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By Cleon Alert June 4, 2025
GRAMMY-winning global superstar Tyla has releases the music video for her latest single, “Bliss,” directed by Director X. Set against an explosive desert backdrop, the visual showcases Tyla’s emotional vulnerability and bold artistry through intimate close-ups and striking imagery. Following her 2025 American Music Award win for Favorite Afrobeats Artist, “Bliss” adds to her growing legacy, which includes her record-breaking debut album TYLA and triple-platinum hit “Water.”
By Status Ain't Hood Staff June 3, 2025
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By Status Aint Hood Staff June 2, 2025
Afro-Latina Christian R&B sensation Lee Vasi makes a powerful debut with Love Me To Life, a deeply personal 12-track LP released today. Named one of Amazon Music’s 2025 Artists to Watch, Lee blends soul, bilingual pop, and Christian R&B to explore themes of faith, healing, identity, and self-reclamation. With no features, her raw voice shines through standout tracks like “Como Amor” and “My Bad Pt. II,” offering a bold, emotionally rich introduction to her artistry.
By Satus Aint Hood Staff June 2, 2025
Justine Skye makes her Warner Records debut with “Oh Lala,” a euphoric, KAYTRANADA-produced single celebrating dance, rhythm, and self-liberation. The duo’s chemistry shines in the music video, where KAYTRANADA also stars. The track is featured in Nike’s new Air Max DN8 campaign, which premiered last week.
By Status Aint Hood Staff June 2, 2025
Multi-BRIT Award and Mercury Prize nominee Olivia Dean returns with her new single “Nice To Each Other,” released via Island Records. Reuniting with producers Matt Hales and Zach Nahome, the track follows her recent Bridget Jones film single. Blending breezy guitar melodies and soulful vocals, the song explores the complexities of modern love in Dean’s signature heartfelt, timeless style.
By Status Aint Hood Staff June 2, 2025
Harlem, NY R&B artist Journey Montana has released the official music video for “Hollywood,” a standout track from her debut album Lucky Girl Syndrome. Produced by Grammy winner DJ Camper, the song explores the pursuit of fame and self-empowerment. The video opens with a tense audition scene and transitions to symbolic visuals of transformation, including a moment of immersion in water. It concludes with Journey confidently navigating Los Angeles, embracing her growth and claiming her place in Hollywood.
By Staus Aint Hood Staff June 2, 2025
Here's the new music video of Alicia Keys' "The River" which offers a first look and listen to soon-to-be Hell's Kitchen Broadway star Amanda Reid. Reid is joining the Keys musical May 27 at the Shubert Theatre, succeeding Tony-winning original star Maleah Joi Moon, who played her final performance March 30. 
By Status Ain't Hood Staff May 16, 2025
Rihanna is back with new music—sort of. The pop icon has released “Friend of Mine,” her first new song in three years, as part of the upcoming Smurfs movie soundtrack, in which she also voices Smurfette. Debuting in the latest trailer for the animated film, the track arrives just days after Rihanna revealed her third pregnancy at the Met Gala, fueling even more anticipation for her long-awaited next album. Check out the video for "Friend of Mine" here.
By Status Ain't Hood Staff May 12, 2025
Evvie McKinney’s latest single, “Believe In Jesus,” featuring Grammy-winner Doe, is a bold, inspiring anthem of faith. With its acoustic, mid-tempo groove and crossover appeal, the song delivers a powerful message of hope, gratitude, and unshakable belief in Christ. Both artists shine vocally, bringing raw emotion and authenticity. It’s simple, memorable, and spiritually uplifting—a much-needed reminder that we’re never alone.
By Status Ain't Hood Staff May 9, 2025
Mya returns with her introspective new single “Face to Face,” blending vulnerability with vintage flair. Teaming up with longtime collaborators Lamar “MyGuyMars” Edwards and Mike & Keys , she channels an ’80s vibe reminiscent of The S.O.S. Band, even interpolating their classic hit. It’s a soulful, synth-laced journey that proves Mya’s artistry only deepens with time.
