NEW SINGLES —————————
South African vocalist Rowlene ushers in a new era with her soul-stirring single “Last Seen.” Blending R&B, pop and hip-hop influences, the track explores heartbreak turning into healing and self-discovery. Rooted in honesty and reflection, it captures the moment clarity replaces confusion, signaling a bold chapter defined by growth and emotional awareness and intention moving forward confidently with purpose and renewed artistic vision.
GRAMMY-nominated, multi-platinum rapper Coi Leray keeps her momentum blazing with “Better Than Yours,” featuring YoungBoy Never Broke Again. The mosh pit-ready track showcases her genre-bending versatility, with both artists delivering commanding performances. Built around an interpolation of the hit 2003 single "Milkshake" by Kelis, the single pulses with infectious energy and undeniable hit potential.
NEW ALBUM
Rising singer-songwriter Chelsea Jordan delivers heartfelt vulnerability on her new EP better late than not at all, released via Arista Records. The six-track project traces heartbreak, reflection, and optimism, capturing the emotional journey of outgrowing love. Featuring standout songs like “halfwaythru” and “picky choosy,” the EP blends soulful storytelling with renewed self-prioritization, showcasing Chelsea’s most intimate songwriting yet while marking a powerful step forward in her evolving artistry and emotional clarity.
PREMIERING NOW
Nas and DJ Premier reunited in New York to film the video for “GiT Ready,” directed by Jean-Charles Charavin. Inspired by architecture, finance, and technology, the visual highlights their talents, with Premier on the turntables and Nas delivering verses while showcasing subtle signs of success. The track appears on their 2025 album Light-Years, released decades after their Illmatic collaborations, and closes Mass Appeal’s Legend Has It… series honoring hip-hop icons.
Norwegian-Nigerian singer-songwriter Tolou released the vibrant music video for “Body,” directed by Rare Chaba, from her debut album Energy. Filmed in Lagos, the visual reflects the song’s joyful, sensual, and uplifting spirit, inspired by Tolou’s connection to her heritage. As the album’s closing track, “Body” brings the project full circle, blending pop, soul, R&B, and Afro-influenced sounds while showcasing her cultural identity, emotional depth, and intention to leave listeners with a powerful, radiant sense of energy.
NOW PLAYING ———————————————————————
Netherlands-based singer-songwriter Joya Mooi and Nigerian artist Lady Donli unite on “Only Water,” a fluid, Afrobeats-tinged R&B track blending warm bass, soft keys, and layered harmonies. Inspired by Olympic diver Greg Louganis, the song reflects resilience, healing, and finding sanctuary amid adversity. Released via Unity Records, the collaboration feels intimate yet expansive, as both artists deliver a quietly powerful moment that resonates far beyond its smooth, richly immersive soundscape.
UK DJ/producer Shy One delivers a richly textured homage to London’s club culture with her debut album Mali. Blending house, jazz, and UK breakbeat, the project reflects her creative rebirth while honoring Black British electronic music. Highlights like “I Can Tell” with George Riley and “Driving On Sand” featuring Steve Spacek showcase her dynamic range, while collaborations with James Massiah add depth to this immersive, late-night sonic journey.
France’s coolest young pop star Theodora ushers in her “Sexy music for life” era with the vibrant new single "Miss Kitoko". Delivered in her native French, the track blends drum and bass with Creole folk influences and Caribbean sounds like bouyon, creating a fast, infectious groove built for the dancefloor. Confident and stylish, Theodora (also known as Boss Lady) leans into bold energy, crafting a track that feels both global and club-ready.
“I Won't” marks another bold visual for Chloe Couture, the daughter of Harlem rapper Max B, as she steps confidently into her own spotlight. The Brooklyn-born, Panamanian talent delivers a dance-driven anthem centered on independence, trust, and self-identity, pairing raw authenticity with fearless energy. Set in a studio, the video highlights her sharp choreography and presence, while nodding to her father’s “wavy” legacy, signaling a fresh new wave in music.
“Talk To Me Nuh” reunites Shenseea and Vybz Kartel over vibrant production from Rvssian, delivering a high-energy dancehall anthem primed for parties. Shenseea glides effortlessly across the hook and first verse with melodic finesse, while Kartel commands the second verse with his signature charisma and edge. Directed by Shane Creative, the video showcases dynamic choreography and the trio’s chemistry. The release also marks a full-circle reunion since their hit 2016 single “Loodi,” arriving as both stars earn 2026 MOBO Awards nominations for Best Caribbean Music Act.
Multi-platinum singer-songwriter Jacquees teams with R&B star Tink for the sultry duet “Physical,” released via Cash Money Records. The track features smooth, mood-setting production as the pair trade flirtatious verses about growing chemistry, their voices blending into a seductive back-and-forth. The single arrives as Jacquees builds momentum for his upcoming album Mood
UK singer/songwriter James Blake delivers another emotionally rich moment with the official video for “Doesn’t Just Happen,” featuring a powerful verse fromBritish rapper Dave. Blake’s soulful vocals and airy production frame Dave’s deeply introspective bars, where he reflects on guilt, relationships, and the weight of past choices. The gripping performance becomes the song’s emotional centerpiece, transforming Blake’s chorus into a meditation on redemption and consequence, while the visual underscores the track’s haunting, reflective tone.
