NEW SINGLES —————————
Multi-platinum singer-songwriter Jacquees teams with R&B star Tink for the sultry duet “Physical,” released via Cash Money Records. The track features smooth, mood-setting production as the pair trade flirtatious verses about growing chemistry, their voices blending into a seductive back-and-forth. The single arrives as Jacquees builds momentum for his upcoming album Mood
Bailey Hyneman showcases practical vulnerability on her new single “Better Days.” The Memphis-born, NYC-based singer who's noted for her eclectic (jazz, soul, pop, and gospel) influences, gets more soulful on the reflective track, which explores the struggle of losing oneself during life’s hardest moments while still holding on to hope. Over a lively yet relaxed groove, Hyneman’s mature songwriting and powerful vocal delivery shine as she reminds listeners that not every day has a silver lining and not every friendship lasts, but perseverance can still lead to brighter days.
NEW ALBUM
Pop duo Haute & Freddy (comprised of songwritersMichelle BuzzandLance Shipp) unveil their debut albumBig Disgrace, a bold slice of maximalist pop inspired by ’80s synth-pop and modern acts likeChappell Roan,Carly Rae Jepsen, andLady Gaga. Known for their theatrical visuals and extravagant style, the longtime industry songwriters use the album to showcase their eccentric, over-the-top creativity. While opener “Symphony For A Queen” leans heavily into musical theater, later tracks highlight the duo’s colorful, personality-driven pop sound.
PREMIERING NOW
UK singer/songwriter James Blake delivers another emotionally rich moment with the official video for “Doesn’t Just Happen,” featuring a powerful verse fromBritish rapper Dave. Blake’s soulful vocals and airy production frame Dave’s deeply introspective bars, where he reflects on guilt, relationships, and the weight of past choices. The gripping performance becomes the song’s emotional centerpiece, transforming Blake’s chorus into a meditation on redemption and consequence, while the visual underscores the track’s haunting, reflective tone.
Samara Cyn steps into a bold new era with the official video for “oooshxt!,” the bass-heavy lead single from her upcoming EPDetour. Produced by Sherwyn, Kendo, and Pera, the track pairs distorted low-end with Cyn’s sharp, controlled delivery, channeling a futuristic party vibe reminiscent ofMissy Elliott’s ’90s sound. Directed by Toy Oridami and Cyn herself, the playful visual captures the Tennessee-born, Los Angeles-based artist joking around with friends, celebrating the freedom and confidence that fuel this exciting new chapter.
NOW PLAYING ———————————————————————
Momo Boyd, best known as a member of Infinity Song, steps into her solo spotlight with the debut single “Strong.” After drawing attention for her recent feature on Baby Keem’s “Good Flirts” alongside Kendrick Lamar, Boyd channels her soulful style into a candid track about feeling taken for granted in a rocky relationship. Indeed, “Strong” pairs heartfelt vulnerability with a warm, girl-next-door charm, highlighting Momo's distinctive voice and emotional songwriting.
Glenn Lewis returns with his new single “Past Tense,” produced by Seige Monstracity. On the new single, the Grammy-nominated Canadian Neo-soul singer, with more than two decades in the music business, blends smooth vocals with the heartfelt storytelling longtime fans have always loved. In the song, Glenn yearns for a woman to finally stop giving a man endless second chances at love, a theme underscored by the poignant line: “Ain’t like you ain’t give that man a chance / I think it’s time you should give someone else who can.”
Rising NYC-based artist Xaviersobased’s new video for 'seen a lot of things” brings the Dominican rapper’s eclectic world to life. Shot by Walker Andrews, the visual finds Xaviersobased and Bronx artist-producer Ksuuvi cooking and baking cookies in a restaurant kitchen, a playful metaphor for “cooking up heat” while on the grind. The track, from his January 2026 debut album Xavier , floats over a gritty yet airy soundscape, reflecting a variety of influences as well as Xaviersobased's unique sound.
Liv.e and Karriem Riggins join forces as GENA (short for God Energy, Naturally Amazing) on their debut album The Pleasure Is Yours . The 16-track project blends jazz, soul, R&B, funk, and hip-hop, pairing Liv.e’s smoky, agile vocals with Riggins’ warm, kinetic percussion. After quietly performing together in 2025, the duo shaped a retro-futurist sound that reflects their deep musical roots, from Riggins’ collaborations with J Dilla and Erykah Badu to Liv.e’s acclaimed albums Couldn’t Wait To Tell You… and Girl In The Half Pear l.
