Mya Abraham

Tank has made sex talk part of your morning conversation following his recent appearance on The Breakfast Club.

The crooner, who’s known for his sultry, seductive tunes, came out of retirement back in March to announce his upcoming tour. The first taste of his new music drops tomorrow (April 26). So, while discussing “Slow,” the lead single from his last album, R&B Money, Tank declared that men need to “fall back in love with p***y” in order to understand the true essence of the ballad.

Tank agreed that the “art of lovemaking” is gone, but it can return if men are willing to put in some work. “You have to fall back in love with the idea of making love to a woman and doing it at a high level. You have to study a woman,” said the married father of two.

He continued, “You have to ask questions. You have to learn her body in order to do this thing the right way […] You gotta be curious about that thang. Outside of the curiosity, you have to have an affinity for it.”

Tank then quoted “Slow” by quipping, “Sit it on my face, that’s my type of view/ Can I swim in your ocean?/ Can I drown in it, too?”

Charlamagne Tha God and DJ Envy rallied around him in agreement with the latter yelling, “Don’t do it to finish. Do it ’cause you love it!” Tank went on to brag about how lovemaking goes down in his own home when it comes to his wife.

Circling back to R&B Money: The Vault, which is where his new music is stemming from, the singer ensured that this intimate fodder will be the foundation for what’s to come and other R&B singers should take notes.

Check out his full interview below.

R&B is everything, everywhere, all at once, but that doesn’t mean that it’s void of love and lust with a healing undertone.

Narrowing down this week’s top new selects was no easy feat, but we knew where to start. As Lucky Daye returns to the scene with “HERicane,” Jaz Karis continues her wave of enchanting duets with Mahalia to bless the “nice girls.”

Rising star Äyanna dropped an ethereal cover of Bob Marley’s “Is This Love” while Inayah and Amirah shared new EPs to personally detail where they’ve been and highlight where they are now professionally. Then, we have ASTN teasing his new project with his latest single as Mikahl Anthony previews his debut album.

We said it before and we’ll say it again: there’s something here for everyone—just keep your ears open to receiving it.

Lucky Daye – “HERicane”

Lucky Daye and D’Mile have done it again. The crooner and esteemed producer teamed up for Lucky’s newest single, “HERicane.” It’s a taste of him leaning into a more vulnerable space in his new music era.

“This song is about being grounded in a chaotic relationship,” Lucky said in a statement about the record. “It’s important for people to be reminded that it’s a good time to be yourself and shine. Just be grounded and fierce in who you are.” We couldn’t discuss this groovy offering without sharing the live performance video. Live versions usually give a song a bit more umph.

Jaz Karis, Mahalia – “NICE GIRLS”

The U.K. still got something to say as South London’s Jaz Karis shares her new single, “NICE GIRLS,” featuring one of our favorite British songbirds, Mahalia.

As the women explore the raw honesty associated with a breakup, they open up about the idea that nice girls never win. “This song is about karma. This song is about how it feels now being on the other side of the story & why good girls never win,” Jaz said about the record. She described it as a “collaboration of two hurt lover girls,” which Mahalia feels was the perfect one for their first duet.

Äyanna – “Is This Love”

Reveling in the inspiration she obtained from Bob Marley: One Love, Äyanna chose to cover one of her favorite songs from his discography: 1978’s “Is This Love.”

Her dreamy tone, paired with a piano melody, completely transforms the original tune into a soul-stirring ballad. Fans flooded the comments of her covering the record a cappella while hiking near the Hollywood sign in Los Angeles back in February. One even joked, “Can someone tell the wind to shut up? Amazing!!!!” The reimagined rendition follows the 2023 release of her debut EP, In A Perfect World.

Inayah – Wait, There’s More

Inayah’s new album, Wait, There’s More, is the essence of a multi-dimensional woman. Whether she flips the sample of Fantasia’s “When I See You” on its head with an anti-love remake, praises God on “Glory,” or exudes confidence on “Pretty Girls,” Inayah is speaking to the masses in a versatile way.

She’s no one-trick pony, and this album displays how she combatted postpartum depression and found balance in being a mother and a performer.

“I am so sure about this body of work. It’s about reclaiming my time. It’s confident, fearless, in your face, undeniable and disruptive. There is a song on the album for everyone,” she explained in a statement.

Amirah – Wish It Wasn’t You

Amirah is such a butterfly, floating throughout the world with rare beauty and she happens to be insanely talented. As proven on her debut EP, Wish It Wasn’t You, the 18-year-old is guiding listeners on a journey of young love and self-discovery.

One can get consumed by the playfulness of “Tokio,” the vibrancy of the title track, or the splendor of “Beautiful,” but all six tracks are full of enticing melodies and utterly compelling bliss.

“Amirah has all the gifts to be a force in this industry,” Mustard said about his newest 10 Summers signee. “She has the work ethic and talent, and she is authentic and always herself, and I think that’s what will make people appreciate and gravitate towards her as she continues to grow as an artist.”

ASTN – “Soul, Body & Mind”

If you’re a fan of Jon B and Justin Timberlake, you’ll love ASTN. The breakout star is back with his first solo release of the year.

“Soul, Body & Mind” is described as a “cathartic confession about falling in love.” As the crooner becomes enamored, vying for the attention of the one who caught his eye, listeners get lost in his enchanting approach.

ASTN shares that “the idea and inspiration behind this song is as simple as love itself.” He urges romantics everywhere to embrace the slow burn and get to know someone fully before committing wholly to them. This is the lead single from his new EP, What A Night To Be In Love.

Mikahl Anthony – “Sooth Sayings”

Allow us to introduce you to Mikahl Anthony, the newest artist entering the world of neo-soul. He’s not necessarily new to the scene as a founding member of Chicago’s THEMpeople collective, but he is gearing up to release his debut album, MUSE.

Meaning “Ms. Using sensual energy” and “making use of seclusion every day,” the LP is intended to display Mikahl’s “unique style of songwriting, arrangement, and filming [to] soundtrack my self-development/maturation process.” He kicks off this musical chapter with his single, “Sooth Sayings.”

This isn’t just a standard listening experience. Mikahl’s superpower lies in his ability to merge the worlds of music and documentation, ultimately creating an immersive experience that displays why he is part of the future of good music.

Q2 is off to an interesting start with hailstorms in Los Angeles and earthquakes in New York; good music is always the best distraction.

Bryson Tiller and Tori Kelly have released self-titled albums that aptly depict where they are personally and professionally. Meanwhile, rising stars Olympia Vitalis, Benita, and Amber Mark are all proving why women are dominating the R&B scenes with their range of singles. Jessie Reyez rounds out this week’s selects with her single stemming from a soundtrack to a highly-anticipated sequel.

