AUDIO: Plytme – “Tantrum”

“Tantrum,” the latest single from the R&B artist Plytme, is a masterful blend of swagger and infectious rhythm. The track is a club-ready anthem that captures the exhilaration of infatuation. Plytme’s lyrics, brimming with references to a captivating girl, are interwoven with subtle nods to getting money and a carefree lifestyle, adding a layer to the song. Plytme’s vocal performance on “Tantrum” is full of confidence, as he delivers each line with assertiveness. The track strikes a perfect balance between bravado and brevity, ensuring it stands out. Check out the single below:

AUDIO: Apr¡l – “Glaze (Bless You)”

“Glaze (Bless You)” is Apr¡l’s recent single that transports listeners into a dreamy and ethereal soundscape. With a blend of atmospheric production and Apr¡l’s soulful vocals, the song captures the essence of longing and vulnerability. Apr¡l opens up about her emotions, delving into her experiences of being with a man and the deep yearning to be his ultimate love. Her candid lyrics express a willingness to go to great lengths, conveying a heartfelt desire to secure her place as the number one in his heart. “Glaze (Bless You)” is just part of a string of singles, and there’s more where this comes from. Check out the track below:

AUDIO: Khal!l – “Heart”

“Heart,” the latest album from pop/R&B artist Khal!l, hit streaming at the start of June. The 14-track album boasts top-notch production that exudes a mainstream appeal, with an abundance of bouncing, retro-sounding bass lines that effortlessly complement Khal!l’s soulful vocal presence. With a fusion of catchy melodies and heartfelt lyrics, the album evokes a sense of late nights and contemplative musings on relationships. Khal!l navigates the landscape of love, delivering a performance that leaves a lasting impression. “Heart” is a testament to Khal!l’s talent and artistry, and you can check it out below:

VIDEO: BriJon – “No Less”

R&B songstress BriJon released a new single and video recently. Shot by Pixel Visionaries, the visual finds BriJon in a sunroom lit up by the daylight where she sings tenderly of her self-worth. She requires a love interest to prove themselves in their relationship, showing that they’re it for the long run with her and will risk it all to make things work; otherwise, she’ll give her heart to someone else if she has to. BriJon isn’t settling for anything below her standards – hence the title “No Less.”

AUDIO: DarylAnne & King Kalumet – “High Stakes”

DarylAnne and King Kalumet teamed up for a new single out today; in fact, it’s King Kalumet’s debut release! He kicks things off to lay down bars about he and his woman pursuing their hopes, dreams and pleasures together; DarylAnne complements Kalumet’s verse expressing that she’s sick of the same old shit and only wants someone who’s all-in with her. It’s a romantic and empowering hip hop-R&B hybrid tune about riding for one another and setting out to accomplish goals together; DarylAnne and King Kalumet are after first place with “High Stakes.”

Meshell Ndegeocello Takes the Audience on a Meditative Journey

Photo Credit: Dan Ojeda

The atmosphere was electric as Meshell Ndegeocello took the stage with her four-piece band, setting the tone for an evening filled with smooth and meditative vibes. The band, consisting of a drummer/percussionist, bass player, guitarist, and keyboardist/synthesizer player, skillfully accompanied Meshell, who showcased her talent on both keys and bass guitar. The harmony provided by the band’s backing vocals was off the charts, adding depth to the overall sound.

Meshell’s wardrobe choices reflected her artistic persona, with a combination of jean/blue, black, and white outfits that perfectly complemented the concert’s ambiance. As the concert unfolded, the transitions between songs were seamless, creating a captivating flow throughout the performance.

The opening song immediately immersed the audience in mellow vibes, allowing them to sway and move to the rhythm effortlessly. The second song continued the journey with chill vibes, featuring a delightful combination of acoustic guitar and synths that carried the audience into a tranquil state.

Surprising the crowd, Meshell showcased her versatility by picking up the bass guitar for the third song. In this worship-like melodic moment, Justin hicks one of her background vocalists’ broke out into calls and moans which resonated in the meditative setting, enveloping the audience in an ethereal experience. The fourth song brought a heavier atmospheric sound, with foot-stomping bass and swelling electric guitar, creating an immersive musical landscape.

