This is a great week in R&B. FLO and Shantel May both granted fans access into their world with their highly-anticipated debut albums as Tiana Major9 ended her two-year hiatus by way of her new single, “alone.”
Mary J. Blige released her 15th studio album while the men of R&B—Jerel, IAMTHELIVING, Destin Conrad, and Victor Ray— all made sure their voices were heard. We also got new music offerings from Lola Moxom, Nefertitti Avani, Raiche, and Jessie Reyez with Ari Lennox.
At this time of the year, the music isn’t slowing down for the holidays and for that, we’re thankful. Check out VIBE’s top new R&B picks of the week below.
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FLO – Access All Areas </h3>FLO’s debut album is finally here. The 16-track LP includes guest appearances from GloRilla and Cynthia Erivo as well as production from MNEK, DIXSON, Camper, and more.
When explaining what it means to “access all areas,” Jorja, Stella, and Reneé told VIBE exclusively, “It means being open, vulnerable, and just talking about what we’ve experienced on this journey in the industry. We’re three young women and a lot of our fans are the same age as us or around the same age, so I feel like they’ll be able to understand what we’re talking about and relate it to whatever they’re going through as well.”
The album has previously released singles, “AAA,” “Bending My Rules,” “Walk Like This,” “Check,” and “Caught Up.” However, we’re obsessed with the GloRilla assist on “In My Bag,” the sultry anthem “Soft,” and the nostalgia laced throughout the LP, specifically on “Shoulda Woulda Coulda.”
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Mary J. Blige – Gratitude </h3>Mary J. Blige has released her 15th studio album, Gratitude, to thank her fans for their unyielding support.
The 12-track LP features Fabolous, Jadakiss, Fat Joe, and A$AP Ferg, which all complement Mary’s signature sound. Instead of experimenting or following trends, the Queen of Hip-Hop Soul sticks to what she does best. Though most of the album lends itself to music perfect for any dancery, she does sprinkle in a few vulnerable ballads like “Here I Am,” “Don’t F**k Up,” “Superpowers,” and “Nobody But You.”
Of the project, Mary expressed on Instagram, “There are not enough words that can express my gratitude‼️ Here we Grow again!”
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Jessie Reyez feat. Ari Lennox – “JUST LIKE THAT” </h3>Jessie Reyez is gearing up for something big with the help of breadcrumbs, including her single, “JUST LIKE THAT” featuring Ari Lennox.
The sexy, vibrant tune feels like you’re catching a flight to an island with great weather and better vibes. It mimics the feeling one gets when getting a partner that is good for you.
“I just want somethin’ that’s good for me/ I got a feelin’ that you could be good for me/ Just make me feel somethin’, just make me feel somethin’,” they sing on the chorus. It’s a refreshing ode to the comfort and security that comes from a healthy relationship.
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Destin Conrad – “NOSEBLEED” </h3>Destin Conrad’s back with a “sweet song” all about attempting to mask one’s emotions, but sometimes it’s very hard to hide and it may even pour out of you unexpectedly like a nosebleed.
“Even if you are a master at being a closed book, sometimes it can come out uncontrollably,” Destin quipped when explaining the record in a statement. It’s real, relatable, and sometimes all we need to hear.
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Raiche – Making Room </h3>Raiche returns with her highly-anticipated new EP, Making Room.
After a year of soul-searching, the dynamic lover girl has poured out her heart on the five-track project in an effort to “make room” for other feels. She overcame a hard breakup and found herself again, which is a testament to music’s healing powers and being intentional with self-work.
“I had to be centered in who I am and figure out what I really want for myself,” Raiche reflects in a statement. “I just wanted to be happy, and I discovered you can choose your joy. It’s about realizing that you don’t have to stay stuck; you can move on and rebuild. I realized I have the power to restructure my thinking and change any relationship. I’m just a f**king human being who’s living and growing, and I’m here for you.”
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IAMTHELIVING – Nebra Sky </h3>IAMTHELIVING’s debut album, Nebra Sky, has arrived.
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Credit: www.vibe.com
