NEW MUSIC MONDAYS…Tantalizing new flavors from Kehlani, Yuna, Billy Danze, Jordan Rakei, Angelique Kidjo, Liam Bailey, VINSON, Ebony Riley and Jai’Len Josey

Kehlani – KEHLANI

(Atlantic Records)

Queen Kehlani’s self-titled fifth album is a masterclass in R&B maturity, dropping right on her 31st birthday. Moving away from the experimental “Crash” era, this project leans back into a sophisticated, 2000s-coded soul sound that feels both nostalgic and futuristic. It’s a dense 17-track journey executive produced by Khris Riddick-Tynes, featuring an absolute Hall of Fame roster: Brandy, Usher, Missy Elliott, Lil Wayne, T-Pain, Clipse, and Cardi B.

The album shines brightest when it honors the architects, specifically on “Back and Forth” with Missy and the stunning “I Need You” featuring Brandy. With production from legends like Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis and Babyface, the sonics are lush, allowing her storytelling to breathe. This is Kehlani at her most confident, delivering a project that finally feels as massive as her cultural impact. It’s essential listening for anyone who misses that “Big R&B” energy but wants it served with a 2026 edge.

Jordan Rakei – Between Us (EP)

(Fontana)

JThe mega-creative Jordan Rakei proves why he’s the chief architect of the “Urban Alternative” space with this collaborative EP. Recorded during his residency at Abbey Road, the project prioritizes the “Human Element,” capturing the raw energy of live sessions with a handpicked circle of innovators. The guest list is a “who’s who” of modern soul and jazz, including FKJ, Jalen Ngonda, Tom McFarland (Jungle), and Nubya Garcia.

The standout synergy on “Easy To Love” with Jungle’s Tom McFarland delivers a breezy disco-soul vibe, while “It Never Ends” features the driving percussion of Ezra Collective’s Femi Koleoso. Rakei’s ability to bridge the gap between London’s jazz scene and global R&B is on full display here. It’s sophisticated, atmospheric music that feels like a masterclass in collaboration, making it a perfect mid-day frequency shift for the station.

Billy Danze – The Answer

(RRC Music Co.)

The Brownsville veteran and HIPHOP Legend returns with a project that is a total legislative statement for Hip-Hop. Entirely produced by the stellar, Toobusy, The Answer is a hard-edged, reflective body of work that balances classic M.O.P. grit with a mature, introspective tone. The features read like a Hip-Hop Hall of Fame ballot: Ghostface Killah, Busta Rhymes, Styles P, Pharoahe Monch, Conway the Machine, Jadakiss, Evidence, and Redman.

This album doesn’t chase trends; it stands its ground with neck-snapping boom-bap and cinematic production. Tracks like “Gotham Part 2” with Ghostface and “What If” featuring Conway provide that visceral, high-level lyricism that defines “Strong Black Music.” Danze’s commanding lead isn’t overshadowed by the heavy-hitting guests; instead, he uses them to reinforce his vision. For those who want their rap raw and purposeful, this is the definitive answer.

Yuna – The Valour Hour

(YRR-Yuna Room Records)

Malaysian-born, Los Angeles based, Yuna’s transition into total independence has reached a beautiful peak with The Valour Hour. Moving further into an immersive “Alternative R&B” lane, she’s crafted a project that feels like a warm breeze through an open window. This album marks a new musical era for her, moving away from major label constraints to explore a more powerful, intimate, and stripped-back sound that highlights her signature light falsetto and introspective songwriting.

The production is airy and ethereal, blending 90s-inspired grooves with a modern, independent spirit. It’s a project designed for “stress-relief,” featuring collaborations with her longtime creative circle that emphasize melodic richness over high-octane production. By reclaiming her narrative on her own label, Yuna has delivered a project that feels like a personal homecoming. It’s a sophisticated, breezy listen that fits perfectly into a “New Music Monday” flow.

Liam Bailey – Shadow Town

(Big Crown Records)

Liam Bailey returns to his roots with Shadow Town, a quietly confident statement that marks a reunion with longtime collaborator Jimmy Hogarth. Recorded at Hogarth’s home studio, the album is a deliberately stripped-back affair that brings Bailey’s distinctive, hard-to-pin-down voice to the forefront. It’s pastoral soul shaded with British folk, gospel warmth, and subtle reggae phrasing that reflects his Nottingham upbringing and Jamaican-English heritage.

