Jamaican dancehall artist Stalk Ashley delivers a heartfelt call for unity in the video for her latest single, “All We Need Is Love.". The track blends Ashley’s signature sensual vocals with a mellow, uplifting rhythm rooted in the Red Fyah Riddim, produced by Romeich Ent and Slyda Di Wizard Music.

Indie R&B star Kevin Ross teases his next single, “Luxury Lust,” ahead of his upcoming album LOVE UPTEMPO: MAX , dropping August 28. With its slick, uptempo groove, the track is drenched in sensuality and sophisticated swagger, further cementing Ross’s place as a standout voice in today’s R&B landscape.

Cincinnati rapper Skylar Blatt keeps her momentum strong with the confident new single “Keep It P,” out now via Saint Ka$h/Arista Records. Blending a laid-back flow with cool girl energy, Skylar turns her morning routine into a self-assured anthem, continuing the wave of empowerment sparked by previous hits such as “I Look Good” and “Major League.” 

Buffalo, NY, rapper Benny The Butcher drops an introspective video for “Told You So,” featuring producer Mike WiLL Made-It, who also appears in the sleek, nighttime visuals. Directed by Third Eye Raz, the clip reinforces themes of validation and perseverance, spotlighting Benny’s sharp lyricism over luxury backdrops. The track appears on Benny's newest opus Summertime Butch 2 , out now. 

Nigerian Afrofusion artist Fido has released his debut EP Olayemi , an eight-track project blending modern Afrobeats with personal storytelling. Named after his real name, the EP explores themes of identity, purpose, and resilience. Known for past hits like “Awolowo” and “Joy Is Coming,” Fido describes Olayemi as a spiritual and exciting new chapter in his musical journey.

Singer and actress Teyana Taylor is stepping away from the spotlight temporarily to focus on her health. On August 6, the “Gonna Love Me” artist revealed via Instagram that she will undergo emergency surgery to remove a benign growth on her vocal cords. “I’ve been quietly dealing with some vocal challenges for a while now,” she wrote, sharing that the noncancerous growth has been causing discomfort and affecting her voice. Though treatable, the condition requires a period of rest and healing. In light of the surgery, Taylor has canceled her upcoming appearance on Michelle Obama and Craig Robinson’s IMO podcast to prioritize her recovery. However, she confirmed that the release of her fourth studio album, Escape Room, remains scheduled for August 22. “It’s the most personal body of work I’ve ever created,” she wrote. “Just as I was getting ready to finally share this with you, life handed me my own unexpected 'escape room.'” This isn’t Taylor’s first health scare. In 2021, she spoke candidly on her reality show We Got Love Teyana & Iman about having dense, benign tissue removed from her breasts. With a history of cancer in her family, the experience was particularly frightening. Despite the challenges, Taylor remains resilient. “I can’t wait to be on the other side of this—stronger, softer, and singing again,” she said, emphasizing her determination to return even more empowered and purpose-driven.

Legendary producer Hitman Howie Tee, born Howard Thompson, has passed away at age 61. Known for helping shape the sound of Hip-Hop and R&B in the late '80s and early '90s, his cause of death remains unknown. Raised in Brooklyn by Jamaican parents, Howie Tee made an early mark with U.T.F.O.’s hit “Roxanne, Roxanne.” Over his influential career, he launched the careers of artists like Special Ed, Chubb Rock, and The Real Roxanne, and produced major records for Whistle, Color Me Badd, and others. As an in-house producer for Select Records, he delivered classics like “I Got It Made” and “Treat ’Em Right,” while also remixing for stars like Madonna and Heavy D. Tributes poured in after news of his death, including one from The Roots drummer Questlove, who called him an “unsung hero” and a “superproducer.” From shaping early Hip-Hop to crossing into pop success, Hitman Howie Tee’s legacy remains vital to the genre’s foundation.

In a surprising move, BET has officially suspended both the BET Hip Hop Awards and the Soul Train Awards indefinitely, leaving two of the most culturally impactful nights in Black music without a clear future. The network confirmed there is currently no set date for either show’s return, nor any guarantee they will continue in their traditional forms. The announcement marks a major shift for BET and the music industry at large. Since 2006, the BET Hip Hop Awards has been a cornerstone of rap culture, famous for its high-energy performances and iconic cyphers. The Soul Train Awards, which debuted in 1987, has long been a celebration of R&B and soul excellence, honoring legends while spotlighting rising stars. Their indefinite suspension raises questions about how Black music and culture will be represented in mainstream award spaces moving forward. BET CEO Scott Mills addressed the decision, stating, “It’s not about them being over. It’s about reimagining how we deliver them in today’s fast-changing media landscape.” He emphasized that the network is exploring new ways to present these shows, potentially beyond traditional television formats, as viewing habits continue to evolve across platforms.

Tyla’s new EP WWPWWP features the long-awaited track “Dynamite” with Wizkid, blending their cultural styles in a sultry collaboration. Recorded two years ago, the song’s video, set in a Moroccan apartment, ends with an explosive, action-packed finale reminiscent of John Wick 3, matching the song’s fiery energy.