Queen Naija is a talented singer, there is no disputing that. She is back to put her skills on full display with a brand-new, 10-track EP, After the Butterflies. Over the course of 2023, Naija had been releasing a single here and there to keep her fans satisfied. One of the songs that had some people talking was a pretty unexpected collaboration with NBA YoungBoy.
“No Fake Love” had the contemporary R&B flare with some surprising well-placed vocals from the Lousiana rapper. His lower tone fit in well with the vibe of the track, and is a reason why it is becoming a hit in her catalog. Little did we know, it would be a single to the new EP we have now. In addition to that feature, Naija also taps some R&B powerhouses.
Monica, Eric Bellinger, and Ella Mai land here as well. As the title of the EP states, Naija wants to talk about the feelings you go through after those initial butterflies you get when you really like someone. This is an exciting time for Naija. In addition to this project, the Michigan native has just started a podcast on her YouTube page called Let’s Talk About It. The pilot episode debuted a couple of weeks ago and she grabbed Jayda Cheaves as her first guest. Go check that out, as well as the EP now!
What are your initial thoughts on this brand-new EP from Quen Naija, After the Butterflies? Which tracks are you vibing with right now? Is she an underrated singer in the genre, or properly rated? We would like to hear what you have to say about all of this. With that in mind, be sure to leave all of your hottest takes in the comments section below. Additionally, always keep it locked in with HNHH for all of the latest breaking news around Queen Naija, as well as all of the best project drops.
One of the breakout hit songs of the last month came from breakout R&B star Tyla. Her song “Water” first dropped earlier this year and after she joined Chris Brown for a European tour the song began to rise up the Hot 100. With many of the songs from Taylor Swift’s 1989 (Taylor’s Version) slipping down the chart this week, “Water” soared to a new high. The song hit number 18 on the Hot 100 this week and could climb even higher with a new remix.
After teasing that a major artist would be joining her on the song, earlier today Tyla confirmed who that is. Travis Scott, fresh off the release of his highly-anticipated new album UTOPIA will contribute a verse to a remix version of the song. Fans don’t have to wait long to see what he has to offer as it’s due to drop at midnight tonight. Two songs from UTOPIA are still on the Hot 100, “I KNOW ?” and “MELTDOWN” with Drake. Check out the cover for the forthcoming remix below.
Earlier this week, Travis Scott revealed a bunch of interesting information in an interview with GQ. One of the things he revealed to fans is that UTOPIA was originally planned to be a musical. Scott said he even studied Broadway and began formulating a plan to create a show that could be taken on the road and performed. Lingering ideas from that era of the album’s development may have made it into the accompanying film Circus Maximus.
Scott also revealed some plans he has going forward. He said that after he finishes touring next year he plans to attend Harvard. The rapper is seeking a degree in Architectural Design from the distinguished Ivy League school and could start as early as next year. What do you think of Travis Scott being the artist to appear on Tyla’s “Water” remix? Let us know in the comment section below.
The mid-way point of November is already near, meaning Christmas spirit is ripe in the air. At this time of year, many prefer to take a break from their hip-hop-heavy playlists in favour of slow jams and holiday hits. Thankfully, you can count on our weekly R&B Season update to recap some of the hottest releases for you. Unsurprisingly, Chris Brown’s 11th studio album, 11:11 is at the top of today’s list – specifically his “No One Else” collaboration with Fridayy.
More heat from Breezy comes later on, but before that, we hear from two UK superstars on “Nice to meet you.” Central Cee is just one of the recording artists who joined forces with PinkPantheress on her debut LP, Heaven knows. Rema and Kelela are the others, along with Ice Spice on “Boy’s a liar Pt. 2.” The viral remix is one of Pink’s biggest hits to date, though she recently shared that she thinks the song is “crap,” even with all its numeric success.
