Beyoncé, Raiche, Tyla, And More New R&B To Compliment Your Vibe
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Even though last Friday (Dec. 1) was the official day of RENAISSANCE with the theater debut of Beyoncé’s new film, we cannot allow this curation to be diluted by thoughts of silver, ballroom culture, and the afterglow of this year’s greatest tour— at least not entirely.
Bey, Mother of the House of Renaissance, surprised fans with “MY HOUSE,” a new track featured in the docufilm’s credits. Meanwhile, Tyla announced her debut album and blessed fans with three tracks from the highly-anticipated LP. Raiche returns with her captivating sophomore EP as Cedric Brazle issues the extended version of his project from earlier this year. Josh Levi, Kirk Franklin, and Teenear all welcomed in the yuletide cheer with their respective holiday offerings. Samaria teased her next EP and Raheem DeVaughn fell in love.
Whether you’re a “serial recluse,” a festive enthusiast, still circling Bey’s orbit or a conglomerate of all of the above, catch the groove that matches your vibe with our top new R&B selects.
Beyoncé – “MY HOUSE”
At the end of Renaissance: A Film By Beyoncé, the singer premiered a surprise track. “MY HOUSE,” co-produced and co-written by herself and The-Dream, appears to be an extension of her hit, “HEATED.” Genius notes that the track will appear on the RENAISSANCE WORLD TOUR: LIVE ALBUM. However, that LP has not been confirmed by Parkwood, but the probability of its existence is high, considering a live album accompanied her last docufilm, Homecoming.
“MY HOUSE” is an uptempo jam with a direct, succinct message—”When I grow up, I’m gon’ buy me a (House)/ Make love in the (House)/ Stay up late in this (House)/ Don’t give a f**k about my (House)/ Then get the f**k up out my (House).” Not only does this correlate with Bey being mother to the House of Renaissance, but some fans feel this signals the end of act I: her renaissance era.
In the outro, Bey chants “Lend your soul to intuitions/ RENAISSANCE, new revolution/ Pick me up even if I fall/ Let love heal us all, us all, us all.” The nod to Janet Jackson’s “Rhythm Nation” can also mark her creation of a new anthem of liberation much like “BREAK MY SOUL.”
Raiche – Loveland
Raiche’s sophomore EP oozes intoxicating allure as the rising star offers a vulnerable glimpse into what life and love have looked like for her in recent years.
“This has been a long time coming,” said Raiche of her new EP. “The ‘Loveland’ project is a body of work I am really proud of. Working on this project over the past couple of years has stretched me, I’ve grown in so many ways…professionally and personally. And, the music speaks to that, each song represents a period in my life along my journey. I want fans to come into my Loveland and experience what love means to me.”
We were first drawn to Raiche and her single “Big Daddy,” but now, we’re hooked on the Ty Dolla $ign assisted remix “Pick A Side,” the captivating “Late Show,” the poignant “Burn Your Clothes,” and the emotive titular closer.
Tyla – TYLA (Announcement)
After the success of her acclaimed single “Water,” Tyla wasted no time getting to her debut album.
The full LP is set for release in March 2024, but to appease fans in the meantime, she’s dropped three new singles: “On and On,” “Truth Or Dare,” and “Butterflies.”
“Truth Or Dare” is reminiscent of Rihanna’s earlier sound but with a blend of amapiano and R&B. “Butterflies” feels like a sweet dream laced with potential regret as she sings, “You give me butterflies/ Got me falling in the deep end of your disguise/ Sparred with a hundred lies/ So I fear this might be my goodbye.”
“On and On” reminds us of Janet Jackson’s “That’s The Way Love Goes.” It’s a subtle jam without overpowering instrumentation and Tyla’s soothing voice sings about partying like it’s 1995. All four records serve as a dynamic prelude to her debut album and we, for sure, can’t wait for the full LP.
Josh Levi – “Let it Snow”
If Mariah Carey’s “All I Want For Christmas Is You” is the universal start to the holiday season, then Boyz II Men and Brian McKnight’s “Let It Snow” is arguably the most soulful kickoff. So, Josh Levi chose to reimagine the Christmas classic just a bit for his audience. Somehow, he majestically took a multi-part harmony and suited it for a one-man show. Yet, that seemed like an easy feat for the thriving crooner.
