R&B singer and songwriter Muni Long returns with “Richest,” her first solo single of 2026 and a heartfelt ballad released through Def Jam Recordings. The song explores the emotional struggle of embracing new love after heartbreak, with Long revealing how past wounds made her hesitant to say “I love you” again. Following the success of “Delulu,” multiple GRAMMY wins, and her acclaimed album Revenge, Long continues her impressive momentum. “Richest” highlights her signature vulnerability while celebrating the joy and fulfillment found in genuine love.

NYC trap rapper Bay Swag returns with “Layderr,” a hard-hitting new single and video featuring Chicago drill standout G Herbo. Fueled by booming bass and dark, cinematic production, the track finds both rappers trading intense verses and showcasing their undeniable chemistry. The accompanying visual captures the song’s high-energy atmosphere with club scenes and confident performances. Following their previous collaboration “Quagen,” “Layderr” builds on Bay Swag’s growing momentum after the success of his debut album Damaged Thoughts, further solidifying his rise as one of hip-hop’s emerging stars.

UK R&B singer-songwriter Ama marks a bold new chapter with the release of her self-titled sophomore album, AMA. Formerly known as Ama Lou, the artist embraces a more personal and stripped-back approach across the 12-track project, pairing minimalist production with rich harmonies and emotionally candid songwriting. Exploring themes of love, desire, confidence, femininity, and heartbreak, AMA showcases her artistic growth while maintaining the lyrical depth that first earned her acclaim. Guest appearances from Bryson Tiller and Brent Faiyaz add star power, but Ama’s distinctive voice remains the album’s defining presence.

Conway the Machine continues the rollout for his upcoming album I Heard You Paint Houses with the gritty new video for “The Long Kiss.” Built around the haunting backdrop of The Notorious B.I.G.’s “Long Kiss Goodnight,” the track finds Conway detailing his rise from the streets with vivid, unfiltered lyricism. The visual stays true to his signature Griselda aesthetic, pairing dark cinematic imagery with hard-edged storytelling while further teasing both I Heard You Paint Houses and the newly announced Reject 3.

West-coast singer/songwriter Jensen McRae has unveiled the video for her latest single, “Just Like You,” a sharp and playful standout from the forthcoming deluxe edition of her acclaimed album I Don’t Know How But They Found Me. Directed by Lexi Brown, the clip pays subtle tribute to Alanis Morissette’s iconic “Ironic” video while bringing McRae’s wit and storytelling to life.

Jay-Z’s recent appearance at the Roots Picnic sparked widespread conversation, not only because it marked his first live performance in seven years, but also because of his striking new afro. Now, a behind-the-scenes video released by Beyoncé’s haircare brand Cécred has revealed the deeply personal story behind the hairstyle transformation. Narrated by Beyoncé, the video details the months-long process of removing Jay-Z’s locs and the family inspirations that influenced both his past and present looks.  According to Beyoncé, Jay-Z originally began growing his locs nearly a decade ago to help his daughter, Blue Ivy, embrace her natural hair. She explained that he wanted Blue to see that her curls were beautiful and reflected his own hair texture. More recently, however, the rapper decided to transition to an afro as a tribute to his late father, Adnis Reeves, who famously wore the style. The decision added an emotional layer to what many fans initially viewed as a simple change in appearance. The video also highlights the extensive effort required to remove Jay-Z’s locs, a process that involved hairstylist Letisia “Lety” Ravelo, Beyoncé and Blue Ivy. Using Cécred products, the family spent hours carefully detangling each wick before trimming, washing and styling his hair. Although Beyoncé admitted she was reluctant to see the locs go, she ultimately praised the final result, saying Jay-Z’s afro looked “beautiful from start to finish” when he debuted it on stage at the Roots Picnic.

Clive Davis, the influential music executive who helped shape the careers of some of the biggest names in modern music, has died at the age of 94. Davis passed away Monday at his home in Manhattan, according to reports. No official cause of death was announced, although he had recently been hospitalized with respiratory issues. Over a career spanning more than five decades, Davis became one of the most recognizable and respected figures in the recording industry, guiding Columbia Records, Arista Records and J Records to major commercial success. Davis first rose to prominence in the late 1960s when he transformed Columbia Records into a powerhouse in the rock era, signing and developing artists including Janis Joplin, Carlos Santana and Bruce Springsteen. Although his tenure at Columbia ended amid controversy in 1973, he quickly rebuilt his reputation at Arista Records, where he oversaw a roster of successful pop, rock and R&B artists. His most celebrated discovery was Whitney Houston, whose career became one of the defining success stories of his tenure. Later, after departing Arista, Davis launched J Records, where he helped introduce Alicia Keys to a global audience and secured another chapter of industry success.  Beyond his record-label achievements, Davis became known for his annual Grammy Week gala, one of the music industry's most prestigious events, attracting generations of artists, executives and cultural figures. He also founded the Clive Davis Institute of Recorded Music at New York University in 2003, helping bridge music education and business studies for future industry professionals. Remembered for his perseverance, vision and ability to identify talent, Davis leaves behind a legacy that influenced countless artists and helped define the modern music business.

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.