The New York Times released a list of the 30 greatest living American songwriters in April, based on feedback from more than 250 music insiders and six Times critics. The list drew criticism from music fans, prompting the newspaper to give readers an opportunity to weigh in.

The Times has now released a readers' choice list of the 100 greatest American songwriters, explaining, "As soon as we decided to make a list of the 30 greatest living American songwriters, we could guess how readers would respond to the results: with a combination of enthusiasm and outrage, quickly letting us know which of their favorites we had unconscionably forgotten."

"We didn’t want all that passion to go undocumented. So we invited readers to assemble their own list — with a formal poll," the publication added.

The new list is based on more than 25,000 ballots cast, which resulted in “nearly 12,000 distinct choices,” before being narrowed down to 100 songwriters.

Unlike the original list, the readers' choice list ranks its selections. Stevie Wonder, Smokey Robinson and Kendrick Lamar placed in the top 20, landing at #6, #13 and #17, respectively. All three were included on the original list, as were Lionel Richie, Jay-Z, Mariah Carey, Outkast and Babyface, whom fans voted onto the new ranking.

Among the artists excluded from the original list but included in the readers' choice ranking are Eminem, Beyoncé, Frank Ocean, Ye, Lauryn Hill and Alicia Keys.

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Tems comes to terms with the fact she isn't what her partner needs in the new music video for "What You Need," directed by Ayinde Anderson.

The video starts in black and white, with Tems pulling a rope attached to a brick wall, smashing plates and sitting against the wall as she sings about the relationship. As the video goes on, the visual eventually turns to color.

"I'm not what you need/ Get away from me," she sings. The video is now available to watch on YouTube.

Tems previously expressed gratitude for the response to "What You Need," which was released back in November.  "To know that there’s people out there that relate to this song and what I’ve experienced, honestly warms my heart!!" she wrote. "Thank you so much!!!!! Truly. Love you guys."

The song appears on her 2025 EP, Love Is a Kingdom.

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Kehlani attends a house party in the new music video for "Back and Forth" featuring Missy Elliott.

Directed by Director X, the video follows Kehlani and a group of friends as they arrive at a house party, where they meet up with Missy. By the end of the video, Kehlani tells her partner on the phone, "I'll be there when you wake up" — a nod to the song's lyrics.

Throughout the video, Kehlani breaks into dance sequences at the party with friends while performing and vibing alongside Missy. Missy is also shown taking a call with a partner and playing in the pool in another scene. Monica makes a cameo as well. At the end, Kehlani proves to be a woman of her word, arriving home before her partner wakes up. The video is now available on YouTube. 

"having fun with @missymisdemeanorelliott @patron & some special people. enjoy!" Kehlani wrote on Instagram. 

"Back and Forth" appears on Kehlani's self-titled album, which she will support with a world tour kicking off in August. She shared a list of songs on Instagram, asking fans to choose five. Those with the most votes, she says, will be added to her set list.

(Video contains uncensored profanity).

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Production has begun on a documentary of Cypress Hill cofounder Senen “Sen Dog” Reyes.

Mi Familia: Sen Dog and the American Dream chronicles his journey from his humble beginnings as a Cuban immigrant in LA to fame, while also exploring how Cypress Hill came together, according to Variety. The documentary will feature interviews with B-Real, Slash, Chuck D, DMC, George Clinton, will.i.am, Emilio Estefan, Pitbull and DJ Matt Pinfield.

“'Mi Familia' is a truly unique experience that reconnects me with my Cuban roots and our family’s musical legacy, which stretches back many generations,” Reyes said in a statement to Variety. “It also brings me closer to so many musical icons who have played a part in breaking barriers and blending genres and cultures, and I feel deeply honored to have them featured throughout my journey in this film.”

Reyes cofounded Cypress Hill in 1991 with fellow members Louis "B-Real" Freese and producer Lawrence "Muggs" Muggerud. Eric “Bobo” Correa joined the group in 1994. Reyes also founded the metal bands SX-10 and Powerflo.

Reyes also serves as a cowriter and producer on the documentary.

