Arin Ray, Tems, Samm Henshaw, And More New R&B For This Next Phase
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Despite someone attempting to revive the tired narrative that R&B is dead, once again we’re here to prove that it’s alive and well. With Grammy submissions being closed for 2024, things are slowing down a bit on the release front. However, R&B still has something to say with this week’s new releases.
Arin Ray dropped the first single from his new EP, Phases III, as Tems issued her first solo release since 2021’s If Orange Was A Place. Samm Henshaw is honoring the life and legacy of a dear friend as he channels his African roots on “Jumoke” while Bell Biv DeVoe—off the heels of New Edition‘s back-to-back tours—have shared their first single as a trio in six years, featuring a dynamic collab with Rev Run.
Vedo is feeling fulfilled with the arrival of his seventh studio album and Miguel unveiled the video to his hit, “Give It To Me.” Find your groove with VIBE’s top new R&B picks.
Arin Ray – “Wait So Long”
Arin Ray is back on the scene with his highly-anticipated single, “Wait So Long.” The track, which serves as a look into the fear and frustration associated with a lover hesitant on confessing their love, is the lead single from Ray’s new EP, Phases III.
“Why would you wait so long? Say what you want, say what you need/Why would you take so long to say what you like about me?” Ray pleads that pain on the Tricky Stewart-produced record.
The crooner will hit the road later this month following the EP’s release on Oct. 20.
Samm Henshaw – “Jumoké”
Samm Henshaw is using his pain as inspiration behind his first single of 2023.
“It’s been a while, sorry it’s taken so long,” said the British-Nigerian crooner on Instagram. The beautiful, heartwarming record titled “Jumoke” means “loved by everybody” and is meant to serve as a celebration of life and love, in honor of a loved one.
“Steve was heavily involved in the African music scene and would always encourage me to make songs that celebrated my Nigerian heritage. ‘Jumoke’ was birthed from his encouragement. Unfortunately, he unexpectedly passed before hearing this song. So this release is for him,” Henshaw expressed.
Tems – “Me & U”
Tems is having an incredible run. After winning a GRAMMY and earning her first Oscar nomination, the Nigerian songbird returns with her new single, “Me & U.” It is her first solo release since her latest EP, If Orange Was A Place.
She told Apple Music’s Zane Lowe that the song was initially made in 2021 as she shot the video for her smash collab with WizKid, “Essence.”
“When I heard it, I just went into a trance and I was having a conversation with God about… I’m not sure what it was, I was just in a trance, and I didn’t remember what I had done until I recorded it, but it really was just about the conversation surrounding commitment and faith,” Tems explained. “I think when you create anything, period, you’re tapping into something spiritual because you’re creating something from nothing. I think music is very spiritual no matter what it sounds like, no matter where it’s from, no matter whether it’s acknowledged or not. I think music always has an energy and I just want to be as honest as I can in my music.”
Without revealing much of anything, Tems shared that after taking the time she needed, her new album is coming.
Bell Biv DeVoe feat. Rev Run – “Act Like You Know”
As Mike Bivins’ docufilm, The Hustle Of @617MikeBiv, made its cable debut on WE tv, he reunited with his Bell Biv DeVoe band members for their new single, “Act Like You Know” featuring Rev Run.
Co-written by the trio, LL Cool J, and Rev Run, the track spotlights the Hip-Hop and R&B pioneers in an epic musical collaboration. The record is the first official release from the docufilm’s soundtrack and is BBD’s first single in six years.
“‘Act Like You Know’ celebrates the brotherhood and history between us and Run that’s been 40 years in the making,” said Bivins. “We hope the fans enjoy this track as much as we did getting together to make it.” Fans can expect more from the New Edition members throughout 2024.
Miguel – “Give It To Me” (Video)
As Miguel gears up for the release of his new album, Viscera, the singer has dropped the visual for his hit single, “Give It To Me.”
The Bradley J. Calder-directed video stars Miguel and Juliana Nalu as the two manipulate light to flirt, tease, entice, and intrigue viewers. The new album will include this ballad as well as previously released single, “Number 9” featuring Lil Yachty and “Rope.”
When speaking on the LP during a recent sit-down with Office Magazine, the crooner teased, “this period revealed limits and opened up capabilities never considered.”
Vedo – 7
Vedo’s seventh studio album, aptly titled 7, is exactly what you think it represents. It’s an evolution; it’s a complete, intimate performance. The crooner compiled a series of love songs, heart-wrenching ballads, and uptempo feel-goods that put his range and depth on front street.
“7 represents completion,” said Vedo in a statement. “It represents those who seek to understand the deeper meaning of life. It’s a lucky number and represents many other things as well. Although I’m far from being done, after creating ‘7’ the Album, I now have a sense of fullness.”
Fans can catch him on the road on the second leg of his sold-out Still Having Mood Swings tour.
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