Amerie, Keri Hilson, Ari Lennox, And More New R&B That Feels Like The Early 2000s
This week in R&B feels like a time machine. Amerie and Keri Hilson are leading the charge because our 2000s Queens are back with new releases.
Current powerhouses including Coco Jones, Jessie Reyez, Ari Lennox, Kali Uchis, and Naomi Sharon are also blessing fans with their respective drops as rising stars like Jozzy, Aqyila, AKIA, and Isaiah Falls remind R&B lovers that the genre is alive, thriving, and not always relying on the ’90s.
We also are obsessed with singles from Ann Nesby, Rob Murat, Maya Elizabeth, and the Bow Wow–Chris Brown reunion we’ve been waiting for.
Check out all of VIBE’s top new R&B picks below.
Amerie – “Mine”
Amerie announced her return to music back in November 2024 and now, her first solo single in seven years is here.
“Mine,” produced by Troy Taylor, is a dreamy love song about the desire to commit to one person. “Something ‘bout you babe, I’ll make you mine, I’ll make you mine,” she softly chants on the chorus.
This is the first, proper glimpse into Amerie’s next chapter with her new album set to arrive later this year.
Keri Hilson – “Bae”
Keri Hilson began teasing the end of her music hiatus on Instagram earlier this month. In conversation with herself, the singer opened up about her own humanity, the need for peace of mind and privacy as well as the desire to be at the top of her game. “I don’t want to put me, my life or my art in the hands of people who don’t give a f**k about me,” she expressed.
She explained the truth behind her lengthy hiatus and why now is the right time for her to come back.
With her new single, “Bae,” which nostalgically interpolates Hurricane Chris’ “Aye Bay Bay,” it explores the simplicity of love and herself. Hilson told Rated R&B, “It’s not a super conceptual moment. It’s not super melodic or too heavily arranged. It is just straightforward. It’s like, ‘Oh, I get to hear Keri’s voice again.’”
It’s the first taste from her new album, We Need To Talk, out on April 18.
Ari Lennox – “Soft Girl Era”
Ari Lennox celebrated her birthday by gifting fans with her highly-anticipated new single, “Soft Girl Era.”
Produced by Jermaine Dupri and Bryan-Michael Cox, Ari embraces her femininity, peace, and the demand to let someone else do the heavy lifting.
“Baby, that’s a million dollars in the mirror/ Step back, get back, can’t get near her/ Ain’t tryna do nothing but look pretty in here/ Hurry up and put me in my soft girl era,” she sings on the new anthem for women who also want to be living the soft life.
This is Ari’s first solo single since the release of “Smoke” from October 2024.
Jessie Reyez – PAID IN MEMORIES
Jessie Reyez’s PAID IN MEMORIES is one of the best albums of the year.
Singles including “JEANS,” “GOLIATH,” and “JUST LIKE THAT,” have had us in a chokehold, but then we added “I NEVER SAID I WAS SANE,” “CUDN’T B ME,” and “L.O.Y.L.” into the mix. It’s a chilling, sonic ride about the ebb and flow of one’s depth as it relates to self, love, success, and more.
Reyez described her past relationship with success as “a little convoluted,” but now she’s enjoying the well-earned benefits. “I’ve been lucky enough that my success has not just come materially. I’ve been really fortunate that along with the heartbreak, I’ve had beautiful love stories. Along with people that I’ve lost along the way, I’ve had people that stuck it out with me. I’ve been paid in more ways than one, and luckily, I’ve been well paid in memories,” she explained in a statement.
Jozzy – “Maybe”
Jozzy’s back and we thank God. With “Maybe,” she addresses the blurred lines that form when one doesn’t want to be accountable for their emotions.
Produced by Bongo By The Way and Freaky Rob, “Maybe” is both honest and direct. “Don’t treat me like a maybe,” she declares, urging the receiver to be just as forthcoming.
This is the lead single from Jozzy’s forthcoming debut album, “Soundtrack 2 Get Her Back.”
Bow Wow, Chris Brown – “Use Me”
Bow Wow and Chris Brown haven’t worked together in well over a decade, but the men have reunited for “Use Me” and their synergy has remained in tact.
“Getting back in the studio with Chris feels like a full-circle moment. Every time we connect, we create something special,” Bow shared.
The record is also his first release under BPC Music Group, the newly-launched record label from Black Promoters Collective. CEO Gary Guidry shared, “BPC is about Black excellence, period. Bow Wow brings real vision and impact—he’s the perfect artist to launch with.”
Produced by Hitmaka, “Use Me” is a perfect bop to play as the weather warms up and everyone seems to be on demon time.
Coco Jones – “You”
We are so ready for Coco Jones’ debut album, and “You” is adding to the angst.
Produced by London On Da Track, Boobie, Phil the Keys, Hero, Banger Slanger, and 2K, “You” is a heartwarming track about falling in love. “You showed me things I never saw and/ You know what, you real life/ Gave me my heart and then taught me to love again,” she reflects on the chorus.
