FLO, Jessie Reyez, Mary J. Blige, And More New R&B To Access All Areas
This is a great week in R&B. FLO and Shantel May both granted fans access into their world with their highly-anticipated debut albums as Tiana Major9 ended her two-year hiatus by way of her new single, “alone.”
Mary J. Blige released her 15th studio album while the men of R&B—Jerel, IAMTHELIVING, Destin Conrad, and Victor Ray— all made sure their voices were heard. We also got new music offerings from Lola Moxom, Nefertitti Avani, Raiche, and Jessie Reyez with Ari Lennox.
At this time of the year, the music isn’t slowing down for the holidays and for that, we’re thankful. Check out VIBE’s top new R&B picks of the week below.
FLO – Access All Areas
FLO’s debut album is finally here. The 16-track LP includes guest appearances from GloRilla and Cynthia Erivo as well as production from MNEK, DIXSON, Camper, and more.
When explaining what it means to “access all areas,” Jorja, Stella, and Reneé told VIBE exclusively, “It means being open, vulnerable, and just talking about what we’ve experienced on this journey in the industry. We’re three young women and a lot of our fans are the same age as us or around the same age, so I feel like they’ll be able to understand what we’re talking about and relate it to whatever they’re going through as well.”
The album has previously released singles, “AAA,” “Bending My Rules,” “Walk Like This,” “Check,” and “Caught Up.” However, we’re obsessed with the GloRilla assist on “In My Bag,” the sultry anthem “Soft,” and the nostalgia laced throughout the LP, specifically on “Shoulda Woulda Coulda.”
Mary J. Blige – Gratitude
Mary J. Blige has released her 15th studio album, Gratitude, to thank her fans for their unyielding support.
The 12-track LP features Fabolous, Jadakiss, Fat Joe, and A$AP Ferg, which all complement Mary’s signature sound. Instead of experimenting or following trends, the Queen of Hip-Hop Soul sticks to what she does best. Though most of the album lends itself to music perfect for any dancery, she does sprinkle in a few vulnerable ballads like “Here I Am,” “Don’t F**k Up,” “Superpowers,” and “Nobody But You.”
Of the project, Mary expressed on Instagram, “There are not enough words that can express my gratitude‼️ Here we Grow again!”
Jessie Reyez feat. Ari Lennox – “JUST LIKE THAT”
Jessie Reyez is gearing up for something big with the help of breadcrumbs, including her single, “JUST LIKE THAT” featuring Ari Lennox.
The sexy, vibrant tune feels like you’re catching a flight to an island with great weather and better vibes. It mimics the feeling one gets when getting a partner that is good for you.
“I just want somethin’ that’s good for me/ I got a feelin’ that you could be good for me/ Just make me feel somethin’, just make me feel somethin’,” they sing on the chorus. It’s a refreshing ode to the comfort and security that comes from a healthy relationship.
Destin Conrad – “NOSEBLEED”
Destin Conrad’s back with a “sweet song” all about attempting to mask one’s emotions, but sometimes it’s very hard to hide and it may even pour out of you unexpectedly like a nosebleed.
“Even if you are a master at being a closed book, sometimes it can come out uncontrollably,” Destin quipped when explaining the record in a statement. It’s real, relatable, and sometimes all we need to hear.
Raiche – Making Room
Raiche returns with her highly-anticipated new EP, Making Room.
After a year of soul-searching, the dynamic lover girl has poured out her heart on the five-track project in an effort to “make room” for other feels. She overcame a hard breakup and found herself again, which is a testament to music’s healing powers and being intentional with self-work.
“I had to be centered in who I am and figure out what I really want for myself,” Raiche reflects in a statement. “I just wanted to be happy, and I discovered you can choose your joy. It’s about realizing that you don’t have to stay stuck; you can move on and rebuild. I realized I have the power to restructure my thinking and change any relationship. I’m just a f**king human being who’s living and growing, and I’m here for you.”
IAMTHELIVING – Nebra Sky
IAMTHELIVING’s debut album, Nebra Sky, has arrived.
