tracks on Swedish duo TABLE’s debut EP 01 DISC and has collaborated remotely with Australian R&B artist CVIRO on upcoming material.
In the US, Porter has worked in the studio with acclaimed artists including Wale, Marco McKinnis, Arin Ray, India Shawn, and Ebubé, demonstrating recognition from industry-leading names across multiple markets. With a catalogue that bridges classic influences and forward-thinking production, Porter’s work is not only shaping the next chapter of UK R&B but also extending its impact across global markets.
