Gary Gerard Hamilton.

Giveon poses for a portrait on Thursday, May 29, 2025, in New York. (AP Photo/Gary Gerard Hamilton)

Giveon’s ‘Beloved’ highlights the universal commonality of love and romance struggles

R&B star Giveon is releasing his anticipated sophomore album, “Beloved,” on Friday. Following the “Heartbreak Anniversary” crooner’s 2020 studio debut, “Give or Take,” this 13-track featureless album was crafted during a three-year period, with musicians playing all of the instrumentation live. Ahead of the new album, Giveon released the singles “Twenties,” peaking at No. 6 on Billboard’s hot R&B songs, and “Rather Be.” He also revealed a common desire with pop-soul star Teddy Swims to create a joint EP. Earlier this year, they joined forces on “Are You Even Real” which reached No. 1 on multiple Billboard charts, including adult R&B airplay.

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Burna Boy poses for a portrait on Thursday, May 8, 2025, in New York. (AP Photo/Gary Gerard Hamilton)

Burna Boy’s ‘No Sign of Weakness’ fulfills his rock star dreams

Afrobeats megastar Burna Boy is releasing his new album, “No Sign of Weakness,” on Friday. The Grammy-winning artist is bringing his own rock star dreams to life with features from Rolling Stones frontman Mick Jagger, country hitmaker Shaboozey and hip-hop heavyweight Travis Scott on the 16-track album. Fresh off becoming the first African artist to sell out Paris’ iconic Stade de France in April and recognized as one of the standard-bearers of the genre, the “Last Last” artist launched his world tour this week with North American dates beginning in November. It will feature a unique circular stage, providing a chance for fans to equally enjoy the musical experience.

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Keke Palmer’s ‘Just Keke’ album channels public relationship drama into reclamation

Keke Palmer is giving her take on her 2023 public breakup with her ex Darius Jackson on her new album, ‘Just Keke.’ The 18-track visual project, out now, follows Palmer musically navigates celebrity, motherhood and self-reflection. But her vulnerability about her well-publicized relationship drama is the album’s main throughline. The Emmy winner says she realizes the project could bring more attention and scrutiny into her personal life, but it’s “about transmutation, it’s about bringing closure.” The project also boasts creative video elements created and directed by Palmer and her team.

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Jeezy poses for a portrait on Tuesday, June 10, 2025, in New York. (AP Photo/Gary Gerard Hamilton)

Jeezy reflects on the legacy of his commercial debut, the classic ‘Thug Motivation 101’

Jeezy is launching his orchestra-backed “TM:101 Live” tour on June 27. It celebrates the 20th anniversary of his commercial debut and classic “Let’s Get It: Thug Motivation 101.” Through vivid storytelling of street life, Jeezy displayed his gift of motivation inspiring a vast cross-section of fans.The critically acclaimed “TM:101” debuted at No. 2 on the Billboard 200 with singles like “Soul Survivor” featuring Akon, and “Go Crazy” with Jay-Z. Jeezy had a contingency plan in case his musical aspirations failed but he tells The Associated Press that he had a feeling the album would be life-changing.

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Old Dominion’s new album, ‘Barbara,’ won’t lean on band’s record-breaking laurels

Old Dominion will release their new album, “Barbara,” on Aug. 22. The 13-track project includes the previously released “Me Most Nights” and “Making Good Time,” along with the four-on-the-floor “Talk Country” and the R&B-infused “What Doesn’t Kill a Memory.” Lead singer Matthew Ramsey says the band has worked on the album for the last two years, calling it their most eclectic album to date. They won their eighth consecutive group of the year award at last month’s Academy of Country Music Awards, putting Old Dominion in the sole position of the record. The band is prepping for the “How Good Is That” world tour, which launches this month in South Carolina.

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Leon Thomas III poses for a portrait on Tuesday, April 22, 2025, in New York. (AP Photo/Gary Gerard Hamilton)

Leon Thomas is ‘ready for the moment’ with new album ‘MUTT Deluxe: HEEL’

Alternative R&B artist Leon Thomas will release his “MUTT Deluxe: HEEL” album on Friday. Thomas earned a Grammy for co-producing SZA’s gigantic “Snooze” record and is now experiencing his own solo success. His single “MUTT,” from his 2024 critically acclaimed sophomore album of the same name, reached No. 1 on multiple Billboard charts, including Hot R&B Songs, Adult R&B airplay and R&B Streaming Songs. It also peaked at No. 13 on Billboard’s Hot 100. Once known for his role on the popular Nickelodeon series “Victorious” which included castmate Ariana Grande, the artist-producer recruited Chris Brown, Halle Bailey, Big Sean and Kehlani to appear on “HEEL.” Nine new songs have been added, both originals and remixes.

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FILE - Dolly Parton performs during an event celebrating the expansion of Dolly Parton's Imagination Library Monday, Aug. 14, 2023, in Overland Park, Kan. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel, File)

Dolly Parton leans on her faith after losing husband of nearly 60 years

Dolly Parton says her faith has carried her through her fluctuating grief following the death of her husband, Carl Dean. The 10-time Grammy winner reflected on her marriage of nearly 60 years while promoting her new line of single-serve Southern-inspired frozen meals, following her popular Duncan Hines baking mixes with US-based Conagra Brands. Dean, who avoided the spotlight and inspired Parton’s timeless hit “Jolene,” as well as her 2023 “Rockstar” album, died in March at 82. Parton, a Rock & Roll Hall of Fame honoree, is also releasing a new book this fall called “Star of the Show: My Life on Stage.” Her play, “Dolly: An Original Musical,” will premiere on Broadway next year.

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