NEW SINGLES —————————
R&B veteran Marques Houston, a founding member of IMx with over 25 years in the music industry, has released his latest single “Only Me,” marking his first primary offering of 2026. The smooth, mid-tempo track revisits his signature R&B sound while exploring themes of commitment and growth. The release coincides with his upcoming “It’s All Because of You Experience” tour, bridging his classic hits and current musical direction.
Grammy-nominated producer Bubele Booi debuts as Vumaala with “Show Me,” featuring Issa. Created during isolation, the genre-blending track fuses cinematic orchestration with Afro-house, 3-step, and gqom. The single serves as a vulnerable prayer for clarity, marking a soulful, faith-rooted artistic evolution.
NEW ALBUM
Brymo demands attention with Shaitan: Àródan, a spiritually charged and lyrically rich project that showcases his vocal depth and artistic range. The release fuses two bodies of work—Telekinesis, featuring seven English-language tracks, and Àródan, seven Yoruba songs rooted in culture and introspection. Spellbinding in tone and execution, the EP underscores Brymo’s versatility and impact, climbing to No. 8 on Apple Music Nigeria’s Top Albums chart.
PREMIERING NOW
Abigail Chams launches the year in fearless form with the official music video for “Your Loss,” an eclectic, high-energy visual that showcases her confidence and versatility. The Tanzanian star is seen relaxing in a swimming pool, dancing in a packed club, and playing pool, all while embodying the song’s unapologetic spirit. Blending Dancehall grooves with Afrobeats flair, the track flips heartbreak into empowerment, underscoring Abigail’s growing global presence and her rise as one of Tanzania’s most exciting musical exports.
Phoenix, AZ singer-songwriter Alemeda delivers raw emotion in the official music video for “I’m Over It,” a stripped-down visual that follows her wandering through New York City as she processes the end of a close friendship. Set against the city’s restless energy, the video traces a journey from heartbreak to quiet acceptance, underscoring the vulnerability of letting go.
NOW PLAYING ———————————————————————
Fast-rising Nigerian star Priesst opens the year with “Akonuche,” a purposeful single whose title means “wisdom.” Built on intentional songwriting, the track explores clarity, direction, and success, serving as both a statement and a guide for the year ahead. Already gaining traction, “Akonuche” has surpassed 20,000 Shazams and inspired over 10,000 TikTok creations, signaling a breakout moment and positioning Priesst as an artist to watch in 2026.
Jamaican super-producer Rvssian continues his global run with his new single “What I Like,” featuring Moliy, Ayetian, and Tyga. Built on his Recovery Riddim, the track stretches from Jamaica to Ghana, spotlighting Moliy’s signature sexy flair and smooth delivery. Known for the breakout hit “Shake It To The Max,” Moliy adds Afro-fusion appeal to the juggling, while Ayetian and Tyga round out a polished African–Jamaican crossover poised to resonate worldwide.
Miami-to–L.A. singer and rapper DaniLeigh returns with the video for “Expensive,” her first new music since the release of her 2022 album My Side . The sultry, smooth track and its accompanying visuals reflect on life’s trials and tribulations, with DaniLeigh emphasizing the importance of prioritizing meaningful love and emotional fulfillment over work, status, or material possessions.
Bruno Mars released his new single “I Just Might” on January 9, along with a playful music video directed by Daniel Ramos and Mars. The party-style clip features multiple versions of Mars performing every role in the band, from singer to DJ, while dancing in synchronized choreography. He dubbed himself the “Aura Lord” on Instagram. The song, centered on a dance-floor romance, is the lead single from his upcoming album The Romantic , due Feb. 27.
Eritrean-American R&B artist Yoni’s new single “Climate,” from DOMSUPNEXT, arrives with quiet confidence, blending West Coast–inspired grooves and alternative R&B emotion. Built on a rich piano melody and a soft yet steady 808 pulse, the track feels both intimate and expansive. Directed by Dominic Bernabe, the accompanying video complements the song’s reflective mood. “Climate” explores the bittersweet reality of loving someone who must leave, choosing appreciation over heaviness. Its calm, modern production allows the emotion to linger, making it ideal for late-night drives and thoughtful R&B playlists.
Harlem, NY rapper A$AP Rocky released a dark, surreal video for his new single “Punk Rocky,” offering a fever-dream preview of his Tim Burton–assisted album Don’t Be Dumb, due Jan. 16. The chaotic visual features actress Winona Ryder, versatile singer/songwriter Thundercat, and composer Danny Elfman, with imagery that feels distinctly Burtonesque. Ryder appears in eerie domestic scenes as Rocky dives into mosh pits, clashes with police, raps from jail, and spirals through punch-drunk romance, violence, and fantasy. The video underscores Burton’s creative influence on the album’s music, visuals, and accompanying film.
