Welcome back to the pulse of R&B! Summer’s in full swing, and the genre is shining with fresh drops and high-profile news this past week. Let’s get right to it.
Coco Jones & Donovan Mitchell engaged! The Grammy-winning R&B star and Cavaliers guard announced their engagement on July 11 in a dreamy tropical proposal. Pop star Ciara and Russell Wilson helped make it happen—and the internet is buzzing.
Kevin Ross hits #1. The mult-talented singer/songwriter just topped the R&B Mediabase radio charts with his single “Love In the Middle” showing the power of independent R&B. And that’s not all—Ross is sharpening his acting skills and is set to take the stage in Washington, D.C. at the Warren Theatre in a starring role in the play ‘I’ve Cried the Blues’ on October 11.
R&B smooth crooner Vedo is dropping album #9. The indie R&B force is back with a 17‑track LP out July 25—proving independent artists can still dominate.
Honey Bxby’s “Raw Honey” EP buzzed this month, earning her the BET Amplified Live honor—stay tuned, she’s the artist of July 2025.
Festival vibes & headline moments: Essence Festival of Culture brought soulful live performances, deep discussions, and full dance floors celebrating Black music, culture, and legacy.
Philadelphia’s Fourth of July Wawa Welcome America celebration hit a snag this year when 10, 000 municipal workers walked out in a strike. Headliners LL Cool J and Jazmine Sullivan stepped aside in solidarity, refusing to cross the picket lines. Their absence led to a significantly scaled-back concert—but JoJo stepped in and delivered a heartfelt performance for those in the audience. Even with a thinner turnout, the show, along with the fireworks, still delivered some joy to those in attendance.
Days later, after a tentative deal was struck to end the strike to secure better pay for city workers, the Dell Music Center erupted with energy. The 2025 summer season kicked off in style as Fantasia, Sunshine Anderson, and breakout artist 803Fresh setting the stage on fire, lighting up Philly with full crowds and high spirits.
Kendrick Lamar’s “Grand National Tour” featuring SZA is still going strong has been very successful with high attendance, strong reviews and with one show breaking records grossing over $9million.
Over in the UK, Drake led Wireless Festival, showcasing love for R&B with guest turns from Mario, Bobby Valentino, Bryson Tiller, Givēon, PARTYNEXTDOOR—and a surprise Lauryn Hill moment.
New R&B tracks are pouring in—from introspective slow jams to feel-good summer anthems. This week’s drops are exactly what the genre’s about: emotion, groove, connection.
This Fresh Finds Fridays column features releases the past week or more from Giveon, Mariah Carey, Justin Bieber, Pastor Mike Jr., Jane Handcock, Syd, Charlie Wilson, Tyla, Mahalia, Craig David ft. JoJo, Flo ft. Kaytranada, Jhene Aiko, and Justine Skye. Whew! These drops are doing exactly what R&B is supposed to—make us feel something.
Giveon: ” Beloved” (Album)
Giveon’s latest album, Beloved, is a deeply emotional, introspective look at love and all its complexities.
Built from live studio sessions, this 14-track collection spotlights his rich deep baritone and heartfelt storytelling.
Each song feels like a chapter in a nuanced romance—raw, honest, and timeless. From moments of longing to quiet revelation, he leads listeners through an intimate journey of the heart.
ix of musical genres and spoken word, PMJ opens up about the price of purpose and the weight that comes with being chosen.
Mariah Carey: “Type Dangerous” (remix EP).
Carey’s ‘Type Dangerous’ is club-ready reworks that give her latest soulful cuts a fresh late-night twist.
Justin Bieber: “Swag” (Album)
Bieber surprised everyone with the release of “Swag,” an introspective project that appears to explore his personal life, public scrutiny, and social media presence—while seemingly marking a return to his love for music artistry.
Pastor Mike Jr.: “Confetti & Conspiracies” (Album)
Known to many as PMJ and a 19-time Stellar Award winner—returns with his bold new album, Confetti & Conspiracies. This isn’t just music; it’s a raw, honest soundtrack of what it means to survive and stay faithful under pressure.
Jane Handcock: “It’s Me, Not You” (Album)
“It’s Me, Not You” is a fresh take on bold empowering soulful -R&B with a confident, beautiful indie voice.
Syd: “Die For This”
“Die For This” is a dreamy, introspective cut about love’s risks and rewards, framed in lush R&B textures.
Charlie Wilson – “Keep Me In Love”
Charlie’s latest continues his legacy of love songs-Smooth, heartfelt and full of timeless soul.
Tyla: “Is It”
This release is bursting with amapiano heat and playful summer energy. It’s an absolute club banger.
Mahalia – “Instructions”
“Instructions” is a rising artist’s lush invitation to emotional clarity and self-reflection. With four-on-the-floor pulse is poised to be this seasons infectious dance-floor party setter.
Craig David ft. JoJo – “In It With You”
“In It With You” is a beautiful pairing and soulful late-night groove with heartfelt lyrics, showcasing Craig’s smooth vocals and JoJo’s emotional depth.
Flo ft. Kaytranada: “The Mood”
The British R&B trio FLO and Canadian producer Kaytranada deliver a Ssick production and groovy rhythms from this dream pairing, perfect for bouncing and groovy evenings.
Jhene Aiko: “I Am Not Afraid (Creation Mantra)”
Jhene’s “I Am Not Afraid” is an intimate, meditative release that feels like a guided grounding session set to soothing melodies. When you need to slow the thoughts down and breath, this is the song to play.
Justine Skye – “Bitch In Ibiza”
A sultry, sun-soaked track with club-ready percussion and Justine’s signature bold attitude.
From bold collaborations to soulful introspection, this mix spans every mood R&B can offer. Which track will lead your playlist? Drop your pick below and let’s vibe together!