Some 28 years later, Jay-Z finally releases the video for “Wishing on a Star,” his 1998 cover featuring Gwen Dickey of Rose Royce. Originally absent from the U.S., the track appeared on the U.K. edition of In My Lifetime, Vol. 1 and later compilations. The new visual stars child actor and choreographer David Sincere Aiken portraying a young Jay-Z growing up in Marcy Houses and the visual arrives alongside an anniversary reissue and limited vinyl with “Brooklyn’s Finest” on the B-side.
Ahead of his upcoming album Distracted , arriving April 3 via Brainfeeder, Thundercat has shared the new single "ThunderWave" featuring WILLOW. The track follows earlier releases including collaborations with Mac Miller, Lil Yachty, and Flying Lotus. Built around Thundercat’s hypnotic bass groove and shimmering synths, the hazy R&B duet also features harmonies and guitar licks from WILLOW. Co-written with pop producer Greg Kurstin, the song blends falsetto harmonies and splashy textures into a dreamy, playful collaboration.
Award-winning Kenyan singer-songwriter Njerae has kicked off the year with her new single "Ingia Ndani", produced by acclaimed hitmaker Hendrick Sam. Known for her soulful Afro-Indie sound, Njerae delivers a warm and intimate anthem about emotional vulnerability and inviting love in. The track, whose Swahili title translates to “come inside,” blends catchy melodies with heartfelt storytelling. It follows her 2023 EP Four Letter Word and arrives ahead of Njerae's upcoming Australian tour, reinforcing her rising global presence.
While touring North America on the Boys 4 Life Tour with Bow Wow and B2K, Omarion continues building momentum with the music video for 'Fantasy'. The mid-tempo R&B track previews his upcoming album O2 , the conceptual follow-up to O . Blending atmospheric production, sensual lyrics, and polished choreography, the Kimata-directed visual highlights Omarion’s signature vocals and dance-driven style while introducing the artistic direction of his next musical era.
Breakout British R&B artist kwn delivers a dreamy visual for her single "hopeless romantic". Directed by Chris Chance, the one-take video moves through surreal scenes featuring cowboys, a mariachi band, and a pickup filled with flowers. The track follows the success of her recent EP with all due respect and collaborations with FLO and Kehlani, signaling that 2026 could be a defining year for the rising star.
Rising R&B singer Pimmie has released her debut album Don’t Come Home via OVO Sound, the label founded by Drake. Dropping March 6, the 10-track project introduces the Houston artist’s smooth vocals and candid songwriting, highlighting her emotional range across modern R&B production. Led by the single "Bet", the album blends vulnerability with quiet confidence. Pimmie first gained attention with an interlude on Some Sexy Songs 4 U , the collaborative project from Drake and PARTYNEXTDOOR that dropped last year.
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.
Released in 1989, "Here and Now" became one of the most beloved ballads by Luther Vandross. Featured on his compilation album The Best of Luther Vandross... The Best of Love, the song was written by David L. Elliott, Terry Steele, and Charles “Casino” White. The heartfelt track resonated with audiences, topping the Billboard Hot Black Singles chart and reaching No. 6 on the Billboard Hot 100—marking Vandross’ first Top 10 hit on the mainstream chart. Driven by Vandross’ smooth lead vocals and lush instrumentation, the track featured contributions from acclaimed musicians including Nat Adderley Jr. on keyboards and Marcus Miller as producer, along with background vocals from artists such as Cissy Houston and Lisa Fischer. Critics described the record as a dreamy, sensual ballad that stayed true to Vandross’ signature romantic soul style while continuing to build his reputation as one of R&B’s finest vocalists. The song’s success earned Vandross his first Grammy Award for Best Male R&B Vocal Performance in 1991 and helped cement its legacy as a wedding and love-song classic. Vandross performed it on The Oprah Winfrey Show and during a memorable wedding scene on 227. Over the years, the ballad has been honored with covers by artists like Patti LaBelle and Richard Elliot, proving that its heartfelt message continues to resonate decades later.
