R&B

By Status Ain't Hood Staff January 13, 2026
R&B veteran Marques Houston, a founding member of IMx with over 25 years in the music industry, has released his latest single “Only Me,” marking his first primary offering of 2026. The smooth, mid-tempo track revisits his signature R&B sound while exploring themes of commitment and growth. The release coincides with his upcoming “It’s All Because of You Experience” tour, bridging his classic hits and current musical direction.
By Status Ain't Hood Staff January 9, 2026
R&B boy group 2BYG makes a strong debut with The Yearbook , a nine-track mixtape released last November via Def Jam. Hailing from Fort Worth, Texas, the four members blend early-2000s R&B and new jack swing influences with modern flair. Showcasing smooth harmonies, falsettos, and heartfelt themes of love and growth, the project positions 2BYG as a new-generation group honoring classic Black boy-band traditions while appealing to Gen Z listeners.
By Status Ain't Hood Staff January 9, 2026
Miami-to–L.A. singer and rapper DaniLeigh returns with the video for “Expensive,” her first new music since the release of her 2022 album My Side . The sultry, smooth track and its accompanying visuals reflect on life’s trials and tribulations, with DaniLeigh emphasizing the importance of prioritizing meaningful love and emotional fulfillment over work, status, or material possessions.
By Status Ain't Hood Staff January 7, 2026
Sevyn Streeter taps into classic ’90s R&B on her new single “97,” delivering confident, grown-woman energy that feels inspired, not nostalgic. Marking her first release since last September's “Assumptions" single, the track finds Streeter in her Janet Jackson bag, boldly expressing desire and self-assurance. While quiet on solo releases, Sevyn’s stayed busy behind the scenes, writing for Normani and FLO and lending background vocals to Givēon’s BELOVED.
By Status Ain't Hood Staff January 5, 2026
Brandon Banks continues his thoughtful evolution with Sonnets , a self-produced two-track EP that distills his immersive R&B style into a hushed, introspective dreamscape. Known for blending folkloric soul with lo-fi textures, the Los Angeles singer-songwriter uses stream-of-consciousness writing to explore rest, reflection, and escape from chaos. Built from guitar and keys, Sonnets feels patient and intentional, capturing Banks at his most meditative and emotionally precise to date.