Author: djfrosty
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With Coachella dominating the cultural conversation over the weekend, festival season is in full bloom. During Weekend One (April 11-13), the iconic Cali festival featured showstopping performances from Megan Thee Stallion, Tyla, Missy Elliott, Mustard, Shoreline Mafia, T-Pain, Three 6 Mafia, Glorilla, 4batz, Thee Sacred Souls, Tink, Ty Dolla $ign, Rema, Amaarae, BigXthaPlug, Muni Long and Travis Scott — who mounted a fantasy world with his headlining set, which included a mash-up of his own “Modern Jam” and Drake’s “Nokia.”
Outside of Coachella, live music remained the center of conversation in hip-hop and R&B. On Thursday (April 10), Mary J. Blige played her first solo headlining show at New York City’s Madison Square Garden, featuring opening sets from Mario and Ne-Yo, and guest appearances by Fabolous, Jadakiss and A Boogie wit da Hoodie. The following day (April 11), dancehall legend Vybz Kartel played his first U.S. shows in over 20 years with his first of two sold-out Barclays Center dates in Brooklyn, N.Y. Like Blige, Kartel brought out several guests, including Spice, Rvssian, Blak Ryno, Jah Vinci and Busta Rhymes. Over at the Blue Note, Saba hosted a six-show mini-residency in support of his latest project, From the Private Collection of Saba and No ID.
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With Fresh Picks, Billboard aims to highlight some of the best and most interesting new sounds across R&B and hip-hop — from kwn’s newest bedroom banger to Saint Lamaar’s smooth Lizzen remix. Be sure to check out this week’s Fresh Picks in our Spotify playlist below.
Freshest Find: kwn, “Do What I Say”
Billboard‘s R&B Rookie of the Month for March has unleashed her first solo single of 2025 following successful team-ups with Kehlani (“Worst Behaviour”) and Jordan Adetunji (“Too Many Women”). On the self-written and produced track, kwn further leans into the sensual, dominant lane she’s established with her releases over the past few years. “Paint your nails the way I like ’em/ Uh-huh, s–t/ I might paint mine too/ ‘Cause I know a place I can hide ‘em/ And it’s inside you, ohhh,” she croons in the disarming first verse, immediately pulling her audience into the bedroom making each of them her subjects. With her glossy vocals gliding across the track’s hip-hop percussion and vibrant guitar riffs makes for a smart extension to the colors and sounds she dabbled in on 2022’s Episode Wn EP. — KYLE DENIS
Lihtz, “Margaritas”
This joint is way different than the funny and creative “Simple Souls” pop song Lihtz dropped a few weeks back, but it shows off the Philly artist’s versatility. He’s switching in and out of flows on “Margaritas” just as he switches in and out of genres. I feel like Lihtz is gonna be someone to pay attention to this summer. — ANGEL DIAZ
Jastin Martin, “Again – ’24 (Extended)”
Jatin Martin’s elongated version of fan favorite “Again” is filled with emotional, unpacking the mental exhaustion of loving someone who keeps letting you down. Over a moody, guitar-laced beat, she paints a portrait of repeated heartbreak, singing, “Why did you come ’round again/ Just to let me down again.” But, there’s now a newfound strength in Jastin as she admits the cycle has changed her, saying she turned “to a savage” to protect her peace. By the end, she draws a hard line: “Nah, I’m straight homie,” she declares — setting a boundary and reclaiming her power. This track is a slow-burning, late-night anthem for anyone who’s ever had to choose themselves to finally break free from a relationship they knew was no good. — CHRISTOPHER CLAXTON
Sabrina Claudio, “Before It’s Too Late”
Sabrina Claudio kicked off 2025 with the tender “Need U to Need Me” in March, and she returned with the airy “Before It’s Too Late” on Friday (April 11). Time is the resource we’re all looking to somehow find more of, but it just can’t be bought. Claudio harps on the relatable topic, whether it’s a significant other, parent, or friend, everyone worries about not making the most of what we have left. The R&B singer-songwriter’s dreamy vocals provide a warm blanket to the electronic guitar riff, which is accompanied by a cinematic visual capturing a romantic getaway ride into the countryside. — MICHAEL SAPONARA
4batz, “n da morning”
4batz’s “n da morning” plays like a hazy love spell with equal parts bedroom confession and emotional affirmation. Anchored by the recurring line “In the morning, when you wake, girl I be on it,” the track exudes intimacy, trust, and an all-consuming pull to devotion. When 4batz sings “we locked in,” it’s a quiet declaration of loyalty — no outside noise, just a bond that stretches from dusk to dawn. “n da morning” is a soft track for anyone wrapped up in something that feels deeper than just the night before and the night ahead. — C.C.