Holding it down for Canada this weekend is Roy Woods, who’s soundtracking your late nights with his “4am” single. Chris Brown and Maeta’s joint effort “Best Ever” comes afterward, though its worth noting his new album has some solo titles that are worth a stream as well. Back on the topic of collaborations we have Rosemarie and Roddy Ricch’s “Is It Real?” marking our final tandem release today. Yaya Bey and AUDRE close things out with their work, respectively. The former shared “the evidence,” while the latter shines on “Cp Time,” concluding yet another impressive week of new music coming our way.
Tune into all our new R&B Season playlist additions, along with last Sunday’s titles from names like Giveon, Lucky Daye, and Majid Jordan, exclusively on Spotify. Which of this weekend’s arrivals is your favourite? Let us know in the comments, and click the link below to find more HNHH release recommendations on our weekly Fire Emoji update.
The first week of November may seem a bit early for some to be blasting Christmas music, but according to Brandy, there’s no time like the present to prepare for the season of giving. This past New Music Friday (Nov. 3), the songbird unveiled her first solo original holiday song, titled “Christmas Party for Two.” The sultry single is the first we’ve heard from next week’s festive album, and based on what she’s serving up vocally, we’re sure things will only get hotter as we celebrate Christmas With Brandy on November 10.
Brandy’s new arrival boasts production by Ron “Neff-U” Feemster and David Williams III, which beautifully compliments her singing. “Let me sit beside ya / I warmed up some cider / I’ll relax your mind ’cause / I can recognize you need someone to make you feel the way that I do,” she croons on the first verse. When the chorus comes around, she lyricizes about getting undressed for her lover, and being his present in exchange for feeling his presence with her. “That’s all that I’m askin’ of you,” Brandy promises him.
As HipHopDX notes, the “Vocal Bible” hitmaker has plenty of Christmas-themed events to gear up for this month. On the 16th, Netflix’s Best. Christmas. Ever! will debut on the streamer, starring Brandy opposite Heather Graham. Just a week later, on the 23rd, you can catch the 44-year-old bringing life to the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City, where she’s set to perform some of her new arrivals.
Learn the lyrics to Brandy’s “Christmas Party for Two” in the video above, and make sure to add it to your holiday playlist on Spotify/Apple Music. Are you looking forward to more festive releases from your favourite artists? Let us know in the comments, and find more HNHH release recommendations on our Fire Emoji update below.
It is incontestable that Monica is an R&B icon. She has been active in the music industry since 1991, and throughout her career, she has made a significant impact on R&B. Renowned for her powerful and soulful voice, Monica is a spectacular singer. Additionally, she can convey deep emotions through her songs, and her passionate delivery gives her a peculiar edge.
In the 1990s, Monica completely dominated the R&B charts, producing several chart-topping hits. While Monica may not have had any chart-toppers in recent years, the singer has stayed active, and her legacy remains intact. Paying homage to a living legend in R&B, here are seven of Monica’s biggest hits.
“Like This And Like That” ft. Mr. Malik (1995)
“Like This And Like That” was released in 1995 as the second single from Monica’s debut album, Miss Thang. Produced by Dallas Austin and Colin Wolfe, the song incorporates elements of Hip Hop and R&B, creating a groovy beat with a funky bassline. “Like This And Like That” captures the essence of ‘90s R&B and Hip Hop fusion. The song quickly became a fan favorite upon its release and reached No. 7 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. The track remains a nostalgic gem for fans of ‘90s R&B and Monica’s early artistry.
“Before You Walk Out Of My Life” (1995)
This soulful R&B ballad was released alongside “Like This And Like That” as the second single from Miss Thang. The song’s production features a smooth melody, subtle piano chords, and a mellow rhythm. These elements blend together to create a soulful atmosphere that complements Monica’s heartfelt vocals. Monica was only 14 years old at the time of the song’s release, but even at such a young age, her music resonated with a wide range of audiences. Consequently, the song became a commercial success and peaked at No. 7 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
“For You I Will” (1997)
This slow-burning pop and R&B ballad by Monica was featured on the soundtrack of the 1996 movie Space Jam. The heartfelt melody, gentle piano chords, and soaring orchestral arrangement featured in “For You I Will” help enhance the emotional impact of the song. However, Monica’s vocals remain the centerpiece throughout the track, conveying a deep sense of commitment and love. The song received critical acclaim and achieved commercial success. Continuing her Top 10 Hot 100 streak, the song peaked at No. 4 on the chart. It became the singer’s sixth single to peak within the Top 10.
