Megan Thee Stallion, Brandy, WILLOW & More New Releases To Stream This Week
The eclectic combination of songs on this week's list could only capture the feelings of a year well spent. From love ("why dont we go" and "Link Up (Remix)") to vengeance ("The Sopranos") to heartbreak ("Jersey" and "That's You") and loneliness ("Cobra" and "alone"), this week's new songs will have you thinking back on the decisions you've made this year and the effects they've had.
These are the top 10 songs from the previous week; they're all worth downloading, trust me.
"Cobra" - Megan Thee Stallion
Megan Thee Stallion embodies the epitome of the mistreatment meted out to Black women in Hollywood; regrettably, the majority of this mistreatment has come from fellow Black artists. In April 2022, two years after the 2020 shooting, Megan shared her account of the events of that night publicly for the first time with CBS Mornings. During her interview with Gayle King, Megan recounted that after an altercation over "normal friend stuff," things quickly spiraled, and on that August night, Megan was shot in the foot. She would eventually allege that rapper and former fling Tory Lanez was the one who shot her. However, after disclosing the truth about what happened to her, Megan faced criticism for two years, with many labeling her a snake and a liar.
Many people didn't understand they had sided with the attacker rather than the victim until the trial in December 2022, at which point they apologized after realizing she had been speaking the truth. However, the harm had already been done, as her detractors had demonstrated that they would sooner label her a liar and laugh at her suffering than they would have believed that the awful occurrence could have happened to her.
Even yet, Megan Thee Stallion overcame adversity, friendship loss, and criticism from the music industry to achieve remarkable success. She went on to get a degree in health management, a hot sauce sponsorship, television show hosting opportunities, chart-topping features, and many other accomplishments. She describes all of this in her most recent single, "Cobra"; along with all the depression and stress it has created for her.
"That's You" - Lucky Daye
Ever since he entered the industry, Lucky Daye has proven that he genuinely deserves to be considered one of the greatest R&B male artists. Co-written and co-produced by Bruno Mars, Lucky Daye's most recent hit, "That's You," features lyrics about the "one person you cannot be without." Daye confesses to being stupid and numb, which has led to him making poor judgments in his relationship, in this retro, funky R&B song. By being honest and introspective, he hopes to be able to maintain the love of his life. However, given that she has already moved on to someone else, it does not appear that he will be able to win back his love.
This is Daye's first single of 2023, despite the fact that he has appeared on other songs this year. Nick Walker directed the official music video for the song "That's You." The film, which is set in New Orleans, follows Daye as he sets out to find sacrifices for the alluring siren who has his heart. The song is mellow and clearly draws inspiration from Bruno Mars. Nevertheless, Daye has clearly taken the lead on this song by belting and using a falsetto that only he can. This song is certainly worth the listen and will get your inevitable download.
"At the Party" - Kid Cudi ft. Pharrell and Travis Scott
The clever thing about the Kid Cudi ft. Pharrell and Travis Scott's song "At the Party" is that it gives you the impression that you've just left or are leaving the club after consuming several shots of alcohol. The song commences with a hypnotic sway from Pharrell, who sings languidly and softly about the night's happenings as though he is the listener's partner and they are both extremely inebriated. The music is instantly engrossing, and by the time Kid Cudi arrives, the effects of partying seem to be intensifying more. By the conclusion of the song, his once-clear sentences start to get slurred, and Travis Scott's insane verse seems to add to the craziness of the evening.
This song makes you feel like it's three in the morning at a Waffle House while you think back on the night's events and start to question if it was worth it to drink as much as you did or if you would regret it in the morning. It's fun. It's chill, and worth the listen. After all, it has the same vibe as a Saturday night party and that alone is quite addicting.
"CPR" - Summer Walker (Acoustic Performance)
Though Last Day of Summer isn't Summer Walker's most recent album, it's fascinating that she's been releasing acoustic versions of the songs from it. In any case, Summer Walker's acoustic concerts have demonstrated her skill when she is allowed to shine in a calm setting without the pressure of performing in front of thousands of admirers. When "CPR" was released, Walker's acoustic rendition of the song was a soulful piece that was made even more enjoyable by her fun, pajama-clad supporting vocalists.