While Bailey has spent recent years immersed in the reggae and dub scenes, this album foregrounds his songwriting on tracks like “Northern Lights” and “Gold.” Contributions from Maverick Sabre and DRS underline his ease in moving between scenes, but the emotional center remains his instinctive, free-flowing creative process. It’s a restrained, reflective album that feels like a return to the “Shadow Town” of the soul—honest, unfiltered, and unmistakably authentic.

Angélique Kidjo – HOPE!!

(Parlophone / Warner Music)

The legendary 5-time GRAMMY winner returns with HOPE!!, a 16-track odyssey designed as a vibrant bridge between Africa and the rest of the world. Absolute ROYALTY! This project marks a major new partnership with Pharrell Williams, who produced three tracks and is featured on the lead single “Bando.” The album is a star-studded celebration of global Black music, featuring Quavo, Ayra Starr, Davido, Nile Rodgers, Charlie Wilson, The Cavemen, and PJ Morton.Dedicated to her late mother, the album turns joy into a revolutionary act, blending Afrobeats, High-Life, Trap, and Philharmonic arrangements. Tracks like “Aye Kan” with Ayra Starr and “Oyaya” with Nile Rodgers highlight her ability to collaborate across generations and genres effortlessly. Recorded in Paris and Los Angeles, HOPE!! is a visionary project that solidifies Kidjo’s legacy as a global matriarch of sound and a unifying force for the diaspora.

VINSON – Raw Honey

(Self-Released)

Detroit-reared and LA-based artist VINSON delivers a stunning debut full-length that floats between R&B, House, Jazz, and Rap. Raw Honey carries an “easy Sunday-morning vibe,” yet it’s built on a complex foundation of floaty major sevenths and crisp production. Often compared to Channel Tres or A$AP Rocky, VINSON’s unique tenor vocals and Detroit-soul perspective set him apart as a defining new voice in the “Urban Alternative” space.

While the album grooves effortlessly, it isn’t afraid to dive into heavier themes of class consciousness and the toxic cycles of modern life. With instrumental contributions from the likes of Jeff Rosenstock and Chris Farren, the production feels organic yet futuristic. It’s a sophisticated, feel-good record that demands repeat listens, serving as the perfect bridge between a jazz block and a soulful house set.

Ebony Riley – Beautiful Tragedy

(Motown Records)

Ebony Riley’s Motown debut is a deeply self-revealing body of work that marks her full arrival as one of R&B’s most compelling new voices. Executive produced by Larrance “Rance” Dopson, the project is a cinematic shedding of past identities, featuring a high-caliber list of collaborators including Rodney “Darkchild” Jerkins, James Fauntleroy, and Skilla Baby. Riley balances classic soul sensibilities with a modern edge, anchored by a voice that moves from ethereal highs to dusky, honeyed lows.

The project is dedicated to her late mother and serves as an unfiltered narrative of growth and self-reflection. Tracks like “You Better Know” featuring fellow Detroit native Skilla Baby bring a raw, street-soul energy, while the Darkchild-produced cuts showcase her technical brilliance. Beautiful Tragedy is a powerful statement of intent, positioning Riley as a leader in the new era of Detroit soul.

Jai’Len Josey – Serial Romantic

(Def Jam Recordings)

Broadway star and platinum songwriter Jai’Len Josey makes a fearless transition to R&B lead with her debut album, Serial Romantic. Executive produced by 5-time GRAMMY winner Tricky Stewart, the project is an intimate yet expansive exploration of love and longing. Featuring production and writing from heavyweights like The-Dream, Leon Thomas, and Ben Parris, the album fuses R&B, soul, and cinematic pop into a cohesive world of its own.

From the shimmering synth-pop of “New Girl” to the sweeping violins and emotional depth of the title track, Josey commands every moment with her powerhouse vocals. The album positions her as a romantic at heart, but also as a master storyteller reclaiming her own narrative. It’s a sophisticated debut that feels both fresh and timeless, marking the arrival of a major new voice in the Def Jam legacy.