R&B

Naomi Sharon has released an official music video for “Push” featuring Omah Jay. Directed by Giancarlo Sanchez, the visual highlights how Sharon’s captivating presence in dance sequences is hard to ignore. It’s more apparent how she stands out in the club scene when Omah Jay raps from atop a ledge. Discussing the new song, Sharon

British singer and songwriter Sampha returned to NPR’s Tiny Desk Concert series. It’s his second appearance following his 2017 performance. In his latest Tiny Desk concert, Sampha treats viewers to material from his second album, Lahai. He is joined by a four-piece band consisting of Blake Cascoe (drums), Ruthven (percussion), Rosetta (bass), and Elsas (keys/percussion).

Rising soul singer October London has announced his headlining The Rebirth of Marvin Tour. He will be joined by fellow rising acts J. Brown and The Shindellas.  The Rebirth of Marvin Tour kicks off Jan. 25, 2024, at The Shadowbox in Seattle, Washington. From there, London will visit major cities across the U.S., including Los Angeles, Atlanta,

Ledisi doesn’t have time to play games with a potential lover. On her new single, “Sell Me No Dreams,” the R&B vocalist urges a love interest to declare whether or not they are ready to pursue a relationship.  She makes it clear that she isn’t interested in a part-time lover, singing: “If you gon’ love

Mary J. Blige continues to outdo her own achievements. Her new single “Still Believe In Love,” featuring Vado, climbs six slots to No. 9 on Billboard’s Adult R&B Airplay chart. It’s Blige’s 26th top 10 hit on this list, extending her record as the artist with the most top 10s on this chart. Since the Adult

Ledisi has announced the dates for her headlining The Good Life Tour. R&B crooners Raheem DeVaughn and BJ The Chicago Kid will join Ledisi as supporting acts at select stops.  The upcoming trek begins at Appell Center for the Performing Arts on March 6, 2024, in York, Pennsylvania. From there, Ledisi will play in cities across the

Omarion has released “The Usual,” a previously teased track from his upcoming album, Full Circle: Sonic Book Two. On the track, which he co-wrote with Milton “MilTone” Adams, Omarion sings about protecting his peace from a toxic past lover who returns seeking a fix only to leave again. Omarion chooses not to succumb to their advances

Brent Faiyaz’s recent concert at the Eventim Apollo in London will be exclusively streamed Wednesday, Nov. 29, at 10 p.m. ET as part of Apple Music Live. The upcoming broadcast originates from the final European stop of the Columbia, Maryland, native’s F**k The World, it’s a Wasteland Tour, which concluded Nov. 20. During the concert,

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