soul music

Benji. Turns The “Love Gun” Series Into A Trilogy With The Final Entry

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Benji. is one our favorite talents from the Spillage Village crew thanks to his stunning voice. No matter what sort of track he hops on, you can almost guarantee that he’s going to deliver on his end. A great example of this is “Bobby Boucher,” arguably the group’s catchiest banger. Why it’s not a captivating vocal display, his ability to match a vibe of song like this one is pretty incredible. The cockiness is heavy and Benji. manages to put on a cool, calm, and collected persona with tons of personality. On top of that, he produced the track, making him that much more of star. This weekend though, we are talking exclusively about Benji. instead of the gang because his new EP, Love Gun 3, is here.

This is a series that the Pittsburgh born artist has been eyeing on completing and he’s getting to fulfill that promise to himself here. The trilogy kicked off in October of last year, with the second entry actually landing in July of this year. Benji. said farewell to the Love Gun era on social media, expressing gratuity for being able to bring his ideas to life. However, the now GRAMMY nominated act is looking toward what’s next. “Last but not least, Love Gun 3 🎸❤ out & available EVERYWHERE! Happy and proud to bring this trilogy to a close and excited for what lies ahead!” We are too Benji. and we are loving the EP as well. Let us know what you think by submitting your thoughts in the comments below.

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Love Gun 3 – Benji. & Spillage Village

Love Gun 3 Tracklist:

  1. Joy Peace Love
  2. Spaceship Coupe
  3. Gimme
  4. Simple
  5. Night Rider
  6. Good Cookin’ with EARTHGANG, Johnny Venus
  7. Plan A with Nappy Roots

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October London Pens Some Evening Love Joints For “October Nights”

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South Bend, Indiana singer and songwriter is bringing one sultry R&B cut after another on his latest album, October Nights. This is actually the Death Row Records signee’s sophomore effort, and it comes just over a year after his debut, The Rebirth of Marvin. London has been doing his thing in this genre for several years now, and he’s known for his throwback sound that embodies the greats of the 90’s decade. He was able to lend his abilities to the latest NxWorries project Why Lawd? and he honestly was a perfect fit on “FromHere.”

Now, Ocotber London is bringing that tenfold on October Nights. Across this project, you are going to genuinely hear some of the most show-stopping solo performances all year. One of them is on the power ballad “Don’t Go,” as he calls out to a girl to never leave his side. The instrumentals are spacey and have that vintage tinge, and they highlight what London is able to do best. That being those captivating vocals and funky grooves. In talking with Rated R&B, London tells the publication what his goals were for this tape. “Just having fun. Nighttime is the best time for me… October Nights represents having a good time in the nighttime and letting loose.” He accomplished that and then some, so check it out below.

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October Nights – October London

October Nights Tracklist:

  1. Slander My Name
  2. Touch on Me
  3. A Beautiful Woman
  4. 3rd Shift
  5. Don’t Go
  6. She Keeps Calling
  7. All I Want Is You with Boney James
  8. Don’t Waste Your Time
  9. Kill Shot
  10. Missing You
  11. Bedroom Bully with Tyrese
  12. The Best Problem
  13. Momma
  14. Put You On with Snoop Dogg
  15. The Reception with Ledisi
  16. Time

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Leon Bridges Pours His Heart & Soul Into Self-Titled “Leon” LP

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If you have a fondness for 60s era soul, then you may want to check out what Leon Bridges in bringing on his latest effort, Leon. The Columbia records signee from Fort Worth, Texas is giving audiences a heavy dosage of that, as well as some hints of country, gospel, and R&B. Across the 13-song project, you are getting a lot of mellow and soft instrumentation. Summer may be over, but this album’s soundscape has us daydreaming about those perfect temperature evenings while you take a ride in a 60s convertible around the coast. Right from the opening track, “When a Man Cries”, you can tell just how much love and emotion went into creating Leon.

Part of the reason for that is because Leon Bridges says this album has a lot of personal weight for him. In statement, he explains, “In many ways, Leon has been in the works since my childhood. This record is about simpler days. It’s about time spent in my beloved Fort Worth and the experiences that made me the man I am today. It’s soulful music in the truest sense; it’s imbued with my soul.” Moreover, he says that the style you are hearing on the record is something that he felt needed to be expanded upon and seen further. Leon had been working on this self-titled endeavor since his last record, 2021’s Gold-Diggers Sound. “They didn’t fit what I was trying to do with that album, and I tried moving on. But I couldn’t shake them because they’re part of me. And, if I’m honest, also because I think this is some of my most excellent work yet.” We certainly agree and it’s why you need to spin this immediately.

