New R&B Friday October 23rd, 2026: John Legend, Michael Kiwanuka and Laila!
John Legend’s Muse gives this Friday’s R&B listening a major album arrival, with Pharrell Williams joining him on the title track. Michael Kiwanuka and Laila! bring new projects of their own into the conversation. Our October 23rd selection begins with those three artists, then opens the door to collaborations and individual releases further down the lineup.
Seven picks keep this edition easy to explore, from established voices to artists you may be hearing for the first time. Consider the order an introduction rather than a ranking: sample a song, follow its full-recording link and spend more time with the project that catches your attention.
John Legend & Pharrell Williams — “Muse”
Legend and Pharrell Williams share the title track from Muse, Legend’s new album produced by Pharrell. Start here for the central collaboration, then explore a track list that also includes Clipse.
Michael Kiwanuka — “California”
California comes from the self-produced FUDGE, recorded in Southampton and Frome. Kiwanuka developed the project alongside Small Changes, making this selection a doorway into a different chapter of the same creative period.
Laila! — “Around the World”
Laila!’s We’ll Never Be This Young Again supplies Around the World. It is our starting point for the new project, giving a younger voice space near the front of this week’s lineup.
VEDO — “Yes (feat. Sevyn Streeter)”
Sevyn Streeter joins VEDO on this selection from V. The guest pairing provides a natural entry into the album for listeners who already follow either singer and want to hear their collaboration.
Jacquees — “Lick Back (feat. Lil Baby) [Remix]”
Jacquees adds Lil Baby to the remix of Lick Back. This edition specifies the new remix, so listeners can distinguish it from the original recording when opening the full-song link.
Luna Elle — “Blame Me (feat. Shae Universe)”
Luna Elle brings Shae Universe into Blame Me on RSVP. The collaboration is our invitation to explore the wider project, with another pair of voices joining this week’s R&B conversation.
Crystal Tamar — “Playtime”
Crystal Tamar’s new Playtime rounds out the selection. A standalone release gives listeners one more discovery without another full album commitment, making it an accessible final stop before replaying a favorite.
Choose a title in the player for a preview, then follow its Apple Music link for the complete recording. Full streaming may require a subscription. Some selections contain explicit language. Explore more listening on the Power Playlist.
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