NEW SINGLES —————————

Rising Virginia R&B singer-songwriter Jalen Chords captures the nostalgic spirit of Y2K-era love songs with his new single, "My Boo," released alongside its official music video. Blending smooth vocals, polished production, an infectious chorus, and a memorable bridge, the feel-good track balances early-2000s pop-R&B influences with a modern sound. Designed as a heartfelt dedication, "My Boo" is a breezy anthem built for summer playlists and lasting memories.

Rising UK singer-songwriter Owen Saward returns with "Not Mine," an emotionally charged contemporary pop single inspired by the timeless feel of Michael Jackson's Human Nature. Blending heartfelt lyrics, smooth melodies, and polished production, the track explores the pain of letting go with honesty and maturity. Reflecting on love, heartbreak, and acceptance, "Mot Mine" delivers a relatable, atmospheric listening experience while carving out its own modern identity.
NEW ALBUM

South Carolina singer-songwriter Baby Rose returns with her third studio album, 'YEARNALISM,' a 12-track collection that embraces longing, love, and emotional vulnerability. Blending R&B, soul, jazz, and gospel, the album showcases her distinctive voice across a rich emotional landscape, with guest appearances from Leon Thomas and Elmiene. Through poetic, diary-like songwriting, Baby Rose explores romance, self-love, and desire, creating a deeply personal and immersive project that celebrates the beauty of yearning in all its forms.

German-Brazilian singer-songwriter Gloria de Oliveira has released the official video for “Fading Faces,” the lead single from her upcoming album The Lying Swans, due October 30. Directed and edited by de Oliveira, the striking visual places her on a rugged coastline, embodying a siren as she delivers the song’s haunting performance. She describes “Fading Faces” as one of her most vulnerable works, blending the atmospheric qualities of her earlier releases with bold new sonic directions that set the tone for the forthcoming album.

Khal!l has unveiled the visual for his heartfelt single “Communication,” a soulful reflection on trust, love, and perseverance in a relationship. On the track, the Milwaukee singer, songwriter, and producer evokes a precious yet overwhelming sense of comfort and safety. And the video backs up that sentiment as Khalil reassures his partner that a temporary separation doesn’t erase their future together and that they can overcome any obstacle through trust and communication.
PREMIERING NOW

German-Brazilian singer-songwriter Gloria de Oliveira has released the official video for “Fading Faces,” the lead single from her upcoming album The Lying Swans, due October 30. Directed and edited by de Oliveira, the striking visual places her on a rugged coastline, embodying a siren as she delivers the song’s haunting performance. She describes “Fading Faces” as one of her most vulnerable works, blending the atmospheric qualities of her earlier releases with bold new sonic directions that set the tone for the forthcoming album.

Khal!l has unveiled the visual for his heartfelt single “Communication,” a soulful reflection on trust, love, and perseverance in a relationship. On the track, the Milwaukee singer, songwriter, and producer evokes a precious yet overwhelming sense of comfort and safety. And the video backs up that sentiment as Khalil reassures his partner that a temporary separation doesn’t erase their future together and that they can overcome any obstacle through trust and communication.
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
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NOW PLAYING ———————————————————————

The Womack Sisters continue building anticipation for their self-titled Daptone Records debut with the elegant video for “If I Let You.” Sam Cooke granddaughters bring the song’s vintage soul-pop charm to life, appearing in sophisticated matching ensembles that pay homage to iconic 1960s R&B girl groups. Performing in perfect unison, the trio delivers a graceful, polished presentation that complements the track’s textured harmonies, driving organ, and heartfelt reflection on the excitement and uncertainty of falling in love too quickly.

Jamaican poet and singer-songwriter D'Yani has announced his forthcoming 12-track album, Live Life & Prosper , arriving August 21, alongside the release of his new single, “Miss You Bad.” Following the uplifting “Journey,” the soulful track showcases D'Yani's vulnerable, romantic side with rich live instrumentation and raspy vocals. Blending lovers rock, reggae, soul, and subtle R&B, the song explores longing, unresolved love, while its sensual video reflects themes of desire and emotional distance.

French-American singer, songwriter, composer, and producer Cybèle ushers in a new chapter with her latest single, “Lovergirl.” Blending contemporary R&B with breezy pop influences, the track pairs dreamy acoustic textures with her most intimate songwriting to date, exploring love with honesty and newfound clarity. Known for fusing vintage soul with cinematic production, the trilingual artist continues to carve out her own distinctive sound, delivering a heartfelt performance that feels both deeply personal and universally relatable.

