During the first weekend of Coachella 2023, many patrons (and even fans tuning in at home), labelled Kali Uchis’ set as one of their favourites. Not only did the bilingual songstress tantalize the crowd with her ethereal vocals, but she also brought out an impressive roster of guests to help her. Among them were Tyler, The Creator, who brought plenty of energy to “See You Again,” as well as Omar Apollo and her boyfriend, Don Toliver.
As the Virginia-born starlet prepares to take the stage again, she has another gift for her listeners. Following the arrival of her Red Moon In Venus album earlier this year, Uchis has finally dropped off a music video for one of the tracklist’s most popular titles, “Moonlight.” The pretty and pink visual sees Kali linking up with friends like Cindy Kimberly for a slumber party, during which they snapped digital camera selfies and shared plenty of laughs.
Kali Uchis Kills it at Coachella
Kali Uchis performs during the 2023 Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival on April 16, 2023, in Indio, California. (Photo by Monica Schipper/Getty Images for Coachella)
Elsewhere in the new visual, we see Uchis looking as stunning as ever on the hood of a car while basking in the moon’s glow. “I just wanna get high with my lover / Veo una muñeca cuando miro en el espejo / Kiss, kiss,” she sings on the catchy chorus of “Moonlight.” We also see nostalgic dolls at the beginning of the footage, reflected in the lyrics, “Looking dolly, I think I may go out tonight / I just wanna ride, get high in the moonlight.”
It remains unclear if the same surprise guests we previously mentioned will be joining the 28-year-old for her set later today (April 22), or if she has another roster lined up for attendees to enjoy. Aside from making waves with her own performance, she also joined Kaytranada for his highly anticipated concert at the festival, which also saw the producer tap Aminé. Revisit videos from Kali Uchis’ first weekend at Coachella here, and tell us your thoughts on her new “Moonlight” visual in the comments below.
Hitmaka, formally known as Yung Berg, has a music career that dates back to 2008. With over 15 years in the rap game, Hitmaka’s career now boasts over 75 million records sold. From Rap heavyweights to Pop and R&B superstars, Hitmaka’s production credits are full of hits. Combining familiar samples with updated flare, as well as hard-hitting 808s and cool synths, has made the megaproducer’s signature style one that keeps you moving. Here are five best-selling, hardest-hitting Hitmaka songs.
The first single from the Trey Songz album of the same name, “Back Home,” set the tone for it. The song made it to No. 1 on the Adult R&B Songs chart. This was Trey Songz’s third No. 1 record on the chart and the first for newcomer Summer Walker. The instrumental for “Back Home” showcases the main attractions of Hitmaka’s catchy signature style. The use of Rose Royce’s “I’m Going Down” was reminiscent of Cameron’s “Oh Boy.”
His modern uniqueness and familiarity with the sample give this song a groovy yet laid-back vibe. The hard-hitting drums combine perfectly with the mellow tone of the sample, meshing with the hypnotic vocals of Trey Songz and Summer Walker. One of the bigger R&B hits of 2020, this song shows off the producer’s versatility.
The smash summer hit of 2018 made waves on the radio and charts, marking a big year for Meek Mill. “Dangerous,” which features Jeremih and the late PnB Rock, is an RIAA-certified platinum-selling record. This Hitmaka song peaked at No. 18 on the US Billboard Hot R&B/ Hip Hop Songs chart.
Sampling Jodeci’s “Come and Talk To Me,” the instrumental’s meshes well with Meek Mill’s toned-down flow. A far cry from Meek’s other high-energy singles, the subtle 808s complement the change of pace in the song’s slow tempo. The steady rate of the drums keeps a strong balance of bounce and sexiness on the R&B-influenced rap hit.
3. “Bounce Back” – Big Sean (2017)
One of Big Sean’s biggest singles to date, “Bounce Back,” eventually became a certified 6x platinum-selling record. The song is also one of many Hitmaka songs to receive a Grammy nomination. “Bounce Back” received a nomination for Best Rap Performance at the 60th Annual Grammy Awards. It peaked at No. 6 on the Billboard Hot 100.
