7 Hip Hop/R&B songs you need to hear right now

SZA’s first single this year, since dropping "Good Day" on Christmas Day 2020, “I Hate U” might have “started as an experiment on SoundCloud” but upon many requests from the public she obliged and released the groovy breakup track as a proper single. Featuring SZA’s personal brand of lyrical directness, “and if you wonder if I hate you…? I dooooooo,” she sings. — Felt that.

Co-written with with D’Mile, Lucky Daye, Tiara Thomas and H.E.R., who also produced, contributed guitar, and background vocals to the track, “Good Morning Gorgeous,” addresses overcoming struggles and self-doubt, and is set to be featured on Blige’s forthcoming anticipated album of the same name.

Shout out to Tay Iwar’s mesmerizing pre-chorus and chorus, Wiz’s fun and catchy bridge, and some masterful production from Juls. While a bit of a silent ninja compared to it’s chart-hitting album mate “Essence,” “True Love” with its bewitching melodies, lulling saxophone, and subtle hints of a hand drum takes us on a layered sonic ride.

TikTok made us do it, but it’s not like we’re mad a bout it. After dropping the track in July 2021, Myles’ track had a quick come up thanks to a TikTok dance challenge that’s neither too easy or too difficult. The lyrics might be simple, but the beat is catchy and, so yeah… we’re here for it.

As the lead single from Daye’s forthcoming sophomore album CandyDrip due out in 2022, “Over” samples some sweet Musiq Soulchild, with a twist that sounds trippy in the dopest way. Basically it's a straight up vibe. Enjoy.

An emotional ballad that finds Giveon yearning for his love. “For Tonight” tells a “story of a taboo vice that I just can’t seem to stop indulging in,” according to the crooner himself. It’s potent, ethereal, and meant to played on repeat.

"Fall in Love at Christmas" is that grown folks type of carol for those several seasons into their love. With Kirk on the keys and Khalid holding his own as a duet partner, Mariah delivers topline melody and those classic winding runs for a kind of sumptuous torch song that Carey hasn't sung in a minute. Let’s hear it for The Queen of Christmas.