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Irish-Nigerian singer-songwriter Olorunns returns with “Tie Your Laces,” a tender new single exploring childhood, family and the emotional challenges of leaving home. The London-based artist, who earned widespread attention in 2024 for her viral cover of the Goo Goo Dolls’ “Iris,” delivers heartfelt vocals on the intimate release. Raised in Ireland in a musical Christian household, Olorunns describes the song as a love letter to her parents, reflecting on their bond and the lasting connection they share despite the distance.
Gospel singer-songwriter Lisa Page Brooks returns with her latest single, “HAND ON ME,” a Gospel-Hip-Hop influenced track released through My Block Inc. The song marks her first release since signing with mega-producer Warryn Campbell’s label earlier this year. Written and produced by Campbell and Eric Dawkkins, “HAND ON ME” reflects Brooks’ personal journey through challenges, resilience and faith. The Gospel legend, who has inspired audiences worldwide since the late 1980s, says the song celebrates God’s presence throughout her life.
NEW ALBUM
Nigerian singer BNXN explores the discipline, routine and personal costs of success on “16,” the third track from his six-song EP Still In Charge. Released October 1, on Nigeria’s Independence Day, the project features guest appearances from Asake and FOLA. While the EP’s title suggests confidence, the aforementioned track “16” offers a more reflective perspective, examining how years of repetition, ambition and achievement have shaped BNXN’s journey and influenced the person he has become.
PREMIERING NOW
Future has released the Cole Bennett-directed video for “Build A Bitch,” featuring a stark black-and-white visual in which he uses animatronics to create his ideal woman from pieces of the iconic Rock-afire Explosion. The song appears on The Real Me, Future’s 12th No. 1 album and 17th R&B/Hip-Hop chart-topper.
Rising R&B singer Sy’Rai Smith has released the official music video for “Mind Ya Business,” a fan-favorite from her debut EP, Cold War, released August 28. In the visual, Sy’Rai pays homage to her mother, R&B superstar Brandy, recreating some of her iconic dance moves. Directed by Damien Sandoval and Shaun Andru, the video builds on the growing buzz surrounding Sy’Rai’s debut project as she continues establishing her own identity in contemporary R&B.
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
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Savannah James and longtime friend and business partner April McDaniel may be building businesses together, but they don’t necessarily travel the same way. During an episode of Mental Wealth, the women discussed their different financial lifestyles, including how James flies first class while McDaniel typically chooses a more budget-conscious option. McDaniel recalled an instance when she left her business-class seat to spend time with James in first class, a moment that later drew attention online. The friends acknowledged that their financial circumstances are different, but said it hasn’t created tension in their relationship or business partnership. McDaniel, founder of Crown and Conquer and co-founder of Everybody’s Crazy, said social media creates misconceptions about wealth. The pair have been friends for 15 years and now operate ventures under their Signed holding company.
YouTuber Adam22 has accused rapper and boxer Chrisean Rock of drinking alcohol and using drugs while pregnant with her son, Chrisean Jr., whom she shares with Blueface. During a recent livestream, Adam questioned Rock’s parenting and claimed, without confirmation, that Junior may have fetal alcohol syndrome. Rock denied the allegations and threatened to sue Adam for slander. Adam said he would welcome a lawsuit, claiming it would allow him to seek her medical records and messages related to her pregnancy during discovery. Blueface has also previously accused Rock of substance use while pregnant. Rock maintains that Junior has never been diagnosed with cognitive or physical disabilities. During an August appearance on The Jason Lee Show, she said he receives physical therapy and is developing normally.
Jasmine Guy is pushing back against online criticism of her appearance following her return as Whitley Gilbert in Netflix’s A Different World revival. Guy reunited with Kadeem Hardison, Darryl M. Bell and Cree Summer, delighting longtime fans, while others compared her current appearance with her younger self from the original series. In a Sept. 27 Instagram post, the 64-year-old actor addressed the scrutiny, saying the internet can be harsh toward women as they age. Guy acknowledged that growing older brings changes but emphasized that beauty, style and happiness have no expiration date. She encouraged people to stop judging themselves and others and instead focus on love, creating memories and enjoying life. Fans and celebrity friends, including Tina Knowles and Tatyana Ali, responded with messages praising Guy’s beauty and grace.