Co-produced with Metro Boomin and Smash David, the “Bounce Back” instrumental is full of swagger. The low-toned synths and chorus combined with the heavy drums make this Hitmaka song one that keeps your head nodding for the entire play-through.
Hitmaka’s first hit record as a co-producer, “John, ” became one of his biggest hits. The second official single from Lil Wayne’s Tha Carter IV, “John” peaked at No. 22 on the Billboard Hot 100. A product of the mixtape era, the instrumental also saw freestyles from Ace Hood, Jim Jones, and more.
Co-produced alongside Polo Da Don, Ayo The Producer, and others, Hitmaka combined his skills with veterans of the production game. Though still technically billed as Yung Berg in those days, this song was the beginning of a long and successful production career. The certified 2x platinum-selling record is one of many hits from Hitmaka’s production catalog.
1.”Rule The World” – 2 Chainz feat. Ariana Grande (2019)
This hit single from Rap or Go To The League was a definite highlight of 2 Chainz’s album. A big part of the gold-selling record’s success is the captivating catchy instrumental by Hitmaka. Sampling “Why Don’t We Fall in Love” by Amerie, the beat captures the same vibe as Hitmaka’s other R&B productions. The already smooth beat, updated with sparkly pianos and synths, creates a smooth and mellow sound that is perfect for Ariana Grande’s soft vocals.
Certified gold by the RIAA, the track peaked at No. 37 on the US Billboard Hot R&B/ Hip Hop Songs. While Hitmaka has higher selling and charting records to his credit, this song was a sleeper hit. The track caught the fanbases of 2 Chainz and Ariana Grande off guard. Fans were pleased with a hot collab and the instrumental that does it justice.
SWV, short for Sisters With Voices, is an R&B group that rose to fame in the 1990s. With hits like “Weak” and “Right Here,” the group became a staple in R&B music. Their imprint on the genre is unmatched all these years later. The ladies are currently making headlines for their reality series (and tension) with Xscape, but they’re more than just pop culture drama. Coko, Taj, and LeeLee crooned their way into our hearts and playlists decades ago, so let’s look at those songs that have become the soundtrack to our lives.
“Weak” (1992)
“Weak” is perhaps SWV’s most well-known song. Released in 1992 as the lead single from their debut album, It’s About Time, the song became an instant hit. Produced by Brian Alexander Morgan, the track features a sample from The O’Jays’ “Cry Together.” It showcases the group’s harmonies and lead vocalist Coko’s standout vocals. As a result, “Weak” reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and remains a classic R&B track.
“Right Here/Human Nature” (1992)
“Right Here/Human Nature” is a song that features a sample from Michael Jackson’s “Human Nature.” The hit track was released in 1992 as the second single from their debut album. It easily became another hit for the group. Again produced by Brian Alexander Morgan, the track reached the Top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
“Rain” (1998)
“Rain” is a slow jam released in 1998 as the lead single from SWV’s third album, Release Some Tension. Produced by the group’s longtime collaborator, Allen “Allstar” Gordon, the track features the group’s signature harmonies and showcases their ability to create a sensual, romantic atmosphere with their music. “Rain”peaked at No. 24 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
“Use Your Heart”
“Use Your Heart” is a ballad released in 1996 as the second single from SWV’s second album, New Beginning. Produced by Teddy Riley, the track features the group’s signature harmonies and showcases their ability to deliver emotional performances. The song’s message about the importance of using one’s heart in relationships resonated with fans and helped make it a hit. “Use Your Heart” reached the Top 20 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
“You’re Always On My Mind” (1992)
“You’re Always On My Mind” is a romantic ballad released in 1993 as the third single from SWV’s debut album. The song’s message about the power of love and how it can consume one’s thoughts resonated with fans and helped make it a hit. “You’re Always On My Mind” reached the Top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