YL & Subjxct 5, “Bobyahead2dis”
From the upcoming tape RRR & 2oo4 Presents…Only Ones Taxin and produced by Jersey producer Subjxct 5, “Bobyahead2dis” features NYC’s own and RRR co-founder YL raps about trying to make it in the city that never sleeps during these trying times. If the rest of the tape sounds like its lead single, then you should have no problem putting this in your summer rotation. — A.D.
Lizzen & Saint Lamaar, “Sweet Thing (Work It Out) [Remix]”
Just a short while after breaking through with “Buss At You,” rising R&B star Saint Lamaar slides on the remix for Lizzen’s “Sweet Thing.” “I think I sent you love/ Girl, let me pick you up/ You look so good, don’t make no sense, that s–t ridiculous/ I’ll be the shoulder you can cry on, tell your issues, love,” he croons in his verse, perfectly matching the lovey-dovey energy Lizzen exudes on the original cut. His slightly hoarse, charismatic tone pairs well with soulful timbre, making for a duet that recalls the rugged sheen of early-’00s hip-hop and R&B collaborations. – K.D.
Annie Tracy, “To Love and Be Loved”
Annie Tracy’s “To Love and Be Loved” is a glowing ode to the kind of love “where all your troubles melt away.” From the very first few lines — “These words they won’t come out” — Tracy captures that overwhelmed, heart-on-fire feeling of trying to describe something too big for language. But even without the perfect words, the emotion radiates through. The track moves from hushed vulnerability to full-on celebration, soundtracking both the stillness of being understood and the joy of nights spent dancing, laughing, and getting lost in each other’s company. — C.C.
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Coachella concluded its first weekend on Sunday (April 13), and we covered Megan Thee Stallion‘s dazzling performance shortly after Hot Girl Meg exited the stage. Missy Elliott, one of the many standout performers at Coachella, delivered a powerful performance of her own and donned a Transformers-inspired suit during her set.
As spotted on TMZ, Missy Elliott was among the dozens of high-profile acts in California for Coachella, and the Virginia native put on an epic display of futuristic vibes and delivered some of her many notable hits.
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In 2009, Coachella introduced its first “Soberchella” — a sober experience at the famed music and arts festival in Indio, California. Since then, its following has grown from humble beginnings as an AA meeting into a popular movement. Organizations like the Yellow Balloon Group, which supports those living drug-free at festivals, have helped foster a more inclusive environment for sober attendees. Still, the festival’s earlier years weren’t always mindful of this community, and alcohol-free beverages were far from common. Over the years, though, non-alcoholic drinks have evolved into an art form, with brands continuously pushing the boundaries of creativity in their 0.0% offerings. This year, Coachella is selling more creative non-alcoholic options than ever before.
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The New Bar is back for its third year in a row as the official non-alcoholic partner of Coachella 2025 (both weekends one and two). Located at the Terrace opposite the main entrance and 12 Peaks VIP next to the main stage, The New Bar offers a variety of drinks, including craft cocktails, wine, beer, and ready-to-drink alternatives. Brands featured at their non-alcoholic watering holes this year are French Bloom Le Rosé, Almave Blanco Blue Agave Spirit, Recess Zero Proof Classic Cosmo, Recess Zero Proof Watermelon Mojito, Free AF Apero Spritz, and Free AF Mango Margarita. Not attending Coachella? These options are also available to buy online at TheNewBar.com.
FAN FAVORITE
Free AF Apero Spritz Nonalcoholic Cocktail (Four-Pack)
The overall atmosphere at The New Bar at Coachella 2025 is lively with a hint of sophistication. The customer age demographic ranges from roughly 18-50, and patrons are either sober, sober-curious, supporting their sober friends, or practicing the popular “zebra striping” drinking strategy, alternating between alcoholic and non-alcoholic libations to stay hydrated and present.
