People who love to pretend that R&B has “fallen off” are the same people who are stuck in this vortex run by ’90s music. So, for everyone else who has actual range, this week’s roundup is for you.
We’re talking to the yearners, those with emotional maturity, the ones ready to hold a mirror to themselves and have an honest conversation to gain clarity. This week in R&B is for the lovers seeking bliss, with themselves and with someone else. It’s for those trying to be more decisive in relationships and for sonic connoisseurs who value musicality and storytelling.
Bathe returns with their new single as Cat Burns and Zacari drop their long-awaited debut albums. Tink shares the fifth installment of her Winter’s Diary series. Camper linked up with Ari Lennox and Jeremih to tease his new album and Trevor Jackson is following suit. MonoNeon is having a “full circle” moment with Mavis Staples while Adrian Marcel is reminding the masses of his magic and Mark Clennon is breaking barriers. Rob Milton rounds out this stacked list of new releases with his new ballad.
Regardless of where your feelings wind up, choose your own adventure because VIBE‘s top selects ensure that there’s something here for every emotion and to-be-defined relationship.
Bathe – “Avalon”
Three years after the release of their debut album, Bicoastal, Bathe—the R&B duo consisting of Devin Hobdy and Corey Smith-West—is back with their new single, “Avalon.” As they toy with the contrast between reality and fantasy, the record is meant to serve as brief escapism.
“Our heads can’t get too big because there’s a reality check around every corner,” Hobdy said of the premise behind “Avalon.” It’s the beginning of their next phase where they have to find the balance between what’s real and what they want to be real.
Cat Burns – early twenties
Cat Burns’ debut album, early twenties, is finally here. The highly-anticipated LP from the British songbird delves into the depths of her reality, her queer identity, and how she came to terms with the journey of finding herself. She poured her heart out in an effort to help someone else dealing with similar struggles. Standout moments include the pop-gospel anthem, “alone,” the vulnerable “live more & love more,” the harmonious “boy crazy,” and the tender “happier without you.” She also partnered with India.Arie for the aptly titled duet, “healing.”
Zacari – Bliss
Zacari continues his reign of genre-bending with the arrival of his debut album, Bliss. The sonic adventure features James Fauntleroy, Ty Dolla $ign, Ab-Soul, Doechii, Blxst, and more as he navigates through themes of love, loss, and personal growth.
“I see myself as a wanderer,” Zacari reflected in a statement. “My music delves into the complexities of human emotion—love, hate, and the blurred lines in between. It’s about posing questions that resonate deeply, even if the answers remain elusive.” This is one of them ones you just vibe to.
Camper feat. Ari Lennox, Jeremih – “War”
Camper’s second single from his upcoming album, Campilation, is a different vibe from the sultry “I Need It” with Tank and Syd. This go ’round, he linked up with Ari Lennox and Jeremih as they break down the type of love that you’d go to war over. “For your love, I’ll go to war,” they sing on the hypnotic chorus. It’s a mesmerizing song with a flaring melody that oozes the essence of romance.
Tink – Winter’s Diary 5
Tink’s fifth installment of her acclaimed mixtape series might be her most daring yet. As listeners get consumed in her world of love, the slow-burn storytelling paired with the infectious melodies is really what gives the project its replay value. The added bonuses come from its features: Summer Walker on “Songs About U,” Jeremih on “Past Those Interlude,” NoCap on “Hit A Lick,” Janine on “Lows & Highs,” and Skilla Baby on “Playa.”
Trevor Jackson – “Find Out”
Before Trevor Jackson sends fans into a frenzy with his new album, It’s Complicated, the crooner offered up one more preview to the LP with his new single, “Find Out.” Playing off the theme of “f**k around and find out,” Jackson proudly affirms his stance as boyfriend No. 2 and urges the apple of his eye to find out how great this sneaky link can be for herself. It’s messy and slightly toxic, but fun if you’re looking for a good time, not a long time. More of where this came from can be found on It’s Complicated, out on July 16.
Mark Clennon – “YOU”
Jamaican-born artist, Mark Clennon’s new single, “YOU,” is actually a decade old. However, when he restarted his music career, he knew he couldn’t keep it locked away and spruced it up to fit his current sound. The folk-R&B experiment blends well with its reggae/dancehall influences and “captures the balance I’ve tried to strike in my career between representing my culture authentically while also making music for everyone.” It’s centered on a complicated same-sex relationship and addresses the need for societal acceptance and tolerance. Clennon’s brave music video was shot in Jamaica where same-sex intercourse is illegal and punishable by up to 10 years in prison.
Rob Milton – “Homie Lover Friend”
Rob Milton has released one of his favorite songs, and it may end up being one of your favorites, too. “Homie Lover Friend” is a heartwarming ballad for queer lovers and other members of the LGBTQIA+ community. It’s a touching tune about being smitten by someone and intentionally choosing an all-consuming love. When the single was released on his birthday, Milton explained, “It’s very special to me and was created with one of my favorite people on this planet. This one’s for your Uncle and his ‘roommate.’ for Black queer love and community.” Pride month may be over, but loving out loud is year-round.
Adrian Marcel – RNBAY SZN
Adrian Marcel is back to “revolutionize” with his new project, RNBAY SZN, which pays tribute to the Bay Area’s culture of hyphy music as it merges with traditional R&B. With features from E-40, Jane Handcock, DJ Drama, and more, Marcel praised his growth an indie artist and couldn’t be prouder to partner with Sonny B to create this “new vision.” This is his first release in five years and is “the first installment” of what’s come.
MonoNeon feat. Mavis Staples – “Full Circle”
Grammy-winning bassist and experimental musician MonoNeon’s new single with Mavis Staple is the sort of “funky good time” James Brown would sing about. It transports you back to the soul of the ’70s with its upbeat horn-drum section as they sing, “If you do good, it’ll get good – that’s the cheat code for life.” MonoNeon considers the record to be a “childhood dream” come true, and it’s taken from his new album, Quilted Stereo, coming out on July 26.
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