Rated R&B is bringing you the most essential releases this week. From the traditional R&B that purists love to the boundary-pushing sounds of the alt-R&B scene, this new music roundup keeps its pulse on the essence of R&B. Dive into it below.
Mary J. Blige — “Want Love”
Mary J. Blige knows exactly what she desires in a relationship — and what she doesn’t. On “Want Love,” Blige’s textured vocals glide across a production that moves like an ocean’s wave, as she yearns for a partner who can make her feel like her 1997 classic: “I want somebody who makes me feel like everything.” Until then, she will continue pouring into herself. “‘Cause when it’s all said and done, I got me,” she sings.
Dave Hollister — “Thought You Knew”
Dave Hollister ends his decade-long hiatus with “Thought You Knew,” a heartfelt ballad that reassures no love lost. The Soopafly-produced track, released via Death Row Records/gamma., is Hollister’s first solo release since 2016’s The MANuscript.
Lekan — For All The Right Reasons Vol. 1 [EP]
Ahead of his opening gig on Ari Lennox’s Vacancy Tour, emerging crooner Lekan has shared his new EP For All The Right Reasons Vol. 1. The 10-track set includes the previously shared “Safety,” “Come Thru” and “Make It Right.”
India Shawn — “Rain On Me”
After dropping three stellar singles in 2025 — “Kill Switch,” “Cotton Candy Blvd” with Lucky Daye and “Gone” — India Shawn is back with “Rain On Me.” While the previous tracks explored everything from the murky waters of a friends-to-lovers connection to the self-discovery found post-relationship, “Rain On Me” welcomes a downpour of love.
Rjtheweirdo — “At Least She’s Beautiful”
On “At Least She’s Beautiful,” alt-R&B newcomer rjtheweirdo grapples with a partner who is stunning on the outside but leaves much to be desired when the veil is lifted.
PJ Morton — “Mutual”
As exciting as falling in love can be, it can sometimes be met with a natural hint of apprehension. On “Mutual,” PJ Morton echoes his partner’s sentiments but, through faith, assures that what they’re building together is special. He goes on to sing, “I guarantee you’re not alone / You can say what you wanna say… Nothing you say is too far-fetched.”
Devon Gilfillian — “IRL”
Devon Gilfillian has an appetite for love that can only be sated in person, which he professes on “IRL,” the second single from his upcoming album, Time Will Tell.
2BYG — “Be Mine”
Rising R&B group 2BYG’s yearning ballad “Be Mine” feels like a ceremonial step toward a more mature sound, as they prepare to release a deluxe edition of their breakout, The Yearbook.
Thundercat — Distracted [album]
“Sometimes you need to be distracted to focus in a different way,” said Thundercat of his new album Distracted. On his first project in six years, the Grammy-winning artist channels overstimulation through immense introspection. He doesn’t do it alone, calling on support from A$AP Rocky, WILLOW and Tame Impala, among other collaborators.
Sekou — “Dangerous Lover”
British powerhouse Sekou free-falls in romantic bliss on “Dangerous Lover,” a disco-ready groove produced by Cirkut and M-Phazes. It’s his first offering since In A World We Don’t Belong (Pt. 1) last year.
Chxrry — “Hall of Fame”
On “Hall of Fame,” Chxrry time-travels to the 2010s, when the worlds of R&B and electropop collided. Her new single is taken from her hotly anticipated debut album, U, Me & My Ego, coming later this year via The Weeknd’s XO Records/Republic Records.
