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.
Glenn Lewis — “Past Tense”
R&B veteran Glenn Lewis celebrates his 51st birthday (March 13) with “Past Tense,” his first official single in a decade. On the Seige Monstracity production, Lewis makes his pitch to a love interest stuck in a loop with someone who lacks commitment. “I think it’s time you should give someone who can / Can show you more and that understands,” he sings.
Ebubé — A Mile In My Mind
British-Nigerian singer Ebubé, formerly of the group No Guidnce, has released his second solo EP, A Mile In My Mind. The seven-track set, which includes “Mr. Postman” and “Coming Home,” takes a journey through love’s winding path. “Sonically, it’s a welcome into my world and the different mini worlds of sound that I love to make under the umbrella R&B/Soul,” he explains.
GAWD — “Lie To Me”
Following a two-year hiatus, R&B duo GAWD reemerges with their new single “Lie to Me.” Over a Timbaland-inspired backdrop, Alana and Alayna unleash fury while confronting an unfaithful lover.
Leven Kali — LK99
Progressive R&B singer Leven Kali has returned with his third album, LK99, via Def Jam. His first full-length project in six years includes previously shared bops such as “Are U Still,” “Breathe!” and “Remedy.” Regarding his new album, Kali explains, “LK99 is a reminder for me of what is real in my life. It’s so important to find the things for yourself that ground you and make you feel human. For me, that’s love, nature, water, breathing, spirituality, and finding God through whatever way it is.”
Kuzi Cee — “Rain”
Emerging singer Kuzi Cee’s new single “Rain” is all about loving someone the right way. More specifically, he explains, “Learning them, showing up with intention, and not running when things get hard. If it’s real, you stay, even when it isn’t easy.” [Read our interview with Kuzi Cee]
Jacquees feat. Tink — “Physical”
Jacquees and Tink have linked up for a steamy new track, “Physical,” which will appear on his upcoming album, Mood 2.
MarcLo — “ONS”
As MarcLo prepares to release his debut album, 11 Days, on April 17, the singer and producer has unveiled his latest track, “ONS.” Short for One Night Stand, the groove-ready track celebrates finding love in the most unexpected places.
Momo Boyd — “Strong”
Following her appearance on Baby Keem’s “Good Flirts” alongside Kendrick Lamar, alternative singer Momo Boyd returns with her new solo track, “Strong.” The release marks the Infinity Song member’s second solo outing, following 2025’s “American Love Song.” On “Strong,” Boyd comes to terms with an emotionally imbalanced relationship. “Inspired by real life in some ways lol yikes, and fiction in other ways,” she wrote on Instagram. “I’m just happy to continue experimenting with sounds I like in whichever direction it takes me and keep doing my best to articulate emotion in honest ways.”
Lekan — “Safety”
After dropping a pair of singles in 2025, Lekan is back with his new soul-stirring track “Safety.” On the tender ballad, the Ohio native makes a devotional pitch to a hesitant love interest: “I’m safety when you have nowhere / I’ll pray for you, baby / Make a way for you, baby.”
Alex Isley — “Westside”
On “Westside,” Alex Isley celebrates her hometown, Los Angeles. The ABRHM and Freaky Rob production is lifted from her debut album, When The City Sleeps, out March 20 via Free Lunch/Warner Records.
Casper Sage — “I’m Dying To Feel Alive Again”
On “I’m Dying To Feel Alive Again,” alt-R&B singer Casper Sage embarks on a quest for a sense of belonging.
