Raiche, Muni Long, Kyle Dion, And More New R&B For Your Next Move
Was R&B made for the summertime or was summer created just for R&B? Either way, this week’s selects are all about escapism and introspection.
From Muni Long, Raiche, and Kyle Dion to Jarrod Lawson, Essence Martins, Journey Montana, Ravyn Lenae, and more, this might be one of our most in-depth roundups to date. Whether you’re spending this summer falling in love, are waiting for someone else to make the next move or just need to tap back in with yourself, tell the group chat you’ll be right back as you comb through VIBE‘s top new R&B picks.
Muni Long – “Ruined Me”
Muni Long’s Revenge is rumored to be the R&B Album of the Year, but before its Aug. 30 release, we first get blessed with her new single, “Ruined Me.”
Whilst singing of a heartbreak that destroyed her, she bounces back to realize that success is always the best revenge. “Ruined Me” comes in the wake of her viral hit, “Made For Me,” that had everyone asking, “Twin, where have you been?”
Of her upcoming album, Muni described it as “one big diary entry,” adding, “I’m focusing on my journey, elevating, and growing as an artist. It’s so much deeper than simply writing songs. It’s therapeutic for me to get all my thoughts out. I’ve been working towards this moment for 17 years. I’m stronger than I’ve ever been. I’m focused on healing and leaving a brightness wherever I go.”
Raiche – “Making Room”
Raiche’s new anthem emotes one who did the self-work and is celebrating that.
As she emphasizes the importance of “making room” for new beginnings, Raiche is encouraging others to do the same. Of the record, she explained, “‘Making Room’ is about making space for better things for myself and understanding what I deserve in the love that I want. Obviously, that is different for everybody, but this song in particular was about making room for what I do want — and anything that I don’t want, will be explained in the next chapter of my music.”
“Making Room” is the title track and first release from her forthcoming EP, which will “focus on relatable moments in relationships.” The project is set to drop later this summer.
Kyle Dion – “BRB”
Kyle Dion is putting his versatility and charm on display with his cheeky new single, “BRB.”
Co-produced by Lophille and Marco Bernadis, “BRB” is a sonic merger of neo-soul and funk that’s absolutely irresistible. It captures the essence and thrill of fleeting romance that’s perfect for summertime love connections.
Jarrod Lawson, Raquel Rodriguez – “Next Move”
We’re so in love with Jarrod Lawson and Raquel Rodriguez‘s “Next Move.” It feels like bliss.
Raquel’s soulful tone compliments Jarrod’s jazzy, rugged one as they sing about the perspectives of deciding who will make the next move in a blossoming romance.
When first meeting Raquel in May 2018, they created the “bones” of “Next Move,” and unlike the other songs that worked on, this record “haunted” Jarrod. Fast forward to present day, he “decided to resuscitate that rough idea which had been birthed some six years prior” and together, the two refined the song, “giving it a more defined identity” and thus, a masterpiece was born.
Siaira Shawn – “Weekend”
We cannot get enough of Siaira Shawn‘s “Weekend.”
Written by the singer and produced by Aiden Carroll, the song is what would play when you let your hair down, let loose, and free yourself from life’s woes. She described it as “a portal to somewhere else more beautiful and full of possibilities for you and your lover.”
The world may have more than 99 problems, but this groovy jam ain’t one. The hypnotizing record comes from Shawn’s upcoming EP, Ephemera.
CORRINN – “Get It”
CORRINN was once a track star who followed his passion of being a R&B singer. With his new single, “Get It,” he lays out a stripped version of contemporary R&B and gives listeners a mellow tune to vibe with.
“This song is one a lot of people can relate to, we all have that one person, that it’s like, anytime you want it, you can Get It,” said CORRINN in a statement. “Glad to see people like the song, there’s more where that came from.”
Producer Reggie Smith noted, “It’s always a good time when we work, because I’m the type of producer that loves to go in the studio with nothing and these records come out from scratch, inspired by the moment.” It stems from his sophomore project, slated to drop this fall.
Ravyn Lenae feat. Childish Gambino – “One Wish”
Ravyn Lenae’s new collab with Childish Gambino is the latest offering from her sophomore album. It examines her relationship with her absentee father.
The introspective ballad is yet another example of the blunt, honest reflection she endured while making this album. “Digging into the nooks + crannies of my journey so far was so rewarding in many ways, but it’s most meaningful when it manifests into tangible change in my life,” Ravyn noted. “‘One Wish’ is one of the most important songs on the album because it highlights the complex relationship I’ve had with my Dad […] It was important for me to address these built-up emotions in song in order for us to now be on a beautiful path of genuinely learning [about] each other + rekindling. Something valuable I’ve learned is being able to really humanize my loved ones and understand the context around people more deeply. I love you Dad and so happy we’re here.”
