Rated R&B is bringing you the most essential releases this week. From the traditional R&B that purists love to the boundary-pushing sounds of the alt-R&B scene, this new music roundup keeps its pulse on the essence of R&B. Dive into it below.
Kehlani – Kehlani [album]
After much anticipation, Kehlani has delivered her self-titled fifth album. The LP is home to her Grammy-winning hit “Folded,” plus subsequent singles “Out The Window” and “Back and Forth” featuring Missy Elliott. The 17-track set is stacked with additional features from Brandy, Usher, Leon Thomas, Lil Wayne, T-Pain, Lil Jon, Clipse, Big Sean and Cardi B. Among the album’s highlights are the seductive “Oooh,” the yearning “I Need You” featuring Brandy and the finale, “Unlearn.”
Inayah – “Outside”
Inayah flips Lil Mo’s 2003 hit “4 Ever” on her new summer-ready bop “Outside.” She explains, “‘Outside’ is all about choosing joy and self-worth over pain and arguments. I want listeners to feel empowered to live their truth and remember that even when you’re going through it in your relationship, you have the power to choose when it’s time to step outside.”
Jai’Len Josey – Serial Romantic [album]
Jai’Len Josey is a certified lover girl, and on her debut album, Serial Romantic, executive produced by Tricky Stewart, the singer-songwriter and producer takes us through the motions of what it means. Through the ups and downs, pleasure and pain, she ultimately rediscovers the greatest love of all: herself. “Serial Romantic is about choosing to love again, despite repeated heartbreak, because loving is in our nature,” she explains. The album features production by Josey herself, plus Stewart, The-Dream, Leon Thomas and Ben Parris, among others.
Isaiah Falls – “Back In My Arms”
You can always count on Isaiah Falls to bring the feels to his music. “Back In My Arms” is just another example of the Florida crooner leading with love. This time, he finds himself begging and yearning for another chance with his partner. “I need you back in my arms tonight / Let’s make it right,” he sings in a hazy falsetto, set against a velvety backdrop.
Ebony Riley – Beautiful Tragedy [album]
Three years after releasing her Ebony EP, Ebony Riley has unleashed her debut album, Beautiful Tragedy. The 13-track set is deeply introspective, as indicated in the opener, “Sick Of Me,” where she confronts the part of herself that weighs her down in doubt. “Am I my worst enemy?” she asks, before asserting, “I’m putting me first / I’m breaking the curse.” Beautiful Tragedy is Riley’s testimony of the growing pains she’s endured to become a more realized version of herself. By the album’s end, she fully steps into the sun where she can finally “Bloom.”
Durand Bernarr – “Am I Okay?!”
Durand Bernarr conducts a mental health check-in on his new single “Am I Okay?!,” the second single from BERNARR., out May 1. Understanding the power of community, he co-wrote the emotionally-charged track with Miguel and Sevyn Streeter.
Omarion – “The One”
Omarion takes it back to summer 2002 with “The One,” which is heavily inspired by The Neptunes-produced “Beautiful” by Snoop Dogg. On the feel-good groove, Omarion certifies that he’s found the lover he’s been waiting for.
Girlfriend feat. Jaymin – “All U Need”
R&B newcomers Girlfriend and Jaymin have linked up for “All U Need,” a slow-burning devotional that trades verses from the perspective of two lovers.
Tank and the Bangas – “No Invite”
On “No Invite,” Tarriona “Tank” Ball of Tank and the Bangas playfully vents about the lack of access to industry events. She explained, “‘No Invite’ [is] my ‘rage against the machine’ song for all the industry stuff I’ve never been invited to. Moral of the story? Create your own damn party.” “No Invite” is taken from the band’s upcoming album, The Last Balloon, out May 15. The project will also include the Lucky Daye-assisted groove “Move.”
KIRBY – “Lose Myself”
“Lose Myself” feels like an entry in KIRBY‘s journal. It’s a vulnerable track about letting go and allowing yourself to fall so you can rise to a new place of rediscovery. “I can’t call this one a single it’s a testimony!” she shared. “I hope it touches who it needs to and that it can be a soundtrack to your healing journey.”
MarcLo – “Zoom Out”
MarcLo recorded his debut album, 11 Days, in under two weeks – 11 days, to be exact. Among the album’s highlights is “Zoom Out,” a disco-inspired jam that takes a step back from overthinking to let life do its thing.
Keith Sweat – “Still Got That Good Love”
For Keith Sweat’s new single “Still Got That Good Love,” the R&B veteran recruits King George, Calvin Richardson, Cupid and Roi Chip Anthony to help spread that feel-good energy.