From unexpected samples to unpredictable tones, there’s something here for everyone as we sit back quietly and let the music do its thing.

Khalid – “Please Don’t Fall In Love With Me”

On the fifth anniversary of his sophomore album, Khalid returns with his latest single, “Please Don’t Fall In Love With Me,” that brilliantly juxtaposes the record it samples—Alicia Keys’ 2009 ballad, “Un-Thinkable (I’m Ready).”

While Keys sings about being ready to commit, Khalid urges his lady not to compare him to her last partner and not to fall in love. In an open letter about the single, he wrote, “Is that so bad? […] I don’t know if I really miss you, or maybe the idea of you, but how can I move forward?”

“It’s “Please Don’t Fall In Love With Me” is the lead single from his long-awaited new album, which he says is his “best and most personal album yet.” Of the LP, he notes, “The last few years consisted of me working diligently on what I presume to be my best and most personal album yet. I’ve spent an unhealthy amount of time in the studio working with some of my favorite creatives just to deliver this amazing body of work and now I finally get to share a piece of me in my new era with my day one fans!”

Olympia Vitalis – “Fool’s Paradise”

Olympia Vitalis was a voice we didn’t realize was missing from our rotation. The West London-based soul singer oscillates between R&B and jazz, but what drew us in was her latest single, “Fool’s Paradise.” Although the song stems from a collection of reflective tunes she penned over the past year, “Fool’s Paradise” taps into a familiar sense of confusion and longing that breeds hope.

Of the song, Vitalis explained, “This is definitely a timestamp for the beginning of last year for me. When I could feel music was a potential long-term plan, and when I decided to take the risk and leave my job in pursuit of being a full-time musician. It’s a nice song to look back on and see how far I’ve come even in a year.” We can’t wait to see more from this budding star.

Bryson Tiller – Bryson Tiller

Bryson Tiller returns with his highly anticipated eponymous album. After a three-year hiatus, the crooner stepped back onto the scene with “Whatever She Wants” and “Outside,” which stay true to his trapsoul core while also displaying his growth.

However, records like the Victoria Monét-assisted wordplay, “Persuasion,” the sensual “Attention,” and the catchy “No Thank You” kept us tuned in until the end. Bryson Tiller is overall described as an a “declaration of artistic independence and a tribute to the relentless pursuit of greatness.”

Benita – “The Worst”

Benita’s “The Worst” was our introduction to her music and it was worth the wait. Her sultry voice paired with the catchy hook is too good to ignore, even if you really should leave that situationship alone. “Ooh you’re the worst/ I wanna hate you, but I’m in too deep,” she sings. Benita explained in a statement that “The Worst” is a “cheeky way of saying ‘I hate that I love you’” because the chemistry is there, but the commitment is not.

Nonetheless, the relatable anthem is a love song, unlike her prior releases, which are usually heavy in nature. We foresee “The Worst” becoming a hit during live performances.

Tori Kelly – TORI.

Tori Kelly has finally shared her new album, TORI. (not be confused with her EP, tori). The LP showcases a version of the incomparable songbird that we’ve never seen before.

“This album is an expression of every side of me; some of them I’ve never shown before,” Kelly explained in a statement. “I decided to name it ‘TORI.’ because this music is me confidently stepping into myself as an artist and as a woman. This feels like a self-titled moment. I am ready to say, ‘This is who I am.’”

The first track, “thing u do,” is an upbeat dance record that makes you want to catch a groove in the middle of the street while daydreaming about a lover. It leads into her comeback single, “missin u,” and her recent empowering anthem, “high water.” TORI. commands your attention with its double-entendre meanings and versatile range.

Jessie Reyez – “Child Of Fire”

While we await Jessie Reyez’s next masterpiece, she’s teased us with breadcrumbs from a movie soundtrack. Reyez’s latest drop is “Child Of Fire” from Netflix’s Rebel Moon: Songs Of The Rebellion.

Produced by Dot Da Genius, the enchanting ballad is one where she’s reading men for filth. “Good guy, so bad/ Wanna be the good guy so bad/ L’s for lies/ L’s for loser too, so I got no slack,” she sings. This one is for those aware of the red flags and are ready to do something about it.

Amber Mark – “Comin’ Around Again”

Amber Mark is putting on for the lovers per usual with her new single, “Comin’ Around Again.”

The hypnotizing lures in listeners as she reflects on meeting someone who could become the one. “Boy, I ain’t got high hopes/ But damn you’re kinda fine though/ So let’s see where the night goes/ Maybe love’s comin’ around again,” Mark sings. Though the attraction and interest are evident, she reminds listeners that a slow burn never hurt anybody. This is the first release since dropping her debut album, Three Dimensions Deep, in 2022.

This week in R&B, it’s all about the sultry slow-burn. Though some tracks are more mid-tempo in nature and may not have slid down a wall in agony, there’s still a level of yearning, desire, love, and a hint of lust laced through all of this greatness.

PartyNextDoor is back and teasing his upcoming album. FLO and Elijah Blake are also getting fans excited for their respective new albums. Halle is a new mother with a new attitude and is baring it all on her second solo release while Elmiene has finally teamed up with D’Mile for a new enchanting ballad. Newcomer Rhyan Douglas has issued his debut EP while fellow rising sensation Lendryx is putting a positive spin on situationships. MaKenzie has announced her new record deal with Warner Records and is making her official debut with the help of R&B phenom TA Thomas.

Whether you want a “real woman,” real love, or just some incredible music to help you get through real life, check out VIBE‘s top new R&B picks.

PARTYNEXTDOOR – “R e a l W o m a n”

PartyNextDoor has returned to the music scene with his new single, “R e a l W o m a n,” from his highly-anticipated new album, PARTYNEXTDOOR FOUR.

Produced by Prep Bijan, Eli Brown, and Noah “40” Shebib, PND’s latest record is a hypnotic seduction about how nobody got nothin’ on his lady. Of the album, he told Billboard, “This is the hardest I’ve ever worked on an album. This is the proudest I’ve felt. I’m excited to grind even more for the next [one]. I’m in love with how hard you should work for it.” He also teased that he’s focused on making “classic music” and this is just the beginning of his next chapter.

PARTYNEXTDOOR FOUR is slated for release on April 26.

FLO – “Walk Like This”

Though the sound of the footsteps took us back to Jordin Sparks’ “One Step At A Time,” that flirty bit of nostalgia is different from what FLO is bringing to the table. Produced by MNEK, their playful anthem “Walk Like This” is sexier, but still speaks to those certified lover girls who love to hype up their man and themselves.

