Rated R&B is bringing you the most essential releases this week. From the traditional R&B that purists love to the boundary-pushing sounds of the alt-R&B scene, this new music roundup keeps its pulse on the essence of R&B. Dive into it below.
The-Dream – Love/Hate II [album]
Nearly 20 years after releasing his debut album, Love/Hate, The-Dream has unleashed the sequel, Love/Hate II, via RadioKilla/Republic Records. The 17-track album, preceded by “Bring That Body” and “Tampa” featuring Usher, includes additional collaborations with Kelly Rowland, T.I., Rick Ross, Pusha T and Swizz Beatz.
Tank – “YES”
The R&B General flips Floetry’s 2003 classic “Say Yes” on his latest single “Yes.” The release follows Tank’s No. 1 hit “Control,” which reached the summit of Billboard’s Adult R&B Airplay chart in March.
Sabri – “Voices In My Head”
Sabri quiets the negative thoughts roaming in her mind on her new single “Voices In My Head.” On the BLK ODYSSY production, the rising soul singer leans into her faith to guide her out of the darkness. “Voices In My Head” marks her first release since releasing her 2025 EP, What I Feel Now.
The Womack Sisters – “If I Let You”
The Womack Sisters, the soulful trio consisting of nieces of Bobby Womack and granddaughters of Sam Cooke, have unleashed the vintage-tinged groove “If I Let You.” The Latin-flavored jam is the second offering from their self-titled debut album, out Aug. 14 via Daptone Records.
Ciara – “Yes”
In honor of Ciara’s 10th wedding anniversary with Russell Wilson, the Grammy-winning singer has released the heartwarming “Yes.” [Read more about Ciara’s “Yes” here]
Coco Jones – “Body So Tea”
Coco Jones’ “Body So Tea” is a self-confidence anthem that celebrates body positivity. “Creating a summer bop has always been on my bucket list,” she said.
Ezra – “Let Me Love U Better”
R&B newcomer Ezra is back with another nostalgic track. On “Let Me Love U Better,” the singer makes a case to someone who’s taken that his heart is the one she really needs. “If you let me love you better than him / The love I give can’t be erased,” he sings. While the lyrics come across as slightly toxic, Ezra isn’t looking to break up a happy home; he wants to give her the love she deserves: “It’s just I know he don’t treat you right.”
Davion Farris – Alchemy [album]
After four years, Inglewood native Davion Farris has returned with his new album Alchemy. The independent project, and his first since exiting Def Jam, is filled with R&B jams that purists will appreciate. The 13-track set features collaborations with Kenyon Dixon, Jai’Len Josey, Iman Omari, S!MONE, Ray Vaughn and his brother SiR, who appears on the closing track, “Reality.”
Zae France – Final Say [EP]
Zae France isn’t holding back Final Say, his first project in three years. “FINAL SAY is about choosing peace over pain and growth over regret,” says France. “Every song represents a different chapter of my life. This project is me telling my story honestly, taking ownership of my experiences, and finally saying everything I needed to say.” Among the EP’s highlights is “Leave It In,” a syrupy bedroom jam that finds France basking in his partner’s warm embrace. “‘Cause this sh*t feels too good to me,” he croons. The project also includes the K Camp-assisted “Said Sumn,” plus the early single “Rax.”
Myles Lloyd – “One Sided”
Canadian singer Myles Lloyd vents about an unrequited love on his new single “One Sided.” As he explains, “’One Sided’ is about going all in for somebody who was never really all in for you. It’s realizing you’ve been carrying the relationship on your back while they slowly drift away.”
Daley – “Slide”
On “Slide,” Daley stops beating around the bush to express his feelings to a potential lover. It follows “Lavender,” and will appear on his long-awaited third album coming later this year.
Baby Rose – Yearnalism [album]
After taking us Through and Through in 2023, Baby Rose is back with her new album YEARNALISM. The 12-track LP features the Leon Thomas-assisted “Friends Again” and “Is This Love” featuring Elmiene. Regarding the project, Baby Rose notes, “YEARNALISM is me documenting desire in all its forms: whether it be romantic or personal, who I love or who I’m becoming, the ache, the growth, and everything in between.”
Ne-Yo – Highway 79 [album]
Ne-Yo is no stranger to experimenting with different genres while keeping R&B at the core. His 2012 outing, R.E.D., for example, merged R&B with electronic dance music. Now, the Grammy winner is testing the country waters with his new album Highway 79. In describing the project, he shared, “If R&B and country had a baby… it would be this album.” Highway 79 includes his No. 1 hit “Up Out & Gone,” which topped Billboard’s Adult R&B Airplay chart this week. It also features contributions from fellow hitmakers Claude Kelly, Chuck Harmony, Luke Laird, Charles Kelley (Lady A), BRELAND and Tayla Parx.
Beyoncé – “Morning Dew (Donk)”
Beyoncé celebrated July 4th with a surprise release of “Morning Dew (Donk),” a gift to her fans and a bonus track from the upcoming 20th anniversary edition of her second album B’Day. [Read more about Beyoncé’s “Morning Dew (Donk)” here]
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