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These are the day’s featured stories on Media 1 Broadcasting

Ne-Yo-Simple-Things
Featured, Music

Ne-Yo Releases New Single “Simple Things”

Grammy Award-winning R&B superstar Ne-Yo has returned with his latest single, “Simple Things,” a soulful ballad that finds the crooner celebrating the understated beauty of love and life. Released officially on November 21 via his YouTube channel and streaming platforms, the track offers a grounded perspective on romance, steering away from the glitz of celebrity life to focus on authentic connection. In “Simple Things,” Ne-Yo delivers a vocal performance reminiscent of his early career classics, blending acoustic warmth with his signature songwriting precision. The lyrics paint a picture of domestic intimacy, with the singer assuring his partner that while he appreciates the effort of “high heels and that red dress,” he is equally captivated by “sweats, a ponytail, and a smile.” The song serves as a reflective anthem for the “Miss Independent” singer, who touches on his time spent “out on the road” and the realization that “there ain’t no place like home.” The chorus drives the message home, asserting that “life is all the in-between” and emphasizing that true happiness is found in the “flowers you find on the uphill climb.” “Simple Things” is available now for streaming. The post Ne-Yo Releases New Single “Simple Things” appeared first on New R&B Music, Songs & Interviews | YouKnowIGotSoul.com.

Kem-Marsha-Ambrosius-Rock-With-Me
Featured, Music

Kem Taps Marsha Ambrosius For New Version Of Latest Single “Rock With Me”

R&B veterans Kem and Marsha Ambrosius have joined forces on the collaborative single “Rock With Me,” a track that pays homage to the classic “steppers” culture rooted in Detroit and Chicago soul traditions. Originally released as a digital bonus track on Kem’s Full Circle EP, the song has garnered renewed attention for its departure from the singer’s signature ballads. “Rock With Me” offers a mid-tempo, rhythmic groove designed for the dance floor, often drawing favorable comparisons to the effortless swing of 90s R&B classics. The collaboration leverages the established chemistry between the two artists, who recently co-headlined the successful Soul II Soul Tour. On the track, Kem delivers his trademark smooth, jazz-inflected vocals, while Ambrosius provides a melodic counterpoint, showcasing a more restrained, harmonious side of her vocal range. Music critics have noted that the single serves as a bridge between traditional adult contemporary R&B and the vibrant ballroom dance culture popular in urban communities. “Rock With Me” is currently available on all major digital streaming platforms. The post Kem Taps Marsha Ambrosius For New Version Of Latest Single “Rock With Me” appeared first on New R&B Music, Songs & Interviews | YouKnowIGotSoul.com.

black_pregnant_woman
Featured, News

Bill Introduced To Combat Hospitals Turning Away Black Women In Labor

Mercedes Wells, a Black woman in Indiana, went viral earlier this month after releasing a video showing herself being sent home from a hospital despite being in active labor. Rep. Robin Kelly (D-Ill.) introduced a bill in Congress that aims to prevent hospitals from turning away women while they’re in labor. According to NBC News, the Women Expansion for Learning and Labor Safety Act, or WELLS Act, would require hospitals to implement a “Safe Discharge Labor Plan before discharging a patient who presents with signs or symptoms of labor.” The Safe Discharge Labor Plan would see hospitals providing clinical justification for the discharge, assessing travel distance and time before approving the discharge, and receiving a written understanding from the patient. The WELLS Act would also require health care professionals to undergo racial bias training. “My bill aims to address systematic issues around maternal care, racial disparities, and hospital accountability,” Kelly said. “It’s clear that what happened to Mercedes isn’t an isolated incident, nor is it the first time a Black woman’s pain has been ignored.” “Until all women are heard and listened to in our hospitals and health centers, I’ll be their voice in Congress fighting for change,” Kelly added. On Nov. 16, Mercedes Wells’ husband rushed her to Franciscan Health Crown Point hospital when her contractions were 10 minutes apart. After six hours, Wells only received a checkup from a nurse before being discharged from the hospital. She never saw a doctor and wound up giving birth to her fourth child in the backseat of her car, only 8 minutes after leaving the hospital. “It was really a horrific situation to be treated like a dog, or not even like a dog, like less than,” Wells told NBC News. “It says that they don’t care at all for Black women in health, and it’s hurtful. We thought that, you know, things have changed at this point in our country, and I don’t see a change.” Franciscan Health President and CEO Raymond Grady told NBC News that the nurse and doctor who declined to provide Mercedes Wells proper care no longer work for the hospital. Grady also issued a formal apology to the Wells family. “We failed to listen to Mrs. Wells’ concerns,” CEO Raymond Grady said in the statement. “We must fix what failed in our hospital so that no one experiences what happened to Mercedes Wells.” Sadly, Mercedes Wells’ experience isn’t abnormal for Black women. Black women disproportionately represent maternal mortality rates and are three times more likely to die from pregnancy-related complications. These rates have only skyrocketed in states like Texas and Georgia, where stringent abortion bans have led to unnecessary deaths of Black women, like in the case of Amber Thurman. Black people already have a heightened distrust of medical professionals due to historical mistreatment and racial bias in health care. The experiences of Mercedes Wells do little to dispel the notion that the American health care system is designed to work against Black people. Hopefully, this bill passes, so no more women will have to endure what Mercedes Wells went through. SEE ALSO: White Women In Medicine Have Always Neglected Pregnant Black Women 7 Ways Racism Harms Pregnant Black Women  

