GRAMMY Award-winning vocalist, songwriter, and producer Durand Bernarr has released his fourth studio album, titled BERNARR., now available worldwide via DSING Records and Create Music Group Inc.

The self-titled project serves as a tribute to the artist’s lineage and a personal declaration of identity. Named after his father, Bernarr Ferebee Sr.—a prominent sound engineer—the album explores the generational intersection of music and life, blending the vocal refinement nurtured by his mother with the technical sonic foundation established by his father.

BERNARR. features an expansive list of high-profile collaborators and industry veterans, signaling a significant scale-up in Bernarr’s creative output. Guest appearances on the album include: Big Sean, Khalid, Sevyn Streeter, BJ The Chicago Kid, James Fauntleroy & Vic Mensa.

The technical depth of the project is supported by a robust production team, featuring legendary figures such as Raphael Saadiq, Bryan-Michael Cox, and Troy Taylor, alongside contemporary hitmakers like BongoByTheWay and Akeel Henry.

In a statement accompanying the release, Bernarr emphasized that the album represents a balance between honoring his roots and embracing his current artistic evolution.

“BERNARR. is me honoring where I come from while fully stepping into who I am today,” Bernarr stated. “I’ve learned over time that the more honest you are about who you are, the more space you create for yourself and for others. Being yourself is not a limitation.”

The album’s songwriting credits also reflect a deep bench of talent, with contributions from Kandi Burruss, Miguel, and Johntá Austin, among others.

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Grammy-winning R&B titan Chris Brown has teamed up with singer-songwriter Leon Thomas for his latest single, “Fallin’,” released today via Chris Brown Entertainment/RCA Records. The track serves as the final lead-in to Brown’s 12th solo studio album, titled BROWN, which is scheduled to arrive on May 8.

The upcoming project includes the Bryson Tiller-assisted, Grammy-nominated hit “It Depends” and the previously released single “Obvious.”

The album announcement coincides with the unveiling of The R&B Tour (Raymond & Brown), a joint North American stadium trek featuring Chris Brown and Usher. The duo recently confirmed the tour via a collaborative commercial on social media.

Due to high demand, the tour has been expanded to 40 dates. The outing is set to begin on Friday, June 26, at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver, with scheduled stops in major markets including New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, and Miami.

The release of BROWN follows a period of historic commercial and critical success for the artist:

Touring Milestones: His recent global stadium tour, Breezy Bowl XX, became the highest-grossing tour ever by a solo Black American male artist, earning nearly $300 million.

Awards and Accolades: Brown enters this new era following a Grammy win for his previous album 11:11 (Deluxe) and a dominant showing at the NAACP Image Awards, where he tied Usher for the most wins in the Outstanding Male Artist category.

Chart Dominance: Brown currently holds the record for the most Billboard Hot 100 entries of any R&B singer in history and remains in the top 10 of all artists for RIAA multi-Platinum certifications.

BROWN follows the 2025 success of the RIAA Platinum single “Residuals,” which secured the Viewer’s Choice Award at the 2025 BET Awards.

Pre-orders and pre-saves for the new album are now live. Industry sources indicate that additional promotional events and surprise appearances are expected as Brown approaches the May 8 release date.

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GRAMMY® Award-winning artist Mýa has released her latest single, “Just A Little Bit,” featuring Bay Area rap legend Too $hort. The track serves as the final preview of her tenth studio album, Retrospect, which is set to debut on May 15 via her independent label, Planet 9, with distribution by Virgin Music Group.

Leaning into late-80s funk influences, “Just A Little Bit” features synth-heavy rhythms that characterize the upcoming project’s “retro-futurist” direction. The album aims to bridge the gap between late-70s Minneapolis funk and the contemporary R&B sounds that have defined Mýa’s career.

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

The album release follows a high-profile year for the artist. In 2025, Mýa celebrated the 25th anniversary of her platinum-certified album Fear of Flying with a definitive vinyl reissue and a viral performance of “Case of the Ex” at the BET Awards. She also recently completed The Boy Is Mine Tour alongside Brandy and Monica and was recognized by Billboard as one of the “Top Female Artists of the 21st Century.”

Looking ahead, Mýa is scheduled to join The Pussycat Dolls as a special guest on the PCD Forever Tour, appearing at all North American dates throughout the summer.

A pioneer in artistic ownership, Mýa continues to operate through her self-founded label, Planet 9. Reflecting on her decades-long career and the upcoming release, the singer stated, “The world has yet to receive the best of Mýa.”

