Longtime Bay-area rapper LaRussell continues pushing his artistry forward with his 14-track album Something’s In The Water, executive produced by Grammy winner Lil Jon. Featuring appearances from Marshawn Lynch, Kalan.FrFr, and MALACHI, the project marks his 42nd LP and first release with Roc Nation Distribution. Following his historic Super Bowl LX Tailgate Concert performance, the Vallejo multihyphenate channels that momentum into a fresh, high-energy body of work that honors Bay Area rap’s legacy while carving out his own impactful lane.

Raphael Saadiq, who first rose to prominence as a vocalist and bassist for the Bay Area R&B band Tony! Toni! Toné!, is calling for the retirement of the term “neo-soul.” Long used as a catchall for modern soul and frequently tied to artists like D'Angelo and Erykah Badu, the label has defined a generation of Black music. Saadiq now argues the term was never rooted in artistry, but in industry positioning. In a recent Instagram post, Saadiq claimed “neo-soul” was created by one Black executive as internal shorthand for record labels. He alleges it helped marketing teams identify which Black artists would not receive major crossover budgets, with those funds instead reserved for pop boy bands. According to Saadiq, the label came with built-in sales ceilings, shaping expectations before the music even reached audiences. He further asserted that artists such as himself, D’Angelo, and Maxwell were never “neo-soul” in creative intent. Instead, he views the term as a corporate construct that limited perception and opportunity. His remarks have reignited debate about how Black artists are categorized—and how those classifications impact legacy and commercial reach.

Atlanta’s rising R&B voice Lee Vasi returns with her first single of 2026, “Worthy,” a soulful anthem rooted in healing, faith, and self-respect. Known for blending emotional honesty with spiritual depth, she delivers a powerful reminder to choose peace over confusion and recognize one’s value through God’s love. The release follows her nomination at the NAACP Image Awards for Outstanding New Artist, underscoring her growing impact and deepening connection with listeners drawn to her authenticity and message of personal growth.

Milwaukee rapper/singer Lakeyah returns powerfully with her new single “HERSKIII,” launching her first era as an independent artist under a distribution deal with Human Re Sources. The track embodies creative freedom, confidence, and fearless energy, showcasing Lakeyah at her most self assured and unapologetic. Over a raw, hard hitting beat, she delivers sharp bars and commanding flow, creating a playful yet dominant anthem that signals full control, bold ambition, and a defining new chapter ahead.

Rising singer-songwriter Ron E joins forces with Tink for the official video to their standout single “The G.O.A.T.,” featured on his debut album Let Me Explain.. Produced by Grammy winner Hitmaka and directed by WAM in Miami, the sultry visual complements the track’s hypnotic melodies and sensual lyricism. The collaboration highlights Ron E’s emergence as a compelling new R&B voice, blending timeless soul with modern polish.

Produced by actress/singer Cynthia Erivo and her longtime collaborator/composer Scott Alan, rising, independent R&B singer/songwriter Tamera Tyli returns with her new single, “Anything Worth Holding Onto.” The melodic yet emotionally charged track explores resilience in the face of life’s trials and tribulations, highlighting both vulnerability and strength. Blending soul, sensuality, and unwavering determination, Tamera’s powerful vocals anchor the song with striking conviction. With a release this compelling track, we’re eager to hear what she has in store for 2026.

Arizona-based pop/soul singer SheIsHerName joins forces with Kansas City rapper C,W, Da Youngblood for the remix of “Oh My God,” an airy, infectious single that pairs smooth melodies with brash, unapologetic lyrics about love, lust, and relationship goals. The track follows SheIsHerName's eclectic remix project, More Than A Vibe: The Remixes, released last year, and continues to showcase her versatility and growing artistic confidence. Indeed, if she keeps delivering bangers like this, 2026 is shaping up to be a breakthrough year for the rising star

Jamaican reggae sensation Mavado returns to his “Gully Side” roots with “Bad & BBC Rich,” his first release of 2026 and a standout on the WYFL riddim produced by DJ Mac and CrashDummy. The hard-hitting track finds the dancehall star revisiting the wealth-and-status persona that defined his catalog. Directed by TopShootah, the official video marks Mavado's first shoot in over a decade in Cassava Piece, St. Andrew. The release follows his October 2025 return to Jamaica after years away.

Milwaukee rapper DC The Don brings high energy and melodic aggression to The Rumors Are True . The album blends rap, alternative textures and emotional confession, with vocals shifting between sharp flows and sing-song hooks effortlessly. Its charged, youthful production fuels relentless pacing, keeping the project bold and expressive. Now signed to Republic Records, he launches a refined era with “Lie2Me,” produced by LouieOTK and sampling Real Life by ear. From SoundCloud beginnings to genre-blurring ambition, he remains a chameleon in control.