Clear 2: Soft Life

Grammy 2024 Nominees: A Look At Best R&B Album

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The Best R&B Album category at the Grammys was created to recognize outstanding achievements in the field of R&B music. First presented in 1995, winners have included iconic artists like Alicia Keys, Lauryn Hill, and John Legend. This category highlights the entire album, considering factors like production, performance, and artistic excellence. Accordingly, over the years, it has showcased the multiple variations within the traditional genre. At the upcoming 2024 Grammys, five R&B gems have been nominated in the prestigious category.

Without a doubt, all five nominees vying for the award are deserving. After all, since it was first introduced, the category has spotlighted arguably the best R&B projects each year. As a result, it’s always been a highly competitive bracket. However, there can only be one winner, and we will find out who it will be on February 4, 2024.

Read More: 7 R&B Albums From 2023 We’re Grateful For This Thanksgiving

Special Occasion – Emily King

Known for her soulful voice and distinctive blend of R&B, pop and, indie music, King is an undeniable musical talent. Special Occasion, her fifth studio album, was released on May 5, 2023. It is a 10-track R&B delight entirely produced by Jeremy Most. However, he is assisted on a few tracks by Sam Cohen and King herself. While experimenting with different genres, King has maintained a core R&B foundation, and that is showcased on this album.

The sole guest appearance on Special Occasion is from Lukas Nelson, who features on “Bad Memory.” A notable figure in modern R&B, Emily King has previously been recognized by the Recording Academy. With three previous nominations in three different R&B categories, King may finally be on the verge of winning. Special Occasion’s nomination for Best R&B album is King’s first nomination in this category, and fourth overall.

Clear 2: Soft Life EP – Summer Walker

Summer Walker took the R&B world by storm in 2019 when she released her debut album, Over It. While most believe her first Grammy nomination should have come then, unfortunately, it didn’t. Finally, however, Walker seems to have gotten the attention of the Recording Academy with Clear 2: Soft Life EP. Released on May 19, 2023, it is her latest musical project. It features a verse from J. Cole who co-produced the opening track he appears on, “To Summer, From Cole.” Additionally, the only other guest verse on the 9-track project is from Childish Gambino who appears on “New Type.” Soft Life includes production credits from Solange, Steve Lacy, Jay Versace, and Jah Whittingham among others. Walker was previously nominated for Album of the Year for her contribution to Kendrick Lamar’s last album as a songwriter and featured artist on Lamar’s album.

Read More: Grammy 2024 Nominees: A Look At Best R&B Song

What I Didn’t Tell You (Deluxe) – Coco Jones

Before becoming a burgeoning R&B superstar, the world was introduced to Coco Jones by the Disney Channel. Now signed to Def Jam Recordings, the 25-year-old has come a long way from Let It Shine. Jones’ ascent has been fulfilling to witness. Fans are particularly excited for the singer because, at some point, it seemed like she wouldn’t break through. However, that changed in 2022 when she initially released What I Didn’t Tell You. The deluxe followed soon after, released on January 20, 2023. The project is yet to chart on the Billboard 200 chart.

Nonetheless, it is undoubtedly one of the best R&B albums released within the eligibility period for the 2024 Grammys. With only one guest appearance by Babyface on “Simple,” the album sees Jones come into her own as an R&B superstar. She enlisted the help of prolific producers, including London On Da Track, Needlz, and Eric Hudson among others. Additionally, the hit single “ICU” was produced by DJ Camper  A first-time nominee, Jones could potentially win big at the 2024 Grammys. She was nominated for an impressive five awards, including the Grammy Award for Best New Artist.

Girls Night Out – Babyface

Babyface is a Grammy veteran and an R&B giant. Renowned for his smooth tenor voice and prolific songwriting, he has left a lasting mark on R&B. Evidently, Babyface was on a mission to extend his musical impact when he created this ambitious all-female collaboration album. While he has won numerous Grammys throughout his career, it seems he may not be done just yet. 

