All The Best New R&B From This Week That You Need To Hear

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Ty Dolla Sign, Janelle Monae, Melii for R&B recap
Getty Image/Ralph Ordaz

Sometimes the best new R&B can be hard to find, but there are plenty of great rhythm-and-blues tunes to get into if you have the time to sift through the hundreds of newly released songs every week. So that R&B heads can focus on listening to what they really love in its true form, we’ll be offering a digest of the best new R&B songs that fans of the genre should hear every Friday.

Since the last update of this weekly R&B and Afrobeats column, we’ve received plenty of music and news from the genre’s artists. Rihanna absolutely smashed her Super Bowl LVII Halftime Show performance and Daniel Caesar and Masego announced their new albums with, Never Enough and Masego respectively. 6lack began to tease music from his upcoming third album and Kelela shared a video for “Enough For Love.” Elsewhere, Janelle Monae tapped Seun Kuti and Egypt 80 for her “Float” single and Rema fired off a double dose of singles for fans with “Holiday” and “Reason You.”

Here are some more releases on the new music front that you should check out:

OG Parker — “Still Work” Feat. Ty Dolla Sign & Muni Long

On their new single “Still Work,” OG Parker, Ty Dolla Sign, and Muni Long find themselves wanting to rekindle a flame with an old lover. Ty and Muni’s passion is undeniable through their vocals while OG Parker’s production provides the perfect landscape to orchestrate a plan to win back a past fling. The song is also the latest single from OG’s upcoming album Moments.

Melii — “14 Daze”

New York singer Melii is back to get the ball rolling for herself in 2023. After dropping her Medusa EP last year, she’s back with “14 Daze,” her first release of the year. A salute to the Valentine’s Day holiday, Melii confesses her feelings to a new lover over somber production that captures the vulnerability of her words and how delicate the situation is.

Yung Bleu — “Games Women Play”

It’s only been a few months since Yung Bleu dropped his second album Tantra, but the Alabama singer is readying his upcoming mixtape Love Scars II. The project is locked in for an April 14 release date and for its first offering, Bleu shares “Games Women Play.” On it, Bleu gets candid about the struggles in love and how, in his case at least, women can be better players than men.

Debbie — “Is This Real Love? (Remix)” Feat. Lucky Daye

British singer Debbie released “Is This Real Love?” at the end of 2021, and since then, her career has taken off to reach new heights. A little over a year later, she revisits the track with a well-deserved and luscious remix with Lucky Daye. Together, Debbie and Daye dive into the wonderful world of real love while beautifully expounding on everything it entails.

Spinall — Top Boy

You can always count on Spinall to round up the best talent in afrobeats for a project filled with smash records. For his latest project, Top Boy, Spinall calls on Minz, Adekunle Gold, BNXN fka Buju, Stefflon Don, Asake, Ladipoe, and many more across 15 songs. If you’re a fan of the many different flavors of afrobeats, this project is for you.

BNXN fka Buju — “Gwagwalada” Feat. Kizz Daniel & Seyi Vibez

The past six months have been quite active for BNXN fka Buju. Between his Bad Since ’97 project, his strong remix of Minz’s “Wo Wo,” and solo efforts like “Traboski,” BNXN has a bit of a hot streak on his hands. It continues with “Gwagwalada” featuring Kizz Daniel and Seyi Vibez, a vibrant single that is sure to have you dancing wherever you play it.

Bien — “My Baby” Feat. Ayra Starr

Another afrobeats artist who’s been thriving as of late is Ayra Starr. She recently connected with afrobeats singer Bien for “My Baby.” The honeyed single is one of the sweeter records you’ll hear on this list as both singers express their love and gratitude for a partner who’s proven to be worth their time and energy.

Mario — “Used To Me” Feat. Ty Dolla Sign

Mario is holding back in any way on his latest single, “Used To Me.” With help from Ty Dolla Sign, the two singers are sultry, passionate, and blunt in their feelings and requests for their lovers. The feelings between them are undeniable, so in their words, let’s cut to the chase and not waste any more time.

Dende — “Nightmares”

Despite dropping his Before We Go EP last month, Houston singer Dende isn’t letting up with new treats. He returns with the lovelorn “Nightmares,” a record that captures his pain-filled experience with love. Where some spent Valentine’s Day celebrating love, Dende spent his commemorating the loss of it.

Serpentwithfeet — “Gonna Go”

For his first release of the year, Serpentwithfeet arrives with a bit of bounce in his step on his “Gonna Go” single. On it, Serpentwithfeet makes a decision to surround himself with love. This also means that he’ll remove himself from places where it’s not available, a decision that may upset some in his world.

Tayc — Room 96

French singer Tayc returns with Room 96, his first project since 2021’s Fleur Froide — Second Etat: La Cristallisation. Through nine songs, Tayc offers records in both English and French that are extremely ear-pleasing and soothing regardless of your ability to understand French.

