Jon B., Nija, Ben L’Oncle Soul And More New R&B That’s Waiting On You
This week in R&B is all about the wait. Whether you’re waiting on love, waiting for someone, or are just waiting for some new music to soundtrack those emotions of yours, this roundup is for you.
With new drops from some old favorites and rising stars, there’s a lot of new R&B that needs to be added to your playlists.
If you’re in love, press play on that new Jon B. and Nija. If you’re in your self-love era, stream NSTASIA and GEO. For those dealing with some toxic situationships, check out new offerings from Destin Conrad and The ARTI$T. For those more in a jazzy mood, Ben L’Oncle Soul, Braxton Cook, Leven Kali, and Durand Jones & The Indications are for you. If you’re in need of healing, Bathe‘s album is right there and for the young mutts of the world, Tyler Watts and Leon Thomas got you covered.
Check out all of VIBE’s top new R&B picks below.
Jon B. – WAITING on YOU
Jon B. is celebrating the 30th anniversary of his debut album with the release of his new album, Waiting On You.
“People often expect new music to sound like the old material but I’ve been living life, gathering inspiration from every high, low, and in-between moment. That’s where the creativity comes from,” the crooner explained in a statement. “It’s about creating music that feels authentic and has depth. It takes time to build something meaningful, and I’ve approached this project with a lot more intention, pouring every bit of my soul into it.”
This project boasts only four features from Rick Ross (“Hills to the Hood”), Donell Jones (“Understand”), Alex Isley (“Show Me”), and Tank (“Waiting On You”), but nothing more was needed. They each add to the sound of his that we once knew and has evolved over time.
Nija – “32nd Floor”
Nija is embarking on her next chapter and it all starts on the “32nd Floor.”
Written by herself and produced by Mike Hector and eliasodt, the song details an intimate night with Nija and her lover as they flee to their penthouse suite and make sure to put that privacy notice on the door.
It’s the follow-up to her 2024 release, “Unruly,” which marked the beginning of her fresh start. Both records will appear on her next project.
Ben L’Oncle Soul – SAD GENERATION
When we first heard about BEN L’ONCLE SOUL, we were hooked. Now, the French soul sensation is back with his new album, SAD GENERATION.
It’s a genre-blending LP full of the blues and soul that your parents and grandparents grew up loving. Drawing inspiration from Sly Stone, The Staple Singers, and Funkadelic, Ben’s album is poignant, earnest, defiant, and necessary. As he paints a portrait about human connection as it relates to love, heartbreak, strength, and society, we follow him down a path of infatuation, devotion, vulnerability, and empowerment.
With tracks like “YØUR HAND IN MINE,” “DØN’T WANNA FALL,” and “BY YØUR SIDE,” we learn that sadness is more than an emotion—it’s also a catalyst and a soundtrack.
Leon Thomas feat. Chris Brown – “MUTT (CB Remix)”
Described as the long-awaited “R&B Olympics,” Leon Thomas and Chris Brown‘s “MUTT” duet is here.
The new remix of Thomas’ hypnotizing hit is great, which was expected. It doesn’t necessarily add or subtract anything from the original version. It is vastly different from the first “MUTT” remix with Freddie Gibbs, but makes sense for what Thomas is doing with the deluxe edition of the album that should be a top Grammy contender in 2026.
Bathe – Inside Voice(s)
Bathe’s new album, Inside Voice(s), is finally here. The LP explores that juxtaposition of where someone is versus where they want to be and coming to terms with what it all means.
“It’s about the idea that you might not ever get to the place you want to be, that you might feel that longing for the rest of your life, and that’s as OK as it can be,” says one half of the duo, Devin Hobdy.
The chilling sonic escape is their attempt at silencing the world in an effort to hear their “inside voice.” As scary as it seems, it’s a success with the help of tunes like “Furloughed,” “Capsize,” and “Heaven.”
Geo – “My Turn”
Allow us to introduce you to GEO, a British soul songstress, who reminds us of Sade and captivated us with her new single, “My Turn.”
Produced by the singer herself with help from Steve Marshall, the declarative anthem about asserting her boundaries and committing to her personal growth.
“‘My Turn’ is a declaration — drawing a circle around myself and carefully choosing what energies I let in,” GEO explained in a statement. “When writing the lyrics, I felt myself calling in energy that can strengthen me while rejecting repetitive cycles of negativity. It’s about being real with myself, owning what I bring to the table, and refusing to play small out of fear.”