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Legendary singer and songwriter Peabo Bryson has died. He was 75.

The Grammy Award winner, known for his hit songs and duets, including "Beauty and the Beast," "A Whole New World" and several R&B classics, died on Tuesday, according to a statement from his family.

"He transitioned peacefully at 5:00 p.m. ET on the evening of Tuesday, June 2, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family and those closest to him," according to the statement.

The statement continued, "In this deeply difficult moment, the family asks for privacy as they mourn the loss of a beloved husband, father, family member, friend and artist whose impact extended far beyond the stage."

The statement went on to say: "We are tremendously moved by the outpouring of love, prayers and support from fans, friends, and colleagues around the world. While our hearts are broken, we find comfort in knowing how deeply Peabo was loved and how many lives were touched by his voice and his generous spirit. His legacy and music will live on for generations to come."

The news of Bryson's death comes days after a representative for the singer confirmed to ABC News that he had suffered a stroke and was receiving medical care.

Bryson was known for two hit Disney duets: "Beauty and the Beast" with Céline Dion, from the film of the same name, and "A Whole New World" with Regina Belle, from Aladdin. "Beauty and the Beast" hit the top 10 in 1992; "A Whole New World" hit #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1993, becoming the first Disney movie theme to do so. Both songs earned Bryson and his duet partners Grammys for best pop performance by a duo or group with vocals. 

He is also known for songs including his first top 10 pop hit "If Ever You're in My Arms Again," as well as “Can You Stop the Rain," “Feel the Fire," "Tonight, I Celebrate My Love" and "You're Looking Like Love to Me." Among his many collaborations were duets with Roberta Flack, including "Born to Love" in 1983, and "For You and I" with Angela Bofill.

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Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey has declared a weeklong celebration honoring Prince in his hometown. Prince Celebration Week kicked off Monday and will come to an end on Sunday.

"There are few artists as connected to a city as Prince is to Minneapolis," Mayor Frey said in a statement. "His music, style, and creativity helped define who we are and how the world sees us. Prince Celebration Week gives us the opportunity to celebrate the hometown legend who made purple our unofficial city color and put Minneapolis on the map in a way no one else could."

The week features a variety of events, including the Prince Celebration 10th Anniversary Kickoff Party featuring DJ Lenka Paris and special guest Chaka Khan; the Prince Celebration of Life 10th Year Anniversary Concert with Miguel, Bilal, Tevin Campbell and others; and the Prince Celebration Block Party and inaugural Prince Sing-Along featuring performances by CeeLo Green, among others.

Additional activities include food drives, Paisley Park open houses and a lighting of the Minneapolis skyline in purple in honor of Prince's life and legacy.

The full schedule and programming details can be found on PrinceCelebration2026.com.

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SZA made an appearance at Madison Square Garden on Monday night to support an artist she’s a big fan of: Don Toliver. During a stop on his Octane Tour, she joined him onstage to perform “Used,” their collaboration from her 2022 album SOS.

“Make some noise for Don Toliver,” SZA told the crowd. “Listen, I might be your biggest fan. I’m not joking. Everything you’ve ever made, you know how I already feel. Octane is incredible.”

She was one of several guests to join Toliver onstage throughout the night. Others included Sheck Wes, SahBabii and Peso Pluma, who performed “Mo Bamba,” “K9,” and both “La Bebé (Remix)” and an unreleased collaboration with Toliver. Malcolm Todd also made an appearance for “E85,” which samples his song “Chest Pain (I Love).”

Toliver also ran through tracks from Octane, in addition to some of his biggest hits. According to setlist.fm, the set included “Secondhand,” “Rendezvous,” “ATM,” “Call Back,” “Bandit,” “Tiramisu” and “Too Many Nights.”

Toliver continues the Octane Tour on Tuesday with a stop in Baltimore.

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June marks Black Music Month, and NPR is celebrating it with a lineup showcasing Black talent across various genres.

