R&B

For Summer Walker, love does cost a thing — at least on her new single “Spend It.”  On her self-penned track, produced by Rami Dawod, Slimwav and Dos Dias, Walker boldly tells a love interest that she’s no longer auctioning off her heart for free.  “Keep those sweet nothings from mе / They don’t mean

Alt-R&B sensation Khamari has returned with his new single “Head in a Jar” via Encore Recordings. Over an acoustic backdrop, which he produced with Trackside, Khamari grapples with a faded relationship worn down by distance. “Cause you keep my head in a jar / Here on your night stand I’ll spend my life left,” he croons. 

R&B sensation Mariah The Scientist has returned with her new single “Burning Blue,” her first release in nearly two years. On the smoldering track, produced by Nineteen85 and Jetski Purp, Mariah sings of a lover who ignites her heart — and world — with his glowing presence.  She sings in the chorus: “I can feel

Progressive R&B singer-songwriter Leven Kali sees love in his future on his new single “Crystal Ball.” He co-produced the track with his close collaborators Daniel Memmi and Sol Was. Production-wise, “Crystal Ball” is driven by the force of rock-leaning guitars and percussion, yet still maintains the essence of emotion rooted in R&B. Lyrically, the song

Roy Woods is an open book on his new EP, Dark Nights, out via OVO Sound.  The moody project was preceded by the soul-baring single “Stay With Me.”  “I’ve been through some real sh*t lately,” Woods says of Dark Nights. “This is the first time I’m letting it all out — not just for me, but

Soul vocalist Leela James has returned with her new single “Right On Time.”  Produced by frequent collaborator Rex Rideout, “Right On Time” finds James singing about a love that sweeps her off her feet at the perfect moment. It speaks to the constant nature of love, always finding us even when we least expect it.

Leon Thomas has joined forces with Halle for his new song “Rather Be Alone,” which he co-produced with Freaky Rob and D. Phelps.  The progressive soul track, anchored by a bluesy guitar, marching drums, and fleeting strings, hears Thomas contemplating walking away from a relationship that no longer serves him. “Rather be alone / Than

Naomi Sharon is entering a new era. The majestic vocalist has unveiled her new EP The Only Love We Know will release May 9 via OVO Sound.  The six-track EP, executive produced by Jordan Ullman of Majid Jordan, will include “Can We Do This Over” and the freshly released title track.  On “The Only Love We Know,”

Rap titan Kendrick Lamar and alt-R&B star SZA have extended their stay atop the Billboard Hot 100 chart. Their smash hit “Luther,” named after Luther Vandross, is No. 1 for a ninth consecutive week on the popular singles chart. According to Billboard, “Luther” is the second-longest-running No. 1 rap song on the Hot 100 in the

Emerging R&B group Psiryn has released their second single “The Softest” via Kandi Burruss’ Kandi Koated Entertainment.  The pillowy slow jam reimagines Xscape‘s 1998 classic “Softest Place On Earth,” written and produced by Joe Thomas. The trio stays true to the original song’s seductive energy and chorus, while adding modern flavor in the verses.  “We

Jae Stephens has so many hoes — at least according to her new song “SMH,” out now via Raedio/Def Jam.   The summer-ready anthem, produced by Rykeyz, is driven by ’80s synths built to break a sweat on the dancefloor. Lyrically, Stephens boasts about a list of men in her rotation with no strings attached.  “I

Grammy-nominated singer and songwriter Asiahn has returned with her new single “Wassup Wit It.”  Produced by her fiancée, Jay Shalé, “Wassup Wit It” bounces with pure flirt and confidence. “I act but ain’t acting baby / ‘Cause you is my favorite lady / Really I’m the one / Realer than they come,” she sings with

Rising R&B sensation Jai’Len Josey has returned with “New Girl,” her first taste of new music in two years, via Hillman Grad Records/Def Jam. On the bouncy track, which she co-produced with HeroThaProducer, Madness and Michael Barney, Josey sings of the thrill that comes with a budding romance.  “Don’t be afraid of my loving, boy

Joe Kay, DJ and founder of Soulection, has unveiled his debut EP, If Not Now, Then When?  The six-track set features an eclectic mix of collaborations with emerging voices in R&B, including Amaria, Arin Ray, Dylan Sinclair, Isaiah Falls, Karri, and Sinéad Harnett. Falls appears on the D’Mile-produced lead single, “Slow It Down” with Cruza, and

Ravyn Lenae has achieved a new milestone on Billboard. Her 2024 single “Love Me Not” debuts on the Hot 100 at No. 81 on the chart dated April 12. The Dahi-produced track marks Lenae’s first entry on the popular singles chart. According to Billboard, “Love Me Not,” which has been going viral on TikTok, garnered

Kindred The Family Soul, the husband-wife duo consisting of Aja Graydon and Fatin Dantzle, has released their new single, “I Need You.” It’s a cover of Maze Featuring Frankie Beverly‘s classic from their 1978 album Golden Time of Day.  Ahead of releasing their stunning rendition, the couple visited Frankie Beverly Way in their hometown, Philadelphia,

The Library of Congress has announced Mary J. Blige‘s seminal sophomore album, My Life, has been added to the National Recording Registry.  The iconic album qualifies to be preserved for all time based on its “cultural, historical or aesthetic importance in the nation’s recorded sound heritage.” Reflecting on the album, Blige says, “My favorite lyric

R&B newcomer Aqyila has unveiled her debut album, Falling Into Place, via Columbia Records. Released March 28, the 11-track offering was preceded by the viral track “Bloom,” “Unbothered,” “Most Wanted,” “Limbo,” “Focus” and “Wolf.” Regarding the latter single, Aqyila explained, “My earlier releases from this album were all about feeling confident, knowing who I am, and

Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter Nija has returned with “32nd Floor,” her first song of 2025.  The syrupy jam, produced by Mike Hector and eliasodt, finds Nija spending intimate time with a special person — tucked away from the world. The metaphoric title speaks to the desire and thrill to have privacy in this social media age of

Lifetime has announced its new original movie Fame: A Temptations Story starring Keri Hilson and Keshia Chanté. The film, premiering April 26 at 8 p.m. ET, is part of the network’s new Temptations movie franchise, executive produced by Derrick Williams and Adriane Hopper Williams for DNA Media Group. Fame follows the Jordan sisters — Cherish (Hilson) and Roxy (Chanté) —