Avara - Levitate [Music Video]
Rising indie vocalist Avara’s “Levitate” music video, directed and produced by Vinaini Jayasinghe, brings a moody elegance to her R&B and contemporary soul sound. The Indian-American artist, born in NYC, delivers a sultry performance while dressed as a ballerina, gracefully spinning and executing pole acrobatics in a dark, airy setting while blending her classical dance training. Paired with lyrics about independence and self-worth, Avara’s hypnotic movements mirror her message of emotional detachment, creating a visually captivating and empowering experience that lingers well beyond the final note.
British-Nigerian singer-songwriter Ebubé introduces “Canary,” a new promotional single exploring unconditional love, companionship and the peace found in a special relationship. Written with Chase Mac and produced by Ashton Sellars, the track captures the feeling of escaping life’s distractions while traveling the world with someone special, finding comfort simply in their voice. Signed to Chosen Music, Ebubé has yet to announce plans for an album or EP.
Following a brief hiatus, Indiana-bred R&B singer-songwriter Maeta returns with “Decimate,” a sultry and emotionally charged single released via Human Re Sources. Produced by Livvi Franc, with co-production from Dante Jones and Caleb Contreras, the single is driven by silky vocals and an intimate, late-night atmosphere. The track explores the tension between attraction and restraint as Maeta gives in to desire. Known for past singles like “Through The Night” and collaborations with SZA, Kehlani and KAYTRANADA, with "Decimate" Maeta begins a confident new chapter on her own terms.
Amaria brings a nostalgic touch to contemporary R&B with “What’s It Gonna Take?,” blending the warmth of late-’80s and early-’90s soul with a modern sound. The Jamaican-Guyanese singer-songwriter co-directed the accompanying visual with Loïc Wendling, capturing the song’s intimate mood. Lyrically, Amaria pleads with a love interest to let down his guard, questioning what it will take to call him “baby” while navigating attraction, vulnerability and emotional uncertainty.
Miami singer, songwriter, rapper and dancer DaniLeigh teams with Nigerian rap icon Olamide on “Goosebumps,” an Afro-Pop collaboration released. The official video delivers a faith-inspired visual with DaniLeigh performing intricate choreography inside a church. The singer describes the song as deeply personal and spiritual, reflecting how she has experienced God’s love, guidance and protection during difficult moments. “Goosebumps” leads to her upcoming project, With Love, From Dani, due October 2.
Leon Bridges returns with Happiness Anytime, his fifth studio album, released via Columbia Records. Moving away from the slower, introspective mood of his previous album Leon, the 12-track set is an upbeat, vibrant invitation to hit the dancefloor. The album features just one guest appearance, British singer-songwriter Lydia Kitto on “All Day, All Night" but is moving nonetheless. From the Afrobeat-infused soul of silky, funky opener “Light The Way” to the Paul Simon-inspired “Tears of Joy” and the seductive, slow-burning “Your Love Is Electric,” Bridges explores fresh grooves while keeping his soulful voice front and center.
Savannah James and longtime friend and business partner April McDaniel may be building businesses together, but they don’t necessarily travel the same way. During an episode of Mental Wealth, the women discussed their different financial lifestyles, including how James flies first class while McDaniel typically chooses a more budget-conscious option. McDaniel recalled an instance when she left her business-class seat to spend time with James in first class, a moment that later drew attention online. The friends acknowledged that their financial circumstances are different, but said it hasn’t created tension in their relationship or business partnership. McDaniel, founder of Crown and Conquer and co-founder of Everybody’s Crazy, said social media creates misconceptions about wealth. The pair have been friends for 15 years and now operate ventures under their Signed holding company.
YouTuber Adam22 has accused rapper and boxer Chrisean Rock of drinking alcohol and using drugs while pregnant with her son, Chrisean Jr., whom she shares with Blueface. During a recent livestream, Adam questioned Rock’s parenting and claimed, without confirmation, that Junior may have fetal alcohol syndrome. Rock denied the allegations and threatened to sue Adam for slander. Adam said he would welcome a lawsuit, claiming it would allow him to seek her medical records and messages related to her pregnancy during discovery. Blueface has also previously accused Rock of substance use while pregnant. Rock maintains that Junior has never been diagnosed with cognitive or physical disabilities. During an August appearance on The Jason Lee Show, she said he receives physical therapy and is developing normally.
Jasmine Guy is pushing back against online criticism of her appearance following her return as Whitley Gilbert in Netflix’s A Different World revival. Guy reunited with Kadeem Hardison, Darryl M. Bell and Cree Summer, delighting longtime fans, while others compared her current appearance with her younger self from the original series. In a Sept. 27 Instagram post, the 64-year-old actor addressed the scrutiny, saying the internet can be harsh toward women as they age. Guy acknowledged that growing older brings changes but emphasized that beauty, style and happiness have no expiration date. She encouraged people to stop judging themselves and others and instead focus on love, creating memories and enjoying life. Fans and celebrity friends, including Tina Knowles and Tatyana Ali, responded with messages praising Guy’s beauty and grace.
Jamaican dancehall star Shenseea has surpassed 1.5 billion views on YouTube, becoming the first Jamaican female artist to reach the milestone just days before her 30th birthday. Her channel has benefited from hits including “Hit & Run” with Masicka, which has more than 201 million views, “Lighter” with Tarrus Riley at over 137 million, and “Blessed” featuring Tyga with more than 75 million. Her breakthrough came in 2016 with “Loodi” featuring Vybz Kartel, which has exceeded 53 million views. Other popular releases include “Rebel,” “The Side Chick Song,” “Love I Got for U” and “Waistline.” Her broader YouTube impact extends beyond her own channel, including Moliy’s “Shake It to the Max (Fly)” remix featuring Shenseea and Skillibeng, which has surpassed 312 million views.
R&B singer Jacquees was arrested Sunday morning in Hollywood, Florida, after police found him passed out inside a pickup truck, authorities said. Hollywood police received a call shortly before 8 a.m. about a person unconscious inside a vehicle near North 62nd Avenue and Hollywood Boulevard. Officers identified the man as 32-year-old Rodriguez Jacquees Broadnax, known professionally as Jacquees, who was asleep inside a white Jeep Gladiator. According to an arrest report, Jacquees did not respond when an officer repeatedly tapped on the driver’s side window. Firefighters also attempted to wake him by shaking the vehicle before eventually breaking the truck’s right front window to reach him. Police said Jacquees became combative while being transported to a hospital and punched an officer in the arm when the officer attempted to prevent him from leaving the ambulance. The officer reportedly struck Jacquees in the face with his forearm as he resisted being placed on a stretcher. Jacquees was ultimately arrested on charges of DUI, resisting an officer without violence and battery on an officer, firefighter or EMT. He was initially held at the Broward County Main Jail on a $3,500 bond, though his name was no longer listed in the online jail database shortly before noon Monday. The Atlanta native is known for R&B hits including “B.E.D.” and “You.”