Issue 030: 2/24/23
R&B releases that should be in your rotation.
Best of the Week
Don Toliver - Love Sick [album] This week Don blesses us with a masterful trap R&B album, with a glistening list of features from the likes of James Blake, GloRilla, Lil Durk, Bieber, Future, Charlie Wilson, Brent Faiyaz, Wizkid, TisaKorean, Kali Uchis and Toro y Moi. I personally enjoyed this body of work as it efficaciously gave us a taste of everything we love from the H-town slick talker. This first full-length release since Life of a Don intertwines various layers of trap soul, r&b, and melodic rap as he weaves in and out of these sub-genres effortlessly all over every track. Say what you want, but Mr. Toliver doesn't miss. Personal Picks: "Company Pt. 3", "4 Me (feat. Kali Uchis)", "If I Had (feat. Charlie Wilson)", "Time Heals All"
Chloë & Chris Brown - "How Does It Feel" [single] I know a lot of people hate Chloë because they're strange and have nothing better to do, but we give flowers on this side and she delivered, again. Definitely looking forward to what's to come on her new album. Her latest releases feel like she's finally starting to hit her stride and lean more into cutting records that suit her vocal tone and agility and I love that for her. I will say though... Usher was RIGHT THERE.
Phabo & Shaé Universe - "Out of Touch" [single]
rum.gold & Mereba - "What My Heart" [single]
Kevin Ross - "Show & Prove" [single]
Daniel Boyd - "Wilshire" [single]
Nelccia - From Me, To Me [ep] Personal Picks: "Options", "Smoke, Drink, Breakup (feat. Wale)", "Triggers" & "Fantasy"
Jozzy - Songs for Women, Free Game for Niggas [ep] Personal Picks: "Commotion", "Alone" & "Favorite Shirt"
Tink - Thanks 4 Nothing [album] Personal Picks: "Let Down My Guard (Feat. Ty Dolla $ign)", "Streets Ain't For Me", "Toxic", "Gangsta's Paradise" & "Trust Issues"
DIXSON - SWEETER [single/4-pack]
Rakiyah - Cosmic Queen [ep] Personal Picks: "To The Moon", "Naughty x Nature", "Cosmic Queen" & "Lay U Down Again"
Tyrese - "Don't Think You Ever Loved Me" [single] This song really had me feeling like the Tyrese crying meme forreal. He is SINGING on this one okay.
Otis Kane & CLAY - "Good Life" [single]
Jon Vinyl & Kenyon Dixon - "Pressure (Remix)" [single]
Kali Uchis - "Moonlight" [single] I can't tell what she's saying on some of this, buuutttt it rides. Undeniably smooth, per usual. Her production selections are truly out of this world.
Musiq Soulchild & Hit-Boy - "beat of a slow dance" [single] A conversation truly needs to be had about Hit-Boy's versatility. His range of credits and the way he never misses the mark is exceptional.
LAVI$H - "World In My Hands" [single]
RAAHiiM - "Outside Freestyle" [single]
Liv East - "So Badly - Stripped" [single]
Madison McFerrin - "(Please Don't) Leave Me Now" [single]
Tyus - "Only If U Let Me" [single]
Benita - "Through The Hills" [single]
Yng Wmxn - "PARTY N THE BREAKROOM" [single] Ladies and gentlemen, the U.S. has a girl group and they're giving what we need them to give. They also look pretty young and if they break through, I love that there will finally be a girl group representative of all shades of Black girl magic for these middle school and high school fans to really see themselves in. Those of us who grew up in the 80s, 90s early 2000s had it, but this generation of girls coming up now get to middle school and have nothing truly relatable to grow up with. The industry needs that, and that's a conversation for another day.
JAWAN.mp3 - "Still For You" [single]
Shade Jenifer - "This One's For You" [single]
BARii - "Trickin'" [single]
Elijah Fox & Amaria - "Fading" [single]
Dayo Bello - "Look What You've Done" [single]
JAHKOY - Healing Phase [album] Personal Picks: "Someone Else", "Loving Game", "Make It Feel Real" & "Roll Wit It"
Enchanting & Layton Greene - "Tell Me Why - Extended" [single]
Tamera - "Frozen" [single]
SOLOMON & Kojey Radical - "phases" [single]
Kenya Vaun - "Overrated" [single]
John Givez - SKRRT / SYWML [2-pack] Personal Pick: "SKRRT"
Cheska Cruz - "The Way I Want" [single]
Araya - "POISON" [single]
Chloe Belle - "Ransom" [single]
Amie Blu - "powder" [single]
Bairi - 2 Hold U Over [ep] Personal Picks: "Spring Cleaning" & Ophiuchus"
Shann - Coldwithoutu [3-pack] Personal Pick: "Fair Trade"
chromonicci - "Mind Games." [single]
ELIZA - "Midnight Rose" [single]
Yancyabril - "Wait" [single]