It’s New Music Friday, which means Rated R&B is bringing you the most essential releases. From the traditional R&B that purists love to the boundary-pushing sounds of the alt-R&B scene, this week’s roundup keeps its pulse on the essence of R&B. Dive into it below. Stream all of this week’s picks and more on the RATED R&B Playlist.
Kelly Rowland & Method Man — “Complicated”
Kelly Rowland and Method Man have joined forces for “Complicated” from their romantic film, Relationship Goals, which premieres Feb. 4 on Prime Video. The Jack Dine-produced track attempts to resolve a conflict before it escalates beyond necessary.
Lee Lewis — “White Flag”
Love can be tough but it doesn’t have to constantly feel like an uphill battle. On “White Flag,” Lee Lewis prioritizes his well-being by taking a bow from a romance that isn’t serving him. Regarding the track, he shares, “It marks the point where I start to recognize that love should not cost me myself. In the song, the chorus sings ‘I’m waving my white flag.’ It’s me saying, ‘I surrender, you win, I lose, I have to let this go.’”
Mýa — “ASAP”
As Mýa prepares for her next album, the R&B veteran has released “ASAP,” which is a nod to the Golden Era of R&B. “This is for my core R&B fans who love feel-good music, with meaningful lyrics that hit the soul,” she explained.
Joya Mooi — “Lookalike”
Grief has a way of lingering. Even when we think we’ve quieted the storm, there are times when it suddenly appears as a drizzle. Dutch–South African singer Joya Mooi’s “Lookalike” mirrors the moment we encounter someone who reminds us of a lost one. That reminder brings a sense of comfort; a realization that the love we hold still has a place to land.
Jordan Ward — BACKWARD (album)
Alt-R&B singer Jordan Ward looks inward on his second album, BACKWARD. Opening with “Stranger,” Ward finds himself looking at a reflection that he doesn’t recognize. “Thing we’re going backwards, man,” he says at the end, which sets the tone for an introspective journey ahead. The 15-track album features collaborations with Sailorr, Smino and TiaCorine.
Sasha Keable — “Tell Me What You Want”
British-Colombian singer Sasha Keable is deep in her sensual bag this era. On “Tell Me What You Want,” she encourages her romantic partner not to hold back on her desires.
Dylan Sinclair — “Squeeze”
Dylan Sinclair may not be a fan of PDA but his boo thang is making him reconsider. On his passionate track “Squeeze,” Sinclair is lost in a moment of intimacy and doesn’t care who’s around. “I’ll squeeze you in the middle of the club / Where they could see us getting ready to make love.”
Rum.Gold — “Walking Dead”
Rum.Gold’s “Walking Dead” isn’t about zombies but it does grapple with the desolation left from a relationship ended. It’s the painful yearning that unfolds with the void left from that broken union. “You ever had to grieve a body that’s still breathing?” he sings.
Thundercat feat. Lil Yachty — “I Did This To Myself”
After announcing Distracted, his first album in six years, Thundercat has revealed the funky lead single “I Did This To Myself” featuring Lil Yachty. On the Flying Lotus production, Thundercat and Yachty find themselves getting ignored by someone they’re trying to pursue. “Got me looking like a fool / Just to get some of your attention,” Thunderacat sings.
Debbie — “The Rain Isn’t Over”
South London singer Debbie powers through pain on her stirring ballad “The Rain Isn’t Over.” The heartfelt song is an unreleased demo that she recorded years ago and rediscovered at an impromptu studio session. “I realized we had recorded it just a few days after my mum passed, which stopped me in my tracks,” she shares.
Hil St. Soul — “Nasalifya”
On “Nasalifya,” Zambia-born singer Hil St. Soul honors her ancestors and parents. “It’s a spiritual song about divine reflection, full of humanity, gratitude, hope and the deepest ‘thank you’, to those who have lived to inspire us all to follow in the footprints of their achievements,” she explained.
EJ Jones feat. BigXthaPlug — “Gas Station Love (Remix)”
Memphis native EJ Jones has joined forces with Dallas rapper BigXthaPlug for a remix of his retro-soul jam “Gas Station Love.” The remix arrives four months after the original version, which quickly went viral across streaming and social platforms.
Ragz Originale — keepsake (album)
London-based singer and producer Ragz Originale’s second album, keepsake, was born from a period of creative burnout. Instead of forcing the process, he stepped back to simply live and allow time to do its thing. The result is a 12-track collection that captures a completely rejuvenated spirit. While “Archive Prada,” “Hydrogen,” and “Same Bed” are immediate standouts, do yourself a favor: let the 28-minute set ride all the way through.
Stream all of this week’s picks and more on the RATED R&B Playlist.
