Fans to Vote for Winners in Two Categories at 2026 Soul Train Awards

BET began announcing nominations for the 2026 Soul Train Awards on Monday, October 5, introducing fan voting for two categories for the first time. Fans can vote for R&B/Soul Song of the Year on BET.com and Spotify’s RNB X International Artist through the Spotify app. Tems is the only artist nominated in both categories, with her single “What You Need” reaching the top five on Billboard’s Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart.


Voting is open through October 16, with winners scheduled to be announced Friday, November 27, at 8 p.m. ET/PT on BET, with simulcasts on CBS, BET Her, VH1, MTV2 and LOGO. The R&B/Soul Song of the Year category recognizes songs initially released between June 1, 2025, and May 31, 2026. Spotify’s RNB X International Artist category, introduced this year, highlights artists expanding R&B’s global reach. Its seven nominees were selected based on cultural relevance, streaming performance and overall impact on the genre.


Fans can also vote through October 16 for The 20 Greatest R&B Songs of the 2020s, choosing up to 20 tracks from a list of 64 and voting once every 24 hours. The final selections will be revealed during the Back on Track red carpet show on November 27, streaming live on YouTube, Instagram, TikTok and Twitch. BET executive Connie Orlando said the network was excited to give fans a voice in recognizing the genre’s biggest songs and internationally influential artists. Actor Anthony Anderson will host this year’s ceremony.

Sex On The Beach [Music Video]

By Status Ain't Hood Staff • October 5, 2026
Chicago R&B rising star BJRNCK turns up the heat with the official video for “Sex On The Beach,” released via Interscope/Geffen Records. Featured on the deluxe edition of her debut album A Girl Like Me, the sultry track captures her carefree “lover-girl era,” blending romance, desire and tropical escapism. The dreamy visual follows BJRNCK on an intimate tropical getaway with her partner. The video holds special meaning, however, as BJRNCK believed she was filming an anniversary-themed romance video, only for the shoot to culminate in a surprise engagement.

Dani Offline - ouch! [Music Video]

By Status Ain't Hood Staff • October 5, 2026
Birmingham, Alabama born, U.S. and Italy raised Dani Offline brings her analog R&B vision to life with “ouch!,” a funky, playful single accompanied by a colorful video inspired by classic 1960s and ’70s dating game shows. The songwriter, producer and multi-instrumentalist draws from jazz and Quiet Storm, blending sensuality, introspection and ethereal vocal improvisation. In the video, she plays the contestant, host and a lineup of potential lovers.

Miriah - "Wherever U Are"

By Status Ain't Hood Staff • October 5, 2026
Rising Chicago-bred singer Mirian explores the emotional uncertainty of a troubled relationship on her new single “Wherever U Are.” Blending polished pop with an R&B feel, the singer delivers a vulnerable performance centered on longing, betrayal and the fear of opening up to love. Miriah's smooth vocals capture the confusion of feeling neglected while questioning whether a relationship was genuine. Written and produced by Re Lxuise, the track transforms romantic doubt and insecurity into an intimate, emotionally charged listen.

Papiana - "Lemme Get That"

By Status Ain't Hood Staff • October 5, 2026
New Orleans bounce artist and rapper Papiana turns up the confidence on her new single “Lemme Get That". Over a lively, heavy, bass-driven and gritty backdrop, Papiana delivers bold bars about success, lifestyle and leaving fake energy behind. Indeed, Papiana's unapologetic energy matches her assertive lyrics with a flashy ode to luxury sports cars and sexual escapades, making “Lemme Get That” a confident statement of ambition and self-worth.

B0YG1RL- B0YG1RL [Album]

By Status Ain't Hood Staff • October 5, 2026
Miami duo BOYG1RL brings a vibrant blend of electro-pop, reggaeton, baile funk and diasporic EDM to their self-titled debut album. Drawing from the diverse sounds of Black music emerging from Florida, the duo creates an exhilarating, bass-heavy experience built for the club. Produced with contributions from DJ Travella, umru, prblem and others, the album balances polished production with a sense of wildness and hedonism. That energy is especially potent on “power off,” a standout track produced by umru and Heartgaze, where infectious rhythms and pulsating production showcase the duo’s fearless musical identity.

DreamDoll - "OKAY"

By Status Ain't Hood Staff • October 2, 2026
Bronx, NY, rapper DreamDoll steps into her latest era with “OKAY,” a bold new single produced by Kurvo, the track rides a dark piano loop and boomin 808s as the femcee delivers confident bars about money, competition, and staying untouchable. Opening with a charged voice note, “OKAY” quickly becomes a taunting refrain, with DreamDoll making it clear she is fully in control and ready to challenge anyone.

Jalisa Rey - "Look Where I'm At"

By Status Ain't Hood Staff • October 2, 2026
Rising singer-songwriter Jalisa Rey makes a confident statement with “Look Where I’m At,” a fall-ready bop released October 2. Fueled by Jersey Club-inspired production from Pagani and featuring LA writer/producer Los from Hitbangaz, the track finds Rey embracing ambition, independence, and success while refusing to look back. The LA Weekly Artist of the Week alum delivers an unapologetic message about chasing her goals and becoming the artist she knows she is destined to be.

Cheryl "Salt" James - Salty N Lit [Album]

By Status Ain't Hood Staff • October 2, 2026
After more than four decades as one half of Salt-N-Pepa, Grammy Award winner and Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee Cheryl “Salt” James steps into her solo spotlight with Salty N Lit , released through Salt Songs, Inc. The 15-track album blends faith, personal truth, and creative freedom, drawing its title from Matthew 5:13. Featuring guest appearances from Shanice, Dee-1, Erica Campbell, Finn Matthews, Elijah Blake, and Chuck D, the project is introduced by singles including “Chosen,” “Kings & Queens,” “Diamonds In Light,” and “Overcomers,” celebrating self-worth, Black culture, resilience, and purpose.

Kirk Franklin feat. GloRilla - This Time [Music Video]

By Status Ain't Hood Staff • October 2, 2026
Kirk Franklin teams with GloRilla on “This Time,” the high-energy lead single from his upcoming 14th solo album, I Am What I Am , due October 30 via Uptown Records. The official video captures the track’s fusion of gospel and Southern trap, powered by joyous horns, handclaps, and a massive choir. Interpolating Mandrill’s “Children of the Sun,” Franklin brings soulful intensity while GloRilla delivers upbeat bars and sharp wordplay, showcasing her versatility over the uplifting gospel backdrop.

Lucky Daye - Talk To Me [Music Video]

By Status Ain't Hood Staff • October 2, 2026
GRAMMY Award-winning R&B singer Lucky Daye unveils the official video for “Talk To Me,” the latest single from his upcoming fifth album, ALOUD !, due October 16 via Warner Records. Co-written with Frank Brim and Dimitri McDowell, the track pairs psychedelic guitar, ’80s-inspired percussion, and a hypnotic groove with Daye’s emotional plea to reconnect with an estranged lover. As communication breaks down, his voicemail becomes a final attempt to save a relationship before the love runs out.
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