Welcome to This Week in R&B, your weekly catch-up on everything happening in the genre we love. From the albums worth spending time with to the industry moves you might’ve missed, consider this your one-stop shop for staying in the know.
This week, Mary J. Blige is making moves with her legendary catalog, Boyz II Men are trading a little Philly soul for Nashville country, and Elmiene is getting some well-deserved recognition. Elsewhere, the Soul Train Awards are celebrating R&B royalty across generations, and we’ve got a new artist whose debut project deserves a spot in your rotation.
Let’s get into it.
Mary J. Blige Is Making Money Moves
After more than three decades of giving us the soundtrack to our lives, Mary J. Blige is making sure her music continues to work for her. The Queen of Hip-Hop Soul has entered a new partnership with Primary Wave Music, the publishing company behind catalogs from legends like Prince, Whitney Houston, and Luther Vandross.
While the financial details haven’t been disclosed, the move speaks to the lasting value of R&B’s most beloved records. After all, songs like “Be Happy”, “Be Without You”, and “I Can Love You” have been getting us through life for decades. Now, the business behind those records is finding new ways to keep that legacy moving.
Elmiene Is Getting His Flowers
If you’ve been paying attention to Elmiene over the past few years, you already know he’s one of the most exciting voices in contemporary soul. Now, the Soul Train Awards are making it official. The British-Sudanese singer has been named the recipient of the 2026 New Soul Honor, recognizing his growing influence on R&B and his ability to carry the genre’s rich musical traditions into a new generation. He’ll also take the stage for a special performance when the ceremony airs November 27th.
The recognition follows the release of his debut album, sounds for someone, earlier this year. From his unmistakable voice to his appreciation for the soul greats who came before him, Elmiene has been building something special.
We had the pleasure of featuring him on the cover of YAMS Magazine’s Timeless Issue, where we explored his musical journey and the influences shaping his sound. Consider this another reason to revisit that conversation.
Boyz II Men Are Going Country. Yes, Country.
Somebody cue the cowboy boots, because Boyz II Men are headed to Nashville. The legendary R&B trio has signed a new deal with Warner Records Nashville and is preparing to release a country album in 2027, marking their first new studio album in a decade. And while the idea of the voices behind “End of the Road” and “I’ll Make Love to You” going country might catch a few people off guard, the group has actually been exploring the genre for years, including recent collaborations with Lady A and performances alongside country artists.
The group has spoken about its admiration for country’s songwriting traditions, and after spending more than three decades mastering the art of the love song, it’s not hard to imagine those harmonies finding a home in Nashville. We’re curious to hear where they take things!
One More Thing: Get Familiar With nomi.
If nomi. isn’t already on your radar, it’s time to get familiar. The North Carolina-born singer released her debut project, this wolf may cry, on October 30th, following a string of releases that have steadily introduced listeners to her wonderfully unpredictable approach to R&B. Across 13 tracks, she moves between hazy, off-kilter production, soft neo-soul melodies, and moments that pull from pop and UK garage. And it’s all held together by a voice that sounds delicate one moment and completely commanding the next.
The rising artist has already caught the attention of Tyler, The Creator and SZA, but the music makes a pretty convincing introduction on its own. Songs like “r u?,” “sirens” and “back seat” offer different glimpses into her sound, making this wolf may cry the kind of debut worth spending some real time with. If you’re looking for something new to fall into this week, start here.
Until Next Week...
Between Mary J. Blige finding new ways to build on her legacy, Boyz II Men exploring unfamiliar musical territory, and Elmiene getting his flowers, this week’s stories remind us how much history R&B carries. And with artists like nomi. bringing new ideas into the mix, there’s plenty to look forward to.
We’ll be back next week with more music, moments, and conversations keeping R&B moving.
For the R&B lovers, always.