15 Artists Like Brent Faiyaz (Listen If You Love Alt‑R&B Minimalism)

A reader‑friendly deep dive to help you discover new favorites without getting lost in algorithm loops.

What makes Brent’s sound special

Brent Faiyaz sits at the intersection of alternative R&B and stripped‑down hip‑hop. The arrangements are sparse—sub‑bass, rimshot snares, synth pads that feel like midnight air—leaving space for intimate, diaristic vocals.

To find similar artists, listen for the same ingredients: conversational delivery, falsetto drifts, and drum patterns that feel under‑played rather than busy.

For headphones listening, prioritize songs with tasteful room noise, breaths, and finger squeaks—tiny details that make intimacy tangible.

If you like soft falsetto leads, search for acoustic or live‑room versions; the vocal sits even closer and reveals phrasing.

Quick recommendations

Start with Giveon for baritone warmth, 6LACK for confessional flows, and Daniel Caesar for gentle falsetto and satin chords. PARTYNEXTDOOR brings nocturnal synth beds; SZA weaves airy harmonies and layered hooks.

For deeper cuts, try Dijon’s live‑room rawness, Frank Ocean’s painterly lyricism, and UMI’s feather‑light tone. Each scratches a slightly different itch while keeping the same late‑night mood.

Rotate old favorites back into the list every few weeks; familiarity boosts replay value and keeps the mix human.

Pay attention to the pocket—the micro‑timing of kicks and snares. Alt‑R&B often leans behind the grid to feel unhurried.

How we pick ‘similar’

We consider vocal timbre, chord color (minor 7ths, suspended voicings), tempo (usually 65–85 BPM), and the role of negative space. If the drums breathe and the voice sits front‑and‑center, you’re likely in the right neighborhood.

A/B compare two masters: the one with less top‑end may feel warmer and closer, which suits late‑night sets.

Where to go next

Start your queue with one familiar anchor and two new names from this list. If a song grabs you, explore the entire EP—sequencing often tells the deeper story.

Share your finds with a friend who likes the same mood; two ears build better maps than one.

Similar artist micro‑maps

Giveon → look for songs with sparse upright piano and baritone weight; avoid over‑produced radio edits.

PARTYNEXTDOOR → choose nocturnal synth beds; his mid‑tempo cuts pair nicely after a Brent ballad.

Keys to the palette

Minor 7ths, suspended chords, and soft detune give that nocturnal glow. Layer a tape‑soft pad behind a dry lead vocal to preserve intimacy.

A brushed hat pattern or rim clicks can replace bright cymbals; you keep movement while avoiding top‑end glare.

If you like X, try Y

If you like falsetto‑led hooks with minimalist drums, try Daniel Caesar → UMI → Omar Apollo in that order.

If you prefer baritone leads and piano beds, try Giveon → Zach Zoya → Gallant’s lower register cuts.

Deep listening notes

Focus on the space between hits—the late snare, the inhale before a line. Alt‑R&B feels intimate because producers leave room for micro‑details.

Solo the bass mentally on first listen. If the sub sits under 60Hz with gentle saturation, you’ll feel warmth without mud.

Discovery tactics

Follow credits: when a mix hits you, click the engineer—engineers often carry a consistent sense of space across projects.

Search live session channels and tour openers; many future headliners test new ideas there first.

Starter playlist recipe

Open with a familiar anchor, drift into two slow‑burners, lift slightly with a feature verse, then end with an acoustic or live‑room cut.

Keep BPM within a ±8 window so transitions feel inevitable rather than forced.

Five tracks to audition on headphones

Start with a vocal‑forward ballad, then a mid‑tempo cut with sparse drums; you’ll immediately hear if the mix keeps space for breath and phrasing.

Add one live or acoustic performance to reveal vibrato and mic technique—details that studio gloss can hide.

Sequencing a 30‑minute set

Open with a familiar single, slide into two deep cuts, then add a feature verse for lift. Land with an unplugged take so the arc feels intentional.