Rated R&B is bringing you the most essential releases this week. From the traditional R&B that purists love to the boundary-pushing sounds of the alt-R&B scene, this new music roundup keeps its pulse on the essence of R&B. Dive into it below.
The-Dream, Usher – “Tampa”
The-Dream enlists Usher for “Tampa,” the second single from his forthcoming album, Love/Hate II. The sequel to his 2007 album is set to arrive in July via Republic Records. [Read more]
Jacquees, Juvenile – “Lick Back”
Jacquees travels to New Orleans on his Bounce-inspired single “Lick Back,” featuring Juvenile. The Hitmaka-produced track arrives just in time for summer, where it’s bound to get bodies shaking on the nearest dancefloor.
Eric Benét – “Who’s Gonna Save Us?”
Eric Benét searches for answers on his new protest song “Who’s Gonna Save Us?” It’s the first taste from his upcoming solo album — his first since his 2016 self-titled project. [Read more]
Mai Anna – “Baby Blue”
Mai Anna’s “Baby Blue” is a song that you should play first thing in the morning. The production is mellow and inviting like dawn’s arrival, while the lyrics are enriched with optimism. It’s her first single under Not So Fast/Epic Records and sets the tone for what’s to come from her debut album, Sleepy Eyes.
Debbie – “Weight On Me”
South London native Debbie’s new single, “Weight On Me,” is a liberating anthem free of emotional baggage. Regarding her new track, her first under Warner Records, “When people listen to this song, my hope is that it is cathartic. Screaming ‘it’s a weight on me’ should be a release for everyone who is feeling the pressure.”
Ambré – “Go To Hell”
Ambré is completely over an ex on her new kiss-off anthem, “Go To Hell.” The stripped-down acoustic backdrop creates space for every lyric to be delivered without distraction. Her latest track will appear on her upcoming album, PEYOTE, out July 17 via Roc Nation Records.
Davion Farris – “Fiendin”
Davion Farris finds himself addicted to a secret lover on “Feindin,” his second single of the year. Over a J Rell production, he sings, “I go through withdrawals when you leave me / The way you put it down got me fiendin’.”
Dave Hollister – “Voodoo Magic”
Dave Hollister can’t escape his lover’s pull on “Voodoo Magic,” produced by Snoop Dogg and Soopafly. [Read more]
Glenn Lewis – “Impressions”
As Glenn Lewis prepares to release his new album, Overture, on June 19, the R&B veteran unleashes his latest offering, “Impressions.”
2BYG – The Yearbook (Extended Version) [mixtape]
Emerging R&B group 2BYG reissues their debut EP with five new tracks. Arriving seven months after the standard project, The Yearbook (Extended Version) captures the quartet’s natural progression to a more mature sound. Standouts include “WYW,” which stomps to a Scott Storch-inspired beat, while “TLC” slows down the tempo for a dose of romance.
Natanya – “Candyland!”
Natanya wants to give her partner a sugar rush on “Candyland!” — her sweet, dreamy single that pulsates and whirls over a space-bound electro soundscape.
Tori Kelly – God Must Really Love Me [album]
Becoming a mother inspired Tori Kelly’s new album God Must Really Love Me. The 17-track LP brings R&B, soul, gospel and pop all under one. “This album is so special to me,” Kelly said. “After my son was born, I was hit with a flood of inspiration and most of the music was done in two weeks when my son was just two months old. I feel such gratitude and peace in my life right now, and I love that you can hear that in this music.”
Discover more music on the RATED R&B Playlist.
