Rising R&B singer-songwriter Girlfriend continues to define her own lane with Honey Water, a ten-song project that reflects her most confident era yet. Mississippi-born and Los Angeles-based, she blends Southern warmth with West Coast intimacy, delivering honest, emotionally precise storytelling. Released via Encore Recordings, the feature-free project is entirely self-written, with Girlfriend also serving as co-executive producer. Anchored by the introspective track “Deep,” Honey Water explores desire, healing, and self-discovery through cohesive production and vulnerability-driven songwriting.

Legendary R&B icon Johnny Gill returns with the music video for his new single “One Night,” a passionate, sensual ballad written by Gregg Pagani and Francesca Richard. The visual matches the song’s grown-and-sexy, traditional R&B feel, reflecting Gill’s renewed creative focus and deep connection with his fans. The release arrives as Gill announces an upcoming tour, while continuing his legacy with New Edition, who are also preparing for a 2026 North American run.

Memphis rapper and singer Brezay links with Akeem Ali on the official video for “Overthinker’s Dance,” a smooth, emotionally aware track that explores the tension between anxious thoughts and self-expression. The visual brings that inner conflict to life through movement and mood. Jackson, Mississippi native Ali adds his signature ’70s-inspired flair, blending swooning rap lyrics with melodic hooks and a funk-disco groove.

Mýa has ushered in a new era with the release of her latest single, “ASAP,” the lead track from an upcoming project years in the making. Co-produced with LaMar “MyGuyMars” Edwards and co-written with Vince Berry, the sultry, ’80s-tinged midtempo finds Mýa leaning into funk and soul influences while addressing love, accountability, and communication. “ASAP” captures a red-hot romance worth fighting for, setting the tone for her next chapter in contemporary R&B.

Nigerian artist Islambo continues to elevate his profile with the release of “Oh My Days,” a vibrant new track that highlights his vocal strength and evolving artistry. Blending infectious energy with polished, authentic production, the record showcases Islambo’s growing sonic range and confidence. With its captivating melodies and undeniable appeal, “Oh My Days” stands as a strong addition to his expanding catalog, reinforcing his place in the contemporary music landscape and signaling an artist steadily earning wider recognition.

Nigerian singer Ifunanya Nwangene, who competed on Season 3 of The Voice Nigeria, has died after being bitten by a snake while she slept in her Abuja apartment. She was 26. Her death was confirmed Sunday by AMEMUSO choir announcer Sam Ezugwu, who described Nwangene—known to fans as NANYAH—as a rising star on the verge of wider recognition. According to Ezugwu and a friend who spoke with BBC Africa, Nwangene awoke with severe pain in her leg and rushed to a local clinic that lacked antivenom. She was later transferred to a hospital, where she struggled to breathe as doctors attempted to stabilize her. The hospital reportedly had only one of the two required antivenoms, and Nwangene was pronounced dead before the second dose could be obtained. Animal control later captured two snakes from her apartment, one believed to be a cobra. Nwangene gained national attention on The Voice Nigeria with a powerful audition performance of Rihanna’s “Take A Bow,” earning chair turns from two judges and joining Waje’s team before exiting in the knockout round. She had been planning her first solo concert and teasing new music with trumpeter Tbrass, who paid tribute to her as an irreplaceable talent whose voice and spirit left a lasting mark on Nigeria’s music community.

Reshona Landfair, who testified anonymously as Jane Doe during R. Kelly’s 2022 federal trial, says publicly revealing her identity has been “very liberating.” Now 41, Landfair shared her story on CBS Mornings in her first television interview tied to her memoir, Who’s Watching Shorty?: Reclaiming Myself from the Shame of R. Kelly’s Abuse. She described wanting to “live in my true skin,” years after forming a relationship with the R&B singer when she was a teenager. Landfair, a former child rapper from a musical family in Chicago, said she met Kelly in the 1990s after being introduced by her aunt, R&B singer Sparkle. In her book, Landfair recounts being encouraged to ask Kelly to be her godfather, a moment she says marked a shift from a professional relationship to a personal one. She alleges that Kelly began grooming and sexually abusing her when she was around 13. Though Sparkle reportedly contacted social services, Landfair said there were no visible signs that led authorities to intervene. Kelly was later convicted of racketeering and sex crimes in federal trials in 2021 and 2022, following decades of allegations. Landfair said her life was shattered in 2001, weeks before her 17th birthday, when Kelly told her a sex tape filmed when she was 14 had been leaked and sold. Kelly was arrested in 2002 on child pornography charges but was acquitted in 2008 after Landfair testified falsely to a grand jury that she was not the girl in the video—something she now calls one of her deepest regrets. She said watching the 2019 docuseries Surviving R. Kelly compelled her to come forward, realizing she felt responsible for remaining silent while others were harmed. “That moment changed everything,” Landfair said, describing it as the beginning of reclaiming her voice and her life.

Styles P heads to the U.K. for the video to “Ride In / Ride Out,” a new single produced by Superb Dova. Directed by ASB and ill Will and filmed by @shotbyillwill, the visuals unfold largely inside London Fields’ Number One Café—famously recognized as a key meeting spot in Top Boy. The LOX rapper brings his signature grit to the international backdrop, pairing sharp lyricism with cinematic street imagery.

Jordan Ward embodies the modern R&B artist—emotionally open, introspective, and unafraid to explore uncertainty. On his second album, Backward , the dancer-turned-singer reflects on alienation, growth, and empathy through polished tracks like “Ross Fit,” “Noisy Neighbors,” and the Sailorr-assisted “Smokin’ Potina.” Executive producer Lido blends Seventies soul with singer-songwriter warmth and Eighties synth textures, creating fluid musical shifts. Though Ward admits he doesn’t have life fully figured out, his confident artistry and emotional honesty keeps Backward engaging and forward-moving.