We all know about crimes of passion, but what if we took a more empathetic approach and indulged more in crimes of compassion? That’s what this week in R&B is all about.
From Gallant, Jessie Reyez, Eric Benét and OG Parker to Robin Thicke, ELHAE, Xavier Omär, and Hamzaa, we’re feeling all the feels with these new releases. Sonically, there’s so much to get lost in. From melodies reminiscent of the ’80s to more jazzy contemporaries from the ’90s and beyond, we urge you to pick your poison and ride the wave.
Check out all of VIBE‘s top new R&B picks below.
OG Parker – Moments
Famed producer OG Parker linked up with some R&B heavyweights for his debut EP, Moments. From PARTYNEXTDOOR and Muni Long to Chris Brown and Yung Bleu, the five-track project is the soundtrack to Parker’s storied career as a staple influence within Hip-Hop and R&B.
“‘Moments’ is a testament to my journey as a music producer,” OG Parker shared in a statement. “This EP isn’t just a collection of songs – it’s a curated soundtrack of the special moments that have shaped my career. Through each track, I invite listeners to experience the artistry and emotion behind my story, offering a glimpse into the heart of what I do best.”
Jessie Reyez feat. Lil Wayne – “RIDIN”
Jessie Reyez loves herself a collab, and this one with Lil Wayne is just as exciting as her previous ones. The Grammy-nominated songbird partnered with the iconic emcee for “RIDIN” following the long-awaited release of “SHUT UP” with Big Sean.
Produced by Monsters and Strangerz and Jeff Gitty, Reyez sings about how she now desires to be physically gratified by her partner since that often fell short in past relationships. Weezy’s witty lyricism, paired with her passionate cadence, carries this relatable, poetic balance of audacious confidence.
Eric Benét – Duets
Two of Eric Benét’s best songs are duets: “Spend My Life With You” with Tamia and “Georgy Porgy” with Faith Evans. So, the crooner decided to make an entire EP of duets to serenade his fans.
Following suit with its lead single, “Something We Can Make Love To” with Tamar Braxton, Benét joined forces with Ledisi, LaTocha, Corinne Bailey Rae, and Chanté Moore for the sultry EP. Each song represents its own celebration of love.
Duets marks Benét’s first release in nearly a decade and precedes his new album coming in early 2025.
ELHAE, Xavier Omär – Truth Be Told
The joint album between ELHAE and Xavier Omär is one that R&B dreams are made of. It’s soothing, hypnotizing, and carries a vibe made for late-night drives and silent conversations.
When speaking about their five-track collaboration, ELHAE explained to Rated R&B, “It was fun to bounce ideas with one of the most talented people in R&B today, it just so happens he’s also been my best friend since childhood. It felt like a great time to give our listeners a token of our gratitude and also scratch something off our bucket list.”
Omär added, “This project is a thank you to the fans in many ways. After the love that ‘Favourite’ received and the love we received from the fans on tour, we thought this was a nice way to put a bow on the era. The music came together rather easy because of our chemistry, so we hope people feel that as they listen.”
Hamzaa – 25!
Meet Hamzaa. She released her EP, 25! and it feels like a crisp breeze in Autumn. The three-piece project is enchanting and what an introduction to this talent. The singer describes it as “an ode to letting go and moving forward,” a feeling that comes as you reach that coveted age where childhood flees and adulthood is staring you in the face. It makes sense that this gem is headed on the road with Sinead Harnett. Her Boundaries Tour kicks off on Aug. 24.
Kalisway – A Kid From Toronto
Kalisway’s A Kid From Toronto is such a fun listen. It can be described as bubblegum R&B since it merges elements from New Edition’s early days with a bright, infectious, carefree charm.
“Being born in a city that’s known for a specific sound, it’s easy to create a perception that you don’t fit in,” Kalisway expressed in a statement. “’A Kid From Toronto’ is a story about the journey of doubt, fear, love, and personal values, and how those experiences build confidence. Confidence that my sound is making a change, confidence that I’m sharing all parts of my mind, and that who I am is what led me to where I am. Every kid from their hometown can relate to this album because anyone can persevere through doubt and make it into magic. This is for the ones that are different. Different in all the right ways.”
Gallant – “Crimes Of Compassion”
Gallant has dropped the next single from his forthcoming album, Zinc. “Crimes of Compassion” is an honest look into how one toxin from a past relationship can carry over into the next. The singer admits in a statement, “I was trying to diagnose the issue and speak to the cyclical nature of it all. Musically, it follows an emotional arc, tracing different touch points of a relationship. You have to fix the issue before it manifests again.”
Zinc. is what would’ve been the sequel to Gallant’s debut, Ology, if he’d released it back then. Fans can indulge on Sept. 27.
Tank and The Bangas feat. Samara Joy and Robert Glasper – “Remember”
This is a collaboration for lovers of jazz clubs and open mic nights. Tank and The Bangas, Samara Joy, and Robert Glasper teamed up for “Remember” from the group’s three-part spoken word collection, The Heart, The Mind, The Soul.
“I want for poetry to get that much more respect and for even more young people to get into the expression of poetry,” the lead singer Tarriona “Tank” Ball detailed in a statement. “I want it to be seen as even more cool again. Poetry has always been my first love because it loved me back, it loved me before music even. now I get to share more of that part of myself with the world…”
Robin Thicke – “I Know What to Do”
Robin Thicke has ended his three-year hiatus with the arrival of his new single, “I Know What to Do.” It’s the lead single off his upcoming album, slated for release in February 2025. The uptempo ballad is classic Thicke—confident, soulful pop. Fun fact, he sent the record to Jay-Z —which is rare — but both men shared mutual excitement. Recorded over a year ago, Thicke boasts about meeting a woman who knows “she’s all that” and he knows exactly how to handle that.
Credit: www.vibe.com
