Mariah The Scientist has unveiled the striking new video for her hit single “Is It a Crime?” featuring Kali Uchis, released via Epic Records and directed by Claire Bishara. The cinematic visual continues the storyline from her album trailer for Hearts Sold Separately, with Mariah portraying rapper Karrahbooo’s lawyer in a tense courtroom drama, while Uchis joins her as a defense team member. The metaphor-rich video underscores the song’s refrain: “Is it a crime to fall in love, to fall?”

Sean “Diddy” Combs has been sentenced to 50 months in prison following his conviction on two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution. In addition to the prison term, Judge Arun Subramanian imposed five years of supervised release and a $500,000 fine, the maximum allowed by law. The judge noted Combs’ “immense resources, which enabled his crimes,” in issuing an upward departure from sentencing guidelines. Before the sentence was handed down, Combs addressed the court directly, calling his actions “disgusting, shameful and sick.” He apologized to the victims in the case as well as “all the victims of domestic violence.” His defense team made a last-minute effort to sway the court by presenting a documentary-style video featuring his charity work and family, alongside a letter of remorse. This contrasted with the defense’s long-standing claim that Combs was unfairly targeted by prosecutors.  Judge Subramanian acknowledged Combs’ deep ties to family and community while stressing the seriousness of the crimes. “This is a serious sentence that reflects the gravity of your crimes and conduct,” the judge said, while also encouraging Combs to lean on loved ones during his incarceration. “These letters, all those letters that I saw, show that you have a universe of people who love you. Let them lift you up now, just like you’ve lifted them up for so many years.”

Ayra Starr turns up the heat with the release of her “Hot Body” music video, filmed in Los Angeles by director Claire Bishara. The sultry Afrobeats anthem, co-written with Deeno and produced by Ragee, celebrates self-confidence and sensuality with irresistible percussion and honeyed vocals. The video amplifies the track’s energy with golden-hour visuals of Starr and her dancers moving across beaches, boats, and luxe backdrops. Exuding empowerment, Starr commands the screen with bold choreography and direct eye contact, cementing “Hot Body” as both a summer anthem and a statement of artistic control.

Honey Dijon teams up with Chlöe Bailey for their electrifying new single “The Nightlife”, a disco-infused celebration of freedom, glamour, and after-hours energy. Produced by Dijon, the track channels a classic 70s feel while Chlöe’s soaring vocals bring a modern renaissance flair to the mix. Known for her global presence across clubs, festivals, and fashion runways, Dijon crafts a pulsating soundscape that perfectly complements Chlöe’s powerhouse delivery. Together, they deliver a vibrant anthem that captures the joy, allure, and timeless magic of nightlife culture.

Bryson Tiller has completed his ambitious double album Solace & The Vices, a project that reveals two distinct sides of his artistry. The first half, The Vices, released August 8, explodes with high-energy rap grit, boasting guest features from Rick Ross, T-Pain, Plies, and more. Its bold, unapologetic sound highlights Tiller’s confidence and versatility. In contrast, Solace (released Oct. 2 & guest-starring Rick Ross, Luh Tyler, Bun B and more) offers a more intimate, R&B-driven reflection, returning to the soulful roots that defined TRAPSOUL. With heartfelt production, emotional storytelling, and even a closing message from his daughter, the project underscores Tiller’s evolution and staying power.

Emerging R&B talent Jaymin makes a bold Warner Records debut with his new single “Something Real,” a smooth and inventive love song produced by Chase N. Cashe and WU10. Blending ‘90s R&B vibes with warm keys, deep bass, and atmospheric grooves, the track showcases Jaymin’s aching vocals and heartfelt lyricism. Its cine matic video captures him cruising through Seattle in search of love, weaving between vintage and modern visuals. Already a viral favorite thanks to early social media buzz, “Something Real” cements Jaymin as a rising voice to watch.

Released in April 1972 as the lead single from Bill Withers’ sophomore album Still Bill, “Lean On Me” quickly became a timeless anthem of unity and resilience. The song soared to No. 1 on both the Billboard Hot 100 and the soul charts, holding the top spot for three weeks in July of that year. By the end of 1972, it ranked No. 7 on Billboard’s year-end chart, later earning a place on Rolling Stone’s list of “The 500 Greatest Songs of All Time.” The inspiration for “Lean On Me” came from Withers’ upbringing in the small coal mining town of Slab Fork, West Virginia. After moving to Los Angeles, he found himself longing for the close-knit community spirit of his hometown. Sitting at his newly purchased piano, he crafted a simple yet powerful melody, pairing it with lyrics that reflected the importance of leaning on one another during hard times. Withers intentionally kept the words straightforward, allowing the message of solidarity to resonate with people from all walks of life.  Recorded with members of the Watts 103rd Street Rhythm Band and enhanced by a string section, the song’s soulful arrangement only deepened its emotional impact. Over the years, “Lean On Me” has been covered countless times, most notably by Club Nouveau in 1987, whose version also topped the Billboard Hot 100—making it one of just nine songs to achieve No. 1 status with two different artists. In 2007, Withers’ original recording was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame, cementing its place as one of the most enduring and uplifting songs in American music history.

Houston rapper Monaleo (pronounced moe-na-lee-oh) brings sharp wit and cultural critique to her new video “Sexy Soulaan.” Directed by Evil Twins (George & Frederick Buford), the visual flips the played-out “cookout” trend on its head as Monaleo hosts her own backyard gathering, shutting down outsiders who mistake imitation for inclusion. Blending humor, well-worn adages, and her signature lyrical fire, she delivers a biting message wrapped in Southern flair. With Sexy Soulaan, Monaleo continues carving her lane as both entertainer and truth-teller.

Acclaimed actor LaKeith Stanfield, known for Atlanta,Judas & The Black Messiah, andGet Out, steps boldly into music with his Def Jam debut single“Fast Life”featuring Kid Cudi. Produced by Kyle Nolan, Christina Alba, and AJ Groy, the track arrives with a cinematic short-film style video directed by longtime collaborator Jeymes Samuel via Sturdy.Co. Blending moody visuals with introspective lyricism,“Fast Life”signals the beginning of Stanfield’s long-awaited album and his evolution as a multifaceted creative force.