NEW SINGLES —————————
California-bred rapper, singer, and songwriter Malaynah returns with her new single “Thank You,” featuring rising Los Angeles rapper Big Sad 1900. The uptempo track finds Malaynah delivering sharp, unfiltered lyrics that explore themes of relationships, loyalty, and trust. Complementing her energy, Big Sad 1900 adds a gruff verse praising her independence and authenticity, highlighting her ability to remain genuine within a relationship.The groovy hook, as sung by Malaynah, adds to the single's gritty flair.
Nigerian singer-songwriter KFMD releases “Pepper Me,” a vibrant 2026 single showcasing his distinctive sound and rising momentum. The track features standout contributions from Qing Madi and Zinoleesky, whose styles add energy and flair. Produced by IBKSLEEK, the song blends infectious beats with catchy lyrics, highlighting KFMD’s musical versatility and growing presence.
NEW ALBUM
Co-produced with noted songwriter Olmo Zucca, Malaysian singer Yuna returns with her deeply personal five-track EP The Valour Hour. Featuring songs like “Believer” and “Wasteland,” the project explores themes of resilience and perseverance through difficult moments, reflecting a more introspective side of the artist. The release arrives just months after her critically acclaimed Yuna The Valour Hour concert at Zepp Kuala Lumpur, further extending the emotional and creative narrative behind the project.
PREMIERING NOW
Jamaican singer/songwriter Jada Kingdom delivers a striking visual for “Still Searching,” a standout from her EP (released last month) Just A Girl In A Money Man’s World. The video reimagines Damian Marley’s 2001 classic with a modern lens of confidence and control. The release continues Jada's recent momentum, following the New Religion EP featuring Foggieraw, which explored themes of romance and emotional depth.
Dancehall sensation Vybz Kartel returns with “Victory,” a powerful new single marking his first visit back to Portmore since his release. Produced by Juju Romillion and Aikopondibeat, the track is paired with a Shane Creative–directed video capturing crowds celebrating his homecoming. The release follows the freedom of Kahira “Kyro” Jones, adding emotional weight, and continues Kartel’s spiritually themed run after God Is The Greatest.
NOW PLAYING ———————————————————————
Nigerian gospel singer and songwriter Lovn delivers a captivating new single, “Available,” a track defined by its simplicity and emotional clarity that makes it both intimate and easy to connect with. Blending influences from his Yoruba roots and church upbringing, Lovn crafts a sound that feels authentic and refreshing, continuing to showcase his unique artistry. “Available” stands out as a meaningful addition to Nigeria’s high-quality music scene and is well worth adding to your playlist.
Born and raised in New Jersey, rising hip-hop talent Chris Patrick returns with his latest single “Run It Back,” featuring R&B singer Mack Keane, delivering a smooth blend of rap and R&B. The track combines a silky, melodic hook with sharp, confident verses that showcase Patrick’s evolving artistry and songwriting skill. With its polished sound and broad appeal, “Run It Back” further cements his upward momentum heading further into 2026.
Samara Cyn joins forces with Hit-Boy on “Clink,” a sleek new single accompanied by a visually striking video directed by LIIM. Gliding effortlessly over Hit-Boy’s polished production, Cyn delivers a confident performance that reflects her evolving artistry following her recent EP Detour. The track will appear on the upcoming See You Next Year 3 compilation, curated by Pigeons & Planes and Big Ass Kids, highlighting a diverse lineup of rising talent and fresh collaborations.
Directed by Rogue Bonaventura, singer-songwriter Maya J’an (who has previously collaborated with artists like Pharrell and Justine Skye) unveils the visuals for “New June.” The track, taken from Maya's debut EP blindfaith county (arriving May 15), showcases her softer side as she navigates a range of emotions, from finding hope and building connection to reflecting on past love, all delivered with graceful, expressive vocals.
