On "Good Girl Gone Bad," Rihanna proved herself a remarkably comprehensive stylist, able to turn club rap and R&B into pure modern pop. To herald the record's rerelease, she's simplifying: Ne-Yo-penned single "Take a Bow" is a sweet and spare ballad scented with new wisdom.

Filed in: R&B

Every generation has its soul savior, and today all eyes are on John Mayer. With Claptonesque guitar riffs and heart-melting vocals, his solo efforts (and collaborations with stars such as Common) have made him the new king of pop.

Filed in: Pop/Rock

When Soulja Boy tells us, we listen. Hip-hop's MySpace maestro is the production force behind this Georgia MC's new single. "Get Silly" is a clever balance of the hypnotic and jumpy, with V.I.C. playing the calm center that lets the surrounding storm really spin off.

Filed in: Dirty South

Look here for deep, seductive breaks for the after-hours club scene. Seb Sinclair strums the heartstrings of the early-morning crowd, blending smooth vocals, an organic atmosphere, and fluid electronic melodies with a groovy and inviting foundation of break beats reminiscent of early-nineties' R&S material.

Filed in: Electronica

On new LP "Digi Snacks," RZA employs his preferred strategy--disorientation for the purpose of reeducation. This time the Wu Tang kingpin is back as Bobby Digital, a postmodern hustler whose genre of choice is a sort of spacey soul-funk. And without knowing quite what it is, we're convinced.

Filed in: East Coast Rap