Jamaican dancehall star Shenseea has surpassed 1.5 billion views on YouTube, becoming the first Jamaican female artist to reach the milestone just days before her 30th birthday. Her channel has benefited from hits including “Hit & Run” with Masicka, which has more than 201 million views, “Lighter” with Tarrus Riley at over 137 million, and “Blessed” featuring Tyga with more than 75 million. Her breakthrough came in 2016 with “Loodi” featuring Vybz Kartel, which has exceeded 53 million views. Other popular releases include “Rebel,” “The Side Chick Song,” “Love I Got for U” and “Waistline.” Her broader YouTube impact extends beyond her own channel, including Moliy’s “Shake It to the Max (Fly)” remix featuring Shenseea and Skillibeng, which has surpassed 312 million views.
NOW PLAYING ———————————————————————
Emerging singer-songwriter Chelsea Jordan embraces spontaneity on her latest single “worst case,” out now via Arista Records. Inspired by a true-life encounter with a man she met in Paris, the song recounts Jordan impulsively flying to New York after he invited her to visit. Blending youthful freedom with fearless curiosity, “worst case” celebrates trusting your intuition, taking chances, and discovering that sometimes the biggest risk is not saying yes.
Ghanaian-Nigerian artist Mr Eazi teams with Ghanaian-American singer MOLIY on “Comfort,” a buoyant new single produced by Nigerian hitmaker Ragee. Blending Eazi’s signature Banku Music sound with Afrobeats, dancehall and R&B, the track offers an updated take on his style. Recorded in London, “Comfort” pairs an infectious rhythm with a bass synth melody, while building on MOLIY’s growing international profile following “Shake It To The Max.”
Philadelphia-bred, platinum-certified rapper 2Rare teams with two-time GRAMMY®-nominated R&B star Amerie on “BussDown (1 Thing),” following its viral social media run. Produced by Hitmaka, the track samples Amerie’s classic “1 Thing” and arrives with a vibrant video directed by BAHSPOV. Set inside a neighborhood beauty supply store, the visual blends romance, dazzling choreography and Black beauty culture, pairing nostalgic energy with 2Rare’s charismatic style.
Styles P brings his signature Ghost energy to “Set of P’s,” a hard-hitting freestyle (accompanied by a video) over the instrumental of Fat Joe, Pusha T and Dre’s “Set of Keys.” The track previews his upcoming solo project, Ghost of the Past, Present and Future Vol. 1, due October 30. Indeed, with the single the LOX veteran continues his recent run of releases, following “Ghost Master” and “Compound Ghost” with another dose of gritty street rap.
Chicago R&B rising star BJRNCK turns up the heat with the official video for “Sex On The Beach,” released via Interscope/Geffen Records. Featured on the deluxe edition of her debut album A Girl Like Me, the sultry track captures her carefree “lover-girl era,” blending romance, desire and tropical escapism. The dreamy visual follows BJRNCK on an intimate tropical getaway with her partner. The video holds special meaning, however, as BJRNCK believed she was filming an anniversary-themed romance video, only for the shoot to culminate in a surprise engagement.
Birmingham, Alabama born, U.S. and Italy raised Dani Offline brings her analog R&B vision to life with “ouch!,” a funky, playful single accompanied by a colorful video inspired by classic 1960s and ’70s dating game shows. The songwriter, producer and multi-instrumentalist draws from jazz and Quiet Storm, blending sensuality, introspection and ethereal vocal improvisation. In the video, she plays the contestant, host and a lineup of potential lovers.
Rising Chicago-bred singer Mirian explores the emotional uncertainty of a troubled relationship on her new single “Wherever U Are.” Blending polished pop with an R&B feel, the singer delivers a vulnerable performance centered on longing, betrayal and the fear of opening up to love. Miriah's smooth vocals capture the confusion of feeling neglected while questioning whether a relationship was genuine. Written and produced by Re Lxuise, the track transforms romantic doubt and insecurity into an intimate, emotionally charged listen.
