This Fresh Finds Fridays column features releases from Lalah Hathaway, Coco Jones, Qing Madi, CHLOE, Kenyon Dixon, and Tanya Nolan,
Check out this week’s roundup below. Don’t forget to let us know who you’re listening to in the comment section below.
Lalah Hathaway- So In Love
Multi-award-winning singer-songwriter-producer and activist, Lalah Hathaway delivers a new single “So In Love” which serves as the official first single release from Lalah’s forthcoming 8th studio album “Vanatablack.
Lalah, the daughter of musical legend Donny Hathaway continues in her late father’s tradition of making beautiful soulful music.
The soulful songstress brings it all to this mid-tempo song; an ode to all things love.
“Written by Philip Beaudreau and I a couple years ago with the intention to pitch it, but we loved it so much and decided to sit with it for a while. I’ve recently added it to my show and it’s one of the most beloved pieces that we perform,” shares Lalah.
“So In Love has such a vibe and like a lot of the work I do, it explores some of the more non-traditional ideas about love, and self-love,” says Lalah. The accompanying music video with stunning visuals will be making its global premiere on BET Soul and BET.com on Thursday, May 9th she adds.
Speaking on the album Lalah comments, “VANTABLACK was always the name of the project. The word itself has so much weight on it, I was really unsure of how to approach the idea of writing the song. At the time, what I thought were conflicting perspectives, actually began to shape the concept of not only this album but also how I saw myself. I started reframing how I saw color, in terms of being the blackest I’ve ever been and even though I’m steeped in who I am, it doesn’t exclude the other things that make up the sum of me. Similar to how all the music around me informs the black music that I create. So it’s all a melting pot and this song truly exemplifies that.”
‘Vanatablack releases worldwide on June 14th, 2024, and is available for pre-order now via the Hathaway Entertainment/SRG-ILS Group (Virgin Music Group) label imprint.
Coco Jones – Here We Go (UH-OH)
UH-OH sounds like Coco Jones has another hit on her hands with the release of “Here We Go (Uh Oh)” out today courtesy High Standardz /Def Jam Recordings.
Jones’ ‘Here We Go (Uh Oh) samples Lenny Williams from the 1978 ballad, “Cause I Love You,” one of the greatest heartfelt love songs ever.
After the uber success of ‘ICU’, Jones continues on a hot streak with her latest, ‘Here You Go (Uh Oh),” a catchy tune that’s sure to keep you singing long after the song is over. Combining classic R&B sound and dynamic vocals, Jones beautifully expresses the urgency to move beyond particular people and situations.
YouTube fans are making vocal comparisons to Jazmine Sullivan and J. Holiday writing, “It’s giving Jasmine Sullivan and Coco in one and I’m here for it!!!” And one YouTuber shared, “A theatrical tune. Wonderful vocals with combatant emotions in the lyrics and rhythm. Put me in mind of ‘I Am Telling You’ originally sung by J Holiday.
A strong sense of enthusiasm and appreciation can be felt for Jones for releasing an RnB song that continues to keep the genre alive, as fans write, “Ooooh weee !! This that good morning coco right here one wake em up girl! Love it.” “That’s right love! Bring back real R&B! I can roll to this!” And we second all of these emotions.
Qing Madi, Chloe -Vision Remix
Nigerian singer and songwriter Qing Madi collaborates with Chlöe on the remix of her hit single “Vision” and accompanying video.
If you listen to the afrobeat gleeful track solely, it’s extremely challenging to distinguish who’s singing on the hook.
In this remix release, ‘Vision,’ Qing and Chlöe silky harmonies are heavily intertwined making it a song you’ll want to play on repeat. Over the track, the melodic blends levitate effortlessly.
This video captures the essence of the single, a cinematic production that is beautifully crafted and a superb piece of visual art.
This could become one of this summer’s hottest single remixes and a viral social media sensation.
Kenyon Dixon – Still
Kenyon Dixon’s new single “Still” is an upbeat easy-listening summer cruising-down-the-highway song that’ll keep a smile on your face.
The 2x Grammy-nominated R&B artist has put forth the perfect song paring to kick off all the good vibes that evoke memories of good times and carefree fun with excellent 90’s R&B music playing on the radio.
Dixon continues to deliver and doesn’t disappoint with his silky smooth vocals making “Still” a true classic of R&B.
On his FaceBook page Dixon shared about the song writing, “Woke up somewhere between the ‘99 and the 2000s & this song was playing 
“Still” OUT NOW on all platforms. R&B Summer starts now.”
In addition to new music, Dixon is gearing up for his “R&B You Love Tour” at the TwoGether Land Festival kicking off on May 25th in Dallas Texas.
Tanya Nolan – Like Water
Filled with seduction, sexuality, sophistication, and yes water, Billboard charting, LGBTQIA+ activist Tanya Nolan is sure to get you hot and bothered with her latest “Like Water.”
The grown and sexy track, written by Raheen DeVaughn and Nolan, intentionally makes you feel the warmth flowing through Nolan’s smooth vocals, contagious lyrics, and tantalizing tempo and rhythm.
‘Like Water’ is the latest collaborative by Nolan and DeVaughn that embraces the duos’ themes of passion, intimacy, and unapologetic celebration of lovemaking that are so prevalent in their music.
To keep up with and follow Tanya Nolan, click on her Instagram here.
