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The Best R&B Albums Of 2022

December 12, 2022 by newhiphopnews

As a fan of R&B, you may have spent some portion of the year arguing against critics of the genre who believe it’s “dead” due to the changes it exhibited over the decades. Two years ago, I went on a whole spiel that argued against this belief before celebrating the best R&B albums of the year. In all honesty, fighting against the false death of R&B is a bit counterproductive when the signs of life are right there. Even then, celebrating its life seems to be closer to the end goal that we lover boys and girls have, as opposed to fighting to prove its life.

Over the course of 2022, the life R&B of could be found through the return of tenured favorites like Steve Lacy and Ravyn Lenae who spent some time away from the mic. Frequents like Lucky Daye, Kehlani, and Giveon made quick returns to update their catalogs with impressive bodies of work. Elsewhere, names like Amber Mark and Zyah Belle took big steps into the spotlight with their albums, steps that were too big to ignore.

So, without further ado, here are the best R&B albums of 2022 in alphabetical order.

Alex Isley & Jack Dine — Marigold

Fighting against the pressures that come from her family’s musical legacy, Alex Isley continues to reach the bar set for her. Alongside producer Jack Dine, on Marigold, Alex pays homage to R&B’s traditional roots. Alex’s artistic growth is on full display in the delivery of her angelic vocals, and when paired with Dine’s divine production, it makes for a heavenly musical experience. In a half-hour, Marigold is a celestial soundtrack for diehard romantics. If she continues at this pace, in the coming years Alex will be one of the foremost figures within the genre. – Flisadam Pointer

Amber Mark — Three Dimensions Deep

The best things come in three(s). That’s a saying that Amber Mark knows too well, considering that the number has such a huge presence in her life. So, it’s no surprise that her third project and official debut album, Three Dimensions Deep, is her best and most-fulfilling body of work to date. Aside from it continuing a theme in her life, Mark’s debut beautifully explores the scary and/or exciting depths of love. Whether it be her hesitance to be trusting on “Most Men,” or her experience with a head-over-heels love on “Out Of This World,” or even the search of something for the spirit on “What It Is,” Mark’s album makes for a magical experience that’s too good to ignore. – Wongo Okon

Ari Lennox — Age/Sex/Location

Social media has had a huge effect on how we do everything in our day-to-day lives, from something as simple as where we get our news to something more complex like the dynamic of our person-to-person relationships. Ari Lennox’s sophomore album Age/Sex/Location is born out of this world, and through anecdotes of romance, heartbreak, and growth, Dreamville’s First Lady indirectly acknowledges these hardships by creating a world of her own. With help from J. Cole, Lucky Daye, Chloe, and Summer Walker, Lennox signs into a world where she’s in control and her standards are met without her having to alter them in hopes of true love. – W.O.

Arin Ray — Hello Poison

With his sophomore album Hello Poison, Arin Ray learns that it’s impossible to deny love when it’s right in front of you. The project’s title is an oxymoron that welcomes the very thing that used to hurt him: love. Between records like the eccentric “This Is Nice” to the funky “Lovely,” Ray passionately displays his change of heart, going from hesitant to try again at love to the hope that his open feelings are matched and not left to waste. For Arin Ray, his second full-length album adds more to his already impressive palette of talents, proving that the Cleveland native is truly a special corner in R&B. – W.O.

Brent Faiyaz — Wasteland

Brent Faiyaz, the enigmatic frontman of the musical ensemble Sonder and successful solo artist, dials up “toxic n**** R&B” to the umpteenth power with his second studio album, Wasteland. Throughout the 19-track project, Faiyaz welcomes us into his world of fast cars, designer clothes, beautiful women, and superstardom. The crooner treks through the pitfalls of love as he struggles with his growing notoriety. The project also offers a bit of dinner theater, with Faiyaz layering several skits throughout the project. – Alexis Oatman