RSVP
Featured, Music

R&B Group RSVP Releases New Single “Lay You Down”

RSVP Channels 90s Nostalgia on New Single “Lay You Down” R&B supergroup RSVP—featuring the combined talents of Ray J, Sammie, Bobby V, and Pleasure P—has returned with their latest single, “Lay You Down.” Tapping into the golden era of slow-burning 90s R&B, the track offers a harmony-rich sound reminiscent of groups like Jodeci. “Lay You Down” gives each member space to shine with individual verses, coming together for a sensual track about locking in for a romantic night free of distractions. This serves as the group’s first release since their debut single, “Money Everywhere,” and sets the tone for their highly anticipated upcoming album. The group originally came together back in 2022, and has continued the momentum since. The post R&B Group RSVP (Ray J, Sammie, Bobby V, Pleasure P) Releases New Single “Lay You Down” appeared first on New R&B Music, Songs & Interviews | YouKnowIGotSoul.com.

black_woman
Featured, News

Black Women’s Unemployment Rate Rising Disproportionately

Despite the GOP and President Donald Trump saying otherwise, the American economy ain’t doing so hot. Sadly, the adage that when white America catches a cold, Black people catch the flu is proving true, as Black women are disproportionately unemployed compared to the national average. According to Black Enterprise, the delayed September jobs report revealed that the unemployment rate for Black women increased from 6.7% to 7.5%. During that same time period, unemployment only ticked up from 3.2% to 3.4%. The general unemployment rate currently sits at 4.2%, though experts believe both numbers may be higher due to the delayed release of the September data. For reference, the unemployment rate for Black women is only 2.5% away from the general, peak unemployment rate reached during the 2008-09 recession. Rep. Ayanna Pressley has consistently been sounding the alarm bells about how what’s happening to Black women is a bellwether for the economy at large. Pressley sent a letter to the Federal Reserve, pressing them to do something to address the increase in Black women’s unemployment. According to AP, Pressley held a roundtable discussion about the issue of Black women’s unemployment. “Everyone is missing out when we’re pushed out of the workforce,” Pressley said during the discussion. “That is something that I worry about now, that you have all these women with specific expertise and specializations that we’re being deprived of.” She added that when Black women do find work, they usually wind up being “woefully underemployed.” Pressley and the participants in the roundtable pointed out how the actions taken by the Trump administration this year have contributed to the increase in Black women’s unemployment. Trump’s erratic tariff policy has particularly hurt small business owners. This has affected Black women in particular, as they have quickly become the fastest-growing group of small business owners in recent years. There’s more and more evidence that America is currently in a K-shaped economy, which means that the highest earners are making more and more while working-class and low-income people face more and more economic uncertainty. Despite no one officially declaring that we’re in a recession, when you compare the current economic climate to what was happening during the Great Recession, it’s getting harder and harder not to see the similarities. Layoffs have already surpassed 1 million this year, rivaling the numbers seen during the Great Recession. Car repossessions have surged at rates not seen since the Great Recession, and credit card defaults are reaching levels not seen since, you guessed it, the Great Recession. The uncomfortable reality is that the American economy is largely being propped up by speculative AI spending, which many experts are concerned is becoming a bubble. One consequence of having experienced a layoff myself is that I’ve become very invested in the world of finance, simply to understand why it’s so hard to find a stable job that pays well. Every time I’ve learned something new about the house of cards that is the American economy, my reaction is always the same: “Oh boy. Oh no. Wait, but how? How?! HOW IS THIS ALLOWED?” It’s incredibly clear that the economy is unsustainable and is already breaking down for those at the bottom. If the federal government doesn’t address the issue with urgency, we’re likely to be dealing with a financial collapse that could’ve been mitigated had we just listened to Black women. SEE ALSO: Ayanna Pressley Addresses Black Women’s Unemployment Unemployment Rate Remained Stubbornly High For Black Women In June

