It’s New Music Friday, which means Rated R&B is bringing you the most essential releases.
This week, the British R&B artists are coming in full force, and we are here for it all. From Ella Mai and Tiana Major9 to Elmiene and Saint Harison, there are plenty of can’t-miss tracks to dive into.
Beyond that, we have new tunes from artists hailing from Philadelphia, Baltimore, Tampa, Los Angeles and Toronto — plus a soul icon from Forrest City, Arkansas.
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.
Tiana Major9 – “energy!” feat. Keyon Harrold
As Tiana Major9 prepares to release her debut album, November Scorpio, next month, the London native unleashes “energy!” with Keyon Harrold. The vibrant track, set to a reggae-infused backdrop, captures the fervor of a mutual attraction. “I wrote ‘energy!’ in Jamaica at a really transitional time in my life and career,” shared Tiana Major9. November Scorpio releases Feb. 13 via +1 Records.
Ella Mai – “100”
Ella Mai has a new anthem for the hardcore lovers out there. The Mustard-produced “100” offers a reminder that love can feel lopsided at times — not in a bad way, either. It’s in those moments of showing up that make it all worthwhile, especially when it’s reciprocated. “100” is the latest offering from Mai’s third album, Do You Still Love Me? which releases Feb. 6 via 10 Summers/Interscope.
Elijah Blake – THE GEMINI (Album)
After reintroducing himself with 2024’s elijah., genre-bending artist Elijah Blake continues the story on his new album THE GEMINI. The nine-track offering is a melange of R&B, funk, pop, and yacht rock. It dives deeper into the Florida native’s duality as an artist and a person as he explores love, loss and self-discovery. Among the album’s standouts is the closing track, produced by Louis York (Claude Kelly and Chuck Harmony).
Elmiene – “Reclusive”
British-Sudanese singer Elmiene’s “Reclusive” finds him caught between the comfort of solitude and the urge of connection. “When writing ‘Reclusive,’ the goal was to make it painfully autobiographical, zooming in on the most mundane moment of my life and seeing if it could carry a song,” he explained. “Reclusive” will appear on Elmiene’s debut album, sounds for someone, which releases March 27 via Def Jam.
Jill Scott – “Don’t Play”
The anticipation for Jill Scott’s new album, To Whom This May Concern, continues to grow. “Don’t Play,” which she debuted during her COLORS performance, finds the “Golden” singer giving constructive feedback to a romantic partner in the bedroom. She doesn’t mince her words as she belts from the pits of her soul and soars sky high over the Seige Monstracity production. “Touch me all over,” she sings. To Whom This May Concern, Scott’s first album in a decade, releases Feb. 13 via Human Re Sources / The Orchard.
RAAHiiM feat. Karri – “SLIDE4U (Hating)”
Toronto R&B singer RAAHiiM links up with Bay Area native Karri for his new single “SLIDE4U (Hating).” The moody track balances the desire to court a potential love interest, one who isn’t being treated the way they deserve by a current partner. “SLIDE4U” follows a string of releases that include “WiiCKEDEST,” “Falling Off” and “Just Like Me.” RAAHiiM is expected to drop a new project this year, which he confirmed on social media: “Album otw.”
Ezra feat. ZaeFyeHunnit – “Come Get My Love”
R&B upstart Ezra may only be 19, but his debut track, “Come Get My Love,” sounds like it was recorded in Daddy’s House with The Hitmen at the helm like the late ‘90s. There’s a lot to look forward to from the singer formerly known as xyluhfone. He’s now signed to Kehlani’s TSNMI label, so we can expect more bops in the future.
Gabby Samone – “Complicated”
American Idol season 23 finalist Gabby Samone makes her official debut with her new single “Complicated.” “This comes straight from the heart and is the moment I really stepped into my own as an artist,” she said. “I’ve worked so hard on my music for so long, so I’m happy to finally share it with the world. It’s vulnerable, but it’s me, and I hope everyone loves the song as much as I do.”
Saint Harison – “Bad”
Southampton, England, native Saint Harison’s new song “Bad” is anything but. Produced by NovaWav (Beyoncé, Jazmine Sullivan) and Rissi, “Bad” finds Harison in deep thought as he reflects on a newly ended relationship, wishing he inflicted more damage. It’s thematically reminiscent of Keyshia Cole’s “I Should Have Cheated” with the sonic influence of Sullivan’s “Pick Up Your Feelings,” which NovaWav also produced. “Shoulda been all of the things that you said,” Harison sings.
