This week in R&B, healing is packaged differently as nostalgia is made new and artists are exploring what it means to get through the woes of life and love—with and without a professional’s help.
JoJo – NGL
JoJo’s NGL will get you together in under 30 minutes. The music echoes themes and sentiments from her memoir and it’s an earnest display and celebration of her strength and resilience.
“We made these songs while I was in a season of simultaneously trying to hold on and let go. Inspired by the energy of living in a new city and being truly unattached for the first time ever (no romantic entanglements or record label) sparked a tinge of fear, but mostly a huge wave of relief and excitement,” JoJo explained when speaking on the project. “My journey to self-love has looked a lot of different ways and it’s had plenty of starts, stops, twists and turns. [Not gonna lie], I’m just out here. Finding my way.”
The standout of the EP, outside of the lead single “Porcelain” and new single “Ready For Love,” is easily “One Last Time.” It’s a vivid story of telling someone goodbye for the final time because you’ve found peace with the end of that chapter. The sentiment can also double as the track that may best define this EP.
B5 – STAY (Still Think About You)
B5 is back and all grown up. The quintet’s new EP drew inspiration from their debut album—which turns 20 this year. However, them partnering with The Exclusives was their reintroduction to welcome fans into their present and future.
The project was led by the sultry record, “Spooky” and the intimate albeit sexy ballad, “Nervous.” The best part is that the group still knows their strength and didn’t stray away from their signature sound. Some moments may transport you back to 2005, but it’s clear they’re here to stay.
SAILORR feat. Summer Walker – “POOKIE’S REQUIEM [hehe look y’all I made it longer]”
Rising phenom SAILORR’s hit breakup anthem got taken up a notch when she linked up with the heartbreak queen, Summer Walker.
The viral song was just shy of a two-minute runtime, but with the delightful addition, it’s now just under three minutes—causing SAILORR to tease fans with the joke: “hehe look y’all I made it longer.”
Of the record’s concept, she said in a statement, “I watched ‘Requiem for a Dream’ right after a bad breakup. I was like, ‘Damn, I really identify with this’ — just struggling with addiction, whether that be with sex, love, substances, whatever. I feel like anybody can identify with trying to unlearn unhealthy habits, so ‘POOKIE’S REQUIEM’ was a direct reflection of what I was struggling with at the time.”
This is just the beginning of what the Vietnamese powerhouse has up her sleeve.
Teddy Swims – I’ve Tried Everything But Therapy (Part 2)
Just when you thought Teddy Swims’ I’ve Tried Everything But Therapy couldn’t get better, he releases the second installment with some of Hip-Hop and R&B’s top acts.
“This album is a continuation of Part 1,” said Teddy. “I’ve been evolving, growing, and healing in so many ways since the first one! On the last album, I felt as if it just left you with so much heartbreak and no resolve. Of course, there is still heartbreak on Part 2, but I believe we’ve given just a little more closure this time around!”
This go ’round, he partnered with Givēon, Muni Long, GloRilla, and Coco Jones. Who knew these were the collaborations music had been missing?
Ann Nesby – “My Man”
Will the real lovers please stand up? Ann Nesby would like to have a word.
The two-time Grammy winner is still in love and telling the world all about it. Her new single, aptly titled “My Man,” was co-written by R.L. of Next along with Brian Cook and is a tribute to her husband and manager.
“This song is about love and loyalty that endures life’s challenges,” Nesby shared. “It reflects my personal journey while celebrating the love stories that inspire my music.” For those who can’t stop gushing about their man or mate, this song is for you.
Bathe – “Here”
Bathe’s new album, Inside Voice(s), is coming out on March 21, but until then, we have its lead single, “Here.”
A relatable ode to “the winter blues,” the men explained that “Here” is “a soundtrack for anyone fighting that feeling [of staying bed and forgetting the outside world] and finding a way back to their feet.” It somewhat serves as a battle with one’s mind and body.
It’s a chilling start to welcome the album that
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