This Fresh Finds Fridays column features releases from Ebony Riley, Lalah Hathaway, Normani, and Journey Montana.
Check out this week’s roundup below. Don’t forget to let us know who you’re listening to in the comment section below.
Ebony Riley – Mirror
The rising R&B star Ebony Riley is back with an exciting new single for 2024, titled “Mirror.”
Fueling the single is Riley’s intimate introspective letter written to herself as she explores who she is, what she wants, and what she deserves. Legendary duo Jermaine Dupri producer and Bryan-Michael Cox is a co-writer on the song.
Over the past year, the R&B songstress has quietly perfected her craft and prepared for new music. “Mirror” is an array of talent showcased with the artist’s soft tones and powerful catchy lyrics that tell the story of self-love and worth. “Mirror” is sure to be your new favorite self-affirming anthem.
“Gotta be more than the sex cuz I know that I’m pressure / I’m holding on for the better I need something special (yea yea yea) / I gotta love all of me / I gotta love all of me first / My only problem is I’m so addicted to hurt / But I dare pray for my reflection / As I fail at loving myself / It’s like I’m chasing the wind and never facing then it’s going nowhere,” Riley sings.
“Mirror” available on all platforms via Interscope records, follows the release of Riley’s well-received 2023 debut self-titled EP “Ebony”, and music videos for “Get Along Better,” Deuce Deuce,” “ Save Me,” and “ I Could Feel It.”
As Riley grinds to the finish line, completing production for ” Mirror” in Atlanta, then jet setting off to shoot Chanel’s campaign in London, ”Mirror’s’ visualizer provides behind-the-scene footage of her life as a musician and model. In addition, she has been quite busy as a show opener for Jazmine Sullivan and Coco Jones, and Riley was named on Complex’s 2023 R&B Artist to Watch list.
Not only has the singer paved her lane in the music industry, but Riley has also solidified her lane on the fashion front. Riley has starred in the campaign for Beyoncé’s Renaissance album in collaboration with Balmain while also working the runway and campaigns for luxurious fashion houses such as Marc Jacobs, Oscar de la Renta, Bottega Veneta, and more. She has been featured in Vogue France Magazine and closed the year out with a feature interview in Vogue Magazine. This year she continues to work and has collaborated with Chanel, Condé Nast, Vogue, Audemars Piguet, and Tommy Hilfiger.
Be sure to follow Ebony Riley on Instagram and her Website for more.
LaLa Hathaway – VANTABLACK Album
Music Royalty, multi-award winning singer-songwriter and producer, Lalah Hathaway releases her highly awaited eighth studio album “VANTABLACK.”
The 16-track, 54-minute, and 49-second project is one of her most impressive and features an all-star line-up crossing genres that includes the Common, MC Lyte, Rapsody, Michael McDonald, Phonte, Gerald Albright, and WILLOW.
Speaking on the album’s title Lalah says, “VANTABLACK” was always the name of the project. 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 of all of me.”
“VANTABLACK’S” is a glorious soundscape of a journey through music showcasing Lalah’s distinct soulful vocals and melodies with standouts Track #1 “BLACK.” ft. Rapsody and Common, early releases track #7 “So In Love,” and #8* “I Am.” Track #15 ” Lower” ft. Gerald Albright and track #16 “Tunnels” ft. WILLOW rounding out the list.
“VANTABLACK” is presented via the Hathaway Entertainment/SRG-ILS Group (Virgin Music Group) label imprint.
In addition to the album, Lalah just announced the upcoming VANTABLACK TOUR national tour, coming to a city near you. For additional information and tour dates, visit www.LalahHathaway.com.
Normani – Dopamine album
The wait is finally over, Normani has officially dropped her highly anticipated first solo studio album, “Dopamine.” Fans waited five long years for the project to drop since her solo debut with “Motivation.”.
As Normani effortlessly weaves flowing lyrics over rhythmic beats and melodic melodies, her signature smooth angelic vocals encapsulate the project. “Dopamine” is easy to get caught up in, with Noarmani’s high registers and voice refrains, it is one of her best musical works of art and you’ll be captivated by the vibe of the album.
The projects enlist some of the music industry’s influential artists such as Starrah, Gunna, James Blake, and Cardi B.
While it’s hard to select favorites from the album, there are a few that really resonate and hit differently such as track #1 “Big Boy,” track #2 “Still,” track #3 “All Yours,” and track #6 “Insomina,” which was produced by Grammy-winning duo Stargate and features back-up vocals by the vocal Bible herself, Brandy and co-writing from Victoria Monet.
Normanii’s “Dopamine” was well worth the wait, and deserves a place at the very top of your favorite playlist, and kept on repeat.
Journey Montana – Journey
Journey Montana has officially arrived. The R&B It-girl capped off a breakout 2023 with her sophomore EP, Stargirl. It notably featured 2X Grammy-nominated recording artist Eric Bellinger (“Undefeated”) and gained major traction on streaming platforms.
The rising star has announced her forthcoming debut studio album, Eclipse. The album, arriving later this year via 10K Projects, is executive produced by DJ Camper (Ye, Doja Cat, H.E.R.) – who’s fresh off a Grammy win for Coco Jones’ hit single “ICU.”
In addition to the album announcement, Journey has released the lead single from the project. titled “Journey,” a soulful upbeat track that showcases her sultry vocals and unique style leaving listeners wanting more.
“In this song, I’m speaking about my grandparents for the first time in my music,” Journey shares. “My personal struggles, my daddy issues, and other insecurities… I’m ready to lay it all on the line and share my truth.”
Journey’s smooth melodies take us along on her journey of self-discovery and honesty through her lyrics, and its catchy hook, “Journey” is bound to be an add-to-favorite playlist. Don’t miss out on experiencing the magic of “Journey”, immerse yourself in her musical world.
“Journey” is available now on all streaming platforms. This track is set to make noise and establish Journey as an artist to keep on your radar.
