R&B / Soul: Spring 2023

Monarch R&B/Soul Recommendations

BILLY PORTER
Black Mona Lisa Tour

Actor, singer, writer, and director Billy Porter announces his latest project, Black Mona Lisa Tour Volume 1, kicking off his tour with the release date of his new single, “Baby Was a Dancer.” From an artist who’s known to push the bar, audiences can be sure that The Black Mona Lisa Tour Volume 1 will deliver. The tour is a 90-minute powerhouse event featuring a full band fronted by Billy telling his life story through song. Songs include his chart-topping hits “Love Is on the Way” and “Love Yourself,” a tinge of Broadway, a nod to Pose, and stunning performances of future pop classics from Black Mona Lisa Tour. This is an experience not to be missed.

DANIEL CAESAR
Never Enough

Multi-platinum, Grammy Award-winning singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and producer Daniel Caesar is on a journey of self-actualization. He’s built his name across the gamut of contemporary R&B—contemplative soul and evocative rock to intergalactic alternative and understated pop—with artistry at his core. He’s set to release his third studio album, Never Enough.

LLOYISO
Seasons

South African singer and songwriter Lloyiso announces the release of his debut EP, Seasons. The project contains songs that focus on letting go of the fear preventing you from living your best life. With upbeat tracks such as “Run,” curated by Lloyiso along with Earwulf and Grammy Award-winning producers Mr. Hudson (John Legend, Janelle Monae, Jay-Z) and Stargate (Beyonce, Rihanna, Sam Smith), Lloyiso fuses shimmering keys with a swooning beat and head-nodding claps. Fan favorites “Let Me Love You Now” and “What Would I Say” have already racked up millions of streams and counting. Get ready to feel his voice, artistry, and spirit!

JOY OLADOKUN
Proof of Life

Proof of Life captures the human experience with a profound simplicity. Across these 13 tracks, Oladokun celebrates the little details and simple pleasures of being alive while also giving voice to some of life’s most complex experiences in a way only she can. The new record features previously released songs “Keeping the Light On” and the instant-classic duet, “Sweet Symphony” featuring Chris Stapleton, as well as collaborations with Manchester Orchestra, Mt. Joy, Maxo Kream, and Noah Kahan. A special deluxe edition of the album will also be available on CD and vinyl April 28 featuring three additional tracks: “Purple Haze,” “Spotlight,” and “Flowers.”

THE WEEKND
Live at Sofi Stadium

The 31-track collection captures his sold-out landmark two-night stand at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles in November 2022 during his blockbuster After Hours til Dawn Tour. The career-spanning set boasts powerful live renditions of everything from “Wicked Games” and “Kiss Land” to “The Hills,” “Starboy,” “Can’t Feel My Face,” “Save Your Tears,” “Die for You,” and “Blinding Lights.” The live album is executive produced by the Weeknd and Mike Dean.

The Weeknd made history as the first artist with 100 million monthly listeners on Spotify with 100.4 million listeners. This enshrines him as the number one artist in the world on Spotify. Meanwhile, his mega-smash “Blinding Lights” remains the DSP’s most streamed song of all time with 3.4 billion streams and counting.