In 2006, Keyshia Cole delivered one of the defining R&B songs of the decade with “Love,” an emotional ballad about heartbreak, devotion and the struggle to believe in someone who may not deserve it. Co-written by Cole and producer Greg Curtis, the song appeared on her 2005 debut album, The Way It Is, before being released as the project’s fourth and final single on January 6, 2006. The record held special significance for Cole, who believed it could help her secure a record deal. Her performance of “Love” for A&M Records president Ron Fair ultimately helped her land a contract, setting the stage for her rise as one of R&B’s most recognizable voices. “Love” became Cole’s breakthrough hit, reaching No. 19 on the Billboard Hot 100 and climbing to No. 3 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart. The single was certified platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America, cementing its place among her signature recordings. Its heartfelt lyrics captured the vulnerability of loving someone despite infidelity and the fear of not being good enough. Cole’s raw, passionate delivery connected with listeners who recognized the complicated emotions behind trying to hold a relationship together. The song’s success helped establish her as a major force in contemporary R&B, paving the way for further hits, including 2007’s “Let It Go.” The song’s accompanying music video, directed by Benny Boom, added another layer to its appeal, featuring actor and singer Tyrese Gibson as Cole’s love interest. Filmed in various New York City locations, the cinematic clip follows a woman caught between her feelings for a man and suspicions about his criminal activities. The storyline unfolds through a police stop, a news report revealing his involvement in a bank robbery and a final confrontation in which he promises to change. The video became a regular fixture on BET’s 106 & Park, remaining on the countdown for 65 days before its retirement in April 2006. Nearly two decades later, “Love” remains a fan favorite and a powerful reminder of Keyshia Cole’s impact on 2000s R&B.

GRAMMY-nominated artist Johnny Venus has released his debut solo album, The 11th Hour, a 12-track project executive produced by The-Dream and released through Sincethe80s and Epic Records. Expanding beyond his work as one half of EARTHGANG, Venus explores love, healing, spirituality, and personal growth through a blend of progressive R&B, soul, and funk. Introduced by four singles, including “I Want You Back” and “Nightmares,” the album reflects his evolving worldview, celebrating self-love, relationships, family, and community.

Mississauga, Ontario-based Ghanaian-Canadian singer-songwriter Luna Elle delivers a captivating blend of contemporary R&B and neo-soul on her new single, “Come To Me,” released September 18 through Hot Freestyle Records. Produced by Nonso Amadi and Kevin “Kofo” Ekofo, the track explores intimacy, emotional vulnerability, and the irresistible desire for closeness. Showcasing her soulful vocals and emotional depth, the single offers a glimpse into her artistic vision ahead of her upcoming debut album, Lunar.

Houston singer-songwriter Peyton embraces her Southern roots on her new release, “From The South (Personal),” blending contemporary R&B and soul with her dreamy, distinctive vocals. Raised in Houston, Texas, Peyton developed her musical foundation through early training in vocals and violin, drawing inspiration from gospel, hip-hop, pop, and R&B. Released through PeyDay in 2026 alongside “Don’t Move Fast,” the track also features production from Bryant Troy and ezm.

Nigerian Afro-Pop girl group MYST, featuring Mira, Sucré, and Trella, deliver an unapologetic statement with “REAL SHII,” the newly formed trio’s second single. Produced by Dan Akins and Jaytron, the track blends smooth Afrobeats harmonies with energetic UK garage and dance influences. Exploring real-life desires, personal flaws, confidence, and contradictions, the song showcases the group’s fearless attitude and individuality. Accompanying the release, the street-themed visualizer features a stylish walk-and-dance concept that matches the record’s infectious energy

Dave East and super producer Harry Fraud deliver the official music video for “Stay With Me,” a standout track from the luxury edition of their collaborative album, Price of Pain. Directed by @the_infamous_oz, the visual features contributions from artist @charliedovesnyc. The expanded project adds five bonus tracks to the original release and boasts an impressive lineup of guests, including Vado, Benny the Butcher, Styles P, Snoop Dogg, AZ, and Suzi. John Sparkz handled mixing and mastering.

