Bryan-Michael Cox Cheers Jack Freeman’s ‘MVP’ Rise to #28
Week two update shows a steady climb for the song as a fresh entry arrives on R&B top list
Ratika holds a master's degree in commerce and a post-graduate diploma in communication and journalism from Mumbai University. She has 6 years of experience writing in various fields, such as finance, education, and lifestyle.
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In a recent Instagram update, Grammy-winning songwriter-producer Bryan-Michael Cox shared that Jack Freeman’s single “MVP” reached number 28 on the Billboard R&B chart in its second week. The post, captioned “Week 2 @iamjackfreeman’s MVP is moving up slowly yet surely to #28. @arilennox with the new entry for Soft Girl Era. This is the motivation to keep going!!!!”, not only celebrates the single’s upward movement but also nods to Ari Lennox’s latest release, which debuted on the charts this week.
Steady Ascent For ‘mvp’
“MVP” serves as the lead single from Jack Freeman’s critically acclaimed album Nina, a project that Bryan-Michael Cox also executive produced. In May, Cox teased the track’s initial impact with another Instagram shout-out: “And we’re off to the races, a great start for @illustratenewideas. We’re up and running with our chart debut for @iamjackfreeman’s ‘MVP’, produced by @bryanmichaelcox and written by @eyesofadon + JACK.”
Industry sources indicate that “MVP” debuted in the top 40 of Billboard’s R&B Digital Sales chart, buoyed by strong streaming support and early radio adds in key urban markets. The single’s blend of smooth melodies and crisp percussion reflects Cox’s signature production style—one that has shaped hits for Usher, Mariah Carey, and Mary J. Blige. As the song climbed to number 28 in week two, streaming totals on major DSPs reportedly rose by 20%, while airplay continued its steady uptick.
Radio veteran program director for V103 Atlanta, DJ Strider, told us, “’MVP’ is exactly the type of song that resonates with our core listeners. We’ve added it to rotation, and I expect it to climb further in the coming weeks.” On streaming platforms, the track made Spotify’s New Music Friday in over 10 markets, boosting its visibility among Gen Z and millennial audiences.
Listeners on social media have shared their own “MVP” moments—stories of overcoming challenges and chasing dreams—mirroring the motivational tone Cox emphasized in his post.
Fresh Entry For Ari Lennox’s ‘soft Girl Era’
Alongside the update on Freeman’s rise, Cox also highlighted Ari Lennox’s new single “Soft Girl Era,” which entered the R&B charts in its first week of release. Lennox, best known for her soulful breakout “Shea Butter Baby,” dropped the track and video in early June. Cox and his brother Jermaine Dupri co-produced the song, a smooth, mid-tempo jam that leans into Lennox’s warm vocals.
In celebration of the release, Cox wrote on Instagram, “Happy birthday, Ari. #SoftGirlEra is available on all platforms now! Produced by me and my brother, @jermainedupri. Tap in.” Initial reports show the single landing in the top 50 on the R&B Streaming Songs chart, with social media chatter praising its nostalgic groove and Lennox’s effortless delivery.
Early critical notes from music outlets have highlighted the track’s silky bassline and Lennox’s nuanced vocal runs. Fans also co-signed the record on TikTok, where snippets of the chorus have already been used in thousands of user-generated videos, a sign that “Soft Girl Era” could sustain its chart presence beyond the initial surge.
Legendary Producer’s Legacy And Next Moves
Bryan-Michael Cox’s journey from Houston to the pinnacle of R&B success began in the late 1990s, when he joined Jermaine Dupri’s So So Def Records. He soon co-wrote and produced chart-topping singles such as Usher’s “Burn” and Alicia Keys’ “You Don’t Know My Name,” earning nine Grammy Awards along the way.
Over the past 20 years, Cox has maintained a reputation for crafting songs that blend heartfelt emotion with mainstream appeal. His work on Mariah Carey’s “We Belong Together” and Ludacris’s “Splash Waterfalls” exemplifies his ability to cross genre boundaries. In a recent interview with Vibe magazine, he spoke about his passion for discovering new talent: “I’ve always believed that R&B evolves when you mix the old with the new. Working with someone like Jack, who brings fresh energy, reminds me of why I got into this business in the first place.”
Looking ahead, Cox is set to expand his role as executive producer on Freeman’s Nina tour, slated for later this year, and may follow Lennox’s chart entry with further collaboration. Fans can also anticipate new music from Cox’s upcoming label imprint, which sources say will focus on emerging R&B talent.
With “MVP” on a steady upward trajectory and “Soft Girl Era” making its debut, this week’s Instagram announcement underscores Bryan-Michael Cox’s enduring influence and his commitment to pushing R&B forward.
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