This Throwback Thursday takes us back to October 14, 1999, when Destiny’s Child released “Say My Name,” the standout single from The Writing’s on the Wall. Written by Beyoncé Knowles, Kelly Rowland, LeToya Luckett, LaTavia Roberson and collaborators, and produced by Rodney Jerkins, the track marked a turning point for the group. While it features the original lineup on the recording, the music video famously introduced Michelle Williams and Farrah Franklin, signaling a new era amid behind-the-scenes upheaval. Musically, “Say My Name” sounded unlike anything else on R&B radio at the time. Producer Rodney Jerkins has since revealed that the song was inspired by UK garage music—specifically the 2-step rhythms he heard while clubbing in London. That influence helped shape the track’s skittering drums, shifting dynamics, and futuristic bounce, even after an early version initially left Beyoncé unconvinced. The reworked mix clicked, and history followed. The results were massive. “Say My Name” became Destiny’s Child’s biggest hit to date, topping the Billboard Hot 100, winning two Grammys, and earning Video of the Year honors in R&B categories. Decades later, its blend of suspicion-filled lyrics, bold production, and global club energy still feels timeless—and remains a defining moment in pop and R&B history.

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Eritrean-American R&B artist Yoni’s new single “Climate,” from DOMSUPNEXT, arrives with quiet confidence, blending West Coast–inspired grooves and alternative R&B emotion. Built on a rich piano melody and a soft yet steady 808 pulse, the track feels both intimate and expansive. Directed by Dominic Bernabe, the accompanying video complements the song’s reflective mood. “Climate” explores the bittersweet reality of loving someone who must leave, choosing appreciation over heaviness. Its calm, modern production allows the emotion to linger, making it ideal for late-night drives and thoughtful R&B playlists.

Harlem, NY rapper A$AP Rocky released a dark, surreal video for his new single “Punk Rocky,” offering a fever-dream preview of his Tim Burton–assisted album Don’t Be Dumb, due Jan. 16. The chaotic visual features actress Winona Ryder, versatile singer/songwriter Thundercat, and composer Danny Elfman, with imagery that feels distinctly Burtonesque. Ryder appears in eerie domestic scenes as Rocky dives into mosh pits, clashes with police, raps from jail, and spirals through punch-drunk romance, violence, and fantasy. The video underscores Burton’s creative influence on the album’s music, visuals, and accompanying film.

South African DJ duo TxC have released a single, “Nakupenda,” meaning “I love you” in Swahili. The track unites South African artists AI Xapo and Scotts Maphuma with Nigerian stars Davido, Zlatan and Shoday, blending playful rhythms, hooks and multilingual verses. Nigerian pidgin and South African languages create a celebratory pan-African sound. Composed of Tarryn Reid and Clairise Hefke, "Nakupenda" has risen to the top of Nigeria's Apple music charts.

Sevyn Streeter taps into classic ’90s R&B on her new single “97,” delivering confident, grown-woman energy that feels inspired, not nostalgic. Marking her first release since last September's “Assumptions" single, the track finds Streeter in her Janet Jackson bag, boldly expressing desire and self-assurance. While quiet on solo releases, Sevyn’s stayed busy behind the scenes, writing for Normani and FLO and lending background vocals to Givēon’s BELOVED.

A new lawsuit alleges that Grammy-winning gospel singer and pastor Donnie McClurkin sexually abused a young man over several years and later sent an apology email referring to himself as a “dirty ‘old man.’” The plaintiff, Giuseppe Corletto, says he first sought out McClurkin in 2003 while struggling to reconcile his sexuality with his religious faith. According to the lawsuit, Corletto, then 21, attended an event at McClurkin’s church on Long Island after reading the singer’s autobiography, which described overcoming what McClurkin called the “curse” of homosexuality. Corletto told NBC News that McClurkin spoke at the event about being raped as a child, which resonated with him because of similar experiences. Afterward, Corletto said he was brought to meet McClurkin, who took an immediate interest in him. What initially appeared to be mentorship, Corletto now believes, was grooming. The lawsuit alleges that McClurkin molested him during “pray the gay away” spiritual sessions and that the abuse escalated over several years while Corletto worked as McClurkin’s assistant and traveled with him. The complaint says Corletto struggled to come forward because McClurkin was both his mentor and employer. McClurkin, now 66, has denied the allegations through his attorney. “At no time did Pastor McClurkin engage in any form of sexual abuse, assault, or sexual coercion of Mr. Corletto,” attorney Greg Lisi said in a statement, calling the claims “categorically false” and saying they mischaracterize interactions that occurred decades ago. The lawsuit also alleges that after a 2013 incident at a Niagara Falls hotel, McClurkin sent Corletto an email apologizing for his actions.

From her latest EP, Feline’s Return Act I I, British pop/soul singer Natanya unveils the visuals for her single “On Ur Time.” The video captures Natanya reflecting on a past love, artfully juxtaposing vivid memories of the relationship with moments unfolding in the present. Soulful at its core yet daring in execution, “On Ur Time” blends experimental production, genre-bending influences, and raw emotion—further cementing Natanya as one of the most promising up-and-coming artists in music today.

Brandon Banks continues his thoughtful evolution with Sonnets, a self-produced two-track EP that distills his immersive R&B style into a hushed, introspective dreamscape. Known for blending folkloric soul with lo-fi textures, the Los Angeles singer-songwriter uses stream-of-consciousness writing to explore rest, reflection, and escape from chaos. Built from guitar and keys, Sonnets feels patient and intentional, capturing Banks at his most meditative and emotionally precise to date.