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.
THE DROP ZONE ———————————————————————
Jorja Smith, the English singer-songwriter from Walsall, West Midlands, reconnects with producer and rapper Havoc on this “Blue Lights” remix, a sequel to her 2016 debut single. A self-described “forever fan,” Havoc builds the beat and delivers two verses, highlighting their natural chemistry after Jorja’s appearance on Mobb Deep’s 2025 album The Infinite . Jorja floats over the track, telling a vivid story about the pressure facing young people while keeping her smooth, soulful sound.
Ghanaian-American artist MOLIY teams up with the Berlin-via-London collective bees & honey for the new single PARTYGYAL. The Afro-house track is built for the dancefloor, blending a weightless beat with MOLIY’s bright, cherubic vocals to capture the energy of a late-night party. Following the momentum of viral hit "Body Go" with Tyla and fan favorite BACKIE, the song feels like a vivid night out on the town.
London-raised R&B singer-songwriter Ama returns with Need It Bad, a sensual R&B single featuring Brent Faiyaz. Blending atmospheric production with slow-burning emotion, the track explores longing and the ache of deeply needing someone. Ama’s confident, feminine delivery contrasts with Faiyaz’s raw conversational style, creating palpable chemistry. Directed by Micaiah Carter, the video places both artists in a desert mansion, moving separately through shared spaces until their tension-filled reunion. The release further defines Ama’s bold new era following her debut album I Came Home Late .
Cypress Hill make a powerful return with 'Wacha Trucha' , a fiery collaboration with Mexican rap star Alemán. Produced by DJ Flict, the track blends classic West Coast hip-hop with modern Mexican rap while honoring the group’s Latino roots. As B-Real explained, the Spanish-language anthem celebrates culture, resilience, and unity. Directed by Sergio de Avila, the video amplifies its urgent message (stay alert, stand together, and protect community) positioning the song as both a cultural homecoming and rallying cry for Latin rap’s moment.
Midwest singer/songwriter Yebba returns with her deeply personal second album Jean , released through RCA Records and arriving five years after her acclaimed debut Dawn . Executive produced alongside John Rooney, the album was crafted over several years across Arkansas, Dallas, and New York’s Electric Lady Studios. The project captures what Yebba calls her “adulting years,” a time shaped by healing, uncertainty, and personal liberation. Lead single "Yellow Eyes" introduces the album’s reflective tone, balancing nostalgia and acceptance. Rooted in gospel conviction while weaving in Delta blues, folk, country, and indie textures, Jea n reveals Yebba at her most intimate, grounded, and creatively free.
Less than three weeks after surprising fans with the Valentine’s Day release of her single “More Than a Lover,” R&B icon Mary J. Blige has unveiled the song’s official music video. Directed by Nico Scandiffio and filmed at the iconic Brooklyn Bridge, the visual captures Blige passionately singing about the man who has remained by her side through it all. Produced by Camper, the soulful track finds the Queen of Hip-Hop Soul basking in a deep, transcendent romance built on loyalty and unwavering devotion.
Ty Dolla $ign has released his new EP Girl Music Vol. 1 via Atlantic Records, delivering a collection of R&B tracks inspired by music women love. The project features standout songs like “3 Billion” and “Bad B*tch Alert,” plus collaborations with Ronald Isley, Brandy, and Leon Thomas. Ty says the idea began during a dinner in New York and represents a natural return to his classic R&B sound.
Rising R&B artist TheARTI$t kicks off 2026 with her new single “Shut It Down,” an upbeat yet sensual track that highlights her smooth delivery and magnetic sound. Known for crafting intimate, warm music, she leans into soft melodies and polished production to capture confidence, chemistry, and living in the moment. The feel-good record reflects her evolving artistry while reinforcing her signature style of creating soulful songs that linger long after the music fades.
Nigerian singer/songwriter Ayra Starr has unveiled her new single “Where Do We Go,” produced by ILYA. The Afro-electronic track showcases her deeper, expressive vocals while exploring the thrill of a late-night encounter mixed with introspective questions about what comes next. Starr says the song was long a personal favorite she and her friends played while getting ready. It marks her first solo release since “Who’s That Girl” with Rema and follows a breakthrough year.