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.
Brent Faiyaz — Icon (album)
Brent Faiyaz steps away from the toxic Wasteland and dives into the sea of love on his third album, Icon. Executive produced by Raphael Saadiq, Icon includes the lead single “Have To,” plus standouts such as “Wrong Faces.” The album was originally slated to release in September 2025, but Faiyaz decided to cancel it before reworking his approach. Once you dive into the album, you’ll see why it feels more aligned with Valentine’s Day.
Mary J. Blige — “More Than A Lover”
The Queen of Hip-Hop Soul, Mary J. Blige, celebrates Valentine’s Day with “More Than A Lover.” On the Camper-produced track, Blige basks in a love that transcends. “My man, my friend, my rider, my n***a, my lover,” she sings.
Jill Scott — To Whom This May Concern (album)
After a decade-long hiatus, Jill Scott makes a graceful return with her sixth album, To Whom This May Concern. The 19-track collection bridges R&B, soul, jazz, blues, hip-hop and house all under one roof. Preceded by the singles “Beautiful People” and “Pressha,” the album features JID, Tierra Whack, Too $hort, Trombone Shorty and Ab-Soul.
Shae Universe — “D’Angelo’s Joint”
Soul singer Shae Universe pays tribute to the late D’Angelo on her new song “D’Angelo’s Joint.” She wrote it the day after he passed away. “The song talks about the timeless, undeniable impact of soul music, and the lyric visualizer explores the evolution of soul music through the expression of our hair,” Shae explains.
Alex Isley — “Sweetest Lullabye”
As Alex Isley prepares to release her debut album, When The City Sleeps, the angelic singer unleashes “Sweetest Lullabye.” The D’Mile production hears Isley making a plea to end a relationship with minimal impact.
Tiana Major9 — November Scorpio (album)
Tiana Major9’s debut album, November Scorpio, is inspired by her astrological sign and underscored by her experiences. The 11-track set includes the singles “Alone,” “Shook One,” “Always” with Yebba and “Energy” with Keyon Harrold. Among the album’s highlights is “Desire,” where confidence meets playful toxic energy: “I ain’t tryna steal your girl’s thunder / But seeing you together makes me wonder / Yeah, she may be hot, but I’m the coldest.”
Victoria Monét — “Let Me”
Victoria Monét enters a new era with “Let Me,” the first taste from her upcoming sophomore album. Produced by Camper, the nearly five-minute track hears Monét making her bid to a prospective lover.
Baby Rose feat. Leon Thomas — “Friends Again”
Soul singer Baby Rose reconnects with Leon Thomas for “Friends Again,” a duet that captures the cycle of a platonic relationship that goes romantic until it doesn’t. She’s left wondering if they’ll ever be back to how it started.
Jamie Foxx — “Somebody”
Jamie Foxx is looking for a pick-me-up with “Somebody,” his first single in over a decade.
Leven Kali — “Remedy”
Leven Kali finds refuge with love in his new song “Remedy,” which breezes with soul like a Sade song. It’s the latest offering from the singer, songwriter and producer’s upcoming album, LK99, out March 13.
Ebubé — “Coming Home”
British-Nigerian singer Ebubé teams with fellow English singer Tyler Lewis for “Coming Home.” It’s a tender ballad that anticipates time spent with a lover.
Inayah — “Choose”
On Inayah’s new single “Choose,” the platinum-selling singer cautions her lover not to make her pick between their relationship and her career. “Don’t ever make me choose, ‘cause what if I don’t choose you?” she sings on the emotional track.
Justine Skye — “Thong”
Justine Skye is back with yet another banger “Thong.” She reunites with Kaytranda, who creates a production that pulsates with a wink and a smirk.
Eric Roberson feat. Avery*Sunshine — “Sweeter Than You”
Indie R&B mainstays Eric Roberson and Avery*Sunshine join forces for “Sweeter Than You,” a candy-coated love song from Roberson’s 18th album, Beautifully All Over The Place.
TSoul — “No One on This Earth Like You”
Virginia native TSoul celebrates a rare love on “No One on This Earth Like You,” a sweet acoustic ballad that caresses the heart.
