Grammy Award-winning R&B icon Mýa has officially released her highly anticipated tenth studio album, Retrospect, available today, May 15, across all major digital platforms. Released independently via her own Planet 9 imprint with distribution through Virgin Music Group, the project marks a significant milestone in the veteran artist’s career, blending decades of influence into a cohesive, forward-thinking body of work.

The album arrives on the heels of the newly released music video for “Just A Little Bit,” a funk-drenched single featuring Bay Area legend Too $hort. The visual, characterized by shimmering synths and bold color palettes, perfectly encapsulates the “retro-futurist” aesthetic that defines the Retrospect era.

Sonically, Retrospect is rooted in the raw, synth-driven pulse of late ’70s and ’80s Minneapolis funk, while simultaneously honoring the joyful R&B, soul, and pop soundtracks of Mýa’s youth.

“We created this project with the intention to transport us back to a special time in music and culture that brought so much love, laughter, joy, and reflection to our lives,” Mýa stated regarding the album’s creative direction. “The days of cassette tapes, vinyl, the most amazing gatherings, concerts, house parties, skate nights, and date nights.”

The album is anchored by the lead single “ASAP,” which recently secured a Top 20 position on the Adult R&B Airplay chart. To broaden the track’s impact, a high-profile remix featuring 21 Savage is also included on the tracklist.

Retrospect boasts an impressive, cross-generational roster of guest appearances, underscoring Mýa’s enduring influence across both R&B and hip-hop. Featured artists include: Snoop Dogg, Too $hort, D-Nice, Joyner Lucas, Dizzy Wright & Phil Adé

The release caps off a banner year for the singer, who recently celebrated the 25th anniversaries of her Grammy-winning collaboration “Lady Marmalade” and her platinum-certified sophomore album, Fear of Flying. Over the past year, she also delivered a viral performance at the BET Awards, joined Brandy and Monica on the massive “The Boy Is Mine Tour,” and was recognized by Billboard as one of its “Top Female Artists of the 21st Century.”

Retrospect is available now for streaming and download on all digital service providers.

The post Mýa Releases New Album “Retrospect” (Stream) appeared first on New R&B Music, Songs & Interviews | YouKnowIGotSoul.com.

To understand the sheer magnitude of Kehlani’s highly anticipated, self-titled fifth studio album, KEHLANI, one must first look backward. Releasing an eponymous album is a time-honored industry tradition, but it is a card an artist can only truly play once. It signals a definitive arrival—a bold declaration that the music contained within is the purest, most unadulterated distillation of the artist’s identity. Released on her birthday, April 24, 2026, the project captures a woman in full command of her pen, her voice, and her legacy. But for those of us who have been documenting the pulse of R&B for the last two decades, this triumph feels incredibly personal. We remember the foundation. We remember Oakland. We remember Cloud 19.

Over a decade ago, before the multi-platinum plaques, the sold-out global stadium tours, and the shelf full of GRAMMYs, Kehlani was a fiercely ambitious teenager navigating the unpredictable waters of the music industry. The R&B landscape in 2014 was undergoing a massive shift. The dominant sounds of the 2000s were fading, and a new, atmospheric, internet-driven wave was taking hold. Enter Kehlani: a heavily tattooed, deeply expressive, and radically honest vocalist who seamlessly bridged the gap between nostalgic 90s soul and the gritty, unfiltered reality of the SoundCloud generation.

It was during this exact transitional period that she sat down with us for an exclusive interview, unpacking the origins of her breakout mixtape, Cloud 19. At the time, her story of resilience was just beginning to circulate. Following her stint on reality television with the teen pop group PopLyfe, Kehlani faced severe personal and financial hurdles. It was the intervention of media mogul Nick Cannon that provided the crucial spark, offering her housing and studio time to simply figure out who she wanted to be as a solo artist.
Reflecting on that pivotal mentorship during our early conversation, Kehlani provided a transparent look at how that support system allowed her to thrive:

He was the first person to really believe in me after the band split up. It’s not as though he sat and helped me specifically create it, but he helped me get to the place I needed to be like meeting my producer, and if I needed to come New York to work with a producer then that’s what it was. If I needed a safe place to record or rest my head, he took care of that.

