James Fauntleroy, Charlie Wilson, Jabari, And More New R&B For The Warmest Winter Ever
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Global warming has somewhat removed the natural magic of the holiday season, but thankfully, we have R&B music to keep some of that unfiltered joy alive.
James Fauntleroy and newcomer Sean B have both released their solo debut albums, which are delightfully themed towards the holidays without solely relying on covers or recycled stories of yuletide and such. Meanwhile, Bel-Air star Jabari Banks has unveiled his debut single under his new major label deal with Epic Records. Charlie Wilson is honoring his wife, who he credits as the reason behind his sobriety and why he’s able to consider himself “superman.” Tems, on the other hand, is reveling in the fact that she’s no angel.
Tahjere is expressing every ounce of talent that her mother, Faith Evans, instilled in her on her new EP, much like what WanMor has done with their cover of Boyz II Men’s “Please Don’t Go.” Dylan Reese and IAMTHELIVING impressively stand on unabridged vulnerability for their respective soul-stirring projects.
Who said that you have to go through an externally cold winter without something to keep you warm? We hope these new R&B releases help you out this season.
James Fauntleroy – The Warmest Winter Ever
James Fauntleroy has compiled some of his best solo work over the past decade into a comprehensive debut album. The Warmest Winter Ever includes 25 holiday essentials plus eight brand-new tracks that arrived last month. The LP encompassed the world of Christmas as it explores themes of embodying Santa and discovering a winter romance through tracks like “Sleigh,” “Mrs. Claus,” “Christmas Lights,” “Mistletoe,” and “Magic.”
The Grammy-winning crooner and producer explained to Billboard how a holiday debut feels “natural” to him. “Because when I’m thinking about it in terms of my legacy — not what I’m trying to build, but where I’ve come to at this point — I think that it’s so unusual to have your first album be your Christmas album,” he said. “But considering all the sh*t I make, it makes it the perfect first album.”
Charlie Wilson – “Superman”
After dominating Tiny Desk earlier this year and conquering a tour last year with New Edition, Charlie Wilson is back with his highly-anticipated new single, “Superman.” It’s essentially a touching love letter to his wife that reflects the “transformative power of love and support.” After overcoming homelessness and drug addiction, he achieved sobriety with the help of his wife and restored his music career.
“This song is truly personal for me as it reflects on the love I have for my wife and the turning point that reshaped my entire life,” said the crooner of his new single. “After The Gap Band’s success, I struggled with homelessness and addiction. I entered rehab, meeting my future wife, a counselor at the facility. She put the cape on my back and we’ve been rollin’ ever since (28 years). This song is also for all women, their strength, love and support is appreciated more than they know.”
Michael Paran, CEO of P Music Group, praised Wilson’s strength and believes, “the release is timely as his unwavering strength, resilience, and legacy are setting the stage for 2024 to be his most impactful year yet.”
Jabari – “Something Else”
Jabari Banks of Bel-Air is dropped his last name and shared his new debut single, “Something Else,” under his new deal with Epic Records. Produced by Ayo The Producer, the song emotes what its name suggests as Jabari navigates tension within his romantic life.
“With the creation of ‘Something Else,’ I wanted to give life to the grey areas of infatuation,” said the actor of the record. Jabari eagerly dives into the flexibility of his sound as he toys with the marriage of R&B and Hip-Hop. Even on his debut, he glides back-and-forth between singing and rapping. It’s a testament of his vibrant range and a taste of what’s to come.
WanMor – “Please Don’t Go”
WanMor, under the guidance of Mary J. Blige, are setting themselves up to dominate just as their father, Wanyá Morris did with Boyz II Men in the ’90s. “I know none of y’all are in love yet, but y’all can do anything and I just think that it’s such a staple moment,” MJB told them during the recording of WanMor’s cover of the Philly-bred quartet’s 1991 ballad, “Please Don’t Go.”
She continued, “It’s like ‘wow’ because that’s your father. You inherited that and I just think it’s so special.” Blige revealed that she initially wanted them to perform the cover at the BET Awards to bridge a generational gap, but giving them the space to push their version on its own was the best call—plus there’s always next year.
