Olivia C. Dacal unveils “Lady Love (Omnichord version),” a stripped-back reimagining that spotlights her intimate songwriting and soulful delivery. Blending indie pop and neo-soul with subtle jazz and Latin influences, the Australian artist drifts endlessly as grand chords and airy, slow-burn instrumentation create a hypnotic, late-night feel. The Omnichord-led arrangement allows Olivia’s heartfelt lyrics on love and self-discovery to take center stage, drawing listeners deeper into her genre-defying world.

Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter Nija returns with “I Just Called,” a sumptuous new single featuring West Coast standout Blxst. Produced by Jack Rochon, the slow-burning situationship jam captures the pull of unresolved love, as Nija’s smoky alto wrestles with longing and hesitation. Blxst answers as the conflicted partner determined to make things right, their chemistry sealing the track. The release arrives ahead of Nija’s upcoming project, What I Didn’t Say, due January 23, 2026.

Georgia Black steps fully into her power on Rope, a nine-track album that blends jazz, soul, and cinematic flair with striking intention. Released in October via Conjunct Recordings, the North London, UK artist delivers her most personal work yet, weaving jazzy and bluesy tones with dark, alternative R&B textures. Standout tracks like the melodic “Wishing Well,” alongside the gripping “Jaws” and cathartic “Surrender,” anchor a record shaped by love, loss, and rebirth, reframing vulnerability as strength and transformation.

Fridayy delivers an emotional highlight with “Death Do Us Part (The After Party),” episode five from his new EP Everybody Got Somebody. Joined by Mariah The Scientist, the video captures the tension between devotion and temptation, as both artists wrestle with a love that refuses to let go. Mariah’s vulnerable confessions meet Fridayy’s reflective resolve, amplifying the song’s push-and-pull themes. The visual extends the EP’s moody, late-night R&B atmosphere, underscoring Fridayy’s growing emotional depth.

British girl group FLO keeps their 2025 momentum going with the official video for “Recently Deleted,” an energetic throwback R&B ballad. Framed as a special fan-track, the song finds Stella, Jorja, and Renée channeling a more grown narrative, confronting the lingering digital traces of an unforgettable ex. Buoyed by their recent Grammy nomination, the Marlon Cang and Sienna Navaa-directed visual amplifies the song’s emotional punch as FLO signal even more new music ahead.

Hot 97 has introduced a new group of on-air personalities just days after canceling its long-running morning show, “Ebro in the Morning,” and the move has not been warmly received by listeners. On Thursday, shortly after announcing the show’s cancellation, the New York hip-hop station shared a promotional image on social media featuring Ronndell Smith, Lana Harris, and Million, labeling them as the “New Hot 97 Hosts” with a “Coming Soon” banner. The station did not clarify whether the trio will take over the morning slot or when their show is expected to debut. The timing of the announcement immediately drew criticism online, particularly from fans of “Ebro in the Morning,” which for years was hosted by Ebro Darden, Laura Stylez, and Peter Rosenberg. Commenters on Instagram expressed frustration and disappointment, with one user writing, “Congratulations, you played yourself. I’ll keep listening to podcasts.” The reaction underscores growing dissatisfaction among longtime listeners who feel blindsided by the abrupt change and lack of explanation from the station. The shakeup comes amid ongoing uncertainty at Hot 97, as the station has yet to publicly explain why it canceled one of its most recognizable shows. Ebro Darden has suggested that his outspoken political views and critiques of major institutions may have played a role. Adding to the confusion, Funkmaster Flex (who briefly filled in during the morning slot) confirmed on social media that his long-term deal for mornings will not begin until 2029. Until then, he will remain in his longtime 5 p.m. slot, leaving the future of Hot 97’s mornings an open question.

R&B legend Al B. Sure! has publicly addressed long-rumored tensions with Sean “Diddy” Combs in a candid Nigerian radio interview that has since circulated widely on social media. The singer stressed that his decision to speak out was not driven by gossip, but by a need to defend himself against what he described as years of coordinated PR attacks portraying him as unstable. “I had no interest in speaking about another man’s life,” Al said, explaining that protecting his reputation and inner circle ultimately pushed him to go public. The interview follows Al B. Sure!’s appearance in Sean Combs: The Reckoning, the Netflix docuseries executive-produced by 50 Cent that examines decades of abuse allegations against Diddy. Al said he participated in the project to counter what he called “a campaign to make me look like an absolute lunatic,” pointing to longstanding behind-the-scenes conflicts, alleged threats, and image smears tied to Combs’ camp. While he stopped short of making direct accusations, his comments suggested deep frustration and unresolved personal conflict. Central to the tension is Al’s shared history with the late Kim Porter, with whom he shares a son, Quincy Brown, who was later adopted by Diddy. Though Al avoided speculating on envy or confirming fan theories about rivalry dating back to their Uptown Records era, he acknowledged years of negative energy and defamation that made silence impossible. As fans react positively to his measured tone, Diddy and his representatives have remained silent, leaving the interview to further intensify scrutiny surrounding the embattled music mogul.

LA-based emcee Samara Cyn closes out 2025 with “what will they say,” a potent, soul-infused single that further cements her spot among hip-hop’s most compelling voices. Produced by close collaborator Billy Ray Schlag, the track is a moment of self-examination wrapped in warm, melodic flows reminiscent of Noname or Saba. With poetic clarity and purpose, Samara invites listeners to confront truth, do the work, and raise their voices alongside her.

Detroit-based Gospel singer Kierra Sheard joins Gospel vet Darrel Walls on “Amazing (Remix),” a powerful worship anthem produced by PJ Morton that magnifies God’s unmatched power and love. With lyrics declaring “You’re amazing, so breathtaking, unbelievable, supernatural” and affirming “there’s no one greater than You,” the song praises His creation and mountain-moving ability. Sheard’s commanding vocals and Morton’s soulful production elevate the remix into a stirring, faith-filled moment that blends gospel tradition with modern polish.