NEW SINGLES —————————
Honey Dijon teams up with Chlöe Bailey for their electrifying new single “The Nightlife”, a disco-infused celebration of freedom, glamour, and after-hours energy. Produced by Dijon, the track channels a classic 70s feel while Chlöe’s soaring vocals bring a modern renaissance flair to the mix. Known for her global presence across clubs, festivals, and fashion runways, Dijon crafts a pulsating soundscape that perfectly complements Chlöe’s powerhouse delivery. Together, they deliver a vibrant anthem that captures the joy, allure, and timeless magic of nightlife culture.
Emerging R&B talent Jaymin makes a bold Warner Records debut with his new single “Something Real,” a smooth and inventive love song produced by Chase N. Cashe and WU10. Blending ‘90s R&B vibes with warm keys, deep bass, and atmospheric grooves, the track showcases Jaymin’s aching vocals and heartfelt lyricism. Its cine matic video captures him cruising through Seattle in search of love, weaving between vintage and modern visuals. Already a viral favorite thanks to early social media buzz, “Something Real” cements Jaymin as a rising voice to watch.
NEW ALBUM
Bryson Tiller has completed his ambitious double album Solace & The Vices, a project that reveals two distinct sides of his artistry. The first half, The Vices, released August 8, explodes with high-energy rap grit, boasting guest features from Rick Ross, T-Pain, Plies, and more. Its bold, unapologetic sound highlights Tiller’s confidence and versatility. In contrast, Solace (released Oct. 2 & guest-starring Rick Ross, Luh Tyler, Bun B and more) offers a more intimate, R&B-driven reflection, returning to the soulful roots that defined TRAPSOUL. With heartfelt production, emotional storytelling, and even a closing message from his daughter, the project underscores Tiller’s evolution and staying power.
PREMIERING NOW
Mariah The Scientist has unveiled the striking new video for her hit single “Is It a Crime?” featuring Kali Uchis, released via Epic Records and directed by Claire Bishara. The cinematic visual continues the storyline from her album trailer for Hearts Sold Separately, with Mariah portraying rapper Karrahbooo’s lawyer in a tense courtroom drama, while Uchis joins her as a defense team member. The metaphor-rich video underscores the song’s refrain: “Is it a crime to fall in love, to fall?”
Ayra Starr turns up the heat with the release of her “Hot Body” music video, filmed in Los Angeles by director Claire Bishara. The sultry Afrobeats anthem, co-written with Deeno and produced by Ragee, celebrates self-confidence and sensuality with irresistible percussion and honeyed vocals. The video amplifies the track’s energy with golden-hour visuals of Starr and her dancers moving across beaches, boats, and luxe backdrops. Exuding empowerment, Starr commands the screen with bold choreography and direct eye contact, cementing “Hot Body” as both a summer anthem and a statement of artistic control.
NOW PLAYING ———————————————————————
Houston rapper Monaleo (pronounced moe-na-lee-oh) brings sharp wit and cultural critique to her new video “Sexy Soulaan.” Directed by Evil Twins (George & Frederick Buford), the visual flips the played-out “cookout” trend on its head as Monaleo hosts her own backyard gathering, shutting down outsiders who mistake imitation for inclusion. Blending humor, well-worn adages, and her signature lyrical fire, she delivers a biting message wrapped in Southern flair. With Sexy Soulaan, Monaleo continues carving her lane as both entertainer and truth-teller.
Acclaimed actor LaKeith Stanfield, known for Atlanta,Judas & The Black Messiah, andGet Out, steps boldly into music with his Def Jam debut single“Fast Life”featuring Kid Cudi. Produced by Kyle Nolan, Christina Alba, and AJ Groy, the track arrives with a cinematic short-film style video directed by longtime collaborator Jeymes Samuel via Sturdy.Co. Blending moody visuals with introspective lyricism,“Fast Life”signals the beginning of Stanfield’s long-awaited album and his evolution as a multifaceted creative force.
Recorded at 5dB Studios in London, anaiis’ (whose name appears in lowercase as a tribute to educator, author and activist bell hooks) new albumDevotion & The Black Divineis a stirring exploration of uncertainty, acceptance, and the emotional depth inspired by new motherhood. The French-Senegalese alt-R&B artist writes from a collective consciousness, weaving timeless themes of grace, freedom, and human unpredictability into 14 powerful tracks. Highlights include “Green Juice,” a soul-filled anthem of enduring love, and “Moonlight,” a mesmerizing blend of synths and groove. With its expansive emotional range and luminous vocals, the album affirms anaiis’ place as a truly transcendent voice.
Miguel expands his CAOS movement with new single “RIP,” released via ByStorm Entertainment/RCA Records. The track explores surrender and chaos, while its artwork honors the Afro-Mexican “Danza de los Diablos,” symbolizing resistance and pride. Following singles “El Pleito” and “New Martyrs (Ride 4 U),” Miguel continues releasing music through S1C ahead of his politically resonant CAOS album, due October 23.
