Eight long years have passed since Brandy released her last studio album, Two Eleven. Although she has released a couple of singles here and there as an independent artist (“Beggin & Pleadin” and “Freedom Rings”), she has been tight-lipped about any signs of a new studio LP….until now. With a career that spans 25 years of music, there’s no denying that she was one of the quintessential artists of the 90s. Now, she’s back to reclaim her throne and remind everyone that she’s a mother.

Brandy’s new Chance the Rapper assisted single, “Baby Mama” has garnered warm reception so far. The beat is banging and Chance the Rapper steals the show with his rapid-fire, witty flow. However, at this stage in Brandy’s career, I’m a little underwhelmed that this is the choice for her first single. Lyrically it seems to fall flat compared to some of her classics like, “I Wanna Be Down”, the Grammy Award-winning catfight, “The Boy Is Mine” or even “Put It Down”.

Nonetheless, the song is growing on me. Plus, the video is a nice lift for the song (even though it doesn’t have much to do with the song itself). Don’t get me wrong, celebrating single motherhood is admirable. Fantasia even did it on her debut album. Ahem….her debut album. Again, Brandy is seven albums in and I’m missing the wow factor behind this lead single selection choice. But, I digress.

In other Brandy news, there is a great buzz around fans requesting a Verzuz battle with her and Monica. Honestly, I think it would be quite an entertaining show to witness. However, neither of the ladies has expressed interest in participating in a “battle”, but may consider a “celebration”. For now, we can all anxiously await this Saturday’s matchup between R &B/Neo-Soul heavyweights Erykah Badu and Jill Scott.

Check out “Baby Mama” featuring Chance the Rapper. What are your thoughts on the song and her upcoming album, b7? Is it a worthy comeback single?

The backbone of The Weeknd’s musical formula lies somewhere between futuristic and 80s tinged pop. “Tryna be a better man, but I’m heartless”. This single line from “Heartless”, sums up the theme of his latest album, After Hours. The constant push and pull for the need of love and shunning its presence are sprinkled through this latest body of work (and much of The Weeknd’s career). Nonetheless, After Hours is worth staying up for.

The Weeknd has managed to keep the very mystique than made him famous. “Alone Again”, the opening track, finds him crooning in his signature Michael Jackson-esque high falsetto. He explores an all too familiar theme in his catalog of substance abuse and a lover on standby. Somehow, it sounds just as fresh as the first time we heard it years ago.

After Hours is such a cohesive body of work that fans will either love or hate. Although there are disruptive pulses that shake up the beautiful monotony (listen to “Hardest to Love” and “Blinding Lights”), the common thread here is a man who’s somewhere suspended between love, the abusive of self, and reflection.

The fact that the album has already received nearly 400,000 equivalent sales units with little promotion is a testament to The Weeknd’s loyal fan base. Considering the current climate, other high profile artists like Alicia Keys and Lady Gaga have opted to push their albums back to let the dust settle first.

For the above reason, After Hours may not be the best self-quarantine soundtrack to lift your spirits. Nonetheless, it’s a calculated album that will surely evoke more shining moments in The Weeknd’s already bright career. The deluxe version of the album features special remixes and the SNL performance of “Scared To Live”. Plus, it offers a bit of a pick-me-up from the draining closing track, “Until I Bleed Out”. Ironically, fans will likely be right there to witness every high and profound low point well into the wee hours.