R&B

Rising singer-songwriter UMI has independently released her new EP, talking to the wind.  The breezy, four-track project, written entirely by UMI and produced by V-Ron, includes the previously shared “why dont we go” and “happy im.” Interestingly, talking to the wind doesn’t include “wherever u r” featuring V of BTS, which she dropped in late

It’s official: Mary J. Blige has a new project in the works.  Blige confirmed the news in an interview with Big Tigger of Atlanta’s V-103. During their 20-minute conversation, Big Tigger asked Blige about her plans to release new music.  “I’m working on a project,” Blige disclosed. “Something nice for my fans.”  Blige didn’t divulge

Gnarls Barkley, the genre-bending duo consisting of vocalist CeeLo Green and producer Danger Mouse, has reached a new milestone on Spotify.  Their 2006 hit single “Crazy” has surpassed one billion streams on the platform. It’s the duo’s first song to achieve this feat.  “Crazy” was the lead single from Gnarls Barkley’s debut album, St. Elsewhere. Before

“This is definitely a new age for me,” Omarion tells Rated R&B over a phone conversation. It’s a December afternoon, and the R&B veteran is reflecting on the last few years of his music career. He likens his 2020 project, The Kinection, to the launch of a new musical era. It was the first album

BJ The Chicago Kid is still on the promo trail for his latest album, Gravy.  The soul singer visited The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon on Thursday night (Jan. 18) to perform his groovy track “Honey” with Chlöe. Backed by a three-piece band, BJ and Chlöe, both clad in shimmering brown outfits, delivered a satisfying performance for

R&B newcomer Chikoruss has signed a deal with 300 Entertainment. The Montreal native joins a roster that includes Mary J. Blige, WanMor, Phony Ppl, Kenya Vaun and more. Chikoruss celebrates his signing by releasing his new single, “In 2 Deep.” It’s the follow-up to his 2023 track, “Body Language,” which he independently released in May. 

Elle Varner is heading back on the road this spring. The Grammy-nominated singer and songwriter has announced dates for Elle Varner: Unplugged.  The mini tour kicks off April 7 at City Winery in Chicago. Varner will make additional stops at City Winery locations in the U.S., including St. Louis, Atlanta and Philadelphia. The tour concludes April

Music icon Charlie Wilson will be honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. The ceremony will occur on Wilson’s 71st birthday (Monday, Jan. 29) at 11 a.m. PT on Hollywood Boulevard.  A few legendary music acts will join The Gap Band’s founding member and lead singer. Producer Jimmy Jam is set to

Three months after releasing her debut album, Naomi Sharon is back with a new single, “Nothing Sweeter.”  Just in time for Valentine’s Day, the acoustic ballad beautifully illustrates the early moments of a romantic connection. Sharon sings in the chorus: “Nothing hits like the first kiss / The way you make me wait / Anticipate

Andra Day is back. The Grammy-winning singer and Oscar-nominated actress has released her new song, “Where Do We Go.”  The soul-stirring ballad finds Day yearning to reconnect with a former love. As much as she wants to give into temptation, she reminds herself that “we closed that door.”  “Just passing through your neighborhood / From

PJ Morton has joined fellow musician and longtime collaborator Keyon Harrold on a bright new track titled “Beautiful Day.” The jazzy tune appears on Harrold’s third album, Foreverland, out now on Concord Jazz.  On “Beautiful Day,” Morton optimistically sings about embracing what life has to offer. We can choose peace even in tumultuous moments, as

Rising singer Kyle Dion has unleashed his new project, If My Jeans Could Talk.  The eight-song EP includes the previously shared tracks “Boyfriend Jeans,” “Let’s Get It On” and “Hang Me Out to Dry.”  If My Jeans Could Talk takes listeners on a journey with relatable themes of love, joy, sexuality and heartbreak.  “During the making of

The Tycoon Music Festival 2024 lineup has been announced. The fifth annual event takes place Feb. 13 at State Farm Arena in Atlanta, Georgia. R&B heavyweight Chris Brown is set to headline the festival, along with other R&B all-stars Monica, Ginuwine and Mario.  Additional performers include 112, Ashanti, Bryson Tiller, DJ Mannie Fresh, Fridayy and

Musical forces Lionel Richie and Earth, Wind & Fire have announced more dates for their Sing a Song All Night Long Tour.  The second leg, which consists of 13 dates, begins May 23 in Knoxville, Tennessee, at Thompson Boiling Arena. From there, the legendary acts will play in Birmingham, Memphis, Orlando, and Buffalo before concluding June

On what would have been Aaliyah’s 45th birthday (Jan. 16), the legendary singer’s label Blackground Records 2.0 has shared an update regarding her posthumous album.  In a social media post, Blackground wished Aaliyah a happy birthday and confirmed that Unstoppable is still in the works. “It’s coming,” the company wrote in an Instagram caption, along with a

Grammy-winning singer Muni Long has unleashed the official video for her latest single “Made For Me.” The cinematic visual, directed by Des Gray and Trinidad James, co-stars fellow R&B singer Luke James. In the sci-fi clip, Long orchestrates a plan to build a replica of an ideal man (James), who is already taken. She doesn’t

Mary J. Blige’s reign at radio won’t let up. Her latest single “Still Believe in Love,” featuring rapper Vado, is now in its fourth week at No. 1 on Billboard’s Adult R&B Airplay chart.  “Still Believe in Love” now joins 1995’s “Not Gon’ Cry” and 2021’s “Good Morning Gorgeous,” which both spent four weeks atop

The 2024 Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival lineup has been revealed. The festival returns April 12-14 and April 19-24 in Indio, California. This year’s headliners include Lana Del Rey, Tyler, the Creator and Doja Cat. Legendary rock band No Doubt will also make a special appearance.  Several R&B/soul acts will hit the stage, including

Tyla is already making a splash with the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). The South African singer’s breakout single “Water” is now certified platinum for selling over one million equivalent units. It marks Tyla’s first-ever RIAA award. “Water,” an Ampiano-meets-R&B smash, is currently No. 7 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart dated Jan. 20.

Janet Jackson is extending her Together Again Tour into the summer. The global superstar has announced new dates for North America, this time with rap heavyweight Nelly as a special guest. The 35-date trek begins June 4 in Palm Desert, California, at Acrisure Arena at Greater Palm Springs. From there, Jackson and Nelly will perform in Inglewood,