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Leon – Leon Bridges

Leon Tracklist:

  1. When a Man Cries
  2. That’s What I Love
  3. Laredo
  4. Panther City
  5. Ain’t Got Nothing On You
  6. Simplify
  7. Teddy’s Tune
  8. Never Satisfied
  9. Peaceful Place
  10. Can’t Have It All
  11. Ivy
  12. Ghetto Honeybee
  13. God Loves Everyone

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Leon Thomas Explains What It Means To Be A “MUTT” On His Second Album

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From Nickelodeon’s Victorious to producing and writing for artists like SZA, Drake, Kanye West, and more, Leon Thomas has really seen everything. For some of us at HNHH, it’s hard to disassociate him from his character on the popular kid’s series when he’s writing heavily emotional and explicit tracks. But it just goes to show how much he’s grown in about a decade, and it may be safe to say Leon Thomas is at his most mature on MUTT. Yes, for those who don’t know, the Brooklyn, New York native also has a solo career. This is his second album and a follow-up to 2023’s Electric Dusk.

With this record, Leon Thomas focuses a lot on what his life and love have done to him mentally and emotionally. According to an interview he did with Uproxx, he explains how his dog was a source of inspiration for the themes and its title. “Perfecting that sound and just continuing to tell these stories as I’m a single guy doing my thing, trying to figure it out, trying to find love in a very interesting dating circus that we have right now”, Thomas says. “As I started working on the album in my new home, I began to notice similarities between my dog’s behavior and my own. Even though my dog may sometimes [make mistakes]… I know he means well. This became a metaphor for not being a perfect partner but having good intentions”. Those messages are strong, as are the production and feature choices. Check out MUTT now.

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MUTT – Leon Thomas

MUTT Tracklist:

  1. HOW FAST
  2. SAFE PLACE
  3. DANCING WITH DEMONS
  4. VIBES DON’T LIE
  5. LUCID DREAMS (feat. Masego)
  6. FEELINGS ON SILENT (feat. Wale)
  7. ANSWER YOUR PHONE
  8. YES IT IS
  9. FAR FETCHED (feat. Ty Dolla $ign)
  10. SOONER OR LATER (feat. Axofolie)
  11. MUTT
  12. I DO
  13. I USED TO (feat. Baby Rose)
  14. MUTT (feat. Freddie Gibbs) [Remix]

Read More: Taye Diggs Admits Diddy Was A “Hero” To Him Before Disturbing Allegations

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Mary J Blige Teams Up With Fabolous For A Throwback Style Single, “Breathing”

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Mary J Blige possesses a timeless voice and is also a true leader of blending hip-hop and soul together. Additionally, you cannot forget her copious number of hit tracks and successful albums. All of these things got her into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame earlier this year. After notching this feather in her cap, she expressed how much this recognition meant to her. “I’m still trying to process this whole thing. It’s a big deal. I’m just so grateful because I know it didn’t have to be this way, but it is this way, and I give all the credit to God. I don’t even know what else to do. It’s just so humbling,” the performer explained. “I don’t know what to do besides be grateful and thankful”.

However, it seems that Mary J Blige isn’t just okay with this major career milestone. At some point later this year, the New York balladeer is going to release a new album, which also may be her last. She dropped this bombshell on People in late April and while “it’s probably [her] last”, she says she’s been enjoying the process. “I’m actually in the studio right now recording more music, and I’m having fun. I’m having fun no matter what happens”. It looks like one of those “fun” studio sessions produced “Breathing”, a classic Mary J Blige record that also features Fabolous. You can check out the grand and uplifiting single with the music video link below.

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“Breathing” – Mary J Blige & Fabolous

Quotable Lyrics:

Flyest part of you and me, we give each other space
I’m always excited to see ya
Never really felt this freedom
I think to myself: Is this real or can I be dreaming?
I think I’m in love

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Jhene Aiko Receives Helpful “Guidance” In A Relationship Thats Run Its Course

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Jhene Aiko possesses some of the most effortlessly soothing and stunning vocal chops of anyone in the R&B/soul genre. Sadly, though, the Los Angeles, California native has not been gracing us with her talents that much over the last few years. Her last studio album, Chilombo, dropped all the way back in 2020. However, if you want, you can count the rerelease of her 2011 debut mixtape Sailing Soul(s) in 2021. Or you could mention the fact that she put together a sleeping soundtrack for babies in 2022. As far as singles go, Aiko has more to offer in that department. In fact, her most recent is “Sun/Son” from January. This has us more and more hopeful that she is nearing a new album. Also helping that is this new Jhene Aiko single, “guidance”.