New Orleans bounce artist and rapper Papiana turns up the confidence on her new single “Lemme Get That". Over a lively, heavy, bass-driven and gritty backdrop, Papiana delivers bold bars about success, lifestyle and leaving fake energy behind. Indeed, Papiana's unapologetic energy matches her assertive lyrics with a flashy ode to luxury sports cars and sexual escapades, making “Lemme Get That” a confident statement of ambition and self-worth.
Miami duo BOYG1RL brings a vibrant blend of electro-pop, reggaeton, baile funk and diasporic EDM to their self-titled debut album. Drawing from the diverse sounds of Black music emerging from Florida, the duo creates an exhilarating, bass-heavy experience built for the club. Produced with contributions from DJ Travella, umru, prblem and others, the album balances polished production with a sense of wildness and hedonism. That energy is especially potent on “power off,” a standout track produced by umru and Heartgaze, where infectious rhythms and pulsating production showcase the duo’s fearless musical identity.
Bronx, NY, rapper DreamDoll steps into her latest era with “OKAY,” a bold new single produced by Kurvo, the track rides a dark piano loop and boomin 808s as the femcee delivers confident bars about money, competition, and staying untouchable. Opening with a charged voice note, “OKAY” quickly becomes a taunting refrain, with DreamDoll making it clear she is fully in control and ready to challenge anyone.
Critique Pitchfork's review of Chris Brown's BROWN album. Examine issues of bias & journalistic malpractice in music criticism.
This Throwback Thursday, we remember the late Freddie Jackson with “Rock Me Tonight (For Old Times Sake),” the smooth R&B ballad that helped establish him as one of the genre’s leading voices in the 1980s. Jackson’s debut single, written and produced by Paul Laurence, served as the title track from his debut album, Rock Me Tonight, released on Capitol Records. The song showcased Jackson’s rich vocals and romantic delivery, qualities that would become hallmarks of his celebrated career. Released in 1985, “Rock Me Tonight (For Old Times Sake)” became the year’s top-selling R&B single, spending six weeks at No. 1 on Billboard’s Hot Black Singles chart. The record also reached No. 18 on the Billboard Hot 100 and climbed to No. 18 on the UK Singles Chart in March 1986. It marked the first of 10 No. 1 hits Jackson would earn on the U.S. R&B chart, cementing his place among the era’s most successful contemporary R&B artists. This week’s Throwback Thursday carries added significance following the announcement of Jackson’s recent passing. His team shared the sad news on social media on Tuesday, October 6, reporting that the Grammy-nominated singer had died the previous evening, October 5, at age 70. Best known for timeless favorites such as “Rock Me Tonight” and “You Are My Lady,” Jackson leaves behind a lasting musical legacy, memorable performances and generations of devoted fans. Today, we celebrate his life and artistry by revisiting a classic that continues to capture the romance and elegance of ’80s R&B.