Domi & JD Beck — Not Tight

The prodigious jazz duo delivered a futuristic debut album showcasing the full breadth of their mastery of keys (Domi) and drums (JD Beck). The pair sound like they could score an Adult Swim cartoon in their sleep and they bring Anderson .Paak, Snoop Dogg, Herbie Hancock, Mac DeMarco, and others along for the ride. Not Tight is as technically sound as it is ambitious, zany, youthful, and just plain dizzying. Domi & JD Beck could very well be the envoys for a future of jazz music flushed with tinges of R&B, hip-hop, and more in the process. – Adrian Spinelli

Ella Mai — Heart On My Sleeve

Distill the essence of the Love Jones quote — “romance is about the possibility of the thing” — into 15 R&B songs, and you get Heart On My Sleeve. Ella Mai could’ve chased the next hit after “Boo’d Up” but committed to a substantial body of work — vulnerably parsing love and heartbreak, fallibility and titillation. The UK songstress’ flawless vocals demand to be felt, soaring atop ethereal beats (“Break My Heart”), smooth pockets (“A Mess” feat. Lucky Daye), or strings (“[Pieces”). Daye, Latto, and Roddy Ricch are welcomed, but Mai is the main character. – Megan Armstrong

FKA Twigs — Caprisongs

Arguably one of the more underrated albums from this year, FKA Twigs followed up her critically-acclaimed Magdalene with the dreamy, astro-themed Caprisongs. (She is, in fact, a Capricorn.) The record boasts party-ready collaborations with The Weeknd on the apt “Tears In The Club” and Pa Salieu on “Honda.” Still, Twigs proves once again that she’s also perfectly capable of shining on her own, with equally-enticing tracks like “Meta Angel.” – Lexi Lane

GIVĒON — Give Or Take

Giveon Give Or Take — Epic Records/Not So Fast LLC

GIVĒON’s soul-shaking baritone blasted him to the top of R&B (“Heartbreak Anniversary”) and even pop (“Peaches”). The velvet voice has something to say, too? Game over. The Long Beach export has described his debut LP, Give Or Take, as reading his diary to his mother, whose perspective on his heartbreak serves as bookends (“Let Me Go,” “Unholy Matrimony”). Singles “For Tonight” and “Lie Again” are soaring, universal ballads, but painstaking, slow-burning glue tracks like “Dec 11,” “July 16th,” “Make You Mine,” and “Tryna Be” posture him as a timeless storyteller. – M.A.

Kehlani — Blue Water Road

With their third studio album Blue Water Road, Kehlani allows themselves to be more vulnerable than ever. The 13-track project is presumably the first time the Oakland singer stands firm in their queerness, boldly addressing their love life and sexuality. From beginning to end, the album seems to flow perfectly in and out of each song, with the warmth and richness of ’90s R&B. Like ocean tides, this project beckons you to come closer and let the waves wash over you. – A.O.

Lokre — Elizabeth

Lokre’s (pronounced lock-ree) debut album Elizabeth is a fine display of growth, maturity, and self-awareness. The Toronto singer’s project comes more than a decade into her musical career, but it’s the wisdom and knowledge that she gained along the way that helped to make Elizabeth the pristine album that it is. Her soothing vocals guide listeners through a tale of conquering her fears, fighting for her peace, and learning from her missteps. Through the 11 tracks on Elizabeth, Lokre dusts the past off of herself, settles into the present, and takes the steps forward for what is set to be a fruitful future. – W.O.

Lucky Daye — Candydrip

It didn’t take long for Lucky Daye to prove that he was the next best thing in R&B. Grammy nominations among other things for his 2019 debut Painted proved that, but for his second act, Candydrip, Daye sought to expand his range. The New Orleans singer was more flirtatious than ever on his latest effort, and he also brought more sounds into play, opting to spend more time in mischievous nighttime fun this time around. What makes Candydrip so good is Daye’s ability to blend his traditional sound with his experimental takes for a cohesive project that lets listeners see a new side of him as well as how wide his range is. – W.O.