“The song is about that energy you have when you embrace your sensuality and womanhood,” the trio detailed. “It’s okay to admit a man’s doing well from time to time! We hope it makes you feel confident, a bit naughty and adds that extra sway to your walk.” This is the group’s first release since their EP, 3 Of Us, which was intended to hold fans over until the arrival of their debut album.

Halle – “In Your Hands”

Halle has finally shared the long-awaited follow-up to her debut solo single, “Angel,” with her new offering, “In Your Hands.” Produced by DemJointz, the chilling love song is a ballad dedicated to fighting for a once-in-a-lifetime love, whether it be self-love or a romantic one.

“It’s basically a message about fighting for a love that you know is an incredibly beautiful one-of-a-kind love, but also a reminder to that special someone that your love has changed their life and is something they won’t experience in this lifetime again,” Halle explained in a statement. “It’s a love song but also an empowerment song to ourselves, and a reminder that we are a one of a kind special being and that we’re worth more than all the diamonds and gold in the world.”

“In Your Hands” is another example of why Halle is one of this generation’s best vocalists. 

Elijah Blake – “Ghostbuster”

Elijah Blake is baring his soul on his new single, “Ghostbuster.” The reflective track dives deep into the sorrow stemming from lost relationships. “Can’t get you out of my head, out of my brain/ Chasin’ after love that I know has been dead,” he sings on the somber record. “You’re just a ghost of my past/ That keeps comin’ back but never comes back.” The new song is a taste of the soul-stirring sonic journey displayed on his upcoming album, which will be released this June.

“With ‘Ghostbuster,’ I wanted to create a sonic and visual journey that transcends boundaries, allowing listeners to immerse themselves in a hauntingly beautiful experience. It’s a blend of my musical roots with a modern twist, and I’m thrilled to share this artistic expression with the world,” he explained in a statement. Blake later shared on Instagram that the record is “more than just a song to me; it’s a visual journey into my past and my musical evolution.”

Rhyan Douglas – Circles

Rhyan Douglas’ debut EP is a refreshing crossover of folk, soul, rhythm, and blues. Although his single, “Conversation,” should be placed in a film, the entire project is a compelling, honest encapsulation of the innocence of young love and the longing for a carefree, simpler life — void of the stress associated with adulting.

“Circles is a tribute to my childhood and my continuous growth and evolution into the man I’m probably supposed to be,” shared Douglas in a statement. “Loss, money, religion, ladies, bowling and of course my dreams — and the subjects my attention demands of me, both bad and good. I don’t why I made it, nor do I know why it sounds as such; I let life do its course, ultimately driving me through circles the same way I was running before finding myself through sound. In a sense, I’m presenting to you a few pages of my journal.”

MaKenzie feat. Ta Thomas – “Maybe”

Rising phenom MaKenzie has announced her new deal with Warner Records and new single, “Maybe” featuring crooner TA Thomas. The two seamlessly complement each other on the fiery track that’s both nostalgic and vibrant.

Inspired by the late ’90s and early ’00s, MaKenzie explained, “We wanted to create a song that felt like one of those R&B ‘sing along in the car real loud ‘cuz you’re frustrated in your relationship or you just ended s**t and you now gotta vent’ type records. We wanted to make a track that made you feel like you were going through that even if you aren’t at least for the three minutes and some change that it takes you to listen to the song.”

Elmiene – “Crystal Tears”

Elmiene has finally linked up with acclaimed producer D’Mile for his newest single, “Crystal Tears.” Similar to his hit, “Mad At Fire,” this is another nod to the early 2000s merged with a ’70s soul ballad.

It additionally feeds fans’ craving for beggin’ R&B as Elmiene sings, “I need to know if you could feel/ Could I ever be a special person?/ Show you I can give love and devotion/ I need to know if I can feel/ Afraid to hold the glass I know I’ve broken/ Take back all the notes I know I’ve chosen…”

Elmiene is one of R&B’s most sought-after artists of this current generation. The 22-year-old British-Sudanese star has sold out his own headlining tour in London and North America and appeared on COLORS with only a handful of EPs in his discography.

Lendryx – “Halfway Open”

Lendryx is back, creating a soundtrack for hopeless romantics everywhere. With “Halfway Open,” the Bama-bred crooner sings of a relationship in which one isn’t ready for commitment but still offers just enough to make staying around worth it.

“I had so much fun creating this record, grinning the entire way through writing & recording. There’s even a little rap section that I love. ‘Situationships’ have a poor reputation, so I wanted to share a positive perspective for everyone, even if it doesn’t end the way we want it to,” said Lendryx of the record.

For those who seek reciprocity and may not receive it on their timeline, this song’s for you. Additionally, the visualizer pays nostalgic homage to couples from hit ’90s sitcoms including A Different World, Sister Sister, Martin, Moesha, and The Jamie Foxx Show.

How good does it feel to be an R&B fan? This week, musical stars are putting their best foot forward with a lively array of releases and things are heading up.

Chlöe is requesting to ignore societal, power dynamics in romantic relationships. Elle Varner is proud to be Black. Jade Novah merged the worlds of cinema and music with her first full-length release in years. Kenyon Dixon is reviving the soul of the ’70s. Ledisi is celebrating the good life. Eric Bellinger is bringing the party to the bedroom. 4batz is expressing his vulnerable side. Samara Joy is honoring Shirley Chisholm. Cat Burns opens up about the pros and cons of being alone and PxRRY has recruited two fellow male crooners to put the mystique back in the music.

So, whether or you’re living the good life in solitude, these new R&B selects were made for your listening pleasure.

Chlöe – “FYS”

Following the release of her debut album, In Pieces, Chlöe returns with her new single, “FYS.” On the song (which is short for “f**k your status”), the songbird details how money and status mean nothing when it comes to matters of the heart and matters of the bedroom. “Don’t faze me, I been had it/ F**k your status (Had it)/ I just, just wanna love you, baby,” she sings on the chorus. The record was initially supposed to be an interlude. Thankfully, she released it as a full song.

Elle Varner – “Black”

Following the death of her father, Elle Varner has ended her five-year hiatus and is ready to shake up the R&B scene again her powerful single, “Black.” It’s an ode and love letter to how much she loves being Black. It also comes at the perfect time as Black History Month ends and Women’s History Month begins. The record is vibrant, upbeat, and is something to make her parents proud. She’s shared that this is the first of many releases, but she first had to end BHM “proper.”

Jade Novah – Where Have I Been?

Jade Novah has released her first album in four years. It’s a concept album that includes scripted dialogue from a host of characters and new music for your listening pleasure. The LP takes you on a journey as Jade reflects on her youth and past relationships, ultimately revealing how words of affirmation became her love language.