“Anything” (1992)
Brian Alexander Morgan produced “Anything,” track SWV released in 1994 as the third single from their debut album. The track features a sample from Johnnie Taylor’s song “Who’s Making Love” and showcases the group’s ability to blend classic R&B sounds with contemporary elements. The song was about being willing to do anything for love, which helped make it a hit. As a result, “Anything” reached the top twenty on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
“I’m So Into You” (1992)
Brian Alexander Morgan produced “I’m So Into You,” one of the most upbeat SWV songs released in 1993 as the second single from their debut album. This one is a jam that remains on radio stations and DJ playlists worldwide. Fans were particularly drawn to the song’s message about being completely enamored with someone, which helped make it a hit. “I’m So Into You” reached the top ten on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
“Downtown” (1992)
Brian Alexander Morgan also produced “Downtown,” an R&B track that SWV released in 1993 as the fourth single from their debut album. The track features a sample from the song “Impeach the President” by The Honey Drippers and showcases the group’s ability to blend classic R&B sounds with contemporary elements. The song’s message about enjoying a night out on the town resonated with fans and helped make it a hit. As a result, “Downtown” reached the top forty on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
“Can We” (1997)
Allen ‘Allstar’ Gordon produced “Can We,” a slow jam that features SWV’s unique sound. They released it in 1997 as the second single from their third album. It showcases their music’s ability to create a sensual, romantic atmosphere. The song’s message is about wanting to take a relationship to the next level. “Can We” reached the top twenty on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
“Lose My Cool” (1997)
They released “Lose My Cool” featuring Redman in 1997. The song was included on their Release Some Tension album. Although SWV partnered with New Jersey’s Finest for this track, they kept in their slow-groove lane. This isn’t their most popular song on the list, and it struggled to get on the charts, but the collaboration is still a favorite among the R&B fanbase. Which SWV song is the best, in your opinion?
It’s been an incredible weekend for R&B, and we still have one more single to turn your attention to. This New Music Friday (April 7), Yung Bleu made a statement with yet another single. This one is called “Kissing On Your Tattoos.” The track follows other recent releases like “Out of My Head” with Peter Jackson, “Games Women Play,” and “In The Mood.”
This weekend’s song finds the R&B hitmaker leaning into his toxic side. He chiefly shares plenty of NSFW lyrics about his bedroom exploits. “Come and f*ck me likе you never had sex bеfore / You’re horny, I can feel it in your legs for sure,” the 29-year-old croons on his sultry single’s second verse. “She f*ck me good, them Gucci shoes, I might just buy them / She f*ck me good, she got some friends, I might just fly them too,” he later adds.
Yung Bleu Gets Seriously NSFW on “Kissing On Your Tattoos”
Aside from the slew of aforementioned tracks, Bleu also caught our attention with his TANTRA album in 2022. On that, he collaborated with the likes of ZAYN, Nicki Minaj, and Lil Wayne. Elsewhere, friends like Ne-Yo, Ty Dolla $ign, Lucky Daye, French Montana, Kelly Rowland, and Fivio Foreign came through to assist the Alabama native. Overall, the 17-track effort was well received among audiences, with titles like “Love In The Way” and “Walk Through The Fire” emerging as favourites.
Now that TANTRA has had time to digest, fans are eager to hear if the recording artist will be coming with the same sort of sonic magic in 2023. His next project, Love Scars 2, is due to drop later this month. Stream Yung Bleu’s “Kissing On Your Tattoos” on YouTube above, or add it to your playlist on Spotify/Apple Music. Afterward, tell us your thoughts on the new arrival in the comments. For more release recommendations, make sure to check out our weekly R&B Season playlist update here.