PJ Morton — Watch The Sun

Like many projects that arrived over the past 18 months, PJ Morton’s Watch The Sun is inspired by his experiences during the height of the pandemic. The New Orleans native confessed that the project’s title is inspired by his hope for better days during one of the darkest times in recent history. This hope is ejected through the warm-hearted and jazzy title track, the bouncy “My Peace,” the inspirational “Still Believe,” and the moving “The Better Benediction.” Through a listen of Watch The Sun, it’s clear that Morton succeeded in his goal of creating hope for tomorrow. The album’s backbone in gospel uses the genre as a source to point toward greener pastures while its roots in R&B, soul, funk, and jazz provide the perfect sonic landscape to fall in love with the records as well as Morton’s message. – W.O.

Raveena — Asha’s Awakening

Raveena gave us the psychedelic R&B album with South Asian flair that we never expected but always needed. Album opener “Rush” is a flowery, tabla-studded number inspired by Bollywood and sounds like colors and jewels. “Secret” is an exotic tune that feels like it was crafted in a palace and features Vince Staples. The album’s central character is a Punjabi space princess named Asha, an idea that came to Raveena on an art museum acid trip. And this euphoric sense of adventure and exploration from her is everywhere on Asha’s Awakening. – A.S.

Ravyn Lenae — Hypnos

After a four-year hiatus from music, Chicago’s red-haired songstress, Ravyn Lenae, returned to drop Hypnos. The debut studio album is familiar, with Lenae’s signature high-pitched, breathy vocals reminiscent of Minne Riperton. Still, it positions the singer light years ahead of her previous efforts with futuristic production and burgeoning lyrical maturity, a la Brandy’s post-adolescent ‘Full Moon.’ The confidence present in the chorus of the Monte Booker-produced “Venmon” and lyrical depth of “Deep In The Word” properly reintroduce the artist and build upon Lenae’s moody sound initially found in her breakout tracks like 2018’s “Sticky.” Stick around for the album’s penultimate female-forward track, “Mercury,” for a taste of Lenae in fresh collaboration. The whisper tone and angsty lyrics on the track are assisted by alt-R&B breakout Fousheé, switching up from her typical collaborators to step into a new era. – Ellice Ellis

Robert Glasper — Black Radio III

Nearly a decade after its second installation, Robert Glasper sought to once again showcase the beauty behind Black music with Black Radio III. The incorporation of jazz, hip-hop, R&B, and soul, as well as collaborators that specialized in at least one of the aforementioned genres, made for an excellent compilation of what makes Black art, Black music specifically, so beautiful. Glasper uplifts his community with help from D Smoke and Tiffany Gouche on “Shine” while vying for longevity with PJ Morton and India.Arie on “Forever.” In addition to his own contributions, another thing that makes Black Radio III so memorable is Glasper’s ability to combine his diverse cast of collaborators into a project that remains cohesive, well-produced, and purposeful. – W.O.

Steve Lacy — Gemini Rights

Though the astronomical fame of “Bad Habit” is deserved — it’s a ridiculously groovy track — it’s a shame how much attention was stolen from Steve Lacy’s Gemini Rights as a whole. The album is meant to be experienced in full, with the jittery atmosphere of “Helmet” following the quiet ambiance of “Static,” or the drama of “Cody Freestyle” prefacing the endearing piano-driven ballad “Amber.” Gemini Rights is a hypnotizing masterpiece from start to finish. – Danielle Chelosky

Sudan Archives — Natural Brown Prom Queen

For her latest album, and first in three years, Sudan Archives, born Brittney Parks, set out to do something new this time around. This change in direction produced Natural Brown Prom Queen. Truthfully, the 18-track project is another example of Sudan Archives going against the grain and doing things her way. Natural Brown Prom Queen focuses on a teenage girl named Britt, the album’s alter ego described as “the girl next door from Cincinnati who drives around the city with the top down.” Sudan Archives takes on the role of a naive, yet passionate teenager to cover themes about race, womanhood, and the loving relationships one has with their inner circle. It’s all done through atypical offerings of pop, R&B, and electronic that only further the true uniqueness and impressive artistry that lives within Natural Brown Prom Queen. – W.O.