Do not skip around—at least not on the first listen; otherwise, parts of the greater story won’t make sense. The project features Leslie Odom Jr., Gail Bean, Tabitha Brown, Wayne Brady, Kenyon Dixon, Tony Baker, and Tarriona “Tank” Ball.

Kenyon Dixon – The R&B You Love: Soul Of The ’70s

After giving us the R&B many love with his 2023 LP, Kenyon Dixon is diving deeper with the first installment of the deluxe edition.

He explained in a statement, “The R&B You Love [LP] is all about exploring the different eras of R&B/Soul and showcasing how they’ve inspired me. With the Deluxe album(s), I wanted to take a non-traditional approach and instead, expand on those eras and create more music that gives the acknowledgment of those moments even more context. So here’s a way to reimagine some tunes you’ve already fell in love with.” This piece of the puzzle is dedicated to the soul of the ’70s and features his Grammy-nominated hit, “Lucky.”

Ledisi – Good Life

This album is the epitome of feel-good. It’s sexy, electric, mesmerizing, and represents all the things needed for a good life. Not to mention, Ledisi is singing her butt off on records like “I Need To Know,” “Stay Here Tonight,” and the Kenny Lattimore-assisted duet “Perfect Strangers.” A current standout is “Magic (Voila).” “Let’s recreate that magic/ That ‘ooo I gotta have it’/ Like I’m a feen and you’re a habit, Voila,” she sings enchantingly on the chorus. It just makes you want to find a juke joint and sway your hips on a perfect stranger in a moment of heat.

After a three-year absence, this LP was worth it. “My new baby is out in the world. I tried to do a video to say, ‘THANK YOU’ but I keep crying tears of joy. I hope this heals you and it makes you feel good. God thank you for music. ?? 3 years @rexkrideout and we finally finished,” Ledisi expressed on Instagram following the release.

Eric Bellinger – The Rebirth 3: The Party & The Bedroom

Eric Bellinger has done it again and brought together some musical heavyweights for a sonic experience that brings the party to the bedroom and beyond. On The Rebirth 3, Bellinger is joined by the likes of Sevyn Streeter, Ty Dolla $ign, Queen Naija, Ne-Yo, Tone Stith, Zae France, and more for an eclectic mix of feels, vibes, and immersive moments. It’s hard to pick standouts because the album, itself, is a cohesive, succinct story from start to finish. We urge you to simply press play and get lost in this rebirth.

Samara Joy – “Why I’m Here”

For Netflix’s new biopic, Shirley, Samara Joy partnered with PJ Morton for the riveting track, “Why I’m Here.” The anthemic tune plays during the film’s end credits and fully encapsulates all that Shirley Chisholm represented, whether it’s realized or not. Samara also noted in a statement, “Regina King’s portrayal of Chisholm only cements the importance of being persistent in the face of adversity and remembering why we all are here: to help one another.” PJ added about the collaboration, “It’s an honor to put music to such an important and inspiring story. And then to do it with one of my favorite new voices today just made it even more special.”

Cat Burns – “alone”

Cat Burns is such a dynamic phenom overseas and she deserves just as much of a presence here in the States. The South London-bred songbird is back with her new single, “alone,” which marks the beginning of a new era. As her soul-stirring tone compliments the fluttering melody, Burns sings of her desire for company and companionship. Being alone isn’t bad, but she doesn’t want it to be permanent. After teasing the record over the past few months, fans have praised the fact that it was indeed worth the wait.

4batz – “act iii: on god? (she like)

Viral sensation 4batz is captivating audiences yet again with his new release, “act iii: on god (she like).” This is another peek into the 4batz’s vulnerability from the grander story he’s sharing with his fans. With just two songs to his name—”act i: stickers ’99” and “act ii: date @ 8,” the singer had already amassed over 2.5 million streams on Spotify and co-signs from SZA, Drake, Ye, and more. Though the 20-year-old is still a mystery and a walking juxtaposition, he’s still setting himself up for massive success as the streaming era sings his praises.

PxRRY feat. Jon Vinyl and Tone Stith – “You Don’t Call Me”

PxRRY (pronounced Perry) considered himself to be that “new, superstar R&B artist” that had been missing and he may have been onto something. The Connecticut-born, Los Angeles-based crooner teamed up two of R&B’s finest—Tone Stith and Jon Vinyl— for his newest single, “You Don’t Call Me.”

It’s a soft ballad that compliments the sultry nature of each of their respective tones and highlights the aftermath of a ghosted lover. Although PxRRY plans to bring a bit of edginess back to R&B, he enjoys his mystique. “I’m not really shy, but I’m quiet,” he told Flaunt back in 2020. “I’m observant.”

This week is one of them ones.

We have a little bit of afrobeats, a little alternative, and a bit of traditional, but the foundation is still R&B. With that said, SZA has formally released “Saturn.” By popular demand, Usher has shared two bonus tracks from his new album. SiR teamed up with Isaiah Rashad for the second single from his long-awaited new album.

PJ Morton is taking us back to the motherland with the lead single from his forthcoming album. Rising star Jaz Karis partnered with Tone Stith for a relatable duet. Meanwhile, Jasmine Cephas Jones is doing some reflecting; Zyah Belle is pouring into her fans; and Dana Williams is questioning it all while still finding the motivation to power through.

Whether you are running from those karmic overload, or choosing to figure it all out, VIBE’s top new R&B picks will help in your respective journeys—if you let them.

SZA – “Saturn”

Lana may not have a confirmed release date, but SZA has gifted fans with “Saturn.” After debuting the record at the 2024 Grammys and announcing her new partnership with Mastercard, the song quickly became a fan-favorite.

As the New Jersey native sings about her somber perspective, the single’s cover art paints a more vivid picture of SZA’s intrusive thoughts. The “S” stands for Saturn (obviously), sick and safe. The “A” represents absent, acorn, atom while “T” represents trust, the phrase “take my time,” and time wasted. “U” stands for unwell as “R” means rare and rotten. “N” is for nothing.

Not only did SZA release the official studio version, but she also released the live rendition, the instrumental, the a cappella, and sped up versions.

Usher – COMING HOME (Expanded Edition)

Usher’s latest album has already become his top-charted album in the last decade. It topped Billboard‘s Top R&B Albums, Top Album Sales, and Top Current Albums charts. It debuted at No. 2 on the Billboard 200. Just two weeks after its release, the crooner has now issued the expanded version with two bonus tracks: “Naked” and “Believe.”

“Naked” was first exclusively available through SKIMS after Usher announced his new campaign with the brand. “Believe” was teased long before that and fans were practically banging down Jermaine Dupri and Bryan-Michael Cox’s doors for that release.

