Billboard Hot 200: Aaliyah's "One In A Million" Album Enters the Top 10 for First Time

On August 20th, the late Aaliyah's multi-platinum sophomore album One In A Million was released to streaming platforms via her label Blackground for the first-time ever and for the first-time the influential album entered in the top 10 at No. 10 on the Billboard Hot 200 Albums chart.

Originally released on August 27, 1996 and chiefly produced by Timbaland & Missy Elliott with additional production from Rodney Jerkins, Jermaine Dupri, Vincent Herbert, Daryl Simmons, J. Dibbs and Kay-Gee, One In A Million previously peaked at No. 18 and generated six singles: "If Your Girl Only Knew", "Got to Give It Up", "One in a Million", "4 Page Letter", "Hot Like Fire" and "The One I Gave My Heart To".

One In A Million now marks Aaliyah's second official top 10 release on the Billboard Hot 200 Albums chart following her self-titled third album which posthumously topped the chart.

Other Aaliyah releases are set to hit the streaming platforms:

Romeo Must Die Original Motion Picture Soundtrack - September 3rd

Aaliyah - September 10th

I Care 4 U + Ultimate Aaliyah - October 8th

Maxi Priest Returns with Reggae Cover of Silk Sonic's "Leave the Door Open"

Jamaican-British reggae superstar Maxi Priest take on Silk Sonic's chart-topping hit "Leave the Door Open" Caribbean-style with Reggae rhythm-infused undertones with  the assistance of Soca artist Teddyson John and bass player and producer Taddy P.

In a statement about the interpretation, Teddyson John explains:

"I thought the Reggae version was a great idea because this track is the biggest love song in the world right now, No. 1 on Billboard, and it's good to share our Caribbean version of that expression."

Stokley Announces Sophomore Album "Sankofa" with Guests H.E.R., Snoop Dogg, Wale & More

Grammy nominated singer-songwriter-producer Stokley took to social media to unveil the official artwork, release date and tracklist for his highly anticipated sophomore album Sankofa which arrives September 17th via his imprint label Bluraffe Entertainment in partnership with Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis' Flyte Tyme/Perspective Records.

The 18-track album features guest appearances from H.E.R., Snoop Dogg, Wale, The Bonfyre, KiDi, Shakespeare and a special guest appearance by world-renowned lecturer, writer, commentator on the African-American experience Mahmoud El-Kati.

Sankofa is led by Stokley's first career #1 hit "She" as well as the Snoop Dogg-assisted "Vibrant", "Cascade" ft. The Bonfyre and the current single "Woman" which features Ghanian superstar KiDi.

Sankofa's tracklist:

1) Sankofa – Past

2) Vibrant (ft. Snoop Dogg)

3) Cafe (ft. Wale)

4) She

5) Vudoo

6) Clouds (ft. Shakespeare!)

7) Homecoming (Lude)

8) Cascade (ft. The Bonfyre)

9) RUSH (ft. H.E.R.)

10) Sankofa – Present

11) Recipe

12) Woman (ft. KiDi)

13) Cascade (LVRS Quarrel Mix)

14) Trinkutsi (Lude)

15) Verbalize (ft. Snoop Dogg)

16) Slip

17) Lost

18) Sankofa – The Present (ft. Mahmoud El-Kati)

New Music: Men at Large Returns with "IMF (In My Feelings)"

Cleveland-based R&B duo Men at Large which consists of original members Dave Tolliver & Jason Champion turns up the heat on new mid-tempo banger "IMF (In My Feelings)".

Produced by Rickey Offord & Justin Lyons, "IMF (In My Feelings)" is available on all digital platforms via Song Source Music Group (SSMG).

Jam & Lewis Scores Top 10 Billboard R&B hit "Somewhat Loved" ft. Mariah Carey

This week Grammy Award-winning Production duo Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis earned a top 10 Billboard Adult R&B entry at No. 10 for their song "Somewhat Loved (There You Go Breakin' My Heart)" which features the Songbird Supreme Mariah Carey.

"Somewhat Loved" serves as Jam & Lewis' second top 10 entry on the chart as artists following the Babyface-assisted "He Don't Know Nothin' Bout It" which reached No. 5

"Somewhat Loved" is included on Jam & Lewis' first-ever star-studded 10-track debut album Volume One via their imprint label Flyte Tyme in partnership with BMG.

Jaheim Returns with Collaborative Single & Visual "The Wheel" with AZ

Grammy nominated R&B Singer-songwriter Jaheim returns to music after a three year hiatus with his collaborative song and it's accompanying visual "The Wheel" with Legendary Brooklyn rapper AZ.

Produced by Kay Gee of Naughty by Nature, the track is available on all digital platforms.

New Video: Alexi Paraschos - "Distract Me" (featuring Chrisette Michele)

Grammy Award-winning Songstress Chrisette Michele recently teamed up with Philly-based R&B singer and musician Alexi Paraschos on the soothing duet "Distract Me".

Check out the official Terrance Harden-directed visual below:

The stripped down track is set to appear on Alexi's highly anticipated album Love Odyssey due later this year.

