Welcome again to the heart beat of R&B! Summer season’s in full swing, and the style is shining with contemporary drops and high-profile information this previous week. Let’s get proper to it.
Coco Jones & Donovan Mitchell engaged! The Grammy-winning R&B star and Cavaliers guard introduced their engagement on July 11 in a dreamy tropical proposal. Pop star Ciara and Russell Wilson helped make it occur—and the web is buzzing.
Kevin Ross hits #1. The mult-talented singer/songwriter simply topped the R&B Mediabase radio charts together with his single “Love Within the Center” displaying the ability of impartial R&B. And that’s not all—Ross is sharpening his performing abilities and is about to take the stage in Washington, D.C. on the Warren Theatre in a starring function within the play ‘I’ve Cried the Blues’ on October 11.
R&B easy crooner Vedo is dropping album #9. The indie R&B power is again with a 17‑observe LP out July 25—proving impartial artists can nonetheless dominate.
Honey Bxby’s “Uncooked Honey” EP buzzed this month, incomes her the BET Amplified Reside honor—keep tuned, she’s the artist of July 2025.
Competition vibes & headline moments: Essence Competition of Tradition introduced soulful reside performances, deep discussions, and full dance flooring celebrating Black music, tradition, and legacy.
Philadelphia’s Fourth of July Wawa Welcome America celebration hit a snag this 12 months when 10, 000 municipal staff walked out in a strike. Headliners LL Cool J and Jazmine Sullivan stepped apart in solidarity, refusing to cross the picket strains. Their absence led to a considerably scaled-back live performance—however JoJo stepped in and delivered a heartfelt efficiency for these within the viewers. Even with a thinner turnout, the present, together with the fireworks, nonetheless delivered some pleasure to these in attendance.
Days later, after a tentative deal was struck to finish the strike to safe higher pay for metropolis staff, the Dell Music Heart erupted with power. The 2025 summer time season kicked off in fashion as Fantasia, Sunshine Anderson, and breakout artist 803Fresh setting the stage on fireplace, lighting up Philly with full crowds and excessive spirits.
Kendrick Lamar’s “Grand Nationwide Tour” that includes SZA continues to be going sturdy has been very profitable with excessive attendance, sturdy critiques and with one present breaking information grossing over $9million.
Over within the UK, Drake led Wi-fi Competition, showcasing love for R&B with visitor turns from Mario, Bobby Valentino, Bryson Tiller, Givēon, PARTYNEXTDOOR—and a shock Lauryn Hill second.
New R&B tracks are pouring in—from introspective gradual jams to feel-good summer time anthems. This week’s drops are precisely what the style’s about: emotion, groove, connection.
This Contemporary Finds Fridays column options releases the previous week or extra from Giveon, Mariah Carey, Justin Bieber, Pastor Mike Jr., Jane Handcock, Syd, Charlie Wilson, Tyla, Mahalia, Craig David ft. JoJo, Flo ft. Kaytranada, Jhene Aiko, and Justine Skye. Whew! These drops are doing precisely what R&B is meant to—make us really feel one thing.
Giveon: ” Beloved” (Album)
Giveon’s newest album, Beloved, is a deeply emotional, introspective take a look at love and all its complexities.
Constructed from reside studio periods, this 14-track assortment spotlights his wealthy deep baritone and heartfelt storytelling.
Every track looks like a chapter in a nuanced romance—uncooked, sincere, and timeless. From moments of longing to quiet revelation, he leads listeners by an intimate journey of the guts.
ix of musical genres and spoken phrase, PMJ opens up concerning the worth of goal and the burden that comes with being chosen.
Mariah Carey: “Kind Harmful” (remix EP).
Carey’s ‘Kind Harmful’ is club-ready reworks that give her newest soulful cuts a contemporary late-night twist.
Justin Bieber: “Swag” (Album)
Bieber stunned everybody with the discharge of “Swag,” an introspective venture that seems to discover his private life, public scrutiny, and social media presence—whereas seemingly marking a return to his love for music artistry.
Pastor Mike Jr.: “Confetti & Conspiracies” (Album)
Recognized to many as PMJ and a 19-time Stellar Award winner—returns together with his daring new album, Confetti & Conspiracies. This isn’t simply music; it’s a uncooked, sincere soundtrack of what it means to outlive and keep devoted beneath stress.
Jane Handcock: “It’s Me, Not You” (Album)
“It’s Me, Not You” is a contemporary tackle daring empowering soulful -R&B with a assured, stunning indie voice.
Syd: “Die For This”
“Die For This” is a dreamy, introspective minimize about love’s dangers and rewards, framed in lush R&B textures.
Charlie Wilson – “Hold Me In Love”
Charlie’s newest continues his legacy of affection songs-Easy, heartfelt and filled with timeless soul.
Tyla: “Is It”
This launch is bursting with amapiano warmth and playful summer time power. It’s an absolute membership banger.
Mahalia – “Directions”
“Directions” is a rising artist’s lush invitation to emotional readability and self-reflection. With four-on-the-floor pulse is poised to be this seasons infectious dance-floor social gathering setter.
Craig David ft. JoJo – “In It With You”
“In It With You” is an exquisite pairing and soulful late-night groove with heartfelt lyrics, showcasing Craig’s easy vocals and JoJo’s emotional depth.
Flo ft. Kaytranada: “The Temper”
The British R&B trio FLO and Canadian producer Kaytranada ship a Ssick manufacturing and groovy rhythms from this dream pairing, good for bouncing and groovy evenings.
Jhene Aiko: “I Am Not Afraid (Creation Mantra)”
Jhene’s “I Am Not Afraid” is an intimate, meditative launch that looks like a guided grounding session set to soothing melodies. When it’s essential gradual the ideas down and breath, that is the track to play.
Justine Skye – “Bitch In Ibiza”
A sultry, sun-soaked observe with club-ready percussion and Justine’s signature daring perspective.
From daring collaborations to soulful introspection, this combine spans each temper R&B can supply. Which observe will lead your playlist? Drop your choose under and let’s vibe collectively!