Last month, North Carolina rapper Rapsody delivered her fifth album, the eloquently titled God Gotta Afro & Gold Hoops, a metaphor for the project’s central themes of spirituality, race, and romantic escapades. From the brash lyrics and unabashed expressions of affection on “Black Love” to the soothing sounds of adoration on “Apple Sauce,” Rapsody explores love and identity with both confidence and vulnerability. Across 15 tracks, the album features guest appearances ranging from Clipse’s Malice to D12 rapper Mr. Porter, who appears on three songs and produced a significant portion of the project, as well as funk pioneer George Clinton. The album also gives Rapsody room to showcase her versatility, blending her lyrical prowess with moments of singing, melody, and emotional nuance. Sonically diverse, God Gotta Afro & Gold Hoops moves effortlessly between hard breakbeats, heavy drum patterns, soulful grooves, and jazzy backdrops. On the introspective “Pretty Birds,” Rapsody asks, “Tell me about heaven,” setting the tone for one of the album’s more reflective moments. Other standouts include the groove-driven “Joyful,” where she wonders what happened to dancing, and “Apple Sauce,” which explores vulnerability, melody, and the excitement of a crush while sampling D’Angelo’s “One Mo’ Gin” and drawing on African spiritual themes. “OMG! (Love To Sun Ra)” and “Pretty Bird / Way R U” further demonstrate Rapsody’s ability to journey into both joyous and poignant emotional territory. Deeply entrenched in truth-telling, healing, odes to Black excellence, and pure, unadulterated hip-hop, God Gotta Afro & Gold Hoops (which was inspired by Rapsody's travel to Ghana and South Africa and recorded across sessions in Africa and Detroit) finds Rapsody embracing every facet of her artistry. It’s a layered, profound, and accessible album that balances introspection with celebration while demonstrating just how much emotional and sonic territory she can cover. Favorite Tracks: "OMG! (Love To Sun Ra)", "Free Ya Mind", "Apple Sauce" & "God Gotta Afro" Rating: 9/10
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OUTSIDE THE STUDIO
Skincare startup Topicals has announced a new round of financing featuring investments from WNBA standout Angel Reese and Nigerian music star Rema. The announcement, made Jan. 7, adds two prominent figures from sports and entertainment to the company’s growing list of supporters. According to Business of Fashion, the funding round also includes other investors from the entertainment industry, although the company has not disclosed the financial terms. Founded in 2020 by Olamide Olowe, Topicals has raised more than $22.6 million since its launch. The brand has gained recognition for combining clinically focused skincare products with culturally relevant marketing and storytelling. Its popular offerings include $22 under-eye masks and a $38 Faded Serum designed to address dark spots and hyperpigmentation. Although many of its products target skin concerns that disproportionately affect people with darker skin tones, Olowe has worked to expand the company’s appeal to a broader audience. Topicals has sold more than one million eye patches and operates in the United States, United Kingdom, Canada and Nigeria. The company also expanded into France last November.
The Broadway-bound musical adaptation of Beat Stree t, based on the groundbreaking 1984 film, has assembled its principal creative team. The Wiz director Schele Williams will helm the production, while Hell’s Kitchen writer Kristoffer Diaz will write the book. Grammy-winning music supervisor Jason Michael Webb joins the team as music supervisor, arranger and orchestrator, alongside previously announced executive producer and artist Nas. Nas is creating new material for the stage production and expanding the original film’s influential soundtrack. Last month, Nas, Williams, Diaz and Webb collaborated during a 29-hour workshop to develop the musical adaptation. Additional details about casting and the production schedule are expected to be announced in the coming months.
Nigerian singer Sarah Aderibigbe, better known as Ayra Starr, has given fans their first glimpse of her Hollywood acting debut in Children of Blood and Bone . Director Gina Prince-Bythewood shared a behind-the-scenes teaser for the highly anticipated fantasy film on Instagram Monday, offering a look at the production while announcing that the official trailer would be released Tuesday. Prince-Bythewood also revealed that the film is scheduled to arrive in theaters January 15. Although Ayra Starr appears only briefly in the teaser, the footage marks the first visual look at the Grammy-nominated singer portraying a fictional character on screen. The teaser is soundtracked by Tems’ hit single “Me & U,” adding another Nigerian connection to the Paramount Pictures production. The film is based on Tomi Adeyemi’s bestselling fantasy novel and represents Ayra Starr’s first time playing a fictional character in a major film.
A Bel-Air spinoff centered on Hilary Banks is in development at Peacock, with Coco Jones set to reprise her role from the hit drama series. Titled Hilary , the potential spinoff comes from writer-producer Tracy Oliver, co-writer of Girls Trip and Little . If ordered to series, the project would make Bel-Air Peacock’s first scripted original to receive a spinoff. Jones portrayed Hilary, Will Smith’s cousin, throughout all four seasons of Bel-Air, a dramatic reimagining of The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air . The series followed Will Smith’s transition from West Philadelphia to his family’s affluent Bel-Air home, becoming a breakout hit for the streaming service.
