Spotify’s RNB X Live Brings Erykah Badu, H.E.R. and Next-Gen R&B Stars to Dallas

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R&B is alive, evolving and in very good hands. That was the takeaway from Spotify’s first standalone R&B festival, RNB X Live, presented in partnership with Live Nation Urban on Sunday, Nov. 1, at The Pavilion at Toyota Music Factory in Irving, Texas.

Dallas was no accidental choice for the inaugural festival. According to Spotify, the city ranks among the top three U.S. markets for R&B based on listener data, making North Texas a natural destination for the event. With its rich musical heritage and deep connection to soul and R&B, Dallas provided a fitting backdrop for a celebration honoring the genre’s legacy while spotlighting the next generation of artists shaping its sound.

Headlined by Dallas’ own Erykah Badu and Grammy-winning singer-songwriter H.E.R., the one-night event brought together an impressive lineup of emerging talent, including British singer kwn, Destin Conrad, Jai’Len Josey and hometown DJ rjtheweirdo. What unfolded was more than a showcase of popular streaming artists. It was a celebration of R&B’s versatility, where traditional soul, contemporary production, jazz, reggae and live musicianship shared the spotlight.

Dallas native rjtheweirdo helped set the atmosphere, warming up the crowd with a selection of R&B favorites before the evening’s live performances began.

Jai’Len Josey arrived with infectious energy and a voice that immediately demanded attention. Performing material from her April 2026 debut album, Serial Romantic, Josey showcased powerhouse vocals supported by rich instrumentation and a dynamic backing arrangement. Her performance of “Won’t Force You,” a song about recognizing one’s worth in relationships, demonstrated her ability to balance vocal strength with emotional vulnerability. With influences spanning soul, house and musical theater, Josey delivered one of the evening’s most promising emerging-artist performances.

Next, Destin Conrad took the audience on a musical journey through his expanding catalog. Opening with selections from his August release, ROADRUNNER, a reggae-inspired project celebrating his Jamaican roots, Conrad quickly established his willingness to experiment beyond conventional R&B. He later shifted into material connected to his 2025 debut album, LOVE ON DIGITAL, and jazz project wHIMSY, introducing the audience to the playful artistry of his alter ego, Mr. E. Songs including “KISSING IN PUBLIC” highlighted his smooth delivery, while his genre-blending approach reinforced his reputation as one of contemporary R&B’s more adventurous young artists.

British breakout artist kwn brought a noticeable shift in energy. Backed by a fiery live band and striking stage visuals, the East London singer-songwriter had the crowd feeling sexy as she moved through fan favorites including “good girl,” “do what i say” and “worst behaviour.” Her 2026 project and all pride aside explores intimacy, vulnerability and self-discovery, but onstage, kwn was all confidence and command. Conrad later returned for their collaborations “all fours” and “DADAMAN,” adding another memorable moment to an already spirited set.

For many attendees, H.E.R.’s highly anticipated return to the stage was among the evening’s biggest attractions. The Grammy and Academy Award-winning musician reminded the audience why she remains one of the most compelling performers of her generation.

Working through a catalog that included “Damage,” “Slide,” “Back of My Mind,” “Worst” and “Every Kind of Way,” H.E.R. demonstrated effortless vocal control while longtime fans enthusiastically sang along. She later took a seat with her acoustic guitar for a beautifully intimate rendition of “Comfortable,” allowing her musicianship to take center stage.

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The performance also offered a glimpse into her next musical chapter as she introduced two unreleased songs, “Did You Miss Me” and “Friends.” Another highlight came when Miles Caton, recognized for his breakout role in the film Sinners and who also provided background vocals during the evening, joined her for a duet of “Best Part.”

Still, one of H.E.R.’s most electrifying moments arrived during “Hard Place,” when she unleashed an extraordinary electric guitar solo. It was a powerful reminder that her artistry extends far beyond her unmistakable voice.

Closing the evening was Dallas’ own Queen of Neo-Soul, Erykah Badu, whose influence remains deeply embedded in the DNA of contemporary R&B.

Badu’s performance blended familiar favorites, including “On & On” and “Window Seat,” with music connected to her latest creative chapter. Her August 2026 collaborative album with producer The Alchemist, Before the World Blows, marks her first full-length studio release in more than 15 years. The Alchemist also made a special appearance during her set, bringing their musical partnership to the stage.

As always, Badu operated on her own frequency, delivering the unconventional phrasing, hypnotic grooves and effortless individuality that have made her a cultural force for nearly three decades. Having her close the festival in her hometown felt particularly fitting.

Beyond the performances, Spotify extended the experience with exclusive merchandise created in collaboration with Curves by Sean Brown for Premium subscribers. Select performances were also filmed for future release on Spotify, allowing the celebration to reach listeners beyond Dallas.

Ultimately, RNB X Live succeeded because it offered something increasingly valuable in today’s music landscape: a reminder of what happens when compelling artistry meets live instrumentation and an audience genuinely invested in the music. From emerging voices pushing creative boundaries to established icons reaffirming their legacies, the evening made one thing clear: R&B isn’t simply experiencing a resurgence. It never left.