New R&B for Weekend Drives by Mary J. Blige, Jordin Sparks, Tinashe & More

Remember those carefree days of weekend drives before adulthood turned them into tedious traffic-filled routines? Let these fresh R&B releases rekindle your love for long drives after a week of hard work. From Mary J. Blige and Jordin Sparks to Tinashe, Jabari Banks, Coco Jones, Wé Ani, and more, this week’s R&B offerings promise an escape as summer winds down. Grab the aux cord and dive into VIBE’s top new R&B selections of the week.

Mary J. Blige has collaborated once again with Fabolous for her new track “Breathing.” Amidst retirement rumors, this song, produced by Shaun “S Dot” Thomas, samples The Notorious B.I.G.’s “Kick In The Door” and Screamin’ Jay Hawkins’ “I Put A Spell On You.” This gives it a classic Mary J. Blige vibe mixed with Hip-Hop elements. It follows the release of Blige’s album “Good Morning Gorgeous.”

Jordin Sparks brings another delightful tune to the R&B scene with “Remember.” This upbeat jam samples Michael Jackson’s “Remember The Time” and shines a light on the joy of falling in love. Sparks, an “American Idol” winner, teased more music to come on her Instagram, stating this is just the beginning. “Remember” is the second single from her upcoming album “No Restrictions,” set for release on September 13.

Tinashe presents part two of her trilogy: “Quantum Baby.” This eight-track album, featuring singles like “Getting No Sleep” and the popular “Nasty,” begins with the mesmerizing “No Simulation.” Other standout tracks include the seductive “Thirsty,” the relatable “Red Flags,” and potential radio hit “No Broke Boys.” The third part of her trilogy, which began with 2023’s “BB/ANG3L,” is yet to be announced.

Coco Jones amps up anticipation for her debut album with her new single, “Sweep It Up.” Co-written by Leon Thomas and produced by London On Da Track and others, this catchy track delivers a stern message to those who are not serious about relationships. Jones emphasizes the importance of actions over words and warns potential suitors that someone else might “sweep it up” if they can’t step up.

Rising star Wé Ani introduces her new EP “Harlem Girl in a Perfect World” with the funky single “Hardwood.” Wé, known from “American Idol,” “The Voice,” and her viral TikTok videos, captures the spirit of a lively party where the dance floor buzzes with energy. The track feels like a snapshot of a great celebration, whether with friends, family, or strangers.

Kyle Dion exudes sex appeal with his new single “cum again?” According to Dion, this track is the anthem of unforgettable sexy summer escapades. It represents love, fun, and a more mature sound, while maintaining the playful energy of his previous records. The song is seen as an introduction to the new musical world Dion is creating, with experimental vocal effects and unique production.

WanMor continues to reinterpret ’90s classics with their new take on SWV’s “You’re The One.” Produced by Hitmaka and others, their song “The One” adds a modern twist while retaining the catchy essence of the original. The quartet’s fresh flair and infectious chorus make it clear why they are making waves.

Jabari Banks is having a stellar week, with the release of the third season of “Bel-Air” and his new single “Weekend Drive.” This track delves into normalcy in romantic relationships, exploring themes of alignment and art. Banks hopes listeners feel his heart through his music and see his life as a work of art aligned with the stars.

Skylar Simone’s new EP “Shiver” is a flirty, bold exploration of self, heartbreak, and confidence. With production by D’Mile and others, tracks like “Someone Who Cares,” “I Wish I Lied,” and “Permission” offer a range of emotions from heart-wrenching to heartwarming. Skylar reflects on the challenging yet rewarding process of creating this EP, hoping it meets listeners’ expectations.

Juls and Masego finally collaborate on the track “Perspective,” paying homage to bossa nova, jazz, and Brazilian funk. This rhythmic and soulful melody is an ode to appreciating diverse cultures through shared experiences of traveling the world.

Isaia Huron’s EP “I’ll Finish The Lyrics Later” delivers raw emotion despite its unfinished origins. This project embraces the journey of creating music, celebrating unfinished pieces and their evolution. It’s a relatable exploration of the idea that art can be perfect in its imperfection.

Budding songbird Aáyanna teams up with ASTN for “Only For Your Eyes,” a modern love ballad. The synergy between the two artists creates an innocent yet complex track about the gravity of love.

Source: VIBE