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On her new LP Hella Pressure Bay-area rapper Saweetie turns up the heat. The five-track project blends striking bars with high-energy production and serves as a clear reminder that, even after the seven years since her last official release (the double-platinum High Maintenance in 2018), the Icy Girl remains firmly in control. Leading the pack here is “Boffum,” a bass-heavy banger produced by “Bodak Yellow” hitmaker J. White Did It, where Saweetie flexes with effortless swagger: “Lady or a pimp? Both of 'em”. The title track “Pressure” rides a buzzing Jersey Club rhythm, complete with a bed-squeak sample, as she boldly declares, “Everything I do is crack, bitches bump my shit”—a statement that sums up the EP’s confident tone. One of the standout moments comes with “twinzzz,” where Saweetie flips Black Box’s iconic "Everybody Everybody" into a modern-day flex anthem. It's a perfect example of her versatility and lyrical command, proving she can dominate any beat with style and ease. The vibe softens slightly on “Superstars,” an ode to pretty girls everywhere that features K-pop girl group TWICE and mellifluous production that still lets Saweetle signature swag shine through. She closes the EP with “I Need Some Inspo,” an Afrobeat-tinged groove that shows a more vulnerable side, offering a rare glimpse of emotional depth while still wrapped in style and sensuality. Coming off her debut Australian headlining tour, Hella Pressure feels like a teaser for what’s next, her long-anticipated debut album Pretty Bitch Music, due later this year. While short in length, the EP is rich in personality, reaffirming Saweetie’s presence as a multi-dimensional artist who can effortlessly balance icy bravado with melodic flair. If this is just the appetizer, fans should be more than ready for the main course. Standout Tracks: “I Need Some Inspo", "Biffum", "Superstars" Rating: 8.5/10

Jamaican reggae artist Lila Iké gears up for the release of her highly anticipated debut album Treasure Self Love (arriving August 22, 2025) with the groovy new single and video “All Over the World” featuring fellow Jamaican artist Protoje. The album marks Lila's first full-length project, following her acclaimed 2020 breakout EP The ExPerience.

New Jersey-borg R&B singer/songwriter Tone Stith makes a bold return with “SHUT UP,” a smooth, groove-driven single that marks the beginning of a new artistic era. Blending classic R&B with modern flair, the track is a confident anthem about silencing the noise and embracing growth. With a sleek video to match, it’s a stylish, soulful preview of his 2026 album.

Grammy-nominated singer/songwriter Alex Isley’s stripped version of “Thank You For a Lovely Time,” produced by Raphael Saadiq, offers a soulful blend of R&B and neo-soul, showcasing her bold vocals and emotional depth. Featured on her EP When, the track reflects Isley’s artistic evolution, embracing vulnerability, womanhood, and raw storytelling with a powerful, intimate sound now streaming everywhere.

Soul-jazz vocalist Windy Karigianes returns with “A Thousand Miles Away,” a heartfelt new single produced by R&B legend Randy Hall. Blending smooth grooves with timeless soul, the track explores love and emotional distance. With cinematic production and Windy’s signature vocals, it’s a sophisticated throwback shaking up modern R&B.

The intersection of celebrity, loyalty, and business has ignited a high-stakes legal showdown, as Grammy-winning artist Mary J. Blige finds herself at the center of a $5 million lawsuit filed by her longtime friend and stylist-turned-manager, Misa Hylton. The lawsuit, which accuses Blige of professional sabotage and breach of trust, threatens to unravel a personal and professional relationship that spans over three decades. Blige’s legal team, led by attorney Lisa Moore, has fired back aggressively, calling the allegations “patently frivolous” and motivated by spite. Court documents reveal plans to not only dismiss the case but also to pursue counterclaims and seek sanctions against Hylton. Blige’s defense points to text messages and other evidence that allegedly contradict the lawsuit’s central claims, suggesting the suit is more about public perception than legal substance. At the heart of the dispute is a tangled business triangle involving rapper Vado. Hylton, through her company M.I.S.A. Management, began managing Vado in July 2023, securing a 20 percent commission deal. However, when Vado also signed with Blige’s Beautiful Life Productions, tensions flared. Hylton's suit accuses Blige of intentionally disrupting Vado’s career—derailing album promotions and performance opportunities to pressure him out of their agreement. What began as a collaborative venture, including their joint single Still Believe in Love, has now turned into a bitter legal feud over money, loyalty, and control.

For this week’s Throwback Thursday, we revisit Wyclef Jean’s powerful 1997 single “Yelé” from his debut solo album The Carnival. Featuring Ms. Lauryn Hill and the Refugee Allstars, the track blends soulful vocals with a heartfelt message, shining a light on Haiti’s struggles. More than just a song, “Yelé” laid the foundation for Wyclef’s charity, Yéle Haiti, raising awareness and support for his homeland.

Johannesburg rapper Shoka Sunflower unveils For Now Keep Dancing, a bold, introspective album that deepens his signature experimental sound. Shaped by early influences like Tyler, the Creator and South African Kwaito pioneers, Shoka reflects on emotional avoidance and self-discovery. The standout track “Two Step” captures this theme, dancing through pain instead of confronting it while offering a resonant anthem for uncertain times.