It’s rare that a recreation will rival or outshine the original, but WanMor came pretty close. Their blend of innate talent will send chills through your body, and this cover shows that they’re true to this as it comes after their cover of Switch’s “I Call Your Name” from their debut EP.
Tems – “Not An Angel”
Tems isn’t thwarting her growth at all with the release of her new single, “Not An Angel.” Solely written by her and co-produced by Sarz, the record is heartfelt even if the beat slightly takes away from its essence.
“This song is about knowing your worth and moving on in life from anything holding you back,” said the Oscar nominee in a statement about the song. She rids herself of a savior complex and uses her self-awareness to set herself free as she sings, “’Cause I’m not an angel/ I’m just a girl that knows the truth/ And I couldn’t save you.”
It’s her first solo release in nearly two years— if you don’t count her cover of Bob Marley’s “No Woman No Cry” from the Black Panther: Wakanda Forever soundtrack.
IAMTHELIVING – Nebra Sky, Pt. 1
IAMTHELIVING is one of our indie’s favorites. The rising, London-born sensation has released his new EP, Nebra Sky, Pt. 1, and it truly feels like a divine offering.
The cosmic energy of the Nebra sky disk fuels the artisic expression of the soulful crooner. The seven-track EP is poetic, introspective, heavenly, and vulnerable as heard on tracks like “Calloused Heart,” “Love So Divine,” and the lead single, “Can’t Be Replaced.” The project also channels the spirits of Marvin Gaye, Otis Redding, Curtis Mayfield, and Stevie Wonder.
IAMTHELIVING considers Nebra Sky, Pt. 1 to be a portal into his world [and] a true introduction of who he is. “From start to finish it takes you on a journey. The sound, the stories, the vision are elements of my spirit, my art, and my life experiences, it’s authentically me,” he noted. “My hope for this EP is that you can get to know me, walk with me on this journey and that it can also uplift and inspire others to be authentically your themselves, to never give up, and to go for what it is that you truly want in life.”
This is the first installment of a larger release set to arrive in 2024.
Tahjere – Twin Flame
As the eldest child of Faith Evans, Tahjere definitely inherited her musical gifts from her mother.
Her new EP, Twin Flame, was inspired by a real-life “situationship” that led to her discovering a slew of deeper emotions. Instead of allowing her feelings to fall on the deaf ears of an emotionally unavailable partner, she put everything in her music with the help of producers on the rise including Kay Franklin and Que Sol.
The title track has a catchy hook that’s ultra relatable in the spirit of people professing their love on TikTok and such. She sings, “I found my twin flame/ I been wishing on a star for this day/ Mirror, mirror, yeah we one in the same/ I ain’t out here worryin’ bout a thing.” Yet, there’s the collaboration, “Promise,” with actor/singer and her childhood friend, Quincy, that is utterly hypnotizing. The two sing about keeping their word within the confines of a relationship from different points of view.
Despite this being an R&B EP, Tahjere’s next release is set to be more Hip-Hop focused.
Dylan Reese – EARTHQUAKE
After sprinkling musical breadcrumbs throughout the year, Dylan Reese has compiled all of his greatness into his newest album, EARTHQUAKE. He declared on Instagram that the album “is undoubtedly & undeniably my best work,” and we’d strongly agree.
After hearing the previously released singles, “say less” featuring Reggie Becton, “shut your mouth,” “bittersweet,” and “whatever, whenever,” the story feels complete in the greater context of the album.
Reese sings of yearning and intention in the enticing LP that oozes earnest feelings of desire and romantic pursuit. What he lacks in melanin, he makes up for with gratifying records spurred from the depths of his blue-eyed soul.
Sean B – Christmas At Home
If you’re a fan of New Jack Swing, The Jackson 5, Stevie Wonder, and PJ Morton, allow us to introduce you to Sean B and his debut album, Christmas At Home.
The decision to have his debut LP be an ode to the holidays may seem unconventional, but the South Georgia-bred crooner has an infectious, warm tone that perfectly captures the season and his essence as an artist. Complete with 10 original tracks, Christmas At Home offers a stimulating perspective on all the feelings that arise during the holiday season, whether you’re home alone or with loved ones.
The lead single, “Until,” centers around the heartwarming message that one should cherish the mundane moments as they come. We’re cherishing Sean B on his ascent in today’s R&B ranks.
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