IRated 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.
Ne-Yo — “Up, Out & Gone”
Ne-Yo’s country-inspired track “Up, Out & Gone” celebrates the joys in the present moment. “Dancing under moonlight, sipping on something strong / The good times don’t last long, so we up and we out and we gone,” he sings.
Eric Bellinger — “Cry In Front Of You”
Eric Bellinger’s “Cry In Front Of You” underscores how love can create a safe space for us to be our most vulnerable. It’s the first offering from his upcoming self-titled album, which will release on Tamla/Motown Records. [Read more about his new label signing.]
Elmiene — sounds for someone [album]
After much anticipation, Elmiene delivers his debut album, sounds for someone, via Polydor/Def Jam. The 12-track set includes the previously shared tracks “Cry Against The Wind,” “Reclusive” and “Honor.” It also features a collaboration with Raphael Saadiq (“Light By The Window”), who also plays bass on the standout “Special.” “Making this album was painful, I felt lonely sometimes, I felt loved sometimes,” said Elmiene. “I felt guilty sometimes and I felt forgiven sometimes but most of all it was an important duty to myself that I needed to fulfill.”
Isaia Huron — “This Girl Wants Everything”
Before Isaia Huron drops his second album, Mr. Lovebomb, on April 10, the rising singer/producer unveils “This Girl Wants Everything.” On the self-written and produced track, Huron laments about a romance that feels transactional and one-sided. “Could’ve sworn I showed you love so crazy / But that’s not enough for my baby / She need a house and a plane to ensure that she stay,” he croons.
Victory Boyd — Confessions of a Lonely Girl [album]
Singer-songwriter Victory Boyd’s new album, Confessions of a Lonely Girl, is as vulnerable as the title suggests. The 17-track project is a deep reflection on love and loss, and the healing journey paves the way for renewal.
Jenevieve feat. Jordan Ward — “Waiting Room”
Jenevieve and Jordan Ward find themselves stuck in a love loop on “Waiting Room.” It signals a new era for Jenevieve, who released her sophomore album, Crysalis, in 2025.
rum.gold — Is There Anybody Home? [album]
Alt-R&B singer rum.gold completes his two-part album with Disc 1 (Friend of a Friend) of Is There Anybody Home? Whereas Disc 2 (Act of God) explores the aftermath of a relationship, Disc 1 offers the backstory that led to its demise.
B5 — “ETA”
R&B quintet B5 is back with their new single “ETA,” where they impatiently await a special someone. The bass-heavy tracks while they’re supporting B2K and Bow Wow on their Boys 4 Life Tour.
Yuna — “Wasteland”
Malaysian R&B singer Yuna channels Sade on “Wasteland,” her second single of 2026. Over a production that breezes likes tumbleweed, Yuna finds herself stuck in desolation in the aftermath of a relationship. “My soul is empty, so is my room, it’s where you have left me / In your wasteland,” she sings.
Candiace feat. Tamar Braxton — “If Only… (Remix)”
Tamar Braxton joins Candiace on her “If Only… (Remix).” The Patti LaBelle-inspired track will appear on Candiace’s upcoming EP, which she mostly recorded while pregnant. “There’s a deeper level of vulnerability and reflection in this music,” she told Rated R&B.
Devin Tracy — “Fantasy”
Alt-R&B singer Devin Tracy has returned with “Fantasy,” his first solo single in three years. On the disco-inspired groove, Tracy basks in love’s nirvana. “You made the best decision / I did not intercede / I’m the love in your visions / You know that I’m your fantasy,” he sings over a pulsating beat.
Justine Skye — CANDY [EP]
Prepare to break a sweat when listening to Justine Skye’s CANDY EP. The 24-minute set is loaded with high-energy tracks meant only for the dance floor. Standouts include the previously shared “Thong,” “Heart Attack” and “Oh Lala,” all produced by Kaytranada. “I hope you all feel sexy & free when you listen from top to bottom,” Skye said.
Jozzy — Soundtrack 2 Get Her Back [album]
Jozzy’s debut album, Soundtrack 2 Get Her Back, is a nuanced reflection of the modern complexities in relationships. It includes collaborations with Mary J. Blige, Chris Brown, Jon B. and Keyon Harrold.
Bellah — State of Emergency Vol. 1 [EP]
London-based singer Bellah reclaims her power on her EP, State of Emergency Vol. 1. Her first project in nearly four years includes the Destin Conrad-assisted single “Typical” and the intoxicating standout “Critical Condition.” Regarding State of Emergency, Bellah said, “The urgency to share this EP is overwhelming. This project not only reflects a critical moment in the UK R&B scene but also my personal journey. Just as a state of emergency suspends the ‘norm’ to regain control, this project has been my way of reclaiming my life after years of health and mental health struggles.”
Noah Guy — MEMORIA, in blue [album]
On MEMORIA, in blue, pop-soul singer Noah Guy confronts grief head-on. Across 10 tracks, the Philadelphia native gives himself to feel his way through it all. Regarding his new album, Noah shares, “MEMORIA, in blue is a hero’s journey: the decision to face my own reflection in a sea of grief I had been swimming in for quite some time. This record was a lesson in putting feeling first, letting my instincts and intuition lead the way, while pushing myself emotionally, lyrically, vocally as far as I could possibly go.” Among the project’s highlights is “Green Vows.”
Raye — This Music May Contain Hope. [album]
Raye’s second album, This Music May Contain Hope, has the heart, soul and musicality that artificial intelligence couldn’t dare to imitate. It’s theatrical. It’s cinematic. It’s ambitious. For the best experience, play it in sequence. Think of it as an album that you can sing along to during early Saturday morning chores. Co-stars include Al Green and her sisters Amma and Absolutely, among others.
Tank and The Bangas feat. Lucky Daye — “Move”
It’s a New Orleans linkup. Progressive soul band Tank and The Bangas team with Lucky Daye for their hip-shaking single “Move.” The Aaron Camper and Austin Brown–produced groove will appear on their upcoming album The Last Balloon, out May 15 via Verve Records.
