Craig David, Jagged Edge, Nao And More New R&B For Your Intrusive Thoughts

This week in R&B, those intrusive late night thoughts are winning and so is the genre when it comes to the heat it’s bringing.

Jagged Edge, Craig David, and Nao are leading the charge with their respective new singles as we share the latest offerings from a new wave of talent including Ben L’Oncle Soul, Jhonni Blaze, Gaidaa, Yola, JeRonelle, TAVE, and more.

If you need something to soundtrack those late nights, check out VIBE’s top new R&B picks below.

Jagged Edge – “Just Might Get It”

Jagged Edge is dropping a new album on Valentine’s Day, but is first teasing it with their new single, “Just Might Get It.” The delectable jam was written and produced by J.E.’s very own Brandon and Brian Casey.

Of the new record, Brian explained, “The beautiful thing about ‘JUST MIGHT GET IT’ is how a single title can inspire entirely different perspectives. Brandon’s writing captures this perfectly. His take is telling the girl, ‘You keep asking for my time, and I’m giving it to you—now, what are you going to do with it? Be careful what you ask for, you might just get it.'”

He noted that his opposing POV is more about the aftermath of getting what you ask for. “You’ve said you want this to end, but I don’t, and now I’m telling you— be careful what you wish for, you might actually get it. It’s incredible how we’re using the same title but interpreting it in such distinct ways. That’s the magic of working with him—listening to the same thing and finding completely different meanings.”

Fans will be able to purchase the new album, All Original Parts Vol. 1, early on Jan. 31 through EVEN.BIZ. They will embark on their “An Evening with Jagged Edge: 25 Years of JE Heartbreak” tour in March. 

Craig David – “SOS”

Craig David’s new single, “SOS,” is such a jam. Despite its upbeat tempo, it’s a vulnerable track that spotlights the fallout associated with taking a leap of faith in love.

“There’s a time in life when you come to a point of realization that all of the playing it safe, being cautious & guarded around opening our hearts up to love doesn’t work—even if we have been hurt before,” Craig noted. “‘SOS’ is all about that moment of feeling vulnerable, yet ready & open to taking a risk, a leap of faith to let someone know you are finally ready to let love in, however scary it may feel.”

It’s raw albeit relatable and really details the beauty in being so open to falling in love after heartache.

Nao – “Happy People”

We’re about a month away from Nao’s Jupiter, so she gifted fans her latest single, “Happy People.”

It’s overall joyous and uplifting. Co-written by Nao, Stint, Yakob (Jakob Rabitsch), Lauren Keen, and Kareem James, and produced by Stint and Yakob, the record is about “finding peace, joy and purpose in meaningful connections with those who truly care. It celebrates the strength of relationships and friendships.”

It follows the ever soulful “All Of Me” as well as the captivating “Elevate” and “Wildflowers.”

Ben L’Oncle Soul – “I Got Home”

“I Got Home” is not Ben L’Oncle Soul’s first rodeo, but this is the song that officially kickstarted our obsession with him. The single from the French soul powerhouse stems from his highly-anticipated new album, Sad Generation, coming on March 21.

Describing as a ’60s R&B groove, it’s an “ode to joy,” with Ben adding, “there’s nothing like feeling at home on stage, sharing smiles and energy with my audience.” If you’re a fan of John Legend, Anderson .Paak, and Masego (but also the entire Motown era), you’ll find yourself a fan of Ben L’Oncle Soul.

Jhonni Blaze feat. Method Man – “Don’t Break My Heart”

Jhonnie Blaze is back on the music scene and is joined by Hip-Hop heartthrob Method Man for her entrancing new single, “Don’t Break My Heart.”

Produced by Dre Beats and written by Jhonni herself, “Don’t Break My Heart” is a nod to the sounds of the early 2000s homage, which was known for the perfect marriage of Hip-Hop and R&B.

It’s the lead single from Jhonni’s forthcoming EP, Jhonni – Chapter 1, set for release on Feb. 14.

JeRonelle feat. Dende – “Right One, Wrong Time”

JeRonlle joined forces with fellow R&B sensation Dende for their heartfelt collab, “Right One, Wrong Time.” It sheds light on “the timeless struggle of love complicated by timing and circumstance,” as the two parties navigate their “will they [or] won’t they” relationship.

Produced by Mike Hector and Billy Blunt, the soul-stirring song is utterly captivating.

When speaking on the release, JeRonelle explained, “It’s about having a deep connection with someone a coming to grips with the fact that timing and life’s complexities may not allow the relationship to flourish. It’s the kind of story that so many people can relate to, and I’m excited to share this vulnerable side of my artistry.”

TAVE feat. Kenyon Dixon – “Laid Back/Old Skool Chevy”

Kenyon Dixon linked up with TAVE for the divine new single, “Laid Back/Old Skool Chevy.” It is just as relaxing as you’d expect and is a timeless homage to that “classic West Coast cruising vibe.”

With all those going on especially in Los Angeles, TAVE shared, “This track is for the cruisers, the soul lovers, and anyone who appreciates the beauty of the classics. It’s also a love letter to California— the culture, the people, the vibes, the soul. Which is now needed more than ever. Cali, this one’s for you.”

Get a much needed dose of escapism with this delightful drop.

YOLA – My Way

Yola is a refreshing blend of progressive R&B and soulful pop with her new EP, My Way, being concrete proof of that.

The six-time Grammy nominee pays tribute to the necessary nature of f**k boys and other fun themes while sticking the middle finger to musical limitations.

“’My Way’ is not about creative dictatorship,” she explained. “It’s about being free to do what the songs need, because I don’t need to guide people towards allowing me agency, free of any restriction so I can tell my story more fully than ever before. This is me at my most musically free, and maybe a little nostalgic.”

Gaidaa – “Fly Away”

We are absolutely obsessed with Gaidaa’s “Fly Away.” The Dutch-Sudanese songbird’s single embraces life’s authenticity and honors the power of self-discovery.

It’s organic and idyllic as she whisks you away singing of moments beyond what’s in front of you. “Fly Away” follows the releases of “Rolling” and “Runaway.”

She gained acclaim after her cover of a Kehlani song caught the attention of Full Crate, leading them to create their collaboration, “A Storm on a Summer’s Day.”