What’s going on R&B lovers? I hope you guys had a great week. As we draw near to cuffin’ season, it’s clear that love is in the air. This week, several R&B artists release invigorating new singles and projects centered around self-love and relationships. Artists like Trey Songz, Mya, Kelly Rowland, Brandy, Omarion, Mario, and newcomer Ayanis transport listeners into their world through emotional, inviting, and heartfelt lyrics and melodies. Scroll below to hear the new releases! Follow me on Twitter and Instagram.
Kelly Rowland – Crazy (Single)
Kelly Rowland is full of surprises these days! The R&B beauty recently revealed that she is pregnant with her second child, and now she is entertaining fans with new music. Rowland extends her happiness into song with “Crazy,” a groovy dance single that makes you feel triumphant inside. I couldn’t help but feel like her bestie Beyonce helped with the writing and melodies. “Crazy” follows Rowland’s sexy single, “Coffee,” both slated to appear on her next project. The effort will follow her 2019 EP, ‘The Kelly Rowland Edition.’ It’s unclear if Kelly will drop the new project this year!
Mario – Closer To Mars EP
R&B veteran Mario shows off his musical diversity with the new EP, ‘Closer To Mars.’ The 5-song set features a mixture of slow-to-mid-tempo cuts, including an AfroBeat groove. Mario mixes his delivery from silky to slick-talking as he caters to women, especially on the standout, “Crowns and Diamonds.” The new project serves as Mario’s first release since the 2018 independent album, ‘Dancing Shadows.’
Brandy – No Tomorrow Part 2 Ft. Ty Dolla $ign (Single)
Brandy goes for a second round with her lush single, “No Tomorrow Part 2.” The R&B veteran enlists mainstay Ty Dolla $ign for a harmonic duet that may give you chills. You can hear the original on Brandy’s recently released album, ‘B7,’ released in Summer 2020.
Omarion – Involved (Single)
Omarion may be sending a message to an Ex on his new single, “Involved.” On the single, the heartthrob reveals that the sex with his Ex was great, but the relationship was too stressful, and now he’s good and not thinking about his past. Ouch! This may be a case of reality TV playing in song. Omarion is readying the new project, The Kinection, due October 30th. The set, O’s first after going indie, will also feature the T-Pain-assisted “Can You Hear Me?”
Mya – I Deserve It (Single)
Mya is back with a boost of confidence for all you music lovers. The R&B veteran drops off the 90s-inspired, relationship-anthem, “I Deserve It,” where she celebrates her strength after losing love. We all can use this pickup, especially in these unpredictable times. The MyGuyMars-produced single follows My’s previous release, “Space & Time.” Mya’s last album was 2018’s ‘T.K.O. (The Knock Out),’ and she looks to be cooking up something new.
LaToya London – Forever (Single)
LaToya London is “in it to win it” with her latest single, “Forever.” The American Idol alum oozes confidence as she delivers empowering lyrics and soulful melodies about never stopping her grind. From life to work to whatever, LaToya is here to enhance self-love. LaToya, who was on the same Idol season as Jennifer Hudson and Fantasia, is readying a project for 2021.
Trey Songz – Back Home (Album)
I’m a little late to the party with this one, but it’s in my rotation. R&B heartthrob Trey Songz recently released his new studio album, “Back Home,” and I must say, it’s a highly-listenable effort. Helmed by produced Troy Taylor, the 12-songs LP shows Trey’s maturity, both in life and music. The new dad and social media BLM activist showcase a new side to his artistry, and I’m all for it. Summer Walker, Ty Dolla $ign, Davido, and Swae Lee appear on ‘Back Home.’
Lady Wray – Storms
Lady Wray bares her heart and soul on the emotional new single, “Storms.” The genre-bending offering, which fuses hip hop, R&B, and gospel, serves as a refreshing offer of hope and support for a loved one. Wray is plotting a full-length project for 2021. Delve into this gem!
If you’re a forever fan of 90s R&B, then veteran R&B group H-Town got you! The fellas, original group members Solomon ‘Shazam’ Conner and Darryl Jackson, bring the heat with “Green Light 713,” featuring rapper Lil’ Flip. Ripe for cuffin’ season, you may just get pregnant on this one. The intoxicating falsetto, velvety harmonies, and soothing melodies will leave this one spinning for a while. The original version of “Green Light” appears on H-Town’s 2014 album, ‘Child Support.’ Founding member Keven ‘Dino’ Conner passed away in 2003.
R&B newcomer Ayanis drops off a visual for her steamy and sensual new single, “Ecstasy.” The effort will appear on her forthcoming EP, YANI, due out October 30th. I’m a fan of this sultry single, which is highlighted by finely-calibrated lyrics, lush harmonies, and feel-good melodies.
“I thought it was important to share the experience of me transforming into my womanhood. It’s from the perspective of a southern girl from a small town, but now living in the city. Basically me. Relatable and fun at the same time,” says Ayanis about her upcoming project.