By Cleon Alert May 8, 2025
Eric Roberson teams up with Grammy-nominated BJ The Chicago Kid on his soulful new single, “Where You Gonna Go,” now available on all platforms. Co-written and co-produced by Roberson and Rodney Jones, the track blends 70s soul, Detroit hip hop, and gospel influences. Inspired by personal reflection, it encourages self-worth and emotional growth. The music video, directed by Steven Jon, recently premiered on BETSOUL and BET.com, further elevating the song’s powerful, introspective message.
By Cleon Alert May 8, 2025
Leela James delivers a soulful dose of love and hope with her new single “Right On Time,” a smooth, heartfelt track produced by longtime collaborator Rex Rideout. Backed by mellow bass, synth, and drums, James’ rich vocals shine as she sings about love arriving just when it’s needed most. Co-written with Rideout, Ethan Ridings, and Francesca Richard, the song is a timely reminder of love’s quiet magic—perfect for fans old and new as she celebrates 20 years in music.
By Cleon Alert May 7, 2025
Summer Walker turns up the drama in the glamorous new video for her single “Spend It,” the second release from her upcoming album Finally Over It. Directed by Lesly Lynch, the heist-themed visual features star-studded cameos from Blac Chyna, Eric Roberts, andP-Valley’s Brandee Evans, Gail Bean, and Miracle Watts. With a high-stakes safe-cracking mission and a surprise twist ending featuring Joanne the Scammer, “Spend It” delivers suspense, style, and signature Summer flair.
By Cleon Alert May 7, 2025
Mariah the Scientist, the queen of “Alt&B,” returns with Burning Blue—a heartfelt ballad full of soaring vocals and lush strings. The single signals a bold new chapter ahead of her fourth studio album. Catch her this summer at major festivals, including Lollapalooza and Governors Ball, as she teases what’s next.
By Status Ain't Hood Staff May 6, 2025
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By Cleon Alert May 4, 2025
Eric Benet's brand new single “Can’t Wait” featuring Keri Hilson has been making a buzz around town, so why not a visual to accompany the hit song? Set in a club/lounge, and featuring a cameo from reniwned DJ D-Nice, the videa adds plenty of flavor for a track that's already proven to be one of 2025's smoothest and sexiest grooves.
By Cleon Alert May 3, 2025
"Unconquerable Soul" is the stirring new single from Los Angeles-based R&B/gospel composer, pianist, and singer/songwriter Marcus Anthony Mack. This multi-layered, cinematic track serves as a prelude to Mack's forthcoming album "Whatever Gods" which is set to come out in June.
By Cleon Alert May 2, 2025
Veteran R&B artist Trey Songz drops his new single “Gimme a Chance”, which blends sparse, snappy drums and haunting vocals with a slick, melodic half-rap, building to an urgent chorus wrapped in raw, emotional honesty that is Trey's signature..
By Cleon Alert May 2, 2025
Tamar Braxton returns with a powerful new single, “You On You,” which has debuted at No. 28 on Billboard’s Adult R&B Airplay chart dated May 10. Produced by Tricky Stewart, the track marks Braxton’s 13th entry on the chart and reunites her with the producer behind her 2000 debut hit “If You Don’t Wanna Love Me.” “You On You” follows her 2024 No. 1 duet with Eric Benét, “Something We Can Make Love To,” and continues her streak of emotionally rich, vocally dynamic R&B offerings.
By Cleon Alert May 1, 2025
Jamaican dancehall star Vybz Kartel enlists fellow Jamaican artist Ishwana for a the thumping new single "Woof".
By Cleon Alert April 25, 2025
Grammy-winning singer and songwriter Ledisi unveils her 14th studio album, The Crown, via Listen Back Entertainment/BMG. Featuring 11 dynamic tracks, the album blends R&B, soul, gospel, dance, and uplifting grooves to create a timeless, genre-defying sound. Executive produced by Ledisi, The Crown showcases her artistic freedom and emotional depth, living in a space of joy and truth. The project includes contributions from standout producers Rex Rideout, Camper, Ray Keys, and Jacques “JOC” Pierre.