Baltimore singer/songwriter and R&B artist Aja Maria delivers a heartfelt statement with “Congratulations,” a soulful anthem celebrating resilience, healing, second chances, and personal growth. Produced by King Midas, the slow-burning track pairs warm, layered production with Aja’s emotionally precise vocals, drawing inspiration from legends like Anita Baker and Sade. Blending vulnerability with quiet confidence, “Congratulations” highlights her emergence as one of contemporary R&B’s most compelling new voices.

West Coast rapper Larry June returns with Who Coppin , his first solo album since 2024's Doing It For Me. The 16-track project features guest appearances from Jhené Aiko on "California Dream," Swizz Beatz on "Flex," and Bay Area legend B-Legit on "Win or Lose." Packed with smooth, laid-back production that perfectly complements Larry's relaxed delivery, the album showcases his focused lyricism, effortless flow, and signature blend of motivational bars and West Coast cool across an engaging collection of tracks.

Released on April 6, 1988, "Fast Car" introduced the world to Tracy Chapman's remarkable storytelling and soulful voice. The lead single from her self-titled debut album became a global breakthrough after her unforgettable performance at the Nelson Mandela 70th Birthday Tribute concert, where she captivated millions with nothing more than an acoustic guitar and her voice. The song climbed to No. 6 on the Billboard Hot 100, reached No. 5 in the UK, and helped propel Tracy Chapman to the top of the Billboard 200. Built around a subtle folk-rock arrangement, "Fast Car" tells the moving story of a couple searching for a better life while confronting the realities of poverty, hope, and disappointment. Although many listeners assumed the lyrics reflected Chapman's own experiences, she later explained the song was inspired by the working-class community she grew up around in Cleveland rather than being directly autobiographical. The accompanying music video, directed by Matt Mahurin, matched the song's quiet power with stark black-and-white imagery, featuring Chapman performing with her guitar against shadowy backdrops and photographs that reinforced the song's emotional intimacy. The legacy of "Fast Car" has only grown over the decades. The song earned Chapman a Grammy Award for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance while receiving nominations for Record and Song of the Year. It has since been embraced by new generations through successful reinterpretations by Jonas Blue, Tobtok, and Luke Combs, whose chart-topping country version helped Chapman become the first Black songwriter to win the CMA Award for Song of the Year. More than three decades after its release (and after surpassing one billion Spotify streams in 2025) "Fast Car" remains one of the most influential and enduring songs ever written.

UK record producer, DJ, singer, and songwriter Nia Archives released her second full-length studio album, Emotional Junglist, this past Friday, and it's an absolute banger. Spanning 15 tracks with only two guest appearances (Jorja Smith on the drum-heavy, rhythmic "Get Me Down" and Samoha on the loud yet wistful "Tender"), Archives crafts an immersive soundscape that explores love's ups and downs while continuing to push the boundaries of dance music. While Emotional Junglist provides the perfect soundtrack for late-night club-hopping and the yearn for nightlife hijinks, it also gives Archives space to reflect on a wide range of emotions that deepen the listening experience. "Dance With Me" is bright, pop-leaning, and carefree, balancing an effortless sense of fun with an underlying desire for peace. On "Vertical," Nia strips away every layer to reveal her vulnerability, confessing, "It's an obsession, you opened heaven," as she reflects on a past relationship. Elsewhere, songs like "The Darkest Hour" and "Lovers Grief" tackle heartbreak, self-reflection, and the pain of feeling underappreciated by someone you love. One of the album's defining moments, "Train of Thought," opens with an anime-inspired flourish that seamlessly ushers listeners into a lush, ambient, and emotionally resonant experience. Throughout the record, Archives proves herself a candid songwriter, effortlessly blending R&B, pop-rock, grunge, electronic music, and jungle with thunderous drums and syrupy yet emotionally raw vocals. The result is an album that resonates with anyone who has experienced the intimacy, joy, chaos, and personal growth that accompany relationships. Indeed, Emotional Junglist isn't just a dancefloor triumph, it is, as its title promises, a vibrant journey across the full spectrum of human emotion. Favorite Tracks: "Around the Bend", "Train of Thought", "Boys in Blue" & "Dance With Me 2nite" Rating: 9.0/10 - Simon P. Williams
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Few artists embody the promise and heartbreak of 1980s R&B quite like Sherrick. Born Lamonte Smith in Sacramento, California, the soulful singer first gained industry attention through Raynoma Gordy Singleton, a key figure in the Motown legacy. After serving as lead vocalist for the group Kagny, Sherrick launched a solo career that seemed destined for greatness. His 1987 self-titled debut album produced the R&B hit "Just Call," which climbed into the Billboard R&B Top 10 and earned him international attention. With his smooth vocals, polished image and undeniable charisma, Sherrick appeared poised to become one of the defining soul voices of his generation. But behind the success was a personal struggle that would derail his career. As his debut album gained traction, reports surfaced that Sherrick was battling cocaine addiction, a problem that increasingly overshadowed his professional ambitions. Efforts to complete a second album fell apart amid missed commitments and industry frustrations, leading even his longtime supporter Raynoma Gordy Singleton to step away from the project. By the end of the 1980s, Sherrick had largely disappeared from public view, leaving fans to wonder what had happened to a singer who seemed destined for stardom. His absence only deepened the mystery surrounding his life and career. In 1999, Sherrick hinted at a comeback, claiming he was drug-free and working on new music. Tragically, those plans ended when he died in Los Angeles at just 41 years old. The cause of death was never publicly clarified, adding another unanswered question to an already enigmatic story. Years later, his legacy became even more complicated when media personality Wendy Williams publicly alleged that he sexually assaulted her during the 1980s, an accusation depicted in her biopic through a fictionalized character. While his musical contributions remain celebrated by many R&B fans, Sherrick's story serves as a reminder that talent and tragedy often coexist, leaving behind a legacy that is both influential and deeply complicated.