“Don’t Take It Personal (Just One Of Dem Days)” (1995)
Monica achieved her breakthrough single with “Don’t Take It Personal,” which awarded the singer her first Top 10 hit on the Hot 100 chart. It was the lead single from her debut album and is still one of her most successful songs. Evidently, even at 14, she was widely recognized as a star, and rightly so. The song’s success was no fluke, as Monica’s smooth vocals and relatable lyrics contributed to its widespread appeal. In addition, her delivery added depth to the track, making it resonate more with listeners. Moreover, “Don’t Take It Personal” was a massive hit and reached the No. 2 spot on the Hot 100 chart.
“Angel of Mine” (1998)
This song was originally recorded by British girl group Eternal in 1997 and was released with considerable success. However, it was Monica’s version that catapulted “Angel of Mine” to worldwide acclaim and commercial success. Monica released the single in 1998 as part of her sophomore studio album, The Boy is Mine. Owing to the song’s appeal, over time, it topped the Hot 100 chart, becoming one of the singer’s most successful singles. Without a doubt, Monica is a phenomenal singer, and this is one of the best songs that showcase her vocal prowess.
“The First Night” (1998)
“The First Night” was released on July 28, 1998, as the second single from Monica’s album The Boy Is Mine. The song was written by Tamara Savage and Jermaine Dupri, with production by Dupri. Featuring a smooth blend of Hip Hop and R&B, the song further explores themes of love, desire, and temptation. In no time, the track rose to the very top of the Hot 100 chart after its release. Obviously, listeners loved the song, and it has remained a favorite amongst fans of Monica even until now. Undoubtedly, “The First Night” is a standout track in the singer’s discography and Monica’s biggest hit, save for one song.
“The Boy Is Mine” is a Grammy Award-winning R&B duet by Monica and Brandy. Released in 1998, the song quickly became a massive hit and a defining moment in both artists’ careers. Given that the song brought together two of the most prominent R&B artists of that era, its success was expected. However, no one could have predicted it would become such a monster hit. “The Boy Is Mine” became a cultural phenomenon, leaving a lasting impact on the music industry. To sum up its impact, it can be said to be a quintessential R&B duet and is certainly one of the greatest of all time. It was Monica’s first No. 1 single on the Hot 100 chart, topping several other charts in the US and beyond.
Scorpio season has already begun, and it’s the time to celebrate some of the most notable R&B singers who were born during this time. Scorpios are known to be extremely driven and loyal. Moreover, they have an intensity that pushes them to achieve whatever they’ve set their sights on. This is evidently the case for the singers who were born between October 23 and November 21. From Ciara’s killer dance moves to Willow Smith’s incredible musical versatility, Scorpios are truly a talented bunch. As the season progresses, it’s paramount to recognize the brilliant Scorpio singers who have left their mark in the industry.
NEW ORLEANS, LA – JUNE 30: Monica speaks onstage at the 2017 ESSENCE Festival presented by Coca-Cola at Ernest N. Morial Convention Center on June 30, 2017 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images for 2017 ESSENCE Festival )
Monica is an undisputed R&B icon. Even before she was a teenager, her star power was already discovered. By the mid-90s, Monica became responsible for some seriously iconic R&B hits. She is truly deserving of her flowers, especially given that she paved the way for many prominent singers after her. Owing to her incredibly soothing voice, Monica has explored many other genres, including Hip Hop, Gospel, and even country music. She celebrated her 43rd birthday on October 24.