By Cleon Alert April 25, 2025
Rising R&B artist RAAHiiM drops his new single “Just Like Me,” his first release since NiiGHTBEFORESERVICE under his new MNRK Music Group deal. The track reflects his emotional conflict between desire and life’s uncertainties. Known for his raw, soulful sound, the Toronto native joins Jessie Reyez’s North American tour this summer. With over 50 million streams on his breakout single “Peak (Fed Up),” RAAHiiM continues to resonate deeply with R&B fans.
By Cleon Alert April 25, 2025
Brooklyn-based producer Allen Chen, known as Aguava, returns with “Flying Fish,” a genre-blending deep house single that fuses Afro-Cuban jazz, bossa nova, disco, and ’90s house. Bright trumpet lines by Paul Giess and danceable keys create an upbeat, sunlit vibe—evoking brunches, lounges, and spontaneous joy. Originally written during sessions for Aguava’s Latin-inspired EP Cuando Sueño, the track didn’t make the final cut but found a life of its own. Its quirky name emerged from Aguava’s past habit of impulsively titling tracks on the spot—this one stuck. “Flying Fish” captures the feeling of movement, memory, and playful musical experimentation.
By Cleon Alert April 23, 2025
Akon shares the visuals for his heartfelt new single, "Never Really Mattered". This single and video gives fans a second taste of Akon's highly anticipated album Not Guilty, set to release in June.
By Cleon Alert April 23, 2025
By Cleon Alert April 22, 2025
Jamaican roots reggae rebel Dax Lion drops his hard-hitting new single "Cry, Baby," blending raw emotion with a heavy groove and righteous fire.
By Cleon Alert April 22, 2025
GRAMMY-nominated singer Ari Lennox ushers in her “Soft Girl Era” with a dreamy, pink-hued video for her hit single of the same name. Directed by Chris Robinson, the visual features playful choreography, cozy vibes, and bestie energy, all wrapped in Lennox’s signature soul. Fans are loving every second—from the bonnet to the split—as she reclaims softness in style.
By Cleon Alert April 18, 2025
Nigerian-American singer-songwriter and record producer Davido’s fifth studio album, 5ive, is a bold, reflective celebration of love, legacy, and resilience. At 32, the Afrobeats superstar looks back on a 12-year reign marked by success, heartbreak, and personal growth. With rich percussion, standout collaborations, and heartfelt lyrics, 5ive leans into romance and introspection—anchored by the regal spoken-word intro from poet Alhanislam.
By Cleon Alert April 18, 2025
Doechii’s “Anxiety” video is a raw, visually arresting portrayal of inner turmoil and emotional vulnerability. Through haunting imagery and poetic lyricism, she explores the complexities of mental health, self-acceptance, and survival. The video amplifies her message with surreal aesthetics, making “Anxiety” a powerful statement on strength through struggle.
By Cleon Alert April 15, 2025
Harlem-based visionary Candice Hoyes returns with “Far Away Star,” a powerful jazz reinterpretation of a Swedish traditional song, inspired by Duke Ellington’s 1978 recording. Collaborating with Grammy-winner Ted Nash, Hoyes delivers soaring opera-infused vocals and original lyrics that explore Black ancestral history, justice, and freedom—marking a stirring and genre-blending start to her year.
By Cleon Alert March 24, 2025
Doechii’s viral hit “Anxiety” gets a powerful new chapter with the release of its official music video. The Grammy-winning artist, recently named Billboard’s Woman of the Year, says she’s deeply moved by how fans have connected with the track, which she wrote years ago. With over 1.8 million TikToks and a dance trend embraced by stars like Will Smith andSesame Street, the video is set to keep “Anxiety” at the forefront of culture.
By Cleon Alert March 6, 2025
Ghanaian-American singer/songwriter Moliy teams up with Skillibeng and Shenseea for the video/remix of “Shake It to the Max (Fly),” produced by Silent Addy. The dancehall-Afrobeats fusion debuted at #16 on Billboard’s US Afrobeats chart, marking another chart entry for both Jamaican stars, who’ve previously collaborated with Tyla and Fireboy DML.
By Cleon Alert April 22, 2015
Reggae star Shaggy and English pop sensation Sting (who previously collaborated on 2018's 44/876 album) join forces again on this "Til A Mawnin" (Remix).