For example, in 2023, the brand says non-alcoholic sales at The New Bar spiked before Bad Bunny’s set as attendees paced themselves before the rapper took the main stage, demonstrating a broader cultural shift toward mindful drinking. According to the annual consumer survey by NCSolutions, 49% of Americans in 2025 are trying to reduce their alcohol intake with Gen Z accounting for 65% of this rise for reasons like better mental and physical health, a dislike of alcohol’s taste, and addiction. This marks a 44% increase since 2023.
The most popular non-alcoholic drinks customers are ordering at Coachella? According to bartenders at The New Bar, craft cocktails like the tequila-inspired Golden Hour Marg made from Lewis Hamilton’s Almave Blanco Blue Agave, and Easy Riser made from Optimist Botanicals, lime, lemon, apricot nectar, and jalapeño are in high demand. Furthermore, ready-to-drink cans like Classic Cosmo and Apero Spritz for people to drink on their way to a set are popular purchases. “A lot of festivals think if they put a non-alcoholic beer on the menu they’ve done their job in covering the category and giving their attendees ‘a choice’ but that’s not what consumers want,” says Brianda Gonzalez, founder and CEO of The New Bar. “They want the full, same, elevated experience and level of choice that alcohol consumers get.”
LEWIS HAMILTON BRAND
Almave Blanco Nonalcoholic Tequila
Patrons of these establishments seem empowered to have long-overdue non-alcoholic drink choices at these traditionally alcohol-heavy festivals. One attendee, who has been sober for three years, noted that in the past, Coachella offered few — if any — thoughtful beverage options tailored to sober people, aside from standard choices like Coca-Cola or other sodas. “The drinks are creative and flavorful, and mimic the creativity that alcoholic drinks have,” another sober festivalgoer said. While there were always a few customers at The New Bar at any one time during the day, once the sun set, crowds were lining up at the bar to quench their thirst after a day in the heat. Many expressed they were seeking a break from plain water or alcohol, craving something more inventive that could rehydrate them or help sober them up.
Best Alcohol-Free Sparkling
French Bloom Le Rosé Nonalcoholic Sparkling Wine
As well as activations at the Terrace and 12 Peaks VIP, The New Bar also works closely with the Coachella team to curate non-alcoholic drink menus for other establishments across the camp. Non-alc libations can be found at the Outstanding in the Field dinners, a limited menu at Veranda at the artist lounge, and within the Safari Campgrounds — a significant growth in inventory since previous years. “We’ve worked with the festival to grow the options offered, maintain a highly curated set of the best products in the market, and increase the access at touchpoints each year,” Gonzalez says. “Eventually, I’d like to see our non-alcoholic drink options expand across the entire camp.”
LISA and ROSÉ may not have shared a stage as BLACKPINK at Coachella this year, but that doesn’t mean they weren’t together throughout the festival as the former made her solo performance debut in the desert Friday (April 11). Following LISA’s performance on the Sahara Stage opening night, the two ladies got together in what […]
Opry Entertainment Group (OEG) has named Tim Jorgensen as vp of operations on its Austin team. In the new role, Jorgensen will lead OEG’s Block 21 businesses in the city, including ACL Live, 3TEN and W Austin. In addition to leading strategic direction for the Block 21 complex, he will oversee day-to-day operations at ACL […]
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The decades-long feud between 50 Cent and Ja Rule reignited once again following 50’s disrespectful comments about the late Irv Gotti.
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During a recent interview, Ja Rule expressed anger over 50 Cent mocking the death of Gotti, who was not only the head of Murder Inc. but also a close personal friend. Ja revealed that he was ready to respond publicly but was ultimately talked out of it by Kenneth “Supreme” McGriff, a legendary figure in Queens and someone long tied to both sides of the beef.
In true 50 fashion, the G-Unit mogul wasted no time responding. He posted a clip from the interview on Instagram with a caption mocking both Ja Rule and the interviewers: “The Breakfast Club should be ashamed of themselves asking questions that perpetuate violence. This fool has been ready to go what he calls nuclear for 22 years. LOL.” Taking things even further, 50 added a distasteful jab at the late Gotti, writing, “Ya man in my Runtz right now!”, a disrespectful reference implying Gotti is being smoked like cannabis.
