NEW SINGLES —————————
As Reggae Month celebrations grow across the Caribbean, reggae’s tradition of resistance and social commentary takes center stage with a new collaborative release on reparatory justice. Grammy-winning Gramps Morgan joins Gassy Dread, the recording identity of Antigua and Barbuda Prime Minister Gaston Browne, for "Reparations", a single addressing colonialism and slavery’s lasting impact while highlighting reggae’s historic role in liberation movements and advocacy worldwide today.
UK singer/songwriter Cleo Sol opens 2026 with “Nothing Is Impossible With You,” a faith-centered slow soul track about seeking divine guidance and strength through hardship. Carried by a timid but hypnotic drum pattern and sparse production, the song highlights her warm vocals and reflective lyrics. Emphasizing resilience, gratitude, and self-growth, Sol encourages listeners to overcome doubt, cherish loved ones, and remain steadfast in faith.
NEW ALBUM
Nigerian singer and songwriter Cheque ushers in a bold new chapter with his seven-track EP YAZI , a deeply personal project rooted in emotional hip-hop, trap-infused production, and his signature melodic style. Blending Afropop with R&B and street-pop influences, Cheque reflects on ambition, faith, pressure, and resilience across standout tracks like “Goodbye” and “Ocean Dry.” From the urgent opener “Booming” to the introspective closer “Desperado,” YAZI captures an artist embracing vulnerability, growth, and renewed confidence with honest storytelling and expressive soundscapes.
PREMIERING NOW
Brooklyn artist Chelsie Denise, also known as “NYC’s Sweetheart,” delivers raw emotion in the official video for “Cry For Me.” The visual tells a Brooklyn love story about loyalty, struggle and betrayal, following a couple who build together only for success to fracture their bond. Offering a modern twist on Jay-Z’s “Song Cry,” the track captures heartbreak, resilience and the bittersweet power of walking away.
From her third and latest album Do You Still Love Me?, Ella Mai unveils the visuals for “Outside,” a single that finds the Grammy-winning singer returning to the romantic honesty that first made her a fan favorite. In the video, Mai embraces vulnerability as she navigates single life, balancing independence with a lingering desire ("If that phone lights up, say the word and I'm there.") for love and genuine connection.
NOW PLAYING ———————————————————————
PHABO continues his ascent in modern R&B with Ratchet & Blues . On the new project the independent LA singer-songwriter blends church-trained vocals with candid storytelling, reflecting a decade spent refining his sound. Still brimming from his 2021 debut Soulquarius a half-decade later, PHABO delivers a confident, late-’90s and 2000s-inspired sonic world. Across 15 tracks Ratchet & Blues also showcases his range as a writer and collaborator while cementing his status as one of R&B’s most compelling breakout voices.
Toronto-based reggae, pop, soul, and jazz artist Belinda Brady delivers a powerful visual for “Rise Up,” a stirring anthem inspired by the devastation of Hurricane Melissa. Released via Slammin’ Media and Believe Distribution, the Eddie Bullen-produced track channels resilience and unity while supporting relief efforts in western Jamaica. Brady’s commanding vocals and heartfelt storytelling transform tragedy into hope, with the video underscoring a call for solidarity, action, and collective healing through music with purpose.
British R&B singer Naomi Scott continues to preview her upcoming album F.I.G with the emotionally charged single “Losing You.” Following earlier releases “Sweet Nausea” and “Cut Me Loose,” the track finds Scott confronting the unraveling of a once-promising relationship, capturing the uncertainty and ache of impending heartbreak. Through introspective lyrics and vulnerable delivery, she explores distance, doubt and acceptance, further shaping her debut project F.I.G ., an album that sonically embraces the messy, honest journey toward becoming one’s true self.
Alicia Creti unveils a striking new video for “No One’s Business,” directed by Fabrice Rosier, matching the song’s smoldering, classic R&B energy. The Montreal native, now Los Angeles-based, showcases her timeless, soulful voice with poise and emotional depth as the visuals lean into intimacy and mood. Backed by Pop Wansel and Andrew Shadrow’s ’90s-inspired production, Creti’s vulnerable yet powerful performance signals a breakthrough moment in the making.
