R&B

Jorja Smith’s sophomore album, falling or flying, has arrived via FAMM. The 16-track offering includes the previously shared songs “Try Me,” “Little Things,” “GO GO GO” and “Falling or flying.” Regarding the title track’s music video concept, Smith explained, “[It] came to mind ‘cause I always wanted to shoot a video in space. ‘Falling Or flying’

R&B powerhouse Leela James has scored a new top 10 single on Billboard. Her current single, “Right Back In It,” moves from No. 13 to No. 10 on Billboard’s Adult R&B Airplay chart, which highlights “the week’s most popular songs, ranked by radio airplay detection as compiled by Luminate.”   It’s James’ fourth 10 hit on

Emerging singer Naomi Sharon has announced her debut album, Obsidian, will release Oct. 20 via Drake’s OVO Sound. According to the album’s tracklist, shared by Sharon, Obsidian will feature 13 tracks, including the bonus track “Hills,” released in 2021.  Obsidian is preceded by the singles “Another Life” and “Definition of Love.” The album’s next single, “Regardless,” is set to

German-born soul singer Joy Denalane makes her triumphant return with her new album, WILLPOWER. It extends her affiliation with Robert Dio Gioia and Max Herre, two of her longtime studio partners.  Denalane’s first studio album since her Motown Records debut, Let Yourself Be Loved, reflects several life changes, including the loss of her father and

Keyshia Cole and K. Michelle agree that collaborating on a joint project would be a great idea. On Thursday (Oct. 5), Cole’s fanbase took to Twitter to ask who would make a perfect collaborative album with Cole. Several women in the genre were suggested, including Faith Evans, Keke Wyatt, and K. Michelle. Cole approved of

The estate of Isaac Hayes has signed a deal with Primary Wave Music. The independent publisher company will manage various publishing interests of Hayes’ estate under the deal. As part of the deal, the estate will gain access to Primary Wave’s marketing team and publishing infrastructure, which includes digital strategy, licensing, synchronization opportunities, as well

JAHKOY has kicked off a new era. The emerging R&B star has shared his new single, “Sweet Tooth,” produced by Justin Wiggins (Cedric Brazle, Ye Ali). It arrives with an accompanying video directed by Webb and Rome.  On the sugary mid-tempo track, JAHKOY expresses his desire to unwrap his lover like his favorite candy and

Emerging alt-R&B singer RealestK and teamed with rapper BIA for his new song “It’s You.” It’s the latest offering from his forthcoming EP, Real World, out Oct. 20 on Columbia Records. On the endearing track, RealestK professes his feelings to a potential love interest. “Baby, I know that you know, that I notice / All of all

Janelle Monáe isn’t done popping bottles. The Grammy winner has recruited rappers Quavo and Latto for the official remix of “Champagne Sh*t.” Production-wise, “Champagne Sh*t” is a similar story to the original edit, with newly-added ad-libs from Quavo nestled behind Monáe’s vocals. Quavo spits braggadocious bars about celebrating his self-made wealth and sparing no expense

Vedo is intentionally consistent. Since 2019, the singer and songwriter has released at least one project per year, including a collaborative project with producer OG Parker (While You Wait, 2022). In January, Vedo released his Mood Swings album, which featured his Chris Brown-assisted single “Do You Mind.” Now, the platinum-selling artist is back with 7,

Ten years ago this month (Oct. 15), Mary J. Blige released her first holiday album, A Mary Christmas. The R&B icon has reissued the album with a special 10th anniversary edition. A Mary Christmas (Anniversary Edition) features all the original songs from the standard version, plus four additional tracks, including “Winter Wonderland” and “Silent Night.”

Ms. Lauryn Hill has announced new dates for the Miseducation of Lauryn Hill 25th Anniversary Tour. According to a post on social media from Hill, the award-winning singer, songwriter, and producer will be touring with her Fugees collaborators, Wyclef Jean and Pras, for an additional 10 shows. The North American leg begins Oct. 13 at

Love can sometimes be tested. Jawan x Tiffany, the R&B duo made up of Jawan Harris and Tiffany Evans, are having their romance tried on their new single “Issues.” It was produced by Chris King (Bryson Tiller, Young Dolph).  In the slow jam, Jawan expresses his frustration with his partner for bringing up past issues they’ve

Tems is back. The Grammy-winning and Oscar-nominated singer/songwriter makes a return with her new song “Me & U.” It was written by Tems and produced in collaboration with Guiltybeatz. “Give me one break, I need faith / Faith to believe you / Faith to receive you / Give me something I’m lacking / I don’t

Love can sometimes be tested. Jawan x Tiffany, the R&B duo made up of Jawan Harris and Tiffany Evans, are having their romance tried on their new single “Issues.” It was produced by Chris King (Bryson Tiller, Young Dolph).  In the slow jam, Jawan expresses his frustration with his partner for bringing up past issues they’ve

Rising R&B singer Arin Ray has announced his new project, Phases III, will release Oct. 20 via Interscope Records.  The upcoming project is the third installment of Ray’s Phases EP series, which began in 2016. He returned in 2019 with Phases II, which includes his Kehlani-assisted track “Change.”  Ray’s Phases III EP is said to be “his most mature and playful

Tamar Braxton has achieved two new awards from the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA).  Her 2013 single “All the Way Home” is now certified platinum for selling over one million equivalent units. The soul-stirring ballad, produced by The Underdogs, was released as the third single from Braxton’s second album, Love and War.  The album’s second

Genre-bending act Luh Kel has released his new single, “You The One,” produced by JSHB and Nimorii. Over a hard-hitting production, Luh Kel professes his feelings to a love interest, asserting they are the perfect match. “It’s something about you, girl, that’s different when you with me / I can tell that you the one,”

Grammy-winning singer Miguel has unveiled the official video for his single “Give It To Me.”  Bradley J. Calder (SZA, Tinashe) directed the dark and sensual clip, which co-stars Juliana Nalu. The video “explores feelings of flirtation, desire, intrigue, chemistry and how they tend to draw two people together.” “Give It To Me” is the lead

The 2023 MTV EMA nominees have been revealed. Alt-R&B star SZA is among this year’s nominees with six nods, including Best Song for her smash hit “Kill Bill.” She follows behind pop sensation Taylor Swift, who has seven nominations. Global superstar Beyoncé is up for Best Live. Her nomination comes just days after concluding her