The transition into “Atomic Dog” injected a burst of energy into the concert, infusing island vibes that had the audience moving and grooving. The following songs, driven by acoustic and percussive elements, showcased Meshell’s ability to create a captivating musical backdrop.

Photo Credit: Dan Ojeda

With “Here I Sit Outside Your Door,” Meshell captivated the crowd, showcasing her emotional depth and connection. The subsequent song carried a march-like vibe, enhanced by atmospheric synths and powerful bass. Meshell’s spoken word poem, “Give, Give, Give,” delivered a thought-provoking message, urging listeners to wait for love to show its face.

As the concert progressed, Meshell continued to captivate the audience with songs that delved into themes of introspection and the passage of time, leaving the audience in a contemplative state.

A poignant moment was created as she sang about living in a glass house, cautioning against throwing stones. “Wasted Time,” resonated deeply with the audience, reminding them of the fleeting nature of time.

The concert reached its climax with “I Am More Than Flesh and Blood,” a powerful anthem encouraging listeners to overcome obstacles and walk through the water and waves of life.

In conclusion, Meshell Ndegeocello’s concert was a mesmerizing and meditative musical journey. Her exceptional talent, combined with the harmonious interplay of her band, created an immersive experience for the audience. From the smooth transitions and atmospheric sounds to the introspective lyrics, every element of the performance showcased Meshell’s artistry and her ability to connect deeply with her listeners. It was an unforgettable evening of soulful music and emotional exploration that left the crowd longing for more.

AUDIO: Elliott – “Always About Me”

R&B singer Elliott introduces his single, “Always About Me.” This soulful cut is constructed upon meaningful guitars and an autotuned flow, seamlessly blending modern production techniques with timeless R&B elements. Through heartfelt lyrics, Elliott delves into the complexities of a challenging relationship, expressing feelings of indecision and uncertainty. He portrays the experience of feeling like an outsider, observing his own connection from a distance, while acknowledging the necessity of listening to his heart. “Always About Me” serves as a relatable anthem that touches on the sticking point many encounter in relationships. Check out the track here:

AUDIO: Ernie Z Featuring Eli $tones – “What’s Love?”

R&B singer Ernie Z and Eli $tones collaborate to create “What’s Love?”, a dynamic new single that is too relatable. On its surface, the song begins as a smooth slow jam, with Ernie Z describing relationship struggles. The combo of love and conflict sets the stage for Eli $tones, who introduces a unique blend of hip-hop and pop elements into the mix. $tones raps about the agony of longing for someone whose loyalty is questionable, adding an additional layer of complexity and emotion to the narrative. “What’s Love?” serves as a blend of different genres and the artistic synergy between Ernie Z and Eli $tones. The two make heartbreak catchy. Check out the single below:

AUDIO: Je’Love – “Brand On It”

Je’Love is out with her first new single since her 2021 EP “Good Girl.” Right out of the gate she comes firing bars away to remind you that she’s all that and then some. With club-ready bounce and sharp-tongued swagger, “Brand On It” finds Je’Love ready to take what’s hers while curving anyone who stands in her way. The song is out just in time to be added to your playlist for summertime antics; we hope it’s the sign of more to come from Je’Love this year!

AUDIO: Tay Drummond – “Love”

Hip hop artist Tay Drummond dropped a new EP recently. As the title suggests, this body of work centers around the quest to seek connection and meaning in someone else even when it gets complicated. Drummond raps about vices (“Luv in the Skies”), relationship issues (“Live For”) and loneliness (“Love Cry”) among other things, utilizing emotive production to captivate the trials and tribulations he’s going through. Amanda Sloan appears on “Luv in the Skies” with backing vocals as well, echoing Drummond’s sentiments of escapism through substances as he yearns for peace of mind. Tay Drummond pours his heart out and speaks to his demons with “Love.”