Set to perform on the platform's Tiny Desk are Floetry, GENA, Ayra Starr, Joe, The Paradox, Shaboozey, Fred Hammond, Eve, 8Ball & MJG and Bow Wow, who made the announcement on Instagram.

The video begins much like the original theme for the music video countdown show 106 & Park, but with the words “Black Music Tiny Desk Month.”

"Aye, yo, what up? It’s Bow Weezy, Mr. 106 & Park. Ya’ll see where I’m at? I ain't just taking over 106 & Park, we taking over Tiny Desk, and I’m live in the office right now,” Bow says. "Coming to y’all with something special. All through June, NPR is celebrating Black Music Month and honoring BET’s impact on the culture. And of course the lineup here is crazy. Ten dope performances.”

Bow Wow will host and close out the event, giving fans a glimpse of what to expect from his performance. "We gon stand on some desks, we gone break a couple rules," he says. "The glass might shatter when we put on 'Fresh Azizmiz', but look, I’m gon' pay for it, it’s nothing."

“Tiny Desk I can’t wait,” he says, before he contemplates, “Am I Mr. Tiny Desk too now? Should I change my name now? I don’t know. I like this."

Floetry kicks off the series with a performance featuring songs "Big Ben," "SupaStar," "Butterflies," "Say Yes," "Getting Late" and "Floetic." It is available to watch on YouTube.

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Hollywood Unlocked has expanded its list of honorees for the 2026 Impact Awards, which will take place Friday in LA. Patti LaBelle joins previously announced honorees Kehlani, Kirk Franklin, Meagan Good and RZA.

Patti will receive the inaugural Patti LaBelle Legacy Award, a distinction named in her honor that celebrates individuals whose influence and accomplishments have paved the way for future generations.

Marketing executive Bozoma Saint John will be presented with the Pioneer Award, which recognizes an individual who has transcended industry norms, made a path for others to follow and made a lasting impacting culture.

Tennessee State Rep. Justin Jones will be given the Community Award, honoring an individual whose lifetime of achievements, dedication and commitment to building a better community have inspired meaningful change.

The 2026 Hollywood Unlocked Impact Awards will stream live Friday on Zeus Network beginning at 7 p.m. PT. The ceremony will also feature performances from Chlöe, Kierra Sheard, Joyner Lucas, Jekalyn, Carr, and Donald Lawrence and Sheléa. Tiffany Haddish will serve as host, while Babyface will act as musical director.

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Fresh off her hosting gig at the American Music Awards, Queen Latifah is set to perform at the Tony Awards. 

She will take part in a special performance celebrating Chicago's 30-year run on Broadway. The musical originally opened on Broadway in 1975 before returning in 1996, where it continues to run today. According to a press release, it is now the longest-running American musical in Broadway history.

Queen Latifah will be joined by Tony Awards host P!nk, as well as Jesse Tyler Ferguson, Adrienne Warren, Alex Newell, Julianne Hough, Whitney Leavitt, Dylan Mulvaney and more.

The Tony Awards will take place Sunday at the Radio City Music Hall in New York City.

Queen is also set to be inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in November.

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Bryson Tiller has packed his schedule with 61 dates for Bryson Tiller Presents: The Neo Trapsoul Tour.

He's set to perform in cities around the world, with the North American leg kicking off Aug 27 in West Valley City, Utah. The tour will make stops in LA, New York, Colorado and more before wrapping up on Nov. 1. The UK and European leg begins just days later on Nov. 17. The Australian run follows in January.

Majid Jordan, Ty Dolla $ign and Austin Millz will join Bryson on select dates as supporting acts.

An artist presale begins Wednesday at noon local time in North America, the UK and Europe, and at 11 a.m. local time for the Australia and New Zealand dates. Additional presales will follow before tickets go on sale to the general public Friday at noon local time.

"new decade, new album, new tour!!" Bryson writes on Instagram. "Cannot wait to see y’all again. Don’t miss it."

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Peabo Bryson, the R&B star well known for his duets and hit ballads, is receiving medical care after suffering a stroke, a representative for the singer said in a statement to ABC News.

