Ebony Riley launches her 2026 release cycle with “Honest,” a deeply personal new single and music video that further establishes her as one of the most compelling emerging voices in modern R&B. Released via Interscope Records, the Ebony Riley “Honest” single arrives as a continuation of her recent chart momentum and growing cultural visibility.
Produced by Rodney Jerkins alongside Roark Bailey and Joshua “Jack Lawson” Pyle, “Honest” strips R&B back to its emotional core. The production is restrained and atmospheric, allowing Riley’s vocal performance to sit front and center as she navigates the emotional aftermath of a relationship that has lost its initial intensity. The result is a relationship-driven R&B song that prioritizes honesty over resolution.
The “Honest” music video, directed by Max Papendieck, mirrors that emotional clarity. Shot in black and white, the visual follows Riley returning home, grounding the narrative in familiarity while exploring themes of distance, reflection, and unrequited love. The minimalist direction reinforces the song’s lyrical weight, positioning the Ebony Riley “Honest” single as both a sonic and visual statement.
The release builds directly on the success of “Only You,” which marked a major breakthrough for Riley, peaking at No. 15 on Billboard’s Adult R&B Airplay chart. That milestone expanded her reach within the R&B space and introduced her to a broader audience beyond early critical acclaim.
Momentum has carried into 2026. Riley’s performance of the National Anthem at the Pro Bowl showcased her vocal control on a national stage, while appearances at key industry events and editorial placements have continued to elevate her profile across both music and fashion.
Since her 2023 self-titled debut EP, Ebony Riley has developed a reputation for emotionally precise songwriting and understated delivery. Influenced by traditional R&B storytelling while rooted in a contemporary sound, she continues to position herself within a lineage of artists who prioritize vulnerability and clarity.
With the Ebony Riley “Honest” single, that identity sharpens. Rather than chasing scale, she leans into intimacy, delivering a track that feels immediate, deliberate, and aligned with where R&B is heading in 2026.
Featured image credit: Interscope Records
