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 Tamar Braxton, Alex Isley, Davido, DJ Mustard ft. Robin Thicke, and Leon Thomas ft. Halle.

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.

Tamar Braxton: “You On You”

Tamar Braxton flips the script on heartbreak with her bold new single “You On You,” out now via Platform Sounds.

Teaming up once again with producer Tricky Stewart, Braxton delivers a sharp and soulful message to a partner who’s been playing games. With slick production and her signature vocal edge, she mirrors the energy she’s been given—turning the tables without losing her cool. The single’s cover

“You play me like I’m blind, now you seeing how it feel,” she sings, pulling no punches in this empowering anthem.

“You On You” is a reminder that Tamar’s not here for the double standards—she’s matching vibes and keeping it honest.

The long wait was well worth it—“You On You” is an “I’m-calling-the-shots-now” kind of single. It’s definitely one to keep in the rotation when the energy calls for it. The single’s cover art matches the vibe, with Tamar serving nothing but sexy in all black—commanding attention and owning every bit of her power.

“You On You”  precedes her upcoming EP expected this summer.

Outside the studio, Tamar’s been just as busy. She recently launched a cooking show with her mother, Evelyn Braxton, on Cleo TV in March and is currently co-headlining the “October Nights: Calling All Lovers” Tour, running nationwide. Fans can also catch her on The Jennifer Hudson Show on April 25th.

Stay up to date with all things Tamar at TamarOnTour.com and follow her on socila media @TamarBraxton.

Alex Isley: “When”EP”

 Alex Isley steps into a new era of sonic elegance with her latest EP, “WHEN,” out now via Free Lunch Records / Warner Records.

The GRAMMY®-nominated singer-songwriter delivers seven soulful tracks that effortlessly blend vulnerability, romance, and atmospheric production. With collaborators like Kaytranada on the hypnotic “Mic On” and Camper on the dreamy “Hands,” Alex layers her signature airy vocals over smooth, expansive soundscapes.

Following the buzz of “Ms. Goody Two Shoes” and a wave of critical praise from Billboard, Essence, and VIBE, WHEN feels like a natural evolution—introspective, sensual, and emotionally rich. From slow-burning grooves to ethereal ballads, Alex captures the push and pull of connection and self-discovery, navigating themes of love, longing, and personal growth with grace and candor.

To celebrate the release, Alex hosted a curated listening party and launch event in Los Angeles, blending art, fashion, and music with her community of fans and creatives. WHEN is not just a project—it’s an invitation into Alex Isley’s world, where every note is intentional, and every emotion is felt.

Davido: “5ive”

Davido Unlocks a New Era with “5ive” – A Vibrant Blend of Evolution and Essence

Global Afrobeats heavyweight Davido steps confidently into a new chapter with his fifth studio album, 5ive — a 17-track sonic journey that pulses with heart, heritage, and heat. From amapiano grooves to silky R&B textures and highlife inspirations, 5ive reflects an artist who knows exactly who he is, yet remains hungry to grow.

The album is stacked with features that add both flavor and finesse — from YG Marley’s reggae soul to Victoria Monét, Odumodublvck, and Chris Brown, each collaboration brings out a different shade of Davido’s versatility. Standout moments like “Be There Still” showcase his emotional depth, while tracks like “Kante” and “Gyal” keep the dancefloor energy alive and well.

Beyond the beats, 5ive is also about balance — love and loyalty, fame and solitude, Lagos and the world. And with all 17 tracks dominating the Apple Music Nigeria charts on release day, it’s clear: Davido’s still the culture’s pulse.

DJ Mustard & Robin Thicke: “Never Too Late”

DJ Mustard and Robin Thicke join forces for a soulful bounce-back anthem with “Never Too Late,” the standout single from the new animated star-studded film “Sneaks.”

Blending Mustard’s signature West Coast groove with Thicke’s silky falsetto, the track radiates summer energy and centers on second chances—whether in love, life, or self-belief. It’s feel-good music with heart, made for windows-down moments and dance-floor reflections alike.

“Never Too Late” anchors the Sneaks soundtrack, which drops alongside the film featuring an all-star voice cast including Martin Lawrence, Laurence Fishburne, Macy Gray, Coi Leray, Chloe Bailey, Quavo, and more.

Whether you’re here for the vibes or the vocals, this one hits all the right notes.

Leon Thomas ft. Halle: “Rather Be Alone”

Leon Thomas teams up with Halle for his newest single, “Rather Be Alone,” a soulful, slow-burning anthem about choosing peace over a love that’s lost its spark.

With hazy guitar, rich strings, and hypnotic melodies, the track captures the bittersweet clarity of letting go. Halle’s dreamy vocals float seamlessly alongside Leon’s introspective delivery, creating a powerful duet that feels both tender and resolute.

The release follows the success of MUTT, Leon’s critically praised album that’s pushed boundaries in R&B and earned him his first Billboard Hot 100 entry. “Rather Be Alone” deepens that narrative—proving that sometimes, solitude sounds like freedom.