(May 15, 2024) Rhona Bennett (aka Miss RnB) is no stranger to contemporary soul music. After being cast in the ‘90’s reboot of the Mickey Mouse Club (alongside Ryan Gosling, Justin Timberlake, Britney Spears and Christina Aguilera), acting on sitcoms (Living Single, Martin) and landing a recurring role on The Jamie Foxx Show, the Chicago-born singer/actress signed with hitmaker Rodney “Darkchild” Jerkins on his newly developed Darkchild Records.
Dubbed the “First Lady of Darkchild,” Bennett released her self-titled debut LP and later joined En Vogue in 2004, filling in for the departed Dawn Robinson. After a brief stint with En Vogue, another solo LP emerged, this time on her own label. This was followed up by a joyous return with the “Don’t Let Go (Love)” group.
Now Miss RnB has a new stage name, Coach Rho, and a new single on her hands. Using uplifting inspiration and a profound message of unity, “We (A Powerful Thing)” stands tall as a passage of feelgood urban R&B. Inside, Rhona navigates the groovy ‘synth ‘n beats’ pattern laid by producer David Kater as she plays to her vocal strengths, showing off an occasionally soulful melisma and hitting notes with a youthful, bright tenacity akin to Mýa.
The song’s heartfelt message melds well with her mission as an empowering life coach while overseeing her own online coaching school, Personal Power University. With a catchy chorus and irresistible funky swagger, we won’t be surprised if this ends up being the school anthem.
Stay tuned. Miss RnB has a forthcoming album called Instant Classic. We can’t wait to hear what else is on the horizon.
By J Matthew Cobb