NEW YORK, NY – JUNE 06: (Editors Note: this image was altered using digital filters) Singer Ciara attends the 2016 CFDA Fashion Awards at the Hammerstein Ballroom on June 6, 2016 in New York City. (Photo by Michael Stewart/Getty Images)
One of the most prolific singers and dancers of her generation, the Scorpio needs no introduction. Ciara is undeniably the face of the Crunk-RnB wave that defined the 2000s. Beyond that, Ciara was also responsible for pushing urban music’s mainstream appeal. Over the course of her multi-decade career, she has spawned numerous party and club hits. Her discography is also loaded with chart-topping tracks that have served to cement her legacy. The soon-to-be mother of four evidently hasn’t slowed down either and is still out-dancing some of the musical acts she inspired. She celebrated her 38th birthday on October 25.
ATLANTA, GEORGIA – AUGUST 17: Mariah the Scientist performs onstage during the Smirnoff ICE Relaunch Tour with T-Pain and Mariah the Scientist on August 17, 2023 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images for Smirnoff ICE)
From mixing potions in the lab to making music, Mariah the Scientist has had a unique rise to fame. She has also become quite popular for her emotional vulnerability and loyalty. In an interview with Complex, Mariah the Scientist revealed that her connection to the Scorpio sign is much deeper than most. Additionally, she likened herself to the sign’s scorpion and shared how it inspired her third album, To Be Eaten Alive. “A scorpion, at first glance, it’s more meek… You don’t really know what it’s capable of,” she said. “It can be poisonous and venomous; if you were to eat it, it would kill you. So to be eaten alive is really to kill.” She released the album today, on her 26th birthday.
Frank Ocean (October 28, 1987)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – SEPTEMBER 13: Frank Ocean attends The 2021 Met Gala Celebrating In America: A Lexicon Of Fashion at Metropolitan Museum of Art on September 13, 2021 in New York City. (Photo by Theo Wargo/Getty Images)
Frank Ocean is one of the most famous Scorpio singers in the world. Despite shying away from the spotlight, his catalog is a testament to his great talents. One of his most prominent qualities as a Scorpio is his emotional writing and singing style. Through his lyricism, Frank Ocean has built a devoted fandom, who adore the honesty and relatability of his craft. He turns 36 in 2023.
INDIO, CALIFORNIA – APRIL 23: Willow Smith performs onstage at the 2023 Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival on April 23, 2023 in Indio, California. (Photo by Presley Ann/Getty Images for Coachella)
Willow Smith’s birthday falls on Halloween. In 2019, the “Whip My Hair” singer’s parents threw her an epic Halloween bash to commemorate the two-for-one celebration. Although she has always been in the public eye due to her famous parents, Willow has also carved out a lane for herself. Scorpio singers are often fiery and passionate in their craft and she’s no different. Her catalog is filled with many different genres, all of which she’s excelled at. She will celebrate her 23rd birthday in 2023.
SZA (November 8,1989)
WASHINGTON, DC – February 27th, 2023 – SZA performs at Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C. during her SOS Tour. (Photo by Kyle Gustafson / For The Washington Post via Getty Images)
Although SZA has been active in the music industry for over a decade, the 2020s have proved to be a gargantuan era in her career. With the release of her sophomore solo album, SOS, SZA became a record-breaking R&B artist. The album boasts the largest streaming week for an R&B album in America and is the longest-running number-one female album of the decade, having topped the charts over the course of 7 weeks.
One of the most famous Scorpio singers around, SZA has also fully embraced her sign on a number of occasions. On the subject of her single, “Love Galore,” she shared with Genius that she “just be wildin’ out,” attributing this quality to her sign. “I have a mean streak. And I’m a Scorpio,” she said. “So, it’s like if we go off and really go there to the point where I’m talking crazy, it’s like we’re probably never going to talk to each other again by the time I’m done. Because of me and my mouth.”
Davido (November 21, 1992)
NEWARK, NEW JERSEY – SEPTEMBER 12: Davido during the 2023 MTV Video Music Awards at Prudential Center on September 12, 2023 in Newark, New Jersey. (Photo by Udo Salters/Patrick McMullan via Getty Images)
Davido is one of the most famous singers to emerge from the African continent. Although he was born in Atlanta, Georgia, Davido was raised in Lagos, Nigeria. The Nigerian musician has long since created a number of Afro-RnB hits. Arguably one of the continent’s greatest exports, his music has been played in countries all over the world. He eventually achieved his international breakthrough in the mid-2010s. Additionally, his single, “Fall” was the first Afrobeat song to be certified gold in the United States. So far, he has collaborated with several prominent acts, including Chris BrownNicki Minaj, Lil Baby, and more. He will turn 31 in 2023.
