Rising vocalist Sekou is expanding the story told on his mixtape, In A World We Don’t Belong, with a second installment. Like the preceding Pt. 1, In A World We Don’t Belong Pt. 2 contains five tracks, including the lead, “Dangerous Lover.” While Pt. 1 explored the bliss of finding new love, Pt. 2 offers
R&B
To be a fan of Tinashe is to know that she doesn’t leave you waiting too long for new tunes. The musical auteur has revealed her eighth album, Popstar, will release Sept. 25 via Atlantic Records. The 16-track offering will include “Too Easy” and the newly shared single “Crash Out,” which Tinashe promoted earlier this
When Chxrry loves, she loves hard. She’ll go so far as to be a “Groupie” to her partner, just to profess her unyielding devotion. In the R&B-pop singer’s new single “Bottles & Lights,” featuring Mariah The Scientist, that loyalty is met with betrayal — but she doesn’t let it break her. Believve’s production flows smoothly
Welcome to Chart Brief, Rated R&B’s weekly column tracking the latest movements across R&B charts. Each week, we’ll break down and analyze the R&B artists making waves on the Billboard, radio, and streaming charts. This edition covers the charts dated May 23, 2026. Billboard Charts Adult R&B Airplay Tracks the week’s top Adult R&B hits
Tone Stith is more prepared than he’s ever been. He’s no longer allowing imposter syndrome to steer him away from what’s meant for him. “This is my leap of faith,” the singer tells Rated R&B, about his debut album, The Edge. Released May 15 via MRNK Records, the album carries a liberating spirit — one
Glenn Lewis is back in full form. The Canadian R&B singer has released his first album in over a decade, Overture, via Reimagery Inc. The 16-track set, all written by Lewis, was preceded by the singles “Past Tense,” “G.Y.A.M.L (My Love)” and “Impressions.” The album features production by Seige Monstracity, Jason Harrow, Joel Chambers, Cobaine
Syd is no longer in the Broken Hearts Club. After processing a painful breakup on her 2022 sophomore album, the Internet‘s frontwoman is back feeling better than ever on her third solo LP, Beard, out now via Free Lunch/Warner Records. A sense of growth is ever-present on Beard, which finds the singer, who recently revealed
Abel “The Weeknd” Tesfaye has donated $350,000 in support of the World Food Programme’s (WFP) emergency response in the wake of the devastating Hurricane Melissa. The donation, made through the global star’s XO Humanitarian Fund, will help WFP as it aims to reach 200,000 Jamaicans recovering from the Category 5 storm. “We are grateful to
Ne-Yo knows the champagne life all too well. His new single, “Simple Things,” eschews flashiness in favor of everyday pleasures. On the country-tinged track, produced by Dave Cohen and Young Lan, Ne-Yo sings, “It’s the long talks and the quiet drives / And the slow alks, that’s when you realize / It’s always the simple
Durand Bernarr is on an immaculate run. Following his first Grammy win in February, the multifaceted entertainer has announced his fourth studio album,BERNARR., arriving May 1 via Create Music Group. “BERNARR. 05.01.26. Pre-Save Now. Link in Bio,” he posted across his socials, along with the cover art that sees him channeling the iconic, leaned-back R&B
Jai’Len Josey is on the go. When she joins me on Zoom, she’s making her way out of a venue where she just wrapped up a shoot for her debut album, Serial Romantic, which put her a few minutes behind schedule. “I’m so sorry. Please forgive me,” she says, adjusting her wired headphone as the
The BET Awards 2026 nominees have been revealed. Culture’s Biggest Night, hosted by Druski, airs live June 28 at 8 p.m. ET on BET. It will also simulcast on Paramount+, BET HER, MTV and VH1. Rap act Cardi B leads the pack this year with six nods, including Best Female Hip Hop Artist. Meanwhile, Mariah
Chxrry knows exactly who she is. “I am a confident person, and it actualizes in my music,” she tells Rated R&B over Zoom. “I write my music and people really f**k with that.” At the time of our conversation, Chxrry is on the move as she prepares to deliver her aptly titled debut album, U,
Chris Brown is back with more. The Grammy-winning R&B star has released BROWN (The Chocolate Edition), the deluxe version of his 12th album, via RCA Records. The Chocolate Edition contains 10 additional tracks, bringing the total to 37. The new batch of tracks features collaborations with Tyga, Ty Dolla $ign and Wizkid. The standard edition
Teyana Taylor had a momentous night at the 2026 BET Awards on Sunday. The multifaceted entertainer took home four awards — the most of the evening — including the inaugural Icon of the Year Award. According toBET, the award “celebrates the artist who is defining this moment. This distinction belongs to the creative force whose
At the heart of Daniel Caesar’s fourth album, Son of Spergy —the follow-up to 2023’s Never Enough — is faith and family. Released Oct. 24 via Republic Records, the album opens in church with “Rain Down,” a spirit-stirring hymn where Caesar and Sampha trade leads, belting to the heavens, “Lord let your blessings rain down,
Femme It Forward, the women-powered music and entertainment company, has announced the honorees for its 4th annual Give Her FlowHERS Awards Gala. The star-studded ceremony is set for Nov. 21 at The Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills. Launched in 2022, the gala honors “the brilliance, resilience, and creativity of women whose voices and vision shape
“You are currently in my pocket,” Samm Henshaw tells me over Zoom, making his way through his London home as the evening kicks in. “Sorry, I just got in not long ago, so I’m shifting stuff around,” he continues. The British-Nigerian singer has had a busy day, starting with a morning performance taping for BBC’s
Chris Brown has unveiled the official tracklist forBROWN, his 12th album, which will release May 8. The 27-track LP includes the singles “Holy Blindfold,” “It Depends” featuring Bryson Tiller, “Obvious” and “Fallin’” featuring Leon Thomas. The album features additional collaborations with singers Lucky Daye, Tank and Fridayy. It’s worth noting that Tank also contributes background
Masego is hitting the road this summer. The Grammy-nominated artist has revealed the dates for his headliningFix Your Face Tour. Produced by Live Nation, the 40-date trek launches Aug. 4 at South Side Ballroom in Dallas. Maseo will play across North America, hitting New Orleans, Miami, Atlanta, Washington, D.C., Toronto and Chicago, before closing out