Samara Joy, Jaz Karis, Imani, And More New R&B For Hearts At War

Where are the real lovers at? Make yourself known because this week in R&B is for you.

As the chill of autumn breaks through, cuffing season is approaching and love is in the air once again. But are you ready for it? With the help of new releases from Samara Joy, Jaz Karis, Imani, Raiche, Victor Ray, Langston Bleu, Orion Sun, Victor Ray, and Braxton Cook, we hope you get the answers you’re seeking to call a ceasefire to that internal battle of yours.

Whether you’re in search of something nostalgic or more direct, the message is here if you look hard enough. So, dive into VIBE’s top new R&B selects below.

Samara Joy – “Autumn Nocturne”

Ahead of her new album, Portrait, Samara Joy has issued her latest musical offering, “Autumn Nocturne.”

Originally a 1941 composition by Joe Myrow and Kim Gannon, Samara reimagined it to highlight her enthralling voice while still holding true to the original themes of changing seasons and lost love. It’s jazzy, chilling, and a perfect soundtrack as the air turns crisp and autumn peaks through the atmosphere.

 Portrait is out on Oct. 11.

Jaz Karis – SAFE FLIGHT

Jaz Karis’ debut album is finally here.

SAFE FLIGHT earned its name after Jaz received a series of messages during her travels from London to Los Angeles, Ghana, and beyond. It’s a deep look into where she’s been and where she’s ready to go at this stage in her career. While urging listeners to embrace the unknown and give themselves grace, she put all those feelings into this soulful, poignant LP.

With features from Tone Stith, Mahalia, Reekado Banks, and June Freedom, Jaz shared that those collabs also honor where she’s been globally. “The music goes into different worlds, but I would like to think that soul runs throughout every song, making them all feel like a flowing body of work,” she expressed. So, buckle up and take flight.

Imani – “Tick Tock”

Imani, daughter of Shanice and Flex Alexander, has been teasing this single incessantly for quite some time. Now, the wait is finally over.

“Tick Tock” is a soothing ballad, but don’t get too lost in its melody. Thematically, the budding singer is telling listeners to not let anyone play in your face.

“I’m sure we’ve all had our moments where someone showed interest in you and then when you reciprocate the energy, they act like you’re trippin’,” she told VIBE of the single. ‘Tick Tock’ talks about what that feels like and how nobody should be waisting your precious time.” This is just the beginning of what’s to come from Imani, so make sure you stay tapped in.

Raiche – “Hearts At War”

We’re roughly a month out from Raiche’s next EP and her singles have been keeping us fed. Her newest, “Hearts At War,” is just an entrancing as prior releases like “Thinking Of You” and “Making Room.” Yet, it stands on its own due to its softness and raw lyricism. The full EP drops on Oct. 18.

Orion Sun – Orion

This is for the lovers, strictly for the real lovers.

Orion Sun has released her new album, Orion, and it is a riveting depiction of how one can navigate love and breathe newness into life. This LP is her first full release in two years and her most sonically evolved project to date. It’s spellbinding and complex, earnest and vulnerable, and embodies exploration and surrender.

“This album, like all of my albums, is about love,” she noted. “It’s about the pain love brings whether you are with or without love. Pain finds you and tells you sweet things like ‘you will grow from this’, or ‘you wouldn’t have learned this without knowing me’. Pain has a point meaning pain has direction. Sometimes pain leads me to my vices like weed and alcohol, lust, and too many sweets […] As you can imagine, this path leads to nowhere. Best case scenario, it leads you back to where you started… I’m constantly in a state of arrival and departure. It will have to end and love will have to say goodbye. It’s just how it goes and that is why I believe gratitude is more of a medicine than hope is.”

Victor Ray – “Still The Same”

Victor Ray is one of the most underrated soul singers, and he’s back with his new single, “Still The Same.”

With what he feels is his “most powerfully self-assured single” to-date, the record is compelling in every way while also being introspective as Victor reflects on his journey from then to now.

“The message that I hope resonates with people is: No matter how my world may change on the outside, I would never compromise any of the values I hold on the inside,” he explained in a statement. “My journey has been one that started with struggle and heart, and that has shaped me in ways that no amount of fame or fortune could change.”

Braxton Cook, NNAVY – “Weekend”

From the first note, Braxton Cook had us in a trance with his new single, “Weekend, featuring Swiss soul singer, NNAVY. Collectively, the two singers embrace a push-pull tension of balancing work, life and love.

Braxton explained in a statement about the song, “After recording the demo, I knew we needed another vocalist to speak to the other side’s narrative, and I had just recently met NNAVY in Milan, Italy, while on tour earlier this year. So we sent her the demo with an open verse, and she sent back the most amazing verse ever!! I’m very fortunate to have her grace this track and bring it all to life.”

“Weekend” stems from his forthcoming EP, My Everything, slated for release on Nov. 1.

Langston Bleu – Love Is A Luxury

Langston Bleu is challenging the “conventional” themes around love and luxury with his new EP, Love Is A Luxury. Awfully literal, we know, but what better way to address love than to be direct?

The crooner defines what it truly means to obtain emotional and tangible fulfillment where it often feels out of reach. Bleu describes the project as “a reflection on how we value love in an era where everything comes with a price. Sometimes, we chase luxury, thinking it will make up for the lack of true connection—but is it worth it?”

He also notes, “I want people to think about what they’re spending their emotional currency on. In a world where wages are low, and prices are high, love and time have become the most expensive luxuries. If I’m gonna embrace the ‘city boy’ life, it’s gotta be done with style and purpose.”

Inspired by Bobby Brown and Jodeci, the project evokes bouts of nostalgia with a contemporary flair that will have you replaying it over and over again.