That foundational period allowed Kehlani to cultivate something that no amount of major-label marketing money can buy: genuine authenticity. From the moment she dropped tracks like “FWU” and “Tell Your Mama,” it was abundantly clear that she wasn’t playing a character. She was writing from the chest, exploring love, loyalty, and heartbreak with a street-smart vulnerability that resonated instantly with a generation craving realness.
When asked during our interview what authenticity meant to her as a young artist trying to break through the noise, her answer was a remarkably mature blueprint for the career that would follow:

My philosophy in life is authenticity and genuinely good shit will always rock. If you’re making good shit and you love what you’re doing and everyone around you loves what you’re doing and you’re proud of what you’re doing, keep doing it. Fuck what anyone thinks and what they say about what you look like. I went through many phases of what I look like and I’m always the same on the inside.

Fast forward to 2026, and that uncompromising dedication to her truth has paid dividends beyond measure. The KEHLANI album is not a reinvention; it is a stunning maturation. The project is anchored by the cultural juggernaut that is “Folded,” a record that has completely redefined the parameters of contemporary R&B. Earning two GRAMMY® Awards for Best R&B Song and Best R&B Performance, “Folded” has become a generational anthem. Spending 43 weeks on the Billboard Hot 100, peaking at #6, and dominating Urban radio for 10 consecutive weeks, the track is a masterclass in modern soul production and emotional resonance.

Yet, perhaps the most telling indicator of Kehlani’s current status is the “Folded Homage Pack.” When icons like Toni Braxton, Brandy, Mario, and Ne-Yo step into the booth to reinterpret your record, it transcends typical chart success. It signifies a profound, cross-generational anointing. The legends of the genre are not just acknowledging her presence; they are actively participating in the world she has built. This level of peer respect is the direct result of the groundwork she laid a decade ago, honoring the architects of R&B while simultaneously pushing the sonic envelope forward.
The rollout for KEHLANI further demonstrates her dynamic range. The emotionally transparent track “Out The Window” showcases her enduring ability to articulate the messy, complex realities of romance, while the album’s final pre-release single, “Back and Forth,” pairs her with hip-hop royalty Missy Elliott. The collaboration is electric, matching Kehlani’s signature vulnerability with Elliott’s unmistakable, kinetic innovation.

This current era also cements Kehlani’s evolution into a premier live entertainer and cultural ambassador. From surprise appearances at Coachella alongside Giveon to her commanding solo sets at Revolve Festival, her stage presence has grown exponentially. As she prepares to take KEHLANI to global stages—with highly anticipated sets at the Essence Festival, Afronation Portugal, and the Roots Picnic—she is no longer just performing songs; she is leading a movement.

The industry accolades she has collected in 2025 and 2026 reflect an artist who is being rightfully given her flowers while she can still smell them. Being honored with the Alchemist Award at the Femme It Forward “Give Her FlowHERS” Gala, recognized as an ASCAP Women Behind the Music Honoree, and receiving the Impact Award at Billboard Women in Music are testaments to her influence outside of the recording booth. She has been a vocal, unapologetic advocate for the LGBTQ+ community, a champion for mental health transparency, and a guiding light for independent-minded creators navigating corporate spaces.

Looking back at our conversation during the Cloud 19 days, the trajectory seems almost cinematic. The young woman who was just grateful for a studio to record her truth has blossomed into a 7-time GRAMMY® nominated songwriter with over 20 RIAA certifications and 5 billion global streams.
KEHLANI is the sound of a promise fulfilled. It is a sonically lush, genre-bending triumph that proves the “authenticity” she spoke about years ago was never a buzzword or a marketing gimmick—it was her core operating system. As the R&B landscape continues to shift, Kehlani remains a vital, immovable force, proving that when you bet on yourself and refuse to dilute your essence, the world will eventually tune into your frequency.

The post The Evolution of a Vibe: Kehlani’s Unapologetic Authenticity Leading Up To Her Self Titled Album appeared first on New R&B Music, Songs & Interviews | YouKnowIGotSoul.com.