Ja Rule fired back on X (formerly Twitter), writing: “@50cent you b**ch a** n*gga… I already ate your lunch shut up!!!” He continued with a shot at 50’s street cred: “Until you do something to the n*ggas that shot you you can’t troll no more… handle your business chump lmao…”
Ja also posted a 2016 HipHopDX article, where former G-Unit associate Bang ‘Em Smurf claimed 50 sought an order of protection from Murder Inc., further fueling the fire.
Kendrick Lamar and Drake go head-to-head for No. 1 on the Hot 100. Tetris Kelly:This is the Billboard Hot 100 top 10 for the week dated April 19. “Beautiful Things” is at 10. Morgan Wallen is still at nine. “Lose Control” slips to eight. Alex Warren’s “Ordinary” joins the top 10. “A Bar Song (Tipsy)” […]
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Source: SOPA Images / Getty
A member of the Black Americans for Trump Coalition and a Republican strategist pondered President Donald Trump’s policies on tariffs, describing the messaging around them as “chaotic.” Melik Abdul, the Black Americans for Trump Coalition member in question, spoke with CNN about the implementation of global tariffs and the effect it’s having on the nation and the economy.
Melik Abdul was a guest on CNN’s Table For Five program discussing President Donald Trump and some of the conversations he’s been having surrounding his policies, citing that people threw their support behind the longtime mogul based on the perception of his business acumen. However, Abdul appeared to be disillusioned with President Trump’s handling of the tariffs situation and didn’t meet the expectations he and others had when they voted for him.
“It is what I can only describe as a very chaotic week. Because you’re right, a lot of the things that you pointed out, Donald Trump, they were full-throated in this, and this is the thing: it was the certainty that this is going to work,” Abdul began.
He added, “And as the market got that little bump and they say, ‘See, this is what deal-making is, this is art of the deal.’ and then we see a different story. And it is the messaging where you have Donald Trump saying one thing. You may have Ka
roline Leavitt saying another thing, you may have Lutnick saying another thing, you may have [Treasury Secretary Scott] Bessent saying another thing.”
The CNN segment and Melik Abdul’s commentary can be viewed here.
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Photo: Getty
Kendrick Lamar and SZA’s “Luther” leads the Billboard Hot 100 songs chart for an eighth total and consecutive week. The single, whose title celebrates late R&B legend Luther Vandross, who is sampled on the track, became Lamar’s sixth No. 1 and SZA’s third. Lamar and SZA each extend their longest career Hot 100 reigns with the song.
Meanwhile, “Luther” ties 24kGoldn’s “Mood” (featuring iann dior), which led for eight weeks in 2020-21, for the second-longest Hot 100 command among rap hits this decade, after Roddy Ricch’s “The Box,” which dominated for 11 weeks in 2020. (Rap titles are defined as those that have hit or are eligible for Billboard’s Hot Rap Songs chart.)
Plus, Drake’s “Nokia” rises 3-2 on the Hot 100 following the first full tracking week after its official video premiered March 31, and two songs enter the top 10: BigXthaPlug’s “All the Way,” featuring Bailey Zimmerman, debuts at No. 4 and Alex Warren’s “Ordinary” bounds 14-7. BigXthaPlug and Warren each earn their first top 10s, marking the first acts to reach the tier for the first time in 2025, while Zimmerman adds his second.
Browse the full rundown of this week’s top 10 below.
The Hot 100 blends all-genre U.S. streaming (official audio and official video), radio airplay and sales data, the lattermost metric reflecting purchases of physical singles and digital tracks from full-service digital music retailers; digital singles sales from direct-to-consumer (D2C) sites are excluded from chart calculations. All charts (dated April 19, 2025) will update on Billboard.com tomorrow, April 15. For all chart news, you can follow @billboard and @billboardcharts on both X, formerly known as Twitter, and Instagram.
Luminate, the independent data provider to the Billboard charts, completes a thorough review of all data submissions used in compiling the weekly chart rankings. Luminate reviews and authenticates data. In partnership with Billboard, data deemed suspicious or unverifiable is removed, using established criteria, before final chart calculations are made and published.
‘Luther’ Airplay, Streams & Sales
K-pop boy band ENHYPEN announced the dates and venues for the upcoming late summer U.S. and European legs of the group’s 2025 Walk the Line world tour. The 10-city swing is slated to kick off on Aug. 6 with the first of two dates at UBS Arena in Belmont Park, NY, followed by a stop […]