Grammy-winning artist Anthony Hamilton is coming back with his first new studio album in five years — and the first on his own My Music Box label in partnership with BMG. Billboard can exclusively reveal that the singer-songwriter’s Love is the New Black, his 10th album overall, will arrive on Sept. 24.
Love is the New Black features guest appearances by Jennifer Hudson, Rick Ross and Lil Jon (see track list below). Rounding out the 14-song set are other resonating tracks such as the confessional “Mercy” and the George Floyd-inspired “Mama Don’t Cry.” Jermaine Dupri, 9th Wonder, Bink!, Wu10 & Cardiak and 1500 or Nothin’ are among the producers on board.
The album also includes Hamilton’s latest single “You Made a Fool of Me” (a No. 9 peak on Adult R&B), which showcases his trademark, church-honed soulful vocals. Its video, directed by Terrence Crowley, marks the return of Charlene, the titular love interest in Hamilton’s 2004 crossover hit on Billboard’s Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs (No. 3) and Hot 100 (No. 19).
In a statement announcing his new release, Hamilton notes in part that he created the project because “I wanted this album to feel like what was missing throughout the pandemic. This is the restoration. We’re making this thing called life, sexy, beautiful and powerful again.”
Commenting to Billboard, Hamilton adds, “This album is long awaited and inspired by my love for love. Making music that sticks to the gut and gives you a reason to yearn for life — it’s all I’ve ever wanted to give.”
A 17-time Grammy nominee, Hamilton’s last album was 2016’s What I’m Feelin’, which ascended to No. 2 on Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums and No. 15 on the Billboard 200. The North Carolina Music Hall of Fame inductee recently starred as Kyle Kirby in the feature film Carl Weber’s Influence, now streaming on BET+.
Love is the New Black is now available for pre-order HERE. Following is the complete track list:
1. Love is the New Black
2. Threw It All Away
3. Real Love feat. Rick Ross
4. I’m Ready feat. Lil Jon
5. White Hennessy
6. Coming Home
7. You Made a Fool of Me
8. I Thought We Were in Love
9. Superstar duet with Jennifer Hudson
10. Pillows
11. I’m Sorry
12. Mercy
13. Safe
14. Mama Don’t Cry
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