If your playlist needs less autotune and more falsetto, it’s time to cue up October London. Nominated for Best New Artist at the 2025 BET Awards, the Indiana-born singer is putting grown folks’ R&B back on the map—and making it cool for a new generation.

Discovered and signed by none other than Snoop Dogg under the revitalized Death Row Records, October London has one foot in the past and one eye on the future. He’s not afraid of comparisons to Marvin Gaye—in fact, he invites them. His 2023 breakout single “Back to Your Place” plays like a love letter to ‘70s soul music, complete with lush strings, candlelit basslines, and a falsetto that sounds more like a seduction than a song.

But don’t mistake nostalgia for gimmick. What October is doing isn’t imitation—it’s restoration. In a genre increasingly driven by trap drums and minimalist vibes, October is reviving harmony, emotion, and classic structure. His debut album, The Rebirth of Marvin, was more than a nod—it was a blueprint. Tracks like “Sensual Conversations” and “Midnight Love Affair” ooze with intimacy and richness.

October sings with restraint. He doesn’t need vocal tricks or overproduction to make you feel something. His voice glides effortlessly, evoking vulnerability and passion with each line. And his lyrics? They’re not about ghosting or toxicity—they’re about connection, longing, and adult love. It’s a refreshing contrast to much of modern R&B’s emotional detachment.

What also makes October London’s rise so remarkable is his timing. While many emerging artists are rushing to go viral, October has built momentum slowly and intentionally. He’s cultivated a fan base that spans age groups. Millennials see him as a throwback to the music they grew up on. Boomers see him as a return to form. Gen Z? They’re discovering that slow jams don’t have to be boring—they can be elite.

And visually, he’s building a world. Every video, from the lighting to the wardrobe, feels like a vintage film. Velvet suits, warm lighting, smoky lounges—October isn’t just reviving a sound, he’s reviving an era. Think Isaac Hayes swagger with a modern twist.

His live performances only amplify that. No backing track, no distractions—just a band, a spotlight, and a voice that silences rooms. It’s no wonder that artists like BJ the Chicago Kid, Tank, and Eric Bellinger have praised him publicly. He’s earning respect from peers who know real vocals when they hear them.

His BET nomination is more than overdue—it’s essential. In a year dominated by digital experiments and genre crossovers, October represents a full-bodied return to R&B’s core values: love, vulnerability, groove, and storytelling. No antics, no stunts. Just music that makes you feel.

Up next? A sophomore project that promises to expand the sound of The Rebirth of Marvin even further. Rumors suggest collaborations with Babyface and Anderson .Paak, which would only deepen the soul-funk magic he’s conjuring. He’s also lined up for festival performances this summer and a short headlining tour through jazz clubs and intimate theaters.

What October London is proving, above all else, is that grown man R&B still sells. That you don’t have to chase trends if you can create a vibe. And that timeless voices never go out of style.

He’s not just singing for now. He’s singing for the playlist your kids will inherit. October London is bringing slow jams back—and we’re all better for it.