Browsing Tag

RnB Pop

CMC J$ap’s ‘No Limits’ is the Sound of RnB Breaking Orbit

CMC J$ap isn’t interested in following the gravity-bound formulas of RnB—he’s hurtling past them at full velocity. ‘No Limits’, lifted from his interstellar LP Woke Up on the Wrong Side of Orbit, doesn’t just flirt with genre fluidity—it obliterates the concept of genre constraints entirely. Synthwave, hip-hop, trap, pop, and RnB all collide in a kinetic explosion of sound, with beats that ignite the track like rocket fuel and an energy level that refuses to wane.

The Kansas City-based artist, producer, and songwriter has never been confined to a single lane, and his global reach is proof that his boundary-smashing approach resonates. As co-founder of Canis Major Collective and NerdLyfe Global LLC, CMC J$ap has built more than just a discography—he’s constructed an empire where music, fashion, and business intersect. But it’s his ability to push a new evolution into the trajectory of RnB that has allowed him to reach his creative zenith, and ‘No Limits’ is an emphatic testament to that.

This isn’t just a track for today—it’s a future blueprint for RnB evolution. If your playlists are stuck in the past, let CMC J$ap propel them forward. ‘No Limits’ is now available to stream on all major platforms, including Spotify.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Rattling Beats and Soulful Heat: Denaron’s ‘On My Way’ is RnB Reloaded

With ‘On My Way,’ Denaron proves why he’s a voice worth paying attention to in the contemporary pantheon of RnB greats. Rooted in the soul of the genre’s pioneers, the track blends the raw passion of Luther Vandross and David Ruffin with a modern vibrancy reminiscent of Musiq Soulchild and Bruno Mars. Yet, Denaron’s artistry doesn’t settle for imitation – his voice carries an honesty and dynamism that harmonises leagues away from assimilation.

The instrumentals bring a kaleidoscope of colour to the mix, their smooth contortions wrapping around beats that hit with a confident pulse. It’s the kind of groove that feels simultaneously nostalgic and refreshingly current, bridging the roots of RnB with the shimmering motifs of contemporary production. Meanwhile, Denaron’s vocal agility weaves through the track, his kinetic range delivering hooks that strike with as much emotion as precision.

Denaron’s path to this moment started in the pews of his local church, where he began singing at just 12 years old. Drawing inspiration from legends like Ronald Isley, his early foundation in soul music fuels his goal of creating tracks that shine a light on life’s complexities, from love to faith. His open-hearted approach has earned him recognition far beyond his home turf of Texas, whether winning talent shows, featuring on tracks for hip-hop artists, or sharing stages with the likes of Ginuwine and Wale.

With ‘On My Way,’ Denaron doesn’t just blur the lines between eras of RnB – he redefines them, leaving listeners swaying to his rhythm and arrested by his unapologetic soul.

Stream the official video for On My Way on YouTube now.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Interview with Orayvia: Authenticity, Evolution, and the Power of Vulnerability

Orayvia has been making waves since her 2020 debut, with her emotionally raw, sonically polished fusion of RnB, hip-hop and pop. In this interview, she discusses her upcoming album, which sees her embracing new stylistic elements, from drill influences to electronic elements, all while staying true to the vulnerability that defines her music. She reflects on the challenges of artistic evolution, the importance of fostering community through music, and how she stays connected with her fans despite being naturally introverted. With new collaborations on the horizon and a commitment to storytelling that resonates on a deeper level, Orayvia proves that growth and authenticity can go hand in hand.

Orayvia, welcome to A&R Factory! Since your 2020 debut, you’ve released hit after hit and proven your versatility as an artist. Before we get into what’s in the pipeline, for anyone new to your sound, how would you define it?

Thank you so much for having me! This is truly an honor! Well a little bit about my sound, it’s a blend of soul, R&B, hip hop and pop with a modern edge. I like to describe it as emotionally charged and unapologetically authentic music that moves both the heart and the body.

If you could name one crucial component of your style which ties your discography together, what would it be?

The one thread that ties all my music together is vulnerability. No matter the tempo or the genre I’m exploring, my songs always come from a deeply personal place, and I think my audience can feel that honesty.

What projects are you currently working on, and how are these upcoming releases a departure from your previously released singles?

Right now, I’m working on an album. It’s practically finished but it pushes the boundaries of my sound. It’s more experimental, with influences from drill, and electronic elements, which feels like a departure from the more straightforward R&B/pop singles I’ve released in the past. The storytelling is also evolving it’s more introspective and layered this time around.

What challenges have you faced while refining your sound and exploring new genres while staying true to your roots?