Detroit-born R&B singer-songwriter Ebony Riley makes a striking introduction with her debut album Beautiful Tragedy , a deeply personal project rooted in vulnerability and self-reinvention. Across a thoughtfully arranged set of songs, Riley sheds past expectations and embraces emotional honesty, revealing layers of identity with clarity and purpose. Standout track “Only You” highlights themes of devotion and intimacy, drawing listeners into a space of trust and longing. Elsewhere, ( “Otherside") the album explores contrasting perspectives on sexuality, presenting varied, sometimes conflicting experiences that underscore Riley’s fearless approach to storytelling and artistic expression.
UK actress/vocalist Asha Banks teams up with Novo Amor and Lowswimmer for their collaborative EP Everything Is About You, a three-track project created during intimate sessions in the Welsh countryside. Featuring “Anymore,” “Lie To Me,” and “Hear Me Out,” the EP blends acoustic textures, lo-fi production, and emotional storytelling. Driven by creative chemistry and mutual admiration, the release captures a raw, poetic fusion of their distinct musical styles and shared artistic vision.
Longtime R&B/Soul singer Teedra Moses returns with her new single “Single,” a clear and confident declaration of her relationship standards. Produced by PJ Morton, the track blends a soft piano backdrop with live percussion and bass, mirroring her emotional clarity. Moses shared that the lyrics came instantly upon hearing the music, resulting in a song that captures her desire for security, passion, and a love worth giving everything to.
World-renowned Afrobeats producer and artist SPINALL keeps his momentum blazing with his new single “SHABA,” featuring Mavo and Deto Black, a sultry, jazz-infused Afrobeats track built for summer dance floors. Known for his genre-fluid sound, SPINALL blends rich instrumentation with smooth, seductive vocals to create a signature vibe. The release arrives alongside a visualizer, adding to the song’s steamy atmosphere. Following his major global rise, including a standout moment at Coachella 2024, SPINALL continues his hot streak as he gears up for his upcoming Motion Tour 2026 across North America.
Following the viral success of “Tea Time,” Yung Miami raises the stakes with her new single and video “Spend Dat,” a bold, high-energy club anthem celebrating luxury and independence. The cinematic visual drops viewers into a flashy strip club world filled with fast money and nonstop motion, featuring cameos from NeNe Leakes, Trina, and Trick Daddy. The release marks another step toward her debut solo album.
Popcaan delivers a powerful message of resilience in “Life Still a Gwaan,” a raw yet uplifting track about perseverance, family, and staying grounded. Produced by Damage Musiq, the song is paired with a cinematic video directed by Shane Creative, capturing street life, celebrations, and reflective moments. The release highlights Popcaan’s signature authenticity while honoring those who continue pushing forward despite life’s challenges.
When Usher speaks on legacy, it carries weight. After all, if anyone knows anything about legacy it's Usher, a man who since he released his self-titled debut album at the age of 15 in 1994, has gone on to win 8 Grammy's while becoming one the world's most recognized contemporary R&B singers and pop musicians. So when Usher speaks, people listen, which makes his recent defense of former mentor Sean "P. Diddy" Combs, somewhat disturbing Indeed, in an interview last week with Forbes , talking about his own legacy as a an artist, businessman, and father, Usher spoke out in defense of the recently convicted of two counts of transportation of prostitution Combs. Describing for former head of Bad Boy Records as “misrepresented” and worthy of recognition, comments that reflected a deeply personal truth rooted in mentorship and early career influence. As for Usher, Diddy is not just a headline or a conviction; but a formative figure, a teacher during a critical moment in both his life and career. A perspective that's certainly valid as personal experience often complicates public narratives, especially when it comes to icons who helped shape culture and opportunity for others.
Released in 1991, I Like the Way (The Kissing Game) became the breakout hit for Texas R&B quintet Hi-Five, cementing their place in early ’90s R&B and pop. Featured on their self-titled debut album, the track was crafted by hitmakers Teddy Riley, Bernard Belle, and Dave Way. Its smooth blend of new jack swing and youthful charm made it an instant favorite upon its release through Jive Records. The song quickly proved its dominance on the charts, spending two weeks atop Billboard’s Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart and reaching No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100. Its crossover success highlighted Hi-Five’s broad appeal, while its Gold certification from the Recording Industry Association of America underscored its commercial impact. Even decades later, the track remains a defining example of the era’s polished, radio-friendly R&B sound. Visually, the song’s music video (directed by Antoine Fuqua) offered an interesting contrast. Despite the song’s bright, bubblegum feel, the video leaned into darker tones and shadowy aesthetics. It also marked the first appearance of Treston Irby, who replaced Toriano Easley, signaling a new chapter for the group during the height of their success.