Similar to the recorded version, the song has a reassuring atmosphere that belies its warmth thanks to her sensual, vibrating vocals and velvety, melting harmonies. The song is calming, and hearing it in an acoustic rendition just adds to the comfort of watching an artist in a setting designed to ensure her success. I'd buy this version of the song if I could, but until then, enjoy listening to it a thousand and one times on her YouTube channel.
"Jersey" - Baby Tate
"Relationship, a funny thing, always good at the start. But the truth is, it doesn't matter who you are, anyone can break your heart."
The statement above opens the Baby Tate music video for "Jersey." The singer/rapper soon starts rapping and singing about how much of a letdown her ex was and all the reasons she definitely shouldn't go back for him. Now, after two or more attempts, she comes to the conclusion that it would be preferable to end the relationship because it is unstable and just causes grief. The song begins to resemble the Jersey drill that we are accustomed to from club music by the chorus; the irony is that the lyrics lack the upbeat vibe that this genre is known for. Rather, it makes us feel like we're seeing an emotional breakdown like FKA Twigs in "tears in the club."
The song is meant to call out all of the nonsense that comes with a situationship, but with it being as self-aware as it is, you wonder who is really at fault when she returns.
"The Sopranos" - Tee Grizzley ft. MGK
I don't listen to Tee Grizzley songs nor am I a huge fan of MGK. However, since I know a good song when I hear one, as soon as I heard this one, I immediately put it on my fitness playlist. Machine Gun in "Soprano" Kelly delivers shot after shot about how much he hates other rappers, how much money he has lost in the past, and how he has been holding himself back over the year and no longer will as he goes off on the Detroit-styled beat.
Tee Grizzley makes it apparent when he enters the song what his intentions are and that others should follow suit. He makes it very evident that if you are not a friend or family member, you are an enemy, and you should act as such rather than trying to fit into any other category. The two musicians got along well with one another and demonstrated that should they ever work together again, the business may value their easy rapport.
"alone" - WILLOW
WILLOW's music is intriguing because of her ability to switch between genres without giving a reason. With a flexible voice and repertory, adjusting to the new "alone" flow is not difficult, though it is intriguing with the cadence brought to the song. In an opera-like melody, and antsy-pop punk echoed chorus in the background, "alone" is a song that explores self-reflection and existential loneliness.
WILLOW, who is assumed the main character, expresses fatigue from withholding the truth and ignoring the source of her issues, doubting her own existence while feeling alone and invisible. We learn that her endeavor to communicate and heal leaves her feeling a bit alone and with the chorus' repeated chant of "alone," the desire for connection is reinforced in the isolation she cannot escape.
"Christmas Party for Two" - Brandy
Admit it, ever since September left us eight weeks ago, we've all been yearning for Christmas music. And because we had to exercise self-control, we let October pass by and enjoyed its eerie atmosphere despite the fact that we all knew exactly what we were all really waiting for. We hurried outdoors as soon as October 31st passed to swap out our Halloween decorations for Christmas ones, blasted holiday music as if November didn't exist, and artists started releasing Christmas songs they had recorded in the summer to be ready for the inevitable.
Luckily for us, Brandy is one of those Christmas musicians. Brandy's Christmas song, "Christmas Party for Two," is more appropriate for the bedroom than for lounging underneath the tree. The song is an R&B ballad that captivates listeners with the singer's seductive, alluring voice. Brandy uses a lullaby-like and soothing voice to attract the audience's attention, demonstrating vocal control and restraint throughout the song.
The song explains why, despite being well-known for years, Brandy hasn't disappeared from the scene. Unlike much Christmas music, this song isn't blatantly commercial and doesn't attempt to be more than it has to be. It's just...nice, instead. And there's warmth in that niceness that entices any listener to delve into the holiday's more calming and seductive aspects.
