Soul Legend Don Bryant Dies at 83, Leaving a Lasting Legacy in R&B Music
Beloved 1970s soul singer and songwriter Don Bryant has died at the age of 83, his family announced Friday, December 26. In a statement shared on Instagram, Bryant’s family said he passed away peacefully and emphasized how deeply he cherished connecting with fans around the world. “Don loved sharing his music and songs with all of you,” the statement read, noting that performing and recording brought him immense joy throughout his life.
Bryant was best known for co-writing the 1973 soul classic “I Can’t Stand the Rain,” famously recorded by his wife Ann Peebles. The song became a defining hit of the era and was later praised by John Lennon, who reportedly called it “the best song ever,” according to the Memphis Music Hall of Fame. Born in Memphis, Tennessee, in April 1942, Bryant grew up immersed in music, singing in his father’s vocal group before transitioning into songwriting as a teenager.
Over his career, Bryant penned songs for artists such as The 5 Royales and built a respected legacy behind the scenes. After Peebles suffered a stroke in 2012 and stepped away from music, Bryant returned to recording, releasing Don’t Give Up on Love in 2017 and You Make Me Feel in 2020—his first albums in nearly five decades. His late-career resurgence reaffirmed his enduring passion for music and solidified his place as a timeless soul icon.
Produced by actress/singer Cynthia Erivo and her longtime collaborator/composer Scott Alan, rising, independent R&B singer/songwriter Tamera Tyli returns with her new single, “Anything Worth Holding Onto.” The melodic yet emotionally charged track explores resilience in the face of life’s trials and tribulations, highlighting both vulnerability and strength. Blending soul, sensuality, and unwavering determination, Tamera’s powerful vocals anchor the song with striking conviction. With a release this compelling track, we’re eager to hear what she has in store for 2026.
Arizona-based pop/soul singer SheIsHerName joins forces with Kansas City rapper C,W, Da Youngblood for the remix of “Oh My God,” an airy, infectious single that pairs smooth melodies with brash, unapologetic lyrics about love, lust, and relationship goals. The track follows SheIsHerName's eclectic remix project, More Than A Vibe: The Remixes, released last year, and continues to showcase her versatility and growing artistic confidence. Indeed, if she keeps delivering bangers like this, 2026 is shaping up to be a breakthrough year for the rising star
Jamaican reggae sensation Mavado returns to his “Gully Side” roots with “Bad & BBC Rich,” his first release of 2026 and a standout on the WYFL riddim produced by DJ Mac and CrashDummy. The hard-hitting track finds the dancehall star revisiting the wealth-and-status persona that defined his catalog. Directed by TopShootah, the official video marks Mavado's first shoot in over a decade in Cassava Piece, St. Andrew. The release follows his October 2025 return to Jamaica after years away.
Milwaukee rapper DC The Don brings high energy and melodic aggression to The Rumors Are True . The album blends rap, alternative textures and emotional confession, with vocals shifting between sharp flows and sing-song hooks effortlessly. Its charged, youthful production fuels relentless pacing, keeping the project bold and expressive. Now signed to Republic Records, he launches a refined era with “Lie2Me,” produced by LouieOTK and sampling Real Life by ear. From SoundCloud beginnings to genre-blurring ambition, he remains a chameleon in control.
Bruno Mars returns with his first album in a decade, The Romantic , available now, and celebrates with the new video for “Risk It All.” Directed by Mars and Daniel Ramos, the visual shows him fronting a mariachi band, getting married, and basking in domestic bliss. Backed by promises like “For just a chance to win your heart,” the clip captures romance and devotion, as Mars vows to do anything love asks. It follows his hit single “I Just Might” and continues his captivating return.
Oliver “Power” Grant, a pivotal force behind the rise of the Wu-Tang Clan and architect of its business empire, has died of unknown causes at 52. News of his passing was first reported by Okayplayer. The group paid tribute on Instagram, writing, “Rest in Power, Power,” while member Method Man added, “Paradise my Brother safe Travels!! … Bruh I am not ok.” Grant grew up in Staten Island’s Park Hill projects alongside the future members of the Wu-Tang Clan. In 1992, he helped finance their debut single, “Protect Ya Neck,” and the following year served as executive producer on their landmark album, Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers) . Describing himself as “more the financial guy,” Grant said much of their early success came through trial and error and relentless determination. Beyond music, Grant founded the Wu Wear clothing line, transforming the group’s logo into a global brand. Under his leadership, Wu Wear secured a deal with Macy's, opened four retail stores nationwide, and reportedly grossed $25 million annually at its peak. Grant was later portrayed by Marcus Callender in the Wu-Tang: An American Saga , cementing his legacy as a driving force behind one of hip-hop’s most influential dynasties.
The Estate of Michael Jackson says it is “deeply disappointed” by what it calls the unauthorized use of elements from the late pop icon’s 1982 hit “Beat It” in a newly released remix by rapper Sexyy Red. In a statement to Billboard, representatives said Jackson’s music “is protected by copyright and by a legacy that is carefully managed to honor his artistic vision,” adding that the sampling and alteration “undermines that legacy and violates the rights of the Estate.” The estate emphasized it has “zero tolerance” for unlicensed uses of Jackson’s recordings and is reviewing “all available legal remedies.” Representatives said they will “take appropriate action to protect Michael’s intellectual property and preserve the integrity of his work,” though it remains unclear whether a formal lawsuit or takedown notices have been filed. Clips of the remix, reportedly titled “Just Eat It,” began circulating online after Lil Yachty shared studio footage of Sexyy Red recording the track. The reworked version, featuring explicit lyrics, sparked backlash across social media, with some fans invoking Jackson’s own catalog (including “They Don’t Really Care About Us”) to criticize the remix. The estate reiterated that every decision it makes is guided by preserving Jackson’s artistry for future generations.
Dutch singer Natalie La Rose returns with her empowering new single “Not Nice,” featuring Benjamin Fayah and SHAYE. Dedicated to her motherland Suriname in celebration of 50 years of independence, the track reflects her journey of self-discovery and cultural pride. Heavily promoted across YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook, “Not Nice” marks a bold new chapter following her 2015 breakout hit “Somebody,” uniting listeners through heritage and strength.
Rising Nigerian singer Ayo Maff delivers inspiration on his new single “God Is Working,” a heartfelt anthem about faith, patience, and perseverance. Blending relatable storytelling with warm, uplifting production, the track reflects on the challenges he has faced while expressing gratitude for his growth. With confident vocals and hopeful lyrics, Ayo Maff reminds listeners that even in difficult seasons, progress is happening behind the scenes and, in time, everything will settle.
After a five-year wait following his last full-length project The Melodic Blue, West-coast rapper/producer Baby Keem returns with CA$INO, an 11-track statement defined by focus and emotional honesty. Shedding excess, he favors precision over sprawl, crafting tightly wound songs that each inhabit their own sonic universe, from glitchy 8-bit textures to smooth West Coast funk. The album dives deep into personal trauma, grief, poverty, racism, and fractured family ties, most strikingly on “I Am Not a Lyricist.” Yet it balances heaviness with charisma on “Circus Circus Free$tyle” and “$ex Appeal.” Standout cut “Good Flirts” pairs Keem with Kendrick Lamar and Momo Boyd of Infinity Song, blending razor-sharp bars with luminous harmonies for a dynamic, memorable collaboration.