PHABO continues his ascent in modern R&B with Before We Get In Here! . 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. The project also showcases his range as a writer and collaborator while cementing his status as one of R&B’s most compelling breakout voices.

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.

Chris Brown stirred controversy after taking aim at Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl halftime performance, suggesting the NFL should have tapped him for the stage instead. Following Sunday night’s show, the 36-year-old singer posted to his Instagram Stories, writing, “I think it’s safe to say… they need me,” alongside a winking emoji. Bad Bunny made history as the first solo Spanish-language halftime headliner, performing hits including “Tití Me Preguntó,” “Monaco,” “El Apagón,” and “Debí Tirar Más Fotos,” while also bringing out guest performers Lady Gaga and Ricky Martin. Brown’s remarks quickly drew mixed reactions across social media, with many fans defending Bad Bunny and celebrating his milestone performance. Some users criticized Brown for making the moment about himself, while others questioned his past statements about not being interested in performing at the Super Bowl. A number of commenters also referenced Brown’s legal history, including his 2009 felony assault case involving then-girlfriend Rihanna and subsequent legal issues in the years since. Meanwhile, attention has also shifted to Bad Bunny’s next move. After his high-profile halftime appearance, the Puerto Rican star wiped his social media accounts, prompting speculation among fans that new music may be on the way. Online forums and social platforms have been filled with theories about a possible upcoming album, with many interpreting the sudden digital reset as a sign of a new project on the horizon.

RCA Records has announced the revival of Jive Records as a standalone frontline label, marking the return of one of the music industry’s most influential imprints. Former UnitedMasters executives Mike Weiss and David Melhado will serve as co-presidents of the relaunched label, operating out of Sony Music’s New York City headquarters. The move comes more than a decade after Jive, along with Arista Records and J Records, was dissolved into RCA’s roster following Sony’s merger with BMG. Arista was later revived in 2018, and now Jive is set to reemerge with a renewed focus on artist development across all genres. Founded in 1981 by Clive Calder, Jive Records built a storied legacy in both hip-hop and pop, helping launch the careers of artists such as A Tribe Called Quest, DJ Jazzy Jeff, and Boogie Down Productions, before becoming home to global stars including Britney Spears, Aaliyah, *NSYNC, Backstreet Boys, Usher, and Justin Timberlake. The label was led for more than two decades by Barry Weiss, father of new co-president Mike Weiss, who helped shape Jive’s identity as an incubator for groundbreaking talent. Many artists who rose to prominence under Jive remain part of the RCA roster today. Weiss and Melhado bring a modern, artist-first approach shaped by their success at UnitedMasters, where they worked with acts including Brent Faiyaz, NLE Choppa, and BigXthaPlug. Both executives emphasized honoring Jive’s legacy while adapting it for today’s music landscape, focusing on developing artists and fostering innovation. RCA Chairman and CEO Peter Edge praised the duo’s instincts and track record, calling their leadership a natural evolution for the iconic label as it begins a new era within Sony Music.

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.