Tyla continues building anticipation for her upcoming sophomore album APop with the release of “Is It Love,” a vibrant new single that showcases her signature blend of Afropop, R&B and infectious dance rhythms. Following the success of “She Did It Again” featuring Zara Larsson and the second hit single “Chanel,” the Grammy-winning South African star explores the question of whether love can exist without heartbreak while delivering a club-ready anthem. Directed by Aerin Moreno, the accompanying video features Tyla dancing while her apartment floods as a mysterious love interest watches from afar, adding a visually striking layer to the song’s emotional narrative.

Baby Rose continues to build anticipation for her upcoming album YEARNALISM with the release of “Let Me Go,” a heartfelt new single that explores the end of a relationship and the difficult path toward healing. Following the previously released tracks “But, Nvm” and “Friends Again” featuring Leon Thomas, the Washington, D.C.-born artist delivers a bruised soft-rock ballad driven by warm guitar strums and her signature rich, textured vocals. Directed by Amaya Segura and Rae Blackman, the accompanying video complements the song’s themes of yearning and self-discovery, highlighting Rose’s emotional journey from heartbreak to a renewed sense of autonomy ahead of the album’s July 10 release via Secretly Canadian.

Tierra Whack returns with Whack’s Museum, a 12-track collection packed with sharp wordplay, creativity, and undeniable attitude. Serving as the follow-up to 2024’s World Wide Whack, the project finds the Philadelphia rapper embracing classic boom-bap more than ever before, thanks in large part to the lush, head-nodding production of Conductor Williams. From standout cuts like “Totem” and “Wax Paper” to her relentless lyrical display throughout, Whack’s Museum showcases Whack at her most focused, proving once again that few artists can match her originality or rap prowess.

Devine Carama and Che Noir join forces on “Step Ya Bars Up,” a hard-hitting track that puts the spotlight squarely on lyricism. Produced by Amadeus360, the gritty record serves as a wake-up call to rappers who have forgotten the importance of sharp penmanship and authentic storytelling. Lexington, Kentucky’s Emmy Award-winning artist, educator and activist Carama matches bars with Buffalo rapper and producer Noir, delivering a powerful message rooted in skill, discipline and respect for hip-hop culture.

Rising artist Lakeyah is turning up the heat this summer with her new single, “Jet Up,” a confident, high-energy anthem centered on ambition, success, and leveling up. Arriving on the heels of “HERSKIII,” her first release as an independent artist, the track continues to showcase a refreshed and self-assured version of the Milwaukee rapper. Fueled by hard-hitting trap production and sharp lyricism, “Jet Up” reflects Lakeyah’s bold new mindset while reinforcing her status as one of hip-hop’s most exciting and unapologetic newcomers.

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. 

This Throwback Thursday, we revisit one of the most dramatic and unforgettable records of the 1970s, Shirley Brown’s “Woman to Woman.” Released in 1974 on Stax Records, the deep soul masterpiece captivated listeners with its emotional storytelling, memorable spoken-word introduction, and Brown’s powerful vocal performance. Built around a tense phone conversation between a wife and her husband’s mistress, the song brought listeners directly into a deeply personal confrontation that felt both raw and authentic. The record became an instant sensation, reportedly selling one million copies within its first eight weeks and spending two weeks at No. 1 on Billboard’s Hot Soul Singles chart while also reaching No. 22 on the Billboard Hot 100. Written by Homer Banks, Eddie Marion, and Henderson Thigpen, “Woman to Woman” was inspired by real-life conversations and transformed everyday relationship drama into compelling soul music. Interestingly, the song was initially offered to singer Inez Foxx, who declined it because she was uncomfortable with the spoken introduction. That decision opened the door for Shirley Brown, whose impassioned one-take vocal performance helped turn the track into a classic. Produced by Stax president Jim Stewart and Al Jackson Jr., the song would ultimately become the last major hit for the legendary Stax label, closing an important chapter in soul music history on a high note.  The impact of “Woman to Woman” extended far beyond its original release. In 1975, Barbara Mason scored a hit with the answer record “From His Woman to You,” while country star Barbara Mandrell successfully brought the song to country audiences in 1978. Two decades later, R&B singer Jewell introduced the song to a new generation through her 1994 remake featured on the soundtrack for Murder Was the Case. More than 50 years after its release, “Woman to Woman” remains a shining example of soul music’s ability to blend storytelling, emotion, and unforgettable performances into a record that stands the test of time.

Dawn Richard and Durand Bernarr bring warmth, soul and intention to “baby, can we?” with a smooth duet that recalls the golden era of ’90s R&B. Directed by Dawn Richard and Carl Harrison Jr., the video unfolds in a lively park setting where dancers and everyday people celebrate a beautiful spring day, matching the song’s uplifting spirit. Produced and co-written by the Katalyst Collective, the track finds Richard singing about wanting deeper connection, genuine effort and life’s simple pleasures rather than a relationship built solely on physical attraction.

Kelela’s “outta time” featuring A.K. Paul is a hypnotic, late-night slow burn that blends electronic soul with aching vulnerability. Directed by Ryosuke Tanzawa, the minimalist visual places Kelela and Paul inside a studio as darkness gradually falls outside, mirroring the emotional unraveling of a relationship running out of chances. Produced by A.K. Paul, whose textured guitar and vocals add a haunting intimacy, the track feels both futuristic and deeply personal. Originally written during the Take Me Apart era, “outta time” finally arrives as a standout preview of Kelela’s forthcoming album new avatar, due July 10.