When you dedicate over 16 years to curating, analyzing, and documenting the evolving landscape of R&B, you quickly learn to separate the fleeting trends from the foundational pillars. Eric Roberson undeniably stands as a towering pillar of the genre. Often respectfully dubbed the “King of Independent Soul,” Roberson has never just been a passive participant in the modern R&B ecosystem; he has been one of its chief architects. His latest album, Beautifully All Over The Place, alongside his recent ventures into authorship, represents not just another chapter in a storied career, but an absolute masterclass in creative longevity. This project arrives as a testament to an artist who refuses to be confined by industry standards, choosing instead to paint with every color available on his expansive sonic palette. In an industry that often prioritizes immediate virality over lasting substance, Roberson’s steadfast commitment to authentic soul music is a refreshing, necessary anomaly.

To truly understand the weight and significance of Beautifully All Over The Place, one must first appreciate the winding journey that brought Roberson to this exact creative zenith. Emerging in the late 1990s and early 2000s—a time when major labels held an absolute vice grip on distribution and visibility—Roberson courageously took a path less traveled. After a brief, unfulfilling stint within the major label system, he pivoted, establishing his own imprint, Blue Erro Soul. He bet everything on himself, relying on raw talent, relentless grassroots marketing, and an undeniable, magnetic connection with his live audience. In doing so, he laid down the definitive blueprint for independent success in R&B. For anyone managing an independent label today—understanding the sheer grit required to build a roster and a brand from the ground up, much like the foundational ethos of Gateway Records—Roberson’s trajectory is the gold standard. He proved unequivocally that you do not need the corporate machine backing you to secure Grammy nominations, sell out tours worldwide, or build a fiercely loyal, dedicated fanbase.

Over the years, Roberson’s pen has been a secret weapon for a myriad of artists, crafting hits for icons like Jill Scott, Musiq Soulchild, Dwele, and Vivian Green. Yet, it is his solo work where his distinct voice, both literally and figuratively, shines the brightest. From the classic grooves of Music Fan First to the introspective, hard-won vulnerability of Lessons, his discography is a rich, textured tapestry of love, life, struggle, and ultimate triumph. Beautifully All Over The Place feels like the natural culmination of this decades-long journey. The title itself is a bold, unapologetic declaration of artistic freedom. In an era where streaming algorithms often demand strict uniformity and easily categorizable moods, Roberson leans entirely into the beautiful chaos of human emotion and boundless musical exploration. It suggests an album that seamlessly transitions from head-nodding hip-hop soul to sweeping, acoustic ballads, to funk-drenched weekend anthems, all held together by his unmistakable, velvety tenor.

Our recent exclusive conversation with Roberson delved deep into the mechanics of this exciting new era. Sitting down with the veteran artist, the passion he holds for his craft remains as palpable and infectious today as it was over two decades ago. When discussing the creative process behind Beautifully All Over The Place, Roberson shed light on exactly how he navigated the diverse sonic landscapes of the project.

I kind of work on music and then, you know, there’s a synergy that starts to happen. And it kind of tells you that, Hey, this is an album. Like you’re, you’re, you’re connecting the dots here. And the writing from a book standpoint goes hand in hand. So “Beautifully All Over the Place” is the name of the album and the book and the album is in the book and the book is in the album. What I would tell you that that book is a tuning device. That’s probably the best way to tell you. For me, multiple angles of how I could take songwriting lessons and apply it to real life.

This sentiment perfectly encapsulates why the album resonates so deeply upon first listen. It doesn’t sound like an artist desperately chasing the radio or attempting to replicate the latest fleeting trend; it sounds like a man completely comfortable in his own skin, offering a pure, unadulterated distillation of his current musical headspace. The production throughout the project mirrors this immense confidence. By seamlessly blending lush live instrumentation with modern, crisp programming, the sonic backdrop provides the perfect canvas for Roberson’s intricate storytelling. He has always possessed a unique, almost uncanny ability to find the profound in the mundane, turning everyday relationship dynamics into epic, highly relatable anthems. Whether he is dissecting the quiet nuances of a long-term marriage or exploring the tentative first steps of a new romance, his pen remains as sharp and observant as ever.

