There’s a certain kind of energy that arises when Black artists, collectively and individually, decide to just leave. Not in the manufactured, algorithm-hunting way that floods streaming platforms with forgettable padding, but in the kind that stops you mid-scroll, mid-conversation, mid-everything. That energy is very much alive right now. It lives in the warm, confessional pain of ‘Shoulda Never’ Kehlani of Guardtaken from her self-titled album released today, April 24, her 31st birthday. It’s a project that feels like both a reset and a reintroduction, anchored by a stacked list of features that place her firmly at the center of the evolving R&B landscape. That same energy is carried into the relaxed groove of ‘Fine Ting (Fine $hit)’ FOLAa record that does not loudly demand attention but draws you in and refuses to let go.
What makes this moment truly unique is its reach. Black artists are not concerned with one lane or one conversation; they are the conversation, plural and extended. From the rain-soaked streets of Lagos to the wide-open American Southwest, from Afrobeats studios to country saloons, the sound is everywhere and cannot be squashed into one story. These aren’t just songs for a specific audience; they are records that travel, translate and connect between different geographies, while still hitting the same emotional nerve.
Check out the songs from black artists currently dominating the playlists this week…
#1. Kehlani and Usher – Shoulda Never
Written by Baby faceIn “Shoulda Never,” Kehlani and Usher find themselves on shared emotional territory: regret over trusting a lover who leaves behind nothing but wasted time. There’s a subtle nod to Usher’s signature habit of spelling his name halfway through the record, but what really makes the song land isn’t nostalgia; it’s execution.
Kehlani approaches the record as a full duet rather than a feature-driven exchange. Her textured, emotional delivery holds her own against Usher throughout, creating a balanced dynamic that feels intentional. The production remains warm and unhurried, built on subdued percussion and soulful grooves that carry the weight of the song. It is not dependent on volume or theater. It floats, lingers and silently demands repetition.
#2. FOLA — Fine Ting (Fine $hit)
FOLA doesn’t overcomplicate things, which is exactly why “Fine Ting (Fine $hit)” works. The production is clean and groove-driven: soft percussion, warm melodies and a rhythm that immediately feels familiar without falling into imitation. Delivering with relaxed confidence, FOLA combines melodic flows with a playful tone that fits seamlessly with the song’s theme of admiration and appeal.
There is never a moment when the track extends beyond its natural reach. It sits comfortably in his pocket and stays there. Whether it’s a late-night drive or a quiet afternoon, the song fits effortlessly. It hits lightly, but it stays with you.
#3. Angelique Kidjo ft. Pharrell Williams & Quavo — Bando
From her recently released album Heap, Angelique Kidjo brings together one of the most unexpected collaborations of the year, with Pharrell Williams And Quavo. “Bando” combines pulsating Afrobeats rhythms with contemporary pop and hip-hop elements, and it works because each artist makes a purposeful contribution. Kidjo’s commanding vocal presence anchors the record, Pharrell’s production adds layered texture and movement, and Quavo’s verse introduces an unexpected yet cohesive dimension.
Thematically, the song revolves around unity and resilience, in line with Kidjo’s long-standing role as an artist and cultural advocate. It sounds global in scope, a purposeful bridge between continents and genres.
#4. Shaboozey – Born to die
Shaboozey will not ease into its next era. “Born to Die” arrives as a bold opening statement from his upcoming concept album The Outlaw Cherie Lee and Other Western Stories. The song is a densely packed country-meets-Americana record that unfolds like a cinematic introduction. It sets the stage for a story built around loss, revenge and myth-making, told through a distinctly modern lens.
Following the success of his Billboard Hot 100 chart-topper “A Bar Song (Tipsy),” which spent 19 weeks at the top spot, this release signals a clear shift as Shaboozey moves from breakthrough success to full-length storytelling, building a world rather than just a moment.
#5. BNXN ft. Sarz — Back outside
BNXN And Sarz are two of the most distinctive voices in African music today, and ‘Back Outside’ captures what happens when both are operating at their peak. BNXN delivers its signature melodic Afrobeats energy – smooth, relaxed and immediately captivating – while Sarz’s production drives the song forward through sharp drum patterns, layered synths and vibrant percussion.
What makes the record stand out is how natural it feels. There is no forced crossover appeal, just two artists working in unison. For BNXN, it marks another step in a steadily growing global presence that is becoming increasingly difficult to ignore.
Featured image: @kehlani/Instagram
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