B2K-Boys-4-Life-Tour
Featured, Music

B2K To Reunite in 2026 For “Boys 4 Life” Tour Co-Headlined by Bow Wow + Plan To Release New Album

B2K and Bow Wow Reunite for Massive “Boys 4 Life” Tour The wait is finally over. Celebrating their 25th anniversary, iconic R&B group B2K is officially reuniting for the “Boys 4 Life” Tour. Co-headlining the trek is Bow Wow, marking a full-circle moment more than 20 years after the two acts first shared the stage on the legendary Scream Tour II in 2002. Produced by the Black Promoters Collective (BPC), the 28-city tour kicks off on February 12 in Columbia, SC, and wraps up on April 19 in Hampton, VA. The tour follows B2K’s explosive surprise reunion at the 2025 BET Awards, which saw Omarion, Raz-B, J-Boog, and Lil Fizz back onstage together for the first time in years. “There was a certain level of authenticity that we all had. So in a way, we’re completing it,” Omarion said of the reunion. The Lineup This isn’t just a tour; it’s a 2000s nostalgia festival. Joining B2K and Bow Wow are: Jeremih Pretty Ricky (Special Guests) Amerie Waka Flocka Yung Joc Crime Mob Dem Franchize Boyz In a major announcement, both B2K and Bow Wow revealed they will release new albums this February via BPC Music Group to support the tour. “Boys 4 Life Tour” Dates: Thursday, February 12 Columbia, SC Colonial Life Arena Friday, February 13 Atlanta, GA State Farm Arena Saturday, February 14 Birmingham, AL Legacy Arena at BJCC Friday, February 20 Cincinnati, OH Heritage Bank Center Saturday, February 21 Memphis, TN FedExForum Sunday, February 22 St. Louis, MO Chaifetz Arena Thursday, March 5 Chicago, IL United Center Friday, March 6 Louisville, KY KFC Yum! Center Saturday, March 7 Charlotte, NC Spectrum Center Sunday, March 8 Washington D.C. Capital One Arena Thursday, March 12 Houston, TX Toyota Center Friday, March 13 New Orleans, LA Smoothie King Center Saturday, March 14 Fort Worth, Texas Dickies Arena Friday, March 20 Oakland, CA Oakland Arena Saturday, March 21 Las Vegas, NV Michelob ULTRA Arena Sunday, March 22 Los Angeles, CA Kia Forum Friday, March 27 Philadelphia, PA Liacouras Center Saturday, March 28 Brooklyn, NY Barclays Center Sunday, March 29 Baltimore, MD CFG Bank Arena Thursday, April 2 Milwaukee, WI Fiserv Forum Friday, April 3 Detroit, MI Little Caesars Arena Saturday, April 4 Pittsburgh, PA Petersen Events Center Sunday, April 5 Newark, NJ Prudential Center Saturday, April 11 Sunrise, FL Amerant Bank Arena Sunday, April 12 Tampa, FL Benchmark International Arena Friday, April 17 Cleveland, OH Wolstein Center Saturday, April 18 Greensboro, NC First Horizon Coliseum Sunday, April 19 Hampton, VA Hampton Coliseum The post B2K To Reunite in 2026 For “Boys 4 Life” Tour Co-Headlined by Bow Wow + Plan To Release New Album appeared first on New R&B Music, Songs & Interviews | YouKnowIGotSoul.com.

Tank-Control
Featured, Music

Tank Returns With New Single “Control”

Multi-Grammy-nominated R&B icon Tank is entering a new era with the release of his latest single, “Control” Issued through his new partnership with R&B Money/BMG, the track samples Janet Jackson’s legendary hit of the same name (written by Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis) and showcases Tank’s signature precision and sensuality. Tank recently promoted the single on the Tamron Hall Show, where his charisma and comedic timing captivated the audience. He also delivered a stunning performance of “If I Ain’t Got You” alongside co-star Amanda Reid. Currently, Tank is back on Broadway for a limited two-week engagement in Alicia Keys’ hit musical, Hell’s Kitchen. Reprising his role as Davis, he continues to prove himself as a magnetic stage presence. Adding to the excitement, the R&B Money Podcast has returned with co-host J. Valentine. The new season kicks off with an intimate interview with Alicia Keys, covering her journey in music and Broadway. The post Tank Returns With New Single “Control” appeared first on New R&B Music, Songs & Interviews | YouKnowIGotSoul.com.