Retrospect will be available on all major streaming platforms beginning May 15.

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R&B singer-songwriter India Shawn has released her latest EP, Subject To Change, marking her first major body of work in four years. Released via VANTA Music, the six-track project serves as an exploration of life’s transitions and the fluidity of human emotion.

The EP is executive produced by Grammy and Oscar winner D’Mile and features a high-profile collaboration with Lucky Daye on the track “Cotton Candy Blvd.”

Subject To Change is designed to mirror the instability of personal growth, shifting between various atmospheric moods. In a statement regarding the release, Shawn emphasized the project’s focus on impermanence.

“Nothing is fixed, everything is in flux,” Shawn stated. “My new EP moves through sonic worlds from bright, airy ‘Marmalade’ to the dark, melancholic ‘Multiplicity.’ I wanted the music to move as fluidly as we do.”

The release is accompanied by the official music video for “Marmalade,” a 1970s-inspired track that explores themes of nostalgia and nighttime connection. The visual, which features a heavy emphasis on movement and dance floor intimacy, serves as a direct stylistic link to the “retro-futurist” sound Shawn has developed over the past decade.

The EP’s tracklist includes the diary-esque “Til’ Infinity,” the vulnerable “Multiplicity,” and the single “Rain On Me,” which has already garnered recognition on the Billboard charts. The project is a natural progression from her 2021 album, BEFORE WE GO, and its subsequent extended version, BEFORE WE GO (DEEPER).

Since her debut, India Shawn has steadily expanded her influence within the contemporary R&B landscape.

Subject To Change is now available for streaming on all major platforms.

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R&B veteran Dondria has officially announced her return with the release of her new independent single, “Solitude.” The track serves as the lead offering from her forthcoming studio album, Back to Love, which is scheduled for release this October.

Marking a new era for the singer-songwriter, “Solitude” moves away from traditional romance to explore themes of self-reflection, healing, and emotional peace. The record is described as a narrative on reclaiming personal space and re-evaluating solitude as a tool for growth rather than a state of loneliness.

The release signifies a pivot for Dondria, who is now operating as a fully independent artist. She first rose to international prominence as a pioneer of the YouTube viral era, a trajectory that led to a mentorship under legendary producer Jermaine Dupri and a contract with So So Def Recordings.

Dondria is best known for her Platinum-certified 2009 debut album, Dondria vs. Phatfffat, which produced the chart-topping hit “You’re the One.”

“Solitude” provides the first glimpse into the sonic direction of Back to Love.

Further details regarding the full album tracklist and supporting tour dates are expected to be announced in the coming months.

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If you were a fan of R&B in 1996, you didn’t just have a playlist—you had a lifestyle. It was the year that Neo-Soul found its footing, the “Timbaland Sound” redefined the airwaves, and the legendary Bad Boy era reached its peak. From the sultry grooves of Maxwell to the futuristic vibes of Aaliyah, 1996 provided a blueprint that artists are still trying to replicate three decades later.

As these classics hit their 30th anniversary, we’re looking back at the 25 albums that defined 1996 and changed R&B forever.

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The Innovators & Neo-Soul Pioneers

1. Maxwell – Maxwell’s Urban Hang Suite (Released April 2)
The “Prince of Neo-Soul” arrived with a concept album that felt like a late-night conversation. With “Ascension (Don’t Ever Wonder),” Maxwell proved that R&B could be sophisticated, organic, and incredibly sexy all at once.

2. Aaliyah – One In A Million (Released August 27)
Partnering with Timbaland and Missy Elliott, Aaliyah delivered a futuristic sonic landscape that still sounds like it’s from the year 3000. It’s the moment she became an eternal icon.

3. Eric Benét – True To Myself (Released September 24)
A masterclass in organic soul. Benét’s debut was a breath of fresh air, blending live instrumentation with a voice that felt like it belonged in both the 70s and the 90s.

4. Kenny Lattimore – Kenny Lattimore (Released May 14)
The “gentleman of soul” arrived with a debut that focused on romance and vocal purity. “For You” became an instant wedding classic, cementing Kenny as a staple in the genre.

5. Tony! Toni! Toné! – House of Music (Released November 19)
The group’s final studio album was a love letter to traditional musicianship. “Thinking of You” and “Let’s Get Down” showed that Saadiq and company were operating at a level few could touch.