"why dont we go" - UMI
One word that would best sum up UMI's music is safe. However, this does not imply that she is uninteresting or that she does not take artistic risks. Rather, the word "safe" refers to the sense of security that her music offers regardless of the artist's current stage of life due to its candor, playfulness, and openness. UMI is now going through the period of being in love, and her music flawlessly conveys this.
The R&B singer talks of not wanting to wait for a "better time" or till the following month or year in her latest tune, "why dont we go." Instead, she wants to just do what "you wanna do." It is beautiful and cozy, warm and inviting. It is pleasantly delightful, and the perfect representation of what happens when you just start experiencing life instead of simply thinking about it.
"Link Up (Remix)" - Ne-Yo ft. FABOLOUS
The incapacity of many artists to stay up to date with emerging talent and shifts in the expectations of the music industry at large is one of the main obstacles preventing them from reaching the next generation of musicians and listeners. Most older musicians try to incorporate elements of more recent music into their own and put themselves in a category where audiences tend to forget about them. When executed correctly, a skilled musician strikes the ideal mix between modern and classic music to stay current. Naturally, though, this is easier said than done.
Interestingly enough, though, Ne-Yo has struck this equilibrium in more recent times, which is not unexpected given that he was behind several of the major successes of the early 2000s. Ne-Yo demonstrates in the "Link Up" remix that it is possible to compose music utilizing the tried-and-true method of first releasing the original and then a sexier remix when done correctly.
Renowned rapper Fabolous joins the bouncy summer-esque tune for a remix, showcasing his trademark wit and languid New York flow. The revised song has the original lyrics and production, but Fabolous adds his trademark flow, clean delivery, and swag. He raps about having everything to make his boo thang comfy, including drugs and booze. In another remix between the duo, this song officially provides a reason to add it to your fall playlist.
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Featured image by Megan Thee Stallion/YouTube
Taysha Robinson is a writer and high school English teacher, based in metro-Atlanta. A self described philomath, you can find her reading books and articles of every genre, attending educational conferences, and hiking wherever the terrain will allow.
Claudia Jordan, Demetria McKinney & Jill Marie Jones On 'Games Women Play' & Dating Over 40
What do you get when you mix unfiltered truths, high-stakes romance, and a few well-timed one-liners? You get Games Women Play—the sizzling new stage play by Je’Caryous Johnson that’s part relationship rollercoaster, part grown-woman group chat.
With a powerhouse cast that includes Claudia Jordan, Demetria McKinney, Jill Marie Jones, Carl Payne, Chico Bean, and Brian J. White, the play dives headfirst into the messy, hilarious, and heart-wrenching games people play for love, power, and peace of mind. And the women leading this story? They’re bringing their whole selves to the stage—and leaving nothing behind.
From Script to Spotlight
The road to Games Women Play started over 20 years ago—literally.
“This script was written 20 years ago,” Jill Marie Jones said with a smile. “It was originally called Men, Money & Gold Diggers, and I was in the film version. So when Je’Caryous called me to bring it to the stage, I was like, ‘Let’s go.’” Now reimagined for 2025, the play is updated with sharp dialogue and modern relationship dynamics that feel all too real.
Demetria McKinney, no stranger to Je’Caryous Johnson’s productions, jumped at the opportunity to join the cast once again. “This is my third time working with him,” she shared. “It was an opportunity to stretch. I’d never been directed by Carl Payne before, and the chance to work with talent I admire—Jill, Claudia, Chico—it was a no-brainer.”
Claudia Jordan joked that she originally saw the role as just another check. “I didn’t take it that seriously at first,” she admitted. “But this is my first full-on tour—and now I’ve got a whole new respect for how hard people work in theater. This ain’t easy.”
Modern Love, Stage Left
The play doesn’t hold back when it comes to the messier parts of love. One jaw-dropping moment comes when a live podcast proposal flips into a prenup bombshell—leaving the audience (and the characters) gasping.
