11 New R&B Releases: Giveon, Tone Stith, Devon Gilfillian and More

05/17/2026

Rated R&B is bringing you the most essential releases this week. From the traditional R&B that purists love to the boundary-pushing sounds of the alt-R&B scene, this new music roundup keeps its pulse on the essence of R&B. Dive into it below.

**Givēon – Beloved: Act II [album]**

Givēon’s Beloved: Act II, the deluxe edition of his sophomore album, is expanded with five additional tracks. “Jezebel,” the opening standout, has a groove that will get folks moving, especially at a cookout or day party. The rest of the new tracks feature collaborations with Kehlani, Leon Thomas, Sasha Keable and Teddy Swims.

**Tone Stith – The Edge [album]**

After much anticipation, Tone Stith has released his debut album, The Edge, via MNRK Records. The 10-track set is filled with slick R&B tunes that bring the album’s title to life with splashes of disco, rock and pop — all crafted to get folks moving, physically and emotionally. Standouts include “Pageant Stage,” “Back Around” and the lead single, “Fly,” a No. 1 hit on Billboard’s Adult R&B Airplay chart.

Devon Gilfillian – “Moonflower”

Progressive soul singer Devon Gilfillian is back with another preview from his third album, Time Will Tell, out June 26. “Moonflower,” the follow-up to “IRL” and “Hold On (Hourglass),” captures the bittersweet feeling of loving someone so familiar yet completely different from yourself, like night and day.

The Colleagues, Kevin Ross – “A Little”

Production duo The Colleagues join forces with Kevin Ross for a summertime jam, “A Little.” It’s the first offering from The Colleague’s upcoming album, Sincerely Yours: Songs in the Key of Love.

Jaz Karis – “Life Is Unfair”

What happens when a friendship doesn’t pan out? Jaz Karis has a song for it. On “Life Is Unfair,” Karis regrets disclosing so much about herself to someone who is no longer in the picture. It’s a reminder of how complicated friendship breakups can be — the person you spill all your tea to walks away with that information.

**Mya – Retrospect [album]**

R&B veteran Mya takes it back to the ‘80s with her 10th studio album, Retrospect. The nostalgic project includes the singles “ASAP,” “Face To Face” and “Give It To You.” She handles the vocals on all 16 tracks, with features from an assortment of rappers, including Snoop Dogg, 21 Savage and Too $hort.

Bryant Barnes – “Apollo”

R&B balladeer Bryant Barnes basks in love’s euphoria on “Apollo,” his first solo release of the year. His velvety baritone vocals float across the ethereal production crafted by Harry Charles. “I can’t help that I’m so helplessly in love with you,” he sings.

**Tank and The Bangas – The Last Balloon [album]**

New Orleans-based band Tank and The Bangas complete their album trilogy with The Last Balloon, the follow-up to Red Balloon (2022) and Green Balloon (2019). It signals the end of an era and the start of a new: “I called the album The Last Balloon because I didn’t want anyone asking us, ‘When’s Purple Balloon coming?’” said Tarriona “Tank” Ball. “It’s the end of the balloons; we’re moving into a new space now.” The Last Balloon is a delightful, genre-defying body of work that features fellow New Orleans natives Lucky Daye, Dawn Richard, Ledisi and HaSizzle.

ROE – “Body”

ROE can’t physically shake the yearning she feels for someone special on “Body,” her first single since her 2025 EP, Oakwood. “My body is calling for you,” she coos in the chorus. “Body” will appear on her upcoming EP, Lincoln Blvd.

Cedric Brazle – “Mine”

Cedric Brazle is claiming what’s his on “Mine,” his first single in two years. In this case, the rising R&B singer puts a stamp on a lover whom he deems a keeper. “I try to keep it player, but if I never told you, you’re mine,” he sings. Regarding “Mine,” Brazle said, “This record is about being honest about your feelings. It’s that point where you stop playing it cool and just tell someone exactly what they mean to you, with clarity and intention.”

Naomi Sharon – “Better Days”

Naomi Sharon chooses optimism over pessimism on “Better Days,” her second single of the year. “If these are the cards I gotta play / I’ll pray and wait for better days,” she sings. The emotionally raw track follows the sizzling “Miss That,” both produced by Jordan Ullman of Majid Jordan.