Whether he’s singing a freedom song or grooving in celebration of community, the singer is bringing the light amidst darkness. “I’m bringing a positive vibe,” he shared. “I want to bring some light. That’s the theme of my music because it’s how I live. Even though I’ve faced some dark moments, I write songs that can lift me out of those places and ultimately help others do the same. The power really lies with the people. When we come together for the sake of humanity, that’s when the world changes.”
Standout tracks include the soul-stirring “Calloused Heart,” the funky anthem “The Weekend” featuring Braxton Cook, and the endearing “Love So Divine.”
Lola Moxom – “Turn Down The Lights”
Lola Moxom is a force. Despite being only 19, she is going places and that’s evident with her second single, “Turn Down The Lights.”
Her chilling riffs and runs, paired with the seductive melody, make for one incredible R&B jam.
If the track feels nostalgic, there’s a reason why. “I wanted to create a song that had the vibe/essence of Musiq Soulchild, the soul of a Jill Scott track, but with the powerhouse vocals of Beyoncé, Kim Burrell, and Whitney Houston, etc.,” Lola explained.
She also noted, “The song itself is about being present in the moment, reminding someone why you love them, but also knowing where to set your boundaries in a relationship. It’s got a deep meaning, but at the same time, it’s sexy, it’s soulful, and it’s timeless. I know releasing something like this as my second single is bold but I wanted to drop something that’s 100% inspired by the music I grew up on, and I wanna be releasing music that reflects that.”
Shantel May – Triggered, But Here
Shantel May’s debut album is so good.
Triggered, But Here has Hip-Hop undertones, but is filled with the R&B we recognize and love.
Following in the footsteps of Mary J. Blige and Ashanti, Shantel is both gritty and assertive, but soft and feminine. She pulls from past successes —like Mya’s “Case Of The Ex”— and makes it her own. With guest appearances from Lola Brooke, Tone Stith, Ambré, Maliibu Miitch, and Rain 910, Shantel affirmed that she isn’t afraid to explore sound and tempo as she ensures her vocals are the focal point.
With this LP, we’re far from triggered, but we’re very present.
Jerel – SHE HATE FLOWERS
Hailing from the Motor City, Jerel is up next as far as the men of R&B are concerned. Eight years after the release of his debut album, Pyramid, he’s back with his new EP, SHE HATE FLOWERS.
It’s true to the Motown essence he was raised with while still providing a level of contemporary authority.
When asked what inspired the project, his answer was clear: “DATING.” Jerel told VIBE, “Dating has been a rocky road. lol I wanted to be honest about my experiences. I feel like no one was really telling the truth. Not enough guys in R&B were being vulnerable and talking about experiences with women. That’s what this project is. A true story.”
Victor Ray feat. Kojel Radical & Strandz – “Sticks And Stones”
Victor Ray’s new single, “Sticks & Stones,” is an enchanting play on the phrase, “sticks and stones may break my bones…” as he sings, “Sticks and stones can break my bones/ Your words can’t bring me down/ Mama told me stand up tall/ Don’t let them take your crown.”
Of the tune, he expressed, “’Sticks and Stones’ is the story about where I’m from and the walls that are encased over a young child’s dreams due to the environment they’re raised in. The song also dissects the voices of self-doubt that I had to overcome to allow myself to believe that my story is worth telling.”
As the lead single from his next EP, i will, the release will mark the final installment of Ray’s four-part autobiographical sonic series. The full project is slated to drop in March 2025.
Nefertitti Avani – Odyssey
Allow us to introduce you to the lo-fi sensation Nefertitti Avani. Her EP, Odyssey, produced by Misha and Evil Needle soundtracks how love can also be an addiction.
It turns love into a hypnotizing hallucination with its rich yet soft textures and soothing soundscapes. It really doesn’t matter if the listener sees love as a drug because you’ll be too lost in the music to notice.
Tiana Major9 – “alone”
With her first solo release in two years, Tiana Major9 has finally ended her hiatus.
Co-written with Prince Charlez, “alone” details Tiana’s experience living on her own for the first time—in a literal sense and within her relationship before the inevitable split. Not to mention, she considers it to be a “vulnerable offering to the world” while it also serves as a reintroduction.