R&B

Otis Kane runs like a well-oiled machine, producing quality material for his fans to cherish. With a busy year of projects, including his debut album Purple Blue and his Growing Pains EP, the emerging singer-songwriter has shared another compact set titled November Love Notes.  The seven-track offering includes guest appearances from India Shawn, Krysten Simone,

Two years after debut EP Black Dove, Somali Canadian singer Amaal returns with Milly, a project named after a fearless alias she embraced early in her career to be artistically free.  Released ahead of the seven-track effort were the first two songs, a lovemaking experience compared to entering the pearly gates (“Heaven”), and a boastful

Since the summer release of his tranquil Trinidad James collaboration “Dreams,” Elijah Blake had us all anxious for his new album The Neon Eon. With the song starting to bubble on R&B radio in select markets, the brilliant singer/songwriter has issued his first full-length album in four years. The 10-track set was co-executive produced by

Keedron Bryant is growing up right before our eyes. While he’s mostly known for his social justice anthem “I Just Wanna Live,” he proves that he isn’t interested in being limited to a particular sound. On his new single “Stubborn” featuring rapper Curly J, the 14-year-old relaxes his soulful vocals and experiments with a more pop-leaning

Serpentwithfeet made ambitious strides this spring with his album Deacon. He continues to speak to his diligent congregation with his companion EP, Deacon’s Grove. The brief set consists of five tracks, including the already shared “Down Nuh River” and the newest “Shoot Ya Shot,” where he submits to his partner’s many sexual aspirations after a hard

Independence suits BJ the Chicago Kid. The Grammy-nominated singer/songwriter just released his new EP Three under his M.A.F.E. Music imprint.  The three-track project follows his summer release 4 AM, which included guest appearances from Eric Bellinger and Lucky Daye. It contains two previously-shared singles, “Smooth” and “6 Months,” all of which were part of his fall edition of BJ Wednesdays.  The third track,

Leon Bridges is spreading Christmas cheer this year. The Grammy-winning singer has teamed up with Amazon Music to cover Marvin Gaye’s holiday gem “Purple Snowflakes,” as part of the Amazon Original program. Bridges’ version doesn’t stray far from the original but he adds his own spin to the arrangement. There’s also a pedal steel guitar added

Liza leaves it all at the altar in the official video for “Done Is Done.” In the Isiah Blake-directed clip, shot at an empty sanctuary, Liza lays her burdens down after realizing that this person she invested in is not worth entertaining anymore. She dressed for the part, too, stunning in a silk turquoise gown.

The Queen of Christmas Mariah Carey has partnered with Apple TV+ again for a new holiday special, Mariah’s Christmas: The Magic Continues. The Joseph Kahn-directed film is set to make a worldwide debut in December. The festive moment will feature the first and only performance of Carey’s upcoming single “Fall in Love at Christmas” with Khalid and

Summer Walker has revealed the tracklist for her forthcoming album, Still Over It, which is out on Friday, Nov. 5, via LVRN/Interscope Records.  The follow-up to 2019’s Over it includes the current single “Ex For A Reason,” featuring JT of City Girls and co-penned by Sean Garrett.  Also on the 20-track LP are guest appearances from Pharrell, SZA, Ari

A damaged individual can unfairly destroy a relationship when their insecurities are too strong. On his new bass-heavy track, “In My Bag,” Adrian Marcel is hitting a wall with his troubled lady who’s overly suspicious about his whereabouts.  While Marcel wants to shower his girl with gifts from his ambitious hustling, he constantly has to

Following her spring release “Specific” featuring Duckwrth, TeaMarrr has enlisted Meer Colon for her new song “Show Me Love.”  On this track, made from an exciting piano and layers of infectious instruments, TeaMarrr is down to catch a vibe with a mysterious guy for a brief moment in time. Colon steps to the plate to

Like many of his contemporaries on The Millennium Tour 2021, Pleasure P is capitalizing on its success with a new project titled Business Before Pleasure. It marks his first full-length effort since 2018’s She Likes, which featured a guest appearance from LeToya Luckett.  Guests on Business Before Pleasure include Troy Ave, Popeye Caution, Shifta, and

Emerging singer-songwriter Jordan Hawkins has issued his debut EP, Heart Won’t Stop. The seven-song set includes the previously released tunes “We Have,” “Risky” and “Thankful” featuring Lish. It also features a guest appearance from EARTHGANG. “The Heart Won’t Stop EP is a collection of stories from my love life in Los Angeles,” Hawkins explains to Rated R&B.

Urban radio listeners can’t get Chlöe’s debut single, “Have Mercy,” out of their mind, as it makes an entrance into the coveted top ten (No. 10). It’s her first appearance as a solo act in the top ten on this airplay format and second overall. She shares top ten success with her sister Halle (Chloe x Halle) for

T-Pain is one of the best to have ever done it. The rapper-turnt-sanga flexed his creative competence as a music maker with “I’m Cool With That,” a new song he created from scratch via Twitch.  On this unconcerned track, T-Pain gives his foul partner free rein to continue dealings with other men. He compensates for

Depending on the situation, getting back with an ex isn’t always a bad thing. On Asiahn’s new song “We Can,” she’s willing to work things out with her former lover, but makes it clear that she is not tolerating any emotional games. “I bet you thought you’d take my heart and run away with it

Jordan Ward’s fans can now Remain Calm. The St. Louis native has released a follow-up to his 2019 project Valley Hopefuls.  Ward shares writing credits on all five tracks from the bite-size release, starting with “Standards,” a clout-proof Pop & Oak production. He does his best to protect his well-being from insatiable fame chasers.  On

Moongate is the second capsule project from Alina Baraz, coming behind Sunbeam, which arrived in September.  Baraz picks up where she left off with the last digital drop, injecting those self-harmonizes and lush vibes of tranquil beauty in the four tracks. But, best of all, is “Change My Mind,” produced solely by Spencer Stewart. He