Backed by a sparse, melodic rhythm and a smooth, groove-driven production, Kyla Imani returns with “Like I Need Air,” a charming and sensual single exploring how taking love for granted and prioritizing physical intimacy can interfere with genuine emotional connection. “If you love me, let me hear you say it,” she sings on the hook, emphasizing the importance of verbal affirmation in a relationship, while also continuing the buzz the NYC-based singer/songwriter has created in both the R&B and pop spaces.

UK-based singer Macy O returns with her new single “Roll With Me Tonight,” a vibrant offering that blends soulful R&B and pop with hints of classic Motown. Driven by Macy’s sultry vocals, the piano-based ballad explores self-discovery, attraction, and the importance of embracing the moment. Serving as a preview of her upcoming EP Soul Searching, the track showcases Macy O’s deep-rooted soul, warm melodic sensibilities, and appreciation for classic R&B, delivering a timeless sound with a contemporary touch.

Kerala-born singer-songwriter Mary Ann Alexander premiered the official music video for her R&B single “Call Me?” on October 7, 2026. Directed by Madhavan Krishnesh “Maddy,” the colorful, playful visual captures the song’s intimate mood as Alexander sings outdoors on a grassy knoll, yearning for her partner’s time and attention. Dreamlike scenes feature her lounging on the grass, gazing at the sky, cartoonish animal friends, coloring books, and imaginative imagery that complements the track’s smooth contemporary R&B sound.

Barbados-born singer, songwriter, and producer Ayoni continues to make waves with the release of the official music video for her indie-pop single “Mr. Manticore".. Reflecting on seven years in the music industry, the track explores perfectionism, ambition, and the pressure of industry metrics. Ayoni describes its inspiration as a “male Leo that ran me ragged,” with the mysterious Mr. Manticore representing a colleague, romantic partner, or even her own inner critic.

North West London-born British-Nigerian singer-songwriter Essence Martins has released her new EP, It All Comes To End, a soulful, introspective collection blending indie-folk, pop, and soul. Known for her soft, ethereal vocals and emotionally honest songwriting, Martins draws on personal experiences to explore life and feelings. Following singles “Can We All Slow Down,” “Please Don’t Wake Me,” “Red Velvet,” and “A Confession (I’m broke),” the former tennis prodigy encourages listeners to embrace life and take control of their own stories.

Mary J. Blige has entered into a partnership with music publishing and rights management company Primary Wave, covering the nine-time Grammy Award winner’s catalog of musical compositions and recordings. Announced October 26, the agreement will give Blige and her team access to Primary Wave’s marketing and publishing resources, with potential collaborations involving branding, digital marketing, music promotion, and synchronization opportunities. Financial terms were not disclosed, and it remains unclear whether the deal includes an ownership stake in her catalog. Songs covered by the agreement reportedly include classics such as “Family Affair,” “My Life,” “Mary Jane (All Night Long),” “Be Happy,” “Be Without You,” and “I Can Love You.” Primary Wave Partner and Chief Content Officer Natalia Nastaskin praised the partnership, describing herself as a longtime Blige fan and calling it an honor to work with the singer on her extraordinary catalog and lasting legacy. With more than 50 million records sold worldwide, Blige’s celebrated career spans 15 studio albums, two live albums, and 83 singles. Her accomplishments include 37 Grammy nominations, two Grammy wins for “Be Without You,” and induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2024. Her landmark 1994 album My Life was also selected for the Library of Congress’ National Recording Registry in 2025. Beyond music, Blige earned two Academy Award nominations for her work in the 2017 film Mudbound, including Best Supporting Actress and Best Original Song for “Mighty River.” Her commercial success includes the 2001 hit “Family Affair,” which spent six weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100. Meanwhile, the R&B icon continues to celebrate her legacy with her first Las Vegas residency, My Life, My Story, at Dolby Live inside Park MGM. The 20-date engagement, which opened May 1, 2026, is scheduled to conclude February 20, 2027.

A Delaware judge has ordered R&B singer Faith Evans to pay more than $12.5 million to the trust of her late mother-in-law, Voletta Wallace, following a lengthy legal dispute over the estate and earnings of The Notorious B.I.G. Judge Kathaleen St. J. McCormick ruled Tuesday that Evans must turn over $12,518,336 in withheld proceeds from Notorious B.I.G. LLC, the company Evans and Wallace established in 2007 to manage the late rapper’s business interests. The lawsuit was brought by former Biggie manager Wayne Barrow, who accused Evans of failing to recognize the trust's membership in the company and withholding distributions following Wallace’s death in 2025 at age 72. Evans had attempted to limit the payment to just $48,612, arguing that the trust was not formally recognized as a member of the LLC for several months after Wallace’s passing. However, McCormick rejected the argument, ruling that the trust was entitled to all distributions dating back to the date of Wallace’s death. The judge also ordered prejudgment interest, compounded quarterly, to be added to the $12.5 million judgment to account for the delayed payments. The dispute has unfolded alongside other family tensions, including a legal challenge from Evans and Biggie’s son, Christopher Jordan Wallace, who recently contested his grandmother’s will, alleging that it was altered just 15 days before her death to remove him as a beneficiary. Despite the ongoing family disagreements, the court maintained that the LLC agreement required the outstanding proceeds to be distributed to Wallace’s legal successor. The multimillion-dollar judgment represents a substantial amount of revenue generated by Biggie’s music catalog and related business ventures. Attorneys representing Evans have not yet indicated whether they intend to appeal the decision. The ruling marks another significant development in the ongoing management of the legacy and business interests of the Brooklyn-born hip-hop icon, who was murdered in 1997.

Award-winning saxophonist, producer, and educator Mike Burton steps into the spotlight with “Invisible,” a soulful new release reflecting his genre-blending style across jazz, R&B, and gospel. Born in Jackson, Mississippi, Burton describes the song as a statement about being heard but not seen, signaling his readiness to gain recognition and make a lasting impression. With “Invisible,” the accomplished musician aims to ensure his talent receives the attention it deserves.

Brooklyn-born singer/songwriter Laila!, daughter of legendary rapper Yasiin Bey (formerly Mos Def), continues to establish her independence with her second album, We’ll Never Be This Young Again . Following her breakout year in 2024 with her self-produced debut, Gap Year, and viral hit “Not My Problem,” the 20-year-old artist delivers a deeply personal collection exploring love, friendship, mental health and the uncertainties of growing up. Standout tracks “Anything Could Happen” and “Angel,” featuring Teezo Touchdown, showcase her songwriting and production talents while highlighting her emotional vulnerability. Blending playful confidence with introspective storytelling, Laila! captures the complicated experience of navigating young adulthood. Rather than relying on her famous family connections, she proves she’s determined to forge her own musical identity and build a career on her own terms.