Bossa Nova R&B - Does it Exist and Playlist, Song and Artist Suggestions

If there's a genre marriage that sounds perfect, that would be bossa nova and r&b, so I was surprised to figure out it's not a big thing, yet.

When we first started working on Izabel's release "hit & run" (listen on all platforms here), the label team and I ended up spending hours digital crate-digging through radio shows, subreddits, and playlists in order to chase down all the hidden gems out there. Our goal was to find artists who fuse the laid-back sway of bossa nova with the smooth, soul-soaked intimacy of (contemporary) r&b.

Listen to "hit & run" on all streaming platforms here.

To our surprise, there weren’t that many. Yeah, I mean you can find a few songs here and there where bossa nova type beats are beautifully layered under harmonious r&b vocals, or a silky chord progression that carries a subtle Brazilian groove, but if you are chasing that contemporary/alt r&b vibe - it was a challenge.

At the end, we decided to take matters into our own hands. If we couldn’t find a playlist that celebrated this groove-meets-soul world, why not create one for everyone else who’s craving that same late-summer-evening vibe? "Hit & run" became our little love letter to the space where Rio’s beaches meet neon-lit r&b clubs, and we felt like sharing the sound we fell in love with.

Our bossa nova r&b playlist is available on both Spotify and Apple Music. If you have a suggestion, don't hesitate to reach out. Our goal was to curate a selection that's romantic but modern, relaxed, and slightly groovy.

What is bossa nova R&B?

In a nutshell, the bossa nova r&b genre employs essences from the striking rhythms of bossa nova (a Brazilian style born in the late 1950s) with the smooth, soulful textures of r&b. Imagine soft syncopated guitar patterns and breezy percussion with soulful vocals, telling an intimate story. Told you, it's a match made in heaven.

Depending on the track direction, one could expect a bit more modern touch - something you pick up in tracks like Nectar Woode's "Waiting" or Moods' remix of Lina Nikol and Boyan's "Set You Free" (also released via our label).

Listen to the remix on all streaming platforms here.

If you're fan of a more classic approach, then Sade’s Love Deluxe (1992) is a must-experience delight, if you haven't already. Also, I stumbled upon a cottonbell remix of "By Your Side" which ticked all the boxes (it's on the playlist too)!

The bossa nova r&b genre isn't huge yet, but it is perfect for listeners who appreciate bossa nova's playful warmth without leaving behind the lush, emotive pull of r&b (and neo-soul) music.