It comes in the midst of The Magic Hour Tour, with openers including Coi Leray, Tink, Umi, and Kiana Lede. Jhene Aiko is approximately halfway through, as today she will be performing in her hometown. She will wrap things up on August 22 in Columbus, Ohio, so maybe around then a new LP will be upon us. In the meantime, what does “guidance” have to offer. To be honest, it delivers and then some. On this 3:36-long record, Jhene is feeling free after finding the courage to move on from a relationship that is weighing on her. The track’s instrumental is so captivating that she decided to give fans a piano version, just like how she did with “Sun/Son”. Be sure to give each version a spin with the links below.

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“Guidance”- Jhene Aiko

Quotable Lyrics:

And you’re not enough for you
It’s nobody’s fault, it’s nobody’s loss
Just had a lot to learn
You were the match that lit up my path
To show me what bridge to burn

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Lucky Daye Firmly Sticks The Landing On Ambitious “Algorithm”

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“I chose ‘Algorithm’ because I wanted to highlight what R&B was in my own algorithm. Everything I’ve ever heard that sounded like R&B to me, whether it was soul or blues. I wanted to bring it to life in my own way. This album from beginning to end is different versions of what I feel R&B is. It’s everything that makes me. I wanted to become one with the algorithm and with the music”. That is what Lucky Daye had to say to Clash in regard to the creative process behind Algorithm. This is the third studio album from the now mainstay in the modern field of R&B. However, this project does not feel all that contemporary.

It seems like the Louisiana native was going for an old-school aesthetic. If that is true, then he absolutely crushed it in that aspect. Amplifying that are the sick guitar solos, thick drums, and extremely soulful vocals. Overall, Lucky Daye did not leave any stone unturned. That is something he emphasized when crafting Algorithm, as he expressed how meticulous he was, especially this time through. “We are actual musicians, we’re the technical, nerdy, and scientific music makers. I love working with people like that. I understand that some people are here to entertain us, but I like working with real musicians”. We are of the belief that this is Lucky’s strongest outing to date, as even though he takes more risks in all aspects, the results are rewarding for all of the senses.

Read More: Devin Malik Talks New Project “DEADSTOCK,” His Artistic Development & Working With TDE

Listen To Algorithm By Lucky Daye

Algorithm Tracklist:

  1. Never Leavin’ U Lonely
  2. HERicane
  3. Soft
  4. Pin
  5. Top
  6. Algorithm
  7. Blame (feat. Teddy Swims)
  8. Think Different
  9. Breakin’ The Bank
  10. That’s You
  11. Mary
  12. Paralyzed (feat. RAYE)
  13. Lemonade
  14. Diamonds in Teal

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Tems Details Her Mental Journey On “Born In The Wild”

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Tems rise to the top has been quite rapid. Over the last couple of years, the Lagos, Nigerian genre chameleon has notched some impressive feathers in her cap. Whether it be working with Drake (multiple times) and Future on “WAIT FOR U”, or Wizkid and Justin Bieber on “Essence”, she has really been everywhere. We also cannot forget to mention her contributions to the Black Panther: Wakanda Forever soundtrack. But just because she has all of these major collaborations, do not think for one second that her solo career is lackluster. From “Me & U” to “Love Me JeJe”, and “Higher”, the 28-year-old has a loaded catalog, too. The first two singles land on Tems’ debut album, Born in the Wild.

It follows up on a tandem of EPs, For Broken Ears (2020) and If Orange Was A Place (2021), both of which were well received. We can almost guarantee that her first full-length will get similar praise as well. Across the 18-song, nearly hour-long project, fans can expect a personal journey of learning to deal with fame, relationships, as well some introspection. Born in the Wild could mean a few things, but since Tems says it is all about her mindset and how she has grown. “It’s more about the state of being. It was a wilderness in the environment I lived in and there’s so many things that happened and so many lessons I learned to come and be this person now. It is basically coming out of the wilderness.”