Essence Martins – “Quiet & Perfect”
Following the release of her debut EP, Essence Martins returns with her new record, “Quiet & Perfect.”
It’s a sound that’s uniquely hers as she opens up about her version of what a perfect love can be.
Of the endearing tune, she opened up about how she obtained an unrealistic perception of love based on movies and TV shows. “‘Quiet and Perfect’ is a song about yearning for the perfect kind of love […] I’ve witnessed that a lot of successful relationships are the ones that are simple and feel easy. They might even seem boring at first glance, and of course, they’re never completely perfect,” she said. “But I think that perfect love is embracing imperfections in one another and finding treasure in the simple, mundane aspects of life as well as the big, exciting things. Sometimes love can be ‘quiet and perfect’ in that sense.”
Journey Montana – “YOU”
Journey Montana’s second single of 2024, “YOU,” comes as she continues to tease her debut album, where did the sun go? — that’ll be executive produced by Camper.
It’s a gentle anthem that doubles as a love song and delves into the honest exploration of human emotion.
Journey notes, “The song embodies the fire you feel in your chest when you love every part of someone. Yearning and desperation, but pure raw emotion. You saved me so I love you and I’ll do anything for you. I belong to you and it doesn’t matter if you belong to me.”
RINI – “Matter To You”
RINI‘s first offering of 2024 is so soulful and insightful as the crooner urges listeners to find balance despite life’s demands.
Of his new single, the Australian native explained in a statement, “We often get caught up in the many demands of today’s world, losing sight of the small joys that truly bring us happiness. As an artist pursuing a dream that requires so much time and attention, I find this especially true. Striving to balance my passion with the rest of life is a lifelong lesson.”
Dajah Dorn – “Love U 4 Free”
Dajah Dorn‘s “Love U 4 Free” is a perfect, groovy love song for the summer.
As a self-proclaimed lover girl, Dajah explained, “My music is always going to mention love in some way. After releasing my first two singles, my team and I knew the next thing we needed was something light and fun that you could dance to and ‘Love U 4 Free’ was created. It’s all about loving through any circumstance and trusting the freedom that comes with that.”
It feels like something you’d hear at a day party when you fall for a stranger for a few hours.
theMIND – “MAD HONEY”
Chicago-based artist theMIND’s new release is an infectious, funky soul-pop tune focused on romanticization and idealizing someone.
The title, “MAD HONEY,” was inspired by a potent psychedelic that serves as a metaphor for lust being a poison and infatuation being intoxicating as you ignore the red flags because you’re caught up in their hypnotizing appeal.
What a relatable concept especially with today’s dating trajectory. It’s the latest single from their new album, Crying In The Middle Of Nowhere, out on Aug. 7.
Jaz Karis – “Sunset Blvd”
Jaz Karis is announcing that her debut album, SAFE FLIGHT, is coming soon and is using its fourth single, “Sunset Blvd,” to do so.
Produced by Grammy-winning hitmaker, Needlz, “Sunset Blvd” is intended to feel like bliss and euphoria—similar to what it’s like to “drive down Sunset Boulevard with the love of your life.”
SAFE FLIGHT centers around “embracing possibility, admitting mistakes, and trusting the process.”
Per Jaz, she explains, “The title felt fitting due to the amount of times I had heard it this past year, it also felt like I was embarking on a new journey which is exactly what this album has been for me […] The music also goes into different worlds, but I would like to think that soul runs throughout every song, making them all feel like a flowing body of work. From me to anybody listening, I hope you have a safe flight.” The LP drops on Sept. 20.
PsiRyn – “Sober”
Meet PsiRyn. Led under the guidance of Kandi Burruss, the trio — comprised of Jada Denise, Anaya Chayenne and Victoria McQueen — have released their debut single, “Sober.”
They’ve been teasing it on the road as openers for the Queens of R&B tour and are proving to be a force — just shy of two years since their formation. They gained buzz with a viral cover of Anita Baker’s “Sweet Love,” but now want to put their range and originality on full display.
Ray BLK – “Courage”
After a two-year hiatus, Ray BLK (short for Building, Living, Knowing) is back with her daring new single, “Courage.”
“Sometimes everything needs to burn down for new growth. After 2 years away from music, I’m ready to tell my story and ready for new beginnings,” said Ray in a statement of her latest release. As she journeys back to herself following “an incredibly toxic relationship,” this ballad marks her most vulnerable offering to-date.