R&B

Jennifer Hudson has signed a new deal with Interscope Records, a subsidiary of Universal Music Group, via JHUD Productions. The EGOT (Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, Tony) winner joins a dynamic roster that includes Ari Lennox, Billie Eilish, Ella Mai, GloRilla, Lady Gaga, Marsha Ambrosius, and more. “It’s official!!! So excited to be joining the @interscope family!

Emerging R&B duo GAWD has released Cathedral City Supreme, a deluxe edition of their 2023 debut EP, via Raedio. The expanded set features six new tracks, including the previously shared “High Class.” “Cathedral City Supreme is our love letter to those navigating the shifting tides of change,” GAWD tells Rated R&B. “It’s a reminder to dance

Usher’s second show of his Past Present Future Tour at Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C., was full of surprises.  During his two-hour set, the R&B icon showed love to the nation’s capital by inviting a few special guests on stage with him. Fellow R&B crooner and D.C. native Raheem DeVaughn appeared on stage to delight

Genre-bending artist Isaia Huron has released his new EP, I’ll Finish The Lyrics Later, via Slang Music.  The project includes the previously shared “Circle.” Speaking on the song’s creation, he told Rated R&B, “It’s just funny that a song I made three years ago in the baptism room of my dad’s church in Greenville, now having

Robin Thicke has returned with his new single “I Know What to Do.”  On the self-produced, laid-back groove, Thicke confidently assures his lover of immense pleasure in the bedroom.  “Imma stroke it hard like Tiafoe / Imma eat it all like it’s Nobu / Imma have you begging for more, begging for more / Harder

Eric Benét has returned with his new project, Duets, via his label JBR Creative Group. The EP features five duets with women in R&B, including Chanté Moore, Corinne Bailey Rae, LaTocha, Ledisi and Tamar Braxton. Duets opens with “So Distracted” with Moore. The sweet-sounding track is about being so enthralled by a lover that it’s hard to

Chxrry22 doesn’t let a failed relationship get the best of her on her new song, “Poppin Out (Mistakes).” On the fiery track, produced by Believve and DaHeala, Chxrry22 declares: “Cryin’ over n****s ain’t allowed / Being a heart broke b***h is outta style.”  Instead, she keeps her head high and hits the town with some

Maxwell stopped by NPR‘s headquarters in Washington, D.C., to perform for its Tiny Desk Concert series.   The legendary singer performed a delightful 30-minute set of some of his signature songs. Dressed in a sheer white shirt with embroidered star patterns, matching white pants and a gold chain necklace, Maxwell opened with “Sumthin’ Sumthin’” from

Chloe Bailey, also known as Chlöe, has been cast in Goons, a horror film set in New Orleans, Louisiana. Per Deadline, Michael Rainey Jr. of the Power universe will also co-star in the film, directed by Gerard McMurray, who also directed The First Purge. Goons is currently in production under New Fear Unlocked Productions, the recently

Leon Thomas has officially launched a new era of music. The Grammy-winning singer, songwriter and producer has released “Mutt,” the first single from his upcoming second album on EZMNY Records/Motown Records. Produced by D. Phelps and Freaky Rob, “Mutt” finds Thomas ready to take a chance on a new love. He’s aware of how vulnerable

Lucky Daye visited ABC’s GMA (Good Morning America) on Thursday (Aug. 8) to perform music from his third album, Algorithm. Wearing a chocolate-colored leather outfit, the New Orleans native and his band performed two songs: “That’s You” and “HERicane.” At the time of this publication, “That’s You” has had a steady presence on Billboard’s Adult

Kenyon Dixon is back with The R&B You Love: For the ’99 and 2000s, the final installment of his EP series.  The seven-track set includes the previously shared singles “Far Away” and “Still,” plus the RL-assisted “2000s R&B” and “Good Love” from his album, The R&B You Love.  After revisiting ’70s soul with the prior installment, Dixon

Leon Bridges has landed a new certification from the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). The Grammy winner’s 2018 single “Bad Bad News” has been certified gold by the RIAA for selling over 500,000 equivalent units.  The swaggering song, produced by Ricky Reed and Nate Mercereau, is the second title from Bridges’ sophomore album, Good

Paramount and MTV announced the nominees for the 2024 MTV Video Music Awards, which will be held Sept. 10 at UBS Arena in New York. SZA leads the pack among R&B artists with five nominations, including “Snooze,” which is up for Video of the Year and Best R&B. The hit single, which has surpassed over

Mariah Carey will continue her Las Vegas residency through 2025. The iconic singer and prolific songwriter has announced more dates for The Celebration of Mimi Live in Las Vegas at Dolby Live at Park MGM. Carey’s third leg at the venue begins Jan. 31, 2025, and will continue through Feb. 15. She will perform eight

K. Michelle is preparing for an impactful debut in country music. The singer-songwriter has signed a record deal with BBR Music Group and BMG Nashville. She joins a roster that includes Jason Aldean, Jelly Roll, Blanco Brown, and Lainey Wilson, among others. “I have been ready. I am grateful for this moment,” says K. Michelle.

Jorja Smith is learning to practice self-compassion on her new single, “High.” The club-ready bop was produced by her longtime collaborator DAMEDAME*. “I’ve had my lows / You weren’t always there for me / But time has shown / And I can love myself again / I always need my friends / But I need

Beyoncé made a special appearance, virtually, at the Paris Olympics Opening Ceremony. The global superstar helped introduce Team USA in a two-minute, 30-second video, which was aired on NBC and Peacock before Team USA appeared on the River Seine. Donning a patriotic swimsuit emblazoned with “USA” across her chest and a glistening cowboy hat, Beyoncé

Lifetime has unveiled the trailer for its LeToya Luckett-starring movie, I Thought My Husband’s Wife Was Dead. The forthcoming thriller premieres Saturday, Aug. 3, at 8 p.m. ET on the network. Based on Minka Kent‘s 2022 novel Unmissing, the film also stars Sherilyn Allen, Jamall Johnson, and Angela “Blac Chyna” White.  I Thought My Husband’s Wife Was

Musical duo Louis York has teamed up with Jamaican artist Gramps Morgan for their new single “Have A Little Light.”  On this uplifting track, Claude Kelly of Louis York and Gramps sing about how positive energy can attract positive outcomes — even a little light can go a long way. “If you have a little