Issue 022: 10/7/22
R&B releases that should be in your rotation.
Best of the Week
Alex Vaughn - The Hurtbook [album] Personal Picks: “Demon Time”, “Do You Ever”, “So Be It”, “Talkin” & “Keep That Energy” Since the release of “Mirage” I’ve been waiting for this bright LVRN newcomer to follow up with a complete body of work that I could throw on and leave on repeat, and Miss. Vaughn surely delivered. I truly love the intensity she brings to a record with her pleasant yet powerhouse tone. And I love the cohesiveness of this project. I feel too often that newcomers arrive to the scene with a bunch of singles that fit a variety of different feels/production styles with hopes of something sticking rather than a cohesive, thematic body of work that you can just let run. This debut is the perfect sample of what to expect from Alex and I’m excited to watch her rise to R&B stardom.
Joyce Wrice - Motive [ep] Personal Picks: “Bittersweet Goodbyes”, “Spent” & “Ieed Tea”
Phabo - “Scorpio Moon (A COLORS SHOW)” [single] Sidebar: I pulled up on Phabo Friday for his Don’t Get Too Cozy tour stop at SOB’s and man… his vocals are even better in person. If he stops in your city, definitely grab some tickets and slide. If y'all are looking for who’s going to take the King of R&B crown in a few years, look no further.
RealestK - “Trust” [single]
Allen Stone - “5 Minutes” [single]
BAYLI - “act up” [single]
Floyd Fuji - Sunspots [ep] Personal Picks: “INSIDE”, “END OF DAYS”, “BREADWINNER” & “WHEN YOU COMING HOME” Honestly, I could’ve just said “the whole EP”. I love Floyd’s sound, and I love that these alternative R&B crooners are staying true to their sound. It’s amazing what the success of Steve Lacy’s “Bad Habit” is going to do for the ALT-R&B lane, and Floyd is definitely someone to watch within it.
Amaria & Destin Conrad - “All For You” [single]
Samaria - Didn’t Start With You [ep] Personal Picks: “Insanity (feat. Tone Stith)”, “Still Got 4ever” & “Temptations”
Flwr Chyld & Flozigg - “Worth It” [single]
Zay Johnny & Dee Gatti - “Ride” [single]
JYDN HILL - Every Lie is Two Lies [ep] Personal Picks: “Lies (Wasted Time)”, “3AM” & “Stages”
Janet Jackson - The Velvet Rope, Deluxe Edition [album] Personal Picks: “I Get Lonely - TNT Remix Edit”, “Together Again - Jimmy Jam Deeper Remix”, “Every Time - Jam Lewis Disco Remix” & “Together Again - Tony Moran Club Mix”
Nick Hakim - M1 [3-single pack]
OFF TOP, John Concepcion & Yarah - “Magic” [single]
RINI & BEAM - “Selfish” [single]
Jazmine Sullivan - “Stand Up” [single]
Elaine - “Fading Away” [single]
Fridayy - “Don’t Give Up On Me” [single]
Nippa - “Where They At” [single]
Rome Flynn - “Slide” [single]
Savannah Re - “WTF (A COLORS SHOW)” [single]
Hydra - “Superbad (Interlude)” [single]
Jordan Ward & Joony - “IDC” [single]