New Music: Earth, Wind & Fire ft. Lucky Daye - "You Want My Love" (Produced by Babyface)

Seven-time Grammy Award-winning Legendary band Earth, Wind & Fire has teamed up with R&B sensation Lucky Daye on a reimagined take on their 1976 classic "Can't Hide Love" re-titled as "You Want My Love" via Universal Music Enterprises (UMe).

The infectious groove features a remarkable vocal performance by Lucky Daye and includes Babyface on guitar who produced alongside  Demonte Posey.

“I am super hyped about this all-star collaboration – Earth, Wind & Fire, Lucky Daye, and Kenny ‘Babyface’ Edmonds producing. It was an honor to join forces with these two superstars, and I truly believe we’ve created a winner all the way,” -Philip Bailey, founding member.

After 7 Scores Top 10 Billboard R&B Hit "Bittersweet"

This week Grammy nominated R&B/Soul group After 7 scores a top 10 entry on the Billboard Adult R&B radio chart at No. 9 for their blazing hot single "Bittersweet".

"Bittersweet" serves as the lead single from their upcoming fifth studio album Unfinished Business which arrives August 20th via The SoNo Recording Group/Rose Works.

In a statement about the album, founding member Kevon Edmonds says:

"To be honest, four years had already passed since we had a new project in the marketplace and with the advent of the pandemic, it felt like it was perfect time to dig in and get busy creatively. “Unfinished Business simply speaks to the fact we felt that there was still more in us musically to explore and share with our fans that have known us and even the ones that don’t.”

Unfinished Business is set to include follow-up singles "No Place Like You", "Extra Mile" & "Tomorrow Can Wait" and is available for Pre-order HERE

New Music: Christopher Williams - "Fine as Gold"

R&B Legend Christopher Williams has released a new single entitled "Fine as Gold" on all digital platforms.

Produced by Stone Paxton, the groovy track showcases the crooners signature and masterful vocal talents that fans first fell in love with.

Whitney Houston Receives Three New RIAA Certifications

The Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) recently updated their certification statuses and the late Legendary Whitney Houston was among the artists to receive new certifications for three of her biggest hit singles: "How Will I Know" & "I Have Nothing" (2x Platinum), "All the Man that I Need (Platinum)

All three tracks can be found on her 2012 compilation album I Will Always Love You: The Best of Whitney Houston

Claudette Ortiz Returns with Feel-Good Single & Visual "All I Need Is You" (Produced by Salaam Remi)

Acclaimed record producer Salaam Remi has teamed up with former City High frontwoman R&B Songstress Claudette Ortiz on the feel-good and soothing track entitled "All I Need Is You" available on all digital platforms.

See the Tatiana Crooks-directed visual below:

In a statement about the song, Remi says:

"I have many songs that I love in my vaults and Claudette Ortiz has always been one of my favorite people. This song still feels as Great as when we recorded it many years ago. So happy to be sharing it."

New Music: After 7 - 'Extra Mile' (from Upcoming Album "Unfinished Business")

Grammy nominated R&B/Soul trio After 7 currently comprised of founding members Kevon Edmonds & Keith Mitchell and newest member Danny McClain has released their latest single entitled "Extra Mile" on all digital platforms.

The upbeat track follows after previous singles "No Place Like You" & "Bittersweet" and serves as the third single from their highly anticipated fifth album Unfinished Business which arrives August 20th via the SRG ILS Group/RoseWorks label imprint.

Pre-order for Unfinished Business is available HERE

'BET Presents... The Encore' Cast Releases Debut EP "BluPrint"

'BET Presents... The Encore' originally consisted of 9 female artists from various girl groups of the 90's and early 00's: Nivea (soloist), Shamari DeVoe (Blaque), Pamela Long (Total), LeMisha & Irish Grinstead (702), Aubrey O'Day (Danity Kane), Kiely Williams (3LW) and Fallon & Felisha King (Cherish) to form an R&B supergroup by the name BluPrint.

Executive Produced by Carlos King, the show followed the ensemble as they came together under one roof in hopes of forming a sisterhood and creating music collaboratively in the studio with record producers Kosine & Elijah Blake.

Due to differences and division which caused some of the members to abruptly quick before the official songs were released, members Shamari, Kiely Williams, Pamela Long, Fallon & Felisha King persevered and released their self-titled debut EP comprising of six songs.

The season finale of 'BET Presents... The Encore' airs tonight August 11th on BET at 10/9c.

New Music: Sparkle Shares Single & Visual for "Open Letter"

Sparkle's "Open Letter" from the soon to be released Obstacle Course EP, takes both her and listeners into an uncharted territory. Many witnessed Advocate, Singer-Songwriter Sparkle unyielding strength when speaking on behalf of a family member (allegedly) abused by her ex-mentor R. Kelly. Many also know the results of Sparkle's stance and outspokenness has cost her immeasurably with the lack of relationship(s) with the once upon a time close-knit family. In her latest single 'Open Letter' and in true fashion, Sparkle continues to display the resilience we're accustomed to seeing and now speaks directly to the betrayals from lack of support from the family she's tirelessly spoken out to protect.

