Ella Mai, Jorja Smith, Mario, And More New R&B For The Little Things
This week in R&B is all about baring it all and baby-making. Whether you want to gush about your partner, need to knock some boots, or crave escapism, there’s a new song (or two) that needs to be added to your proverbial soundtrack.
From Ella Mai’s surprise EP to Jorja Smith and Mario’s new offerings or Jacquees’ latest attempt to claim a throne in the R&B royal court, there’s something here for your listening pleasure. Additionally, S!MONE, Nia Smith, Eric Bellinger, Mark Evich, and Jordyn Woods have all gifted fans with new tunes for your listening pleasure.
Dive into VIBE’s top new R&B selects below.
Ella Mai – 3
As a birthday surprise for her fans, Ella Mai blessed us with her new EP, 3. Since Mai’s sophomore album Heart On My Sleeve, her heart remains in the place and these days, she’s even more in love.
“Hearts On Deck” is described as a “flirtatious anthem celebrating confidence and playfulness” while “One of These” showcases the joy of finding love that surpasses expectations. “Little Things” is more introspective that honors how love shows up in small ways.
This is just a taste of what’s to come as she gears up to drop her third studio album.
Jorja Smith – “Loving You”/“Don’t Let Me Go”
Jorja Smith is back with a twofer.
As she merges her soul-stirring sound with earnest storytelling, “Loving You” and “Don’t Let Me Go” are just the latest examples of her artistic journey.
“Loving You” was penned nearly a decade ago with Maverick Sabre and producer Ed Thomas, but since then Smith breathed new life into it. “Don’t Let Me Go” was also written around the same time and both record are deeply reflective.
Nia Smith – Give Up The Fear
Nia Smith’s debut EP has arrived. Give Up The Fear is a cinematic retelling of some pivotal moments from her life.
From “Little Red Car” to “Personal,” the project as a whole is a nod to finding one’s inner child again without hesitation or second-guessing.
Eric Bellinger – Feelings Never Die
Eric Bellinger’s new single, “Feelings Never Die,” comes ahead of his upcoming album, It’ll All Make Sense Later.
With the uptempo single, he’s showing listeners how to overcome heartbreak. “I wanted to tap in below the surface level on this one. A lot of my music is based around love because I’m so deep in it, but I wanted to make a song about being heartbroken and still not giving up. To show people what it looks, sounds and feels like to fight for love,” he shared in a statement.
The LP, which has a heavy Afrobeats influence, is set for a Nov. 22 release.
Mario – “Glad You Came”
Ahead of Mario’s new album, the crooner has released the title track, “Glad You Came.”
The ballad is endearing and hypnotizing as he praises his lady and the love they share. “You can lean back and enjoy the show/ ‘Cause it’s one thing I know for sure/ You gon’ be glad you came/ And even more glad you stayed,” he sings on the chorus.
Of the album, Mario spoke with Billboard about his excitement with “being able to create new textures and ways to invite intimacy and imagination back into R&B. There’s a level of vulnerability and confidence that permeates this serving.”
Glad You Came is executive produced by James Fauntleroy and drops on Dec. 13.
Mark Evich – “Rendez-Vous”
Mark Evich caught our attention immediately with his new record, “Rendez-Vous.” The Moscow born-and-bred singer’s latest offering is a modern tribute to neosoul and it is utterly chilling in all the best ways.
He told VIBE. “‘Rendez-Vous’ is a part of my upcoming EP, and this is the first time I let myself create the kind of music I’ve always loved the most: gritty smooth neo-soul in the best traditions of D’Angelo, Bilal, and Jill Scott. We hunkered down at the studio with my musician friends, and one thing I kept telling them was – play freely and don’t hold back! Lyrically, I’m telling a story of an honest, blossoming connection; musically, it’s an all-night jam session turned into a record.”
The single stems from his forthcoming album slated for release in early 2025.
Essence Martins – “Mrs. Right”
Essence Martins is back with her new single, “Mrs. Right.” Ahead of her sophomore EP coming in early 2025, the new record was inspired by the “emotional rollercoaster of dating.”
Of the vulnerable, sonic moment, she explained, “I wrote ‘Mrs. Right’ in August 2022 about a situationship with someone who ended up getting into a perfect relationship after me. I was in a time of my life where everyone around me was getting into relationships, so I was feeling petty about the fact that I wasn’t in one, and that right after me, this person got into what seemed like a great one with someone else. I felt like a kind of stepping stone or doormat that people could walk all over. This emotion lasted only a couple of days, but I got a song out of it!”
Kiana Ledé – Cut Ties
Kiana Ledé has come a long way since Grudges. From the intro track, “LTF,” she had us hooked. Her third album, Cut Ties, is a soul-stirring journey following the “death of a relationship” as she breaks down the narrative that “hurt people hurt people.”
She kicked off this sonic high-and-low with the singles, “Natural” and “Space & P***y,” but its record like “U Can’t Remember” and “Weakness” where she empowers listeners to confront their fears and find the strength to walk away from toxic relationships.
“You see why I turned into this person who’s okay with being detached and getting what I want, even if it hurts others,” she noted. Yet, by the end of the LP, she’s reclaimed her power once and for all whereas you’ll be ready to put the album on repeat.
Jacquees – Baby Making
Jacquees returns with his new album that is very direct with its intention. The new father wants his fans to indulge in the pleasure of baby making as he offers a 10-track soundtrack to one’s escapades.
“What inspired ‘Baby Making’ is me actually having a baby,” Jacquees noted in a statement. “This year Birdman gave me the idea and I instantly mixed my creativity into my life. This project is very special, it’s for the lovers. This is what the world needs—love and beautiful, healthy, happy babies.”
Jordyn Woods – “Be With You”
Jordyn Woods’ debut single is an ode to the love of her life, Karl-Anthony Towns. Produced by MyGuyMars, the entrepreneur sings of an everlasting love from a woman’s perspective.
She first teased the record back in May in honor of her and Towns’ fourth dating anniversary. After amassing over four million views on Instagram, she decided to go for it and launch her musical career.
When speaking on “Be With You” for Billboard, Woods explained that she “forced myself to put out ‘Be With You’ because if I didn’t, then it might just sit in the vault.” She’s currently experimenting with finding her sound and is ready to either drop more singles or a full project in the near future.
S!MONE – Magnet
Bel-Air star S!MONE released her long-awaited debut album. MAGNET is a compelling display of her layered talent as she delves into the complex nature of attraction and personal connections.
“I hope I’ve told my experiences authentically enough so that people relate, or maybe they’ll judge me, but I welcome all of that. Mostly, I hope they sing along and make these songs a part of their rotation,” said S!MONE of her LP.
Standout tracks include the desirable “Tangerine,” the groovy “Afterparty,” and the captivating essence of “Endless.”
More from VIBE.com
Sign up for Vibe's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
Solve the daily Crossword