Beyoncé, Tina Knowles and Kelly Rowland attended a ribbon-cutting ceremony Tuesday in Houston to celebrate the opening of the Knowles-Rowland House, a permanent supportive housing development for people who have experienced chronic homelessness. The project transforms the former Knowles-Rowland Center for Youth into a residential facility featuring 31 housing units, including 16 designed to accommodate individuals with mobility or sensory impairments. Sponsored by Bread of Life, a nonprofit affiliated with St. John's Downtown Church, the development will provide residents with access to essential support services through a partnership with Temenos Community Development Corporation, including case management, mental health counseling, substance abuse treatment, life skills training and nutrition assistance. The building has a longstanding connection to Beyoncé and Rowland, who were members of the church. Originally opened in 1999 as a gymnasium and youth center, the Knowles-Rowland Center for Youth was funded with earnings from Destiny's Child's first single. However, the facility suffered extensive damage during Hurricane Harvey in 2017 and a fire in 2021. In 2023, Harris County committed approximately $7.2 million in federal pandemic recovery funding toward its redevelopment. Tuesday's ceremony brought together the Knowles family, Rowland and local officials, including Houston Mayor John Whitmire, Congressman Christian Menefee and Harris County Commissioner Rodney Ellis, to mark the transformation of the building into a resource for residents experiencing homelessness. The opening represents another milestone for Bread of Life, which was founded in 1992 by pastors Rudy and Juanita Rasmus to address homelessness, hunger and other community needs in Houston. For more than three decades, the organization has worked to connect vulnerable residents with housing and essential resources. During the ceremony, organizers also announced the Rudy and Juanita Rasmus Food Distribution Center, extending the nonprofit's commitment to supporting Houstonians in need. The Knowles-Rowland House reflects the continuation of a community-focused legacy, turning a building originally created to serve young people into a place offering housing, stability and supportive services to adults experiencing chronic homelessness.

Duane “Keffe D” Davis, a former gang leader convicted of orchestrating the 1996 killing of rap legend Tupac Shakur, was sentenced Tuesday to 40 years to life in prison. Davis, 63, was convicted in August of first-degree murder with the use of a deadly weapon for his role in the drive-by shooting near the Las Vegas Strip. The case remained unsolved for decades before Davis publicly discussed his alleged involvement in interviews and a 2019 memoir. Judge Carli Kierny emphasized the lasting impact of Shakur’s death, telling Davis that he could not take a man from his family and simply walk away, particularly when that man was Tupac Shakur. Even with credit for time served, Davis is not expected to become eligible for parole until he is at least 100 years old. His attorney has said he plans to appeal the conviction. Shakur, who was 25, was shot multiple times on September 7, 1996, while riding in a black BMW driven by music executive Marion “Suge” Knight. A white Cadillac pulled alongside the vehicle at a red light, and gunfire erupted. Knight survived, but Shakur died six days later from his injuries. According to Davis’ account, the shooting was retaliation for an earlier altercation in Las Vegas involving Shakur’s entourage and Davis’ nephew. Davis claimed he was in the passenger seat of the Cadillac and passed a gun to someone in the backseat, who fired the shots. Prosecutors argued during the trial that Davis orchestrated the attack and supplied the weapon amid a longstanding rivalry between the South Side Compton Crips and the Mob Piru gang. The defense challenged the lack of physical evidence connecting Davis directly to the decades-old crime and portrayed him as someone who exaggerated his involvement for financial gain. Shakur’s family described the sentencing as an emotional moment after nearly three decades of grief. His sister, Sekyiwa “Set” Shakur, spoke about the pain of repeatedly hearing Davis recount the circumstances surrounding her brother’s death, describing him as a kind and gentle person who protected his family. She also reflected on the future he might have pursued, suggesting he could have moved beyond music into activism or politics. “This man’s life mattered,” she said as family members cried in the courtroom. Shakur’s brother, Maurice “Mopreme” Shakur, also described the killing as devastating for the family and the rapper’s fans. Although Davis remains the only person charged in Shakur’s murder, the case’s conclusion has renewed attention on the life and legacy of an artist whose music legacy was to address hardship, love and the struggles of Black Americans

With Creole Culture, Dawn Richard completes the musical trilogy that began with 2019’s New Breed and continued with 2021’s Second Line, delivering her first solo album in five years. Inspired by New Orleans’ vibrant musical heritage, the project blends R&B, jazz, electronic dance, soul, reggae and alternative bedroom pop into an eclectic celebration of her cultural roots and personal journey. Standout tracks include “Only Fans,” “Groove City” and “Enough,” which incorporates a subtle nod to Sister Nancy’s classic “Bam Bam.” Rather than relying solely on recognizable references, Richard allows the album’s musical influences to unfold organically, creating a lively, richly layered listening experience best appreciated from beginning to end.