“Ok !! as much as y’all was posting about it not being on the album, now that it’s here. we need that same energy letting everybody know it’s out “Believe” run it up ! #COMINGHOME,” wrote Dupri on Twitter when it was finally available on DSPs. Both records are ones that feel the closest to traditional R&B and classic trifecta Usher as heard on My Way, 8701, and Confessions. Many feel the entire album should’ve sounded like these two hitters, but where’s the element of surprise in that?

SiR feat. Isaiah Rashad – “Karma”

SiR’s newest single, “Karma,” is the next taste from his new album, Heavy.

On the track, the R&B virtuoso lures in listeners to bellow out the mantra, “Karma coming! Karma is real.” Continuing in the personal vein as displayed on the LP’s lead track “No Evil,” SiR enlisted Isaiah Rashad to help detail how powerful karma is while reflecting on some of the choices he’s made in life—for better or worse.

Heavy is set to arrive on March 22.

PJ Morton – “Please Be Good”

Following the magic of Watch The Sun and fresh off his recent Grammy win, PJ Morton is back with the lead single from his new album.

“Please Be Good” is an afrobeats and pop&B fusion that’s all about freedom and the need for clarity. It stems from the album he wrote and recorded while spending a month in Africa. The multi-faceted artist is fully embracing a new phase in his life and is happily exploring new sound as well.

“I was in Lagos, Nigeria and one of my favorite new producers P.Priime played this beat,” he shared. “I immediately took out my phone and started to record ideas. I love that it’s a mixture of so many vibes.” Morton felt the “spiritual return” was a way to connect though the universal language of music and redefine the meaning of home.

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Jaz Karis feat. Tone Stith – “MET YOU AT A BAR”

Rising R&B sensation Jaz Karis has paired up with heartthrob Tone Stith for her new single, “MET YOU AT A BAR.”

Still swooped up in a post-Valentine’s Day haze, the record highlights a relationship that sparked at the most inopportune time. Karis notes that the track represented a slew of dating experiences from today’s landscape. “It’s full of romance and sweet nothings but ultimately doesn’t lead to anything serious because of the lack of trust between two people,” she explained in a statement. “Sonically we wanted it to feel warm and inviting but the conversation between me and Tone remains bittersweet.”

Tone sings about women jumping to conclusions and making the “right decision at the wrong time” and Jaz is ready to jump ship at the first wave of a red flag. Overall, “MET YOU AT A BAR” is visually and audibly captivating yet relatable.

Jasmine Cephas Jones – “Baby I Can’t Give You Up”

Jasmine Cephas Jones first gifted us with a neo-soul enthusiast’s dream with “Bright,” but her new single, “Baby I Can’t Give You Up,” is a bit more somber. The piano-laden melody compliments her moody tone as she sings of love and its many shapes.

“I wanted to write something that felt intimate, slow and powerful,” she explained in a statement. “It’s a classic pop/soul love song that’s dedicated to love. Love for yourself, love for your support system or love for your partner. Love can take many shapes and forms.”

The equally-appealing black-and-white visual shows Jasmine on a walk through London as she reflects on intimate moments with her loved ones and a slow dance with her late father, Ron Cephas Jones.

Zyah Belle feat. Rexx Life Raj – “You Got It”

Zyah Belle is back! Following the success of her album, Yam Grier, the singer returns with her new single, “You Got It.” The record is empowering and a testament to a well-earned glow. As she sings, “I think you should look inside and seize the light you’re hiding,” it feels as though you’re having a chat with your homegirl and she’s just pouring positivity into you. The addition of Hip-Hop phenom Rexx Life Raj is the icing on the cake. If this is a preview of what she’s been cooking up, we can’t wait to enjoy the feast.

Dana Williams – “Feels Like”

Dana Williams’ new single feels like introspection and vulnerability. It feels like looking in the mirror and reflecting. It feels like uncertainty personified, but it also feels like purity and self-love.

In true fashion, Williams’ unique tone is entrancing, but if you pay attention, you’ll hear a soothing soundtrack for delicate lovers. Those who question more than they’d like to admit and those who can’t always describe what it’s like to try, fail, and try again. Alt-R&B lovers everywhere will rejoice with this offering.

Valentine’s Day isn’t limited to just February 14th with R&B rising stars and certified legends singing about love, lust, joy, pain, and everything else in-between.

This week, Ryan Destiny has ended her hiatus once again. Raheem DeVaughn is putting the listening power of his new album into his fans’ hands. Jack Freeman is singing that good ol’ soulful music, powered by the influences of Marvin Gaye, The Gap Band, Luther Vandross, and others alike. The U.K. got something to say with Shaé Universe leading the way with the help of her new album. Avery*Sunshine is reintroducing herself to fans in a refreshing way, and Keith Sweat is embodying the phrase “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” with his sensual single.

On top of all this, we’re introducing you to some budding phenoms: Rae Khalil, Alicia Creti, and Miriah Renee. Allow love to take you overboard with our top new R&B picks.

Ryan Destiny – “How Your Hands Feel”

Ryan Destiny is back! The STAR actress’ new single, “How Your Hands Feel,” is a tad more soulful and sensual than her previous releases, and we are here for it. Ryan’s ethereal voice coos sweet-nothings as she sings about a yearning and desire while missing her partner.

“I wanted to step into my sensual side,” she explained. “The song is sexy but vulnerable as well. Missing someone and having to let them know the way they made you feel is not always easy but this song feels like the confident and forward version of that mood.” Destiny noted that the record is a “good double back anthem.” She recently covered Khamari’s “Doctor, My Eyes” and is set to drop more new music this spring.

Raheem DeVaughn – Winter Of Love

Raheem DeVaughn is keeping up with his “Seasons of Love” series with the help of his new album, Winter Of Love. The exclusive Even.biz release further cements why the crooner has declared himself “The Love King” and helps him connect personally with his devoted fans.

Each song creates a mesmerizing marriage between his silky vocals and the hypnotizing production. Whether you’re navigating a rough patch or drifting on a memory of romantic moments, there’s something here for you. Our favorite standouts are “Retrograde” and “Your Place Or Mine.” The opening string-led instrumental on “Retrograde” had us hooked immediately, and him asking the important question of where is swoon-worthy.

By releasing the project on Even.biz, fans can pay for the album at whatever price they choose, and they can enter to win a chance to speak with DeVaughn directly. On March 6, he’ll start touring with fellow singer Ledisi.

Shaé Universe – Love’s Letter

Around these parts, we stan Shaé Universe. The U.K. phenom is really one of them ones, and she’s finally released her delectable new project, Love’s Letter.