Girls Night Out is a 15-track album featuring some of R&B’s finest female artists. It contains verses from Ari Lennox, Kehlani, fellow Best R&B Album nominee Coco Jones, Ella Mai, and Amaarae among others. The album is primarily produced by Babyface, The Rascals and D’Mile. However, additional production credits go to Dizzy Banko, Datta, Sir Dylan, and several others. If Girls Night Out wins Best R&B Album at the 2024 Grammys, it would be Babyface’s second win in the category.

Jaguar II – Victoria Monét

Victoria Monét is finally getting her flowers, and we are absolutely here for it. She began her career as a songwriter penning hits for artists like Ariana Grande and Fifth Harmony. However, she has since transitioned into a full-fledged solo artist. While she has been releasing music since as far back as 2014, she unfortunately had a hard time breaking out. Jaguar II, released as Monét’s debut studio album, has completely turned that around.

The 11-track album is a delectable R&B offering from the songstress. It features a verse from Lucky Daye on “Smoke,” the opening track. Additionally, Buju Banton appears on the third track, “Party Girls.” Finally, Earth, Wind & Fire and Hazel Monét round off the feature list with their appearance on “Hollywood.” Jaguar II also features production credits from D’Mile, Kaytranada, and Jeff Gitelman among others. “On My Mama,” the smash hit, Grammy-nominated single from Jaguar II was jointly produced by D’Mile, Gitelman, and Deputy. 

Like Summer Walker and Coco Jones, Monét is a first-time Grammy nominee. She has a very impressive seven nominations, the second-most for any artist at the 2024 Grammys. If she takes home the statuette for Best R&B Album at the ceremony, it would be a big win for her.

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The post Grammy 2024 Nominees: A Look At Best R&B Album appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

Summer Walker Cried After Hearing J. Cole On “Audio Hug”

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According to a recent interview with singer Summer Walker, J. Cole has moved her to tears with a new song collaboration. During an episode of Young Miami’s REVOLT TV talk show Caresha Please, Walker provided some insights to viewers about her new track featuring the Grammy Award-winning rapper. Walker began by mentioning that the song is called “Audio Hug.” She had initially asked Cole to work on a song together, but due to her being heavily pregnant at the time, they couldn’t meet in person. However, Cole ended up sending her something called “Audio Hug,” which deeply touched her.

“So we have a song called ‘Audio Hug,’” Summer Walker began. “I had asked him to do a song, he really didn’t get time to do it. He wanted to meet and I was so f*cking pregnant, oh my God, I can’t. I don’t know if you seen them pictures, I was like 200 pounds. My ankles were huge. It was crazy. So we didn’t meet. But, he did end up sending me something called ‘Audio Hug.’” Although they didn’t meet in the studio, they did have a chance to hang out at Dreamville, where they had a good time. They also went to Dave & Buster’s afterward and played basketball, where Cole and everyone else got beaten. Walker mentioned that she doesn’t typically like working in the studio, but their interaction was enjoyable.

Walker Is Receiving Big Praise For Her New EP

Summer Walker performs during the 2022 Essence Festival of Culture at the Louisiana Superdom.
(Photo by Erika Goldring/Getty Images)

Recently, during the Dreamville Festival, Walker announced her upcoming EP titled Clear 2: Soft Life. Since then, her fans have been eagerly anticipating its release. Earlier this week, Walker decided to give her fans a sneak peek of the EP. She shared a video on social media, showing her enjoying the company of her friends Sexyy Red and Sukihana. They can be seen lounging by the pool and comically sampling caviar. In a lighthearted moment, Walker humorously questions, “So this is what the Caucasian people be eatin’?” Towards the end of the video, she finally reveals the details that her fans have been eagerly waiting for—the tracklist of the EP. Finally, the wait is over, and the EP is now available.