“Two-time Grammy Award-winning singer, songwriter and balladeer, Peabo Bryson - the voice behind the Oscar-winning Disney songs 'Beauty and the Beast' and 'A Whole New World' - has suffered a stroke and is currently under medical care," the representative said. "At this time, the family requests privacy as they navigate this deeply personal moment together. The thoughts, prayers and love of friends and fans are welcomed and deeply appreciated.”

Bryson, 75, recorded "Beauty in the Beast" with Céline Dion and "A Whole New World" with Regina Belle. Both songs earned him Grammys for best pop performance by a duo or group with vocals at the 1993 and 1994 ceremonies, respectively.

He is also known for songs including “Can You Stop the Rain," “Feel the Fire," "Tonight, I Celebrate My Love" and "You're Looking Like Love to Me." Among his many collaborations were duets with Roberta Flack, including "Born to Love" in 1983, and "For You and I" with Angela Bofill.

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Megan Thee Stallion debuted the latest drop from her Hot Girl Summer swimwear line Thursday during the 2026 Paraiso Miami Swim Week. She closed the show in a brown-and-white swirl-patterned one-piece, which she wore with a sleek high ponytail.

Days after celebrating his Sept. 14 birthday, Nas will perform at Riot Fest 2026. Slick Rick and Afroman are also on the lineup for the show, which is  scheduled to take place Sept. 18-20 at Douglass Park in Chicago. Tickets are currently on sale.

Kehlani isn't only touring North America: She's also performing in Europe and the U.K. She's added seven shows to her schedule, with dates now set in Berlin, Brussels, Paris, Dusseldorf, Amsterdam, London and Manchester. An artist presale starts Monday, with general ticket sales beginning Wednesday at kehlaniworldtour.com.  

Ye has an upcoming show at Istanbul’s Atatürk Olympic Stadium which organizers believe could set records. According to Variety, ILS Vision is organizing the event along with TemaCC. ILS Vision founder Erdem Karahan told Turkish media that 75,000 have been sold so far. “If we reach 99,000 [people in the audience], Istanbul will have broken the world record for the largest single concert,” Karahan said, according to Variety. Ye is also set to perform in the Netherlands, Italy and the Czech Republic.

A Different World has received a Netflix release date. The series debuts to the streamer on Sept. 24. It stars Maleah Joi Moon as Deborah Wayne, the youngest daughter of Whitley and Dwayne. A new generation joins her at Hillman College for this show that's "set against the rituals, humor, and nuances of an HBCU," according to its official description.

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K Camp pairs his signature melodic trap and R&B sounds with Zaytoven’s production on the new album GIANT. The 10-track, 24-minute project is designed to be experienced front to back in a single sitting. Features include 2 Chainz, Jacquees, Reese LaFlare and Redhill.

Spice has released her new song, “Volcano,” made to play at clubs, international festivals and more. The song serves as the lead single to her upcoming album. "'Volcano' is about passion, confidence, and stepping fully into your power," she said in a statement. "I wanted the music and the visual to feel explosive, fearless, and authentic to the energy that's been inside me this entire era." The video is now available on YouTube.

Anderson .Paak brings together K-pop idols, South Korean artists, and global performers across various genres and labels for the soundtrack to his K-Pops! movie. He also appears on the album, as does his son, Soul Rasheed, who makes his musical debut. The video for “Caution” with NMIXX is out now.

Future and Tyla team up for "Game Time (FIFA World Cup 2026)," which they are excited to be performing at the opening ceremony in Los Angeles on June 12. “The World Cup is a global stage. We made a record to match that energy," Future says. Tyla adds, "Being part of the official FIFA World Cup 2026 Album feels like a full circle moment for a girl — from South Africa hosting the World Cup in 2010."

Other releases:

Tiwa Savage, Wande Coal, Mavo, "Energy"

WILLOW, "Talk on the Hill"

Monaleo, Teezo Touchdown, "Everythang Pinka"

Young M.A, Kween

Freddie Gibbs, RBT

G Herbo, "Thug"

PJ Morton, "Close Enough"

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Syd is embracing her "peach fuzz," unique identity and current chapter in life on Beard, her first new album in four years. She co-produced the record and worked with Raphael Saadiq, Big Sean, Rodney Jerkins, James Fauntleroy, Van Hunt and others.