Syd — Broken Hearts Club

With the release of Broken Hearts Club, certified lover girl Syd overcomes the sophomore slump. In just under 40 minutes, the crooner solidifies her spot as one of the leaders in alternative R&B. Across the 13 tracks, the former The Internet frontperson blends a wide spectrum of sonic elements — impressively without repetition. From robotic lo-fi instrumentation to swaggered basslines, the project oozes with Syd’s creative confidence as her masterful songwriting abilities are placed on display. Stationed in her tried-and-true musical arena of love, Syd’s signature whisper tones tuck neatly into each track’s romantic current. On Broken Hearts Club, Syd knows who she is as an artist, what her sound is, and allows her sharp ear for production to lead the way. – F.P.

Zyah Belle — Yam Grier

Yes, 2022 became the year that Zyah Belle released her debut album Yam Grier, but don’t mistake it for her first foray into the music world. Belle’s had her fair share of experience in the industry with 2016’s New Levels, 2019’s IX, and her 2021 EP Who’s Listening Anyway being proof of that. With Yam Grier, Belle places everything that makes her so special on wax. Through 14 tracks, Belle bathes in the warm freedoms and bright resolve that is so clearly a result of her Bay Area roots. So when she rocks out with Jordan Hawkins on “Back To Back” after catching a groove on “Holding On” all to find her funk on “Break Your Heart,” the only thing you can do is commend and applaud Belle for her versatility a determination to do it all. – W.O.

Some artists covered here are Warner Music artists. Uproxx is an independent subsidiary of Warner Music Group.

Ari Lennox’s ‘Age/Sex/Location’ Signs In To A World Of Romance, Heartbreak, And Growth

September 14, 2022 by newhiphopnews

Ari Lennox a/s/l review — Interscope/Dreamville

The RX is Uproxx Music’s stamp of approval for the best albums, songs, and music stories throughout the year. Inclusion in this category is the highest distinction we can bestow and signals the most important music being released throughout the year. The RX is the music you need, right now.

If there’s one thing we know about Ari Lennox, it’s that holds on tight to her independence and freedom. The room to operate as she pleases and exist as she is has become a foundational aspect of the music she creates, and it’s received well by her listeners. “New Apartment,” from her debut album Shea Butter Baby, was championed by women all over because it perfectly encapsulated a fresh start and that moment of peak independence. Unlike the world beyond the four walls of this living space, everything that happens within them occurs at your discretion. Within them is a judgment-free zone. Ari’s quirky moments roam just as free as her soulful and confession moments.

On her second album Age/Sex/Location, Ari looks to build this same world for herself beyond those four walls. Prior to the album’s release, J. Cole shared a text message he received from Ari where she detailed what the project meant to her. In her lengthy response, she unveils her desire to block the negative she’s experienced in love and dating while allowing and accepting the positive that she very much deserves. While all of this is a working progress, something she refers to as the transitional phase to her current “eat pray love” journey, Age/Sex/Location puts those desires to work in what feels like a virtual testing ground of sorts, all before enacting them in the real world.

Right out the gate, Ari steps forth with an unforgiving authority on Age/Sex/Location. The intro track “POF,” which is sprinkled with background vocals from J. Cole, strikes as a tense and confrontational conversation over dinner at a dimly-lit fancy restaurant. Voices are low and anger is kept internally for the sake of not making a scene, but Ari’s words pierce like the knife that lays on the plate in front of her. “The audacity to lecture me about your Christianity / Then turn around and try to f*ck on me / Like it was gon’ be easy,” she sings with a dismissive layer wrapped around her words. Just a few songs later, on “Pressure,” the aforementioned tension is swapped for a gleeful double entendre that confidently instructs a man exactly what she wants. Ari yanks the tie of her love interest and pulls him close while daring him to boldly declare his bubbling desire for her.

Elsewhere on the 12-song project, she closes the door on love in some instances with the same conviction that she opens it in others. “Waste My Time” is driven by fun and lighthearted production that would be welcomed on a girl’s night out playlist. Once again, Ari dares her companion to put their words to action. “Use that mouth, blow this back out,” she quips on the record. While it’s similarly titled and contextually reminiscent of Brent Faiyaz and Drake’s “Wasting Time,” the male duo’s record lives in a bit of toxicity while Ari’s is seductive, inviting, and consenting of a no-strings-attached one-night affair.