In the ever-shifting landscape of the music game, where the boundaries of creativity are constantly pushed, Brent Faiyaz emerges as the undeniable icon that today’s generation craves. He returns today with a brand new project called Larger Than Life, and it definitely comes highly anticipated. In fact, his last full project was 2022’s Wasteland, which was a musical masterpiece. The album is definitely still in rotation for many R&B fans, and has 19 tracks of pure vibes. With standouts from the previous project such as “Jackie Brown” and “All Mine” and “Wasting Time,” Brent created classics that can easily be rotated into any playlist. Wasteland debuted at No. 2 on the Billboard 200. He left the people with something to digest before coming back with a brand new project Larger Than Life.
After surprise announcing the news of a new album today in a short and simple IG message, “14 songs. Midnight,” audiences couldn’t wait to get their hands on some new Brent Faiyaz music. The caption was accompanied by a brief Instagram video lasting just one minute. The video captures a scene that’s got the streets buzzing. The footage showcases a young kid stationed outside a local corner store, selling CD mixtapes from a box. As people pass by, he calls the mixtape the hottest thing in town. Enter Brent Faiyaz, who rolls up in a sleek black truck, engaging the kid in conversation. “What it look like?” he inquires. With a grin, the kid replies, “It’s moving.” Faiyaz’s response? A piece of advice: “Up the price.”
The project spans 14 tracks long, and features two previously released singles “WY@” and “Moment Of Your Life” with Coco Jones. Some of the new features within the project include A$AP Rocky, Babyface Ray, Missy Elliott, and more. Additionally, the project has been released in partnership with ISO Supremacy, which stands for In Search of Supremacy. Faiyaz is the CEO of the creative agency and earlier this year, formed a partnership with UnitedMasters.
Overall, the album is a vibe and serves as the perfect late-night escape soundtrack. It’s nostalgic and has all the ingredients for success. The project features Faiyaz’s signature blend of raw lyricism and smooth melodies. He dives into themes of love and complicated romance. This was also seen with the singles “Moment Of Your Life,” and “WY@” which showcases how he battles with his emotions. He’s dropping gems like, “Even I know you ain’t no good for me, but you feel so good to me. Every time I come back, I try to leave. So how you end up back with me?” Faiyaz is clearly diving deep into his R&B bag this time around. This, ladies and gents, is Brent Faiyaz, the artist whose journey is, without a doubt, larger than life. Let us know your thoughts on the new music!
In a world where music genres are constantly evolving and artists are challenging the norm, Mariah The Scientist has emerged as a trailblazer. With a voice that defies categorization, she’s questioning the labels and stereotypes that often come with the territory of being a Black artist. In a video interview clip with Complex, Mariah The Scientist shares her thoughts on her music being classified as R&B. “I put music out, and it’s automatically supposed to be R&B?” Mariah The Scientist asks, clearly frustrated with the industry’s tendency to pigeonhole artists. It’s a question that’s been on her mind as she’s found herself consistently labeled as an R&B artist, but she’s not one to conform to expectations.
She goes on to highlight an undeniable double standard in the music industry. “Anybody that sings and is Black, or they think you Black … they like put you in this category of she makes R&B music,” Mariah The Scientist said. “But if Lana Del Rey is singing about heartbreak, why is her album categorized as alternative? But I put music out and its automatically R&B? What if it’s neither of those?” Mariah The Scientist questions why she doesn’t receive the same treatment. It’s a valid point that speaks to the biases and assumptions that continue to shape the music landscape.
