“Less is more” is the motto for this update of our new R&B season playlist, because even though we’re being very strict with our selections this time around, they all have a lot to offer. Of course, one of the hottest topics right now is the new KAYTRANADA album “TIMELESS”, and now that I think about it, this is a very appropriate description. After all, the crisp, clean production, grooves, melodic sensibilities, and vocal performances of the entire project would blow away anyone of any era, a highly commendable feat involving songwriting and immersive sonic wizardry. If you want to preview it with highlights, check out the Childish Gambino collaboration “Witchy” for some amazing chemistry.
Another big release in the R&B-related music scene this week is Tems’ highly anticipated new record Born In The Wild. Unlike the trendy and highly collaborative TIMELESS, if you’re interested in checking them out (if you haven’t already), this version complements it perfectly. This new full-length is a lighter and gentler experience, with a more spotlight-like sonic wonder and a more stripped-down, atmospheric yet still direct approach. Join J. Cole on “Free Fall,” a fusion of Afrobeats and hip-hop, and learn about the beauty of this album.
HNHH R&B Season Playlist: Streaming
Finally, we’d like to give a shout-out to Zacari’s “Destiny” for being one of, if not the best R&B-adjacent singles released this week. It’s a very sweet and catchy cut that plays with elements like searing guitars, high-pitched vocals, majestic synths and bombastic percussion to create something larger than life. The ingredients don’t sound like a perfect mix, but the progression and evolution here make it an easier pill to swallow. Additionally, the flanging effects and very dramatic presentation give the song a bit of an ’80s feel, and it’s very solid.
Considering the previous single “Lonewolf Still,” it looks like Zachary will be dropping something impressive in a longer format soon. But anyway, we want to know which of these R&B season playlists is your favorite this week. We know we’ve missed a few, so please let us know what other great content we should add starting this week in the comments section below. Check out the playlist above, and as always, come back to HNHH 24/7 for the latest great releases.
About the author
Gabriel Bras Nevares is HotNewHipHop’s music and pop culture news writer. He started as a weekend writer in 2022 and has gained a wealth of knowledge in hip-hop news and publishing since joining the team full-time. Whether reporting regularly or giving occasional interviews and album reviews, he continues to seek out the most relevant news for his audience and to find the best new albums in the genre. What excites him most is finding pop culture stories of interest and a deeper passion for the hip-hop art form and its contemporary work. Specifically, Gabriel loves the fringes of rap music: experimental, boundary-pushing, original alternatives to mainstream music. While he is proud to be a native of San Juan, Puerto Rico, he is also knowledgeable about the archipelago’s local scene and the latest happenings in reggaeton, salsa, indie and other music scenes. Prior to joining HotNewHipHop, Gabriel produced multiple short documentaries, artist interviews, venue spotlights, and audio podcasts about various genres and musical figures. While attending George Washington University, hardcore punk and go-go music defined much of his coverage.