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Listen To Born In The Wild By Tems

Born in the Wild Tracklist:

  1. Born in the Wild
  2. Special Baby (Interlude)
  3. Burning
  4. Wickedest
  5. Love Me JeJe
  6. Get it Right (feat. Asake)
  7. Ready
  8. Gangsta
  9. Unfortunate
  10. Boy O Boy
  11. Forever
  12. Free Fall (feat. J. Cole)
  13. Voices in My Head (Interlude)
  14. Turn Me Up
  15. Me & U
  16. T-Unit
  17. You in My Face
  18. Hold On

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Moses Sumney Wants Old-School Love On The Breathtaking “Vintage”

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Moses Sumney is the definition of a bada**. The Asheville, North Carolina really does it all. He can sing, produce, direct, act, and write all while being underrated somehow. He is a true unicorn and someone that needs more flowers than he already receives. Mainstream listeners might know him for his feature credits with artists like The Weeknd, Metro Boomin, James Blake, among others. But he is much more than that, as his solo material has produced some truly beautiful pieces of art. One of those works includes the latest single from Moses Sumney, “Vintage”.

This is the latest offering from the 32-year-old soul/R&B veteran, and it follows up on a feature he did for Shabaka on “Insecurities”. Hopefully, “Vintage” is the start of an album rollout, because this song deserves that kind of shine. Moses pens an endearing song about a love that he feels needs to go back to its old ways. To us, there is also a metaphor of how relationships do not feel as treasured as they used to when previous generations were finding their partners.

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Listen To “Vintage” By Moses Sumney

It is all performed with a breathy and delicate delivery, and a dynamic vocal range. The instrumental is also wonderfully blissful. The light drum patterns to the piano and sparkly synths are so complementary and add a lot of whimsy to “Vintage”. Not only do the lyrics portray it, but the beat also has that “Afro-sheen on it“. This track for Moses Sumney comes at an exciting time, as he is going to appear in the upcoming horror film MaXXXine, which stars Mia Goth, Lily Collins, Halsey, and Kevin Bacon. You can check out the track above and the movie on July 5.

What are your thoughts on “Vintage” by Moses Sumney? Is this one of his best songs as of late, why or why not? Do you think he is due to drop a new album this year? What aspect of the song did you enjoy the most? We would like to hear what you have to say, so be sure to leave your thoughts in the comments section below. Additionally, always keep it locked in with HNHH for all of the latest news surrounding Moses Sumney. Finally, stay with us for everything else going on in the music world.

Quotable Lyrics:

Wanna double back
Wanna put my timе machine on it
It’s alright, it’s alright, I lean on it
Can we turn vintage?
Can we put that afro-sheen on it?
It’s alright, it’s alright, I feed on it

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Raveena & JPEGMAFIA Deliver A Cute Late Summer Night Love Song “Junebug”

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Raveena is a name that you need to get familiar with if you are an R&B/soul fan of any kind. We fully guarantee she will whisk you away with her angelic vocals and melodies. Just over two years ago, the Indian-American singer from New York dropped off her sophomore LP, Asha’s Awakening. It received some pretty positive critical acclaim, and soon she is going to be leaving off her third album. Butterflies Go in the Rain will hit streaming platforms on June 14. But before that arrives, Raveena has one more track to offer up called “Junebug” with JPEGMAFIA.

You may be wondering, “How are these starkly different artists going to mesh together?”. The answer is very well. In fact, we would even go as far as to say flawlessly. Peggy ditches the screamy and shouty cadence for a smooth and measured delivery, perfectly aligning himself with what is going on sonically. Raveena pens some sweet, but not too sugary lines about a summer love.

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Listen To “Junebug” By Raveena & JPEGMAFIA

Raveena did explain why she likes working with other artists that are so unique compared to her, which helps put the pieces of the puzzle together. According to Stereogum, she says, “I love inviting people with vastly different sonic landscapes to my music. To me, it is proof of our oneness and divine inter-connectedness. JPEGMAFIA brought the perfect energy to this summertime song — and I think we both aligned on this song with our mutual love for the tropics, with me being from India and Peggy from Jamaica.”

What are your thoughts on “Junebug” by Raveena and JPEGMAFIA? Is this one of his better songs of the summer so far, why or why not? Does this get you excited for her forthcoming album, Where the Butterflies Go in the Rain? Were you surprised by how well these two sounded together? Additionally, always keep it locked in with HNHH for all of the latest news surrounding Raveena and JPEGMAFIA. Finally, stay with us for everything else going on in the music world.

Quotable Lyrics:

Little Dirty Dancer, call me a shapeshifter
Iridiscent junebugs making love in the summertime
Hold me closer, I got good at dancing
Put on this red dress so could watch it from behind

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