The biggest challenge has been maintaining balance staying true to my core while embracing growth. Sometimes, experimenting with new sounds feels like stepping into the unknown, but I remind myself that growth doesn’t mean losing who I am; it’s about adding new dimensions.

What inspired your upcoming projects and are there any messages you hope to share through your upcoming releases?

Life itself has been my greatest inspiration the highs, the lows, and the in-between moments of self-discovery. With my upcoming releases, I want to communicate the beauty of vulnerability, the power of resilience, and the importance of embracing your truth, even when it’s messy.

Can your fans expect any collaborations in the future?

Absolutely! Collaborations are such an exciting way to expand my creative vision. I’m currently in talks with a few artists whose work I admire, and I can’t wait to share those partnerships when the time is right.

Your fans are clearly important to you; how do you ensure you stay connected with your audience?

I make it a priority to interact with my fans regularly through social media and am working on new ways to be able to keep that foundation. A lot of people don’t know but I’m very introverted. I am working on doing behind the scenes content and storytelling around my music to give them a deeper connection to my creative process.

You have previously expressed a desire to launch fan-driven projects to bring your community even closer together. How important do you believe it is to establish communities through sound?

I think music has the incredible power to unite people. By creating fan-driven projects, I hope to build a space where listeners feel seen and heard. Whether it’s through shared stories or interactive content, fostering that sense of community is vital to me.

What does artistic growth look like to you and how has the progress you’ve made influenced your new work?

Artistic growth, to me, is about pushing boundaries and constantly challenging myself to evolve without losing sight of who I am. The progress I’ve made has taught me to embrace fearlessness, and that confidence has seeped into my new work. It’s a reflection of where I’ve been and where I’m headed a fusion of past lessons and future possibilities.

Stream Orayvia’s discography on Spotify and connect with her via Instagram.

Interview by Amelia Vandergast

Aaron Hines’ ‘Get Into It’: A Healing RnB Hymn for Scarred Hearts

With Get Into It, singer-songwriter Aaron Hines effortlessly solidifies his place in RnB’s hall of fame, delivering a track that’s as emotionally restorative as it is irresistibly melodic. Hailing from Charleston, South Carolina, Hines has already proven his dynamism as a singer, songwriter, and musician by arresting audiences on Season 21 of The Voice and lending his vocal talents to Grammy-nominated artist Blxst’s single Child of God in 2023. Now, with his latest single, he’s pushing the genre’s boundaries even further.

Get Into It strikes a perfect balance between commercial accessibility and heartfelt intimacy. The honeyed harmonies of Hines’ soulful vocals cascade into a euphonically hazy production where delay-soaked guitars gently pull the melody into focus. It’s a sound designed to stay with you long after the first listen—unapologetically smooth yet brimming with sincerity.

Lyrically, Hines offers an emotional sanctuary for anyone who’s endured toxic relationship dynamics, projecting a hopeful light at the end of even the darkest tunnels. Lines soaked in heartfelt honesty make this track as much about emotional catharsis as it is about musical pleasure.

Soul flows by the smorgasbord, and his sheer talent is undeniable. As he continues expanding his artistic reach with projects like his upcoming appearance on the TV show Collab, Hines is one to watch.

Stream Get Into It on Spotify now.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Music Video Review: Alana Monteiro’s RnB pop aesthetic in ‘High’ is a lesson in Voguish seduction

Three weeks after releasing the official music video for her first hit single, High, the NYC singer-songwriter, world-renowned supermodel, writer and actress Alana Monteiro. shot past the 1 million stream mark, creating a new addiction to her sound that harnesses more style than a copy of Harper’s Bazaar.

The cinematically shot 4k official music video is an extension of the sleek sophistication which envelops the track, establishing Alana Monteiro as so much more than just a serious contender in the RnB pop scene, but an icon in the making of her own Vogueish image. Blazing in no one but her own trail, Alana Monteiro’s scintillatingly seraphic sonic signature knows nothing of assimilation, it scribes nothing but the Alana Monteiro aura which is taking the industry by storm.

With the outtakes following the final note of the track, the growing army of Alana Monteiro fans get a glimpse of the girl next door behind the glamorous façade, giving the seductively aphrodisiacal sonics even more relatable weight.

High was officially released on November 1st; stream the official music video on YouTube now.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

FRNZY reverberates apathy through his wavy alt RnB release, you don’t excite me

FRNZY’s seminal alt-RnB single, you don’t excite me, marks a stratospheric stride forward for the genre, deftly weaving soulfully tender melodies with the stark contrast of its titular message. Instead of aiming to run in parallel with contemporary icons in the vein of Frank Ocean and The Weeknd, the independent artist overtakes predecessors, driven by daring his daring sense of authentic modernity.