"It’s a snapshot of what my life looks like right now," Syd said in a statement. "The title was inspired by the peach fuzz on my upper lip that society has always taught me to hate. I fell in love with my peach fuzz and it made me rethink everything that was supposed to make me feel insecure. It allowed me to take my confidence into my own hands, and own everything that I am and everything I love about myself, regardless of what anyone else thinks."

She added that Beard also "represents the way I see myself in relation to my peers, especially in music. ‘The bearded lady.’ Not so much a spectacle in my case, but an anomaly and an outlier. Hard to compare. I’m owning that too."

Syd previews the album with its lead single "Callin" featuring Blu June, out now on streaming services.

Beard is set to arrive on July 17 and will be supported with a tour of the U.K. and Europe.

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Ravyn Lenae is welcoming fans into Blue Island with her new album, set to arrive on Aug. 7.

The project marks her third studio album, one that finds her exploring "the full scope of her identity: the quirks, flirty energy, 'teenage angst' that often bleeds well into years outside its allotted window, as well as the quiet, lonely, 'off-beat' moments that happen when you are in the midst of a transformation," according to a press release.

The album follows a year filled with both highs — including new opportunities — and lows, such as questions surrounding her Blackness and place within music spaces. It's a project inspired by the desire to move forward and express herself, as did Black female artists like Santigold, Janet Jackson and Tracy Chapman, according to the release.

“‘Blue Island’ is a point of arrival, and feeling set in my ways and in who I am, and feeling free of any of those preconceived notions about Blackness or what I had to be in the past," Ravyn said in a statement. "So I think now it’s fun to challenge the idea of what R&B is supposed to sound like, what pop is supposed to sound like … and really say ‘f*** all of that’ and do my own thing.”

As a result, the album finds Ravyn incorporating influences from The Sundays, Blondie, The Cranberries and Martin Rev, as well as the "dramatic chorus structures and high vocal tones of Bollywood soundtracks," into her signature sound.

Ravyn kicks off Blue Island with the release of "Handle," out now with an accompanying music video featuring choreography from New York-based movement director Akira Uchida. The visual marks the first time many fans will see Ravyn incorporate choreography into her artistry.

Blue Island is now available for presave and preorder.

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Wyclef Jean has been teasing the first installment of his Quantum Leap series, Clef Notes, the hip-hop focused chapter of the project. He's already previewed tracks with Rapsody and G Herbo, but there's more in store. He tells ABC Audio that Andra Day and Lil Wayne also appear on the album, which pays tribute to the genre that launched his career.

"Starting it with hip-hop is like paying tribute to what made me who I am today. Coming to America from the islands, growing up in a project, you know, started off [with] church music and a jazz major and found myself through hip-hop. If it wasn't hip-hip I wouldn't be here, so it's important," he explains.

He says the project will first spotlight his lyrical genius before reminding fans of his production style.

"I know y'all haven't heard me produce in a minute, so this is back to that Wyclef production," he says. "1996 mixed with 2030, the sonics are crazy. Y'all gonna love it."

Clef Notes is scheduled to arrive on June 26, marking the first of Quantum Leap, a seven-album series Wyclef will release over the next year, each centered on a genre that's shaped him as an artist. He hopes listeners take away at least one message from the ambitious project: "never put yourself in a box."

"When you listen to seven albums or you listen to one album, always remember once somebody starts categorizing y'all and saying, 'Oh, you're this, or you're that, or you're this,' no, I am all things. Like, why you trying to belittle me? That's what I want y'all to get out of that," he says. 

"Mr. October" featuring G Herbo, the lead single off Clef Notes, is due out Friday.

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The group that performs as The Four Tops no longer includes any original members, but they — and their team — are working to keep the legendary Motown act's legacy alive.

