R&B

Award-winning musical director and bassist Adam Blackstone has released his first holiday album, A Legacy Christmas. It’s a jazz-infused collection of Christmas classics and winter-themed originals. The 10-track effort includes Blackstone’s inimitable versions of joyful favorites such as “Little Drummer Boy” featuring BJ The Chicago Kid and “Joy To The World” featuring gospel vocalist Lena Byrd

Emerging British singer Jaz Karis has released her new single “Little Blue Moon” via MNRK Records. On the acoustic track, produced by Adam Boukis, Karis gives praise to her Higher Power.  “The way that you hold on my hand / I’ll never let go again / The best part is you and I know /

The 2023 Soul Train Awards aired on Sunday night (Nov. 26) on BET. Hosted by Keke Palmer, the ceremony was taped outdoors at a mansion in Los Angeles, California.  Janelle Monáe, who opened the show with an electrifying performance, received the Spirit of Soul Award for their outstanding contributions to music, film, fashion, and advocacy.

Daley is hitting the road in 2024. The British singer has announced the dates for The Interlude Tour.  The U.S. tour launches Jan. 24 in Annapolis, Maryland, at Rams Head on Stage. From there, Daley will play in Washington, D.C., Charlotte, Atlanta, Nashville, and more.  The U.S. leg will conclude Feb. 22 in New York City

Mary J. Blige has reportedly reunited with songwriter Johntá Austin and songwriter/producer Bryan-Michael Cox for new music.  Austin confirmed the news on Friday morning (Nov. 24) on X (formerly Twitter). “This new Mary record that my brother @bryanmichaelcox and I did feels so pure! Can’t wait for y’all to hear. #likedishere,” he wrote. Cox, who

Gravy, the title of BJ The Chicago Kid’s latest album, not only serves as a savory, creamy topping for cuisine but also as a history lesson, highlighting the richness of Black heritage. “It smothers. It covers. It makes everything taste better. Sometimes stuff it shouldn’t even touch, it makes it taste better. And I think

Emerging singer and songwriter Journey Montana has unveiled her second EP, Stargirl, via 10K Projects. The eight-track project includes the previously released “CryBaby” and “Jack,” inspired by Ray Charles’ soul classic “Hit the Road Jack.” Regarding the latter released song, Montana explained to Rated R&B, “On my version, ‘Jack’ represents hitting a breaking point and

Grammy-nominated singer Coco Jones has released “A Timeless Christmas.” She co-wrote the original seasonal tune with Tiyon “TC” Mack (Tamar Braxton, Brandy). “A Timeless Christmas” evokes a wintry landscape where loved ones bond over holiday traditions. She richly sings, “There’s laughter in our hearts, a special kind / Sharing love and kindness in every rhyme

British R&B singer, songwriter and producer Aaron Taylor has released HAVE A NICE DAY! (Deluxe Version), an expanded edition of his EP released in May. The updated project came with two previously released songs, “For Sure” and “Back To You.” Taylor explained the former track “is about reassuring someone you love that what you have

Rising R&B singer Teenear has joined forces with fellow emerging act Ronnie V for a new holiday track, “Lonely At Christmas,” via Slip-N-Slide Records. The Donovan Paul-produced tune is a fresh take on The Emotions’ “What Do The Lonely Do At Christmas?” Ronnie V opens the song pleading to a former lover for reconciliation. “It’s

Jordin Sparks has surprised her fans with the release of her new holiday EP, The Gift of Christmas. The four-track set features Sparks’ heartwarming covers of holiday classics, including “O Come, All Ye Faithful” and “Silent Night.” The Gift of Christmas arrives in partnership with Epidemic Sound, a global music licensing company.  “I’m always open to trying

Grammy-winning singer Corinne Bailey Rae stopped by Later… with Jools Holland to perform two songs from her latest album, Black Rainbows. As part of her two-song set, Bailey Rae performed “New York Transit Queen.” The song was released as the lead single from Black Rainbows and paid tribute to Audrey Smaltz, who won the New

Grammy-nominated singer Raheem DeVaughn is back with his new EP, Fall in Love.  The project arrives just in time for cuffing season, giving listeners heart-tugging tunes to enjoy with their partners. Fall in Love includes reimagined versions of select songs from DeVaughn’s The Summer of Love, released June 21. Fall in Love includes collaborations with rappers

Janelle Monáe will receive the Spirit of Soul Award at the 2023 Soul Train Awards. The ceremony airs this Sunday, Nov. 26, at 8 p.m. ET on BET and BET Her. Monáe is being honored for their outstanding contributions to music, film, fashion, and advocacy. “Janelle is one of the most talented forces in the

R&B vocalists Tamia and Joe Thomas are teaming up for a joint tour. The upcoming trek kicks off Feb. 4, 2024, in Washington, D.C., at DAR Constitution Hall. They will make stops in major U.S. cities such as Cleveland, Ohio, and Detroit, Michigan.  According to both artists, additional tour dates will be announced at a

T-Pain will be presented the Legend Award at the 2023 Soul Train Awards, set to air Sunday, Nov. 26, at 8 p.m. ET on BET and BET Her. “When it comes to his overall approach to music as a songwriter, the genius of T-Pain stands among the most memorable and enviable in the business. He

Cleo Sol recently visited Later… with Jools Holland to perform material from her new album, Heaven. Wearing a chocolate brown two-piece outfit, the rising soul singer delivered a rousing rendition of “Airplane” with a full band. She also revisited her acclaimed 2021 set, Mother, to perform a live take of “Sunshine.” “Airplay” is lifted from

Usher’s current single “Good Good” is No. 1 for a second consecutive week on Billboard’s Adult R&B Airplay chart. The R&B megastar’s collaboration, which features Summer Walker and 21 Savage, ties with his previous hit, “GLU,” which spent two straight weeks atop earlier this year. Usher upped his No. 1 Adult R&B count to eight

Inayah is back. The rising singer and songwriter has released “For The Streets,” a kiss-off anthem inspired by Fantasia’s cultural hit “When I See You.” On the confrontational track, produced by BoogzDaBeast and Pyro Da God, Inayah shuns a cheater and cuts ties after she learns of his tryst. Now that Inayah knows better, she

Victoria Monét’s breakout hit “On My Mama” logs a second week at No. 1 at urban radio. The fan favorite, co-produced by D’Mile, Deputy, and Jeff “Gitty” Gitelman, was crowned Monét’s first chart-topper on any radio format last week. It also tallied her first top 10 hit at urban radio. “On My Mama,” which samples