South African DJ duo TxC have released a single, “Nakupenda,” meaning “I love you” in Swahili. The track unites South African artists AI Xapo and Scotts Maphuma with Nigerian stars Davido, Zlatan and Shoday, blending playful rhythms, hooks and multilingual verses. Nigerian pidgin and South African languages create a celebratory pan-African sound. Composed of Tarryn Reid and Clairise Hefke, "Nakupenda" has risen to the top of Nigeria's Apple music charts.
Sevyn Streeter taps into classic ’90s R&B on her new single “97,” delivering confident, grown-woman energy that feels inspired, not nostalgic. Marking her first release since last September's “Assumptions" single, the track finds Streeter in her Janet Jackson bag, boldly expressing desire and self-assurance. While quiet on solo releases, Sevyn’s stayed busy behind the scenes, writing for Normani and FLO and lending background vocals to Givēon’s BELOVED.
From her latest EP, Feline’s Return Act I I, British pop/soul singer Natanya unveils the visuals for her single “On Ur Time.” The video captures Natanya reflecting on a past love, artfully juxtaposing vivid memories of the relationship with moments unfolding in the present. Soulful at its core yet daring in execution, “On Ur Time” blends experimental production, genre-bending influences, and raw emotion—further cementing Natanya as one of the most promising up-and-coming artists in music today.
When the NFL announced that Bad Bunny would headline the Super Bowl LX halftime show on February 8, 2026, it should have been a celebratory moment: a recognition of one of the most globally successful and culturally significant artists of the modern era. Instead, the reaction from conservative corners of America has been nothing short of absurd. From politicians to pundits to former football players, the outrage over a Puerto Rican superstar performing at America’s biggest sporting event reveals more about their own insecurities and biases than it does about Bad Bunny or his music. The outrage machine kicked into overdrive almost immediately. Just this Tuesday, Speaker of the House Mike Johnson called the NFL’s decision “terrible” and suggested 82-year-old Lee Greenwood should perform instead, as though nostalgia were the only valid form of patriotism. Recently, Fox Nation host Tomi Lahren embarrassed herself by claiming Bad Bunny “is not an American artist,” only to be reminded (on her own show) that Puerto Rico is part of the United States. Even Donald Trump jumped into the fray, claiming he’d “never heard of him,” a statement that says more about Trump’s cultural ignorance than about Bad Bunny’s reach. Hall of Famer Eric Dickerson also chimed in on the brouhaha, telling Bunny to “keep his ass away” from the Super Bowl if he doesn’t “like America.” Nonetheless it’s a pattern we’ve seen before: manufactured outrage cloaked in nationalism and cultural insecurity.
This Throwback Thursday takes us back to October 14, 1999, when Destiny’s Child released “Say My Name,” the standout single from The Writing’s on the Wall. Written by Beyoncé Knowles, Kelly Rowland, LeToya Luckett, LaTavia Roberson and collaborators, and produced by Rodney Jerkins, the track marked a turning point for the group. While it features the original lineup on the recording, the music video famously introduced Michelle Williams and Farrah Franklin, signaling a new era amid behind-the-scenes upheaval. Musically, “Say My Name” sounded unlike anything else on R&B radio at the time. Producer Rodney Jerkins has since revealed that the song was inspired by UK garage music—specifically the 2-step rhythms he heard while clubbing in London. That influence helped shape the track’s skittering drums, shifting dynamics, and futuristic bounce, even after an early version initially left Beyoncé unconvinced. The reworked mix clicked, and history followed. The results were massive. “Say My Name” became Destiny’s Child’s biggest hit to date, topping the Billboard Hot 100, winning two Grammys, and earning Video of the Year honors in R&B categories. Decades later, its blend of suspicion-filled lyrics, bold production, and global club energy still feels timeless—and remains a defining moment in pop and R&B history.
Odumodublvck’s Industry Machine hits like a storm: loud, confident, and impossible to ignore. The Nigerian rapper and songwriter from Abuja, known for fusing drill, grime, and Afrobeats, returns with his ninth project: a bold declaration of who he is and where he stands. Across 23 tracks, this project moves with purpose; the sound is raw yet intentional, every verse charged with conviction. From the opening title track, Odumodublvck sounds like a man done being underestimated, his flow sharp and unrelenting. The production matches his fire: layered, dynamic, and built to amplify his energy. “Grooving” featuring Davido and Seun Kuti bursts with joyful confidence, while “Unaware” with Pa Salieu lands heavier, exposing the harsh truths of the industry. What makes Industry Machine even more powerful is its honesty. Odumodublvck doesn’t sugarcoat anything, he lays bare his triumphs, frustrations, and the relentless grind behind them. On “Baby Reindeer,” he softens, revealing a more introspective side, while “Banza Boy” pulls back to the streets, pulsing with hunger and defiance. You can feel both pride and pain in his delivery, that delicate balance of vulnerability and bravado giving the album its pulse. Indeed, Industry Machine is more than an album, it’s Odumodublvck’s story in motion. A fearless expression of identity, ambition, and resilience, it captures a pivotal moment in African hip-hop’s evolution and reminds listeners that greatness often rises from grit.
