After a four-year hiatus, Toni Braxton returns to the music scene with a brand new single called “Deadwood.” The acoustic guitar-driven ballad features the veteran singer detailing a complicated relationship filled with ups and downs.

The song will appear on Braxton’s ninth studio album, Sex & Cigarettes. In an interview with Essence, the 49-year-old artist describes the project as sexy and adventurous.

"Sex & Cigarettes is more about me feeling sexy, independent, and expressing my feelings," she said. "I think for a long time I felt I had to make certain records, but now I want to just be free! I don't want to be censored, I just want to focus on being an artist and creating good quality music that people can relate to."

Braxton has shot a video for “Deadwood," which is being directed by Bille Woodruff in Los Angeles.

Meanwhile, Braxton has completed a television project for Lifetime. The singer will star in the upcoming telemovie Faith Under Fire, which tells the true story of Antoinette Tuff, a single mom from Georgia who heroically averted a tragedy by saving hundreds of lives when she convinced a deranged gunman who stormed an elementary school to surrender.

"I did a lot of research to get me into character. I watched all of her interviews and studied her mannerisms," said Braxton about the role. "I actually met Antoinette in person on set, she's a very courageous woman. I am inspired by her bravery and honored to be playing her...she is a true hero."

Faith Under Fire is scheduled to premiere on Lifetime in 2018.

If you like Toni Braxton's single "Deadwood," you can purchase it now on iTunes.

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