When Fear of a Black Hat premiered in 1993, it arrived as one of the sharpest and funniest examinations of hip-hop culture ever put on film. Written and directed by Rusty Cundieff, the mockumentary borrowed the documentary style popularized by This Is Spinal Tap and turned its lens toward the rapidly evolving world of rap music. While some audiences initially overlooked the film, its reputation has only grown over the years, earning it cult-classic status among hip-hop fans and comedy lovers alike. More than three decades later, it remains a clever snapshot of a genre wrestling with fame, controversy, authenticity, and commercialization. At the center of the story is N.W.H. (“Niggaz With Hats”), a hilarious parody of gangsta rap groups such as N.W.A. Through the eyes of graduate student Nina Blackburn, viewers watch as Ice Cold, Tasty Taste, and Tone Def explain the supposed social significance behind their outrageous lyrics, violent imagery, and oversized hats. The film brilliantly skewers the tendency of some artists to attach elaborate political explanations to songs that are clearly designed to shock or sell records. Whether discussing tracks like “Booty Juice” or “Come and Pet the P.U.S.S.Y.,” the group’s deadpan insistence that every crude lyric carries profound meaning creates some of the movie’s funniest moments. The film’s satire extends far beyond N.W.H. itself. Nearly every aspect of early 1990s hip-hop culture receives a playful jab, from rap rivalries and record-label politics to music video clichés and the endless parade of performers using “Ice” in their stage names. Characters such as Vanilla Sherbet, Yo Highness, and M.C. Slammer parody real-life stars, while songs like “Fuck the Security Guards,” “Granny Said Kick Yo Ass,” and “Ice Froggy Frog” cleverly mimic some of the era’s biggest hits. Even serious topics, including censorship battles, racial tensions, and the quest for street credibility, are examined through a comedic lens that exposes both the absurdities and realities of the music business. Today, Fear of a Black Hat stands as more than just a comedy, it is a loving roast of hip-hop culture created by people who clearly understood and appreciated the genre. Rather than mocking rap from the outside, the film celebrated its creativity while poking fun at its contradictions. In doing so, Rusty Cundieff crafted a movie that remains surprisingly relevant, especially in an era when debates about authenticity, image, and commercial success continue to dominate hip-hop conversations. For fans of rap history, Fear of a Black Hat remains an essential and underrated tribute to a culture confident enough to laugh at itself.
OUTSIDE THE STUDIO
THE DROP ZONE ———————————————————————

Coco Jones is back with her first solo single since March's "Luvagirl," returning with the empowering new anthem "Body So Tea." Released through High Standardz/Def Jam Recordings, the mid-tempo R&B track celebrates body positivity, self-love, and unwavering confidence. Built around a playful, self-assured vibe, the song pairs sleek production with Coco's powerhouse vocals and affirming lyrics, delivering a catchy, quotable anthem that encourages listeners to embrace their beauty and celebrate themselves unapologetically.

Beenie Man teams up with Snoop Dogg, Elephant Man, and producer Kemar McGregor on the infectious new single "For You," a cross-cultural anthem that seamlessly blends dancehall and hip-hop. Anchored by vibrant production and an all-star cast that also includes Stefflon Don, Tifa, Kraff, Pamputtae, Shaniel Muir, Vanessa Bling, and Dyani, the track celebrates the musical connection between Kingston and the West Coast. With its infectious groove, global appeal, and iconic collaborators, "For You" has all the makings of a standout summer anthem.





