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THE DROP ZONE ———————————————————————
Brandon Banks continues his thoughtful evolution with Sonnets , a self-produced two-track EP that distills his immersive R&B style into a hushed, introspective dreamscape. Known for blending folkloric soul with lo-fi textures, the Los Angeles singer-songwriter uses stream-of-consciousness writing to explore rest, reflection, and escape from chaos. Built from guitar and keys, Sonnets feels patient and intentional, capturing Banks at his most meditative and emotionally precise to date.
Doechii closes out 2025 with “girl, get up.,” a defiant new single featuring SZA that channels resilience and hard-earned confidence. Produced by Jay Versace and sampling Birdman and Clipse’s “What Happened to That Boy,” the track finds the Florida rapper exhaling her haters after a breakout year. Over sharp bars, festive drums and soulful energy, Doechii directly confronts “industry plant” accusations, turning criticism into motivation alongside her longtime collaborator and TDE labelmate.
Jill Scott welcomes 2026 with “Beautiful People,” the uplifting lead single from her forthcoming album To Whom This May Concern , arriving February 13. Her first single release in nearly a decade, the song honors everyday people who rise above both natural and man-made obstacles to shine together. Written with and produced by Om’Mas Keith, “Beautiful People” is a timely reminder of shared humanity, delivered with Scott’s signature warmth and stellar vocals.
Fresh off his recently released 6th album Nothing Without Go, Jamaican dancehall singer Popcaan releases the visuals for his new single 'Billionaire Status'. Produced by Damage Musiq, the video features the veteran artist celebrating the spoils of success in the new year.
Rising Jamaican artist Armanii taps into pure emotion with the official video for “Lose Your Love,” a standout rooted in his Kingston upbringing and deep respect for classic dancehall. Blending reggae warmth with soulful balladry, the track features rich horns, gritty guitar riffs, and bright steel drums that nod to legends like Beres Hammond and Bob Marley. Armanii calls the song his most personal, praising its universal, sing-along appeal across generations. Following a breakout year that included a Dancehall Impact Award win and a Billboard R&B/Hip-Hop Live performance, “Lose Your Love” captures the heart of an artist whose debut album showcases both tradition and fearless versatility.
Vietnamese-American singer and songwriter SAILORR continues her rise with FROM FLORIDA’S FINEST DELU/XXX [for my delusional ex], the deluxe edition of her debut album. Arriving December 5 via BuVision/10K Projects, the release expands her confident, expressive R&B world with new tracks, including the smooth single “LOCKED IN.” Following her breakout feature on Summer Walker’s “How Sway,” chart success, sold-out global tour dates, and viral hits like “POOKIE’S REQUIEM,” the deluxe solidifies SAILORR as one of modern R&B’s most exciting voices.
North Carolina rap phenom TiaCorine continues her otherworldly ascent with the reality-bending video for “Lotion,” featuring Alabama’s own Flo Milli. Produced by Kenny Beats and directed by Dell Nie, the upbeat track channels blistering ’80s freestyle energy with rubbery bass, keyboard percussion, and relentless lyrical flexes that mirror the fearless spirit of CORINIAN. The cinematic visual opens beneath a glowing pink moon before transporting viewers into Tia’s kawaii-coded world, where confidence, surrealism, and playful menace collide. From shrinking her enemies into Barbie-like dolls to lighting up a vibrant house party alongside Flo Milli, the video feels bold, unpredictable, and unapologetically fun. “Lotion” further cements TiaCorine as an artist operating in her own futuristic, pink-hued dimension, pushing Southern rap into exciting new territory.
UK rising R&B artist Ady Suleiman returns with “What If,” a lush, immersive single rooted in soulful, old-school sensibilities. Effortless yet emotionally rich, the track showcases Suleiman’s distinctive vocal tone (often likened to Sampha) gliding over an addictive breakbeat and organic drums. A subtle chipmunk-style loop hums beneath the surface, mirroring the racing thoughts that define the song’s theme. Lyrically, “What If” captures the restless uncertainty of a love that refuses to feel finished, lingering long after the final note.
Virginia’s rising chameleon Khi Infinite continues to blur genre lines on “HOUSE,” a standout from his upcoming album CAN I SPEAK?. Blending hip-hop, R&B, and afrobeats, the empowering track reflects on growth and renewal, rejecting the idea that the past defines the future. With seamless vocals that subtly recall Bryson Tiller, Khi Infinite delivers affirming lines about resilience and hope. Clocking in at just over two minutes, “HOUSE” is a concise yet resonant reminder to embrace fresh beginnings and personal evolution.