Jack Harlow returns with his fourth album Monica, a project that marks a total departure from the Kentucky-bred rapper’s usual blend of witty bars, introspection, and playful bravado. Best known for rap hits like “Whats Poppin,” “First Class,” and “Loving on Me,” here we find Harlow shifting gears completely for R&B, while aiming for a more vulnerable and emotionally transparent approach centered on past (and present?) relationships. And while the stylistic pivot is ambitious, it has also drawn criticism, with some listeners and critics questioning both its authenticity and creative direction. At just nine tracks, Monica plays like a concise but uneven experiment that often feels underdeveloped as well. A recurring issue is its lack of depth (both lyrically and emotionally) as many moments come across as forced rather than genuine. The production, though smooth and easy to digest, leans toward safe, ambient grooves that feel more like background music for the local mall than fully realized compositions, lacking the dynamism needed to elevate the project beyond surface-level listening. Tracks like “Lonesome,” “My Winter,” and “Move Along” show flashes of relatability, touching on themes of heartbreak, betrayal, and growth, but they ultimately blur together due to repetitive execution. The opening track on Monica (a title that Harlow himself said recently wasn't necessarily a real person as opposed to a name he 'loved' simply due to its sound), “Trade Places,” offers a polished, groove-driven sound, yet feels overly calculated in its attempt to channel neo-soul influences. The track “All My Friends” leans on a corny theme of falling in love too deeply, paired with a melodic yet unruffled hook that should have been left on the cutting room floor. Meanwhile, songs like “Say Hello” and “Prague” hint at greater range, but aren’t strong enough to carry the album’s overall weight. In the end, Monica is an easy listen that struggles to leave a lasting impression, falling short in originality, variety, and the emotional authenticity it aims to deliver. Standout Tracks: "Trade Places", "Say Hello", "Living Alone" Rating: 5/10 - Simon P Williams
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The legendary Oakland collective Hieroglyphics was officially inducted into the National Hip Hop Museum Hall of Fame yesterday in Washington, DC, marking a major milestone for one of underground rap’s most influential crews. Founded by Del the Funky Homosapien, the group includes key figures such as Casual, Pep Love, and the members of Souls of Mischief—Phesto, A-Plus, Opio, and Tajai—along with DJ DJ Toure and producer Domino. Known for their independence and loyal fanbase, the crew built their legacy through grassroots promotion, early internet engagement, and their own “Hierocasts.” At the center of Hieroglyphics’ identity is their unmistakable three-eyed face logo, a symbol that has become synonymous with underground hip-hop culture. Created by Del, the design is based on the Mayan numeral for eight and reflects both artistic influence and deeper consciousness (a “third eye” perspective that aligns with the group’s lyrical themes. Over the years, the logo has appeared across album covers, merchandise, and streetwear, growing into a cult emblem recognized far beyond their core fanbase. Del once noted his surprise at its reach, recalling sightings of the symbol in comics, music videos, and even tattoos worn by devoted fans. The Hall of Fame induction not only honors Hieroglyphics’ music (from albums like 3rd Eye Vision and Full Circle) but also celebrates the cultural power of their branding and message. In an era where major label backing often dictated success, the crew carved out their own lane, proving that authenticity and creative control could build a lasting movement. With their logo now cemented as one of hip-hop’s most enduring symbols, Hieroglyphics’ induction serves as recognition of both their artistic contributions and their influence on independent rap culture.
OUTSIDE THE STUDIO
THE DROP ZONE ———————————————————————
rjtheweirdo debuts with At Least She's Beautiful , a self-aware R&B project exploring toxic patterns, love, and accountability. Rooted in Atlanta’s confessional sound, the album captures a narrator confronting his own flaws while still repeating them, blending vulnerability with emotional tension. Released via EZMNY, the 12-track album features the likes of Ty Dolla $ign, Jaymin, and Nali, pairing layered production with introspective songwriting about growth, ego, and the struggle to change.