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The Group Renaissance

6. 112 – 112 (Released August 27)
Bad Boy’s premier quartet hit the ground running with “Only You” and “Cupid.” Their smooth harmonies became the standard for the late-90s boy band era.

7. 702 – No Doubt (Released October 8)
Representing Las Vegas, 702 brought us “Steelo” and “Get It Together.” As we recently discussed in our [exclusive interview with the group], their debut remains a masterclass in 90s girl-group chemistry.

8. Blackstreet – Another Level (Released September 10)
Teddy Riley took New Jack Swing to a higher plane. “No Diggity” wasn’t just a song; it was a cultural shift that dominated the charts and the clubs globally.

9. New Edition – Home Again (Released September 10)
The reunion we all waited for. Seeing Bobby, Ralph, Johnny, Ricky, Mike, and Ronnie back together for “Hit Me Off” was the ultimate full-circle moment for R&B purists.

10. Mint Condition – Definition of a Band (Released September 24)
Living up to its title, this album featured “What Kind of Man Would I Be,” proving that Stokley Williams and his bandmates were the premier self-contained unit of the era.

11. Dru Hill – Dru Hill (Released November 19)
The Baltimore boys arrived with powerful vocals and “Tell Me.” Sisqó’s energy and the group’s gospel-trained harmonies made them instant legends.

12. AZ Yet – AZ Yet (Released April 30)
Produced heavily by Babyface, their self-titled debut gave us the massive cover of “Hard to Say I’m Sorry” and the sultry “Last Night.” Their harmonies were among the tightest of the year.

13. Mista – Mista (Released July 30)
Introducing a young Bobby V (then Bobby Wilson), Mista gave us the timeless “Blackberry Molasses,” a song that offered a soulful, mature perspective rare for a teenage group.

14. Soul For Real – For Life (Released September 24)
Following their massive debut, the brothers returned with Heavy D behind the boards again. While “Candy Rain” was a tough act to follow, For Life showed significant vocal growth.

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Solo Superstars & Legends

15. Toni Braxton – Secrets (Released June 18)
With “Un-Break My Heart” and “You’re Makin’ Me High,” Toni solidified her place as the queen of the power ballad and the sultry mid-tempo groove.

16. Ginuwine – Ginuwine… The Bachelor (Released October 8)
“Pony” changed the sound of the radio. Period. Timbaland’s production matched with Ginuwine’s charisma created a debut that felt dangerous and irresistible.

17. Johnny Gill – Let’s Get This Mood Right (Released August 20)
In the same year he reunited with New Edition, Johnny released this solo gem. The title track is a masterclass in the “grown and sexy” sound he helped pioneer.

18. Montell Jordan – More… (Released August 27)
Proving he was more than just “This Is How We Do It,” Montell returned with “I Like” and “Falling,” showing his versatility as a singer, songwriter, and producer.

19. Keith Sweat – Keith Sweat (Released June 25)
The self-titled album gave us “Twisted” and “Nobody.” Keith proved that the king of “Beggin’ R&B” wasn’t going anywhere even as the sound shifted around him.

20. Babyface – The Day (Released October 22)
A beautifully crafted project featuring “This Is for the Lover in You.” It’s Babyface at his songwriting and production peak, featuring some of his best collaborations.

21. Donell Jones – My Heart (Released June 4)
Before he was a household name, Donell gave us this soulful, acoustic-leaning debut. It introduced us to one of the most consistent voices in the genre.

22. SWV – New Beginning (Released April 23)
The Sisters With Voices returned with “You’re the One,” proving that Coko’s lead vocals and the group’s harmonies were as tight as ever.

23. Total – Total (Released January 30)
Bad Boy’s “bad girls” brought the attitude with “No One Else” and “Kissin’ You,” perfectly bridging the gap between Hip-Hop and R&B.

24. Case – Case (Released August 13)
“Touch Me, Tease Me” became a massive hit, showcase Case’s ability to blend street-edge with soulful vocals.

25. Monifah – Moods… Moments (Released March 26)
“I Miss You (Come Back Home)” was the standout on this Heavy D-executive produced debut that remains a cult favorite for 90s heads.

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The Legacy of ’96

Looking back 30 years later, 1996 wasn’t just a good year—it was the year R&B branched into the diverse sub-genres we know today. Whether it was the live instrumentation of Tony! Toni! Toné!, the futuristic bounce of Ginuwine, or the smooth soul of Kenny Lattimore, the quality was unmatched.