Nonetheless, Ari isn’t a one-for-all woman and Lucky Daye is unfortunately the man who has to learn that. His slick-talk and player-esque lines on “Boy Bye” fail to do enough to earn him the same night that the individual on “Waste My Time” received. It’s not to say that Ari’s interest isn’t piqued as she gives an ear to the aftermath of Lucky’s initial cat calls, but she reads his approach as bland and formulaic. Whether it be his lack of authenticity or validity behind her claims of having a man, Ari leaves Lucky to accept that he came up short despite his efforts.

While many use the title track for their album as a moment to expand on the project’s central theme, Ari creates a skit that does just that in 37 seconds. “When you’re back in the game / That’s how you would greet someone, A-S-L,” she says calling back to the album’s title. “Playing on chatrooms, internet, meeting people / Like, this is dating.” Age/Sex/Location is Ari’s ideal forays into the dating world with each one beginning with the simple details of one’s age, sex, and location. While these forays can end in steamy, sweaty, and passionate bedroom magic, as detailed in “Leak It” with Chloe – a euphoric and dreamy duet that sees both singers ready to reveal (or leak) an unfiltered side of love that will only leave them leaking in satisfaction – its conclusion could also be one more aligned with “Blocking You.” Once that “a/s/l” prompt is answered, there’s no telling where things can go. With Age/Sex/Location, Ari hopes to leave with something with every roll of the dice.

On Age/Sex/Location, Ari Lennox signs into a virtual world that could easily be her reality. Where Shea Butter Baby begged and hoped for reciprocation by seeking an in-person connection as opposed to a digital one (“Facetime”), reassurance (“Speak To Me”), or a vow of continued love (“Pop”), Age/Sex/Location demands that reciprocation while promising a cease in communication and interaction without it. As she navigates the twists, turns, risky climbs, and unprotected freefalls of her current “eat pray love” journey, it’s with more discipline and increased wisdom from past missteps.

Age/Sex/Location is out now via Interscope and Dreamville. You can stream it here.

The Best R&B Albums Of 2021

December 6, 2021 by newhiphopnews

Best R&B Of 2021 — Getty Image/Ralph Ordaz

This year marks the first time in more than a year where things were somewhat “normal” in the music industry. Concerts and festivals made a return which allowed artists to release projects they held off on dropping due to the quarantine. For what it’s worth, however, R&B found plenty of success in 2020 and it did again in 2021. From Jazmine Sullivan’s excellent Heaux Tales project that kicked off the year to Silk Sonic’s An Evening With Silk Sonic that brought us towards the end of 2021, this year is just another case of the phenomenal diversity that lives in the genre.

So let’s get into it. Here are the fifteen best R&B albums from 2021 in alphabetical order.

Fousheé — Time Machine

Foushee is one of the many 2021 acts that received a healthy boost thanks to landing a viral moment on TikTok. Her breakout single “Deep End” achieved success on the app and led to a flood of interest in her artistry. With the later release of her debut project, Time Machine, Foushee defined the pocket that her music lives in. The New Jersey native thrived by creating unlikely pairings through her work. A thumping bass was accompanied by funk-inspired R&B and her transgressions through heartbreak, growth, and more, are sung with the grace of a young indie singer. Foushee works best when a neverending horizon serves as her only confinement. – Wongo Okon

H.E.R. — Back Of My Mind

It’s odd to think of Back Of My Mind as H.E.R.’s debut album. After all, it’s so fully formed, sashaying easily between sweeping power ballads (“We Made It“) to mournful reflection (“Damage“) to warm weather bops (“Slide“). H.E.R.’s pen is like a surgeon’s tool, cutting to the bone of such subjects as heartbreak, self-realization, and the stirrings of new love. Her instrumentation is even more impressive. Perhaps it’s owed to the decade-plus of behind-the-scenes work she’s done as she strove toward this moment. After the year she’s had, though, she won’t be in the back of anyone’s mind ever again, because she’s earned her spot at the forefront of the pop-culture consciousness. – Aaron Williams

