Qing Madi - "Ego"

Nigerian singer/songwriter Qing Madi is back with a new single "Ego". Madi who gained fame after her 2022 single "See Finish" and its 2023 follow-up, "Ole" (both went viral on TikTok) is back after a 2-year hiatus from the music scene.

The Womack Sisters continue building anticipation for their self-titled Daptone Records debut with the elegant video for “If I Let You.” Sam Cooke granddaughters bring the song’s vintage soul-pop charm to life, appearing in sophisticated matching ensembles that pay homage to iconic 1960s R&B girl groups. Performing in perfect unison, the trio delivers a graceful, polished presentation that complements the track’s textured harmonies, driving organ, and heartfelt reflection on the excitement and uncertainty of falling in love too quickly.

Jamaican poet and singer-songwriter D'Yani has announced his forthcoming 12-track album, Live Life & Prosper, arriving August 21, alongside the release of his new single, “Miss You Bad.” Following the uplifting “Journey,” the soulful track showcases D'Yani's vulnerable, romantic side with rich live instrumentation and raspy vocals. Blending lovers rock, reggae, soul, and subtle R&B, the song explores longing, unresolved love, while its sensual video reflects themes of desire and emotional distance.

French-American singer, songwriter, composer, and producer Cybèle ushers in a new chapter with her latest single, “Lovergirl.” Blending contemporary R&B with breezy pop influences, the track pairs dreamy acoustic textures with her most intimate songwriting to date, exploring love with honesty and newfound clarity. Known for fusing vintage soul with cinematic production, the trilingual artist continues to carve out her own distinctive sound, delivering a heartfelt performance that feels both deeply personal and universally relatable.

Baltimore singer/songwriter and R&B artist Aja Maria delivers a heartfelt statement with “Congratulations,” a soulful anthem celebrating resilience, healing, second chances, and personal growth. Produced by King Midas, the slow-burning track pairs warm, layered production with Aja’s emotionally precise vocals, drawing inspiration from legends like Anita Baker and Sade. Blending vulnerability with quiet confidence, “Congratulations” highlights her emergence as one of contemporary R&B’s most compelling new voices.

West Coast rapper Larry June returns with Who Coppin, his first solo album since 2024's Doing It For Me. The 16-track project features guest appearances from Jhené Aiko on "California Dream," Swizz Beatz on "Flex," and Bay Area legend B-Legit on "Win or Lose." Packed with smooth, laid-back production that perfectly complements Larry's relaxed delivery, the album showcases his focused lyricism, effortless flow, and signature blend of motivational bars and West Coast cool across an engaging collection of tracks.

UK record producer, DJ, singer, and songwriter Nia Archives released her second full-length studio album, Emotional Junglist, this past Friday, and it's an absolute banger. Spanning 15 tracks with only two guest appearances (Jorja Smith on the drum-heavy, rhythmic "Get Me Down" and Samoha on the loud yet wistful "Tender"), Archives crafts an immersive soundscape that explores love's ups and downs while continuing to push the boundaries of dance music. While Emotional Junglist provides the perfect soundtrack for late-night club-hopping and the yearn for nightlife hijinks, it also gives Archives space to reflect on a wide range of emotions that deepen the listening experience. "Dance With Me" is bright, pop-leaning, and carefree, balancing an effortless sense of fun with an underlying desire for peace. On "Vertical," Nia strips away every layer to reveal her vulnerability, confessing, "It's an obsession, you opened heaven," as she reflects on a past relationship. Elsewhere, songs like "The Darkest Hour" and "Lovers Grief" tackle heartbreak, self-reflection, and the pain of feeling underappreciated by someone you love. One of the album's defining moments, "Train of Thought," opens with an anime-inspired flourish that seamlessly ushers listeners into a lush, ambient, and emotionally resonant experience. Throughout the record, Archives proves herself a candid songwriter, effortlessly blending R&B, pop-rock, grunge, electronic music, and jungle with thunderous drums and syrupy yet emotionally raw vocals. The result is an album that resonates with anyone who has experienced the intimacy, joy, chaos, and personal growth that accompany relationships. Indeed, Emotional Junglist isn't just a dancefloor triumph, it is, as its title promises, a vibrant journey across the full spectrum of human emotion. Favorite Tracks: "Around the Bend", "Train of Thought", "Boys in Blue" & "Dance With Me 2nite" Rating: 9.0/10 - Simon P. Williams

Louisiana rapper Boosie Badazz is reportedly seeking to recover $300,000 from a Washington, D.C.-based lobbying firm after an effort to secure a presidential pardon from Donald Trump failed to materialize. According to a report from Notus, the Baton Rouge native, whose legal name is Torence Hatch , paid JM Burkman & Associates $600,000 in 2025 to pursue a pardon related to his 2023 federal conviction for possessing a loaded firearm at a music video shoot. Hatch is now pursuing the matter through arbitration. Federal lobbying records show the firm registered to contact the White House, the U.S. Department of Justice, and members of Congress on Hatch's behalf. However, Notus reports that while the lobbyists allegedly told Hatch's attorneys that Trump had signed the pardon and they were awaiting an official White House announcement, the clemency was never issued. The Trump White House reportedly told Hatch's legal team that it had not received a pardon request. The dispute now centers on whether JM Burkman & Associates is contractually obligated to refund half of the $600,000 fee paid upfront. Lobbyists Jacob Wohl and Jack Burkman reportedly dispute that any such agreement existed. The case highlights the growing scrutiny surrounding the so-called "clemency economy," in which lobbyists, attorneys, and political operatives have reportedly received substantial payments from individuals seeking presidential pardons.