AUDIO: BriJon – “On You”

Last month, R&B singer BriJon released her latest single “On You,” and it’s a powerful track about moving on from a failed relationship. The song’s piano-driven beat provides the perfect backdrop for BriJon’s soulful vocals, as she sings about being irreplaceable to a former lover who didn’t appreciate her worth. Rather than dwelling on what they had, BriJon places the blame squarely on her ex and has no qualms about doing so. Her emotional delivery and use of falsettos add a rawness and vulnerability to the song, making it a relatable and cathartic listen for anyone who’s been through a breakup. Check out the single here:

AUDIO: JP The Brand – “RNB JP”

Last month, the singer JP The Brand released a new project,”RNB JP,” that it did not disappoint. Known for taking to hard-hitting beats and catchy lyrics, JP takes a more melodic approach on this project, showcasing his vocal range and harmonizing skills over seven tracks. While the beats remain just as bass-heavy as ever, the revamped approach adds a new dimension to JP’s sound, creating a more mature feel that fans are sure to appreciate. “RNB JP” is a strong addition to JP’s discography and a testament to his growth as an artist. Check out the project below:

AUDIO: Zonk Rolan Featuring Clayton – “FuckCupido”

Latin pop artist Zonk Rolan teams up with R&B singer Clayton for their new single “FuckCupido,” which is an upbeat, reggaeton-infused track that blends both artists’ signature styles seamlessly. Sung in both English and Spanish, the song is refreshingly simple yet relatable, as it’s all about being over love. The infectious beat sets the tone for the rest of the song, as Clayton and Zonk Rolan take turns delivering their verses and the catchy hook. With its irresistible rhythm and clever lyrics, “FuckCupido” is sure to be a hit with fans of both artists and anyone who’s ever been burned by love. Check out the track below:

AUDIO: Calebe – “I Love You”

R&B singer-songwriter Calebe dropped a new single recently. It’s a pretty self-explanatory one; Calebe professes his adoration and devotion for someone here. Utilizing finger snaps and layers of twinkling rhythm, Calebe invokes a tender atmosphere as he’s ready to face all his fears and obstacles if it means he can be with this person for a lifetime. If you’re looking for a profoundly romantic number to enjoy with your significant other this evening, look no further than Calebe’s “I Love You.”

AUDIO: MNTRY – “Fancy”

R&B artist MNTRY’s first single of 2023 is here. He sings about a woman who’s got high standards and who lives for the moment; she gets what she wants and doesn’t have to pay for a thing – if you’re broke, don’t bother. MNTRY once again showcases his powerful, passionate vocal performances with “Fancy”, capable of sweeping us away with ensnaring storytelling that paints a vivid picture of romance and temptation. We look forward to what he’s got in store!

AUDIO: Tru West – “Bop”

R&B singer Tru West has just released her latest single “Bop,” and it’s a seductive track that’s all about a romantic rendezvous with a lover. With her soulful voice, West keeps things sensual, delivering lyrics about a significant other’s desires. The beat has the makings of a pop track, with West harmonizing about what her man likes. “Bop” is Tru West’s second single of the year, and it continues on a string of catchy tunes. Watch for more from Tru West in the near future, and check out the brand new track below:

AUDIO: Vae – “Bedroom Studio”

Vae is an emerging artist who doesn’t put herself in a box. Her latest EP is four tracks that each have their own stylistic flavor. “Giving YOU” is a passionate R&B tune, “NoEnd” takes an indie rock approach, “POP” is a bouncy dream pop song and then “DancingInTheDark” slows things back down with hip hop-tinged R&B. Vae isn’t defining herself by a genre or category; she’s making what feels right in the moment for her, and “Bedroom Studio” is an exciting introduction to the multitude of ways she sonically expresses herself. We hope to hear more from her soon!

AUDIO: *Aya – “Sweet Sonder”

*Aya is a new artist to look out for; they just released their debut EP in February and it’s seven tracks. With lush textures, smooth danceability and passionate vocal deliveries, *aya incorporates elements of electronic pop and R&B under a poised and exquisite atmosphere. Lyrically they touch on themes such as recollecting oneself, pushing through adversity, coming a long way from the past and working through conflicting thoughts. *Aya assesses the bittersweetness of growth and perseverance with “SWEET SONDER” – check it out!