Shae Universe feat. Ariel J. – “Journey To The Sun”
If you’re in need of encouragement, Shae Universe’s “Journey To The Sun” will soothe any uneasy feelings. The Nigerian-born British singer’s new song, featuring Mississippi native Ariel J., is yet another instance of how music can nourish the soul. “Even angels need lullabies too,” she sings.
Ego Ella May – “What You Waiting For”
British-Nigerian singer Ego Ella May embraces the present moment in “What You Waiting For.” The jazzy tune, produced by Tom Excell, is the third single from her sophomore album, Good Intentions, out March 20. Of the track, she notes, “It’s the anthem I play when I need a confidence boost!”
GENA – “Lead It Up”
GENA is gearing up to release their debut album, The Pleasure Is Yours. Before the project arrives, the duo consisting of Liv.e and Karriem Riggins has unleashed their passion-ridden song “Lead It Up.” “If you lead it up to me / I’ll make a fan out of you,” Liv.e sings. The Pleasure Is Yours arrives Feb. 27 via Lex Records.
Ebubé – “Mr. Postman”
While The Marvelettes’ 1961 hit “Please Mr. Postman” anxiously awaits news from a distant lover, Ebubé’s “Mr. Postman” is desperate to avoid the mail carrier entirely. On the aching ballad, the British singer braces for a note he knows is coming — one that will mark the end of his relationship. Rather than face the harsh truth and the pain it brings, he guards his heart by rejecting the metaphorical letter before it reaches his doorstep. “I can’t say goodbye / And I’d rather live a lie,” he croons.
Jayye Michael – The Heartbreak Files (EP)
Jayye Michael, son of Coko of SWV, has unlocked his debut EP, The Heartbreak Files. The seven-track project, which explores love’s ebb and flow, includes the singles “Never Be” and “Onto the Next One.”
GoGo Morrow – “Hard To Love”
GoGo Morrow needs some extra convincing to give love a try again on “Hard To Love.” The sultry track, produced by Harmony Samuels, dances between crushing desire and lingering heartache. “I can’t resist you, but I got my issues,” Morrow admits. “Hard To Love” is taken from Morrow’s new EP, SET, which releases Feb. 27.
Rhona Bennett – “What We Got”
After parting ways with En Vogue in 2025, Rhona Bennett is back with a yacht rock-inspired track, “What We Got.” She says it’s “a reminder to appreciate your people, what’s already working, and the simple things we might overlook.”
Karyn White – “You’re Gonna Want Me Back”
R&B veteran Karyn White has some words for a former lover. “You’re Gonna Want Me Back,” produced by Derek “DOA” Allen, lays out everything an ex will miss about her that will have him pleading for another chance.
James Bambu, Durand Bernarr – “Antidote”
James Bambu isn’t here for toxic love and won’t enable anyone who brings it his way. “Antidote,” featuring Durand Bernarr, is a declaration that sometimes it’s essential to remove yourself from situations before they poison your heart.
Nija, Jordan Adetunji – “In Between”
Before Nija drops her What I Didn’t Say EP on Jan. 23, the singer and in-demand songwriter (Beyoncé, Ariana Grande) has released “In Between” featuring Jordan Adetunji.
S. Fidelity, Dawn Richard – “Play”
After returning with “A Flex” in late 2025, Dawn Richard joins producer S. Fidelity on the smooth bop “Play.” It will appear on S. Fidelity’s new album, I Guess I’ll Never Learn, out this spring.
Vedo, Jacob Latimore – “Fine Shyt (Remix)”
Vedo has tapped actor and singer Jacob Latimore for a remix of his romantic ballad “Fine Shyt.” The original track, which has over 23 million Spotify streams, appears on Vedo’s 2025 album, e-pit-o-me.
Zae France – “Genesis”
Zae France praises his woman on his new single “Genesis.” The seductive jam marks the launch of a new chapter for the former Def Jam signee. “This era represents maturity and intention,” he said. “I’ve experienced love for real now, what it feels like to choose someone, to grow, to be vulnerable and I’m finally expressing that in my own words.” If “Genesis” is any indication of what’s ahead, we’re in for a treat.
Destin Conrad, Terrace Martin – “Nothing Is Real”
Destin Conrad is back in his jazz bag. The Grammy-nominated singer’s “Nothing Is Real,” with Terrace Martin, will appear on his upcoming wHIMSY(Deluxe) album. While a release date has not been announced, it would likely arrive ahead of his limited-run jazz tour this spring.
Al Green – To Love Somebody (EP)
Soul music icon Al Green is back with a new EP, To Love Somebody, via Fat Possum Records. The four-track set includes Green’s rendition of classics like the Bee Gees’ “To Love Somebody” and a collaboration with rising star RAYE.
Stream all of this week’s picks and more on the RATED R&B Playlist.
