R&B/Hip-Hop Fresh Picks of the Week: BIA & Lil Yachty, Montell Fish, Ray Emmanuel & Tia Wood

It’s always a busy week in the hip-hop and R&B worlds. Much of the chatter remains surrounding Diddy’s bombshell arrest on federal charges of racketeering and sex trafficking. As part of the fallout from Sean Combs’ crumbling empire, 50 Cent announced that his upcoming documentary surrounding the allegations against Diddy will be coming to Netflix. 

“This is a story with significant human impact. It is a complex narrative spanning decades, not just the headlines or clips seen so far,” 50 relayed in a joint statement to Variety last week. “We remain steadfast in our commitment to give a voice to the voiceless and to present authentic and nuanced perspectives.”

On the music side, Future continued his historic run with his third consecutive No. 1 album thanks to Mixtape Pluto. It’s his eighth Billboard 200 leader in a row as the Atlanta star etches another chapter into a Hall of Fame career. 

The Weeknd reunited with Playboi Carti for “Timeless,” which will land on the Canadian singer’s upcoming Hurry Up Tomorrow album. It’s the second single headed for Abel’s third and final installment of his After Hours/Dawn FM trilogy. “Dancing in the Flames” initially debuted at No. 14 on the Billboard Hot 100 dated Sept. 28.

Tommy Richmond capitalized on his breakout summer with the release of his debut album, Coyote. To the surprise of many around the industry, the Virginia native didn’t include hits like “Million Dollar Baby” and “Devil is a Lie” on the LP. 

With Fresh Picks, Billboard aims to highlight some of the best and most interesting new sounds across R&B and hip-hop – from BIA’s frustrations on wax to Doodie Lo and Mozzy linking up for a gritty street anthem. Be sure to check out this week’s Fresh Picks in our Spotify playlist below.

Freshest Find: Tia Wood, “Sky High”

The Indigenous R&B singer-songwriter makes a statement with her Pretty Red Bird EP, but Tia Wood’s coo is also more soothing than any chirping birds in the morning. A funky bassline and some pop-leaning soul provide the canvas for Woods on the project standout “Sky High.” The Amy Winehouse-inspired artist looks inward to heal rather than for outside support: “Who needs a savior? Got myself on retainer,” she sings. But if you’re gonna snap a picture to capture the Alberta native’s gaze, just don’t forget about her good side. 

Ray Emmanuel, “#NEEDTHAT”

They say distance makes the heart grow fonder. After exploring a couple of laps across the globe, Ray Emmanuel wants to come home. On “#NEEDTHAT,” the North Carolina wordsmith taps into his romantic side as he pens a love letter to a former flame he wants back. This go around, a decisive Ray knows the timing’s right. “And I know I’ma see you again/ Don’t give up on me because this the way it ain’t gotta end,” he pleads over the dreamy production. “I don’t really care that I ain’t your first, I’ll be your last.” Emmanuel is ready to do whatever it takes to win her over. The 19-year-old has shown plenty of dexterity with his artistry throughout the four singles he’s delivered in 2024.

Montell Fish, “It’s Gonna’ Cost You”

The second installment in the JCM Trilogy, Montell Fish brings the chaos with his “sonic evolution” of Charlotte. The Christian artist rumbles through the grunginess of “It’s Gonna’ Cost You.” Fish lets the rage fuel him as he’s beaming with confidence on the rock-tinged track. “Greatest that you’ve ever seen/ And I don’t want nothing/ These flows is all I need,” his falsetto vocals pierce the rowdy disarray. Fish explained that with the project his “goal was to make an art piece inspired by theological Ideas through the lens of a breakup with a slight to psychological concepts for answers.”

BIA & Lil Yachty, “Pissed Off”

Even while traveling the country opening for one of her rap heroes in Nicki Minaj on tour, somebody managed to piss BIA off. “Somebody gon’ die today, this sound like Jeff in the ride today,” she raps to open her verse with an homage to Young Thug’s “Die Today.” BIA runs through a questionnaire trying to find who’s real around her. Lil Yachty has proven time and time again to be a versatile collaborator and Boat’s malleability shines here. He compares his Chanel watch to a glass of milk and defends his CEO ability as Yachty made all his homies millionaires. 

Doodie Lo & Mozzy, “Glock’D In”

A gritty street anthem connecting the Illinois upstart to Sacramento’s veteran soldier. Doodie Lo narrates his rags to riches story while flexing his AP but remembering the days of hoisting his G-Shock like a Rolex. “That n—a been a b—h, you could ask Siri,” he raps in a cheeky jab that cuts deeper than the surface. Mozzy invades the show with his raspy flow that doubles as a natural instrument. He’s been around the block once or twice and demands his respect for trailblazing a path for others to follow. “I bled the block and paved the way,” the CMG rhymer spews. 

Monaleo & Sauce Walka, “Er-er”

The Houston rap princess meets one of the city’s well-respected sargeants. “Er-er” goes the sound of the bed as 2 Chainz collectively taught us on 2012’s “I’m Different.” Monaleo shows off her shrewd wordplay prowess while also paying homage to the talk show legend Jerry Springer, who passed away last year. The raunchy collab could be taken to the next level if another Houston native joins the party, with Megan Thee Stallion hopping on a potential remix. The thumping piano-driven production is where Meg makes her living, and her appearance would extend the track’s shelf life. Either way, the 23-year-old is undoubtedly going to be heard from in the years to come as she looks to shake up the rap hierarchy. 

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