NEW SINGLES —————————
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.
NEW ALBUM
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.
PREMIERING NOW
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.
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.
NOW PLAYING ———————————————————————
Rising R&B singer-songwriter Girlfriend continues to define her own lane with Honey Water , a ten-song project that reflects her most confident era yet. Mississippi-born and Los Angeles-based, she blends Southern warmth with West Coast intimacy, delivering honest, emotionally precise storytelling. Released via Encore Recordings, the feature-free project is entirely self-written, with Girlfriend also serving as co-executive producer. Anchored by the introspective track “Deep,” Honey Water explores desire, healing, and self-discovery through cohesive production and vulnerability-driven songwriting.
Legendary R&B icon Johnny Gill returns with the music video for his new single “One Night,” a passionate, sensual ballad written by Gregg Pagani and Francesca Richard. The visual matches the song’s grown-and-sexy, traditional R&B feel, reflecting Gill’s renewed creative focus and deep connection with his fans. The release arrives as Gill announces an upcoming tour, while continuing his legacy with New Edition, who are also preparing for a 2026 North American run.
Memphis rapper and singer Brezay links with Akeem Ali on the official video for “Overthinker’s Dance,” a smooth, emotionally aware track that explores the tension between anxious thoughts and self-expression. The visual brings that inner conflict to life through movement and mood. Jackson, Mississippi native Ali adds his signature ’70s-inspired flair, blending swooning rap lyrics with melodic hooks and a funk-disco groove.
Mýa has ushered in a new era with the release of her latest single, “A.S.A.P.,” the lead track from an upcoming project years in the making. Co-produced with LaMar “MyGuyMars” Edwards and co-written with Vince Berry, the sultry, ’80s-tinged midtempo finds Mýa leaning into funk and soul influences while addressing love, accountability, and communication. “A.S.A.P.” captures a red-hot romance worth fighting for, setting the tone for her next chapter in contemporary R&B.
Nigerian artist Islambo continues to elevate his profile with the release of “Oh My Days,” a vibrant new track that highlights his vocal strength and evolving artistry. Blending infectious energy with polished, authentic production, the record showcases Islambo’s growing sonic range and confidence. With its captivating melodies and undeniable appeal, “Oh My Days” stands as a strong addition to his expanding catalog, reinforcing his place in the contemporary music landscape and signaling an artist steadily earning wider recognition.
Styles P heads to the U.K. for the video to “Ride In / Ride Out,” a new single produced by Superb Dova. Directed by ASB and ill Will and filmed by @shotbyillwill, the visuals unfold largely inside London Fields’ Number One Café—famously recognized as a key meeting spot in Top Boy. The LOX rapper brings his signature grit to the international backdrop, pairing sharp lyricism with cinematic street imagery.
Jordan Ward embodies the modern R&B artist—emotionally open, introspective, and unafraid to explore uncertainty. On his second album, Backward , the dancer-turned-singer reflects on alienation, growth, and empathy through polished tracks like “Ross Fit,” “Noisy Neighbors,” and the Sailorr-assisted “Smokin’ Potina.” Executive producer Lido blends Seventies soul with singer-songwriter warmth and Eighties synth textures, creating fluid musical shifts. Though Ward admits he doesn’t have life fully figured out, his confident artistry and emotional honesty keeps Backward engaging and forward-moving.
Eclectic, Philly-bred singer Bilal has unveiled the official video for “Quantum Universe,” a standout from his 2024 album Adjust Brightness . Experimental and rock-leaning, the track pairs a cosmic sense of scale with rich funk and soul textures. Created, edited, and directed by Shiro Fujioka for @voltagectrlr, the visual amplifies the song’s otherworldly tone.
Hackney-born vocalist Bel Cobain returns with “Am I Dumb,” an emotionally charged single fueled by anger and self-reflection. Released via Brownswood Recordings, the track pairs soulful delivery with jagged production, exposing raw feeling beneath her polished sound. Exploring self-blame and toxic cycles, her commanding vocals ride eerie percussion. Known for a mystique echoing Kate Bush, Bel transforms vulnerability into connection, revealing her most authentic self.