As seen in the tweet above, the EP is getting lots of love. Sukihana, who was featured in some of the teaser material for Summer Walker’s EP, tweeted her love for the project. “So proud of my sister summer that listening to her tape has me in tears,” Suki wrote. “All my fans stream Summer walkers new project all day and night.” In addition, both Rubi Rose and Latto posted about the EP. The former posted a screenshot of the tracklist on her Instagram stories, and the latter posted a picture of Walker’s music video playing on her television. What do you think of Summer Walker’s latest EP? Let us know in the comments below!

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Yung Miami Reveals Summer Walker as Next Guest on ‘Caresha Please’

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Yung Miami Reveals Summer Walker as Next Guest on 'Caresha Please'

The return of Caresha Please is upon us. Hitting Instagram, Yung Miami teased the next episode of her popular talk show and podcast, which will feature Summer Walker.

“Summeeeeeerrrrrrrr!!!!! When I tell you me and @summerwalker got into some thingsss lol literally one of my favorite episodes so far!!! #CareshaPlease is back, TOMORROW Thursday at 8PM EST only on @REVOLTTV,” Yung Miami wrote online.

Summer Walker has announced a special concert experience for Atlanta. The singer has announced Summer Walker: The Clear Series – One Night Only for the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre in Atlanta on June 1.

Summer Walker will be accompanied by a live orchestra as she performs her extensive collection of popular songs, including fan-favorite tracks that are less widely known. Additionally, she will present live renditions of new songs from her recently released CLEAR 2: SOFT LIFE EP, which came out last Friday.

Tickets to Summer Walker: The Clear Series – One Night Only will be available on www.summerwalkermusic.com/tour for artist pre-sale beginning on Tuesday, May 23 at 12 p.m. EDT through Friday, May 26 at 9 a.m. EDT. A Live Nation presale will run from Thursday, May 25 at 10 a.m. EDT through Friday, May 26 at 9 a.m. EDT. General ticket sales for the public will commence on Friday, May 26, at 10 a.m. EDT.

Summer Walker has officially released her new EP, Clear 2: Soft Life. The new release brings in J. Cole for a new verse and assistance from Childish Gambino, Solange, Steve Lacy, and John Kirby.

In a conversation with Billboard, Walker revealed the EP is her “favorite type of sound,” acknowledging that she “make what I got to make for the radio.”

Ahead of the release, Walker teamed with Sexxy Red and Sukihana to reveal the tracklist and embrace their idea of the Soft Life. You can see that video and also tune into Clear 2: Soft Life below.

The post Yung Miami Reveals Summer Walker as Next Guest on ‘Caresha Please’ appeared first on The Source.

Summer Walker to Perform with Live Orchestra for One Night Only Show in Atlanta

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Summer Walker to Perform with Live Orchestra for One Night Only Show

Summer Walker has announced a special concert experience for Atlanta. The singer has announced Summer Walker: The Clear Series – One Night Only for the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre in Atlanta on June 1.

Summer Walker will be accompanied by a live orchestra as she performs her extensive collection of popular songs, including fan-favorite tracks that are less widely known. Additionally, she will present live renditions of new songs from her recently released CLEAR 2: SOFT LIFE EP, which came out last Friday.

Tickets to Summer Walker: The Clear Series – One Night Only will be available on www.summerwalkermusic.com/tour for artist pre-sale beginning on Tuesday, May 23 at 12 p.m. EDT through Friday, May 26 at 9 a.m. EDT. A Live Nation presale will run from Thursday, May 25 at 10 a.m. EDT through Friday, May 26 at 9 a.m. EDT. General ticket sales for the public will commence on Friday, May 26, at 10 a.m. EDT.

Summer Walker has officially released her new EP, Clear 2: Soft Life. The new release brings in J. Cole for a new verse and assistance from Childish Gambino, Solange, Steve Lacy, and John Kirby.

In a conversation with Billboard, Walker revealed the EP is her “favorite type of sound,” acknowledging that she “make what I got to make for the radio.”