Which of these 25 classics is still in your rotation? Did your favorite make the list? Drop a comment below and let’s debate the greatest year in R&B history!

The post 25 R&B Masterpieces Turning 30 in 2026: Why 1996 Was the Genre’s Greatest Year appeared first on New R&B Music, Songs & Interviews | YouKnowIGotSoul.com.

The announcement of “The R&B Tour”—a massive 33-date co-headlining stadium run featuring Usher and Chris Brown—has officially set the music world on fire. From the moment the joint teaser commercial dropped on Instagram, fans have been scrambling to secure tickets for what is already being hailed as the tour of the decade. This trek is a monumental moment for contemporary R&B, uniting two of the genre’s most prolific and polarizing icons on a scale rarely seen.

The pairing of these two powerhouses is a collision of multi-generational legacies. Usher Raymond, currently celebrating over 30 years in the industry, has just come off a career-defining 2024 that saw him headline Super Bowl LVIII and release his ninth studio album, Coming Home. With over 80 million records sold worldwide and eight Grammy Awards to his name, he remains the gold standard for R&B showmanship. On the other side of the stage stands Chris Brown, who has spent the last 20 years evolving from a teen pop sensation into the “King of R&B” for a new generation. Brown recently wrapped his sold-out Breezy Bowl XX World Tour, which became the highest-grossing tour ever by a solo Black American male artist, earning nearly $300 million.

Having tracked both of these artists for nearly two decades through our R&B platform, we know that their catalogs aren’t just deep—they are the blueprints for modern R&B. For a co-headlining stadium show of this magnitude, the challenge isn’t finding enough hits; it’s figuring out how to fit thirty years of combined dominance into a single night.

Based on recent tour data and the sheer scale of their 2026 momentum, here is our expanded prediction for what the ultimate stadium setlist should look like.

Here is our predicted setlist for The R&B Tour 2026.

Phase 1: The Kings’ Arrival (Joint Performance)

1) “Party” (Chris Brown feat. Usher & Gucci Mane) – The obvious opener to set the mood.

2) “New Flame” (Chris Brown feat. Usher & Rick Ross) – Highlighting their vocal chemistry early.

3) “Caught Up” (Usher) – Bringing that signature Usher 808-heavy energy.

4) “Run It!” (Chris Brown) – A nod to the debut that started it all for Breezy.

Phase 2: The Chris Brown “11:11” Experience

Chris is known for his choreography and rapid-fire hit delivery. This section will likely highlight his recent 11:11 success mixed with his “Club King” classics.

5) “Wall to Wall” – A dance-heavy throwback for the day-one fans.

6) “Indigo” – Smooth, mid-tempo vibes that keep the stadium moving.

7) “Liquor” – A powerful, cinematic inclusion to help transition the set.

8) “Sensational” – His current global smash that has become a staple of his 2026 performances.

9) “Under The Influence” – The viral hit that proved his catalog’s longevity.

10) “Ayo” / “Loyal” – A high-energy medley to close out the first solo block.

11) “No Guidance” – The ultimate modern anthem that everyone in the stadium will be singing word-for-word.

Phase 3: The Usher “Confessions” Takeover

Usher will likely pivot the energy toward pure R&B soul and vocal precision. Expect a heavy dose of the Confessions and 8701 era that defined a generation.

12) “My Way” – Bringing that classic 1997 swagger to the stadium stage.

13) “U Remind Me” – Taking fans back to the smooth 8701 era.

14) “U Got It Bad” – Expect a heavy dose of choreography and maybe a signature hat-trick here.

15) “Nice & Slow” – The lights dim as Usher takes it back to the quintessential slow jam.

16) “Burn” – A stadium-wide sing-along that never fails to hit.

17) “Confessions Part II” – The song that defined a decade of R&B.

18) “Climax” – Showcasing that world-class falsetto that remains unmatched in 2026.

Phase 4: The “Slow Jam” Interlock (Trading Hits)

19) “With You” (Chris Brown)

20) “Superstar” (Usher)

21) “Say Goodbye” (Chris Brown)

22) “There Goes My Baby” (Usher)

23) “Deuces” (Chris Brown)

24) “U Don’t Have to Call” (Usher)

Phase 5: The Grand Finale

25) “OMG” (Usher)

26) “Yeah 3x” (Chris Brown)

27) “DJ Got Us Fallin’ In Love” (Usher)

28) “Forever” (Chris Brown)

29) “Yeah!” (The Ultimate Finale – featuring a potential cameo by Lil Jon in select cities)

Why This Setlist Works for Fans:

What did we miss? Which deep cut from our Chris Brown or Usher interview archives should they add to the list? Let us know in the comments!

