R&B

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) —

Eric Benét and Chanté Moore‘s duet “So Distracted” has reached a new milestone on Billboard. The romantic ballad rises from No. 11 to No. 10 on the Adult R&B Airplay chart, led by Victoria Monét and Usher‘s “SOS (Sex On Sight)” for a second nonconsecutive week.  It tallies Benét’s 14th top 10 hit on the

Mary J. Blige has teamed with Veeps to livestream her upcoming concert at Madison Square Garden in New York City. The sold-out show, part of Blige’s For My Fans Tour, will air live April 10 at 9 p.m. ET. It will mark the Queen of Hip-Hop Soul’s first-ever headlining show at the iconic venue. “Playing

Ari Lennox gifts her fans with new music to celebrate her 34th birthday (March 26). The DC native has released her new song “Soft Girl Era” via Interscope Records. On the anthemic track, produced by hitmakers Jermaine Dupri and Bryan-Michael Cox, Lennox is ready to devote to someone who will bring peace and balance to

Jon B. has a penchant for figurative language. “Metaphors play a deep role in my life, being able to sort of say a lot at once with certain words and certain words sort of having a double or triple meaning,” the R&B craftsman tells Rated R&B over a video call.  His eighth album, Waiting On

Progressive R&B singer and guitarist Jordan Hawkins is spellbound by a toxic romance in his new song “Crazy.” On the rock-soul track, Hawkins spends four minutes contemplating the emotional rollercoaster between him and his partner. He recognizes that it’s probably best that they go their separate ways, but part of him still longs for that

Former NFL football player turned R&B singer LARRENWONG has released his new project, 4th & Long. The six-track EP is his game-winning play to disrupt the R&B field. Look no further than “Out the Frame,” which is worthy of being placed on his highlight reel. Here, LARRENWONG confidently croons about scoring a touchdown between the sheets.

Joe Kay, DJ and founder of Soulection, has dropped his debut single, “Slow It Down,” featuring R&B singer Isaiah Falls and indie band Cruza.  The velvety track was produced by D’Mile, Julian Sago, Charity Joy Brown, and AJ Thomas.  Lyrically, “Slow It Down” paints a story of being overwhelmingly infatuated with someone special. “She a