NEW SINGLES —————————
Rising R&B talent Shaylin B continues her ascent with new single "Zodiac Sippin'" featuring rapper/singer Ye Ali. Produced by CasperDoItAgain, the romantic, vibe-heavy track showcases her velvety vocals and confident presence. The Chicago-born, California-raised artist has previously shared stages and collaborated with icons like Kanye West, Stevie Wonder, Pharrell Williams, and Nelly, further signaling her rising momentum.
Three-time Grammy-winning artist Victoria Monétreturns with her first solo single in two years,Let Me, a sultry, reassuring release designed to offer listeners peace of mind. Produced byCamperwith co-production fromJeff Gitelman,Branden RowellandCashmere Brown, the track arrives viaRCA Records. The smooth new record highlights Monét’s signature sensual vocals, refined songwriting, and confident evolution forward.
NEW ALBUM
Brent Faiyaz has finally delivered his long-awaited third studio album Icon, released via ISO Supremacy/UnitedMasters just in time for Valentine’s Day. Executive produced by Raphael Saadiq, the project marks a shift from Faiyaz’s signature “toxic R&B” toward more romantic, uplifting themes. The 10-track set features production from talents including Chad Hugo, Benny Blanco, and Tommy Richman. Preceded by the chart-topping single “Have To,” Icon follows his 2022 album Wasteland and showcases a refined, love-centered evolution in his sound.
PREMIERING NOW
Ziggy Marley honors his legendary father with the heartfelt video for “Many Mourn For Bob,” a moving tribute released as Bob Marley would have turned 81 this year. Featuring personal childhood images, the visual deepens the song’s emotional weight as Ziggy reflects on rediscovering his father’s legacy while working on the Marley: One Love biopic. The single, his first written specifically for Bob, previews his upcoming album Brightside, arriving for Record Store Day before a global digital release.
Belgian-Congolese singer-songwriter Camille Yembe taps into vulnerability and mysticism on her new video for Je ne l'ai jamais dit à personne. Blending French pop, electro, and rap, the rising artist reflects on releasing long-held emotions and the shared experiences that connect listeners. Inspired by a collaborative, almost spiritual studio energy, Yembe shows how place, timing, and human connection all shaped the song’s intimate and deeply personal creation.
NOW PLAYING ———————————————————————
South African star Shekhinah deepens the story of her 2025 project Less Trouble with the romantic video for Until Until. Blending R&B with subtle Amapiano textures, the visual follows Shekhinah riding on a motorbike while reflecting on a beautiful date with her partner. Dreamy scenes and emotive storytelling enhance the song’s themes of enduring love, adding a heartfelt, cinematic close to the album’s narrative.
R&B icon Mýa celebrates nearly three decades in music with the release of the vibrant video for ASAP, the lead single from her upcoming album Retrospect. Blending late ’70s and ’80s funk with contemporary R&B, the track arrives just after the anniversary of her debut hit single "It's All About Me" (1998). Directed by City James, the visual signals a confident new era as Mýa continues her independent run through Planet 9.
Nigerian hitmaker Wande Coal returns with the captivating 2026 single"Dearly", featuring rising star singer/somgwriter Qing Madi. Blending soulful vocals with lush production from Timmy, the track pairs heartfelt lyricism with an infectious melody. Qing Madi’s standout verse elevates the collaboration, adding fresh energy to the romantic record and creating a smooth, emotionally rich listening experience destined for repeat plays worldwide.
Nigerian singer-songwriter Iyanya returns with the vibrant new single “Work,” a track that highlights his signature blend of catchy melodies and engaging lyricism. Known for his distinctive sound and versatility, Iyanya delivers a compelling performance that reflects his artistic growth and experiences. “Work” stands as a strong addition to his impressive catalog, reinforcing his place among Nigeria’s most talented musicians while offering fans and music lovers another must-have song for their playlists.
Brooklyn artist Chelsie Denise, also known as “NYC’s Sweetheart,” delivers raw emotion in the official video for “Cry For Me.” The visual tells a Brooklyn love story about loyalty, struggle and betrayal, following a couple who build together only for success to fracture their bond. Offering a modern twist on Jay-Z’s “Song Cry,” the track captures heartbreak, resilience and the bittersweet power of walking away.
From her third and latest album Do You Still Love Me? , Ella Mai unveils the visuals for “Outside,” a single that finds the Grammy-winning singer returning to the romantic honesty that first made her a fan favorite. In the video, Mai embraces vulnerability as she navigates single life, balancing independence with a lingering desire ("If that phone lights up, say the word and I'm there.") for love and genuine connection.
As Reggae Month celebrations grow across the Caribbean, reggae’s tradition of resistance and social commentary takes center stage with a new collaborative release on reparatory justice. Grammy-winning Gramps Morgan joins Gassy Dread, the recording identity of Antigua and Barbuda Prime Minister Gaston Browne, for "Reparations", a single addressing colonialism and slavery’s lasting impact while highlighting reggae’s historic role in liberation movements and advocacy worldwide today.