Ahead of the release, Walker teamed with Sexxy Red and Sukihana to reveal the tracklist and embrace their idea of the Soft Life. You can see that video and also tune into Clear 2: Soft Life below.

The post Summer Walker to Perform with Live Orchestra for One Night Only Show in Atlanta appeared first on The Source.

Summer Walker Gets Love For New EP From Sukihana, Latto, And More

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Summer Walker last released new music in 2021 with her second album, Still Over It. The album provided an intimate portrayal of her relationship with producer London On Da Track. Clearly, it also resonated with audiences because it achieved great success. It earned Walker her first No. 1 album on the Billboard 200 chart. Since then, the talented R&B artist has collaborated with notable names such as Ari Lennox, Ciara, and The Weeknd, showcasing her incredible skills. Additionally, Walker has expanded her family with the birth of twin babies.

During the Dreamville Festival a few weeks ago, Walker officially announced her latest EP, Clear 2: Soft Life. Since then, she began building anticipation among her fans. Shortly before the release, she decided to give her fans a glimpse of the EP by sharing a video on social media. The video features Walker enjoying the company of her friends, Sexyy Red and Sukihana. The three relaxed by the pool and amusingly sampled caviar. With a touch of humor, Walker jokingly questioned, “So this is what the Caucasian people be eatin’?” Towards the end of the video, she finally unveiled the highly-awaited details—the tracklist of the project. Finally, the long wait has come to an end, and fans can now enjoy the EP in its entirety.

Summer Walker Is The Talk Of The Town

Summer Walker has made a triumphant return with her latest EP, showcasing her unending prowess in the R&B genre. The EP is a sublime blend of soulful melodies and seductive vibes. It captures a captivating atmosphere that transports listeners into a dreamlike state. While Walker’s individual talent shines brilliantly, she has also enlisted the collaboration of esteemed artists like J. Cole and Childish Gambino, adding an extra layer of greatness to her new musical endeavor. Since the EP’s release, many of her contemporaries have taken to social media to praise her latest effort.

As seen in the tweet above, the EP is getting lots of love. Sukihana, who was featured in some of the teaser material for Summer Walker’s EP, tweeted her love for the project. “So proud of my sister summer that listening to her tape has me in tears,” Suki wrote. “All my fans stream Summer walkers new project all day and night.” In addition, both Rubi Rose and Latto posted about the EP. The former posted a screenshot of the tracklist on her Instagram stories, and the latter posted a picture of Walker’s music video playing on her television. What do you think of Summer Walker’s latest effort? Let us know in the comments below!

Summer Walker’s ‘Clear 2’ Track With J. Cole Proved To Be The Project’s Sweetest Moment And Fans Love It

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One of my favorite tropes in hip-hop is when an artist gets another artist to do the intro on their project. For example: Missy Elliott’s 1997 debut Supa Dupa Fly, which opens with “Busta’s Intro” featuring Busta Rhymes. It’s a bold move; the first voice fans hear is someone other than the principal artist. But it also gives fans a chance to get to know that artist through another artist’s eyes.

Summer Walker’s new EP, Clear 2: Soft Life, does this, opening with “To Summer, From Cole (Audio Hug)” featuring J. Cole. Over a mellow, piano-driven soul beat, Cole ruminates on the duo’s burgeoning friendship, congratulating Walker on her newborns and commiserating with her about the travails of the music industry. “I find it amazing the way that you juggle your kids, the biz, the fame, the bitches that’s hatin’,” he rhymes. “They sit around waiting for you to fall off like the album I’m making.”

Fans have been delighted by the new track since it dropped, calling it sweet, and remarked on the uplifting, supportive messaging from Cole toward Summer and fellow R&B stars SZA and Ari Lennox.

Other fans have praised the Neo-Soul-influenced direction of the album, likening Summer’s performance to that of Erykah Badu.

