Spotify RNBX After Hours Recap
If you’ve ever questioned the state of R&B, Spotify’s RNB X proved there’s no need to worry. Tuesday, Nov. 12th, the Howard Theater in Washington, DC, became a sold-out haven for R&B lovers, hosting an insane lineup featuring Joe Kay of Soulection, Ambrè, Destin Conrad, Leon Thomas, Normani, and Bryson Tiller. And the best part? The show was completely free. The concert hall featured photo stations dedicated to SZA, Summer Walker, and Normani, hors d'oeuvres, desserts, and a bar showcasing artists and R&B-inspired cocktails. We also received a Spotify RNB X t-shirt and a Summer Walker tote bag filled with wellness goodies. As a lifelong R&B fan, I knew this had the potential to be one of the greatest nights of my life—and Spotify, the artists, and the event organizers exceeded every expectation.
At 9 pm, as the doors opened, a block-long line of R&B fans began pouring into the concert hall, kicking off a historic night in the heart of the city. Joe Kay took center stage beneath the glowing Spotify RNB X logo, filling the room with immaculate vibes. If you’re unfamiliar with Joe Kay, he is a visionary from Southern California, who co-founded Soulection and hosts Soulection Radio, renowned for his mind-blowing mixes. Who else would pair Cleo Sol’s “When I’m In Your Arms” with Maze & Frankie Beverly’s “Before I Let Go,” or The Weeknd’s “What You Need” with Missy Elliott’s “The Rain”? A highlight of mine was his seamless blend of Future’s “Digital Dash” verse with the “You Can’t Turn Me Away” sample from Biggie’s “Get Money.” Joe’s mixes are truly asinine and kept the crowd dancing between every artist’s set.
After a warm welcome from the organizers, Ambré opened the show with “Wild Life,” a tribute to her hometown of New Orleans. She flowed effortlessly into “Ambre’s Interlude” from Destin Conrad’s SATIN, a fan favorite that had the crowd singing along. Next came “fubu” from her debut EP Pulp, released in 2019 alongside her Roc Nation signing. We celebrated its five-year anniversary, swaying and harmonizing to her ethereal sound. She closed with her hit “I’m Baby,” her first #1 on the Billboard R&B chart, weaving in Janet Jackson’s “Any Time, Any Place” for a soulful finale.
Tampa native Destin Conrad lit up the stage, opening with “Mariposa,” the Latin-infused lead single from his 2023 project Submissive. His blend of jazz, reggae, rock, and Latin sounds had the crowd swaying and fully immersed. Despite performing with just a guitarist, Destin’s charisma, soulful vocals, and energetic stage presence made it feel like an arena show. He connected deeply with the audience—sharing his mic, taking shots, snapping selfies, and toasting to the night. We were treated to mesmerizing vocal renditions of music spanning his entire catalog of work, some including, “Luv & Devotion,” “It’s Only You”, and “In the Air.”
Leon Thomas took the stage next, delivering a performance that truly lit up the night. Backed by his band, he treated the audience to an unforgettable show as they danced to tracks like "YES IT IS," “Treasure in the Hills,” and "MUTT." His incredible vocals and skilled guitar playing, paired with the energy of his bassist and drummer, brought songs from his latest album MUTT and last year’s Electric Dusk to life. His remarkable vocals, talent on the guitar, and magnetic stage presence had everyone hooked as he smoothly switched between singing and playing, leaving us in awe by the time he finished.
Next up was Normani, who transformed the event into her own high-energy concert. She lit up the stage with innovative choreography, incorporating dancers, chairs, and captivating floor moves, all while delivering vocals that were like silk. We all sang alongside her as she performed her hit "Wild Side." This evening marked her highly anticipated return to the stage, as it was her first official performance since releasing her debut full-length album Dopamine earlier this year. She performed many of her hits from the project, giving fans exactly what we’d been waiting for.
Bryson Tiller closed out the night, opening his set with "Sorry Not Sorry" from his debut album TRAPSOUL, instantly firing up the crowd. He kept the energy alive with a mix of tracks from his entire discography. We sang along word for word to his feature verses on hits like "Playing Games" and "Could’ve Been." Of course, he couldn’t end the night without the fan-favorite, “Don’t.”
Spotify’s RNB X After Hours was more than just a concert—it was a celebration of the vibrancy and evolution of R&B. From the opening mix by Joe Kay to Bryson Tiller's crowd-thrilling finale, every moment was filled with soulful energy, talent, and connection. Each artist brought their unique style, reminding us why R&B continues to hold a special place in our hearts. The intentional decision for the event to be at Howard Theater in D.C., instead of in a major city, made the night feel intimate and unforgettable. It was a truly magical night for R&B fans and a powerful reminder that the genre continues to grow, evolve, and thrive.
All video content featured on this blog is created by me, Brittney B.