But the current Eric Roberson renaissance extends far beyond the recording booth. Our exclusive chat highlighted not just the new album, but his ambitious foray into the literary world. Releasing a book is a significant, transformative milestone that brilliantly complements his musical output. Much like his revered songwriting, his written work aims to impart hard-earned wisdom, share deeply personal anecdotes, and offer a transparent, unfiltered look at the man behind the music. Transitioning from the rhythm and rhyme of a song to the structured prose of a book requires an entirely different type of discipline, yet Roberson approaches it with the exact same soulful intentionality.

So like the book is really pulling from different angles that I think could be helpful. And it’s a book where I think it’s a book for non-readers and readers, right? Like you can open a book in the middle and start right there. You can use a page a day, or you can knock it out in just a sitting. So I wrote the book that, you know, my imagination pretty runs pretty crazy, right. So I wrote the book that I could get through as well.

This dual release of a full-length album and a book signifies a much broader trend in elite independent artistry: the deliberate move toward comprehensive, multi-medium storytelling. Roberson is not just selling albums anymore; he is curating an entire lifestyle and philosophical brand. His live shows have always felt halfway between a top-tier concert and a warm family reunion, complete with spontaneous comedic riffs and deeply personal storytelling from the stage. The book essentially acts as a tangible extension of that legendary stage presence, allowing fans to take his insights home and digest them at their own pace.

It is also absolutely essential to recognize the collaborative spirit that permeates every track on Beautifully All Over The Place. Roberson has never existed in a vacuum, nor has he hoarded his spotlight. Throughout his extensive career, he has been a vocal champion of his peers, frequently utilizing his platform to elevate rising voices and unsung heroes within the independent soul scene. This project proudly continues that tradition, weaving together contributions from a diverse array of producers, musicians, and featured vocalists who deeply understand and respect his artistic vision. It is a resounding testament to the genuine community he has built around himself over the last two decades.

Over the years, I’ve dibble dabbled in production and I’ll play instruments and then I’ll put the instruments down. You know, when I had kids, if you look at my first albums, first several albums up to like Left, I probably produced half the music on those records. And then I started having kids and I was like, I gave it off to other producers. The pen was much faster than sitting at a keyboard. What am I trying to play? And during the pandemic, I kind of got back into production and this album was really the full commitment of like, I knocked my vocal booth’s wall down to make more room for equipment. Like really diving into chasing, not just the lyrical ideas in my head, but the musical ideas in my head. And I brought in just incredible musicians to kind of help, you know, work out these fogs in my brain.

As we continue to navigate a rapidly shifting music industry—one where the rules of engagement seem to change daily—the success and sustained relevance of Eric Roberson provide a crucial, steadying anchor. He is living proof that absolute authenticity, coupled with an unwavering, blue-collar work ethic, yields true longevity. Beautifully All Over The Place is infinitely more than just a collection of songs; it is an auditory celebration of an artist who has mastered his craft and found genuine peace in his journey. It challenges listeners to embrace their own internal complexities, to find the beauty in being multidimensional, and to wholly reject the limitations placed upon them by outside forces.

Documenting this release is a powerful reminder of why platforms dedicated to R&B exist in the first place. The immense responsibility of highlighting the genre’s pioneers, its current shining stars, and its future legends is a privilege that requires an unyielding dedication to the culture. Roberson’s latest chapter is a thrilling, essential addition to the annals of soul music—a vibrant, eclectic, and deeply satisfying ride that firmly cements his legacy while simultaneously pushing his boundaries forward into the unknown.

The post The Unstoppable Evolution of Eric Roberson: Unpacking ‘Beautifully All Over The Place’ appeared first on New R&B Music, Songs & Interviews | YouKnowIGotSoul.com.

16-time GRAMMY® Award-winning superstar Bruno Mars has expanded his global reach with the release of “Lo Arriesgo Todo,” the official Spanish-language version of his hit single “Risk It All.” The track is now available across all major streaming platforms via Atlantic Records, with a commemorative 7-inch vinyl featuring both versions currently open for pre-order.

The release arrives amid a historic commercial run for Mars. His fourth solo effort, The Romantic, recently secured the biggest debut of his career, marking his first album to premiere at No. 1 on the Billboard 200. The project has maintained a dominant global presence, hitting the top spot on both Apple and Spotify’s global album charts.