Erykah_badu-02-mika
Featured, Music

Erykah Badu Announces Special Performances of “Mama’s Gun” To Celebrate Album’s 25th Anniversary

Erykah Badu Announces ‘Mama’s Gun’ 25th Anniversary Livestream on VEEPS VEEPS has announced it will present Erykah Badu: Mama’s Gun | Live from King’s Theater on Saturday, December 6, 2025, at 9:00 PM ET. This exclusive global livestream captures a special performance celebrating the 25th anniversary of Badu’s seminal neo-soul masterpiece. Fans can expect an intimate, up-close experience as Badu performs the album in its entirety, featuring her signature arrangements and storytelling. The event comes amidst a busy year for the singer, who has been touring in support of the anniversary while working on new collaborative projects. Ticket Information: Advance: $19.99 Day-of-Show: $24.99 VEEPS All Access Subscribers: Free Tickets are available now at baduworldmarket.com and veeps.com. The stream will be available globally, with on-demand replay available for ticket holders following the live broadcast. The post Erykah Badu Announces Special Performances of “Mama’s Gun” To Celebrate Album’s 25th Anniversary appeared first on New R&B Music, Songs & Interviews | YouKnowIGotSoul.com.

Featured, Music

Raheem DeVaughn Celebrates 20th Anniversary of Debut Album

To celebrate the 20th anniversary of his debut album, “The Love Experience”, Grammy Award-winning singer, songwriter, and radio host Raheem DeVaughn is launching a special collection of new singles this month. DeVaughn describes this moment as a “love letter to my fans,” noting, “Twenty years later, I’m still inspired by love—its lessons, its highs, its healing, and its power.” The celebration begins with a high-energy return for the fan-favorite “You,” released as the Terry Hunter Club Remix, which is out now. A re-recorded 20th Anniversary Edition of the track will follow on November 18. Fans can look forward to more of his signature romantic and soulful artistry with two new tracks: “20 Lessons of Love” (November 24) and the seasonal single “Snowed In” (November 27). These releases set the stage for his highly anticipated 2026 project, “The Quiet Storm Lover”, which will house the two versions of “You” and “20 Lessons of Love.” The anniversary is also being celebrated live on DeVaughn’s 20 Lessons Of Love Tour with City Winery. “Love is the common thread that unites us all,” says DeVaughn. “With this tour, I want to create a space where people can not only celebrate love, but also learn, grow, and heal through it.” The post Raheem DeVaughn Celebrates 20th Anniversary of Debut Album + Preps Upcoming Album “The Quiet Storm Lover” appeared first on New R&B Music, Songs & Interviews | YouKnowIGotSoul.com.

Summer-Walker-Finally-Over-It
Featured, Music

Summer Walker Releases New Album “Finally Over It” (Stream)

R&B superstar Summer Walker has just released her third studio album “Finally Over It” via Love Renaissance (LVRN) and Interscope Records. The 18-track double-album concludes the singer’s critically acclaimed trilogy—which began with 2019’s platinum-selling “Over It” and continued with 2021’s chart-topping “Still Over It”. “Finally Over It” is Summer Walker’s ultimate declaration of self-love and growth, capturing the final, raw stages of healing from heartbreak. The project is split into two distinct, thematic discs: Disc 1: FOR BETTER – A collection of tracks focusing on self-chosen happiness, emotional clarity, and finding love within. Disc 2: FOR WORSE – The final, honest confrontation with past hurts, the “red flags,” and the journey to refusing anything less than “princess treatment.” The double album is a massive sonic landscape, featuring a constellation of collaborators that bridge R&B, Hip-Hop, and Pop, including: Chris Brown, Anderson .Paak, Bryson Tiller, Brent Faiyaz, Mariah the Scientist, Teddy Swims, SAILORR, Latto, GloRilla, Sexyy Red, Monaleo, and 21 Savage. The project includes the fan-favorite, ’90s-inspired slow jam, “Heart of a Woman,” which has already garnered two Grammy nominations for Best R&B Song and Best R&B Performance. The release was preceded by a series of iconic, viral moments, including a celebrity-filled, wedding-themed features reveal and the infamous “Finally Over It” Lie Detector test video confirming the release date. The album’s final aesthetic, inspired by a wedding, symbolizes the ultimate commitment to self. “I’ve loved too hard, ignored red flags and tried to fix things that were beyond repair. The difference now is I love myself that deeply, I’ve grown, I’ve healed and I refuse to accept anything less than princess treatment,” says Walker about the album’s core message. “Finally Over It” is a vibrant blueprint for the next evolution of Summer Walker. The project is available now on all digital streaming platforms and for physical pre-order, including limited edition vinyl and box sets. The post Summer Walker Releases New Album “Finally Over It” (Stream) appeared first on New R&B Music, Songs & Interviews | YouKnowIGotSoul.com.

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