Though Alicia Keys and Def Jam artists Coco Jones and Mikhala Jené are getting a head start on the holiday season, others are basking in their return to the spotlight. After a six-year hiatus, Rihanna finally dropped new music, and it’s an endearing ballad with a purpose. Meanwhile, SZA teased more new music from her long-awaited sophomore album.
Underrated singer-songwriter Leven Kali shared his first new project since 2020’s HIGHTIDE and DRAM premiered another record from his forthcoming album, What Had Happened Was. Whether you’re in the mood to deck the halls, work on your karma, get out of the friend zone “for the night” or chuck the deuces at someone you’re no longer feeling, check out this week’s top new R&B releases.
Rih’s newest work of art is a tribute to the late Chadwick Boseman for the Black Panther: Wakanda Forever original soundtrack. Written by Tems, Ludwig Göransson, Rihanna, and the film’s director, Ryan Coogler, the ballad serves as a testament to the Fenty mogul’s vocal growth.
Tems spoke on the heart-wrenching record on Instagram upon its release. “Blessed to have written this song in honour of Chadwick Boseman and even more blessed to hear the baddest @badgalriri voice it to perfection [dove emoji],” wrote the 27-year-old Nigerian phenom. To which the mother of one replied, “It’s the pen for me [sic] love to you sistren.”
The Black Panther: Wakanda Forever soundtrack will be available on Nov. 4 while the score premieres in tandem with the sequel on Nov. 11.
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