It’s New Music Friday, which means Rated R&B is bringing you the most essential releases. From the traditional R&B that purists love to the boundary-pushing sounds of the alt-R&B scene, this week’s roundup keeps its pulse on the essence of R&B. Dive into it below.
Kem — “One Love”
R&B balladeer Kem is back with “One Love,” a hearty track that celebrates the union between two partners. Of the track, he shares, “Groove to it, make love to it, and spread love.”
Ego Ella May — “Don’t Take My Lover Away”
British soul singer Ego Ella May’s “Don’t Take My Lover Away” is a heartfelt ode to her husband. “I wrote it because I felt so happy and in love, and feared (irrationally) him being taken away from me!” she shares. “At the time, he was experiencing some health issues, and I remember thinking, ‘Don’t you dare go anywhere!!’”
JayDon — “Flamed Up”
On JayDon’s new single “Flamed Up,” the emerging R&B singer embraces a romance that continues to burn bright. “Got this love flamed up, flamed up / You ain’t never changed up, changed up,” he sings.
Kwn — “Hopeless Romantic”
On “Hopeless Romantic,” kwn finds herself yearning for a long-lasting love. “I want somebody that’ll choose me every day / I don’t ever wanna lose the honeymoon phase,” she sings.
Jai’Len Josey — “Housewife”
As Jai’Len Josey prepares to release her debut album, Serial Romantic, the R&B singer-songwriter has shared “Housewife.” On the devotional bop, she sings, “Every day that you cross my mind / I’ve been thinking about being a good girl / I’ve been thinking about being a housewife,” she sings.
Ty Dolla $ign, Leon Thomas — “Miss U 2”
Ty Dolla $ign has recruited Leon Thomas for “Miss U 2,” the first offering from his upcoming EP, girl music vol. 1, out March 6.
Moonchild – Waves (album)
Progressive soul trio Moonchild’s sixth album, Waves, navigates loss and grief, while reclaiming power through resilience. It features collaborations with Jill Scott, Lalah Hathaway, Robert Glasper, D Smoke, Rapsody and more. [Read our exclusive interview with Moonchild here.]
Casper Sage — “Bits + Pieces”
Alt-R&B singer Casper Sage grapples with the aftermath of a relationship on “Bits + Pieces,” his first release since his 2025 EP SAGEhaven. “Bits + pieces’’ is about learning to let go,” explains Sage. “It came to me in the middle of an experience that I knew wasn’t going to last forever, but would change me for the rest of my life.”