London vocalist Debbie returns with her single “The Rain Isn’t Over,” marking a vulnerable chapter of self-rediscovery. After early viral success, a Stormzy co-sign, and a stint with 0207 Def Jam, her departure proved challenging. A 90-day creativity challenge reignited fan support, drawn to her emotional honesty. Born from self-doubt and shaped with collaborator Hannah V, the sonically rich track captures Debbie at her most exposed yet self-assured.
When the NFL announced that Bad Bunny would headline the Super Bowl LX halftime show on February 8, 2026, it should have been a celebratory moment: a recognition of one of the most globally successful and culturally significant artists of the modern era. Instead, the reaction from conservative corners of America has been nothing short of absurd. From politicians to pundits to former football players, the outrage over a Puerto Rican superstar performing at America’s biggest sporting event reveals more about their own insecurities and biases than it does about Bad Bunny or his music. The outrage machine kicked into overdrive almost immediately. Just this Tuesday, Speaker of the House Mike Johnson called the NFL’s decision “terrible” and suggested 82-year-old Lee Greenwood should perform instead, as though nostalgia were the only valid form of patriotism. Recently, Fox Nation host Tomi Lahren embarrassed herself by claiming Bad Bunny “is not an American artist,” only to be reminded (on her own show) that Puerto Rico is part of the United States. Even Donald Trump jumped into the fray, claiming he’d “never heard of him,” a statement that says more about Trump’s cultural ignorance than about Bad Bunny’s reach. Hall of Famer Eric Dickerson also chimed in on the brouhaha, telling Bunny to “keep his ass away” from the Super Bowl if he doesn’t “like America.” Nonetheless it’s a pattern we’ve seen before: manufactured outrage cloaked in nationalism and cultural insecurity.
For this Throwback Thursday, we revisit Jodeci’s classic single “Forever My Lady,” the second release from their 1991 debut album of the same name. Written and produced by DeVante Swing alongside Al B. Sure!, the song arrived in August 1991 via Uptown/MCA and quickly became a breakthrough moment for the group. It marked Jodeci’s first of five No. 1 hits on Billboard’s R&B chart, spending two weeks at the top while also crossing over to reach No. 25 on the Hot 100. Lyrically, “Forever My Lady” centers on love, family, and unwavering devotion, themes that resonated deeply in early ’90s R&B. The song held added emotional weight, as it was dedicated to Al B. Sure!’s then-girlfriend Kim Porter and their newborn son, Quincy. At a time when Jodeci balanced harder new jack swing records with tender ballads, this track showcased their softer, more romantic side without losing their edge. The video elevated the song into visual legend, pairing soft lighting with seaside scenes and cathedral-like interiors. Clad in all-white outfits with black combat boots, the group blended sensitivity with streetwise style. Standout moments—K-Ci skipping rocks along the shore, expressive hand movements, and DeVante’s iconic air-keytar solo drifting between settings—made “Forever My Lady” a defining example of the art and drama of ’90s R&B videos.
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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OUTSIDE THE STUDIO
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.
Toni Braxton is turning her 2000 Billboard #1 hit “He Wasn’t Man Enough” into a made-for-TV moment, joining forces with Lifetime for a new original film premiering Saturday, November 22. The GRAMMY-winning superstar not only stars as the lead but also serves as executive producer as part of her multi-film deal with the
THE DROP ZONE ———————————————————————
R&B vet Sammie makes a powerful return with the official video for his new single “Old Alone,” the first release from his highly anticipated album THE JOURNEE, coming soon. Produced by LACHAZ and composed by Sammie, the song is a chilling, soulful reflection that hits straight to the core. Shot and directed by Philly Fly Boy and starring Amber Reign, the visual captures Sammie’s introspective journey as he confronts the frustrations of modern dating, the weight of growing older, and his deep desire to find a true partner to build a lasting love and family with.