Billboard reports that plans for a stage musical inspired by the group is in the works, as well as a documentary; potential producers for the film are being considered now. While there's no time frame for either of those projects, there is a planned release coming in July: a 60th anniversary deluxe reissue of 1966's Four Tops Live!, which was originally recorded during three 1966 shows the group played at Detroit's Roostertail venue.

The 22-track reissue includes new mixes, four previously unreleased songs and a bonus instrumental, as well as onstage comments from late Tops singer Levi Stubbs. Among the hits included are "It's the Same Old Song," "Baby I Need Your Loving," "Reach Out I'll Be There" and "I Can't Help Myself." The album is out July 25, and The Four Tops will play a special show at the Roostertail on July 27 to celebrate.

According to Billboard, a new greatest hits compilation is also in the works, which will include Four Tops recordings from before and after their time at Motown. Plus, the current incarnation of the group — which includes the son of founder Lawrence Payton and former Temptations member Theo Peoples — is getting ready to "make new music."

Keith Hagan, part of the group's management team, tells Billboard, "Our goal here is to re-introduce and then introduce [the Tops] to a younger generation who maybe aren’t as familiar with the Tops’ monster hits as they should be. I feel very bullish that we can start to expand the Tops’ music and audience to a younger audience."

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6lack is celebrating a decade in music with a new tour featuring special guests Eem Triplin and Johnny Venus. The run also marks the 10th anniversary of his debut album, Free 6lack.

“Ten years is amazing. A lot of folks don't get to say that they've been doing something for 10 years,” 6lack tells ABC Audio. “That album stamped my introduction to a lot of people.”

He says the project — and the fans who discovered him through it — still remain close to his heart.

“Those songs still stand the test of time today,” he says. “The people who found me around that time are the people who still come to my shows now. It's just been amazing to see how we've all grown."

The tour, running Sept. 8 through Dec. 11, will highlight defining moments from his catalog while incorporating music from his newly released album, Love is the New Gangsta, which he recently previewed during an intimate show in New York.

According to 6lack, fans can expect his band by his side and a more immersive experience this time around, complete with glimpses of his production skills.

“I pride myself on having a really good live show,” he says. “I wanna kind of move around, have different stations and make it interactive show … turn the show into an experience that every night is not the same.”

As 6lack has watched fans grow over the years, he says they'll also be able to see his evolution, particularly through Love is the New Gangsta.

“It’s nice to see someone grow in front of you so that we can all ... collectively understand that we go through the same things,” he says, adding the album encourages people not to feel ashamed of mistakes, heartbreak or personal struggles. 

An artist presale begins Wednesday, with general tickets going on sale Friday at noon local time.

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6lack released his new album, Love is the New Gangsta, on Friday. The rollout began with three songs that represent different stages of love: “Bird Flu,” “Sunday Again” featuring 2 Chainz and “Ashin the Blunt” with Young Thug.

He tells ABC Audio “Bird Flu” was the first song that made him realize he was creating an album.

“It was me finding my voice again,” he says. “I wanted to talk about what I’m struggling with, what I’ve overcome and what I care about.”

He says the song’s stripped-back production allowed listeners to focus on the lyrics, noting, “It was just me, the beat, the lyrics, and that’s it."

“Sunday Again,” a collaboration with 2 Chainz, followed. He thought of a few artists to feature on the project, but eventually decided to lean into his Atlanta roots. “I wanted to go home,” 6lack tells ABC Audio. “We normally hear Chainz in a party atmosphere, but I wanted to put him in this setting.”

He says it's one of his favorite songs on the album because it “feels like a hug."

The third song, “Ashin the Blunt,” which leaked years before its official release, was a song 6lack kept returning to because of how deeply it resonated with him and his guest feature, Young Thug.

“It speaks to what [he went] through, it speaks to what I’ve gone through,” he says. “I couldn’t imagine anybody else being on that song.”

Together, the three songs represent confinement, insecurity and commitment in relationships.

"The overall message is I choose love,” 6lack says of the album. 

The project also features his latest single, "All That Matters," featuring Leon Thomas. The music video is now available to watch on YouTube.

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