R&B

Mariah Carey is the latest artist to participate in Audible’s Words + Music storytelling series, which debuts Thursday, May 23. Carey’s installment, Portrait of a Portrait, will give listeners an intimate view of some of her compositions and the meaning behind them. “Portrait,” a fan-favorite ballad from Carey’s 2018 album Caution, is among the songs

John Legend and his wife, Chrissy Teigen, have teamed up to launch Kismet, a pet lifestyle brand offering premium dog food, merchandise, and content for dog-loving families. It’s the power couple’s first joint business venture.  “Dogs have always been a big part of our lives. We were pet parents before welcoming our children into the

K. Michelle is taking her country music on the road. The award-winning singer and songwriter has announced her first-ever headlining concert as a country artist. The show takes place Friday, June 28, at The Eastern in Atlanta, Georgia. K. Michelle, affectionately known as Puddin, shared her excitement on social media. “Happy to be presenting ‘PUDDIN’ in

HBO has announced a premiere date for its highly anticipated Stax Records documentary, STAX: Soulsville U.S.A.  The four-part docuseries premieres Monday, May 20, at 9 p.m. ET on HBO, with two episodes airing back to back. The last two parts will air the following night, May 21, at the same time. All four parts will

J. Valentine has teamed with Chris Brown for his new single “UnLonely.” They co-wrote the song with Lonny Bereal and TVerse. The Tank-produced track is an anthem for independent women. Speaking on the song, J. Valentine exclusively tells Rated R&B, “Just because a woman chooses to be alone, doesn’t mean she’s lonely.” As for reuniting

Lalah Hathaway is back. The Grammy-winning singer has announced her eighth album, VANTABLACK, will release June 14 via Hathaway Entertainment/SRG-ILS Group. “VANTABLACK was always the name of the project. The word itself has so much weight on it, I was really unsure of how to approach the idea of writing the song,” notes Hathaway. She

Kenyon Dixon has released his new single “Still.” The Grammy-nominated singer produced the self-penned track with Frank Rose. “Still” is as warm and gentle as a summer breeze, making it an ideal jam for a brunch outing or a kickback. On the balmy track, Dixon croons about a former lover who continues to dance around

Lucky Daye may be coming to a city near you this summer. The Grammy-winning singer has unveiled the dates for The Algorithm Tour. The North American trek begins July 11 at The Warfield in San Fransisco, California. From there, Daye will make additional stops in Portland, Denver, Chicago, Toronto, New Orleans, and more. The tour

PARTYNEXTDOOR has plans this summer and it involves hitting the road. The Canadian singer has announced the dates for his headlining Sorry I’m Outside Tour.  The North American trek begins June 19 at The Van Buren in Phoenix, Arizona. From there, PARTYNEXTDOOR will visit San Diego, Vancouver, Atlanta, Miami, Brooklyn and more. Party will also make

Durand Bernarr has officially launched a new era of music. The vocal acrobat is back with his new single “Unknown,” produced by Budda Foster. and Sam Hoffman. It features writing contributions from Claude Kelly and Chuck Harmony of Louis York.  Over a bone-deep bassline, accentuated by brassy horns, Bernarr seeks clarity from a love interest

Over 20 years into her career, Alicia Keys is still reaching new heights. The 16-time Grammy winner’s stageplay, Hell’s Kitchen, has landed 13 Tony nominations, including Best Musical.  Keys posted an Instagram video of her stunned reaction to the news. Her husband, Swizz Beatz, filmed the early morning clip, and they were joined by their

Rising R&B singer Susan Carol has released her new single “Karma.” It marks her first release since signing a deal with Def Jam Recordings.  Produced by Harmony Samuels, “Karma” is a stirring kiss-off where Carol allows fate to handle her lousy ex. “I’ll let karma get you first / That’s just how it works /

R&B newcomer MaKenzie has released her debut project, A Pretty F**king Cool EP, via Warner Records. The four-track set includes the previously shared “Maybe” featuring TA Thomas, “Lips,” and “Velvet.”  “To me, A Pretty F**king Cool EP is simply: pretty f**king cool,” says MaKenzie. “It’s a small compilation of some of my first experiences writing and

Mary J. Blige is paying it forward. The Queen of Hip-Hop Soul has partnered with Pepsi to launch the Pepsi x Mary J. Blige Strength of a Woman Community Fund. The $100,000 fund, available as grants, benefits local organizations whose mission is to amplify and educate marginalized women in Blige’s hometown, Yonkers, New York.  According

PARTYNEXTDOOR has returned with his new album, PARTYNEXTDOOR 4 (P4), via OVO Sound.  The 14-track set includes the previously shared songs “Her Old Friends,” “Resentment,” “Real Woman,” and “Lose My Mind.” Regarding his new album, PARTYNEXTDOOR states, “I want my fans to experience this album in a way that allows them to take exactly what they

R&B sister duo The Amours have released their official debut EP, Changes, via November Yellow. The 10-track offering, executive produced by Camper, includes the previously shared songs “Before I Met You,” “On The Run, “JK, I Love You,” and “Pick Me Up” featuring TA Thomas. The project also includes a special cameo from their mother, who

After much anticipation, Normani has returned with her new single, “1:59,” featuring rapper Gunna. Produced by Tommy Brown (Ariana Grande, Victoria Monét), “1:59” finds Normani in the wee hours looking to hook up with an old fling.  “Back on that vibe again / It’s hard to fight again / Sh*t, we can’t hide again /

Tank has released R&B Money: The Vault, a deluxe edition of his final album. The expanded project features five new songs, including the lead single “Before We Get Started” featuring Fabolous, a top 10 hit on Billboard’s Adult R&B Airplay chart.  Speaking on R&B Money: The Vault, Tank tells Rated R&B, “The fans asked for

Grammy-winning producer Camper has teamed with Syd and Tank for his new single “I Need It.”  On the pillowy track, suitable for any lovemaking playlist, the two singers yearn for constant intimacy from their respective partners.  “Find a better reason / Why we shouldn’t lay up / Get back to freakin’ right now / All

PJ Morton will release his new album, Cape Town to Cairo, on June 14 via Morton Records / EMPIRE. The Grammy-winning singer and musician recorded the album during his month-long trip in Africa, where he visited South Africa, Nigeria, Ghana and Egypt.  The nine-track offering, which includes the lead single “Please Be Good,” features Fireboy