Quotable Lyrics:
I bet you never been this hot I bet he never touched those spots You ever leave, he gon’ be mad at you I bet that he don’t kiss on your tattoos
As she continues to grow into her role as a mother of two, Jhené Aiko seems to be becoming wiser and more graceful by the day. After taking the first three months of the year to bond with her and Big Sean’s baby boy, Noah, the R&B songstress returns today (March 31) with “calm & patient,” a beautiful single that’s sure to have you reflecting on the energy you want to bring with you into this new season. Aside from her beautiful vocals, it also features Aiko’s production chops, alongside talents like Julian-Quan Viet Le and Amaire Johnson.
On her first verse, the Californian paints a beautiful picture for listeners. “I’m satisfied with life / I do not just get by, I thrive / What a miracle to be up and alive,” she reminds them. Later, when we reach the chorus, her optimism only continues to infect our ears. “And I know whatever happens, I’ll be happy / Bеcause I happen to be good in any situation,” Aiko’s beautiful voice rings out. “Calm and patient, by your grace I’ma be / I’ll be singing through the pain, I’ma dance in the rain.”
Jhené Aiko’s New Single Will Have You Feeling “calm & patient”
As REVOLT notes, the 35-year-old’s manager, Taz, shared an exciting message for fans amid the arrival of “calm & patient.” It reads, “A new Jhené Aiko era is upon us, taking it back to simpler times when we just put music out for the love of it. Apologies Def Jam and Tea, this one is for the soulmates.” Seeing as Aiko’s last full-length solo album, Chilombo, is already three years old, R&B lovers are grateful for anything they can get from the vocalist at this point. It remains unclear when her next project will come to fruition, but we’ll be sure to keep you up to date with the details as they emerge.
Stream Jhené Aiko’s “calm & patient” on YouTube above, or add it to your playlist on Spotify/Apple Music. Afterward, tell us your thoughts on the ethereal new single in the comments. For more release recommendations, revisit our page on Sunday (April 2) to stream our R&B Season playlist update.
Quotable Lyrics:
I’m satisfied with life I do not just get by, I thrive What a miracle to be up and alive Sending love to those who are stuck in the fight I cannot relate to the hate that they made up in their mind I do not participate because every single time I’m
At 46 years old, Tamar Braxton certainly isn’t slowing down. If anything, the Maryland-born entertainer is revving back up for a major return in more ways than one. Not only did she announce her engagement to JR Robinson (who she previously met on Queens Court) earlier this week, but she also unleashed her first single since 2020, “Changed.”
The highly anticipated song came on New Music Friday (March 17), along with releases from names like Childish Gambino, Usher, and Doechii. Throughout her soulful lyrics, Braxton confronts a man who switched up on her as she reconsiders the time she’s put into nurturing their relationship. As SoulBounce notes, “Changed” was produced by Donald ‘haZEL’ Sales and Chizzy Stephens, who sampled SWV’s “Rain.”
Tamar Braxton Makes a Triumphant Return on “Changed”
“I thought you were the man of my dreams / So how the hell was I wrong?” her voice croons on the chorus. “I gave you all of me, oh / Boy, it could’ve been you, oh, whoa.” Throughout her verses, Braxton reflects on the heart-melting gestures she used to see from her man. He previously brought her roses and sweet treats. Now she’s suddenly faced with “no reception, out of range” from a lover who’s suddenly “acting brand new.”
While she was obviously enthused to share the news of her engagement with fans yesterday, not everyone was happy for the singer. Specifically, her fiancé’s baby mama lashed out at her online upon hearing the news, calling Braxton both “demeaning” and “disrespectful.” Robinson spoke out in his partner’s defense shortly after, assuring IG users that his future wife spoils his children “with love,” despite his ex’s claims.
Stream Tamar Braxton’s new “Changed” single on YouTube above. Afterward, tell us if you’re excited about the reality starlet’s comeback in the comments. Make sure to check back on Sunday (March 19) for more release recommendations on our R&B Season playlist.