Dublin-based Nigerian-Irish singer-songwriter F3miii steps into a defining chapter with “Noble,” a self-written, recorded, and produced single showcasing his melodic vocals and emotionally rich songwriting. Blending intimacy and widescreen pop sensibilities, the track highlights his growing momentum following millions of streams and major festival appearances. With dozens of Spotify editorial placements and rising industry recognition, “Noble” arrives as a confident statement of artistry, positioning F3miii as a compelling new voice firmly on the ascent.
West Coast lyricist Ras Kass is gearing up to release his long-awaited album Leopard Eats Face on February 13, and he’s setting the tone with the new single “Hit List.” Produced by Genre and S Class, the track arrives with a dark, haunting video directed by Gifted Glitch that amplifies its gritty narrative through ominous imagery and visceral effects. Both warning shot and manifesto, “Hit List” showcases Ras Kass’ sharp intellect and uncompromising bars ahead of the highly anticipated project.
After a 10-year wait, J. Cole has finally released The Fall-Off, his seventh and purportedly final studio album, arriving February 6 as a 24-track double LP. Executive produced by Cole, Ibrahim “IB” Hamad and T-Minus, the project is split into “Disc 29” and “Disc 39,” reflecting his journey from a rising Fayetteville MC to a seasoned 41-year-old veteran. Framed as a full-circle moment and potential farewell, the album captures a decade-long rollout and Cole’s evolution, positioning The Fall-Off as a defining closing chapter in the Dreamville leader’s celebrated career.
DC-bred rapper Wale has released the visual for “Watching Us,” featuring Grammy winner Leon Thomas, offering a stylish companion to a standout track from his eighth album Everything Is A Lot. Directed by Hidji, the video contrasts intimate at-home moments with scenes of nightlife glamour as the pair move through upscale party settings. Built around a sample of Goapele’s “Closer,” the track blends smooth nostalgia with modern polish, marking another confident step in Wale’s return following his late-2025 comeback.
UK Jazz visionary Shabaka returns with “Eyes Lowered,” the latest single from his upcoming album Of the Earth. The deeply personal project marks the UK multi-instrumentalist’s first time rapping on record, inspired by André 3000’s fearless creative exploration. Entirely written, produced, performed and recorded by Hutchings, the album also sees him reunite with the saxophone after an 18-month hiatus. Following earlier singles “A Future Untold” and “Marwa The Mountain,” “Eyes Lowered” signals an intimate new chapter.
Dutch singer Leven Kali is giving fans room to “Breathe!” as he gears up for his upcoming album LK99, arriving this spring. Following last summer’s LK99: The Prelude EP, the self-produced single blends disco-inspired guitar, funky bass and pulsing drums into a sleek, dancefloor-ready groove. Toggling between motivational pep talk and sensual vibe, “Breathe!” captures Kali’s retro-soul aesthetic while offering a fresh preview of the fully realized LK99 era now on the horizon.
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, hip-hop fans revisit “Me, Myself and I,” the groundbreaking 1989 single by De La Soul. Released in March 1989 from their debut album 3 Feet High and Rising, the song became the trio’s only No. 1 on the U.S. Billboard R&B chart while also topping the Dance Club Play chart. Built around a Funkadelic sample and playful lyricism, the track helped define alternative rap’s creative freedom at the dawn of the 1990s. Written as a response to critics labeling them “hippies of hip-hop,” the song saw members like Posdnuos and Trugoy The Dove push back against industry expectations and celebrate individuality. Producers including Prince Paul crafted a radio-friendly groove sampling Funkadelic’s “(Not Just) Knee Deep,” though the group initially resisted its commercial sound before recording what would become a defining anthem of self-expression. The satirical music video, directed by Charles Stone III, featured cameos from members of A Tribe Called Quest, including Q-Tip and Ali Shaheed Muhammad, reinforcing the song’s message of authenticity over conformity. Today (February 12, 2026) also marks the third anniversary of Trugoy’s passing, making this throwback a poignant reminder of De La Soul’s lasting legacy and the timeless power of staying true to oneself.
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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OUTSIDE THE STUDIO
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.
Actress and producer Issa Rae and Grammy Award-winning artist Tems have officially become the newest co-owners of San Diego FC, Major League Soccer’s newest expansion team.
