Spell My Name

Released in 2020, Spell My Name marks Toni Braxton's ninth studio album and her debut with Island Records. Following the more aggressive and raw Sex & Cigarettes (2018), this project sees Braxton returning to a more polished, 'expensive' R&B sound while maintaining the creative control she reclaimed later in her career. The album is notable for its high-profile collaborations, including a standout guitar-laden track with H.E.R. and a remix featuring Missy Elliott. Production-wise, it reunites her with long-time collaborators like Antonio Dixon and Babyface, ensuring the sonic continuity of her 'First Lady of R&B' persona. Critics noted the album's consistency and the enduring power of her contralto, which remains a rare and celebrated commodity in a genre often dominated by higher registers. It stands as a testament to her longevity, successfully modernizing her sound without sacrificing the soulful gravitas that defined her 90s peak.