Samara Cyn steps into a bold new era with the official video for “oooshxt!,” the bass-heavy lead single from her upcoming EP Detour. Produced by Sherwyn, Kendo, and Pera, the track pairs distorted low-end with Cyn’s sharp, controlled delivery, channeling a futuristic party vibe reminiscent of Missy Elliott’s ’90s sound. Directed by Toy Oridami and Cyn herself, the playful visual captures the Tennessee-born, Los Angeles-based artist joking around with friends, celebrating the freedom and confidence that fuel this exciting new chapter.
Pop duo Haute & Freddy (comprised of songwriters Michelle Buzz and Lance Shipp) unveil their debut album Big Disgrace , a bold slice of maximalist pop inspired by ’80s synth-pop and modern acts like Chappell Roan, Carly Rae Jepsen, and Lady Gaga. Known for their theatrical visuals and extravagant style, the longtime industry songwriters use the album to showcase their eccentric, over-the-top creativity. While opener “Symphony For A Queen” leans heavily into musical theater, later tracks highlight the duo’s colorful, personality-driven pop sound.
Bailey Hyneman showcases practical vulnerability on her new single “Better Days.” The Memphis-born, NYC-based singer who's noted for her eclectic (jazz, soul, pop, and gospel) influences, gets more soulful on the reflective track, which explores the struggle of losing oneself during life’s hardest moments while still holding on to hope. Over a lively yet relaxed groove, Hyneman’s mature songwriting and powerful vocal delivery shine as she reminds listeners that not every day has a silver lining and not every friendship lasts, but perseverance can still lead to brighter days.
GloRilla’s recent public clash with her sister Victoria “Scar Face” Woods has ignited a familiar and uncomfortable conversation about fame, family, and financial obligation. Since breaking out in 2022 with “F.N.F. (Let’s Go)” and quickly ascending to mainstream success with charting singles, awards, and a top-five debut album, the Memphis rapper has become one of hip-hop’s fastest-rising stars. But with that success has come an expectation that she must now serve as the financial backbone of an extended family, a burden that too often gets placed on the first person to “make it” out of difficult circumstances. Scar Face’s claims that GloRilla has abandoned family members in need tap into a narrative that success equals permanent responsibility. Yet the evidence suggests a far more complicated reality. GloRilla has publicly shown moments of generosity toward her parents and loved ones, and other family members have stepped forward to defend her support over the years. Her response (including sharing a message of appreciation from her mother and urging her sister to seek employment) may have felt blunt, but it underscored a necessary point: providing help does not mean surrendering one’s autonomy or becoming an endless source of cash for anyone who asks.
This Throwback Thursday, we revisit the timeless elegance of Dionne Warwick and her 1964 classic “Walk On By.” Written by Burt Bacharach and Hal David, the song became one of Warwick’s signature hits, peaking at No. 6 on the Billboard Hot 100 and topping the R&B charts. The track’s emotional restraint and sweeping arrangement helped define an era, later earning a Grammy nomination and a well-deserved spot in the Grammy Hall of Fame. Recorded in New York City during the same sessions that produced “Anyone Who Had a Heart,” “Walk On By” showcased Warwick’s unmatched vocal control and storytelling. The song’s influence has stretched across decades, with Isaac Hayes delivering a memorable reinterpretation in 1969, and even inspiring modern hits like "Paint the Town Red" by Doja Cat, which sampled the original recording and introduced her voice to a new generation of listeners. A 6-time Grammy Award winner, Warwick’s legacy continues to evolve. Just last week, she announced she’s working on her final album, DWuets , set for release later this spring. As “Walk On By” reminds us, her artistry is truly timeless, bridging generations with grace, soul, and an unmistakable voice that still resonates today.
British/Nigerian singer-songwriter 9DAYS returns with African Girls Do Cry (Deluxe), a fearless project that fuses intimate lyricism with sleek contemporary production, reaffirming her artistry as both bold and deeply personal. While the deluxe edition preserves the emotional core of her debut, it introduces three new tracks (“Poison Ivy,” “Can I Be Loved?” and “Under Yellow”) that broaden the album’s narrative and sonic scope. Blending introspective songwriting with polished production, these additions sit seamlessly alongside standout originals like “Vida” and the title track. Throughout the album, 9DAYS strikes a careful balance between confessional storytelling and richly textured arrangements. Her smooth, expressive vocals glide over subtle yet engaging instrumentals, creating a sound that feels both modern and emotionally grounded. The new songs add layers of resilience and reflection, exploring themes of identity, love, and self-discovery with notable maturity. Each performance carries warmth and immediacy, drawing listeners into a space that feels personal and sincere. More than an extension of the original, African Girls Do Cry (Deluxe) stands as a compelling statement of 9DAYS’ artistic evolution. The album unfolds with natural cohesion, pairing infectious hooks with quieter, contemplative moments to shape a fluid listening experience. Introspective, empowering, and endlessly replayable, it highlights her growing ability to merge heart, craftsmanship, and authenticity into a body of work that resonates long after the final track. Standout Tracks: “African Girls Do Cry”, “Feels Like Home”, & “Can I Be Loved?” Rating: 8.5/10 - Joy Nkirote
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Snoop Dogg has officially signed on to star in director Eli Roth’s upcoming horror film, marking a new chapter in their longtime creative partnership.
