The Archive: Fresh Tracks From Ayra Starr, Tinashe, & SiR
Stream this week's unmissable underground R&B and Afrobeats rotation featuring Genia, Jaïr Faria, Tinashe, Fridayy, and Preston Pablo.
Navigating the late-summer release window reveals a vibrant cross-section of R&B lineage, global pop evolutions, and raw indie soul. This week’s installment of The Archive explores artists who bridge historical roots with futuristic innovation from classic soul dynasts claiming their rightful inheritance to global Afrobeats stars expanding their sonic universe. This is The Archive for August 17th.
The Archive: This Week’s Selections
Genia — Intense Lover
Rising R&B powerhouse Genia returns with Intense Lover, a short yet strikingly sultry EP that delves into the intoxicating high of romantic devotion. Built across sultry, late-night grooves and crisp, modern melodic patterns, cuts like “FUHYUH” and “OH BOY!” demonstrate her vocal depth and emotional transparency.
“Genia wears her heart on her sleeve with effortless vocal mastery, balancing sultry bedroom R&B with modern melodic grit,” writes East Side Vibes.
October London — Love Me For Me
Grammy-winning vocalist October London delivers his highly anticipated studio album Love Me For Me via Death Row Records/gamma. Fully produced by West Coast icons Snoop Dogg and Soopafly, the 10-track album weaves classic soul warmth with intimate storytelling on standout tracks like “Body Talk” and “Silent Treatment.”
“October London delivers a masterclass in classic soul warmth, pairing rich storytelling with unmistakably smooth vocals,” notes YouKnowIGotSoul.
Whitney Houston — WH1TNEY
Celebrating the peerless legacy of one of music’s greatest instruments, WH1TNEY brings together all 11 of Houston’s Billboard Hot 100 No. 1 singles alongside expanded remixes and essential cuts. From the soaring majesty of “I Will Always Love You” to the explosive joy of “I Wanna Dance with Somebody,” the collection captures pop history at its zenith.
“An indisputable showcase of pure vocal grandeur that reasserts Houston’s timeless crown over pop and R&B history,” observes Rhythm & Soul Quarterly.
Jaïr Faria — “August”
Amsterdam-born, LA-based singer-songwriter Jaïr Faria delivers a cinematic powerhouse on “August” via Giant Music. Fusing alternative rock, dark pop, and soul, Faria captures the non-linear process of healing after a breakup, comparing unexpected swells of grief to a sudden summer downpour.
“A bold, cinematic surge of dark pop and raw soul that captures the unpredictable rainstorms of emotional healing,” highlights Alfitude.
Isaia Huron — Mr. Lovebomb (Deluxe)
Nashville-based crooner Isaia Huron expands his lauded Mr. Lovebomb universe with an enriched deluxe edition. Grounded by intimate acoustic arrangements, delicate falsetto runs, and brooding, ambient percussion on tracks like “room,” Huron cements his reputation as one of indie R&B’s most compelling minimalists.
“Huron’s ethereal register and minimalist arrangements create an addictive, late-night atmospheric haven,” reviews The Underground Session.
The Womack Sisters — The Womack Sisters
Zeimani, BG, and Kucha—granddaughters of Sam Cooke and daughters of Cecil and Linda Womack—release their eponymous debut album via Daptone Records. Backed by live horn sections, vibraphones, and Motown-inspired arrangements, the trio proves that their timeless soul heritage is matched by their own brilliant songwriting.
“Steeped in royal soul lineage, the trio delivers lush harmonies and vintage arrangements that stand proudly on their own merit,” writes Spill Magazine.
Ayra Starr, Starrgirl
Global Afrobeats superstar Ayra Starr unveils her third studio album, Starrgirl, via Mavin Records and Republic Records. Featuring stellar collaborations with ZAYN, Leon Thomas, and Wizkid, the 16-track project spans infectious Afrobeats, glossy R&B, and international pop on tracks like “Heaven Baby” and “Midnight in New York.”
“Starrgirl asserts Ayra Starr as an unstoppable global North Star, seamlessly fusing Afrobeats, glossy R&B, and pop allure,” reports Capital FM.
The Sound Bowl
This Week’s Feature: “Don’t Wanna Know” by Preston Pablo
JUNO Award-winning Canadian pop artist Preston Pablo takes center stage in this week’s Sound Bowl with his vibrant single, “Don’t Wanna Know.” Written alongside Soran and Zach Zoya, the track contrasts bright, summer-ready synth stabs and punchy drum fills with the uneasy anxiety of watching an ex move on. Originally penned four years prior, the song retains a remarkably fresh, timeless energy that highlights Pablo’s magnetic vocal delivery and sharp pop instincts.
Songs on Our MP3 That You Should Have In Your Library
“Ms. Paper” by Ayra Starr, Theodora
“Melatonin” by Tinashe
“FUHYUH” by Genia
“Call Me” by Guchi
“want me the same” by rachel ruzumna
“Body” by Jay Sean
“HIM OR ME?” by Blaxian
“Misunderstood” by Ayra Starr
“Best Friend” by Sofia Camara
“Grown” by Soccer Mommy
“PINK CIGARETTE” by EARTH TO EMILY
“Pandora’s Box” by Miles Squiers
“Dot Dot Dot” by Natasha Bedingfield
“Bel Air” by KATSEYE
“Lucky” by Whitney Whitney
“don’t blow the candles out” by Kyle Dion
“Skip The Club” by Fridayy
“OH BOY!” by Genia
“Kids No More” by AUGUST 08, Tempest
“MYSTERY” by Morgan Gold
“Back To Friends” by SiR
“Cheap Champagne” by Arin Ray
“room” by Isaia Huron
“Different” by Niko Noir
“Laughter and Tears” by The Womack Sisters
“Aeroplanes” by JACOTÉNE
“Body Talk” by October London
“Heaven Baby” by Ayra Starr, ZAYN
“Dear Radio” by The Kentucky Gentlemen
“Monday” by Otis Kane and Aaron Childs
“SAFE” by Gabby Samone
“Mean It” by Nipsey Hussle, Bino Rideaux, Ty Dolla $ign
“Selfie (Affirmation)” by Romeo Miller
“Gave You The World” by Dax
“Trance (Walk It Down)” by Quavo
“NO RULESSS” by Genia
“DO IT” by Hit-Boy, Quavo
“Midnight in New York” by Ayra Starr
“Did A Number” by SWEATA
“THE WORLD IS YOURS” by Abby Jasmine
“NWM” by Kash Doll feat. Alex Vaughn
“Live Your Life” by Molly Santana
“Take A Chance” by Miles Squiers, Jay Plez
“Wanna Go” by Remy Ma
“OMG” by KenTheMan
“LEARN U” by Lyfe Harris
“Too Bo$$y” by Flo Milli
“A Thousand Times” by Honey Bxby & JID
“SLIDE THRU” by See.Francis
“Text” by Fridayy
“WHO!?” by Ashoka, Tim Gent & Trent Josiah
“Go Go” by Cocoa Sarai
“SUMMER FRUITS (NA NA)” by Original Koffee
“WORKHORSE” by ZAYSKII
“Hit A Right” by 414JungleBaby
“ME, MYSELF, & I” by Jai Winter
As late-summer releases continue to reshape the sonic landscape, keep these essential rotations flowing. Head over to Audiomack to stream these featured singles and explore our carefully curated collections: Prism, Liquid Vibes, The A-List, Afrodisiac and The Check In to discover tomorrow’s defining voices today.