Shaé Universe, THEY., kwn, Kehlani And More New R&B For Your Worst Behavior
This week in R&B, the serial lovers kicked everyone else out of the way because they all collectively had something to say. Whether they’re on their worst behavior, living in the heat of the moment, vying for one’s affection and attention or simply want to cut up, slow grind, and sip champagne at The Louvre, R&B is oozing with themes of love and lust.
Shaé Universe released her scorchingly passionate visual for her single, “OOTW,” while THEY. sing of a love jones that’s all-consuming. Kehlani and kwn are making the girls, gays, and theys feel everything. Meanwhile, Jagged Edge return to the spotlight with their new album as does Seal with his first single in over a decade.
With other new music offerings from Muni Long, Dende, SAILORR, LÉA THE LEOX, Seal, Cautious Clay, Kyle Dion, Mereba, and more, R&B is beyond stacked this week.
Check out our top favorites below.
Shaé Universe – “OOTW” [Video]
British songbird Shaé Universe isn’t playing around when it comes to the long-awaited visual for her sultry ballad, “OOTW.” Meaning “order on the way,” the record itself is for the real yearners who are unapologetic about romance and submission—basically a recipe for a perfect Valentine’s Day.
As far as the visual goes, it’s spicy; viewer discretion is advised.
Shaé told VIBE, “This music video is by far the sexiest version of Shaé I’ve ever been. It’s a new but adventurous time for me and I found myself feeling so empowered whilst filming this video. I got to put my acting skills to work and delve deeper into the intimate art of storytelling through my music. I hope this Valentine’s day, everyone who watches this video feels just as liberated and powerful as I did shooting it.”
THEY. – LOVE. JONES
After spending the past decade honing in on their distinct sound, THEY. —comprised of songwriter Drew Love and producer Dante Jones— released their newest album, LOVE. JONES.
Forgoing the need for collaborations and ridding themselves of label expectations, the men trusted their talent and collaborative efforts to create a masterpiece. “Forget the features, forget bringing in the big producers and writers. It’s really just a return to our original dynamic,” Jones noted of the LP that likens itself to the “straight-fire, love-making” soundtrack of the 1997 film that inspired their own project.
“I just keep movies on while we’re working and ‘Love Jones’ kind of sparked something and had me thinking about our very, very early days,” Jones shared while reflecting on the time when they were strangers, but still experiencing a parallel in their respective lives.
With LOVE. JONES, you get a bit of jazz, neo-soul, and their spin on Hip-Hop soul. “We really just wanted it to feel like from the moment that you press play like you’re entering into something new,” Jones stated and we can agree.
kwn feat. Kehlani – “worst behaviour”
kwn and Kehlani are on their “worst behaviour” and we’re so here for it.
The seductive remix of kwn’s record is a match-made in heaven as Keh’s dreamy vocals merge with kwn’s steamy nature.
“What’s mad about all of this is, we didn’t even plan a remix like that…Kehlani was the one who said, ‘we should do a remix’ and I said, ‘ok do you wanna be on it?’ and that’s how it happened,” kwn noted of the duet. Coming off the heels of their other collab, “Clothes Off” from Kehlani’s While We Wait 2, this is a chilling setup for what kwn has up her sleeve.
Jagged Edge – All Original Parts: Volume 1
Jagged Edge’s 11th album, All Original Parts Volume 1, is finally here. It’s the first installment of a trilogy and is their celebration of love, life, and their almost 30-year journey.
“[This] is more than an album— the title of the album plays off of our group history with having all original members and staying together for almost 30 years. We are one of the rare finds in R&B music,” the quartet shared regarding the LP.
As you may recall, the album promo began with the arrival of the lead single, “Just Might Get It,” and not long after, the group announced their upcoming anniversary tour.
LÉA THE LEOX – “IFY”
From the moment we pressed play on LÉA THE LEOX’s “IFY,” it was an instant yes.