Quotable Lyrics:
I thought you were the man of my dreams So how the hell was I wrong? I gave you all of me, oh Boy, it could’ve been you, oh, whoa I thought you were the man of my dreams
If anyone’s still entertaining the previous “R&B is dead” debate, Usher is doing his part to remind them that the genre is alive and well. After a lengthy hiatus from releasing new music of his own, the Texas-born performer returned this Friday (March 17) with “GLU,” a song that he’s been teasing on social media for some time now. Prior to the single’s release, he also hinted at a Lori Harvey-featured visual, though that has yet to land on YouTube at the time of publication.
Usher’s latest arrival finds him hitting plenty of high notes over production by the Avila Brothers, Lil Jon, and Sean Garrett. “I just love that glue, ooh / That slides down you whenever we start touchin’,” he croons on the sensual chorus. ” It gets all on you, all on me from f*ckin’ / That’s when that glue done got you.”
Usher Makes His Highly-Anticipated Return with “GLU”
Back in 2020, the “OMG” hitmaker had a few big hits, such as “Bad Habits” and “I Cry.” Earlier this year, he also teamed up with Tyga for “California” from Songland, and connected with Lil Jon and Ludacris for “SexBeat.” His last project came in 2018, alongside Zaytover. Called “A”, it boasts popular tracks like “ATA” and “Peace Sign,” as well as “Stay At Home” featuring Future.
It remains unclear if Usher has plans to release an album anytime soon, though he has been hard at work on other ventures. Just last month, the 44-year-old proudly announced 15 more dates for his Las Vegas residency, which has attracted plenty of celebrity attendees so far. Elsewhere, he’s been collaborating with L.A. Reid on a new label partnership he seems particularly excited about.
“It’s gonna be [a record label] and then some,” the artist told Angie Martinez late last year. To be able to be back in each other’s lives [is great]. I feel he has been a viable commodity to so many people in so many industries. And so many incredible entities. But now to be able to come together and have ownership in what we’re building for our future [is awesome].”
Stream Usher’s “GLU” on YouTube above. Afterward, tell us your thoughts and if you’re excited about the icon’s impending comeback in the comments. Make sure to check back on Sunday (March 19) for more release recommendations on our weekly R&B Season playlist.
Quotable Lyrics:
You done made it messy I guess that means you qualified How the f*ck you choke then don’t choke Then do it both from the side? Hey
Another weekend is quickly coming to a close, but that doesn’t mean you can’t still find time to “Party.” On Friday (March 10), August Alsina shared his 10-track Myself album, and the aforementioned title is quickly emerging as a fan favourite. Other popular songs include the previously released titular effort, as well as “Lied to You” and “Weekdays” featuring Zu and Deeno.
“I’ve gone from a young boy to a man… A man who’s wiser… smarter… stronger because of my experiences and adversities I’ve faced. And a man whose more resilient,” the 30-year-old said of his project. Though he’s obviously gone through immeasurable growth over the past few years, that doesn’t mean Alsina isn’t ready to “Party” every now and then.
August Alsina is Ready to “Party”
“Middle of the week, you f*ckin’ with me, all night / Love you ’til it hurt, now you late for work, it’s alright,” his voice sensually croons on the pre-chorus. “Thursday, even then, on the grind again, on it / I’ll be back to beat it in the mornin’.” To produce the groovy song, Alsina recruited Happie, Losaddos, and The Exclusives.
Other songs from his Myself album that seem to be getting plenty of love on streamers are “Never Fold,” “Same,” and “August.” Aside from the dual guest feature on his “Weekdays” single, the multi-talent also worked with 4ayem on “Friends” and Layton Freene for the closing track, “On Me.” The short and sweet project marks Alsina’s first since 2020’s The Product III: stateofEMERGEncy. On that, he worked with names like Darrel Walls, Tink, Yo Gotti, Lil Wayne, and Juicy J.
Stream August Alsina’s “Party” on Spotify or Apple Music below. Afterward, check out the singer’s Myself album here if you haven’t already. For those of you in search of new release recommendations, you can find them on our R&B Season playlist.