The singer recently confirmed that she’s dating NBA star, Donovan Mitchell. Coming off the heels of “Taste,” we’re eager to hear more from Coco, the lover. Her long-awaited debut, Why Not More?, is set to release on April 25.
Kali Uchis – “Sunshine & Rain…”
Kali Uchis has finally given us a preview from her next album, Sincerely,.
“Sunshine & Rain…” is about wanting someone to go through the seasons with— both literally and figuratively. It’s soft and sincere.
“This record is about embracing a life of enjoyment despite the world or your circumstances…” the new mother notes, describing the record as “an existential piece focusing on the vulnerability and romanticism of life.”
AKIA – DUMB
AKIA has such an enchanting voice, which is why her debut EP, DUMB, is on repeat.
Composed of only four tracks, she takes you on a ride. With her breakout hit, “DND,” the heartbreaking “My Girl Gina,” the rollercoaster spiral of “Crazy (Interlude),” and the reflective “Nobody,” AKIA reminds listeners that we all really go through similar problems in love.
“This project is called DUMB because that’s how I felt—dumb in love, dumb for ignoring red flags, dumb for staying too long,” she explained. “But writing these songs helped me realize how powerful it is to fall deeply and come back stronger. This EP is for every girl who’s ever had to put herself back together.”
Aqyila – Falling Into Place
Aqyila, hailing from Canada, is another international phenom that we can’t get enough of.
Her debut album, Falling Into Place, is finally here and as its title suggests, it fell right into place within the pantheon of R&B.
Whether it’s the vibrancy of “Focus,” the magnetic pull of “Limbo,” or the infectiousness of “Bloom,” this album is a magical blend of heartfelt words and melodies that will live rent-free in your subconscious.
When speaking on the LP, Aqyila shares, “I’m just a lover girl at heart. I love love, and I love songs that make me feel like I’m right in the moment, floating in love. There’s no such thing as overnight success. This debut album is the culmination of years of hard work, growth, and learning. All the pieces finally feel like they’re coming together.”
Naomi Sharon – “Can We Do This Over”
Naomi Sharon is truly one of the most hypnotizing vocals ever. With her new offering, “Can We Do This Over,” all we wanted to do was play it over and over.
“I remember being in a vulnerable phase,” Sharon recalls of the record’s creation. “Together with Justin Tranter, the co-writer, I wrote a beautiful lyric that perfectly captured how I was feeling […] It felt like a very open and honest process. We decided to start acoustically to see what kind of song would emerge, instead of immediately adding a full production. This allowed us to experiment with different elements and instruments. Eren Cannata, Jordan Ullman and Alex Lustig guided this process beautifully.”
The ballad reminds us so much of Sade and Cleo Sol— a soothing melody with an honest story that penetrates one’s soul.
Isaiah Falls feat. Odeal – “Searching”
Isaiah Falls’ debut album, Drugs n’ Lullabies, is still on repeat, but the beloved crooner returns to announce his next project, LVRS Paradise.
The news was accompanied by a single release with the help of Odeal. “Working with Odeal was effortless,” said Falls on working with the fellow R&B sensation. “I always appreciate when I can tell that someone puts the time and effort into their craft.”
Their duet, “Searching,” is sultry yet raw as the men encapsulate the “ache of longing” and that internal tug when the love you desire feels slightly out of your grasp.
Ann Nesby – “Ain’t Gotta Worry”
Ann Nesby is once again reminding folks that the best kind of love comes in the form of emotional maturity.
Her groovy new single, “Ain’t Gotta Worry,” honors the men who lead with intention and the women who match that energy. It’s a subtle flex about how your partner “ain’t gotta worry” about anything because your relationship is stable and secure.
Nesby shared, “I’ve lived this song. Real love—the kind that’s mutual, intentional, and emotionally grown—isn’t fantasy. It’s possible. I wanted to give the brothers their flowers and salute the women who love like they mean it. We’ve all been through enough to know that settling isn’t the same as loving. This song is a reminder: if it’s real, you won’t have to worry.”
RL Huggar of Next and Brian “B-Flat” Cook were also behind this record just as they were with “My Man,” released back in January. Both will appear on her upcoming album, ANNiversary, out on April 11.
Rob Murat, Maya Elizabeth – “All I Can Say”
Rob Murat and Maya Elizabeth’s new single title reminds us of Mary J. Blige and Lauryn Hill’s “All That I Can Say.” Like a soft breeze flowing through your curtains on a warm, spring day, both records exude love.
With Murat and Elizabeth’s version, though, they sing about the side of love that’s more vulnerable, that people tend to run from. However, the earnest anthem highlights what it’s like to weather the storms of life together knowing that your love won’t waver.
“This one felt so good to bring to life,” Murat noted in a statement. “From its musical elements to the lyrics to the collaboration with one of my new favorite artists, Maya, this song beautifully captures the intended sentiment and vibe.”
Elizabeth added, “Wherever you find yourself—in the middle of a conflict, coming out of one, or in the calm before an inevitable storm—this song is meant to remind listeners that the rain never lasts forever.”