Some artists covered here are Warner Music artists. Uproxx is an independent subsidiary of Warner Music Group.



source https://uproxx.com/music/best-new-rb-songs-this-week-janelle-monae-ty-dolla-sign-melii/

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Hip Hop and Music: A Cultural Evolution

Hip Hop and Music: A Cultural Evolution and What Listeners Look For Hip hop is more than just a genre of music; it is a cultural movement that has deeply influenced the world for over four decades. Originating in the South Bronx during the 1970s, hip hop was birthed from the creative expression of marginalized communities. What started as a fusion of DJing, breakdancing, graffiti art and MCing (rapping) quickly became a global phenomenon. Over the years, hip hop has expanded its reach, influencing various aspects of society, from fashion and language to politics and social movements. But what exactly do listeners seek when they tune in to their favorite hip hop tracks? Let’s explore.

The Evolution of Hip Hop Music

The Evolution of Hip Hop Music At its core, hip hop music is built on rhythm and lyricism. Early pioneers like DJ Kool Herc, Grandmaster Flash, and Run-D.M.C. laid the foundation for what we now recognize as hip hop. They mixed disco, funk, and soul beats with rhythmic rapping to create a unique sound. Through the 1980s and 1990s, iconic artists such as Tupac, The Notorious B.I.G., Nas, and Jay-Z further shaped the genre, adding deeper narratives that explored social issues, struggles, and triumphs.
In the 2000s, hip hop saw its golden age evolve into new sub-genres, from Southern hip hop (e.g., OutKast and Lil Wayne) to the rise of trap music (led by artists like Future, Gucci Mane, and Migos). Today, artists continue to experiment with hybrid sounds, blending trap with pop, rock, and electronic music, creating a more diverse landscape for the genre.

What Listeners Look for in Hip Hop Music

What Listeners Look for in Hip Hop Music While the genre has evolved, the heart of hip hop music still beats with certain core elements that listeners continue to seek. Here’s what attracts audiences to hip hop music:

1. Authenticity

One of the most important qualities of hip hop is its authenticity. Listeners are drawn to artists who stay true to themselves, their roots, and their experiences. Whether an artist is rapping about overcoming hardship, life in the streets, or personal triumphs, their genuineness resonates with fans. Authenticity gives hip hop its raw edge, connecting the artist's voice with listeners on a deeply personal level.

2. Lyricism and Wordplay

Hip hop has always been a platform for storytelling, and the craft of lyricism is highly valued. Fans look for clever wordplay, metaphors, punchlines, and deep storytelling in their favorite tracks. Rappers like Kendrick Lamar, J. Cole, and Nas are revered for their intricate lyricism and ability to convey powerful messages through their words. A song with sharp bars, vivid imagery, and emotional depth can elevate a listener’s connection to the music.

3. Beat and Production Quality

The beat is often the first thing people notice in a hip hop song. A catchy, hard-hitting beat can make or break a track, and producers play an integral role in shaping the sound of hip hop music. Producers like Dr. Dre, Kanye West, and Metro Boomin have become household names for their distinctive production styles. From boom-bap beats to trap drums, the instrumental elements are essential in drawing listeners into the rhythm and groove of the song.

4. Innovation and Evolution

Hip hop is known for its constant evolution. Fans of the genre are often on the lookout for artists who push boundaries and experiment with new sounds. This spirit of innovation keeps the genre fresh and exciting. From the rise of auto-tune with artists like T-Pain to the blend of electronic and rap seen with artists like Travis Scott, listeners are eager for new music that challenges the traditional limits of hip hop.

5. Vibe and Energy

Hip hop isn’t just about the lyrics or the beat—it’s also about the energy the music brings. Whether it’s a party anthem, an introspective track, or a political statement, the vibe and energy of a song play a crucial role in how it resonates with fans. Artists like Drake, Cardi B, and Lil Uzi Vert have mastered the art of creating tracks that make listeners feel a certain way, whether it’s hyped up, laid back, or reflective.

6. Relatability and Emotional Connection

Hip hop has always been an outlet for self-expression and commentary on life experiences. Because of this, listeners often gravitate toward songs that reflect their own lives, struggles, and aspirations. Whether it’s a song about the challenges of growing up in a tough environment, the celebration of personal success, or the experience of love and heartbreak, hip hop has the unique ability to connect emotionally with audiences. Fans often seek songs that speak to their individual journeys and provide comfort, validation, or empowerment.

The Global Reach of Hip Hop

What was once confined to the streets of New York City has now become a global cultural force. From Tokyo to Paris, hip hop has spread across continents, influencing artists and listeners worldwide. In recent years, artists from outside the U.S. have brought their own cultural influences to the genre, blending hip hop with local sounds, languages, and traditions. The genre’s global reach is a testament to its universal themes of struggle, self-expression, and empowerment.

Conclusion

Hip hop music is an ever-evolving cultural powerhouse that has grown from a localized subculture into a global sensation. The authenticity, lyricism, production quality, innovation, energy, and emotional depth are the main ingredients that attract listeners to hip hop. While the genre continues to change, its core values remain consistent—offering a space for self-expression, storytelling, and connection. As hip hop continues to evolve, it will undoubtedly remain a major force in shaping the future of music. Whether you’re a fan of classic boom-bap or modern trap, hip hop’s diverse range offers something for everyone, proving that its cultural impact is here to stay.