After going viral on TikTok and his hit “EGO” making rounds earlier this year, Levi has proven himself time and time again that he is a star to keep an eye on. Not to mention, his cover of Jazmine Sullivan’s “Lions, Tigers & Bears” is another example of how he can mold his voice to fit any song, making all of his work worth swooning over.
Teenear feat. Ronnie V – “Lonely At Christmas”
Teenear partnered with fellow R&B sensation Ronnie V to put their spin on The Emotions’ hit ballad “What Do The Lonely Do At Christmas?” These two fan their seductive flame and go back and forth to answer the question posed in the song title. With the sting of sadness replaced by a wave of optimism, Teenear sings, “I can be your gift/ All I need is you/ All I really wanted was you at Christmas.”
“For me this song truly captures the dynamics of many relationships in our generation,” Teenear explained in a statement. “Things often feel ‘too complicated,’ but ultimately no one wants to end up lonely on Christmas.” This is only a preview of what’s to come from the songbird in the new year.
Kirk Franklin – “Joy To The World”
As a holiday gift, Kirk Franklin released his offering in the form of a Spotify exclusive. The gospel pioneer reimagined the classic “Joy To The World” in an ethereal and enchanting way to serve as an empowerment ballad.
The single is his first stand-alone release following the arrival of his latest album, Father’s Day. The LP arrived earlier this year and was accompanied by his beautifully tragic albeit necessarily vulnerable documentary of the same name.
Samaria – “serial recluse”
Samaria returns with a relatable anthem, an ode of sorts for those in search of much-needed isolation. Produced by Xeryus and Rodney Jerkins, it doesn’t sound like a repeat of the past and stands on its own as a quick—under two minute—tribute to an escape.
She first teased the single earlier this year, and it’s set to be part of her forthcoming EP, Even Paradise Rains. When she announced the project at the top of November, the Bay Area songbird confirmed on Instagram that the project is part of a larger, vulnerable conversation as it relates to romantic relationships.
“*disclaimer.. I’ve never poured my heart out like this before, I am not liable for any one way flights with no plans of return or texts sent to exes & distant lovers..listen at your own discretion,” she wrote, urging fans to listen to the EP in full. Samaria noted, “promise you’ll get the whole story,” but that starts with “serial recluse,” following previous releases, “wish you hell,” and “tight rope.”
Cedric Brazle – …What I Know Now (Deluxe)
Cedric Brazle is one of the men in R&B that more people need to pay attention to and we believe his deluxe EP for …What I Know Now supports this notion. It completes the story he started to tell on the original version and its predecessor, If I Knew Then…, about how a millennial man approaches life and love while in search of himself.
His contemporary albeit nostalgic sound paired with his hypnotizing vocal performance has fans excited for what’s to come in the new year. With this EP, we get the answers to the questions he’s presented musically about himself, his choices, and their potential consequences.
“I’m grateful for the experience — the highs & lows of life that taught me all that was necessary to get here,” Brazle expressed on Instagram about the new project. “I appreciate every soul that has helped and allowed me to use their gifts to make this the best music it could be. this deluxe is for the ones who supported all year. my biggest hope is that it reaches those who need to hear it most. 2024 we are taking it higher.”
Raheem DeVaughn – Fall In Love
To follow up his acclaimed summertime LP, Raheem DeVaughn is back with the official cuffing season soundtrack. His new album, Fall In Love, was designed for listeners in search of deeper connections and a “safe space to foster and nurture love.”
“‘Fall In Love’ is my latest offering with a twist of Soul/R&B fused with a futuristic 90s nostalgia,” DeVaughn shared in a statement. “It is my ode to my loyal fans and is a continuation from the instant classic, ‘Summer Of Love.’ This new release aims to appeal to all of the senses and to have listeners and fans alike reminded that love is the highest vibration.”
The enduring album feels like the embodiment of a Black romance and grown folks business. “Let’s Fall In Love” could’ve easily been part of the Love Jones soundtrack and “Let It Flow (Rock Jazz Remix)” could play on the Quiet Storm airwaves (once we get a radio edit version). One thing is for sure with this album, babies will be made to it. Fall in love or fall in lust—your choice.
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