Our thoughts, opinions, and live reaction to the latest album from 6LACK, 'Since I Have A Lover.'
A.CHAL showed great growth on this project as he expanded his musical reach and really tapped into the latin aspect of his music - leading to some legit dance hits. He's poised to be next up.
Hip-hop collective AG Club and rapper ICECOLDBISHOP join forces in the latest single from See You Next Year 2, titled "How To Cry."
Here is Alicia Keys' homage to classic hip-hop and the essence of New York. It's still her tried and true sound of a girl and her piano, but with a lot more grit and edge. Her vocals are as strong as ever as she continues this trend of black consciousness and culture. She's the definition of consistent greatness.
Allan Kingdom's major debut may not be particularly groundbreaking but it is still a very strong first offering that manages to push the envelope of what is modern hip-hop that much more. With shades of Cudi, he's got a bright future ahead of him.
Ariana Grande's follow up to her well received 'Sweetener' is a pop banger that takes a scorched earth approach that delivers a simultaneously personal, yet impersonal ride that's brimming with self-determined energy.
Multi-hyphenate artist Asher Angel returns with his new single "Flip The Switch", a swaggering R&B number.
With ‘Are You There, Boy?’ Beharie has come up with one of the best debut albums of 2023.
Sonically 'Everything Is Love' is as good as you'd expect from Beyoncé & Jay-Z but I don't think there's anything here that's mind-blowing or different than what we've heard from them before (mostly like throwaways from the 'Lemonade' and '4:44' sessions). 'Everything Is Love' doesn't push either one of them artistically but it answers a lot of questions and lives up to their high musical standards.
It was passionate, powerful, soulful and vulnerable all at the same time. There were elements of funk and experimental R&B, accentuated by her extraordinary vocal range, and the message of the music was heartfelt and sincere.
Amelia Moore, the rising star known for her emotionally resonant songwriting returns with, "that girl," delving into the challenges of insecurity and self doubt.
On 'We're All Going Down," Cass Clayton and her band deliver a potent blues/southern soul combination for modern times.
Despite some cliche and well worn elements, 6LACK still delivers an enjoyable listen that shows he's capable of carving out his own lane in the crowded space of alternative R&B.
We got chance to catch French-Caribbean soul singer Adi Oasis at the DC9 in Washington D.C. and it was as soulful, funky, sexy, and fierce as any act you'll see this year. Be sure to catch her on tour.
On her debut EP, Hopeless Romantic, as a solo artist, Alexvandria presents herself as an artist to watch out for with a combination of soul, R&B, jazz and classical music.
Rising Australian pop star LARA D just released a new music video for her buzzing single “A.T.M. (All The Money)."
'Divine’ presents Amanie Illfated as an artist whom we will certainly hear more from in the future.
Overall, Platinum Fire is just a really smooth, vibe heavy listen throughout and although it doesn't stray too far from typical R&B tropes, it's a really impressive debut that warrants people's attention and has made Arin Ray a name I'll be looking out for in the future.
With 'Vol. 1,' Canadian funk collective Bakers Duz'n manage to recall all the funk greats preceding them while still bringing an individual approach to the genre.
Benhamin Navy has just released "Permission", a track that has the pulse of a Dominican heartthrob and the memories of NYC Salsa.
Bill Withers was a classic embodiment of a true, unadulterated musical genius, not just because of timeless hits, but also because they came from a man with a stutter and no musical education whatsoever.
Bryson Tiller's follow-up to his massive first project feels like a quarter step forward than a major leap ahead. That's not a bad thing as he still sounds great, just expect more of a remaster of something already stellar instead of something wholly new and exciting.
Funk Wav Bounces Vol. 1 is a short, slight detour from what Calvin Harris is normally known for. It's generally enjoyable but doesn't leave much of a lasting impression or take many risks. Here's to hoping for more from Vol. 2.
Cautious Clay's 'Karpeh' is an intricate genre-crossing album that will end up on many best-of-the-year lists.