On the 10-track LP that’s for the lovers—strictly for the lovers, Shaé explores the various facets and phases of love like romantic self-love, the absence of it, and love within spirituality. There’s also imparting wisdom from her mother and shared guidance from Lalah Hathaway, helping listeners process the complex emotions associated with matters of the heart.

“Grieving the death of a chapter as you actively birth a new one is a complex phenomenon but I just know the rewards are about to EAT,” teased the singer on Instagram.

“In a time where life has felt increasingly heavy, ‘Love’s Letter’ is here to help us process all the layers from a place of love; the changes, the uncertainty, the distance, the isolation, the frustrations, the cycles and the growth. This one’s for the people who are ready to face themselves and return to love.”

Miriah Renee – “All The Time”

After making a name for herself in 2022 with her debut EP, Miriah Renee has returned to music with a newfound desire. The singer-entrepreneur is proving that she’s more than just a pretty face with her latest single, “All The Time.”

Reminiscent of Mariah The Scientist and Nia Sultana, Miriah lures you in with her soft tone and bold lyricism. With the help of Bryan-Michael Cox and J. Que Smith, she honed her skills and is now ready to conquer the spotlight. True R&B fans will love the interpolation of Craig David’s “7 Days” at the tail end of the song.

Keith Sweat – “Lay You Down”

A lot of veterans chose to stray away from new music. However, if you’re going to do it, do it like Keith Sweat. The crooner knows his musical lane: grown and sexy songs filled with desire and lust.

On his newest serenade, “Lay You Down,” he sings about making sure his woman knows he’s going to do everything in his power to please her, especially in between the sheets.

“‘Cause I just want to lay you down/ I’m so into you, make love I will do,” he sings. “You got me thinking/ I just want to, lay it down/ I’m so into you, there’s nothing I’ll do.” The release is the follow-up to his 2021 single, “Can’t Nobody” featuring Raheem DeVaughn.

Of his new music in recent years, Sweat shared with Rated R&B, “At this stage of my career, I make music that move me to say something. I am not interested in releasing music for the sake of statistics.”

Jack Freeman – Nina

Jack Freeman’s Nina will be on replay for the foreseeable future. It feels like a love letter to Black women and a deep dive into the intimacies of love and pain.

Co-produced by Bryan-Michael Cox, Freeman molded a sonically diverse masterpiece that encapsulates the essence of soul music.

“U” is an endearing tribute about quality time and priorities. “Anything” is a vibrant love song you can boogie to. “You Should Be Here” speaks to healthy obsession as he sings “24/7, 52, 365/ Need you everyday/ Or I’ll regret it for the rest of my life.” That’s just a taste of what listeners can expect. Freeman truly showcases his depth and range on this refreshing LP.

Rae Khalil – “IS IT WORTH IT”

Anderson .Paak‘s new signee, Rae Khalil, is celebrating her new deal with a soul-stirring single, “IS IT WORTH IT.” It’s a jam to sway and snap your fingers to; catch a solid groove and pay attention to the lyrics.

She garnered much attention after participating on Netflix’s Rhythm + Flow, back in 2019. The artist has obvious influences from ’70s R&B with traces of Erykah Badu, Motown, and Michael Jackson. Though her latest single is our introduction to her, we’ll definitely stay locked in for the long run.

“Rae is not only one of my favorite artist/collaborators but one of my favorite human beings,” .Paak shared. “I’ve seen her go from a contestant on a Netflix show to us winning Grammys together. Once Tunji signed her, he asked me to do my ‘Quincy Jones’ thing and it’s been such an amazing experience being part of her journey and helping with her incredible project. The best is truly yet to come! We are super proud to have her on the APES**T roster and can’t wait for the world to see what’s next.”

Avery*Sunshine – “I Wonder”

There’s no need to wonder if you’ll love this new offering from Avery*Sunshine. Spoiler alert: you will.

The next installment off her new album, So Glad To Know You, is neo-soul at its finest and feels like a warm breeze on a crisp autumn day. As she put it, the new single is a “tendah jam” for the lovers and definitely isn’t child’s play.

“I Wonder” is a crucial piece from the album as it sets out to explore the ebb and flow of learning your self. The LP is a reintroduction for Avery; its lead single, “Lifted Up,” kicked off the theatrical rollout that gives fans long-awaited new music in a refreshing way.

Alicia Creti – Self/Less

Alicia Creti is the one to watch. After captivating her growing audience with covers of SZA’s “Good Days” and Summer Walker’s “Session 32,” she is offering a piece of herself—honest and poignant—and reclaims her genuine being with her debut EP, Self/Less.

With this project, she connects with the depths of your soul with a raspy, unique tone and sings about wanting more of self and less of anything else. Standout records include the earnest “Pity Party” and the vulnerable “Epiphany.”

For those who are fans of Adele and Amy Winehouse, meet Alicia Creti. She’ll be performing singles off the project during Mahalia’s upcoming IRL Tour.

‘Tis the season of Usher.

After 30 years of irrefutable highs and subjective lows, the man—who is arguably the King of R&B—is at the top of his game yet again and is basking in the glow of it all.

After taking a bow and wrapping up three years (and 100 shows) of a Las Vegas residency, he’ll be staking claim in Sin City once more for Super Bowl LVIII’s Apple Music Halftime Show this Sunday. Ahead of the release of his long-awaited new album, COMING HOME, we caught up with the crooner about all that’s transpired since his August 2023 digital cover feature. 

“Man, I’m really enjoying the work that comes with this. I’m finally going to get a chance to enjoy all of it,” the 45-year-old shared on our Zoom call. “Not to say that I didn’t enjoy the residency, but I’m saying I really get a chance to enjoy this moment.”

This time around, we didn’t unpack all of the layers behind what he’s been up to, but Usher did open up about the formation of his SKIMS campaign, God’s timing when it comes to his music, why he feels COMING HOME is both a debut and a love letter, and what happened to the “GLU” video—almost a year after it was first teased. Similar to his album title, this chat for us felt like home…or rather a warm, welcomed reunion.

VIBE: This is a big moment for you; I’m glad you get to enjoy it.

Usher: It is. It’s a huge celebration. I’m happy to celebrate it for all the people who believed in me. What can I tell you about the SKIMS campaign? Well, let me tell you this. As a result of developing a friendship with Kim Kardashian, I played my album for her when she was here in Las Vegas. We talked about doing activations around my album. And I shot the cover, obviously. What we came up with was the idea of shooting the reverse, which would then reveal the opposite side of the album. The first photo that you saw with the peach in my hand, it tied the album together. That was the first layer of it. The second is, as friends, we support each other. She supported me through this entire process of [doing] the Super Bowl and [came] to the residency. So [I’m] showing support to her as a result of our friendship.