Toni Braxton is turning her 2000 Billboard #1 hit “He Wasn’t Man Enough” into a made-for-TV moment, joining forces with Lifetime for a new original film premiering Saturday, November 22. The GRAMMY-winning superstar not only stars as the lead but also serves as executive producer as part of her multi-film deal with the
THE DROP ZONE ———————————————————————
Rising R&B singer-songwriter Girlfriend continues to define her own lane with Honey Water , a ten-song project that reflects her most confident era yet. Mississippi-born and Los Angeles-based, she blends Southern warmth with West Coast intimacy, delivering honest, emotionally precise storytelling. Released via Encore Recordings, the feature-free project is entirely self-written, with Girlfriend also serving as co-executive producer. Anchored by the introspective track “Deep,” Honey Water explores desire, healing, and self-discovery through cohesive production and vulnerability-driven songwriting.
Legendary R&B icon Johnny Gill returns with the music video for his new single “One Night,” a passionate, sensual ballad written by Gregg Pagani and Francesca Richard. The visual matches the song’s grown-and-sexy, traditional R&B feel, reflecting Gill’s renewed creative focus and deep connection with his fans. The release arrives as Gill announces an upcoming tour, while continuing his legacy with New Edition, who are also preparing for a 2026 North American run.
Memphis rapper and singer Brezay links with Akeem Ali on the official video for “Overthinker’s Dance,” a smooth, emotionally aware track that explores the tension between anxious thoughts and self-expression. The visual brings that inner conflict to life through movement and mood. Jackson, Mississippi native Ali adds his signature ’70s-inspired flair, blending swooning rap lyrics with melodic hooks and a funk-disco groove.
Mýa has ushered in a new era with the release of her latest single, “A.S.A.P.,” the lead track from an upcoming project years in the making. Co-produced with LaMar “MyGuyMars” Edwards and co-written with Vince Berry, the sultry, ’80s-tinged midtempo finds Mýa leaning into funk and soul influences while addressing love, accountability, and communication. “A.S.A.P.” captures a red-hot romance worth fighting for, setting the tone for her next chapter in contemporary R&B.
Nigerian artist Islambo continues to elevate his profile with the release of “Oh My Days,” a vibrant new track that highlights his vocal strength and evolving artistry. Blending infectious energy with polished, authentic production, the record showcases Islambo’s growing sonic range and confidence. With its captivating melodies and undeniable appeal, “Oh My Days” stands as a strong addition to his expanding catalog, reinforcing his place in the contemporary music landscape and signaling an artist steadily earning wider recognition.
Styles P heads to the U.K. for the video to “Ride In / Ride Out,” a new single produced by Superb Dova. Directed by ASB and ill Will and filmed by @shotbyillwill, the visuals unfold largely inside London Fields’ Number One Café—famously recognized as a key meeting spot in Top Boy. The LOX rapper brings his signature grit to the international backdrop, pairing sharp lyricism with cinematic street imagery.
Jordan Ward embodies the modern R&B artist—emotionally open, introspective, and unafraid to explore uncertainty. On his second album, Backward , the dancer-turned-singer reflects on alienation, growth, and empathy through polished tracks like “Ross Fit,” “Noisy Neighbors,” and the Sailorr-assisted “Smokin’ Potina.” Executive producer Lido blends Seventies soul with singer-songwriter warmth and Eighties synth textures, creating fluid musical shifts. Though Ward admits he doesn’t have life fully figured out, his confident artistry and emotional honesty keeps Backward engaging and forward-moving.
Eclectic, Philly-bred singer Bilal has unveiled the official video for “Quantum Universe,” a standout from his 2024 album Adjust Brightness . Experimental and rock-leaning, the track pairs a cosmic sense of scale with rich funk and soul textures. Created, edited, and directed by Shiro Fujioka for @voltagectrlr, the visual amplifies the song’s otherworldly tone.
Hackney-born vocalist Bel Cobain returns with “Am I Dumb,” an emotionally charged single fueled by anger and self-reflection. Released via Brownswood Recordings, the track pairs soulful delivery with jagged production, exposing raw feeling beneath her polished sound. Exploring self-blame and toxic cycles, her commanding vocals ride eerie percussion. Known for a mystique echoing Kate Bush, Bel transforms vulnerability into connection, revealing her most authentic self.