Meanwhile, other fans are excited by the reference to J. Cole’s upcoming album The Fall Off, which he’s been teasing for some time. They’re sure its release is imminent after he cleared his Instagram earlier this year, but for now, at least they have his warm, comforting bars from Clear 2 to hold them over until he’s ready to announce a date.

Summer Walker’s “CLEAR 2: SOFT LIFE” EP Earns Erykah Badu Comparisons

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Summer Walker and Erykah Badu have a bond that runs deep. Not only are they both beautifully talented R&B stars in their own right, but their chosen career paths have also allowed them to connect in a far deeper way. The birth of the Atlanta native’s twins a few months ago was actually overseen by “The Healer” herself, who shared plenty of thoughtful words about her experience acting as Walker’s doula alongside her own daughter, Puma Curry. While they have yet to actually collaborate together musically, it seems Badu’s energy is rubbing off on her young friend, as her influence is all over the latter’s new CLEAR 2: SOFT LIFE EP.

The project is a long-awaited sequel to 2019’s CLEAR, on which she shared four featureless tracks with fans. The mother of three spiced things up this time around, recruiting J. Cole to kick things off with “To Summer, From Cole – Audio Hug,” as well as Childish Gambino, who offered up his help on “New Type.” The other seven titles are handled by Walker alone, though she did have Solange Knowles and Steve Lacy’s help with production on the final title, “Agayu’s Revelation.”

Read More: Summer Walker Giving Birth To Twins, Erykah Badu Seemingly Confirms

Summer Walker’s CLEAR 2: SOFT LIFE is Here

In the hours since CLEAR 2: SOFT LIFE hit DSPs, fans have been consistently drawing comparisons to Badu on social media. Many of them are positive, writing messages like, “Summer Walker really Erykah Badu Goddaughter. Love this sound sm,” and “[This] is what I didn’t know I needed.” Others, however, are unimpressed by the Still Over It songstresses’ copycat vibes. “Summer Walker on Erykah Badu beats with these dumb ass lyrics is pissing me off,” one Twitter user ranted on Friday (May 19) morning.

“I got mixed feelings about this Summer EP. I do appreciate the Erykah Badu inspo and shit… But we need Summer Walker, not Summer Badu,” another person expressed, noting that they hope the project eventually grows on them with time.

Read More: J. Cole Confirms He’s Working On “The Fall Off” On Summer Walker’s EP

Twitter Brings Up Erykah Badu Comparisons

Keep scrolling to read more mixed Twitter reactions to the new 9-track EP. Have you streamed Summer Walker’s CLEAR 2: SOFT LIFE EP yet? If not, check it out here, and let us know in the comments which of the R&B darling’s new songs is your favourite.

[Via]

Summer Walker Returns with New ‘CLEAR 2: Soft Life’ EP

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Summer Walker Returns with New 'CLEAR 2: Soft Life' EP

Summer Walker has officially released her new EP, Clear 2: Soft Life. The new release brings in J. Cole for a new verse and assistance from Childish Gambino, Solange, Steve Lacy, and John Kirby.

In a conversation with Billboard, Walker revealed the EP is her “favorite type of sound,” acknowledging that she “make what I got to make for the radio.”

Ahead of the release, Walker teamed with Sexxy Red and Sukihana to reveal the tracklist and embrace their idea of the Soft Life. You can see that video and also tune into Clear 2: Soft Life below.

The post Summer Walker Returns with New ‘CLEAR 2: Soft Life’ EP appeared first on The Source.

J. Cole Confirms He’s Working On “The Fall Off” On Summer Walker’s EP

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There really hasn’t been a shortage of music from J Cole over the past few years. The Dreamville co-founder unveiled a series of solid projects since K.O.D including efforts alongside his labelmates and a string of stand-out features. However, following the release of The Off-Season, he announced two other projects: It’s A Boy and The Fall Off. So far, he hasn’t shared a release date or a timeline of when to expect it but it looks like it’ll be arriving soon.

