Fresh Finds Fridays

Welcome back to the soulful world of R&B! As we roll through another week, the genre continues to evolve with fresh sounds and unforgettable melodies.

From chart-topping hits to rising stars making their mark, this week’s releases are full of smooth vibes and heartfelt lyrics. Whether you’re vibing to a sultry slow jam or a bouncy anthem, there’s something for everyone. Let’s dive into the hottest new tracks that are going to dominate your playlists and shape the future of R&B.

This Fresh Finds Fridays column features releases from Vedo & Kenyon Dixon, Braye, Terrace Martin & Kenyon Dixon, Leon Thomas, Kyle Dion,  Brandy Hayes and Chase Alexander.  Whew! This week’s drops are doing exactly what R&B is supposed to—make us feel something. Add these to your playlists, turn the lights low, and let the vibes take over.

Whether you’re healing, vibing, or just trying to feel seen, there’s something here for you.

Which one are you spinning first? Let’s keep the conversation going in the comments.

Vedo & Kenyon Dixon Hit the G Spot with “You’re Invited” – A Certified Mood Setter

R&B’s smooth operator Vedo just turned the temperature all the way up with his latest drop, “You’re Invited,” and he brought in the ever-suave Kenyon Dixon to seal the deal. This track oozes slow-burn seduction, serving as a sexy invite to an unforgettable night. From the sultry production to the velvet harmonies, it’s pure bedroom magic.

“Let me be your melatonin/ slipping right into a wet dream / deeper love/ I’m in your ocean…” It’s Vedo Baby!

Those opening lines alone set the tone—intimate, intentional, and irresistibly grown. Kenyon’s touch adds just the right amount of swag, gliding through with his signature tone that feels like silk on skin.

Perfect for late-night drives, candlelit chill sessions, or that private after-hours linkup, “You’re Invited” isn’t just a song—it’s a mood.

Let’s be real: this one’s not asking for permission—it’s giving instructions.

Braye: “I Wish I Had More Time” (EP)

Nigerian-born singer and multi-instrumentalist Braye delivers ‘I Wish I Had More Time”, a stunning project rooted in longing, fate, and the poetry of life’s “what ifs.”

With breathtaking arrangements and haunting honesty, Braye invites listeners into a world where every note feels urgent, yet timeless.

Braye continues to turn heads with “I Wish I Had More Time,” the EP captures the vibrant energy of Nigeria’s music scene while carving out a space all his own. From layered guitar riffs to smooth percussion, Braye’s exceptional musicianship shines on every track—each note underscored by his soulful, urgent vocal delivery.

Despite nights sleeping in a friend’s car and navigating skepticism from his family, Braye pushed forward sharing:

“Even with constant moving around, sleeping in a friend’s car some nights, and my dad not being too happy about my decision to pursue music… I just found a way. I feel like I’m meant to make music. I just wanted it too much not to take seriously.”

That determination bleeds into the EP’s rich soundscape, blending soulful balladry with reflective grooves. In a crowded landscape, Braye stands out-nfluenced by his Nigerian and Ghanaian heritage,—his raw authenticity and multi-instrumental prowess marking him as one of African music’s most thrilling new voices.

Don’t sleep on Braye he’s EP, it’s available now and deserve your ears.

Terrace Martin/Kenyon Dixon: 211/See You Later ( 2 Singles)

Terrace Martin returns with smooth, jazz-infused R&B alongside Watts’ own Kenyon Dixon on their first-ever joint effort, “211” and “See You Later.” 

Fresh off Martin’s February 2025 album Albion Files, where he worked with names like A$AP Ferg and Robert Glasper, this new duo taps into classic funk and soulful melodies without a single rap verse in sight.

Dixon, a three-time GRAMMY nominee known for his recent nod in Best Traditional R&B Performance, brings his velvet voice to a narrative built on raw desire and the reverence of true connection. Over Martin’s lush, bass-driven production, Dixon croons, “And I can’t wait— you and me, the best times / You just call me or you send a text…,” setting a mood that’s equal parts seductive and sincere.

The two tracks flow seamlessly as one continuous tale of passion and devotion, hinting at more to come. Encouraged by Martin’s Instagram tease—“We got a story to tell—it starts this Friday”(5/30)—fans can dive into these lead singles now and anticipate a deeper project unfolding soon.

Leon Thomas: “MUTT”: ( Deluxe HEEL)

Brooklyn born singer-songwriter Leon Thomas flips expectations on his deluxe project “Mutt Deluxe HEEL” a reimagining of his previous release layered with daring new arrangements and introspective lyricism.

Melding R&Bm indie rock with neo-soul textures and compelling storytelling—Thomas elevates each track here with inventive production touches and his trademark, honeyed vocals.

On songs like “ Lucid Dreams (ft. Masego)” and “I Do,” he leans into raw emotion, betting on vulnerability to carry the listener.

With Mutt Deluxe HEEL, Thomas reaffirms himself as a restless creative force, unafraid to evolve and always ready to surprise.

Kyle Dion: “Soular” (Album)

Kyle Dion – 15-Track EP (33:01)  Kyle Dion delivers a concise yet powerful 33-minute and 1 second journey on his new 15-track EP, “Soular” showcasing why he’s become a fan favorite in contemporary R&B.

Across the project, his signature blend of smooth falsetto and razor-sharp lyricism is on full display, punctuated by the standout singles “Sit Tight” and “Suga On the Rim” and “Astro Afterglow” which pairs lush keys with a hypnotic groove.

Throughout the EP, Dion’s knack for storytelling shines—each song feels like a personal diary entry set to velvet-smooth production.

Whether crooning over slow-jam ballads or delivering uptempo grooves, Kyle Dion reminds us why artist to watch in the ever-evolving R&B landscape.

Brandy Haze: Rings Of Saturn” (Single)

Rising R&B star Brandy Haze makes her grand return with “Rings of Saturn,” a buoyant new single now streaming everywhere.

Produced by Okcoop, the track fuses R&B, pop, and disco-funk into a euphoric groove that’s tailor-made for warm summer evenings.

Inspired by a love that feels weightless and otherworldly, Haze’s dreamy harmonies and synth-rich textures capture the sensation of orbiting someone special.

Accompanying the song is a self-directed video full of playful, intergalactic storytelling—think alien abduction meets cosmic romance.

Signaling a fresh era of ’80s-inspired production and vivid visuals, “Rings of Saturn” ushers in Brandy Haze’s most imaginative, free-spirited chapter yet.

Chase Alexander: Real R&B Deluxe (EP)

R&B newcomer Chase Alexander doubles down on emotional depth with “Real R&B (Deluxe)”—a birthday release packed with soul-stirring new tracks like “All Of You” and “Martin & Gina.”

The project blends ‘90s nostalgia with modern vulnerability, cementing Chase as a voice for real love and raw storytelling.