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Rising singer-songwriter Jalisa Rey makes a confident statement with “Look Where I’m At,” a fall-ready bop released October 2. Fueled by Jersey Club-inspired production from Pagani and featuring LA writer/producer Los from Hitbangaz, the track finds Rey embracing ambition, independence, and success while refusing to look back. The LA Weekly Artist of the Week alum delivers an unapologetic message about chasing her goals and becoming the artist she knows she is destined to be.
After more than four decades as one half of Salt-N-Pepa, Grammy Award winner and Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee Cheryl “Salt” James steps into her solo spotlight with Salty N Lit , released through Salt Songs, Inc. The 15-track album blends faith, personal truth, and creative freedom, drawing its title from Matthew 5:13. Featuring guest appearances from Shanice, Dee-1, Erica Campbell, Finn Matthews, Elijah Blake, and Chuck D, the project is introduced by singles including “Chosen,” “Kings & Queens,” “Diamonds In Light,” and “Overcomers,” celebrating self-worth, Black culture, resilience, and purpose.
Kirk Franklin teams with GloRilla on “This Time,” the high-energy lead single from his upcoming 14th solo album, I Am What I Am , due October 30 via Uptown Records. The official video captures the track’s fusion of gospel and Southern trap, powered by joyous horns, handclaps, and a massive choir. Interpolating Mandrill’s “Children of the Sun,” Franklin brings soulful intensity while GloRilla delivers upbeat bars and sharp wordplay, showcasing her versatility over the uplifting gospel backdrop.
GRAMMY Award-winning R&B singer Lucky Daye unveils the official video for “Talk To Me,” the latest single from his upcoming fifth album, ALOUD !, due October 16 via Warner Records. Co-written with Frank Brim and Dimitri McDowell, the track pairs psychedelic guitar, ’80s-inspired percussion, and a hypnotic groove with Daye’s emotional plea to reconnect with an estranged lover. As communication breaks down, his voicemail becomes a final attempt to save a relationship before the love runs out.
UK singer-songwriter Rachel Chinouriri offers a third preview of her highly anticipated sophomore album with “Broken Chair,” a playful, emotional and catchy indie-pop track about navigating her mid-twenties. Written in Los Angeles, the song transforms a night out into a moment of self-reflection, exploring drinking, partying and self-worth. Chinouriri co-wrote the track with singer/songwriter/producer Lucy Dacus, who encouraged her to embrace who she is and recognize that she is enough exactly as she is.
Nigerian gospel minister Mercy Chinwo delivers an energetic anthem of praise and thanksgiving with “My God" (also known as “My God, You Are Good"). Released September 25, the vibrant single blends joyful African rhythms with a heartfelt message of gratitude and faith. Written and composed by Chinwo, the song celebrates God’s faithfulness and serves as a personal testimony of answered prayers. With its uplifting energy and powerful declaration of devotion, “My God” invites listeners to celebrate God’s goodness.
Veteran R&B/Soul singer PJ Morton revisits the complicated emotions of a relationship on “Used To Be,” a standout from his 2026 double album, Saturday Night / Sunday Morning . The soulful track looks back at a love that changed after outside opinions and doubt began creeping in, with Morton longing to rewind the clock and recapture what once was. The official visualizer and audio complement the reflective song, adding a creative visual layer to its nostalgic, relationship-centered message.
Canadian pop/R&B singer Alessia Cara celebrates the five-year anniversary of her critically acclaimed third album, In the Meantime, with the new video for “Apartment Song.” A bouncy ode to single life and solitude, the track captures the comfort and isolation Cara experienced after moving into a new apartment during the pandemic. Originally released in September 2021, the fan favorite gets a playful, full-circle visual co-directed and co-edited by Cara and Dario, bringing renewed energy to the beloved track.
Grammy-award winning R&B, jazz, neo-soul and gospel singer-songwriter Lalah Hathaway returns with Made in Chicago, her ninth studio album and a deeply personal tribute to the city that shaped her. Released on what would have been her father Donny Hathaway’s 81st birthday, the nine-track collection draws inspiration from childhood memories, Chicago’s skyline and Lake Michigan. Made with longtime collaborator Phil Beaudreau, the album blends warm and soulful vocals, creating a lush sound that honors Hathaway’s past while pushing her artistry forward.