Record-Breaking Chart Performance

The Spanish-language debut follows a series of unprecedented milestones for Mars in the 2024–2026 cycle:

“I Just Might”: Secured Mars’ 10th Billboard Hot 100 No. 1 and his inaugural No. 1 debut.

“Risk It All”: Peaked at No. 1 on the Billboard Global 200 and Billboard Streaming Songs lists, marking his 22nd career Top 10 hit.

“Die With A Smile” (with Lady Gaga): Named the fastest song in Spotify history to reach 1 billion streams.

“APT.” (with ROSÉ): Recognized as the IFPI’s biggest-selling global single of 2025 and Apple Music’s most-streamed song of the same year.

“The Romantic” Global Tour and Civic Honors

Mars recently launched The Romantic Tour—his first full headlining trek in nearly a decade—with two sold-out performances at Allegiant Stadium. In recognition of his cultural impact, Clark County officials officially declared April 10 as “Bruno Mars Day” and presented the artist with a key to the Las Vegas Strip.

In a rare tribute to his lasting legacy, Park Avenue was officially renamed Bruno Mars Drive, placing him alongside iconic figures such as Elvis Presley and Frank Sinatra who have received similar honors in the city.

A Legacy of Global Dominance

As of 2026, Mars has further solidified his status as an industry vanguard. In January 2025, he became the first artist in Spotify history to surpass 150 million monthly listeners. He also holds the record for the most RIAA Diamond-certified singles by any artist, with seven certifications to date.

Notably, his hallmark hit “Just the Way You Are” has become the highest-certified song in RIAA history at 21x Platinum, while his debut album, Doo-Wops & Hooligans, continues to hold the record for the longest-running studio album by a solo male artist on the Billboard 200.

The Romantic and the new single “Lo Arriesgo Todo” are available now on all major digital service providers.

The post Bruno Mars Releases “Lo Arriesgo Todo”, A Spanish Version of Hit Single “Risk It All” appeared first on New R&B Music, Songs & Interviews | YouKnowIGotSoul.com.

GRAMMY-nominated vocalist and songwriter Durand Bernarr has debuted the official music video for his latest single, “Am I Okay?!” The track serves as a centerpiece for his newly released fourth studio album, BERNARR., now available worldwide via DSING Records and Create Music Group Inc.

Co-written by Bernarr alongside Miguel and Sevyn Streeter, and produced by Donnie Scantz and Jahi Sundance, “Am I Okay?!” explores the internal tension of an impending emotional breakdown. The record focuses on the critical moment of clarity required to seek assistance before reaching a breaking point.

The accompanying visual, directed by James Bahman, coincides with the launch of an album framed as Bernarr’s most personal work to date. BERNARR. is designed to honor the artist’s family legacy while asserting his current creative identity.

The project is named in tribute to his father, Bernarr Ferebee Sr., a respected sound engineer. This familial connection serves as the album’s foundational theme, bridging Bernarr’s upbringing in a musical household—where his mother served as his first vocal coach—with his contemporary evolution as a producer and performer.

“Am I Okay?!” and the full BERNARR. project are now streaming on all major digital service platforms.

The post Durand Bernarr Releases Video For Latest Single “Am I Okay?!” appeared first on New R&B Music, Songs & Interviews | YouKnowIGotSoul.com.

GRAMMY-nominated trio FLO has officially announced their highly anticipated sophomore album, Therapy At The Club, scheduled for release on July 24 via Republic Records. The announcement was accompanied by the debut of the album’s title track and a cinematic trailer.

The project is framed as a conceptual exploration of the nightlife experience, positioned as a site for confession and emotional release. According to the group, the record covers the arc of a night out—from preparation to the “morning after”—blending dark R&B with pop and diaristic storytelling.

Therapy At The Club features a robust lineup of elite songwriters and producers, including: Amy Allen (Olivia Dean), Steph Jones (Sabrina Carpenter, JADE), Julian Bunetta (Teddy Swims), Oak Felder and Sevyn Streeter

In a joint statement, the trio emphasized their increased creative agency on the project:

“We’ve been very hands-on with the writing and creation of this project… This album represents where we are right now—honest, evolving, and unafraid to feel everything.”

