Mr Viral
4/20 is right around the corner, but this week in R&B has us on an ecstasy high. Ciara is heating up the streets and the sheets with her thrilling new single as Alex Isley transforms into a temptress with her sultry new musical offering.
Jai’Len Josey may be the “new girl” on the block, but trust us, she’s been down for a while. Soulection founder Joe Kay is putting his expertise to use with his debut EP as Melanie Fiona makes a comeback of her own. We’re also enthralled with drops from Jane Handcock, Eric Roberson, SAILORR, Melanie Fiona, SiR, and more.
Check out all of our top new favorite drops below.
Ciara – “Ecstasy”
Ciara’s new single, “Ecstasy,” and its accompanying visual proves exactly why husband Russell Wilson can’t his hands off of her. Written by Ciara, Courtlin Jabrae, and Theron Thomas, and produced by Leather Jacket and Tommy “TBHITS” Brown, the sensual record details what it’s like to get a physical high from another person.
“On every album having the ultimate slow R&B record is always a must for me,” the singer confessed in a statement. “We call it baby making music where I’m from! I can’t wait for the world to see the video and experience Ecstasy with me! The CiCi Way!”
This is a taste of what Ciara’s been cooking up as she works on her next album.
Jai’Len Josey – “New Girl”
Jai’Len Josey may seem like she’s new to this, but the accomplished singer-songwriter is very true to this. With her new vibrant single, “New Girl,” she’s reintroducing herself to listeners while also creating an infectious new sound that’s perfect as the weather starts to heat up.
“New Girl” is the lead single from her Tricky Stewart-produced debut album, Serial Lover.
Of the release, Josey explains, “‘New Girl’ is about that cute feeling you get as a girl when you first start talking to a guy. It’s like, ‘I saw you. You saw me. What’s the next move?’ Musically, the track mixes R&B and UK garage. A lot of my experiences come from underground New York and the music I heard when I was on Broadway. I’m bending those ballroom pockets with R&B and creating a world of my own.”
Alex Isley – “Ms. Goody Two Shoes”
When we first heard Alex Isley perform “Ms. Goody Two Shoes,” we were hooked immediately. She playfully breathes new life into the phrase: “lady in the streets, freak in the sheets.”
“I ain’t pull those Good&Plenty lyrics out thin air / Come and feel my inspiration, way too good to share,” she teases over the soft, enticing melody. It’s the second single from her new EP, When, out on April 18.
Joe Kay – If Not Now, Then When?
Soulection founder Joe Kay is stepping into the role as an artist and producer with the arrival of his debut EP, If Not Now, Then When?.
With features from Amaria, Arin Ray, Blackway, Cruza, Dylan Sinclair, Isaiah Falls, Karri, Merges, and Sinead Harnett, and production by D’Mile, Budgie, Jordan Manswell, and more, the six-track EP is a sonic blend of R&B and other genres that makes for an decadent listening experience.
GIGI – Waves Of It
GIGI’s debut EP is finally here. Over the course of five tracks, listeners experience the various feelings associated with being in a relationship.
As she puts it, “the highs, lows & everything in between.” It’s both nostalgic and refreshing sonically as heard through the guttural ballad, “My Muse,” the reflective “Fumbled Me,” or the audaciously unapologetic “Reacquainted.”
Melanie Fiona – Say Yes
The return of Melanie Fiona is complete with the release of her new EP, Say Yes.
Featuring collabs with LaRussell, SiR, Thundercat, and more, the R&B veteran shared in a statement, “‘Say Yes’” is more than just a body of new music. It’s a mantra for the recipe of my life. Every remarkable thing I have done to arrive at this moment came from saying ‘yes.’”
The records, which include the previously released “I Choose You” and the heartwarming title track, are described as a ” product of inspiration and love.” She’s most excited for fans to “enjoy the experience of feeling what affirmative love, life and music sounds like for me.”
SAILORR – “Down Bad”
SAILORR’s “Down Bad” is spicy and bold.
The song’s opening lyrics — “You ain’t even gotta impress me if the main goal is to undress me/ That’s the only thing that I’m adressing, actin’ Hollywood like you inventing/ As if you wasn’t eating me for breakfast”— nearly caught us by surprise, but who doesn’t know what it’s like to be that down bad over someone.
The record, like her others, are simply art left for your own interpretation— not based on true story.
“I do music to open myself and those I love up to opportunities we wouldn’t otherwise have,” SAILORR noted. “In the world of art – we all mesh them together to make the world a better place. With my music, I want to make people feel like, ‘Yeah, I can and I will do what I want.’” This is yet another lead up to her debut album.
SiR – Heavy Deluxe: THE LIGHT
SiR’s Heavy got us through 2024, but he didn’t come to play with the deluxe edition, THE LIGHT.
It’s raw and honest— the first new music he’s dropped since the passing of his mother. With features from Anderson .Paak, Ab-Soul and Maeta, the new additions paint a vivid picture of emotional warfare and concludes this musical era.
“I’m happy to be staring at the end of an era. ‘The Light Deluxe’ completes a chapter in my life I’ve been growing away from. These new songs served as therapy during a time of growth. I’m excited to see how they connect with my fans,” he shared in a statement.
Kevin Ross – Love Uptempo, Vol. 1
Kevin Ross has been riding a high recently. With co-signs from 112’s Slim and Case as well as an amazing cover of Chris Brown’s “Residuals,” the crooner used the momentum to power his own release.
Love Uptempo Vol. 1 is considered to be “more than just a feel-good project.” It goes beyond the surface of love and showcases his range through hypnotizing hooks and magnetic sounds.
Ross shared in a statement, “This project is much deeper than love…it’s based on time. Time is the most valuable currency we have in this human experience. Time we can kill, times we regret, time well spent, and most times, we are bound to forget. Time is tempo. The question is… at what pace are you living your life?” The question will linger in your mind as the EP takes you on a journey of its own rendering.
Eric Roberson feat. BJ The Chicago Kid – “Where You Gonna Go”
Eric Roberson and BJ The Chicago Kid are bringing back real duets with their new offering, “Where You Gonna Go.” Written by Roberson, Bryan James Sledge and Rodney Jones and produced by Roberson and Jones, the midtempo groove is all about a search for optimism while wavering the storm.
“Where You Gonna Go” is a song that explores simple extremes”, Roberson noted in a statement. “It’s inspired by a question I ask myself to help the sunshine, even when facing storms.“
Described as a “lullaby hook blended with 70’s soul, Detroit hip hop, and 3/4 gospel undertones,” the tune can either soundtrack slow dancing with your partner or praying for them.
Jane Handcock – “Stingy”
The First Lady of Death Row Records, Jane Handcock’s new release “Stingy” is anything but.
It’s fiery, vulnerable, welcoming, and downright dreamy as she unpacks the uncertainty of where her relationship stands in hopes that he’ll be as “stingy” with his love towards her as she demands.
“I wrote ‘Stingy’ about parlaying with my sneaky link but actually realizing I caught real feelings for him. Now, I wanna be stingy & keep him all to myself… We’ll see how it goes… Stay tuned,” she teased.
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