On this #ThrowbackThursday, we’re celebrating one of the most ethereal ballads ever to top the charts—Minnie Riperton’s timeless 1974 hit “Lovin’ You.” Released as the third single from her Perfect Angel album, the song was a delicate masterpiece co-written with her husband Richard Rudolph and co-produced by none other than Stevie Wonder (credited as “El Toro Negro”). It reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 on April 5, 1975, becoming a gold-certified smash that enchanted listeners across generations with nothing more than Riperton’s voice, acoustic guitar, and Wonder’s dreamy electric piano. What makes “Lovin’ You” even more special is its intimate origin. Originally a lullaby created to soothe Riperton’s baby daughter Maya Rudolph (yes, that Maya Rudolph), the song evolved into a heartfelt ode to gentle love. If you listen closely to the unedited album version, you’ll hear Minnie softly sing “Maya” as birds chirp in the background—sounds that were accidentally captured during recording and kept because they felt so magical. With no drums or heavy production, the track stands as one of the first No. 1 hits without percussion, highlighting Riperton’s legendary five-octave range and unforgettable whistle register. “Lovin’ You” wasn’t just a hit—it was a cultural moment. It hit No. 2 in the UK, No. 3 on the R&B chart, and has since appeared in everything from The Nutty Professor to Black Mirror. But more than any accolade or placement, it remains a tender, soaring expression of pure emotion. Minnie Riperton (1947 – 1979) passed too soon, but her voice—floating like sunlight through the trees—still reminds us that “Lovin’ you is easy ‘cause you’re beautiful.”

GRAMMY-nominated singer, songwriter, and actress Tamar Braxton is using her platform to tackle more than entertainment. The outspoken performer has partnered with biopharmaceutical company Gilead Sciences, Inc. in a bold new campaign to raise awareness about HIV prevention—specifically among Black women. The initiative launched at the 2025 ESSENCE Festival of Culture, where Braxton joined the “Safe & Sexy” panel hosted by the Global Black Economic Forum. During the discussion, which featured Raheem DeVaughn, Dr. Contessa Metcalfe, and Rashad Burgess, Braxton delivered a passionate message urging Black women to put HIV prevention back on the table. “Black women have stopped talking about HIV, and it needs to be part of our conversation again,” she said, emphasizing the silence around the issue and its deadly consequences.  Black women account for over half of all new HIV diagnoses among women in the U.S., despite making up only 13% of the female population—a glaring disparity that drives Braxton’s mission. Through the partnership, she aims to empower Black women to take control of their health by learning about PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) and other prevention tools. More information can be found at Healthysexuals.com , and fans can follow Tamar’s advocacy journey on social media @TamarBraxton.

Following her single “Too Soon,” rising R&B star Jaz Karis drops “On My Way,” a bass-driven summer track with amapiano influences. Produced by Wilfy D, it blends smooth percussion with Jaz’s soulful vocals. Capturing the thrill of new love, the single builds momentum ahead of her upcoming EP, due this September.

Following her single “Too Soon,” rising R&B star Jaz Karis drops “On My Way,” a bass-driven summer track with amapiano influences. Produced by Wilfy D, it blends smooth percussion with Jaz’s soulful vocals. Capturing the thrill of new love, the single builds momentum ahead of her upcoming EP, due this September.

Check out the video for “Hustling In My Blood” by Grammy-nominated dancehall icon Baby Cham, featuring reggae legends Stephen Marley and Damian “Jr. Gong” Marley. The vid delivers a powerful visual companion to the track’s message of perseverance and grit. Directed by Jay Lenz and filmed across various locations in Miami, the video showcases all three artists with dynamic, impassioned performances that underscore the song’s rallying cry: success demands hustle. Released on Cham’s YouTube channel, the visuals amplify the anthem’s raw energy and highlight each artist’s commitment to their craft and message.

Following a 3-year break, Dutch-born singer-songwriter Leven Kali returns with his genre-blending new EP LK99: The Prelude, released June 27 via Def Jam Recordings. The six-track project fuses R&B, funk, soul, rock, and psychedelic vibes.

Atlanta rapper T.I. (Clifford Harris) and wife Tameka "Tiny" Harris may soon head back to court after a federal judge drastically cut their jury win in a long-running legal battle with MGA Entertainment. The couple, along with members of their former pop group OMG Girlz, had been awarded $71.5 million in damages last fall after claiming MGA's LOL Surprise! OMG dolls copied the group’s likeness. However, on July 8, Judge James V. Selna reduced the punitive damages from $53.6 million to just $1, bringing the total award to $17.8 million. Judge Selna ruled that the jury's decision to grant high punitive damages was flawed, citing a lack of proof that MGA’s actions were “willful.” The judge noted that the artists' legal team did not provide sufficient evidence that MGA knowingly infringed on the OMG Girlz's image. Now, the Harrises must decide whether to accept the reduced amount or pursue a fourth jury trial. They have two weeks to file a response, though earlier court statements suggest they may choose to return to court rather than accept the lowered payout.  The case stems from a 2020 lawsuit in which T.I. and Tiny claimed MGA copied the OMG Girlz’ distinct style and fashion for their doll line. MGA had initially sued the artists, alleging that their infringement claims were harming business, prompting a countersuit. After two earlier trials — one ending in mistrial and the second in MGA’s favor — a third trial last year resulted in the $71.5 million verdict. Despite the reduced damages, the battle over cultural appropriation and intellectual property may not be over yet.

Janet Jackson and Maxwell caused a stir on social media this week after being spotted holding hands at the 1,500th performance of Cabaret at the Kit Kat Club in London. The two music icons appeared close and comfortable, prompting speculation that they might be more than friends. Jackson, beaming as she led Maxwell into the event, fueled rumors of a budding romance. However, sources close to the situation have shut down the speculation. According to a report from TMZ, insiders with direct knowledge insist that Jackson and Maxwell are not dating. The pair have reportedly maintained a close friendship for years, and that relationship remains strictly platonic despite their public appearance together.  Jackson, who divorced businessman Wissam Al Mana in 2017 and shares an 8-year-old son with him, has kept her romantic life largely private in recent years. Maxwell has also remained single publicly. While fans may have hoped for a surprise celebrity pairing, it appears the duo’s chemistry is purely friendly—for now.

Music executive and curator Nieman J delivers a sultry late-night anthem with his new single “What Happens,” featuring R&B star Jeremih and rising talent Shantel May. Released via MNRK Music Group, the track blends smooth vocals and polished production to create a sensual, intimate vibe. With Jeremih’s signature allure and Shantel May’s effortless charm, the song captures moments of temptation and emotional intensity. “What Happens” reinforces Nieman J’s reputation for crafting timeless, emotionally rich R&B collaborations.