But Mariah The Scientist is not one to back down from a challenge. In fact, she’s ready to push the boundaries of music itself. She emphasized her aspiration to create a new genre, one that defies easy categorization. She wants to call it “A&B,” a fusion of “alternative and blues” that captures the essence of her unique sound. “I told somebody that I wanted to make a new genre and I wanted to call it A&B for alternative and blues,” she said. “I don’t know if it will happen but if I did have to categorize myself, it would be that.”
It remains to be seen if A&B will become an officially recognized genre. However, Mariah The Scientist’s willingness to break free from the confines of R&B labels is commendable. It’s a testament to her artistic vision and commitment to staying true to herself. Regardless of the labels that others might impose. Whether it’s R&B, A&B, or something entirely new, Mariah The Scientist’s music transcends genres. And that’s what makes her an artist to watch. Her new album To Be Eaten Alive also drops tonight. Let us know what you think of a new category of R&B?
Today (October 23) officially marks the beginning of Scorpio season, which brings a major shift in energy from the fun and flirtatious vibes that were present during Libra season. Plenty of our favourite celebrities previously celebrated their birthdays under the sign of the scales, with 21 Sav closing things out on Sunday (October 22). There are plenty of Scorpios eager for their turn to commemorate another year of life, but we’re kicking off with Miguel, who’s now 38.
Ahead of his birthday, the Wildheart hitmaker has been keeping busy with some adventurous endeavours. Not only did he perform a new song while trying out a wild body suspension act, but the creative also confirmed that he’s got more unreleased music coming our way soon. As we eagerly await the arrival of that, we’re happy to revisit some of Miguel’s earliest hits, such as “Sure Thing” from his All I Want Is You album.
The Happy Perez-produced beat is nothing short of feel-good, leaving listeners grinning from ear to ear as they listen to Miguel’s love-laced lyrics. “Even when the sky comes fallin’ / Even when the sun don’t shine / I got faith in you and I / So put your pretty little hand in mine,” the California-born recording artist croons on the chorus before finding more perfect comparisons that sum up his overwhelming feelings of affection.
Revisit the visual for Miguel’s “Sure Thing” above, then add the song to your R&B Season playlist on Spotify/Apple Music if it’s not already there. Which of the birthday boy’s throwback songs is your personal favourite? Let us know in the comments, and read all about Miguel’s upcoming album (marking his first in six years) at the link below.
You could be the lover, I’ll be the fighter, babe If I’m the blunt, you could be the lighter, babe Burn it up Writer, baby, you could be the quote, yeah If I’m the lyric, baby, you could be the note
Sisqo says that he’s more worthy to be on the Mt. Rushmore of R&B than Mario after he recently placed himself on the list next to Michael Jackson, Whitney Houston, and Beyonce. Sisqo discussed Mario’s picks during an interview with TMZ at LAX.
“Mario’s from Baltimore right?” Sisqo began. “Did he sell more records than me? I don’t know. It’s a numbers game ain’t it? We’ve known Mario since he was younger. He’s always been a fantastic singer. As an artist, you’ve got to have that confidence so more power to you. However, you got to sell more than the dragon coming from Baltimore if you wanna be on the Mt. Rushmore.”
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – JULY 02: Sisqo performs onstage during the 2022 Essence Festival of Culture at the Louisiana Superdome on July 2, 2022 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Bennett Raglin/Getty Images for Essence)
As for Mario’s take, he shared his Mt. Rushmore during a separate conversation with TMZ, earlier this month. “Beyoncé, Michael Jackson, me,” he said at the time. “You know why I say that? Hold on. I grew up listening to so many different types of music — my mother and my grandmother — so I got like two generations of soul music, just great R&B.” After naming Whitney Houston as well, he also remarked that if he could have more than four names, he’d go with Usher. Check out Sisqo’s response to the comments below.
Sisqo Discusses Mario’s R&B Mt. Rushmore Picks
Elsewhere in Sisqo’s interview with TMZ, he discussed the release of Drake’s new album, For All The Dogs. “I just want to say that I think it’s really cool that Drake came out with an album. Everybody has their take on what Drake did and I think he did a fantastic job of just being an artist,” he said. Be on the lookout for further updates on Sisqo as well as Mario on HotNewHipHop.
