BET Networks unveiled the nominations for the 2021 BET Awards, set to take place on Sunday, June 27. Chris Brown and Chloe x Halle saw the most nominations among R&B artists with four each. H.E.R., Jazmine Sullivan, The Weeknd and Givēon, are a few of the other big names vying to take home awards at
R&B
Majid Jordan is ready to kick off the summer season with their new song “Been Through That.” Over an upbeat production, the duo’s vocalist Majid Al Maskati examines how people can over-extend themselves to people who don’t do the same. This can lead to them harboring emotions that may later reveal themselves while under the influence. “Sometimes they
Raphael Saadiq has contributed an inspiring original song to the Nancy Buirski film A Crime On The Bayou, out today in select theaters. “My Path” is a strolling tune that embodies New Orleans soul, serving as an ode to Saadiq’s familial roots. He encourages listeners to stand in solidarity against racism in hopes of bridging a gap
The countdown is over. R&B legend Stephanie Mills has made her return to music on Juneteenth, a day celebrating the end of slavery in the United States, with “Let’s Do the Right Thing.” The empowering song was co-written and produced by Marcus Malone. Mills has said the new song is about “uplifting, motivation, Black excellence,
Ashanti has received some exciting news this Black Music Month. The Grammy winner is part of the Hollywood Walk of Fame’s class of 2022, set to receive a star for her contributions to the music industry, after more than two decades of timeless hits and classics. Ashanti shared her excitement about the star announcement in
Khalid and Tate McRae admit their relationship isn’t “Working” out on their new joint track. The song covers the confusing dynamic of longing for one another when apart but eager to call it quits when you’re reunited in person. “You say all we need is time (All we need is time, we aight) / I
Ant Clemons is the latest artist to perform for The Recording Academy’s ReImagined at Home series. The singer-songwriter recorded his take on the late Bill Withers’ 1971 classic “Ain’t No Sunshine.” Clemons, stationed in a recording booth, put down a woefully impressive performance of the melancholy track, showcasing his appreciation for the past. If you
Black pride is everything. Period. In line with the Juneteenth 2021, Apple Music drafted the finest Black artists in today’s music to curate a celebratory playlist of 20 original songs and covers. H.E.R. and Chloe x Halle represented team R&B on Juneteenth 2021: Freedom Songs. The Grammy and Oscar-winning artist redid Marvin Gaye’s “Inner City Blues
Ruff Endz are the captains of the boat in their video for “Hopeless.” The video (directed by David “Davinch” Chance of the group) follows the R&B vets, styled in clean summer attire, out at sea with a couple of fly chicks. When they aren’t on the boat, Ruff Endz is seen enjoying the sand and
As the anticipation builds for the release of H.E.R.’s debut album, Back of My Mind, the official has been revealed. According to the track list on Apple Music, Back of My Mind will include appearances from Chris Brown, Ty Dolla $ign, KAYTRANADA, Thundercat, Lil Baby, and more. The 21-track album is preceded by singles “Slide,” “Hold On,” “Damage”
Titus Makin Jr. — better known as Butterfly Ali — has released his debut EP Preacher’s Kid. This genre-jumping effort contains five tracks fitted for his animated voice and choice of fluid and towering funk sounds; some of those songs include the lead single “Pray For ‘Em” and “Truth Is.” On the track, named after
Ledisi may have an album out titled The Wild Card, but she will be playing with a full deck when she hits the road this fall. The 22-date tour will kick off at the Paramount Theatre in Austin, Texas, on October 13. From there, the Grammy winner will stop off in Houston, New Orleans, Cincinnati,
The Shindellas know how to turn up the heat. The promising trio has released a blazing new song called “Volcano Love,” and it’s sure to cause an eruption in the bedroom. Strictly an ‘80s-esque production and obvious ode to Keith Sweat’s hit single “Make It Last Forever,” this seductive number is intended to raise the
Syleena Johnson is at peace and has therapy credit. “I’m feeling a lot better inside my mind and my heart,” she tells Rated R&B. Her journey to this pleasurable moment of solace hasn’t come easy, but she realized those tears during sessions indicated a breakthrough. “You’re facing trauma, and you’re healing from it. You’re dealing
ROE shows off her nostalgic style in the video for “Baby.” The Rae Blackman-directed video features ROE in setups that alternate between retro and modern. For most of the visual, she is performing in front of a shaggy pink wall dressed in a tie-dye romper. She’s also seen having her cake — and eating it, too. Speaking
With the release of her new album ALPHA nearby, Charlotte Day Wilson extracts another track from its zipped folder. At the beginning of “Keep Moving,” the Toronto singer’s latest track apes the somber tone and redeemer lyrics of her May release “If I Could.” Everything from the song’s tempo to her dedication to a romance shift, suddenly
With a year like 2020, keeping the faith can be easier said than done. Luckily Durand Jones & The Indications‘ new single “Love Will Work It Out” foreshadows new tomorrows. The song is a passionate addition to the band’s soulful catalog, discussing how believing positively can see people through the darkest times. Jones’ vintage voice, paired with
If there’s one thing you can say about Sevyn Streeter, she’s always going to give you a unique, sensual video. In her “Guilty” video, directed by Young Chang, the talented singer-songwriter brings together a host of female friends to indulge in a getaway filled with Black, shirtless specimens. In between shots of Streeter and her
It’s a big day for Otis Kane. The singer-songwriter has finally released his debut album Purple Blue. With 13 tracks, Kane gives way to new sonic and lyrical boundaries in R&B. “Lost” is a guitar-driven track based solely on blues words of hopelessness without his partner in his life. On “Fell Into It,” Kane teams
H.E.R. has a lot to be grateful for these days. Before releasing her proper debut album, she has already seen much success over the last five years of her budding career that includes four Grammy wins, an Oscar win, seven platinum and eight gold certifications from the RIAA, a sold-out music festival that she curated