R&B

Jennifer Hudson is back in the studio. The award-winning singer and talk show host went to social media on Wednesday (May 22) to announce that she is recording new music. “Today is the day yal, back in the studio. Back to the music!!” Hudson wrote in a caption for a photo of her in a

Ella Mai has scored three new certifications from the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA).  Her breakout single “Boo’d Up” is now certified 8x platinum, with over eight million equivalent units sold. The cozy track, produced by Mustard, is now two million units away from reaching diamond status (10 million units). It remains her highest-certified

Grammy-winning singer Andra Day has returned with her third album, CASSANDRA (cherith), via Warner Records.  The 16-track set includes the singles “Where Do We Go,” “Probably” and “Chasing.”  Titled after the singer’s birth name, CASSANDRA welcomes listeners into her realm as she treks through the different stages of love. Day further explains, “CASSANDRA (cherith) is a

Bilal has announced his new album, Live at Glasshaus, out June 14 as part of Black Music Month.  The project, which features Questlove, Common, Robert Glasper, and Burniss Travis, was recorded and filmed at Bilal’s intimate show at Glasshaus in Brooklyn.  The 11-track album, which contains two interludes (“Questlove’s Story” and “Common’s Gratitude”), features Bilal’s live rendition

Rising alt-R&B singer Yaya Bey has released her new album, Ten Fold, via Big Dada. The album was preceded by the singles “crying through my teeth,” “the evidence,” “sir princess bad bitch,” “chasing the busy,” and “me and all my n****s.” “I made this album in the midst of great loss. When life required me to

Emerging R&B singer and multi-instrumentalist Otis Kane is back with his new single “Morning Sun.” On the self-produced track, laden with caressed keys by Kane and gossamer guitar work by Sam Meek, Kane croons about a newfound love that brightens his day like the dawn’s glow.  In the irresistible chorus, Kane sings, “You make my

British-Guinean vocalist Jamilah Barry has released her new single “Give,” produced by Rømme and Oddbox. Over an ambient backdrop, with Marco Bernadis on the saxophone and flute, Barry coos about embracing a lifestyle rooted in love. “I give thanks to those before we / Won’t forget what they taught me / How could I ever

Kehlani has released a video for their new single, “After Hours,” directed by Amber Park.  The dance-packed video, filmed at the Fontainebleau in Las Vegas, pleasantly captures the essence of the blazing summer anthem. From the bar to the scenic outdoor pool, and everywhere in between, Kehlani keeps their body moving to the “Coolie Dance

Eric Bellinger has released the official music video for “Drop” featuring Sevyn Streeter. Directed by Trinidad James, the video follows Bellinger and Streeter as they dance to the high-octane track at a warehouse, before transitioning to a lively late-night party scene. “‘Drop’ has been a fan favorite since the album dropped! I knew I wanted

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