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Multi-platinum entertainer Omarion, in partnership with Create Music Group, has released his latest single, “The One.” The track serves as a lead offering from his highly anticipated studio album, O2.

Produced by Pharrell Williams, “The One” utilizes the familiar melodic backdrop of the hit “Beautiful,” reimagined with Omarion’s signature smooth vocal delivery. The up-tempo track explores themes of romantic certainty and connection.

Accompanying the single is a new music video directed by Anthony Kimata. The visual narrative spans three major American hubs—Chicago, Los Angeles, and New York City—highlighting regional dance styles and local cultures. Notably, the video features appearances by Omarion’s children, Megaa and A’mei, and concludes with a choreographed line dance aimed at social media engagement.

In a statement regarding the release, Omarion expressed his gratitude to the track’s predecessors. “Shout out to the legends Pharrell and Snoop Dogg for clearing the path,” he said, adding that the record is intended to “bring us all together.”

The release coincides with the final leg of the “Boys 4 Life Tour,” featuring B2K and Bow Wow. The tour is scheduled to conclude in Memphis, Tennessee, on April 26.

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Platinum-selling singer-songwriter and Broadway breakout Jai’Len Josey has officially released her debut studio album, Serial Romantic, under the Def Jam Recordings banner.

The project is executive produced by five-time GRAMMY® winner Tricky Stewart and features an elite roster of collaborators, including The-Dream, Leon Thomas, and Ben Parris. The album arrives as a sprawling exploration of soul and modern R&B, blending cinematic pop elements with Josey’s signature storytelling.

Serial Romantic marks a significant pivot for Josey, transitioning her from Broadway acclaim to a front-facing force in the music industry. The record features a diverse sonic palette, ranging from the sweeping orchestral arrangements of the opening track to the synth-pop leanings of the single “New Girl.”

According to Josey, the album’s core theme is one of resilience. “‘Serial Romantic’ is about choosing to love again, despite repeated heartbreak, because loving is in our nature,” the artist stated in a release.

The album launch is accompanied by the release of a music video for the focus track “Love Aint Shit,” a visual narrative of unrequited love filmed against the Atlanta skyline.

Josey’s ascent has been noted by major industry players. Recently named an “Artist to Watch for 2026” by both NME and Spotify, she was also designated Billboard’s “March R&B Rookie of the Month.” Her debut is currently being heralded by critics as a defining moment for modern soul music, cementing her position as a versatile vocalist and songwriter.

Serial Romantic is available now on all major streaming platforms.

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Two-time GRAMMY® Award winner Kehlani has released her fifth studio album, the self-titled KEHLANI. The release, which coincides with the artist’s birthday, is being framed as her most personal body of work to date, blending soul-baring narrative with the genre-fluid production that has defined her career.

The album arrives on the heels of a massive promotional cycle anchored by the commercial juggernaut “Folded.” The single has emerged as one of the decade’s most successful R&B records, amassing over 800 million global streams and peaking at #6 on the Billboard Hot 100. The track’s 43-week chart run included 10 weeks at #1 on Urban radio and earned Kehlani two GRAMMY® Awards for Best R&B Song and Best R&B Performance.

The rollout for KEHLANI featured a series of high-profile collaborations and media appearances:

“Back and Forth”: The final pre-release single featuring hip-hop icon Missy Elliott.

“Out The Window”: A track emphasizing the emotional transparency central to the album’s theme.

“Folded Homage Pack”: A cultural crossover project featuring reinterpretations of her hit by R&B legends including Toni Braxton, Brandy, and Ne-Yo.

Beyond the studio, Kehlani has maintained a heavy cultural presence in 2026, including a surprise appearance during Giveon’s Coachella set and a performance at Revolve Festival.

The release of KEHLANI follows a year of significant accolades. The 7-time GRAMMY® nominee was recently honored with the Alchemist Award at the Femme It Forward “Give Her FlowHERS” Gala and named an ASCAP Women Behind the Music honoree.

Upcoming industry recognitions include the Impact Award at the Billboard Women in Music event, where she is scheduled to deliver a special performance.

The self-titled album is now available worldwide on all major streaming services via Atlantic Records.

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