Jazmine Sullivan — Heaux Tales

Jazmine Sullivan returned to the music world after an almost six-year absence with her Heaux Tales EP. Through 11 songs with help from Ari Lennox, Anderson .Paak, and HER, Jazmine sings about the experiences through love and intimacy that she and other women go through. There are moments of passion and moments of regrets, but the vulnerability to tell it all and stay true to herself, along with help from other female voices, helped to make Heaux Tales a flawless project. – W.O.

Joyce Wrice — Overgrown

Joyce Wrice’s debut album Overgrown was an early bright spot for 2021 R&B. Her free spirit thrived on this project through fourteen songs that flaunted her maturity and sheer distaste for indecisiveness. Wrice falls in love quickly when it’s right (“Think About You”) and packs her bags just as fast when it’s not for her (“Must Be Nice”). At 29 years old, there is a bit of wisdom that Wrice showcases on her debut, as for her, love is something that adds to her life, rather than making it complete. Whether it be sonically, contextually, or both, Overgrown finds a way to stay fun and light-hearted without drowning listeners in the highs and lows of romance at a given moment. – W.O.

Kyle Dion — Sassy

If you want an example of an artist constantly striving to go against the grain, you don’t have to look any further than Kyle Dion. The singer’s third album Sassy broke his own rules as well as those set before him by the industry. Dion is best described as a rockstar with funk-inspired confidence and the light touch of a traditional R&B star who can neatly gift wrap it all for the unsuspecting listener. Pull at the ribbon that is Sassy and you get an excellent blend of funk, rock, and soul captures Dion on his euphoric journey to have fun and live life to the absolute best he can. – W.O.

Leon Bridges — Gold-Diggers Sound

Remember the Leon Bridges who enacted Sam Cooke-esque soul music on 2015’s breakthrough Coming Home? He has positively given way to a more traditionally-minded R&B singer, enacting a polished lovelorn sound. With the exception of album closer “Blue Mesas,” Gold-Diggers Sound feels like a bold re-invention for Bridges and he has Lizzo producers Ricky Reed and Nate Mercereau expertly leading the way. On “Born Again” featuring Robert Glasper on keys, Bridges leans into a PJ Morton-style piano ballad, but it’s Bridges’ gentle rasp that carves out space for him as a singular force on the album. This is the type of stellar studio R&B that will keep Bridges on the Grammy radar well-beyond his recent 2022 nomination. – Adrian Spinelli

Mac Ayres — Magic 8Ball

Life tends to deliver the unexpected at unexpected times and it’s this randomness that Mac Ayres used as the foundation of his Magic 8Ball project. Ayres takes life as it comes and he accounts for all the moments he stands unprepared for. For what it’s worth, Magic 8Ball was created in the quarantine year of 2020, a period filled with uncertainty for the future. However, the honesty and straightforward approach to these varying aspects are what draw you into Magic 8Ball. Add Ayres’ lush vocals and the project’s bright and groovy production, and you have a body of work guaranteed to be enjoyed at every listen. – W.O.

Nao — And The Life Was Beautiful

Nao 'And Then Life Was Beautiful' — Sony Music Entertainment UK/RCA

Hope is something the entire world needed as they exited 2020 to enter 2021. For Nao, she found that through the sunflowers that bloomed at her feet last year. This natural occurrence became the inspiration for her third album And Then Life Was Beautiful. On it, she offers a gesture of hope strong enough to inspire the hopeless. As a whole, And Then Life Was Beautiful is made in the space of emerging from turmoil to see that all will be okay one day. Through 13 records, Nao flawlessly unveils and recounts the moments in her life that brought hope to a beautiful tomorrow, even when it wasn’t promised. – W.O.