Nigerian singer and songwriter Cheque ushers in a bold new chapter with his seven-track EP YAZI , a deeply personal project rooted in emotional hip-hop, trap-infused production, and his signature melodic style. Blending Afropop with R&B and street-pop influences, Cheque reflects on ambition, faith, pressure, and resilience across standout tracks like “Goodbye” and “Ocean Dry.” From the urgent opener “Booming” to the introspective closer “Desperado,” YAZI captures an artist embracing vulnerability, growth, and renewed confidence with honest storytelling and expressive soundscapes.
UK singer/songwriter Cleo Sol opens 2026 with “Nothing Is Impossible With You,” a faith-centered slow soul track about seeking divine guidance and strength through hardship. Carried by sparse production (including a timid but hypnotic drum pattern), the song highlights her warm vocals and reflective lyrics. Emphasizing resilience, gratitude, and self-growth, Sol encourages listeners to overcome doubt, cherish loved ones, and remain steadfast in faith.
PHABO continues his ascent in modern R&B with Ratchet & Blues . On the new project the independent LA singer-songwriter blends church-trained vocals with candid storytelling, reflecting a decade spent refining his sound. Still brimming from his 2021 debut Soulquarius a half-decade later, PHABO delivers a confident, late-’90s and 2000s-inspired sonic world. Across 15 tracks Ratchet & Blues also showcases his range as a writer and collaborator while cementing his status as one of R&B’s most compelling breakout voices.
GloRilla’s recent public clash with her sister Victoria “Scar Face” Woods has ignited a familiar and uncomfortable conversation about fame, family, and financial obligation. Since breaking out in 2022 with “F.N.F. (Let’s Go)” and quickly ascending to mainstream success with charting singles, awards, and a top-five debut album, the Memphis rapper has become one of hip-hop’s fastest-rising stars. But with that success has come an expectation that she must now serve as the financial backbone of an extended family, a burden that too often gets placed on the first person to “make it” out of difficult circumstances. Scar Face’s claims that GloRilla has abandoned family members in need tap into a narrative that success equals permanent responsibility. Yet the evidence suggests a far more complicated reality. GloRilla has publicly shown moments of generosity toward her parents and loved ones, and other family members have stepped forward to defend her support over the years. Her response (including sharing a message of appreciation from her mother and urging her sister to seek employment) may have felt blunt, but it underscored a necessary point: providing help does not mean surrendering one’s autonomy or becoming an endless source of cash for anyone who asks.
This Throwback Thursday shines a spotlight on “Into You,” the smooth, radio-dominating single from Fabolous’ 2003 sophomore album Street Dreams. Produced by DJ Clue and DURO, the track reimagined Tamia’s 1998 hit “So Into You,” blending hip-hop swagger with R&B romance. Its layered samples and heartfelt lyrics helped define early-2000s rap and R&B collaborations, making it one of Fabolous’ signature records. Originally, Ashanti recorded a version of the song for the album, but label complications prevented her from appearing in the music video. As a result, Tamia stepped in to re-record a commercial version and star in the visuals alongside Fabolous. The now-iconic video, directed by Erik White and filmed on a cloudy Malibu beach, turned unexpected rainy weather into a stylish, cinematic love story that still resonates with fans. “Into You” became a major commercial success, peaking at No. 4 on the Billboard Hot 100 and reaching the top 10 in multiple countries. It also marked one of Fabolous’ highest-charting singles at the time and remained on year-end charts throughout 2003. More than two decades later, the track continues to stand as a timeless fusion of hip-hop and R&B that captures the sound and style of its era.
British/Nigerian singer-songwriter 9DAYS returns with African Girls Do Cry (Deluxe), a fearless project that fuses intimate lyricism with sleek contemporary production, reaffirming her artistry as both bold and deeply personal. While the deluxe edition preserves the emotional core of her debut, it introduces three new tracks (“Poison Ivy,” “Can I Be Loved?” and “Under Yellow”) that broaden the album’s narrative and sonic scope. Blending introspective songwriting with polished production, these additions sit seamlessly alongside standout originals like “Vida” and the title track. Throughout the album, 9DAYS strikes a careful balance between confessional storytelling and richly textured arrangements. Her smooth, expressive vocals glide over subtle yet engaging instrumentals, creating a sound that feels both modern and emotionally grounded. The new songs add layers of resilience and reflection, exploring themes of identity, love, and self-discovery with notable maturity. Each performance carries warmth and immediacy, drawing listeners into a space that feels personal and sincere. More than an extension of the original, African Girls Do Cry (Deluxe) stands as a compelling statement of 9DAYS’ artistic evolution. The album unfolds with natural cohesion, pairing infectious hooks with quieter, contemplative moments to shape a fluid listening experience. Introspective, empowering, and endlessly replayable, it highlights her growing ability to merge heart, craftsmanship, and authenticity into a body of work that resonates long after the final track. Standout Tracks: “African Girls Do Cry”, “Feels Like Home”, & “Can I Be Loved?” Rating: 8.5/10 - Joy Nkirote
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Snoop Dogg has officially signed on to star in director Eli Roth’s upcoming horror film, marking a new chapter in their longtime creative partnership.
