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.

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.

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 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.

British pop star Olivia Dean is facing a copyright lawsuit alleging that her song “I’ve Seen It” copies elements of Bill Withers’ 1981 soul classic “Just The Two of Us.” Mattie Music Group, which manages Withers’ catalog, filed the complaint in federal court in Los Angeles, claiming the songs share musical features that are too striking to be coincidental. Dean’s label Capitol Records, Universal Music Group, Sony Music Publishing and Kobalt are among the companies named as defendants. According to the lawsuit, Mattie Music Group hired a musicologist to examine both songs, with the expert allegedly finding substantial similarities and repeated copying of a distinctive melody. The publisher says it notified the companies about the alleged infringement in August, but “I’ve Seen It” remained available commercially. Dean and her co-writers, Bastian Langebæk and Max Wolfgang, are not personally named as defendants. Representatives for Dean and the companies had not publicly responded as of October 2. “I’ve Seen It” serves as the closing track on Dean’s 2025 album The Art of Loving, which earned her major recognition, including a Brit Award. The intimate acoustic ballad explores the different forms of love in her life. “Just The Two of Us,” recorded by Grover Washington Jr. featuring Withers, reached No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 and won the Grammy for Best R&B Song. Withers, who died in 2020, co-wrote the song with Ralph MacDonald and William Salter.

The Game is taking legal action against Universal Music Group and its subsidiary, Virgin Music Group, alleging the companies failed to properly promote his 2022 album Drillmatic – Heart vs. Mind. According to court documents, the Compton rapper filed the lawsuit on September 30, claiming the label did not fulfill a promised marketing commitment tied to the album’s release. At the center of the dispute is an alleged $500,000 marketing budget that The Game says was promised to support Drillmatic. He claims only $179,274.79 was spent, arguing that the reduced promotional efforts contributed to the album’s sales performance. The rapper alleges that $125,000 was specifically designated for radio promotion but that no money was spent in that area. The Game also claims another $170,000 was allocated for music videos, out-of-home advertising, international promotion and digital marketing, but alleges only $88,000 was ultimately spent. He is seeking approximately $500,000 in damages, citing breach of contract, as well as reimbursement for legal fees. UMG and Virgin Music Group have denied breaching their agreement with the rapper, according to the lawsuit.

UK singer-songwriter Rachel Chinouriri offers a third preview of her highly anticipated sophomore album with “Broken Chair,” a playful, emotional and catchy indie-pop track about navigating her mid-twenties. Written in Los Angeles, the song transforms a night out into a moment of self-reflection, exploring drinking, partying and self-worth. Chinouriri co-wrote the track with singer/songwriter/producer Lucy Dacus, who encouraged her to embrace who she is and recognize that she is enough exactly as she is.

Nigerian gospel minister Mercy Chinwo delivers an energetic anthem of praise and thanksgiving with “My God" (also known as “My God, You Are Good"). Released September 25, the vibrant single blends joyful African rhythms with a heartfelt message of gratitude and faith. Written and composed by Chinwo, the song celebrates God’s faithfulness and serves as a personal testimony of answered prayers. With its uplifting energy and powerful declaration of devotion, “My God” invites listeners to celebrate God’s goodness.

Veteran R&B/Soul singer PJ Morton revisits the complicated emotions of a relationship on “Used To Be,” a standout from his 2026 double album, Saturday Night / Sunday Morning. The soulful track looks back at a love that changed after outside opinions and doubt began creeping in, with Morton longing to rewind the clock and recapture what once was. The official visualizer and audio complement the reflective song, adding a creative visual layer to its nostalgic, relationship-centered message.