Phabo — Soulquaraius

Neo-soul is still alive in R&B and one of the places you can find it thriving is on Phabo’s debut Soulquaraius. The Soulection singer shined like gold on his first full-length project thanks to sixteen songs that are covered in nostalgic gold while also flaunting his impressive pen. “How’s My Driving?” emulates one’s ability to operate a vehicle and to that of satisfying a yearning love interest while “The Homie” arrives as a first-person account of a man slowly becoming aware of his partner’s uncommitted ways. Phabo’s Soulquarius is filled with the finesse and charisma of a man who knows exactly what he’s doing and where he’s going on his road towards neo-soul prosperity. – W.O.

Pink Sweat$ — Pink Planet

Pink Sweats is a living example of why simplicity is often key. A light acoustic sound carries the Philly singer on his official debut album Pink Planet as the gentleness behind his voice and the project’s production match that of the love he fantasizes about on Pink Planet. It also helps to create a more intimate setting that excellent allows the heart’s true and raw desires to be translated fully. Pink Sweats smiles ear-to-ear at the arrival of love in its best form on “Magic” and “So Sweet” while also praying for its longevity on “At My Worst” and “Lows.” However, don’t think the Philly singer is nothing more than a rotating love story. He also ups the ante with a double dose of his infectious spirit on “Give It To Me” and “Icy.” Altogether, Pink Planet best represents Pink Sweats complete artistry and the unique vision he has for R&B. – W.O.

Shelley — Shelley FKA DRAM

Shelley, fka Big Baby DRAM, returned this year with a new name for his permanent role as a certified love doctor. Throughout his career, Shelley crafted records in the name of pure love like “Caretaker,” “Best Hugs,” and more, but they weren’t the foundation of his artistry. All of that changed with his second album Shelley FKA DRAM. This time around, the Virginia singer arrives with anecdotes of love that treat every attempt at companionship like it’s the first one — fearless and unknowing of the possible dangers of giving your heart away to a trusted partner. Through songs like “All Pride Aside” and “Remedies,” Shelley presents a love with your guard down on Shelley FKA DRAM and it’s a magical thing to see unfold. – W.O.

Silk Sonic — An Evening With Silk Sonic

From the very moment that Bruno Mars and Anderson .Paak made their newly-formed Silk Sonic duo official with the release of “Leave The Door Open” earlier this year, their promised debut album was one of the most sought-for releases in 2021. Would the duo live up to the hype? Would the album perhaps be unbalanced? A multitude of questions arrived at Bruno and .Paak’s doorstep, all of which were answered with the brilliant An Evening With Silk Sonic. The duo met all expectations and did it through an excellent display of showmanship. There’s no telling how long Silk Sonic will last, but their current presence is something to be thankful for. – W.O.

Snoh Aalegra — Temporary Highs In The Skies

Snoh Aalegra 'Temporary Highs In The Violet Skies' — Atrium/Roc Nation

While many excel in relaying their experiences with love, Snoh Aalegra does a beautiful job of showing her wavering feelings in romance through her music. Her third album Temporary Highs In The Violet Skies is another example of that. Its 14 tracks present a woman who chooses to focus and highlight the best moments in love, even if they last shorter than expected. This task is accomplished beautifully thanks to help from Tyler The Creator, James Fauntleroy, Pharrell Williams, The Neptunes, and more. – W.O.

Summer Walker — Still Over It

Summer Walker achieved some groundbreaking feats with her 2021 sophomore album Still Over It. First of all, she got “Ciara’s Prayer” from thee Ciara Harris-Wilson. Lord knows how long the ladies have been asking Cici herself for the prayer and Ms. Walker was able to get that and was generous enough to share it with her listeners. Second of all, Still Over It is the highest-charting album from a female R&B artist since Beyoncé’s 2016 Lemonade and is likely to continue towards an upward trend. Regardless, Summer Walker uses Still Over It to air out her grievances a la Usher’s Confessions, except she’s naming names and calling out her baby daddy-ex London On Da Track, his mother, and the other women in his life. She does this over perfectly curated production by the same man she’s going in on. London and Summer made magic on Over It, so if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. On the other hand, Pharrell and Summer on “Dat Right There” sounds like a win for the future of music. Most of all, Summer’s adept songwriting skills, inimitable vocals, and ability to dig into the souls of her listeners through song puts her on another level, to the point that whatever shenanigans she’s on The Shade Room for makes the music worth it. – Cherise Johnson