Demetria broke it down with honesty. “People don’t ask the real questions when they date. Like, ‘Do you want kids? How do you feel about money?’ These convos aren’t happening, and then everyone’s confused. That moment in the play—it’s real. That happens all the time.”
Jill chimed in, noting how the play speaks to emotional disconnect. “We’re giving each other different tokens of love. Men might offer security and money. Women, we’re giving our hearts. But there’s a disconnect—and that’s where things fall apart.”
And then Claudia, of course, took it all the way there. “These men don’t even want to sign our prenups now!” she laughed. “They want to live the soft life, too. Wearing units, gloss, getting their brows done. We can’t have nothing! Y’all want to be like us? Then get a damn period and go through menopause.”
Dating Over 40: “You Better Come Correct”
When the conversation turned to real-life relationships, all three women lit up. Their experiences dating in their 40s and 50s have given them both clarity—and zero tolerance for games.
“I feel sexier than I’ve ever felt,” said Jill, who proudly turned 50 in January. “I say what I want. I mean what I say. I’m inside my woman, and I’m not apologizing for it.”
Demetria added that dating now comes with deeper self-awareness. “Anybody in my life is there because I want them there. I’ve worked hard to need nobody. But I’m open to love—as long as you keep doing what got me there in the first place.”
For Claudia, the bar is high—and the peace is priceless. “I’ve worked hard for my peace,” she said. “I’m not dating for food. I’m dating because I want to spend time with you. And honestly, if being with you isn’t better than being alone with my candles and fountains and cats? Then no thanks.”
Channeling Strength & Icon Status
Each actress brings something different to the play—but all of them deliver.
“I actually wish I could be messier on stage,” Claudia joked. “But I think about my grandmother—she was born in 1929, couldn’t even vote or buy a house without a man, and didn’t give a damn. She was fearless. That’s where my strength comes from.”
For Jill, the comparisons to her iconic Girlfriends character Toni Childs aren’t far off—but this role gave her a chance to dig deeper. “If you really understood Toni, you’d see how layered she was. And Paisley is the same—misunderstood, but strong. There’s more to her than people see at first glance.”
Demetria, who juggles singing and acting seamlessly, shared that live theater pushes her in a new way. “Every moment on stage counts. You can’t redo anything. It’s a different kind of love and discipline. You have to give the performance away—live, in the moment—and trust that it lands.”
Laughter, Lessons & Black Girl Gems
The show has plenty of laugh-out-loud moments—and the cast isn’t shy about who steals scenes.
“Chico Bean gets a lot of gasps and laughs,” Claudia said. “And Naomi Booker? Every scene she’s in—she’s hilarious.”
But the play isn’t just about humor. It leaves space for reflection—especially for Black women.
“I hope we get back to the foundation of love and communication,” said Demetria. “A lot of us are in protector mode. But that’s turned into survival mode. We’ve lost softness. We’ve lost connection.”
Claudia agreed. “We’re doing it all—but it’s not because we want to be strong all the time. It’s because we have to be. And I just want women to know: You can have peace, you can be soft. But stop bringing your old pain into new love. Don’t let past heartbreak build walls so high that the right person can’t climb over.”
Final Act: Pack the House
If there’s one thing this cast agrees on, it’s that this play isn’t just entertainment—it’s necessary.
“Atlanta is the Black entertainment hub,” Claudia said. “We need y’all to show up for this play. Support the arts. Support each other. Because when we pack the house, we make space for more stories like this.”
Games Women Play is more than a play—it’s a mirror. You’ll see yourself, your friends, your exes, and maybe even your next chapter. So get ready to laugh, reflect, and maybe even heal—because the games are on.
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It’s officially Miss Keri, Baby season again—and if you ask us, it’s been a long time coming. After 15 years away from the music scene, Keri Hilson has returned not only with a brand-new album, but also a captivating new role in Lifetime’s Fame—the latest installment in The Temptations film franchise.
Between the album We Need to Talk: Love and her leading role in Fame, this isn’t just a comeback—it’s a rebirth. The Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter turned actress is letting us into her world like never before, unpacking themes of vulnerability, healing, and inner strength with grace, grit, and raw artistry.