The title track, “Therapy At The Club,” was first previewed during the group’s recent NPR Tiny Desk performance. It follows the lead single “Leak It,” which became the group’s highest-charting solo single in the UK and amassed over 9 million video views in less than a month.

The album announcement follows a series of record-breaking milestones for the British R&B outfit. Their debut project, Access All Areas, earned a nomination for Best Progressive R&B Album at the 2026 GRAMMY Awards, making them the first British girl group to receive a GRAMMY nod in two decades.

Therapy At The Club is available for pre-order now, with the title track streaming across all major platforms.

The post FLO Announces Upcoming Sophomore Album “Therapy At The Club” appeared first on New R&B Music, Songs & Interviews | YouKnowIGotSoul.com.

Usher’s New Look (UNL) and the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Detroit (BGCGD) have officially launched the Entertainment Industry Club: Live Touring Edition, a pioneering workforce development initiative aimed at creating career pipelines within the entertainment trades.

The program is integrated into the 2026 North American R&B Tour and will select a cohort of ten interns, aged 18 and older, from the Detroit and Atlanta metropolitan areas. These participants will receive hands-on training in critical touring sectors, including tour production, multimedia, wardrobe, operations, and community impact.

Program Structure and National Engagement

Selected interns will undergo rigorous pre-tour training focused on professional standards and safety protocols before joining the tour to assist in live show execution.

Beyond the core internship, the initiative includes a national component titled Spark Sessions: “Making of the Tour.” This program will provide youth at Boys & Girls Clubs across the United States with behind-the-scenes access to the business and production logistics of a large-scale live touring experience.

Leadership Perspectives

Industry leaders emphasize that the program addresses a significant gap in professional accessibility within the music business.

“The live touring industry is a multi-billion dollar global business—yet access to the entertainment trades remains limited,” stated Shawn H. Wilson, President & CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Detroit and Co-Founder of Usher’s New Look. “Together, we’re changing that by placing young professionals on one of the most historic tours and turning access into real pathways to lasting careers.”

Global icon Usher echoed the sentiment, highlighting the program’s focus on professional placement. “At Usher’s New Look, we’ve always believed talent is everywhere, but access is not,” Usher said. “This program is opening doors and putting young professionals in a position to learn, grow, and work inside the entertainment trades.”

Community Impact

As the R&B Tour travels to various markets, the interns will facilitate community activations in partnership with local Boys & Girls Clubs. These sessions are designed to deliver career workshops and peer-to-peer learning experiences to extend the program’s reach to local youth in each tour city.

Application Details

Applications for the Entertainment Industry Club: Live Touring Edition are currently being accepted. Interested candidates are encouraged to visit UshersNewLook.org and navigate to the Entertainment Industry Club section for more information. Space is limited, and early submission is recommended.

The post Usher’s New Look Launches Internship Program In Connection To Upcoming The R&B Tour appeared first on New R&B Music, Songs & Interviews | YouKnowIGotSoul.com.

Grammy-winning R&B artist Mýa has moved into the final phase of her album rollout, officially opening pre-orders for her tenth studio project, Retrospect. In tandem with the announcement, the singer debuted the music video for her latest single, “Just A Little Bit,” featuring Bay Area rap icon Too $hort.

The project is scheduled for a May 15 release via Mýa’s independent label, Planet 9, with distribution through Virgin Music Group.

The “Just A Little Bit” visual utilizes a “retro-futurist” aesthetic, featuring shimmering synths and bold color palettes that mirror the track’s late-’80s funk influence. The album is heavily rooted in the synth-driven Minneapolis funk sound of the late ’70s and ’80s, which Mýa cites as the primary inspiration for this era of her career.

“We created this project with the intention to transport us back to a special time in music and culture,” Mýa stated. “The days of cassette tapes, vinyl, the most amazing gatherings, concerts, and skate nights. Who’s ready to go back?!”

Retrospect is anchored by the lead single “ASAP,” which recently reached the Top 20 on the Adult R&B Airplay chart. The album features an expansive list of cross-generational guest appearances, including: Snoop Dogg, 21 Savage (featured on the “ASAP” remix), D-Nice, Joyner Lucas, Dizzy Wright & Phil Adé.