Tinashe — 333

If you needed proof that independence is what’s best for Tinashe, her fifth album 333 is undeniable proof of that. The album is arguably one of, if not the strongest showcase of her versatility as she bends the R&B genre in a number of ways, something she’s proven capable of doing time and time again. 333 is also a testament towards trusting the process, and if you know what it took Tinashe to get here, you’ll have an added dose of appreciation towards her current position. – W.O.

Some artists covered here are Warner Music artists. Uproxx is an independent subsidiary of Warner Music Group.

All The Best New R&B From This Week That You Need To Hear

March 15, 2021 by newhiphopnews

Sometimes the best new R&B can be hard to find, but there are plenty of great rhythm and blues tunes to get into if you have the time to sift through the hundreds of newly released songs every week. So that R&B heads can focus on listening to what they really love in its true form, we’ll be offering a digest of the best new R&B jams that fans of the genre should hear every Friday.

Brent Faiyaz — “Show U Off”

Brent Faiyaz has taken a step back from his usual toxic R&B slow jams this week to celebrate women with his newly released cut “Show U Off.” Its the latest in a string of singles the singer has unleashed this year, so hopefully that means a follow-up to 2019’s F*ck The World is coming soon.

Giveon — “All To Me”

Giveon delivered Take Time in 2020 and When It’s All Said And Done in 2021. This week, he combined the two into one and offered an extra song to go with it titled “All To Me.” The song is so good its a wonder why it wasn’t included on either projects originally, or perhaps Giveon just never misses.

Jacquees — “Freaky As Me” Feat. Mulatto

Jacquees and Mulatto connect for the R&B singer’s sensual slow jam “Freaky As Me.” The song is set to appear on his upcoming project P.T.O.F: Vol. 1 and is the follow-up to his previously released cut “Put In Work,” from last year.

Fousheé — “Sing About Love”

Following the release of “Single Af,” rising R&B star Fousheé offers another lively cut in the form of “Sing About Love.” Fousheé is on a streak, proving she’s more than her popular TikTok song “Deep End” and absolutely here to stay.

SZA — “Good Days”

The video for SZA‘s “Good Days” is here. She teased the number at the end of her song “Hit Different” with Ty Dolla Sign and now she offers a music video for the magical song which takes place in a psychedelic rain forest filled with mushrooms as well as a library that sees SZA showing off her pole dancing skills. At the end of “Good Days” is a special treat for all the fans who are waiting for the TDE princess to release her yet-to-be-officially-named song “Shirt,” which has essentially blown up on TikTok. Now we can hear what she’s saying in 4K.

Jhene Aiko — Sailing Soul(s)

When Jhene Aiko released her debut mixtape Sailing Soul(s), fans had to download a zip file to hear it or head to DatPiff. 10 years later, the singer has it officially placed on streaming services. Listen to good vibes such as the famed “stranger,” “hoe” featuring Miguel and Future (which was repurposed for her 2020 album Chilomobo), as well as a few SoundCloud loosies like “2 Seconds.”

Feather — “Juke”

Shortly after sharing her new single “Juke,” Feather has dropped off its accompanying video directed by Noyze. A clear ode to Chicago style of music, the visual features the ultimate footwork battle in an underground basement as Feather croons “let’s juke” in between a smooth sample of DJ Rashad’s “Juke.”

Trevor Jackson — “Get To You”

As Trevor Jackson gets ready for the release of his debut album, The Love Language, he shares “Get To You.” The rising singer’s raw voice sings of missing his ex and things he’d do to get to her. “Love is the universal language of all things and I hope this album gives people more confidence to understand their own love languages and how to communicate them,” he said in a statement. “The power of this music will not only bring people together but it’ll also bring people closer to themselves.”

Some artists covered here are Warner Music artists. Uproxx is an independent subsidiary of Warner Music Group.