Summer Walker’s new project, Clear 2: Soft Life EP, arrived in its entirety this morning, which includes a surprise feature from J Cole. The North Carolina rapper opens up the project on “To Summer, From Cole (Audio Hug).” In the song, Cole provides fans with a promising update on the status of his next project. The rapper confirmed that he’s currently in the studio cheffing the project up, rapping, “I find it amazing the way that you juggle your kids, the biz, the fame/ The bitches that’s hatin’, they sit around waitin’ for you to fall off, like the album I’m makin’.”

J Cole’s “The Fall Off” Is On The Way

Prior to Summer Walker’s EP, the “GOMD” rapper addressed the project, which he’s hinted as his last, on Dreamville’s Creed III soundtrack. Cole delivered a verse for “Adonis Interlude (The Montage)” where he discussed the anticipated project. “Just cop ‘The Fall Off’ and he’ll explain/ Is it the end of the chapter? Happily ever after?/ Bet this gon’ be the year that fulfill his reign, man,” the rapper said. Hopefully, with the recent updates, and collaborations alongside Lil Durk and Summer Walker, who both performed at Dreamville Festival, The Fall Off will arrive soon.

Cole has been scattering hints of the project’s release across the majority of his features. Earlier this year, J. Cole joined forces with J-Hope of BTS fame for their collaboration, “On The Streets.” Once again, he teased the possibility of retirement. “Some days, I wonder if I need to pick a different hobby/ I’m deep in with this rappin’, it’s all a n***a know/ I never didn’t nothin’ better, it’s hard to let it go/ But like a father watching his daughter walk down the altar with tears in his eyes/ You gotta let her grow,” he said. 

Summer Walker Drops Dreamy “Clear 2: Soft Life” EP, Featuring Childish Gambino, J. Cole

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The last time we heard new music from Summer Walker was in 2021. At that point, she released her second album, Still Over It. The record gave a behind-the-scenes look at her relationship with producer London On Da Track. The album became a certified hit, giving Walker her first No. 1 album on the Billboard 200 chart. Since then, the R&B songstress has lent her incredible talents to collaborations with the likes of Ari Lennox, Ciara, and The Weeknd. She has also expanded her family with the arrival of twin babies.

The artist first announced her Clear 2: Soft Life EP during Dreamville Festival a few weeks ago. Since then, her fans have been waiting with bated breath. Earlier this week, Walker decided to treat her fans to a sneak peek of the EP. In a video posted to social media, Walker is seen enjoying the company of her friends, Sexyy Red and Sukihana. They lounge by the pool and sample caviar in a comedic manner. Posing a humorous question, the singer asks, “So this is what the Caucasian people be eatin’?” Then, she finally revealed the details that fans have eagerly been waiting for. The video concluded with the project’s tracklist. Now, the wait is finally over.

Read More: Summer Walker’s Best Collaborations

Summer Walker Longs For The Soft Life

Summer Walker is back in fighting form on her new EP. It’s R&B perfection, equal parts soulful and sexy. The atmosphere of the project makes listening to it feel like a sort of fever dream. Walker is great enough on her own, but she also tapped artists like J. Cole and Childish Gambino to feature on the new effort.

While the features are certainly a highlight, the standout track is “Hardlife.” On it, the singer talks about her experience in relationships as a black woman. “Tired of seein’ all these, all these / Spanish and these white bitches,” Summer sings smoothly. “Livin’ they soft life with they feet kicked up / And they glass in hand, bills paid, thanks to the man.” Interestingly, on the final track, “Agayu’s Revelation,” Walker seems to have reached the conclusion that she can’t change someone who isn’t ready to change in a relationship.

Tracklist:

  1. To Summer, From Cole (Audio Hug) (Feat. J. Cole)
  2. Hard Life
  3. How Does It Feel
  4. Mind Yo Mouth
  5. Pull Up
  6. New Type (feat. Childish Gambino)
  7. Finding Peace
  8. Set Up (2017)
  9. Agayu’s Revelation