Rising star EJ Jones’ new single “Gas Station Love” showcases his soulful voice and storytelling charm, capturing a fleeting spark of romance found in an everyday moment. Drawing on the spirit of legends like Bobby Womack and Sam Cooke, EJ blends old-school soul with fresh energy. With viral performances fueling his rise, the Charlotte-born artist proves why fans across Houston, Dallas, and beyond call him “the chosen child.”
Kindred the Family Soul, the celebrated neo-soul duo of Fatin and Aja Graydon-Dantzler, release the heartfelt video for “For Life”, celebrating their 27th wedding anniversary. The track, a preview of their upcoming album Grandlife (out October 3, 2025), reflects the joys, struggles, and enduring strength of their marriage, showcasing their signature soulful storytelling. Channeling Ashford & Simpson vibes, the couple affirms their long-lasting love, offering fans an intimate, authentic glimpse into a partnership that has inspired their music for nearly three decades.
Mariah Carey teams up with Anderson .Paak for the sultry new video for “Play This Song” from her latest album Here for It All . Set in a lavish black-and-white mansion, the duo share intimate moments, holding hands, dancing, and exchanging playful gestures, while delivering a smooth, throwback ballad reminiscent of Silk Sonic. With rich instrumentation of guitar, piano, horns, and strings, Carey and .Paak explore the push-and-pull of a breakup, blending vulnerability and flirtation in a stylish, captivating visual.
R&B singer-songwriter Ari Lennox returns with sultry charm on her new single “Vacancy,”. The smooth, mid-tempo track channels a ’70s-inspired R&B vibe, produced by legends Jermaine Dupri, Bryan-Michael Cox, and BoogzDaBeast. Built on a Mtume sample, the lush instrumentation blends silky basslines, subtle horns, and tight drums into an intimate groove. With playful double entendres and Lennox’s seductive delivery, “Vacancy” perfectly ushers in cuffing season, reinforcing her reputation as one of R&B’s most captivating voices.
Daniel Caesar has officially unveiled his new single “Moon,” featuring indie-folk giants Bon Iver. The track is set to appear on his forthcoming album Son of Spergy , due this fall. Known for his collaborative spirit, the Grammy-winning Toronto alt-R&B singer has recently worked with artists like Blood Orange, Justin Bieber, and Tyler, The Creator. Caesar first teased the album months ago, hinting at features from Bon Iver, Blood Orange, and Sampha. Recently, he confirmed the tracklist, revealing “Moon” as one of two collaborations with Bon Iver.
Globally acclaimed artist and producer Labrinth (born Timothy Lee McKenzie), returns with Prelude , a bold new 8-track EP released via Columbia Records. Known for scoring HBO’s Euphoria and blending genres with visionary flair, the UK-bred Labrinth fuses opera (esp. on the captivating track "The Joy"), synthwave, soul, and classical influences into a project that is both theatrical and intimate. Its focus track, “Pull Me In,” anchors the record with raw, gospel-tinged vocals over hypnotic production, embodying its emotional core. Reflective, celebratory, and unguarded, Prelude invites listeners into the next chapter of Labrinth’s sonic journey.
Released in April 1972 as the lead single from Bill Withers’ sophomore album Still Bill, “Lean On Me” quickly became a timeless anthem of unity and resilience. The song soared to No. 1 on both the Billboard Hot 100 and the soul charts, holding the top spot for three weeks in July of that year. By the end of 1972, it ranked No. 7 on Billboard’s year-end chart, later earning a place on Rolling Stone’s list of “The 500 Greatest Songs of All Time.” The inspiration for “Lean On Me” came from Withers’ upbringing in the small coal mining town of Slab Fork, West Virginia. After moving to Los Angeles, he found himself longing for the close-knit community spirit of his hometown. Sitting at his newly purchased piano, he crafted a simple yet powerful melody, pairing it with lyrics that reflected the importance of leaning on one another during hard times. Withers intentionally kept the words straightforward, allowing the message of solidarity to resonate with people from all walks of life. Recorded with members of the Watts 103rd Street Rhythm Band and enhanced by a string section, the song’s soulful arrangement only deepened its emotional impact. Over the years, “Lean On Me” has been covered countless times, most notably by Club Nouveau in 1987, whose version also topped the Billboard Hot 100—making it one of just nine songs to achieve No. 1 status with two different artists. In 2007, Withers’ original recording was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame, cementing its place as one of the most enduring and uplifting songs in American music history.
Tiwa Savage’s This One Is Personal stands as her most heartfelt and sensitive project to date, a quality evident from the very first track. Across its 15 songs, the album explores themes of heartbreak, healing, faith, and rediscovery, delivered with a maturity that feels both earned and deeply moving. Savage’s voice carries raw emotion, allowing listeners to connect with her struggles while also savoring the fleeting joys that bring light to pain. The production is balanced and intentional, leaning into minimalism to create intimacy, yet swelling expressively when a song demands greater emotional impact. Tracks like Scared of Love and You’re Not the First (You’re Just the Worst) reveal lyrical truths in a profoundly sorrowful way, while Holding It Down and You4Me highlight resilience and the pursuit of self-empowerment. Though some mid-tempo songs risk blending together, the album’s cohesion and emotional depth hold it firmly together, making for a smooth, compelling listening experience. Honest rather than trendy, This One Is Personal resonates with sincerity, emotional resonance, poignant songwriting, and refined production. - Joy Nkirote
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Nelly and Ashanti are embracing their second chance at love—and inviting the world along for the ride. The iconic hip-hop couple, who first began dating in 2003 and split a decade later, have reunited in a big way with a new reality series, Nelly and Ashanti: We Belong Together, now streaming on Peacock.