Now streaming on Lifetime, Fame follows two superstar sisters—played by Keri and singer/actress Keshia Chanté—as they navigate the cost of stardom, sibling rivalry, and the dark side of desire. The film also stars Romeo Miller, Ecstasia Sanders, Nathan Witte, and Sophie Carriere, and is executive produced by Derrick Williams and Adriane Hopper Williams of the Seven Deadly Sins franchise.
As for the music? We Need to Talk: Love is a three-part album (Love, Drama, Redemption) that tells the story of a woman who’s been through it—and has risen from the ashes. “It was time to speak for myself,” Keri says.
We sat down with Keri to talk about her return to music, her passion for acting, the emotional depth of Fame, and how she’s learning to care for herself amidst the chaos.
From R&B Queen to Drama Star: Keri Gets Into Character
“Even though she’s famous—as am I—it was really her humanity that I wanted to portray.”
Keri plays Cherish, one half of a superstar sibling duo who must confront their fractured relationship in the wake of a traumatic robbery. For Keri, the role was more than a character—it was a psychological study.
“I enjoy departures from reality. That’s why I love acting,” she shares. “Psychology is one of my favorite things in life. I became a writer because I’m an observer of human nature, emotion, and behavior. I think I did a good job showing her humanity.”
The Fame Isn’t Always Worth the Price
“Keep the main thing the main thing.”
Keri doesn’t sugarcoat the industry. When asked about what Fame reveals about the dark side of celebrity culture, her answer is clear:
“It’s a cautionary tale. It reminds you to keep your family close and not allow anything to come between them—especially in pursuit of success. Keep the main thing the main thing. For me, that’s family, love, spirituality, and values.”
Three Chapters, One Story: Love. Drama. Redemption.
“I’ve shed the fear. It was time to tell my own story.”
Released April 18th, We Need to Talk: Love is Keri’s first album in 15 years—and a deeply personal one at that. The three-part project (Love, Drama, Redemption) represents a timeline of healing and growth.
“I’m finally in a place where I’m able and willing to open up more,” she says. “For a while, I became really guarded—shell-shocked, even—after making mistakes in the public eye. Whether it’s all your fault or not, the scrutiny takes its toll. But now, I’ve shed that fear. It’s time to tell my story.”
Cooking, Walks, and Recalibrating in the Chaos
“I’m not doing the best job—but I’m doing what I can.”
Between eight-hour rehearsals, press runs, and music releases, Hilson admits she hasn’t quite figured out the balance yet—but she’s trying. For her, the key is carving out small rituals of normalcy.
“I enjoy cooking. That’s my sanctity,” she says. “I’ll go home, take my makeup off, put on my rehearsal clothes, and cook a meal. I take walks. I run. These little things help me feel like myself again.”
Art Imitates Life (and Album Tracklists)
“Cherish goes from Love… to Drama… to Redemption.”
Asked which album chapter her Fame character would fall into, Keri doesn’t hesitate. “She fits into all three,” she says. “You see her go from love, to drama, to redemption. That arc mirrors the journey of so many women who’ve had to navigate pain and find their way back to themselves.”
No Pressure, Just Art: Keri Wants You to Feel Something
“Just enjoy the art. That’s it.”
After all the time, patience, and healing, Keri isn’t asking for much. She just wants fans to press play—and feel something.
“I just want people to enjoy what they’re seeing and hearing. Enjoy me on screen. Enjoy me through their ears. People have waited, and I feel blessed by that. That helps me keep it all pure and simple.”
As Keri Hilson steps boldly back into the spotlight, it’s clear this era is all about alignment, artistry, and authenticity. With Fame airing on Lifetime and the first chapter of We Need to Talk: Love setting the tone, we’re more than excited to see what’s next.
As she continues to unfold the album’s next two chapters—Drama and Redemption—one thing’s for sure: this isn’t just a comeback. It’s a reintroduction. And we’ll be watching, listening, and cheering her on every step of the way.
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