India Shawn, Mariah The Scientist, Tiara Thomas, And More New R&B For Main Characters

This week in R&B, that main character energy is alive and dominant. No more playing it small out of fear or disregarding one’s power when it comes to relationships of any kind.

With reminders from Tiara Thomas, India Shawn, Mariah The Scientist, ABIR, Chxrry, and more, we hope these new tunes will remind you to be playful yet assertive and sweet, but not easily submissive.

You are the prize and that’s not a crime. See VIBE’s full list of new R&B you need to have in your rotation below.

Tiara Thomas – “Kiss Me”

Tiara Thomas is stepping into her her next musical era with her soulful groove, “Kiss Me.” Produced by Dilemma, Thomas credits the record’s “playful” conception from a late-night studio session.

“Kiss Me” is for yearners who crave consistent, passionate intimacy. “Kiss me/ Your lips get me so excited/ Like you miss me/ Taste so good I might bite it,” she sings on the chorus.

“It was so simple, yet soulful, with a really interesting groove,” the singer-songwriter noted. “My goal with this one was just to create something fun and cute. I didn’t overthink the lyrics… I just wanted it to feel good.” In an age where mystique often feels obsolete, this tune is what’s been missing.

India Shawn feat. Lucky Daye – “Cotton Candy Blvd.”

India Shawn, Lucky Daye, and D’Mile are a lethal combination.

With “Cotton Candy Blvd.,” they’ve effortlessly combined a level of assertiveness with something sweet for your listening pleasure.

Of the duet, India shared, “’Cotton Candy Blvd.’ is a summer night, a slow drive, and a long-awaited yes. ’I’ve been waiting just as long as the fans for this dream collab, and it delivers. There’s something magical about the way Lucky and I blended on the record. The song is sweet, but it’s got depth – it’s the tension before the kiss, the invitation and the promise. When I sing ‘I’m more than ready to love,’ I mean it.”

Mariah The Scientist feat. Kali Uchis – “Is It A Crime”

Coming off the success of “Burning Blue,” Mariah The Scientist has linked up with Kali Uchis‘ for the sultry collab, “Is It A Crime.” Off her upcoming album, HEARTS SOLD SEPARATELY, the women sing about love so intentionally while also catering to hopeless romantics everywhere.

“Is it a crime to fall in love a couple times, tell me?/ What’s it to ya, tell me?/ Is it a crime?,” they sing.

It’s evident that if you weren’t hip to Mariah before, now is that time to tap in. Her new album drops on August 22.

Chxrry – “Main Character”

Chxrry (formerly Chxrry22)’s “Main Character” is a self-proclaimed “IT-GIRL summer anthem.”

Through stunning fashion-forward look and top-notch choreography, Chxrry reminds people that she’s far from secondary. As she sings, “And I’m the main character, b— b***h, f**k a background
I wanna see the baddest b***hes, who gon’ stand out?,” the words transform into a mantra.

For those who needed the reminder that they are the main characters of their lives, thank Chxrry.

Alex Isley, Raphael Saadiq – “Thank You For A Lovely Time”

Alex Isley‘s voice is dreamy and ethereal. Pair that with Raphael Saadiq‘s production, though? You get something utterly breathtaking.

With “Thank You For A Lovely Time,” Saadiq reimagines Isley’s ballad into a powerful, sultry blend of artistic expression. “When I started producing for my first EP in 2009, I studied him to help find my sound. And now, here we are,” the songbird gushed about working with the legend.

Coming off the heels of When, we thank them both for this chilling albeit beautiful rendition.

Cautious Clay – “Fade Blue”

“Fade Blue” is a perfect feel-good record that makes you want to chase freedom and the sun.

“This song is very much about removing all expectations about what you might be connecting to in your life versus how you are living your life, because they are not always the same,” the crooner explained. “Being present-minded is something that is becoming harder and harder to do today and throughout all of ‘The Hours’ I’m not only the Morning but also the Night, and I’m trying to prioritize being present. Blue is also becoming one of my favorite colors.”

Though many associate the color blue with sadness, it’s clear that Cautious Clay and Some Randoms feel the opposite.

Victory – “A Love Song From GOD”

Victory‘s first single of 2025 is a soul-stirring ballad about unconditional love.

Written as a first-person message from God, the song flawlessly depicts the tender pursuit of an unwavering love. “I’ve gone to war against the forces of hell for you,” she sings in her signature tone that’s both bold and endearing.

“A Love Song From GOD” marks her first release since the 2023’s Glory Hour.

ABIR – “Nothing New”

ABIR is gearing up for her sophomore album, THE GAME, and is inviting fans into this next chapter with “Nothing New.”

The record oozes honesty as she reflects on some emotional blindspots and the hard truth that one shouldn’t be so comfortable amongst chaos especially with romantic partners.

She notes, “There’s always that moment when you admit to yourself you’ve stayed not because it’s right, but because it’s familiar, and maybe easier than leaving? I wanted to put those feelings into a song because I know so many people are stuck in that same fight.”

Similar to the rest of her new album, “Nothing New,” follows the theme of being self-aware in love and showing up for yourself before you can do so for someone else.