Quotable Lyrics:
Middle of the week, you f*ckin’ with me, all night Love you ’til it hurt, now you late for work, it’s alright Thursday, even then, on the grind again, on it I’ll be back to beat it in the mornin’
Usher fans, get ready, because the star singer just posted a TikTok video saying he’s going to “wake up R&B.” Of course, many would argue that the genre’s never slept, but the Southern born and bred artist wants to reach a new level. Moreover, he went through a pretty heavy pop phase at the end of the 2000s and along the 2010s. However, in that time, he eventually took a backseat to big releases. With the extension of his Las Vegas residency and more big moves, it looks like Usher’s set on dominating the industry with new music.
What’s more is that he already has something locked and loaded in store. For example, on Valentine’s Day he released a sultry and tantalizing visual tease for an upcoming “GLU” single and music video. Also, the tease stars Lori Harvey, which also caught fans’ attention. Even though it’s unclear when this will drop, and what exactly it consists of, it was enough to get fans ready. In this latest tease, in which he walks around a mansion in a comfy bathrobe, he’s probably banking on the grandiosity and opulent image that his powerful music evokes.
Furthermore, fans can’t wait to see the 44-year-old star return to some of his artistic roots. In fact, he recently proclaimed that his classic 2004 album Confessions was “the birth of toxic R&B.” While elaborating on his point, he said that back in the day, to be toxic meant to be honest. Even though he sung about relationships and overcoming their pitfalls, he said that being toxic now is more akin to acknowledging your personal pitfalls with no remorse. However you’d define it, one thing’s clear: few artists can do that style as vividly, passionately, and with as much class as the “Burn” hitmaker.
Last year, Usher celebrated the 25th anniversary of his acclaimed project My Way with an expanded edition. Considering his Vegas shows as well, he’s at a career peak where he can look back at the greatness he accomplished and bask in his status. Fortunately for his fans, that vantage point hasn’t dissuaded him from continuing to push himself and show why that status is so earned. Whatever he brings, we’re sure it’ll make a big splash. Regardless of the final product, come back to HNHH for the latest news and updates on Usher.
With the summer months quickly coming up around the corner, Masego is doing his part to set the vibe on his self-titled album. The project arrived this New Music Friday (March 3), and consists of 14 featureless tracks. Among them are previously released singles like “You Never Visit Me,” “Say You Want Me,” and “Two Sides (I’m So Gemini).”
Of the 11 newer arrivals on the tracklist, one title has already emerged as an obvious fan favourite – “What You Wanna Try.” Earning nearly 100K streams on Spotify alone in its first weekend out, the groovy tune was produced by Dan Foster, Louie Lastic, and Masego himself. “I’m in Detroit with Khadijah / Fighting feelings, rollin’ weed, yeah,” he chiefly sets the scene as the first verse begins.
Masego Shines on “What You Wanna Try”
“Is you tryna stay on the ride? / Or is you tryna, is you tryna leave the vibe?” the “Tadow” hitmaker later asks on the chorus. “Is you tryna fall for the night? Or is you tryna, is tryna fall for life? / City full of pеople, you got options, right? / Baskin’ Robins, baby, what you wanna try?” he cleverly continues, name-dropping the beloved ice creamery while trying to discern his love interest’s preferences.
Now that Masego has finally landed, the recording artist will have plenty of new arrivals to perform for fans on his upcoming tour. Later this month, the 29-year-old will be kicking things of in Las Vegas before moving on to stages in San Francisco, Vancouver, Detroit, Toronto, New York, and more. His final stop will be in Los Angeles at the end of April before heading overseas to sing at Brixton’s Cross the Tracks Festival in May.
Stream Masego’s “What You Wanna Try” on Spotify or Apple Music below. Afterward, revisit the foreign multi-talent’s self-titled album here. Make sure to check back later today (March 5) for more release recommendations on our R&B Season update.
Quotable Lyrics:
Is you tryna fall for the night? Or is you tryna, is tryna fall for life? City full of pеople, you got options, right? Baskin’ Robins, baby, what you wanna try?
