NEW SINGLES —————————

Jeff “Mr. Trombone” Bradshaw teams up with Grammy winner Anthony Hamilton for the soulful new single “Nothing Else Matters,” from his upcoming sixth studio album The Cure . Written and produced by Vidal Davis with co-writes from Bradshaw, Hamilton, and Jarius Mozee, the track celebrates the power of love and devotion. Out now via Music Matters/SRG Jazz, The Cure is a 10-song collection featuring R&B and Jazz greats such as Dave Hollister and Jeff Coffin, offering Bradshaw’s signature blend of healing, uplifting music.
NEW ALBUM

Keri Hilson makes a powerful return with We Need to Talk: Drama , the second installment in her ambitious trilogy that unfolds like a film. Following April’s We Need to Talk: Love , this new chapter dives into betrayal, heartbreak, and emotional growth, capturing the turbulence of a broken romance. To build anticipation, Hilson joined the viral “Put a finger down” trend, hinting at her own story of a love gone wrong. Released through Audible Art Club/Create Music Group, her first independent venture, Drama cements Hilson’s evolution as an artist, reclaiming her voice after a 15-year hiatus.
PREMIERING NOW

Jermaine Dupri, GRAMMY-winning producer and Songwriters Hall of Famer, has dropped his full-length album Magic City alongside the powerful video for its focus track, “Atlanna” featuring CeeLo Green. A true Atlanta anthem, the record embodies the city’s pride, grit, and soul through Dupri’s signature production and CeeLo’s commanding vocals. Released in tandem with the finale of STARZ’s Magic City: An American Fantasy , which Dupri executive produced, “Atlanna” honors Atlanta’s past, present, and future while further cementing his legendary legacy.

Grammy-winning R&B star Ella Mai brings her latest single “Tell Her” to life with a stylish new video directed by Cole Santiago. Backing verses that pay homage to Destiny’s Child, the visual finds Mai taking on playful office roles while confidently reminding her lover to keep his ex in check. With sharp lyrics and a commanding presence, she delivers a message of love, loyalty, and self-assurance. Blending empowerment with creativity, “Tell Her” builds momentum for Ella’s return, signaling the start of an exciting new chapter in her artistry.
NOW PLAYING ———————————————————————

Keith Sweat makes a powerful return with the video for his new single “Working,” featuring rising Nigerian star Qing Madi. The groovy track blends classic R&B with Afro-soul, exploring love’s persistence and the struggle of proving yourself to someone you cherish. Sweat’s smooth, seasoned delivery pairs seamlessly with Qing Madi’s youthful, soulful tone, creating a cross-generational dialogue that feels both global and deeply personal. Together, they craft a heartfelt anthem about devotion, vulnerability, and the relentless effort to keep love alive.

Neo-soul singer Isis Chanel unveils the video for her heartfelt single “Missing Piece,” a tender reflection on love and connection. Born in Detroit, Isis draws from the city’s Motown and Techno legacy, blending R&B, funk, pop, and house into her signature sound. Directed by Isis herself with co-director Meaghan Sutton, the visual captures her poetic storytelling as she contemplates life and love, declaring her partner the true “missing piece” that completes her journey.

Rising UK R&B trio FLO (Jorja Douglas, Stella Quaresma, and Renée Downer) have unveiled The Mood (Remixes) EP, reimagining their signature sound for the dancefloor. Known for their viral debut “Cardboard Box,” the London group now embraces club-ready energy with four dynamic remixes. The project features contributions from Jayda G, p-rallel, Berlin-London collective Bees & Honey, and rising talent GEE LEE, each bringing fresh textures to FLO’s silky, perfume-like vocals. Out now, the EP highlights the group’s versatility and global ambition as they continue redefining UK music.

FALLON, formerly of Cherish, unleashes raw emotion on her new single “Hate You,” produced by Harv (Mariah Carey, Justin Bieber). With pillow-soft vocals delivering razor-sharp lyrics to a deceitful ex, the track marks the first glimpse of her upcoming EP Both Sides. Poised as her debut solo project, it reveals a vulnerable yet fierce new chapter.

London musician Alfa Mist has shared his new double single, Give Nothing and Dersen Cafe, from his forthcoming album Roulette, arriving October 3. Known for fusing jazz, hip-hop, and classical influences, Alfa showcases his range with these contrasting tracks: the breakbeat-fueled Give Nothing brims with tension and spoken-word grit, while Dersen Cafe drifts into late-night jazz ambience.

