Nigerian gospel singer and songwriter Lovn delivers a captivating new single, “Available,” a track defined by its simplicity and emotional clarity that makes it both intimate and easy to connect with. Blending influences from his Yoruba roots and church upbringing, Lovn crafts a sound that feels authentic and refreshing, continuing to showcase his unique artistry. “Available” stands out as a meaningful addition to Nigeria’s high-quality music scene and is well worth adding to your playlist.

Born and raised in New Jersey, rising hip-hop talent Chris Patrick returns with his latest single “Run It Back,” featuring R&B singer Mack Keane, delivering a smooth blend of rap and R&B. The track combines a silky, melodic hook with sharp, confident verses that showcase Patrick’s evolving artistry and songwriting skill. With its polished sound and broad appeal, “Run It Back” further cements his upward momentum heading further into 2026. 

Samara Cyn joins forces with Hit-Boy on “Clink,” a sleek new single accompanied by a visually striking video directed by LIIM. Gliding effortlessly over Hit-Boy’s polished production, Cyn delivers a confident performance that reflects her evolving artistry following her recent EP Detour. The track will appear on the upcoming See You Next Year 3 compilation, curated by Pigeons & Planes and Big Ass Kids, highlighting a diverse lineup of rising talent and fresh collaborations.

Directed by Rogue Bonaventura, singer-songwriter Maya J’an (who has previously collaborated with artists like Pharrell and Justine Skye) unveils the visuals for “New June.” The track, taken from Maya's debut EP blindfaith county (arriving May 15), showcases her softer side as she navigates a range of emotions, from finding hope and building connection to reflecting on past love, all delivered with graceful, expressive vocals.

Detroit-born R&B singer-songwriter Ebony Riley makes a striking introduction with her debut album Beautiful Tragedy, a deeply personal project rooted in vulnerability and self-reinvention. Across a thoughtfully arranged set of songs, Riley sheds past expectations and embraces emotional honesty, revealing layers of identity with clarity and purpose. Standout track “Only You” highlights themes of devotion and intimacy, drawing listeners into a space of trust and longing. Elsewhere, ( “Otherside") the album explores contrasting perspectives on sexuality, presenting varied, sometimes conflicting experiences that underscore Riley’s fearless approach to storytelling and artistic expression. 

The new musical film Michael has made a historic debut at the global box office, earning $217 million in its opening weekend and setting a new record for a biographical film. Starring Jaafar Jackson as Michael Jackson, the film surpasses previous record-holder Bohemian Rhapsody, which opened with $124 million and featured Rami Malek as Freddie Mercury. It also outpaced Oppenheimer, securing the biggest opening weekend ever for a biopic. Lionsgate chairman Adam Fogelson credited the success to broad audience appeal, noting strong turnout across all demographics. Despite its commercial triumph, Michael has received mixed critical reception. Review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes shows a stark contrast between critics’ 38% score and audiences’ 97% rating. Some critics argue the film presents a “sanitized” version of Jackson’s life, omitting references to longstanding allegations against the singer. The film, backed by Jackson’s estate, focuses heavily on his music and features his original vocals, while steering clear of the controversies that surrounded his later years. Director Antoine Fuqua revealed that the production underwent significant changes qfter the rediscovery of a non-disclosure agreement tied to accuser Jordan Chandler. Originally planned scenes addressing allegations were removed, and the story now concludes in 1988, before such issues arose. The film instead highlights Jackson’s career and his complex relationship with his father, Joseph Jackson, portrayed by Colman Domingo. With a reported $200 million budget, Michael ranks among the most expensive biopics ever made and continues Hollywood’s trend of successful music-driven films inspired by icons like the creator of Thriller.

UK actress/vocalist Asha Banks teams up with Novo Amor and Lowswimmer for their collaborative EP Everything Is About You, a three-track project created during intimate sessions in the Welsh countryside. Featuring “Anymore,” “Lie To Me,” and “Hear Me Out,” the EP blends acoustic textures, lo-fi production, and emotional storytelling. Driven by creative chemistry and mutual admiration, the release captures a raw, poetic fusion of their distinct musical styles and shared artistic vision.

Longtime R&B/Soul singer Teedra Moses returns with her new single “Single,” a clear and confident declaration of her relationship standards. Produced by PJ Morton, the track blends a soft piano backdrop with live percussion and bass, mirroring her emotional clarity. Moses shared that the lyrics came instantly upon hearing the music, resulting in a song that captures her desire for security, passion, and a love worth giving everything to.