AUDIO: Tae The Don – “For Me”

Singer Tae The Don has recently dropped his latest track, “For Me,” and it’s a smooth and sultry R&B jam that’s sure to get you in your feelings. The song is all about going through the back and forth of relationship turbulence, but ultimately deciding that the other person is the right one for them. Tae’s vocals are silky smooth as he harmonizes with a slick approach over the mellow track. The beat features a jazzy guitar that perfectly complements Tae’s vocals, giving the song a sophisticated and mature feel. “For Me” is a chilled out track that will endear you to Tae The Don’s style. Check out the track below:

AUDIO: Grace Weber – “Lonely”

Singer Grace Weber’s new release “Lonely” is a soulful and introspective two-song release that showcases her impressive vocal range and talent as a songwriter. The lead track, “Lonely,” is a poignant reflection on a relationship that has come to an end, with Weber’s emotive vocals perfectly capturing the feelings of heartbreak and loneliness. The b-side, “Insincere,” is another soulful track that explores the complexity of relationships and the difficulties of maintaining honesty and authenticity. Both tracks feature a sound that taps into the energy of early 2000s R&B, giving them a nostalgic feel while still sounding fresh and contemporary. “Lonely” is an impressive release that highlights Weber’s talent as both a singer and a songwriter, and it’s clear that this is just the beginning of a larger body of work.

AUDIO: Zolton – “Love To Regret”

Zolton moves fast; he just released his album “The Z Files” in December and he’s already followed it up with a new project out now. With his signature blend of atmospheric hip hop and R&B, this one is eight songs that find Zolton holding onto love even it gets dark, complete with a feature from fellow artist Saai on “FEEL.” Whether he’s reflecting on why he holds shit in (“APPLE TREES”), caring too much for the wrong person (“What’s the Time?”) or not doing this all for nothing (“PURE”), Zolton leans into vulnerability the way he knows best with “LOVE TO REGRET.” It’s a strong start to 2023 for him and we look forward to what he’s got coming next!

AUDIO: A.P. FT. Aysia – “ABOUT YOU”

R&B artist A.P. dropped a new single recently, and it continues the unapologetic romantic energy we first heard from his single “Promise 2 You.” Enlisting artist Aysia for a feature, A.P. sings about feeling like he’s in a fantasy, and Aysia plays the part of his love interest to reciprocate the infatuation. It’s a tender anthem from A.P.; we hope he keeps up the momentum with more to come soon.

AUDIO: B~Free – “iProduce My Own Shit”

B~Free has put her 2023 in motion with a new single. Dedicated to Women’s History Month, this tune finds the singer owning her independence as a woman in the industry who does all her music herself. When she says she does everything – she means it – so quit with the fake shock and quit asking her husband. Gentle with watery, floating production yet lyrically keen and potent, it’s an R&B jam complete with a heavenly flute solo and dreamy harmonies that roll with the rhythm. We can’t wait to see what’s in store for B~Free in due time!

AUDIO: ILY Truly FT. Xammy – “Rainfall”

ILY Truly enlisted Florida-based artist Xammy for a recent single. At the intersection of pop, R&B and trap, the artists are in their feels singing about going through changes, overcoming obstacles and putting your best foot forward. We’re all going through different phases and it’s in our hands to weather each storm as it comes – just take a moment to collect yourself. ILY Truly and Xammy team up for an uplifting anthem with “Rainfall.”

AUDIO: Ernie Z FT. OhvoChris – “Sneaky Link”

Hybrid R&B/hip hop artist Ernie Z linked up with OhvoChris for a new single. This joint is about having your eye on someone who deserves better and you want to show them something real rather than just have a casual fling. Life gets hard, but it doesn’t have to be when you’re with someone who treats you with respect, and that’s precisely what the two artists get across here – they’re not out for games or drama. Ernie Z and OhvoChris look to spoil someone with “Sneaky Link.”