Grammy-nominated, six-time Juno winner Jessie Reyez returns with “N.Y.F.F.,” a raw and emotionally charged single that blends sharp lyricism with her signature grit and melody. The track calls out a dishonest ex with cutting honesty, showcasing Reyez’s unmatched vulnerability and emotional depth. "N.Y.F.F." follows her surprise EP $TILL PAID , released last month after her sold-out PAID IN MEMORIES world tour last year and further cements Jessie's place as one of pop and R&B’s most compelling voices.
British vocalist Natanya releases “DON’T ASK!,” a bold new single co-produced with Oscar Scheller. Blending pop with mid-2000s R&B flair, the track celebrates confidence and self-advocacy, driven by the idea that speaking up brings success. Originating from chords on a Yamaha e-piano, "DON"T ASK" evolved into a synth-rich anthem about empowerment and follows Natanya's recent double EP Feline’s Return and its sequel, which showcased her evolving pop sound.
Yaya Bey delivers a deeply moving and intimate tribute with “Forty Days,” a standout track from her third album Fidelity . Dedicated to her late father, Grand Daddy I.U. of the Juice Crew, the song reflects on grief, spirituality, and the belief that it takes forty days for a loved one’s spirit to reach the ancestors. Over a dusty, soulful groove, Bey sings directly to him, asking for guidance, comfort, and love during this transitional period, while the official video deepens the emotional weight by capturing her at home surrounded by photographs of her late relatives. These personal visuals reinforce themes of remembrance and connection, turning the video into both a memorial and a celebration of family, as the refrain “and it don’t stop” underscores a bond that transcends death and a devotion that endures long after loss.
M.I.A. delivers a powerful, chant-driven statement with “JESUS,” featuring the Sunday Service Choir, from her seventh studio album M.I.7 . Co-produced with SWICK, the track fuses spiritual themes with global influences, drawing inspiration from the Book of Revelation. Backed by the uplifting choral presence of the choir founded by Ye, M.I.A. delivers assertive lyrics about faith, purpose, and resilience. The visually artistic video complements the song’s message, reflecting a renewed creative energy shaped by recordings across multiple continents.
Producer extraordinaire BNYX links up with Quavo for “HunchO STEP!,” an energetic, futuristic single from his upcoming album GENESIS FM . The track finds Quavo delivering flashy, Migos-inspired bars with nods to Fight Night and Walk It Like I Talk It. Following earlier releases with Kid Cudi, the single builds anticipation for BNYX’s debut album, set to drop May 15, as it gains traction on iHeartRadio’s Rap Rising playlist.
Tyla teams up with Swedish singer/songwriter Zara Larsson for their first collaboration, “She Did It Again,” a sleek R&B-pop track with a nod to Britney Spears' iconic 'Oops!... I Did It Again' opus from 2000. Serving as the second single from Tyla’s upcoming album A-Pop , the song features playful, confident lyrics as the duo trade verses over a nostalgic beat. Paired with a desert-and-waterfall visual, the release arrives as Larsson continues her Midnight Sun tour and recent remix success.
Snoop Dogg keeps his momentum going with 10 Til’ Midnight , his 22nd album and fourth under Death Row Records since acquiring it. The 14-track project leans into classic G-funk, blending nostalgic West Coast vibes with polished production from names like Pharrell Williams and Swizz Beatz. Featuring collaborations with artists like October London and Trinidad James, the album feels like a confident return to form. Rather than chasing trends, Snoop embraces his legacy, delivering the familiar sound fans expect while reinforcing his lasting influence in hip-hop.
Jorja Smith delivers a smooth, late-night vibe with “Price of It All,” a standout from the Bait soundtrack. The track carries a laid-back, easygoing feel, perfect for unwinding with a glass of wine, even if it doesn’t fully push boundaries. Its subtle charm leans more into mood than standout moments. Directed by KC Locke, the cinematic visual adds depth, placing Smith in stylized spy and assassin scenarios, with action-driven scenes that reflect the series’ blend of thriller, drama, and dark humor.