The Detroit Pistons announced last month an expanded partnership with multi-platinum recording artist and Detroit native Big Sean, naming him the franchise’s Creative Director of Global Experience.
Actress and producer Issa Rae and Grammy Award-winning artist Tems have officially become the newest co-owners of San Diego FC, Major League Soccer’s newest expansion team.
THE DROP ZONE ———————————————————————
Toronto-based reggae, pop, soul, and jazz artist Belinda Brady delivers a powerful visual for “Rise Up,” a stirring anthem inspired by the devastation of Hurricane Melissa. Released via Slammin’ Media and Believe Distribution, the Eddie Bullen-produced track channels resilience and unity while supporting relief efforts in western Jamaica. Brady’s commanding vocals and heartfelt storytelling transform tragedy into hope, with the video underscoring a call for solidarity, action, and collective healing through music with purpose.
British R&B singer Naomi Scott continues to preview her upcoming album F.I.G with the emotionally charged single “Losing You.” Following earlier releases “Sweet Nausea” and “Cut Me Loose,” the track finds Scott confronting the unraveling of a once-promising relationship, capturing the uncertainty and ache of impending heartbreak. Through introspective lyrics and vulnerable delivery, she explores distance, doubt and acceptance, further shaping her debut project F.I.G ., an album that sonically embraces the messy, honest journey toward becoming one’s true self.
Alicia Creti unveils a striking new video for “No One’s Business,” directed by Fabrice Rosier, matching the song’s smoldering, classic R&B energy. The Montreal native, now Los Angeles-based, showcases her timeless, soulful voice with poise and emotional depth as the visuals lean into intimacy and mood. Backed by Pop Wansel and Andrew Shadrow’s ’90s-inspired production, Creti’s vulnerable yet powerful performance signals a breakthrough moment in the making.
Dublin-based Nigerian-Irish singer-songwriter F3miii steps into a defining chapter with “Noble,” a self-written, recorded, and produced single showcasing his melodic vocals and emotionally rich songwriting. Blending intimacy and widescreen pop sensibilities, the track highlights his growing momentum following millions of streams and major festival appearances. With dozens of Spotify editorial placements and rising industry recognition, “Noble” arrives as a confident statement of artistry, positioning F3miii as a compelling new voice firmly on the ascent.
West Coast lyricist Ras Kass is gearing up to release his long-awaited album Leopard Eats Face on February 13, and he’s setting the tone with the new single “Hit List.” Produced by Genre and S Class, the track arrives with a dark, haunting video directed by Gifted Glitch that amplifies its gritty narrative through ominous imagery and visceral effects. Both warning shot and manifesto, “Hit List” showcases Ras Kass’ sharp intellect and uncompromising bars ahead of the highly anticipated project.
After a 10-year wait, J. Cole has finally released The Fall-Off, his seventh and purportedly final studio album, arriving February 6 as a 24-track double LP. Executive produced by Cole, Ibrahim “IB” Hamad and T-Minus, the project is split into “Disc 29” and “Disc 39,” reflecting his journey from a rising Fayetteville MC to a seasoned 41-year-old veteran. Framed as a full-circle moment and potential farewell, the album captures a decade-long rollout and Cole’s evolution, positioning The Fall-Off as a defining closing chapter in the Dreamville leader’s celebrated career.
DC-bred rapper Wale has released the visual for “Watching Us,” featuring Grammy winner Leon Thomas, offering a stylish companion to a standout track from his eighth album Everything Is A Lot. Directed by Hidji, the video contrasts intimate at-home moments with scenes of nightlife glamour as the pair move through upscale party settings. Built around a sample of Goapele’s “Closer,” the track blends smooth nostalgia with modern polish, marking another confident step in Wale’s return following his late-2025 comeback.
UK Jazz visionary Shabaka returns with “Eyes Lowered,” the latest single from his upcoming album Of the Earth. The deeply personal project marks the UK multi-instrumentalist’s first time rapping on record, inspired by André 3000’s fearless creative exploration. Entirely written, produced, performed and recorded by Hutchings, the album also sees him reunite with the saxophone after an 18-month hiatus. Following earlier singles “A Future Untold” and “Marwa The Mountain,” “Eyes Lowered” signals an intimate new chapter.
Dutch singer Leven Kali is giving fans room to “Breathe!” as he gears up for his upcoming album LK99, arriving this spring. Following last summer’s LK99: The Prelude EP, the self-produced single blends disco-inspired guitar, funky bass and pulsing drums into a sleek, dancefloor-ready groove. Toggling between motivational pep talk and sensual vibe, “Breathe!” captures Kali’s retro-soul aesthetic while offering a fresh preview of the fully realized LK99 era now on the horizon.