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Ledisi is bringing her majestic voice to Broadway. The Grammy-winning singer and actress has been cast in the new musical Wanted, set to premiere this fall. The New Orleans native will star as Tallulah Clarke, mother of the sisters Clarke, opposite Solea Pfeiffer (Hadestown, Gatsby: An American Myth) as Mary Clarke and Liisi LaFontaine (West End: Moulin […] The post Ledisi Joins Broadway Cast of ‘Wanted’ Musical appeared first on Rated R&B.

Welcome to Chart Brief, Rated R&B’s weekly column tracking the latest movements across R&B charts. Each week, we’ll break down and analyze the R&B artists making waves on the Billboard, radio, and streaming charts. This edition covers the charts dated May 23, 2026. Billboard Charts Adult R&B Airplay Tracks the week’s top Adult R&B hits […] The post Chart Brief: Chris Brown Scores Top 5 R&B Album, Elijah Connor Leads […]

Ebony Riley knows a thing or two about labels. The Detroit native, formerly known as Riley Montana, modeled for some of the world’s biggest fashion houses, such as Givenchy, Dolce & Gabbana, Bottega Veneta and Tom Ford. Yet her debut album, Beautiful Tragedy, strips away the glitz to reveal her raw, complicated truth. The cover […] The post Becoming Ebony Riley appeared first on Rated R&B.

The moment you see that sparkling glove, memories of Michael Jackson immediately come rushing back. It represents greatness, showmanship, and cultural dominance — the kind of iconography that instantly commands attention. So when Drake unveiled the imagery surrounding ICEMAN, complete with the now-famous crystal glove reportedly tied to Jackson’s legendary legacy, the anticipation surrounding the project shot through the roof. That same electrifying feeling people once had watching Michael step […]

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 […] The post 11 New R&B Releases: Giveon, Tone Stith, Devon Gilfillian and More appeared […]

Ten months after releasing his sophomore album, Beloved, Givēon is back with the deluxe edition, Beloved: Act II.  The expanded set includes five additional tracks, bringing the project’s total to 19. The opener, “Jezebel,” is an instant standout that feels like a descendant of The Gap Band’s “Outstanding” and Frankie Beverly’s “We Are The One.” It feels good […] The post Giveon Releases ‘Beloved: Act II’ Deluxe Album appeared first on Rated R&B.

Mýa is back with Retrospect, her 10th studio album and first in eight years, via Planet 9/Virgin Music Group.  The 16-track set is packed with the previously shared “Anytime,” “Face to Face,” “Give It to You,” “ASAP” and “Just a Little Bit” featuring Too $hort. Other collaborators include 21 Savage, who appears on the “ASAP (Remix),” […] The post Mýa Takes It Back to the ’70s and ’80s on ‘Retrospect’: Album […]

BET has announced via official press release the return of its annual Black + Iconic Soirée, taking place Saturday, May 23, 2026, at MGM National Harbor in Maryland. The event continues its mission of celebrating the intersection of the Black and LGBTQ+ communities while honoring influential voices, changemakers, and cultural leaders making an impact. Emmy-nominated actress and advocate Laverne Cox will host the evening, while comedian and content creator Lavelle […]

2x GRAMMY Award-nominated singer, songwriter, and producer Eric Bellinger delivers something truly special with “Just Like You,” a heartfelt Mother’s Day tribute on (5/8) that feels deeply personal while touching anyone that listens.  Dedicated to his own much beloved – and sadly, recently departed – mother, “Just Like You” leads the way for Bellinger’s eagerly awaited new album and full-length TAMLA/Motown debut expected this Summer. The historic label was recently […]

New music is rolling in heavy—from introspective slow jams to winter-ready anthems that wrap you in warmth. This week’s releases capture everything R&B does best: emotion, groove, and genuine connection. From chart favorites to rising voices making noise, this week’s lineup is stacked with r&b new favorites, smooth vibes and soul-stirring lyrics. Whether you’re leaning into a late-night slow jam or catching energy from an uptempo groove, there’s something here […]