Rising R&B soul artist Jamal Roberts delivers heartfelt emotion with his single “Perfect For Me,” celebrating love that embraces imperfection. The Mississippi native blends smooth vocals with intimate lyrics about connection and devotion, highlighted in lines reflecting deep admiration. Produced by Madelynn Elyse and Nick Sarpa, the track showcases Roberts’ soulful artistry and marks another step in his rising career.

With the release of her new single “Bitch,” Lizzo pairs a bold, feminist anthem with a striking black-and-white visual. Produced by Ricky Reed alongside collaborators, the track flips a once-derogatory label into a statement of confidence and self-possession. The circus-themed video amplifies that message, showcasing Lizzo in full command as she celebrates independence and identity. Built on echoes of Meredith Brooks and Missy Elliott, the record doubles as both homage and declaration.

After four years of growth and self-reflection, India Shawn returns with her EP Subject To Change, a six-track project exploring life’s transitions and emotional fluidity. Released via VANTA Music, the sonically rich work is executive produced by D’Mile and features Lucky Daye on “Cotton Candy Blvd.” Highlights include “Til’ Infinity,” “Multiplicity,” and the Billboard-recognized “Rain On Me,” marking a natural evolution from her BEFORE WE GO era.

After a decade-long hiatus, The-Dream returns with “Bring That Body,” a smooth R&B and hip-hop blend that fits seamlessly into his catalog. The track explores desire for someone already taken, as he confidently positions himself as the better option while still expressing genuine admiration. His controlled vocals and late-night energy drive the song, balancing charm and persuasion. Released via Radio Killa Records and Republic Records, it launches the next chapter of his “Love Saga” series.

Marking her return after three years away, Alina Baraz (a Cleveland native now based in Los Angeles) re-emerges with “Take Care Of You,” a warm, slow-burning R&B offering. Crafted with producers Iophiile and Los Hendrixx, the track surrounds her delicate vocals with lush, airy production. Centered on reassurance and emotional presence, Baraz leans into vulnerability and devotion, delivering a soothing, intimate record that signals a graceful continuation of her sound.

Kid Cudi has announced that M.I.A. is no longer part of his Rebel Ragers Tour following a controversial onstage rant that drew backlash from fans. The decision comes after M.I.A.’s May 2 performance at Dos Equis Pavilion in Dallas, where she was reportedly booed during a speech that included politically charged remarks. Clips of the moment quickly spread across social media, amplifying criticism and sparking widespread discussion online. Cudi confirmed her removal from the tour on May 4 via Instagram, explaining that he had previously made it clear he did not want offensive commentary at his shows. “After the last couple shows, I’ve been flooded with messages from fans that were upset by her rants,” he wrote, adding that he was “very disappointing” and would not allow anyone on the tour to alienate his audience. The rapper emphasized that maintaining a respectful environment for fans remains a priority as the tour continues. The Rebel Ragers Tour, which kicked off April 28 in Phoenix, is scheduled to hit 30 cities across North America. While M.I.A. has been removed from the lineup, performers including Big Boi remain on the bill for all dates, with additional support from A-Trak, Dot da Genius, and Me N Ü on select stops.

Few groups captured the spirit of 1960s pop quite like The Ronettes, the trailblazing trio from Washington Heights, New York. Comprised of Ronnie Spector (born Veronica Bennett), her sister Estelle Bennett, and their cousin Nedra Talley, the group rose from humble family performances to international fame. What began as teenage harmonies in their grandmother’s living room evolved into a defining sound of the girl group era, blending soulful vocals with a bold, unmistakable style that would influence generations.  Their breakthrough came under the guidance of producer Phil Spector, whose “Wall of Sound” elevated tracks like Be My Baby into timeless classics. The song soared to No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 and became one of the most iconic recordings in pop history, later earning a place in the Grammy Hall of Fame. Follow-up hits such as “Baby, I Love You,” “Walking in the Rain,” and “(The Best Part of) Breakin’ Up” solidified their chart presence, while their lone album, Presenting the Fabulous Ronettes Featuring Veronica, earned critical acclaim and lasting recognition. Beyond the charts, the Ronettes left an indelible mark on music culture. They toured with legends like The Beatles and The Rolling Stones, becoming the only girl group to join the Beatles on a U.S. tour. Their influence extended far beyond their era, inspiring artists from Brian Wilson to Amy Winehouse, while their signature beehive hair and dramatic eye makeup became a cultural blueprint for pop style. Even as the British Invasion reshaped the musical landscape, the Ronettes remained a powerful presence. Though internal tensions and industry challenges led to their breakup in 1967, their legacy endured through accolades and recognition, including inductions into the Vocal Group Hall of Fame and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. With the passing of Nedra Talley last month, all original members of the Ronettes have now died, marking the end of an era. Yet their music continues to echo through time—romantic, rebellious, and unmistakably theirs—ensuring that the voice of the Ronettes will remain eternal.

Two years after 2024’s Crash, Kehlani returns with her self-titled fifth album Kehlani, released on her birthday, April 24. A 17-track effort led by the standout single “Folded,” the project leans heavily into the emotional core of ’90s and 2000s R&B, where yearning, vulnerability, and intimacy take center stage. Aided by a producers’ lot that includes the Stereotypes, Khris Riddick-Tynes, and Andre “Dre” Harris, the album aims to balance nostalgia with modern polish. However, while it attempts to build on the momentum of its critically praised lead single, its length ultimately makes it feel rushed and, at times, unfocused. The intro track, “Intro,” produced by Antonio Lamar Dixon and Khris Riddick-Tynes, sets a deeply personal tone. Kehlani closes the opening with the line, “I am Kehlani,” reinforcing that this project is less about outside expectations and more a reflection of her present self. Throughout the album, themes of heartbreak, reconciliation, longing, and emotional growth are explored with varying degrees of success. The guest-heavy tracklist yields mixed results (rap group Clipse ,ail it in on “No Such Thing,” while Lil Wayne’s brash energy on “Anotha Luva” feels disconnected from the album’s emotional core). In contrast, Big Sean, Usher, and Leon Thomas provide standout contributions that better align with the project’s tone. Lyrically, Kehlani shines brightest when it leans into vulnerability, revisiting the raw emotional storytelling that defined earlier eras of R&B. Still, inconsistent production and filler tracks like “Still,” “Pocket,” and “Out the Window” dilute its impact. The closing track, “Unlearn,” serves as a fitting finale, exploring her growth beyond past habits and emotional patterns, and offering a sense of closure. While the album captures flashes of brilliance and sincerity, it ultimately feels uneven, strongest when Kehlani slows down, reflects, and allows her emotional depth to take the lead. Standout Tracks: "Cruise Control", "Unlearn", "Shoulda Never", & "Lights On" Rating: 6/10 - Simon P Williams

North West makes a bold debut with her 6-track EP N0rth4evr , blending rage rap, emo, and hyperpop into a surprisingly distinct sound. Despite early expectations, the 12-year-old daughter of Ye carves out her own lane, moving beyond imitation with confident, experimental production. Standout moments like the title track showcase her fusion of nu-metal energy and melodic distortion. The project highlights North’s emerging identity, signaling a self-assured and creatively ambitious new voice in music.