It’s like every 10 years or so since your debut, you did something significant. In ’94, you made your debut. In 2004, you released Confessions. In 2014, we got hit singles: “Good Kisser,” “New Flame,” “I Don’t Mind.” And now in 2024, you’re coming home and headlining the Super Bowl. Do you ever look back and just think, “Wow, that’s kind of interesting?”

You know what it is? That’s God’s way of having a sense of humor because those things— Sometimes I’m mindful of, but for the most part, they just happen the way that they’re supposed to. And that is the treat for me to be able to see those and say, “Wow, I did do that. I didn’t realize that that happened.” Even just the actual dates of releases, how many records they had, and the reaction that people have to them— I think that’s God’s plan. For me, man, I try to offer my best. Every album that I’ve put out, I’ve given my all. What you need to know about this one is that it’s my first album. It’s my first album as a solo artist.

As an independent artist?

As an independent artist, yes. That first one is always the sendoff, right? It’s the one that is full of hope. It’s the one that’s full of belief. It’s the one that’s full of excitement. A lot of the people that I chose to share [this moment] with and worked on it with were people that I enjoyed working with my entire career, but it’s great that I could come home to the place that I started with, with them in this new sendoff. In this new beginning.

Thankfully it’s not like a sequel of Confessions, because don’t want to live in the past. You’ve done what you did and now we’re moving on. So when you were creating Coming Home, what was most important to you? Was it the storytelling, the sequencing of the album, the visuals, or something else?

All of it together and finding ways that people could connect to what I’m talking about. The world’s got their life and what they got going on. So, we have to be meaningful enough for them to stop what they’re experiencing and then join in where I am and maybe see some remedy to some of the things that they may be experiencing or feeling, or even celebrate because they realize, ‘Wait a minute, I’m not the only person who’s going through this. And here’s how I either deal with it, get through it, sing it, feel emotion from it, emote, and be able to get over it.’

With the album, it was a series of just things that people can relate to. And prior to that you teased other relatable singles like “Boyfriend,” “GLU,” and “I Ain’t Gon’ Hold U.” But those didn’t make the album. Was there a reason behind that?

No. It was just a very specific curation. Those songs are just as much a part of my catalog as these new songs. But this is a very specific love letter to my fans. I don’t get a chance to talk to them. It’s not like Barbara Walters or Oprah Winfrey [where I’m] sitting down and having long-term conversations about things that have happened in my life and how I failed to deal with certain things. This is how I kind of get it out. This is how I emote. So it is a bit of a love letter for those people who’ve been supportive, prayed for me, supported me throughout this and throughout the entire last six years of my life.

I love that, but last time we talked, though, you said that the “GLU” video was your directorial debut, and we have not seen it. Why? The teaser you dropped last Valentine’s Day was so good.

Well, sometimes you pivot based on what creativity comes. I was very excited and still am very excited about it. The thing that works in this time is to hold until you are ready to offer. So, there might be something that I do in the future. Who knows? I mean, it’s like, you have a record, a moment that people really enjoy. They could always have a second bite at it, but you never know what’s going to happen. That’s the part that makes it interesting. That’s the part that makes the storyteller the storyteller. But I felt like I gave people enough of it to get excited and enough of it to understand what it was about and what it felt like.

Definitely. I agree. So for my final question—you say that Coming Home is a love story, but there are like eight types of love. Familial love, platonic, universal, sexual, self-love. Is there a certain type that you lean into more? Or is it more like a universal, agape love letter to your fans, to yourself, to your discography?

There’s this universal love, the love that brings us all together as a result of the things that we go through. Maybe that’s it. And then the other is self-love and the work that we have to do internally—sometimes by ourselves. It is, as I said, a universal love story and love letter throughout my process of these last six years.

Coming Home is now available on streaming platforms. The bonus track, “Naked,” is up for purchase, exclusively through SKIMS.

Usher may be subtly denouncing his title of the King of R&B…sort of.

During his official pre-Super Bowl Halftime Show interview with Apple Music‘s Nadeska Alexis, the crooner revealed that he doesn’t want to be confined to one genre.

“It’s nice to be in any category but not to be categorized is what I’ve always hoped,” the 45-year-old explained. He also described R&B “as a trade and as a style, as a genre, as an emotion, as a spirit, be it being found through gospel music, jazz, rhythm and blues, blues in R&B.”

“It created all these other genres of music,” he later noted. “We don’t understand how relevant R&B has been to the development of the industry that we have, and the artist and the creatives that have been a part that, that they didn’t get recognized either.”

While he’s proud and honored to represent R&B on the world’s biggest stage and give it “the recognition that it deserves,” ultimately, Ursher “[doesn’t] want to be categorized as just an R&B artist.”

Throughout his career, he’s experimented within pop and EDM with hits like “OMG” and “Without You.” Now, he’s testing the waters of afrobeats and amapiano through new singles like “Ruin,” proving he has the range and isn’t afraid to switch things up.

Coincidentally, Usher’s confession was made as his fans started uproar over the rumored inclusion of “OMG” for his Halftime Show. Rated R&B‘s Keithan Samuels confronted the backlash, tweeting, “The forced hate towards Usher’s ‘OMG’ is so tiring. Y’all know the song is a bop.”

Another user wrote, “Anyone who keeps begging Usher to not do OMG on his Super Bowl set list is DELUSIONAL. NFL’s target audience is probably more familiar with that song than most of his catalog.”

will.i.am has neither confirmed nor denied that he will be performing alongside Usher during the live event, but it has been confirmed by TMZ that he will be joined by Alicia Keys.

Watch Usher’s full interview about Sunday night’s Super Bowl and more above.

This week’s new R&B feels like one big celebration of Usher, but he isn’t the only artist making waves, announcements, or otherwise, showing up for the genre.

In addition to the release of Ursher’s ninth studio album, COMING HOME—which is also his formal debut as an independent artist, Tori Kelly has revealed that her new album is slated to arrive in April. Andra Day shared another single from her forthcoming LP. Fresco Trey is addressing a heavy subject matter. T-Pain is flexing his vocal range. Eric Roberson is singing a love letter to the sapiosexuals. Blessing Jolie is reintroducing herself. WanMor is calling all lovers and rounding out this week’s new offerings is DIXSON‘s music videos for “FRIENDS.”

Whether you’re coming home to chill by yourself or with a homieloverfriend, we’re sure one of these picks will appeal to your senses and your needs.