Coming off the momentum of a well-received single titled 'Easy' (from the upcoming 'Obstacle Course' EP), 'Open Letter' pushes the envelope and shows Sparkle in a very different light. 'Open Letter' displays Sparkle's strength, but vulnerability and optimism makes a momentary appearance in the chorus of the track as she sings, "This is an open letter, a personal vendetta, it's all in love, I'm hoping one day it'll make us better".

All in all, Sparkle's strength prevails in "Open Letter'. Ultimately, the song sets an impression that she'd be fine with whatever may or may not happen as a result of her family hearing her inner thoughts of their betrayal. After all, there's not much more to lose in regards to a relationship. Sparkle does note in the song, "I'm not living with regret, but it's heavy on my chest... Time to let it go." and that's what this song appears to be, a release of legitimate frustrations brought on by the ones she’s loved and sacrificed most for, her family.

Sparkle's 'Open Letter' is extremely insightful. The single candidly gives listeners what Sparkle truly feels regarding her family and what they should anticipate from her upcoming 'Obstacle Course' EP. A turn-by-turn journey of her life.. The 'Obstacle Course'!

Anthony Hamilton Announces Upcoming Album "Love Is the New Black"

Grammy Award-winning singer and songwriter Anthony Hamilton took to social media to announce his upcoming eighth overall album Love Is the New Black which arrives September 24th via his imprint label My Music Box in partnership with BMG.

The 14-track project will feature guest appearances from Jennifer Hudson, Rick Ross & Lil Jon and include production by 9th Wonder, Bunk!, Wu10 & Cardiak and Jermaine Dupri who produced the top 10 Billboard R&B hit "You Made a Fool of Me".

In a statement about the upcoming release, Hamilton says:

"I wanted this album to feel like what was missing throughout the pandemic. This is the restoration. We're making this thing called life, sexy, beautiful and powerful again."

Love Is the New Black tracklist:

1 Love Is the New Black

2 Threw It All Away

3 Real Love ft. Rick Ross

4 I'm Ready ft. Lil Jon

5 White Hennessy

6 Coming Home

7 You Made a Fool of Me

8 I Thought We Were In Love

9 Superstar ft. Jennifer Hudson

10 Pillows

11 I'm Sorry

12 Mercy

13 Safe

14 Mama Don't Cry

Love Is the New Black follows after Hamilton's 2016 release What I'm Feelin' and is available for Pre-order HERE

New Music: Victoria Monét Releases the Breezy Feel-Good "Coastin'"

Grammy nominated Singer-songwriter Victoria Monét who's known for penning hits for Ariana Grande, Chloe x Halle and Selena Gomez, has released her new single "Coastin'" on all digital platforms.

Produced by The Stereotypes, the breezy feel-good smooth groove interpolates Keni Burke's "Risin' to the Top" and samples Mary Jane Girls classic "All Night Long".

About the song, Monét says:

"If sunshine and a good time (and maybe a lil drank) were a song, it would be "Coastin". It's made for people with that good, chill energy and the bass line instantly puts you in a certain feel!"

Leela James Releases Visual for Summer Jam "You're the One"

Powerhouse R&B/Soul Singer-songwriter Leela James has released the official music video for her latest summer jam "You're the One".

The upbeat track follows after previous singles "Put It On Me" and the top 10 Billboard Adult R&B hit "Complicated" and included on her recently released seventh overall album See Me.

New Music: Stokley Celebrates the Beauty & Essence of Black Sisters with "Woman"

Grammy nominated Singer, songwriter and musician Stokley celebrates the beauty and essence of Nubian queens worldwide with his new single and official music video "Woman" which features AfroBeat superstar KiDi.

The accompanying visual, directed by REX, sets the scene with vibrant colors against the beautiful Ghana landscape.

"Woman" serves as the fourth official single following "Cascade" ft. The Bonfyre, "Vibrant" ft. Snoop Dogg & the chart-topping Billboard Adult R&B hit "She" from Stokley's highly-anticipated sophomore album Sankofa via Bluraffe/Flyte Tyme/Perspective Records.

RnBJunkieOfficial caught up with Stokley for an exclusive interview to discuss his upcoming album and much more. See HERE

Stokley will be hitting the road doing spot dates around the country, log onto www.istokley.com for more information.

8/12.         Philadelphia, PA        The Dell Music Center

9/4.           Cleveland. OH           Front Stage Multiplex

9/5            Columbia, MD.           Capital Jazz Fest

9/10.         Grand Prairie, TX.      The Theater at Grand Prairie 

10/23.       Macon, GA.                Macon Coliseum Centerplex

11/23.       San Leandro, CA.       Currant Call Performing Arts

New Music: Donell Jones - "Karma" (Remix) ft. Carl Thomas, Dave Hollister, RL & Jacquees

R&B vet Donell Jones has teamed up with Carl Thomas, Dave Hollister, RL & Jacquees for the official remix to his latest single "Karma (Payback)".

The original version appears on Donell Jones' seventh overall album 100% Free which was released earlier in the year via his independent imprint label Candyman Music, Inc.

In other Donell Jones news, the soul crooner will join forces with Dave Hollister & Carl Thomas to form the supergroup called "The Chi".