New Music Friday: 13 must-plays, led by Leela James' “What U Need”
Grown R&B, a big debut album, Afrobeats extended and BigXthaPlug's No. 1 album: the releases worth your weekend.
Thirteen picks from the week of Oct 30, 2026, across R&B, Afrobeats and hip-hop. Every link below goes to the artist's official upload. Tap a card to play.
01. Leela James — What U Need
Single · R&B. Grown-and-sexy, with an official video.
02. nomi. — this wolf may cry
Debut album · R&B. Lead single "r u?" is everywhere. A Come Up pick.
03. Coi Leray ft. Lucky Daye — Milk N Cookies
Single · R&B. Lucky Daye on the hook, nuff said.
04. Tanerélle — Save Me
Single · R&B. Dreamy and heavy, with a visualiser.
05. Lalah Hathaway & J. Ivy — 47th Street (Remix)
Single · R&B. Chicago soul and spoken word.
06. Bobby V & Nivea — Quiet Storm
Single · R&B. Two 2000s voices, one late-night duet.
07. Sentury & Jagged Edge — Enough
Single · R&B. Jagged Edge harmonies on a new name's record.
08. Qiuntellii — Room Service
Album · R&B. Led by "J.L.U." with BJRNCK.
09. Aaron Frazer — Corners
EP · Soul. Six tracks of retro soul. Start with "Let Your Love Grow".
10. Debbie — Superwoman
Single · R&B. UK R&B with a big chorus.
11. Omah Lay — Clarity of Mind (Extended)
Album · Afrobeats. Four new songs incl. "Back to Lagos" ft. Gunna.
12. Tiwa Savage — African Baddie
Single · Afrobeats. Confidence, set to a beat.
13. BigXthaPlug ft. GloRilla — FAF
Single (from Better Over Time) · Hip-Hop. From the album topping Apple Music's US chart.
Also this week
Snoh Aalegra — "Just Friends" (Oct 28). Third single before Legendary Love (Nov 13).
Goapele — "Way You Love Me" (Oct 26). Her return single.
Beenie Man — "Weh Di Money Deh" (Nov 2). The song everyone in Jamaica is talking about.
Out this Friday (Nov 6, 2026)
Announced for release: B2K, Eclipse; Louis York, The Heart of the Matter; Dawuna, Love's Arp; BINA., SOFT RAGE; Justin Garner, songs you can feel +; Lil Baby, Fresh; Skepta, The Fork & Knife; French Montana, Coke Boys 7; Statik Selektah, Expensive Taste.