The subtle autotune doesn’t mask the raw sentiment at the heart of the track as they bleed into the wavy atmosphere of you don’t excite me. Instead, the vocal treatment breeds a succinct synergy, amplifying the seamlessness of the progressions that will linger with you long after the outro.

The production layers lush textures that invite listeners into the catharsis of the release, showcasing FRNZY’s knack for balancing emotional depth with cutting-edge soundscapes. The track is the perfect introduction to the artist, who is clearly destined to shape the future contours of RnB.

FRNZY released you don’t excite me on November 15; stream the single on YouTube now.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

JC Call lit up the airwaves with the neon RnB synthpop grooves in his single, confident

San Diego’s own JC Call is defining his space in the pop landscape with his fusions of synth-pop and RnB. At 19, the self-taught artist is already a force in music production, having immersed himself in EQs since he was just 12, making his latest track, all the more of an impressive feat.

‘confident’ is as much a manifesto of personal resilience as it is a musical innovation. With strobing neon synths and kinetic grooves, the track demands physical and emotional movement, tapping directly into the listener’s rhythmic pulses. His vivid blend of modernised synth-pop and soul-stirring R&B is both canvas and narrative, painting a vivid tableau of introspective vulnerability.

His voice, an instrument wielded with the precision of a seasoned storyteller, navigates through the emotional core of the track which reflects the desire for emotional safety, resonating with universal truth and echoing the sentiments of anyone who has faced turmoil in this tumultuous world while seeking sanctuary within an external soul.

As JC Call prepares to unveil his debut album by the year’s end, ‘confident’ stands as a bold prelude to his journey.

confident was officially released on November 13; check out the single on all major streaming platforms, including Apple Music and YouTube.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Sofia Jade is nobody’s pawn in her sublimely stylised RnB Pop single

Sofia Jade’s new ambiently arresting RnB pop single, ‘Checkmate,’ delivers a mellow live lounge vibe as the London-based singer-songwriter sensuously stands her own ground on the romantic battleground.

With swathes of Lotharios making calculated moves in the game of love, countless individuals will feel the vindication spill from Checkmate, which the up-and-coming prodigy uses to declare she unapologetically refuses to be played.

Hailing from North London, 23-year-old Sofia Jade has crafted a unique and special story through her music. She found her voice at a young age but only started to pursue writing seriously during lockdown. In 2024, her sonic signature is honed to the nth degree and her lyrical depth is the sonic equivalent of the Grand Canyon.

The clever parables which explore manipulation in Checkmate are an undeniable attestation to Sofia Jade’s ability to heal through music. The track stands as a testament to her resilience and talent, marking her as a notable artist to watch in the RnB scene. Get her on your radar and watch her ascend from the underground.

Checkmate was officially released on October 4th; stream the single on all major platforms, including Spotify & YouTube.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Aneyrah – Marmalade: A Sticky-Sweet Slice of RnB Pop Seduction

‘Marmalade’ by Australian artist Aneyrah is a scintillating blend of 90s RnB pop nostalgia and disco grooves, offering a sensuously provocative record that shimmers with an arcane aura.

As the earworm progresses,  Aneyrah’s soulfully indomitable vocals are wrapped around a solid rhythmic pulse that magnetises the senses with every beat. Given the sharpness of the irresistible pop hooks in Marmalade, it wouldn’t be surprising if Aneyrah shared a lineage with Kylie and Dannii Minogue.

Lyrically, the single explores the complexities of relationships that precariously hang in a passionately tormentative grey area; each verse is an ethereally fiery declaration of a heart navigating its way through ambiguous romantic territory.

With her ability to fully command a sticky-sweet melody, every glittering note counts in this lyrical confession of love and longing. We can’t wait to hear what follows from the iconic conduit of soul; she’s the full RnB pop package.

Marmalade hit the airwaves on October 1st; stream the single on Spotify now.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Anirban Jee is soul searching in the lush landscape of his RnB Pop earworm, Looking for Something

Anirban Jee serenaded his staunch fan base once again with his soulfully smooth tribute to 80s RnB and Soul, Looking for Something.

Passion permeates every progression in the lush landscape of pop hooks, funky guitar chops and reverb-radiating synth lines which carry the Australian singer-songwriter’s honeyed timbres right into your soul as he narrates the emotions which rush to the surface when you’re yearning for something far beyond the superficial without knowing exactly what you’re looking for.

The award-winning artist has done so much more than found the perfect RnB pop formula; he’s found the key to connection and it is opening all the right doors in the industry with his profoundly sophisticated and magnetised sonic signature which listeners the world over have fallen head over heels for.

Looking for Something is now available to stream on all major platforms, including Spotify.

Review by Amelia Vandergast