Standing for “I found you,” the sensual single effortlessly captures the thrill and butterflies that pop up when you know you met the right person. It paints a picture in mind of what those enticing moments are like, remind you that romance is about the possibility, and those possibilities are endless.
SAILORR – “CUT UP”
We’re still not over SAILORR’s “POOKIE’S REQUIEM” remix with Summer Walker, but the hits keep coming. “CUT UP” serves as both a witty warning and a confessional for a potential lover as she sings, “Loving usually make me sick/ But, bae, I think I’ll make you mine/ I’m cutting up real bad though/ Might cut up all these photos of us.”
Her unique vocals paired with infectious melodies keep us coming back for more all while teasing her debut, full-length project that’s set for release later this year.
Dende feat. LUCIIA – “The Louvre”
Dende’s first release under Def Jam is a soulful ode to his lover and his desire to immortalize her as art in the Louvre.
“You’re a masterpiece/ Basquiat would try to make you from a dream/ Finally came along and changed the scene,” he sings in the chorus. He considers the record to be one of his favorites and noted, “A muse is a word used to describe someone who brings inspiration to an artist. Our single ‘The Louvre’ is about feeling like you don’t have any inspiration at all, creativity, or just going through your day happily and then finding that in someone else.”
Dedicate this one to the masterpiece in your life.
Muni Long – “Slow Grind”
Valentine’s Day were longer than a day, it’d be known as Muni Long season. The illustrious Grammy winner is back with her new ballad, “Slow Grind,” and it’s as enchanting and sexy as it implies.
“This song may lead to unforgettable nights. Listen accordingly,” she warns about the single.
With “Slow Grind,” she makes her desires known and confidently lays out the path for a night you’ll want to remember.
Seal – “All I Know Is Now”
Seal’s “All I Know Is Now” is his first single in over a decade.
The bold anthem is one that spotlights the strength found in life’s uncertainty. “If our time is spent focused on a hypothetical future, then by definition we cannot be present. The only thing we know is now. Right now!,” the crooner explained in a statement.
Welcome back, Seal! You’ve been missed.
Cautious Clay – “No Champagne (6am)”
Cautious Clay’s first single of 2025 marks a new chapter in the singer-songwriter’s life.
Produced by himself and Valley Girl, “No Champagne (6am)” is described as a “heartfelt meditation on love’s quiet intensity.” We’d like to add that it’s also soul-stirring and relatable. As he defines the difference between expectation and reality, he also explores the juxtaposition of what someone wants from a relationship versus what they actually get.
Mereba – The Breeze Grew a Fire
If you were looking for the soundtrack to help heal your inner child, you now have Mereba to thank.
Her new album, The Breeze Grew a Fire, was written entirely by her and almost produced in a similar manner, but she had some help from Sam Hoffman and Kibrom Birhan.
“For this [album], it went back to me being on my own for the creation of a lot of the songs, and it was really important for me at this time of life because I was a little disconnected from the world, and from who I was. So I was trying to find my way back to myself first. What do I like? What do I want to hear? What do I want to say to people now?,” she questioned. Mereba went back to her fundamental experiences from life in Atlanta, Los Angeles, and beyond to find the answers to her introspective questions.
What she uncovered was nothing short of mesmerizing music and a honest reflection of one’s self.
Kyle Dion – “Astro Afterglow”
Kyle Dion’s second release of the year is a hypnotizing fusion of romance and energy. “Astro Afterglow” embraces themes of confidence and sensuality while also highlighting the intense connection between kindred souls.
“‘Astro Afterglow’ is all about that electric connection— the kind of love that feels effortless and magnetic, where you and someone special are moving in perfect sync. Releasing this song on Valentine’s Day makes it even more meaningful because it embodies passion, intimacy, and the thrill of being lost in the moment. With this track, I’m diving back into my R&B roots, blending sensuality with confidence, and giving fans a taste of the emotional journey my upcoming album explores,” he noted of the record.
There’s more to come from the beloved crooner and trust us, you don’t want to miss out.