Alt-rap standout Bktherula has released the official video for “Big Feeling,” a fan-favorite from her acclaimed 2025 album LUCY. A slow-burning earworm turned viral hit, the track has swept TikTok with co-signs from North West, Keke Palmer, and Plaqueboymax, landing on global charts. Shot in Atlanta and directed by Mali, the video amplifies the song’s swaggering, larger-than-life energy. The new video also comes on the heels of Bktherulaalong with Denzel Curry, TiaCorine,A$AP Fergand and Key Nyata forming a Hip-Hop supergroup called The Scythe.
Grammy-winning producer Camper releases his long-awaited debut album Campilation via November Yellow/Slang, an 11-track compilation years in the making. Led by singles with Syd, Tank, Tone Stith, Ari Lennox, Jeremih, and Jill Scott, the project reads like a coronation of his nearly two-decade career. The star-studded lineup includes Stevie Wonder, Brandy, Victoria Monét, Lucky Daye, and WanMor. While the album showcases Camper’s refined production and deep R&B roots, many songs cycle through similar themes of emotional uncertainty, longing, and demands for clarity, leaving conversations unresolved across the tracklist.
Rising R&B artist GoGo Morrow returns with “Hard To Love,” released via MNRK Music Group and produced by Grammy winner Harmony “H Money” Samuels. The track follows 2023’s “Touch Me” and previews her upcoming EP SET, arriving February 27. Smooth yet guarded, the song explores vulnerability, emotional conflict, and self-protection in love.
Elite Nigerian hitmaker Seyi Vibez teams up with Afrobeats star Omah Lay on “My Healer,” a powerful new single released via EMPIRE. Marking Seyi Vibez’s first release of 2026, the track blends Afro-fusion rhythms with soulful introspection. Driven by fast-paced percussion and celestial textures, the duo transform personal vulnerability into a spiritually charged ode, portraying their romantic partners as divine sources of restoration and emotional healing.
West-coast singer/songwriter Joyce Wrice steps into a bolder, more sensual lane on her new single “Break Me In,” out now via BMG. Produced by Malik Ninety Five and Mike Baretz, the track channels early-2000s R&B with knocking percussion and airy strings reminiscent of Amerie’s debut era. Wrice’s featherlight vocals deliver unapologetic desire, marking a confident shift from the introspection of Overgrown and teasing a larger project slated for later in 2026.
On his new album Golden Child Deluxe , DMV rapper BDX The Don takes listeners on a grand, unfiltered journey via hard street tales, the trials and tribulations of fame, clashes with law enforcement ('I don't fuck with 12 so much won't even watch Law and Order' he raps on the gritty "3 Man Weave"), fatherhood, hustling, and, of course, relationships with women. Across 18 tracks, BDX showcases rich storytelling, lyrical swagger, and sharp punchlines, capturing his often rugged path with no sense of regret while showcasing the setbacks, lessons, or wins along the way. Other tracks like “Khakis and Blazers,” “Too Many,” and “Sweetpea” further highlight BDX's lyrical dexterity and emotional charisma, which in turn makes him one of the more exciting artists to come out the DMV area.
Flint, Michigan singer-songwriter That Sis Dope (Keyaira Deangela Saunders) pours raw emotion into her new single “DLMNM,” short for “Don’t Love Me No More.” The soulful track captures the heartbreak and lingering pain of a relationship on the brink. With aching vocals, she cries out for answers, confronting a partner she feels is already halfway gone and emotionally bracing for the inevitable end. The second single from this rising artist, look out for more from That Sis Dope in 2026.
Jamaican singer/songwriter Spice ushers in a confident new chapter with her latest single and visual, “Soft Girl Era,” which premiered on REVOLT on Friday (Jan. 23). Written by the dancehall star, the track reframes empowerment through softness, femininity, and self-assurance. Directed by Spice alongside Rizzy and Fixaveli, the Miami-inspired video pairs luxury backdrops with high-fashion looks, reinforcing the song’s message of growth, self-love, and unapologetic success.