Mýa returns with a fresh visual for her empowering new single “G.M.O. (Got My Own)” featuring Tink. Released August 31, the synth-driven, bass-heavy midtempo ladies’ club anthem marks a departure from her R&B-rooted albums Smoove Jones and TKO. Directed by Dana Rice and Mýa, the video channels the feel of an old-school iPod ad, featuring striking black-and-white visuals, silhouettes, sleek choreography, a Lambo, and martinis for a stylishly minimalistic vibe.

Ice Cube delivers a powerful statement with his new single and video “Before Hip-Hop,” a track that pushes back against the unfair narrative blaming rap for crime and violence. Over a gritty, West Coast–flavored beat, Cube reminds listeners that systemic issues long predate the culture. Directed by Gabriel Hart (aka Video GOD), the video amplifies the message with striking visuals that connect past struggles to present realities, making Cube’s commentary both urgent and timeless.

Paris-based R&B talent Jäde turns up the groove with her infectious new single “Dsl.” Produced by Peso20k, the track blends contemporary R&B, alt-pop, and funky rhythms into a hypnotic soundscape. Anchored by smooth keys and a bouncy beat, “Dsl” radiates confidence and sensuality while weaving the French word désolé (“sorry”) playfully throughout. Addictive and stylish, it’s a bold statement from Jäde that leaves listeners eager to dive deeper into her artistry.

British-Sudanese singer-songwriter Elmiene continues his meteoric rise with Heat The Streets, a 12-track mixtape. Known for placing fifth in the BBC Sound of 2024 poll and earning a 2025 BRIT Rising Star nomination, Elmiene delivers a heartfelt project that blends original songs, interludes, and skits. A love letter to R&B’s legendary roots, the mixtape showcases his poetic lyricism, bold romanticism, and emotional depth, while keeping the sound fresh and forward-looking—solidifying his place as one of the genre’s most captivating new voices.

Edubb302 returns with his powerful new single “Hood Prayer,” a raw yet inspiring anthem recorded in his hometown of Wilmington, Delaware. Blending gritty beats with layered storytelling, he paints vivid pictures of struggle, survival, and perseverance. Each bar carries the weight of experience while offering hope, making the track both deeply personal and universally relatable. With commanding delivery and unflinching honesty, “Hood Prayer” cements Edubb302’s place as a relentless, authentic voice in hip hop.

This week's Throwback Thursday takes us back to 1981, when Maze featuring Frankie Beverly released one of their most beloved classics, “Before I Let Go.” Though it appeared on the band’s first live album Live in New Orleans, the track was recorded in the studio and released as the project’s second single. Written and produced by Frankie Beverly himself, the smooth yet infectious groove climbed to #13 on the Billboard R&B chart, cementing its place as a timeless anthem. While many fans know “Before I Let Go” as a joyful party favorite, its origins came from a deeply personal place. Beverly originally penned the song as a ballad about his conflicted feelings for Delores Marie “D’Marie” Warren of the group Alton McClain and Destiny. He was in love with her while still in a relationship with another woman, and those emotions inspired the lyrics. Once Beverly shared the song with Maze, the band transformed it into a more upbeat, danceable track during rehearsals—creating the version that would become iconic. Over four decades later, “Before I Let Go” remains a cultural staple, especially within Black American communities, where it continues to light up weddings, barbecues, and family gatherings. Its legacy grew even stronger following Frankie Beverly’s passing on September 10, 2024, at the age of 77. What began as a song of bittersweet love has become a joyous celebration of life, togetherness, and the enduring artistry of Frankie Beverly and Maze.
SEARCH
OUTSIDE THE STUDIO

Nelly and Ashanti are embracing their second chance at love—and inviting the world along for the ride. The iconic hip-hop couple, who first began dating in 2003 and split a decade later, have reunited in a big way with a new reality series, Nelly and Ashanti: We Belong Together, now streaming on Peacock.