The impending release follows a highly active year of legacy milestones for the artist. Mýa recently celebrated the 25th anniversary of her Grammy-winning collaboration “Lady Marmalade” and the silver anniversary of her platinum album Fear of Flying.

As she prepares for the May 15 launch, Mýa continues to emphasize her commitment to artistic ownership—a foundation she established with the founding of Planet 9.

Retrospect is available for pre-order now on all major digital platforms.

The post Mýa Releases Video For Latest Single “Just A Little Bit”, Shares Cover Art For Upcoming Album “Retrospect’ appeared first on New R&B Music, Songs & Interviews | YouKnowIGotSoul.com.

R&B legend and After 7 frontman Kevon Edmonds has returned to the solo spotlight with his latest single, “No Ordinary Love,” out now on all major streaming platforms. The track marks a sophisticated return for the soulful tenor, who has long been regarded as one of the genre’s most consistent vocalists.

“No Ordinary Love” finds Edmonds leaning into the timeless, melodic R&B that defined his multi-platinum success in the late ’90s. The record is a soaring mid-tempo ballad that showcases his signature range and emotional depth, delivering a narrative of enduring commitment and rare romantic connection.

Following his massive solo success with the 1999 hit “24/7,” Edmonds has balanced a thriving career between his solo endeavors and his leadership within the iconic group After 7. With “No Ordinary Love,” he reaffirms his status as a premiere balladeer, prioritizing live-feeling instrumentation and a clean, polished production that avoids modern R&B tropes in favor of a “grown and sexy” aesthetic.

Produced by Damon Thomas, the single features the lush arrangements and buttery harmonies that have become Edmonds’ trademark.

Although he’s consistently released music as part of After 7 over the past decade, this is his first solo single since he put out his sophomore album “Who Knew” in 2009.

As a member of one of R&B’s most respected dynasties—alongside his brothers, including the legendary Babyface—Kevon Edmonds continues to uphold a standard of vocal excellence. His return with “No Ordinary Love” arrives as a refreshing entry in a landscape increasingly leaning toward nostalgic, authentic soul.

“No Ordinary Love” is now available for streaming and download worldwide.

The post Kevon Edmonds Returns With New Solo Single “No Ordinary Love” appeared first on New R&B Music, Songs & Interviews | YouKnowIGotSoul.com.

Two-time Grammy Award winner Chris Brown has officially released his 12th solo studio album, titled BROWN, via Chris Brown Entertainment and RCA Records. The title, which refers to the artist’s surname, also serves as an acronym for “break rules only when necessary”.

The album features several previously released singles, including the Grammy-nominated track “It Depends” featuring Bryson Tiller, and “Fallin’” featuring Leon Thomas. Other notable tracks included on the project are “Obvious” and “Holy Blindfold”.

To support the new release, Brown and Usher recently announced a collaborative North American stadium trek, The R&B Tour (Raymond & Brown), via social media. The tour has expanded to over 40 dates and is scheduled to begin on Friday, June 26, at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver. The outing will make stops in major markets including New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, Houston, and Miami.

The debut of BROWN follows a period of significant critical and commercial momentum for the singer:

Awards: Brown’s previous project, 11:11 (Deluxe), won the Grammy for Best R&B Album and produced the RIAA Platinum single “Residuals”.

NAACP & BET Awards: Last year, he led all musicians at the NAACP Image Awards with three wins, including his fourth for Outstanding Male Artist—tying him with Usher for the most wins in that category. He also secured Best Male R&B/Pop Artist and the Viewer’s Choice Award at the 2025 BET Awards.

Historic Touring: His recent Breezy Bowl XX tour, celebrating his 20-year career, became the highest-grossing tour ever by a solo Black American male artist, earning nearly $300 million.

To date, Brown holds the record for the most Billboard Hot 100 entries of any R&B singer in history. He also remains among the top 10 artists across all genres for the most RIAA multi-Platinum certifications.

BROWN is available now on all major digital service providers.

The post Chris Brown Releases New Album “BROWN” (Stream) appeared first on New R&B Music, Songs & Interviews | YouKnowIGotSoul.com.