Syleena Johnson’s final solo album, Legacy, is dedicated to her late father and soul singer Syl Johnson.  Her father, who has made Billboard-charting hits like “Is It Because I’m Black” and “Different Strokes,” makes an appearance on every song on the 16-track offering via sampling. Legacy includes the singles “Monsters in the Closet,” “Black Balloon” featuring Syl […] The post Syleena Johnson Tributes Late Father on Final Album ‘Legacy’ appeared first on […]

Musical genius Stevie Wonder has released his new song “Can We Fix Our Nation’s Broken Heart.” The hopeful acoustic guitar, delicate drums and hushed piano set the backdrop for Wonder’s call for unity in these polarized times. “We’ve been floating alone in a dark and bitter cold / ‘Cause there’s a growing ocean of lies […] The post Stevie Wonder Asks ‘Can We Fix Our Nation’s Broken Heart’ on New […]

Marques Houston has released his new album The Best Worst Year Ever via Phoenix Music Group.  The 14-track offering includes the singles “Last Drop,” “Admit It” and “Cowgirl.”  Regarding the latter track, Houston tells Rated R&B, “‘Cowgirl’ is one of my favorite tracks on the album. You can’t have an R&B record without a classic. The entire […] The post Marques Houston Recounts ‘The Best Worst Year Ever’ on New Album: Stream […]

Maxwell stopped by NPR‘s headquarters in Washington, D.C., to perform for its Tiny Desk Concert series.   The legendary singer performed a delightful 30-minute set of some of his signature songs. Dressed in a sheer white shirt with embroidered star patterns, matching white pants and a gold chain necklace, Maxwell opened with “Sumthin’ Sumthin'” from […] The post Maxwell Performs Classics for NPR’s ‘Tiny Desk Concert’ Series appeared first on […]

Chxrry22 doesn’t let a failed relationship get the best of her on her new song, “Poppin Out (Mistakes).” On the fiery track, produced by Believve and DaHeala, Chxrry22 declares: “Cryin’ over n****s ain’t allowed / Being a heart broke b***h is outta style.”  Instead, she keeps her head high and hits the town with some […] The post Chxrry22 Shares Post-Breakup Anthem ‘Poppin Out (Mistakes)’ appeared first on Rated R&B.

Eric Benét has returned with his new project, Duets, via his label JBR Creative Group. The EP features five duets with women in R&B, including Chanté Moore, Corinne Bailey Rae, LaTocha, Ledisi and Tamar Braxton. Duets opens with “So Distracted” with Moore. The sweet-sounding track is about being so enthralled by a lover that it’s hard to […] The post Eric Benét Releases ‘Duets’ EP appeared first on Rated R&B.

Robin Thicke has returned with his new single “I Know What to Do.”  On the self-produced, laid-back groove, Thicke confidently assures his lover of immense pleasure in the bedroom.  “Imma stroke it hard like Tiafoe / Imma eat it all like it’s Nobu / Imma have you begging for more, begging for more / Harder […] The post Robin Thicke Shares New Song ‘I Know What to Do’ appeared first […]

Genre-bending artist Isaia Huron has released his new EP, I’ll Finish The Lyrics Later, via Slang Music.  The project includes the previously shared “Circle.” Speaking on the song’s creation, he told Rated R&B, “It’s just funny that a song I made three years ago in the baptism room of my dad’s church in Greenville, now having […] The post Isaia Huron Shares New EP ‘I’ll Finish the Lyrics Later’ appeared first […]

Usher’s second show of his Past Present Future Tour at Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C., was full of surprises.  During his two-hour set, the R&B icon showed love to the nation’s capital by inviting a few special guests on stage with him. Fellow R&B crooner and D.C. native Raheem DeVaughn appeared on stage to delight […] The post Usher Brings Out Raheem DeVaughn on Night Two of ‘Past Present Future […]