Rising R&B singer Aaron Page returns with his new single “Waiting Room,” released via AWAL. Known for his hands-on, multi-instrumentalist approach, he crafts emotionally grounded music rooted in real experiences. The track explores the tension between temptation and loyalty, set against a late-night R&B backdrop with smooth, moody production. Following releases like “Lord Knows” and “Pretty Girls Like R&B,” the song continues his growing momentum, highlighting his ability to blend honesty, confidence, and relatable storytelling within a fresh wave of modern R&B.

British-Canadian singer and songwriter Essosa delivers playful honesty on her single “He’s Not All That,” pairing airy production with soft vocals and shimmering R&B textures. Inspired by a situationship gone wrong, the track captures the shift from romantic vulnerability to self-aware clarity. Born from a candid studio conversation about her dating life, the song reflects her realization that the person she once idealized wasn’t worth the energy. Blending humor with truth, Essosa taps into a relatable experience, highlighting the empowering moment of recognizing self-worth and moving on.

RAYE returns with her sophomore albumTHIS MUSIC MAY CONTAIN HOPE., released independently viaHuman Re Sources. The 17-track, 73-minute project is a cinematic, genre-blending journey through heartbreak, introspection, and resilience. Opening with a reflective meditation on shared human experience, the album unfolds across seasonal themes, beginning in autumn. RAYE experiments with orchestral, jazz, rap, and pop influences, using each shift in sound to mirror emotional highs and lows, ultimately showcasing her bold artistry and storytelling depth.

DC-to-London artist Kelela returns with her new single and video “idea 1,” marking her first release since 2025’s live album In The Blue Light and signaling a new artistic chapter. She describes the song as a reflection on the emotional burden of witnessing and speaking truth in a world that feels chaotic, particularly from the perspective of Black women. Produced by Oscar Scheller, the track blends shoegaze textures with her signature experimental R&B and electronic sound. Directed by Erik Saltzman and Cameron Tidball-Sciullo, the video portrays collapse, rebirth, and emotional renewal.

Floridian rapper/vocalist Quail P debuts his official single “Wouldn’t Try Again” via Epic Records and TWNSHP, signaling a new chapter in his career. Built on stripped-back, guitar-driven production, the track blends soul influences with raw, introspective songwriting about walking away from an unhealthy relationship. Accompanied by a visual directed by Zayah, the release highlights his emotional delivery and growth as an artist. Following the success of earlier songs like “What You Got,” Quail continues to build momentum with a sound rooted in authenticity and self-awareness.

Brandy Norwood has reached a new milestone in her decades-long career, earning her first No. 1 spot on The New York Times Best Sellers list with her memoir PHASES. The achievement follows a busy period for the star, who recently wrapped her 2025 arena run, The Boy Is Mine Tour, further cementing her legacy across music and entertainment. Brandy shared the news with fans on April 8 via Instagram, expressing gratitude and disbelief at the accomplishment. In her message, she reflected on the emotional journey of writing the book, describing it as both challenging and healing. Originally announced in early 2025, PHASES saw its release pushed to March 31, 2026, due to her touring commitments alongside Monica. In a 2026 interview with NPR, Brandy opened up about reclaiming her narrative through the memoir. She explained that telling her own story allowed her to confront past struggles, heal, and inspire others. Collaborating with co-writer Gerrick Kennedy, she crafted a deeply personal account aimed at helping readers find strength through their own challenges. 

Afrika Bambaataa, a pioneering figure in hip-hop and electro music, has died at 68. According to reports, the influential DJ and producer passed away at a Pennsylvania hospital due to cancer complications. Born Lance Taylor in 1957, Bambaataa rose to prominence in New York City’s Bronx borough, where he helped shape early hip-hop culture through block parties and groundbreaking releases like “Planet Rock.” As the founder of the Universal Zulu Nation, Bambaataa played a central role in promoting hip-hop as a global movement rooted in unity and creativity. His work in the 1980s helped define the electro genre and left a lasting imprint on music history. However, his later years were marked by controversy, including multiple allegations of sexual abuse and trafficking dating back decades, all of which he denied. No criminal charges were filed. In response to his passing, the Hip-Hop Alliance, led by Kurtis Blow, acknowledged both his foundational contributions and the complexity of his legacy. The organization expressed condolences while emphasizing the importance of accountability and ongoing dialogue within the hip-hop community. 

Gwendolyn “Blondy” Chisolm, a pioneering force in hip-hop and cofounder of the groundbreaking female trio The Sequence, has died at the age of 66. According to family members, the rapper, singer, and songwriter passed away following a brief illness on April 6 in Atlanta. Chisolm rose to prominence alongside Cheryl “The Pearl” Cook and the late Angela Brown (known as Angie Stone), helping to carve out a space for women in a genre still in its infancy. In a statement, her sister Monica Scott described her as “a creative force who touched countless hearts,” adding that her music continues to bring joy to millions. As part of The Sequence, Chisolm helped make history as one of the first female hip-hop acts and the first signed to Sugar Hill Records. The group’s 1979 hit Funk You Up became a defining moment for early hip-hop, earning Gold certification and peaking at No. 15 on Billboard’s Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart. The track’s influence has endured for decades, sampled and reimagined by artists such as Dr. Dre, En Vogue, Erykah Badu, and Katy Perry. Discovered after an impromptu audition for label founder Sylvia Robinson, the trio went on to release multiple albums and chart additional singles before disbanding in 1985. Beyond her work with The Sequence, Chisolm remained active in music and mentorship, collaborating with artists, producing shows, and speaking to students about the industry’s evolution. She also worked closely with Tyler Perry to help arrange memorial services for Stone following her death in 2025. At the time of her passing, Chisolm was completing her memoir and partnering with the National Museum of African American Music on an exhibit honoring The Sequence’s legacy. A private memorial service is planned, as loved ones and fans continue to celebrate a life that helped shape the sound and spirit of hip-hop’s early days. 

When Alicia Keys released “Un-Thinkable (I’m Ready)” from her 2009 album The Element of Freedom, she delivered one of the most emotionally raw moments of her career. The slow-burning R&B ballad (featuring uncredited background vocals from Drake) captured the tension between love and hesitation, showcasing Keys’ softer, more vulnerable side over haunting piano-driven production. Critics quickly embraced the track as a standout, praising its sensual tone and introspective lyrics. Written by Keys alongside Drake (Aubrey Graham) and longtime collaborators, the song blended delicate melodies with a quiet intensity that resonated deeply with listeners. Its honest portrayal of emotional risk helped elevate it beyond a typical love song, cementing its reputation as one of the album’s defining records. “Un-Thinkable (I’m Ready)” went on to dominate the charts, spending an impressive twelve consecutive weeks at No. 1 on Billboard’s Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart—making it the longest-running R&B No. 1 of 2010. It also topped the Adult R&B chart and reached No. 21 on the Hot 100, becoming the most successful single from the album and a lasting fan favorite in Keys’ catalog.