Usher – COMING HOME

Usher is back with his ninth studio album, COMING HOME. Fans have gotten accustomed to its singles: “Good Good” featuring 21 Savage and Summer Walker, “Ruin” featuring Pheelz, and “Risk It All” featuring H.E.R.. Now they can fall in love with songs like the uptempo jam “A-Town” Girl featuring Latto, the toxic anthem “On The Side,” the vulnerable “Kissing Strangers,” the affectionate “Luckiest Man,” the sensual “Please U,” and the adoring “One Of Them Ones.” L.A. Reid has called the album a “must-listen for fans old and new.”

“COMING HOME is an ode to going back to your roots, whatever or wherever that may be,” Usher said in a statement. “I’m COMING HOME to where I’m comfortable in being exactly who I am right now. My hope is that you identify with the new album no matter where you are or what you’re going through, too.”

This is Usher’s first release as an indie artist under his label, mega, in partnership with gamma.

Tori Kelly – “high water”

Tori Kelly’s “high water” is so eerily reminiscent of Des’ree’s “You Gotta Be.” It’s almost as if she decided to go to the studio and breathe new life into that classic instead of sampling it. It’s more like singing a hymn on the brink of a new dawn. As predicted, working on the empowering anthem was how she coped with her health scare from last year. It’s the lead single from her new album, TORI..

“I have been working on my next album for the last few years, exploring new sounds & expressing so many different sides of myself. I thought I had covered it all until I had a health scare in July of last year that reminded me just how fragile life can be.” Kelly explained in a statement. “‘high water’ is about simply holding on and believing that there will be light at the end of the tunnel. My hope is that ‘high water’ will uplift others in whatever they might be going through and encourage them to keep going.”

TORI. is set for an April 5 release.

Andra Day – “Probably”

It’s been a while since we swooned over Andra Day’s “Where Do We Go” and now, she’s back, luring us in with “Probably.” There’s no hesitation or caution when it comes to loving this song. The melody will keep your head nodding and Day’s voice mimics that of a siren as she sings about the three sides of the “truth.”

On the making of the record, Day reflects on finding the humor in heaviness in relation to being gaslit in relationships. “I hate hearing women called crazy. Especially by their partners, especially by men on social media, no offense,” she said. “I really wrote it with a relationship situation in mind—’I loved you, I supported you’—but I wanted it to be funny. I always want to talk about heavy things with a sense of humor. Truthfully, that’s a cultural thing. I really wanted it to be funny because, as Black people, we use humor to survive. I actually think there’s power in being able to turn your pain into humor like that. It helps us to cope and to move on.”

We will probably have this on repeat until we can hear her new album, Cassandra.

Eric Roberson – “You”

Eric Roberson’s “You” isn’t your average love song. It’s actually a love letter to intellects who wind up more in love with words than people. Co-written by Roberson and Brett “Bdubb” Baker, the record has “hidden inspiration,” says the crooner. You wouldn’t even consider dissecting the lyrics or meaning without Roberson’s explanation of the track and that’s the beauty and magic of music.

“The main focus is about finding someone who completes the missing parts about you,” he notes. “You can love anyone, but it feels different when you love the person truly meant for you. Now the fun part is, this song is part of a story I am writing. The story is about a world renown poet, who is so infatuated with the art of words, it interferes with his love life. In this story, the song ‘You’ is actually a love story to the letter ‘u.’ Listen again and let me know what you think.”

Blessing Jolie – “Why”

Blessing Jolie, formerly known as Blessing, has a rich tone. Upon first listen, we were completely mesmerized by “Why.” It took a few listens to really hear her new single. The record is a breakdown of the five questions: who, what, where, when, and why. In relationships, people are known to take some L’s. Instead of the W in question being a win, it’s actually a why.

Jolie says, “‘Why’ embodies where the mind will take you and trick you as you seek comprehension; even second guessing a friendship. I learned that in order to get a rather decent comprehension of any story all you really needed to know were the 5 W’s: who? what? when? where? why? I know who hurt me, I know what happened, I know when it occurred, I know where it occurred and exactly where I’m feeling the most pain, the only W I have left to answer is Why.”

Despite the song’s context, the song is an instant win to us.

Fresco Trey – “Times Like This”

Fresco Trey is opening speaking about his trauma in an effort to raise awareness on the horror associated with drunk driving. Though substance abuse is often sensationalized, the Memphis phenom’s chilling new single, “Times Like This,” displays the riveting emotional turmoil of taking accountability as it relates to driving under the influence.

The single was inspired by the real-life story of his close friend who was involved in a one-person car accident. Growing up, he was often surrounded by those who thought it was okay to drive while drunk, but it wasn’t until that accident that he saw the trauma for what it was. Trey encourages all listeners to appoint a designated driver to prevent any traumatizing outcomes. Even if it has to be you.

T-Pain – “Dreaming”

T-Pain’s singing voice will always be a gift to the masses and his inspirational new single, “Dreaming,” puts his dynamic voice on full display. Coming off the heels of his successful live album of covers, he’s back with some original music. After struggling to decide on the record’s release date, he felt now was the best time. “Dreaming” perfectly encapsulates the beauty of the artist banking on himself.

“I’ve been sitting on this song for a very long time because I wanted to wait for the right time to release it to the world,” said T-Pain in a statement. “For some reason it just didn’t feel right to just let this get eaten up by all the negative that is the world we live in, but with all this new-found and rekindled T-Pain love all over the place, the time is now.”

WanMor – “Baby”

WanMor’s new jam is a HitMaka production that is dedicated to their “baby.” As the young men sing, “Baby, baby, baby, baby/ You know I’m so proud of you/ I keep it a hundred with you/ I love when I’m sliding through/ My baby, baby, baby, baby/ I can’t get enough of you/ Shaking off all these blues/ Oh my baby, baby, baby,” the record mimics that of Justin Bieber’s hit of the same name—but with far more soul. The quartet has another smash on their hands with this one; it’s a great follow-up to their cover of Boyz II Men’s “Please Don’t Go.”

DIXSON – “FRIENDS” [VIDEO]

DIXSON has made a movie out of his latest single, “FRIENDS.” Kennady Schneider stars as the focal point in the cinematic visual. On its own, the record is sultry and bold in nature, but the Khairi-directed video ups the ante.

As he whispers the sweet-nothings of “You and your friends / Me and my friends / We can make plans for thе night,” we get lost following Schneider’s silhouette around the dimly-lit room. You wouldn’t have even guessed that this was her first time becoming a video vixen.

“It’s not often that I’m able to show up on projects to dance my own personal style,” she shared on Instagram. “Any professional dancer can attest to this! To be included in a video that nurtures my own aesthetic and artistic sensibilities was so aligning and affirming.”

Clearly, this is just a taste of what DIXSON is cooking up.