The Archive: Kehlani, Neila, Shaboozey, Prince, Flau'jae + Akon
Welcome to The Archive, our definitive weekly round-up of the essential sounds shaping the culture. This week delivers a monumental slate of new music, from heavily anticipated full-lengths that redefine contemporary R&B to explosive, timeline-commanding collaborations. Whether you’re seeking deep emotional resonance or unapologetic confidence, we’ve curated the ultimate playlist to soundtrack your weekend. Here are the standout albums, EPs, and must-stream anthems for the week.
Staff Picks: The 7 Tracks You Need to Hear
Kehlani — KEHLANI
Following up the experimental waves of 2024’s Crash, Kehlani returns with a brilliant, grounded self-titled album that reclaims their narrative. Anchored by the undeniably infectious focus track “Pocket” (featuring Cardi B) and the stunning USHER collaboration “Shoulda Never,” the project is a masterclass in modern R&B versatility. It’s an assertive, lush statement from an artist fully in their element.
Ebony Riley — Beautiful Tragedy
Detroit-born contemporary R&B force Ebony Riley has officially delivered her debut album, Beautiful Tragedy. A deeply self-revealing body of work, the project sees Riley moving past expectations to step fully into her truth. “I had to be more intentional about speaking life into myself,” Riley shared about the release. From the introspective depths of “Otherside” to the undeniable confidence of “You Better Know” (featuring Skilla Baby) and the lush “Blossom Up,” the album balances classic sensibilities with a fiercely modern edge.
Joya Mooi — All The Things (EP)
Nominated for the Edison Prize, Dutch-South African artist Joya Mooi turns inward for her beautifully crafted new EP, All The Things. Processing a transformative year, Mooi navigates jealousy, grief, and security with nuance and grace. A clear standout is “Only Water” featuring Lady Donli. Built on warm basslines and layered harmonies, the track serves as a ritual of resurfacing, inspired by resilience and healing. It is neo-soul at its most emotionally considered.
Latto & GloRilla — “GOMF”
The Southern heavyweights reunite for an absolute knockout. Sampling Soulja Boy’s nostalgic 2007 hit “Yahhh!”, “GOMF” is a high-energy, unapologetic clapback at naysayers and timeline rumors. Latto and Glo tag-team the chorus with effortless swagger, setting the tone for Latto’s upcoming Big Mama era.
Prince — “With This Tear”
On the 10th anniversary of his passing, NPG Records has opened the vault to share a previously unreleased 1991 studio recording born at Paisley Park. Originally gifted to Celine Dion, Prince’s solo rendition is a masterful, intimate piano ballad that reminds us of his unparalleled genius as a producer, arranger, and vocalist.
Shaboozey — “Born To Die”
Shaboozey continues to bend genres to his will. “Born To Die” is a gripping, cinematic offering that perfectly blends his alternative country and hip-hop sensibilities into a striking narrative.
J. Howell — “Drunk N Drive”
J. Howell brings his signature raw, impassioned vocals to “Drunk N Drive.” It’s a moody, intoxicating R&B cut that captures the reckless feeling of late-night longing.
Paradise — “Predictable”
Paradise delivers an infectious, undeniable groove with “Predictable.” It’s an essential addition to any curated rotation, blending smooth production with razor-sharp lyrical delivery.
In Rotation: Pick of the Week:
“Deity” by Neila
Add these essential cuts to your rotation immediately:
Genia — Doomsday
Breez Kennedy — Taste
Neila — Deity
Akon, Tears of Joy — LET YOU GO
mgk, Fred Durst — FIX UR FACE
Kim Petras — Need For Speed
Emma Jayne — Marty
Derrius Logan — baecation.
Elena — Broken Shore
Mila Smith — Cake
Jai’Len Josey — This Time Around
Demi Lovato — Ghost
Nobdy — Hey Joseline!
YDE — Mine Følelser er fucked
Infinity Song — One Foot Out
Angélique Kidjo, Pharrell Williams & Quavo — Bando
Ella Rosa — Oxytocin
Junetober — So Natural
Jalisa Rey — Tonight
Keenan TreVon — She Goes By Denver
Jai’Len Josey — Lose Somebody
Kennedy Ryon — I’m not leavin’ him
Brianna Castro — rolling stone
Omarion — The One
Otis Kane — Heaven
JAAS — Make This Count
Byron Juane — I Hate Luving U
Girlfriend, Jaymin, Jaymin — All U Need
Flau’jae — WOAH
SYLO — City Lights
Jay Wood, Chenaniah — FIRST TIME
Darren Waller — Baron Davis
Yung Miami — Spend Dat
Aleebi — LIKETHAT
BunnaB — Best Bitch
Isaiah Falls — BACK IN MY ARMS
Mikhalé Jones & Kashcpt — Morals
LG Malique & Dess Dior — Mona Lisa
Icewear Vezzo & Rio Da Yung Og — Pink Candy
Action Bronson, Paul Wall, Lil Yachty — TRICERATOPS
To dive deeper into these curated collections, head over to Audiomack. Whether you’re sinking into the smooth, melodic flows of Liquid Vibes, catching the undeniable heat of The A-List, or taking a moment for yourself with The Check In, we’ve got your soundtrack covered. Tap in and stay connected.