When Cheryl Lynn released “Encore” in 1983, few could have predicted the lasting impact it would have on R&B music. Written and produced by the legendary duo Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, the single became the pair's first No. 1 hit on the Billboard R&B chart as songwriters and producers, while giving Lynn her second chart-topping R&B single. Featured on her fifth studio album, Preppie, “Encore” also reached No. 6 on the U.S. Dance chart and remains one of the defining collaborations between Lynn and the hitmaking production team. Driven by its irresistible groove, polished Minneapolis funk influences, and Cheryl Lynn's soaring vocals, “Encore” has stood the test of time as an R&B classic. While it reached only No. 69 on the Billboard Hot 100, the song's influence far exceeded its pop chart performance, becoming a favorite among soul and dance music fans for decades. Its smooth production and infectious hook helped cement Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis as two of the most influential producers of the era. Forty years after its release, “Encore” found an entirely new audience when it exploded on TikTok in 2023 after a viral dance video introduced the song to Gen Z listeners. The renewed interest sparked more than 30,000 additional Spotify streams in a single day and boosted the song's overall sales and streaming numbers. Cheryl Lynn celebrated the unexpected resurgence on social media, while also reassuring fans that she continues to benefit from the song's success because she owns her masters and royalties. A reminder that timeless music and smart business decisions can create a lasting legacy.

Atlanta music executive Jermaine Dupri and his So So Def companies have filed a lawsuit against Sony Music Entertainment, alleging the label improperly handled royalty payments tied to a decades-long business relationship. Filed in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York on July 6 and amended the following day, the complaint claims Sony underpaid, failed to report, and improperly withheld millions of dollars in royalties connected to artists including Kris Kross, Xscape, Da Brat, and Jagged Edge. Dupri and his companies are seeking at least $18 million in damages, plus interest, attorneys' fees, and a jury trial. Sony has not yet responded to the lawsuit. According to the complaint, the alleged discrepancies came to light following a 2025 audit conducted by accounting firm Gelfand, Rennert & Feldman. The lawsuit claims Sony engaged in a pattern of inaccurate royalty reporting by underreporting earnings, changing royalty statements years after they were issued, using incorrect royalty rates, and withholding payments through unrecouped balances. One of the largest claims centers on Kris Kross, with So So Def alleging it is owed more than $2.2 million in producer and override royalties from the duo's albums Totally Krossed Out and Da Bomb. The complaint also alleges Sony failed to disclose more than $33 million in foreign sales tied to Kris Kross royalties that were maintained in a separate accounting system. The lawsuit outlines additional claims involving Xscape, Da Brat, and Jagged Edge, alleging underreported producer royalties totaling millions of dollars across several projects. Dupri also contends Sony improperly continued withholding royalties using unrecouped balances that should have been forgiven under the label's 2021 Artists Forward Legacy Unrecouped Balance Program. Beyond the artists specifically named, the complaint identifies potential royalty issues involving projects connected to Mariah Carey, Usher, Bow Wow, Bone Crusher, Anthony Hamilton, and others. Dupri and So So Def are asking the court to award compensatory damages, interest, attorneys' fees, and other relief if the claims are upheld.

South-African artist Anele Zondo keeps her musical momentum going with the release of her energetic new single, “Bhampa,” featuring rapper Blue Pappi of The Qwellers. Produced by acclaimed hitmaker Saak Beats, the track pairs infectious production with Zondo's confident delivery as she showcases multiple rap flows throughout the record. Blending empowerment with undeniable swagger, “Bhampa” encourages listeners to embrace their individuality, while Blue Pappi's charismatic guest appearance adds another dynamic layer to the dancefloor-ready anthem.

Aisha's new single, “Do It Anyway,” is a reflective R&B/hip-hop track that serves as a soundtrack for life's uncertain moments, encouraging listeners to keep moving despite self-doubt. Released on July 1, the song explores the internal battle between fear and perseverance in just over two minutes. It also highlights the continued evolution of the Bengaluru-born artist, whose music centers on resilience, healing, and female identity while building an international profile.

South London soul singer and songwriter Nia Smith deepens her artistry on her new seven-track EP, Payback Is A Dog. Bold yet vulnerable, the project explores the crossroads moments that define relationships, identity, and personal growth. Led by the dreamy and reflective single “High,” the Ivor Novello and MOBO-nominated artist examines the process of outgrowing people, places, and experiences that once felt essential. Following her debut EP Give Up The Fear, Payback Is A Dog arrives as a compelling narrative time capsule, showcasing Smith’s emotional honesty and refined songwriting.

Grammy-nominated artist Tierra Whack continues expanding the cinematic world of Whack’s Museum with the release of the video for “Candle Wax,” directed by Child. Opening with Whack resting her head on a pile of candles before shifting to surreal scenes at a dinner table and what appears to be a funeral repast, the visual embraces symbolism over straightforward storytelling. From dollar bills draped across mourners to quiet family moments, each frame invites interpretation, reinforcing Whack’s reputation for imaginative, thought-provoking visuals that blur the line between music, art, and film.

Independent Bengaluru-based singer-songwriter Mary Ann Alexander continues her ascent with the video for “Too Much?,” directed by Anurag Baruah. A standout from her debut EP, Love Or A Lesson, the track features a beat that interpolates Alicia Keys’ “You Don’t Know My Name,” blending familiar soul influences with Alexander’s fresh perspective. Her captivating vocals, heartfelt songwriting, and growing artistic confidence shine throughout, reinforcing her place among contemporary R&B’s most exciting emerging talents. As her audience expands across both sides of the Atlantic, “Too Much?” highlights an artist whose momentum continues to grow.

Beyoncé returns with “MORNING DEW (DONK),” her first new release in two years, officially unveiling a fan-favorite track that had circulated online for years. Written by Beyoncé, Pharrell Williams, The-Dream, and Darius Dixon, the song was produced by Beyoncé and Williams. Its release launches a 60-day countdown to Beyoncé’s 45th birthday and the 20th anniversary of B'DAY. Accompanied by a lyric video on her YouTube channel, “MORNING DEW (DONK)” celebrates the BeyHive while reviving a long-rumored recording.