Buffalo-born, Atlanta-based rapper Che Noir has released “Urban Essence,” the first single from her upcoming album It Takes A Village, due October 23. Produced by Mobb Deep’s Havoc and featuring Hawaiian emcee/producer/singer The Uce, the track connects generations of raw New York hip-hop with a verbal assault from Che Noir that's highly personal and also reflective of her growth, parenthood, and life experiences while showcasing a new perspective on her artistry.

Queens, NY-born R&B singer-songwriter Mai Anna unveils “Chameleon,” a playful, experimental track about shedding expectations and reconnecting with herself. Created in Joshua Tree with longtime collaborator and producer Solomon Fox, the song blends an elastic, jazz-inflected bassline with Mai Anna’s rich vocals, moving between silky R&B runs and percussive phrasing. “Chameleon” offers another glimpse into the creative range of her forthcoming debut album, Sleepy Eyes.

L.A.-based pop songwriter and singer Jae Stephens delivers the vibrant visual for “Crush,” the high-energy opener from her debut album AUDACITY, released via Raedio LLC/Def Jam Recordings. Produced by Dallas Caton with additional production from Lita, the track draws on the percussive snap and hypnotic rhythms of New Jack Swing, especially evoking Janet Jackson’s "Nasty" influence. Directed by Andrew Kim, the visualizer captures Stephens’ confident, alluring energy as she sings about pursuing an exciting new spark.

Multi Platinum Hip-Hop star DDG releases HIT-A-THON, a 15-track album created entirely during his viral seven-day, 24/7 livestream. Released via Epic Records, the project features Lil Yachty, 42 Dugg, Pluto, Real Boston Richey, Bunna B, ian, Domani, and others. Building on his previous livestream’s success, DDG transformed an Atlanta mansion into a creative hub filled with surprise collaborations, viral moments, and unscripted highlights. The project captures the spontaneity and energy that made the livestream a cultural moment.

A woman who accused Jay-Z of raping her when she was 13 has formally withdrawn the allegations, stating in a new court filing that she never met or spoke with the rapper. The woman, identified as Jane Doe in court documents, previously alleged that Jay-Z and Sean “Diddy” Combs sexually assaulted her following the 2000 MTV Video Music Awards. She dismissed her civil lawsuit against the two men in 2025. In a declaration filed Thursday, Doe said her allegations against Jay-Z, whose legal name is Shawn Carter, were false. She said she was prompted to contact attorneys after seeing a Facebook advertisement seeking people with sexual-assault claims involving Combs. According to her filing, the advertisement triggered memories of an assault she says occurred when she was 13. She also said she did not recall authorizing lawyers to file the 2024 complaint and later developed doubts about her claims. Jay-Z had denied the allegations and subsequently sued Doe and attorneys involved in the original case. Following her new declaration, Carter voluntarily dismissed Doe from that lawsuit, while his legal action against her former attorneys remains ongoing. Doe’s current attorney, James Blair Newman Jr., said she maintains that she was sexually assaulted but was mistaken in identifying Carter as the person involved. Tony Buzbee, who represented her previously, disputed the latest account and said he had not seen the declaration.

R&B singer Keke Wyatt was arrested in Georgia on multiple charges, including terroristic threats, simple assault and cruelty to children. The 44-year-old singer was booked into the Henry County Jail on September 20 and released two days later after posting $1,050 bond, according to the Henry County Sheriff’s Office. The circumstances surrounding the arrest remain unclear. The child cruelty charge is classified as a misdemeanor involving a minor allegedly witnessing or being present during an act of violence. The arrest comes nearly 25 years after Wyatt was indicted on a second-degree assault charge stemming from the stabbing of her then-husband and manager, Rahmat Morton. Wyatt maintained that she acted in self-defense, and the case was ultimately dismissed. In a 2012 interview with Essence, Wyatt discussed the incident and described her relationship with Morton as abusive, saying she believed her life was in danger at the time. She credited her faith and family with helping her move forward. Wyatt rose to prominence in the early 2000s through her collaborations with singer Avant, including the hit duets “My First Love” and “Nothing in This World.” Her debut album, Soul Sista, reached No. 5 on Billboard’s R&B and hip-hop albums chart. She later released several studio albums, including Who Knew? (2010), Unbelievable! (2011) and Rated Love (2016). USA TODAY reported that it contacted Wyatt’s representative for comment.

Ibeyi, the French-Cuban twin sisters Lisa-Kaindé and Naomi Diaz, unleash their powerful energy in the official video for “Moshpit,” from their album Offering. Directed and produced by Corry Van Rhijn and Roman Pichon Herrera, the visual mirrors the song’s heavy, industrial electronic sound. Pounding 808s, synth-driven production, layered harmonies and choral refrains create an intense backdrop as the sisters deliver fierce vocals celebrating transformation, confidence and elemental strength.

Alabama-bred rapper/singer CHIKA unveils the official music video for “Who Shines For The Sun,” released earlier this month, the visual brings her introspective storytelling to life. Originally released as a single in July, the Grammy-nominated artist delivers an emotionally charged track that serves as a “warm hug” for those who constantly pour their energy into caring for others. The song’s reflective production creates space for personal interpretation, while the visual storytelling deepens its comforting and heartfelt message.

Brooklyn, NY-based artist Jourden delivers her new seven-track EP A Tree Grows In Brooklyn, blending hip-hop, neo-soul, alternative hip-hop and Caribbean rhythms influenced by her Bajan and Trinidadian heritage. With a title inspired by Betty Smith’s classic novel, the project explores growth and self-discovery in challenging environments while reflecting Brooklyn’s diverse identity through its sounds and collaborations. One of its most personal tracks, “Cross Colors,” explores grief, identity and shared experiences, underscoring Jourden’s desire to embrace her complexities and evolution.