The legacy of reggae legend Bob Marley comes to life in a groundbreaking new attraction set to debut at Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino in Las Vegas. Titled Bob Marley Hope Road: The Experience, the immersive production combines cutting-edge storytelling, design, and performance to honor Marley’s enduring message of uni

The plaza outside Paris’ Pompidou Center erupted in sound and spectacle on Tuesday as Pharrell Williams unveiled his latest Louis Vuitton menswear collection in a jaw-dropping display of fashion, culture, and celebrity. Beyoncé and Jay-Z headlined the front row alongside stars like Bradley Cooper, J-Hope, Karol G, Futu
THE DROP ZONE ———————————————————————

Christian rapper, singer and songwriter Lecrae’s tenth studio album Reconstruction is more than a title, it’s a mission statement. Built on themes of faith, discipline, and resilience, the project blends his sharp lyricism with soulful, versatile production. From Kendrick-worthy soundscapes to Griselda grit and Kanye-inspired nostalgia, Lecrae adapts effortlessly, balancing conviction, melody, and raw emotion. Featuring T.I., Killer Mike, Jon Bellion, Fridayy, and faith-driven voices like Jackie Hill Perry and Madison Ryann Ward, Reconstruction marks Lecrae’s first solo release since 2022, reaffirming his status as one of hip-hop’s most versatile storytellers.

Annahstasia has unveiled the new video for “Waiting,” a standout track from her recently released album Tether. Filmed and edited by Jessica Garfield and starring Annahstasia herself, the video mirrors the song’s reflective nature while showcasing her commanding vocals and introspective lyrics. One of the album’s few tracks with a driving backbeat, “Waiting” swells with Mellotron and electric guitar as her raspy runs build to a rousing hook, capturing both exuberance and emotional release within her widescreen artistic vision.

Tiara Thomas, the Grammy and Academy Award-winning singer-songwriter best known for her feature on Wale’s 2013 hit “Bad,” has released her new single, “A Hug.” The raw and emotionally charged R&B track highlights her dual artistry, blending soulful vocals with sharp, rhythmic flows. Seamlessly moving between singing and rapping, Thomas delivers a vulnerable yet powerful performance. “A Hug” follows her recent single, “Kiss Me.”

Atlanta-born singer-songwriter and actress Jai’Len Josey turns up the energy with her sultry new single “Freak,” released via Def Jam Recordings. Produced by Tricky Stewart and Ben Parris, the track blends flirtatious lyrics with a pulsating backdrop, showcasing Josey’s powerhouse vocals. Co-written with Stewart, Parris, and Theron Thomas, “Freak” teases a playful yet bold side of her artistry, hinting at an exciting new chapter.

Johnny Drille and Tiwa Savage unite in the official video for “Over The Moon” , a soul-stirring collaboration produced by BlaiseBeatz. Blending heartfelt lyricism with lush, emotive production, the track captures the euphoria of love and connection. Johnny Drille’s signature sensitivity pairs seamlessly with Tiwa Savage’s dynamic presence, creating sweet vocal chemistry. With nods to Dr Sid’s Afropop classic of the same name, this single bridges past and future, showcasing two of Nigeria’s most soothing and expressive voices in perfect harmony.

Arrested Development returns with purpose in the music video for “My Job Ain’t Done” (MJAD) , a standout from their explosive new album Adult Contemporary Hip Hop . Produced by Speech, the track builds with layered horns over a tight loop, carrying a mood of focus and recommitment. Speech delivers clear, assertive verses that bridge personal mission and political context without overcomplication. As with their twelfth studio album the aforementioned Adult Contemporary Hip Hop , "My Job Ain't Done" proves the group remains energized, self-defined, and deeply rooted in grown, authentic Hip Hop.

Jamaican singer/songwriter Lila Ike embraces her sultry side on her new single "Romantic", which also features dancehall superstar Masicka. The track is from Lila's newest album (released in late August) Treasure Self Love , an 11-track opus that comes with guest appearances by the likes of Joey Bada$$, Protoje and H.E.R.

Popcaan returns with fire on his latest single “Bad Anywhere”, teaming up with dancehall legend Pinchers, producer Notnice, and artists Nitty Kutchie and C.P Ink. Released August 25, 2025, the track blends classic and modern dancehall energy, showcasing Popcaan’s versatility and the crew’s lyrical dominance. With pulsating beats and bold delivery, “Bad Anywhere” is already making waves across streaming platforms and live performances.

Capleton teams up with Irie Ites Records and Evidence Music for the powerful new single and video, “No Sell Your Soul,” taken from the upcoming Hell A Go Pop Riddim album, set for release on September 21. Known as one of reggae and dancehall’s most influential voices, Capleton delivers a fiery message of integrity and strength. Irie Ites, internationally recognized since 2003, has collaborated with top Jamaican artists like Sizzla, Bounty Killer, Anthony B, Morgan Heritage, and veterans including John Holt and Max Romeo.