The legacy of reggae legend Bob Marley comes to life in a groundbreaking new attraction set to debut at Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino in Las Vegas. Titled Bob Marley Hope Road: The Experience, the immersive production combines cutting-edge storytelling, design, and performance to honor Marley’s enduring message of uni
THE DROP ZONE ———————————————————————
Cardi B and Kehlani deliver a cinematic experience with the official video for “Safe,” a highlight from Cardi’s long-awaited sophomore album Am I The Drama? Channeling TLC’s iconic “Creep” visuals, the duo appear in silky pajamas, moving in sync through playful choreography. But beneath the glossy surface lies a darker story, Cardi’s romance with a seemingly loving partner, played by Don Benjamin, spirals as secrets and betrayal emerge during a pregnancy. Blending nostalgia, heartbreak, and striking visuals, “Safe” is Cardi at her boldest.
Platinum-selling West Philly artist Armani White has released his hypnotic new single “GHOST.” featuring rising Tennessee rapper Samara Cyn, via Def Jam Recordings. The track, which incorporates Pharrell-inspired loops, blends eerie production with Armani’s bold, bouncy flow and a striking hook. Cyn adds a sharp, quotable verse that complements his energy, creating a powerful balance. Marking their first collaboration, “GHOST.” sets the stage for more music from Armani White and stands out as a unique, otherworldly anthem.
Australian R&B sensation Larissa Lanbert delivers a captivating follow-up to her 2023 critically-acclaimed LP I Love You And Its Getting Worse with her sophomore EP, Chronosick. Executive produced by Grammy-nominated hitmaker Khaled Rohaim, the seven-track project showcases Lambert’s genre-bending sound and powerful vocals. From the moody opener “Hurts Anymore” to the groove-driven “Blue Collar Baby" and the fan-favorite “Cardio,” each track offers a hypnotic journey meant for endless replay. First making waves with Paris Inc. on The X Factor before launching her solo career in 2020, with Chronosick, Lambert proves that her artistry continues to evolve..
Joell Ortiz makes a powerful return with the official video for “The Yaowa,” a standout track from his new album Love, Peace & Trauma. Shot in striking black-and-white, the visuals highlight Ortiz’s commanding delivery as he weaves gritty tales over Heatmakerz and K. Shelton’s production. With this single, the Brooklyn-bred lyricist, once a member of Slaughterhouse, continues to showcase his sharp wordplay and authenticity.
North Louisiana soul singer Robert Finley has unveiled his stirring new gospel single, “I Wanna Thank You,” a track from his forthcoming album Hallelujah! Don’t Let the Devil Fool Ya, due October 10 via Easy Eye Sound. Produced by longtime collaborator Dan Auerbach in Nashville, the song offers a heartfelt preview of Finley’s first album fully devoted to gospel, blending his signature blues, soul, and spiritual fervor.
Skip Marley (grandson of Bob) continues his family’s legendary reggae lineage with the release of his new video for “In Our Sight,” filmed in Jamaica and directed by Aka.Ruppi. Produced by Supa Dups, the track samples Al Green’s “Love and Happiness” while drawing inspiration from Dennis Brown and The Abyssinians, weaving reggae’s past into the present. The visuals highlight unity and perseverance, showing Marley rallying community strength. With support from Canadian rapper Kardinal Offishall, the song delivers a timeless call for resilience and generational connection.
R&B singer and actor Keith D. Robinson has dropped the music video for his new single “Forever Bae,” the lead track from his upcoming album Love Episodic II , due this fall. Directed by Derek Blanks, the video stars Robinson opposite his "Beyond the Gates" co-star Daphnée Duplaix, who plays his love interest. The story follows their journey from first spark to romantic ups and downs, capturing passion, vulnerability, and commitment.
Mario returns with heartfelt passion on his new single “Nobody But Us,” released via New Citizen/EMPIRE. Produced by Grammy-winning hitmaker Dre Moon, the bass-driven track finds Mario professing unwavering devotion to his love interest while dismissing outside noise. It’s his first release since the critically acclaimed Glad You Came album in 2024, marking a fresh chapter for the R&B star.
Platinum-certified R&B star Queen Naija kicks off 2025 with her new single “Rain…,” a soulful yet contemporary track blending ethereal production with her unmistakable vocal power. Co-produced by Cardiak, Wu10, and Poo Bear, the song channels passion and vulnerability, setting the tone for her upcoming fall EP. With its shimmering, Prince-inspired soundscape and lyrics exploring the complexities of love, “Rain…” marks the beginning of a bold new era for Queen Naija.