The weather may be in flux and folks are divorcing left and right, but let R&B be the one constant force in your life.
As Kenyon Dixon literally gifts fans with the R&B they love, British phenoms Cleo Sol and Jorja Smith are reminding the western hemisphere that the U.K. isn’t playing about rhythm and blues. Newcomer Essence Martins also approves that message with the arrival of her debut single, “Pending Status.”
Samaria gets her lick back with “wish you hell” as No Guidnce gets spicy with their second EP. 6LACK reunites with beloved collaborator, Jessie Reyez, for another winning duet. Erin Kaith is down bad and Luna Elle‘s taking control. However, the legacy of one R&B veteran is coming to the forefront in the form of a new duet with Rob Milton.
So, whether you’re still living out summer’s glory days or staring out the window at fall’s rainy days, VIBE’s top new R&B picks will help curate the soundtrack you need.
Kenyon Dixon – The R&B You Love
Kenyon Dixon has boldly made himself the ambassador of R&B for years, but now it’s more definitive as he presents his latest album, The R&B You Love.
Complete with bridges, interludes, begging, and features from soulful heavyweights like Alex Isley, RL from Next, and Tiffany Gouché, Dixon is reminding fans of R&B’s core.
“I’ve been on a mission to make people demand & expect more from modern R&B,” he explained in a statement about the project. “It’s such a sacred genre and deserves the best representation all around; from the studio to your speakers to the stage. I hope this album makes you fall back in love with R&B. Cheers to The R&B You Love.”
Cleo Sol – Gold
Just weeks after Cleo Sol released her third studio album, Heaven, the British singer-songwriter blessed fans with another album, Gold. The LP is reverent and ethereal. It sounds like the opening of heaven’s gates, an answered prayer, and the soundtrack to healing. It’s unclear why the indelible songbird released back-to-back albums, but we’re not questioning what the higher power is bestowing upon us.
When speaking on Gold, Sol wrote on Instagram, “Thank you for riding this wave with me, thank you for tuning in, this album was made for God, to honour and give thanks, always. Many tears, felt fear, pushed through anyway, that was so key. Thank u Flo, we keep riding and pushing each other, to be our highest self, to use our gifts, and hoping we do God proud you got my back and I’ve got yours. Stay inspired and go higher my Forever Living Originals team.”
We can all collectively ascend with this soul-stirring LP.
Jorja Smith – falling or flying?
The U.K. is keeping its foot on R&B’s neck as Jorja Smith shares her highly-anticipated sophomore album, falling or flying. It’s a defiant, raw, and sonically fluid project where she steps into the new chapter of her discography.
The 26-year-old says the first half of the LP feels like flying as she confidently rides high to its midpoint where she succumbs to insecurities and “the self-doubt of falling.”
“I’m in my little alt bag, but I’ve always kind of been in it,” she shared in a statement. “People might be like, ‘I didn’t expect this’, but I’m like: ‘well, I would.’” Within the album, she sings a love letter to her younger self and expresses the need to tend to her inner child. Smith also acknowledging where she is in life and basks in that. With this being such a transformative time for her as she gets through her mid-twenties, she’s enjoying the reflectiveness of this stage—musically and personally.
6LACK feat. Jessie Reyez – “Homicide”
Six months after the explosive release of his album, Since I Have A Lover, 6LACK returns with a twofer. He reunites with fellow singer Jessie Reyez for their third collaboration, “Homicide.” The Nova Wav production boasts of how the intensity of infatuation can lead to figurative fatalities. 6LACK sings, “Don’t make her pull up, pull up, pull up/ She got a shooter, she ready to suit up,” while Reyez chimes in with “A whole lotta people don’t wanna admit that is more fun to love with somebody who toxic…”
6LACK’s solo track, “Mean It,” is described as a “moving confessional” with him telling a lover (on the heels of a breakup) that there’s no coming back. “But since you went sealin’ our fate, you don’t get no goodbye/ I ain’t whoever, I held us together so don’t say whatever now,” he sings.
Ahead of the two drops, the crooner teased “more surprises this week & all through tour season.” His upcoming tour kicks off on Sunday (Oct. 1).
Luna Elle – “Taking Control”
Luna Elle is playing puppet master with our emotions (yet again) with “Taking Control,” the final single before her new EP coming this November.
”‘Taking Control’ is a journey of self-discovery and empowerment,” Elle says about the song. “It’s about finding the strength to let go and embrace a new chapter in life. I’m eager to share this emotional journey with my fans.”
The powerful ballad comes as Elle begins a 21-city domestic tour with IDK.
Samaria – “wish you hell”
Samaria is confidently wishing her ex the life they deserve in the daring new single, “wish you hell.” The track differs from her standard subject matter, but who doesn’t love to hear about good ol’ vindication post-breakup?
The Bay Area-bred sensation said in a statement, “I’ve never said goodbye without a chip on my shoulder or without the comfort of knowing I would someday be doing better than the person in my rear view.”
Prepare accordingly because Samaria’s next project is coming soon.
No Guidnce – Spicy
No Guidnce is keeping their momentum at the forefront with their new EP, Spicy. Following their debut project, Is It A Crime?, this new endeavor expands their intoxicating sound and further cements their thriving reign within the R&B space.
“This is project number 2 from us! We took a more experimental route with these news songs in order to bring to life a different No Guidnce sound that the fans haven’t heard from us yet. We’re incredibly proud of this new project and having the world experience it and soon performing it live,” said the quartet about Spicy.
Catch them on the road with Mahalia for the European leg of her In Real Life Tour.
Essence Martins – “Pending Status”
Allow us to introduce you to Essence Martins. The British-Nigerian singer has released her debut single, “Pending Status,” and it reminds us of Corinne Bailey Rae or Norah Jones. Pulling together elements of folk and soul, the record is one for uncertain lovers on the fence about their relationship.
“’Pending Status’ is a song about being involved with someone who isn’t fully committed,” Martins said of the single’s meaning. “The flame you once had for them starts to burn out and eventually, you have to move on. We shouldn’t wait around forever for someone who can’t make their mind up. It’s always better to know where you stand, even if you don’t get the answer you’re looking for. Knowing is better than not knowing.”
The former tennis athlete is set to make her American debut and perform live this October. Her debut EP will arrive in early 2024.
Erin Kaith – Down Bad, Vol. 1
After her single, “Down Bad,” amassed viral TikTok success, Erin Kaith has formally issued her debut EP, Down Bad, Vol. 1. The Filipino songstress is taking listeners on a rollercoaster, but in the best way.
“Whether you want to stay or go, you see both the good and bad parts,” said Kaith in a statement. A student of life, she invites us to join her as she spotlights her healing, the aftermath of a scorned lover, and the gravity of a relationship hanging in the balance.
Inspired by the California-bred musical trifecta (Jhené Aiko, H.E.R., and Saweetie), Kaith is using her debut EP to “inspire others to embrace vulnerability and heal.”
Rob Milton feat. Tahjere – “More Fire”
Rob Milton is using R&B’s legacy to bring some heat to the genre. The crooner is joined by Faith Evans’ daughter, Tahjere, in a classic-sounding duet aptly titled “More Fire.”
“R&B duets raised me,” Milton said on Twitter. “From Donny & Roberta to Faith & Carl Thomas. I’m honored to continue the tradition and R&B legacy today with my dear friend Tahjere!”
As Milton continues his run of honoring the legends in his contemporary work, we’re excited to see how he and Tahjere—affectionately known as Lil Faith—evolve in their respective careers.
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