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The biggest stories, releases and moments making waves across R&B and urban music this week.

Ashanti, in a pink Balenciaga jersey, and Nelly laughing together on stage

Photo: Alexander Tamargo

News · Touring · Nelly & Ashanti

Nelly and Ashanti are going on tour together in “2027”

Their first official joint headline run. No dates yet, but the couple confirmed it while promoting season 2 of We Belong Together.

Nov 3, 2026 · 2 min read

Usher in a Confessions-era portrait, 2004

Trending · The Debate

The 2000s R&B albums debate is back: Complex crowns Usher's “Confessions”

It's No. 1. D'Angelo, The-Dream and Mariah round out the top four — and the timeline has thoughts.

Nov 2, 2026 · 2 min read

RNBEATS0 cover: Mary J. Blige, over a still from her Family Affair video

News · Business · Catalog

Mary J. Blige partners with Primary Wave on her “catalog”

"Family Affair", "My Life" and "Be Without You" are among the songs in the deal. Here's what was announced and what wasn't.

Nov 3, 2026 · 2 min read

Erykah Badu performing in a white fur coat

News · Live · Dallas

Badu, a H.E.R. comeback and two surprise guests: inside Spotify's first “RNB X Live”

Spotify's first standalone R&B festival hit Dallas on Sunday — and the night belonged to legends and the next class in equal measure.

Nov 2, 2026 · 2 min read

BigXthaPlug portrait

News · Hip-Hop · New Album

BigXthaPlug tops Apple Music's US albums chart with “Better Over Time”

18 tracks, GloRilla on "FAF", Leon Thomas on "NO LIMIT" — and the top spot on Apple Music's US albums chart all weekend.

Nov 3, 2026 · 2 min read

Chris Brown and Usher perform in Denver, Colorado on June 26, 2026

Photo: Justin Ongeri

News · Touring · Billboard

Usher & Chris Brown take R&B to No. 1 on Billboard's touring chart with “The R&B Tour”

$77.4 million, 423,000 tickets, 10 shows — and a first for the monthly Boxscore report.

Oct 30, 2026 · 2 min read