This is the first release coming from her debut project set to arrive in 2026.
Durand Jones & The Indications – “Been So Long”
It’s really been so long since we’ve heard from Durand Jones & The Indications, but we’re glad the wait is over.
With the help of their new single, “Been So Long,” the trio composed of Durand Jones, Aaron Frazer, and Blake Rhein have also announced that their next album, Flowers, comes out on June 27.
“Been So Long,” which reminds us of the Motown era with a refreshing twist, is the lead single off the LP. The men describe the record as “this renewed sense of camaraderie.”
Adding, “[It] felt like a natural choice for the first single from the new album. Although it hasn’t been that long since we’ve been apart, it is the longest stretch the band hasn’t toured or released music in nearly a decade. The feeling of returning to your hometown is not unlike getting back together with your band mates after a spell. Some things have changed nearly beyond recognition, while others are exactly as you always remembered.”
Destin Conrad – “DELUSIONAL”
Destin Conrad is embracing the idea of being delusional and you know what? Hell yeah.
The two-minute record is a vibrant reflection on delulu actually being the “solulu” within relationships. Of the record, Conrad teased on X, “I COULDN’T BE DELUSIONAL FOR LONGER DEN 2 MINUTES LMAO,” and noted that his album is “FUN” and full of “real bad b***h music.”
Leven Kali – “Pieces”
Leven Kali can do no wrong and you can’t convince us otherwise.
With “Pieces,” he brings together an acoustic guitar and dreamy harmonies that bring together the worlds of jazz and R&B. He invites listeners to ponder the questions: “You wanna make love? You wanna get high?”
It’s the follow-up single to “Are U Still.”
NSTASIA – “Illest”
NSTASIA is making waves and man, did we need this soul-stirring anthem that oozes the importance of self-worth.
“’Illest’ is that reassurance you need when you’re off your game,” says NSTASIA. “Bad days happen, but they don’t erase how amazing you are. Every single one of us goes through rough days. It’s a reminder to be patient, love yourself, and keep showing up.”
This ballad is the lead single from her new EP, G.I.R.L., out April 11.
Tyler Watts – Youngin, Pt. 1
Jacquees’ new protégé, Tyler Watts, has dropped the first installment in his three-part debut and he’s really putting on for the next generation of R&B.
“I put my heart into this project, and this is just the beginning. ‘Youngin’ is about my journey, my experiences, and where I’m headed. I can’t wait for everyone to connect with it,” said Watts in a statement.
Jacquees adds, “I’m so proud of Tyler for dropping Part 1 of 3 of his EP ‘Youngin.’ All the hard work he’s put in really shines through. ‘Youngin’ is going to resonate with people of all ages, and Tyler’s unique voice is the highlight of this project. It’s something truly special, and I know it’s going to make an impact.”
The five-track project features collaborations with Ball Greezy, Major Nine, and Issa on the “Prettiest Girl” remix, which is currently the fan favorite.
TheARTI$T – “Ghost”
TheARTI$T‘s new record is as smooth as butter, but stems from a place of honesty from someone with nothing to lose.
Similar to “Confessions,” the story comes from their manager’s missed connection after getting ghosted by a girl they were interested in. She blocked the entire team on social media and naturally, the ordeal reminded The ARTI$T of some past situations, all of which became “Ghost.”
“I’m still searching and yearning for what we had and what could have been, but you know they ghosted me,” they explained. TheARTI$T partnered with the production group, STARTIN5, to create the beautiful masterpiece it is today.
Braxton Cook – “We’ve Come So Far”
Braxton Cook is back with his new single, “We’ve Come So Far,” which he first previewed on his Tiny Desk last month. The ethereal track is a delightful blend of contemporary jazz and neo-soul and also serves as a honest reflection of where he’s at in life.
“This song is about gratitude, taking stock of all the blessings we have and seeing how far we’ve come in life. It signifies a shift sonically,” Cook notes. “It’s also in a brighter key of D major, and it has this simple but effective groove that feels like a lift. While I do speak to the problems of the world, as well as some of my personal stresses and anxieties during the verses and pre-choruses of the song, the chorus of this track is a reminder of how far we’ve come in life.”
His full project is set to come later this year.