The Detroit Pistons announced last month an expanded partnership with multi-platinum recording artist and Detroit native Big Sean, naming him the franchise’s Creative Director of Global Experience.
THE DROP ZONE ———————————————————————
Momo Boyd, best known as a member of Infinity Song, steps into her solo spotlight with the debut single “Strong.” After drawing attention for her recent feature on Baby Keem’s “Good Flirts” alongside Kendrick Lamar, Boyd channels her soulful style into a candid track about feeling taken for granted in a rocky relationship. Indeed, “Strong” pairs heartfelt vulnerability with a warm, girl-next-door charm, highlighting Momo's distinctive voice and emotional songwriting.
Glenn Lewis returns with his new single “Past Tense,” produced by Seige Monstracity. On the new single, the Grammy-nominated Canadian Neo-soul singer, with more than two decades in the music business, blends smooth vocals with the heartfelt storytelling longtime fans have always loved. In the song, Glenn yearns for a woman to finally stop giving a man endless second chances at love, a theme underscored by the poignant line: “Ain’t like you ain’t give that man a chance / I think it’s time you should give someone else who can.”
Rising NYC-based artist Xaviersobased’s new video for 'seen a lot of things” brings the Dominican rapper’s eclectic world to life. Shot by Walker Andrews, the visual finds Xaviersobased and Bronx artist-producer Ksuuvi cooking and baking cookies in a restaurant kitchen, a playful metaphor for “cooking up heat” while on the grind. The track, from his January 2026 debut album Xavier , floats over a gritty yet airy soundscape, reflecting a variety of influences as well as Xaviersobased's unique sound.
Liv.e and Karriem Riggins join forces as GENA (short for God Energy, Naturally Amazing) on their debut album The Pleasure Is Yours . The 16-track project blends jazz, soul, R&B, funk, and hip-hop, pairing Liv.e’s smoky, agile vocals with Riggins’ warm, kinetic percussion. After quietly performing together in 2025, the duo shaped a retro-futurist sound that reflects their deep musical roots, from Riggins’ collaborations with J Dilla and Erykah Badu to Liv.e’s acclaimed albums Couldn’t Wait To Tell You… and Girl In The Half Pear l.
Some 28 years later, Jay-Z finally releases the video for “Wishing on a Star,” his 1998 cover featuring Gwen Dickey of Rose Royce. Originally absent from the U.S., the track appeared on the U.K. edition of In My Lifetime, Vol. 1 and later compilations. The new visual stars child actor and choreographer David Sincere Aiken portraying a young Jay-Z growing up in Marcy Houses and the visual arrives alongside an anniversary reissue and limited vinyl with “Brooklyn’s Finest” on the B-side.
Ahead of his upcoming album Distracted , arriving April 3 via Brainfeeder, Thundercat has shared the new single "ThunderWave" featuring WILLOW. The track follows earlier releases including collaborations with Mac Miller, Lil Yachty, and Flying Lotus. Built around Thundercat’s hypnotic bass groove and shimmering synths, the hazy R&B duet also features harmonies and guitar licks from WILLOW. Co-written with pop producer Greg Kurstin, the song blends falsetto harmonies and splashy textures into a dreamy, playful collaboration.
Award-winning Kenyan singer-songwriter Njerae has kicked off the year with her new single "Ingia Ndani", produced by acclaimed hitmaker Hendrick Sam. Known for her soulful Afro-Indie sound, Njerae delivers a warm and intimate anthem about emotional vulnerability and inviting love in. The track, whose Swahili title translates to “come inside,” blends catchy melodies with heartfelt storytelling. It follows her 2023 EP Four Letter Word and arrives ahead of Njerae's upcoming Australian tour, reinforcing her rising global presence.
While touring North America on the Boys 4 Life Tour with Bow Wow and B2K, Omarion continues building momentum with the music video for 'Fantasy'. The mid-tempo R&B track previews his upcoming album O2 , the conceptual follow-up to O . Blending atmospheric production, sensual lyrics, and polished choreography, the Kimata-directed visual highlights Omarion’s signature vocals and dance-driven style while introducing the artistic direction of his next musical era.
Rising R&B singer Pimmie has released her debut album Don’t Come Home via OVO Sound, the label founded by Drake. Dropping March 6, the 10-track project introduces the Houston artist’s smooth vocals and candid songwriting, highlighting her emotional range across modern R&B production. Led by the single "Bet", the album blends vulnerability with quiet confidence. Pimmie first gained attention with an interlude on Some Sexy Songs 4 U , the collaborative project from Drake and PARTYNEXTDOOR that dropped last year.