Fresh Picks
05/27/2025
Listen to new must-hear songs from emerging R&B/hip-hop artists like AKIA and Praise.
05/27/2025
As Joey Bada$$ handles California cats like Ray Vaughn, Reason, AzChike and Daylyt on his lonesome, it looks like the West Coast isn’t giving up last year’s “Not Like Us” and GNX-feuled momentum without a fight. Over the past few months, Joey has been heralding his return to the rap game with slick boom-bap tracks […]
05/12/2025
Listen to new must-hear songs from emerging R&B/hip-hop artists like Valee and Abir.
05/12/2025
From the Caribbean Music Awards to the mounting of several arena shows — April kicked off a season of head-turning announcements for the world of Caribbean music.
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On April 9, Billboard exclusively revealed the 2025 Caribbean Music Awards nominations, which will once again grace Brooklyn’s Kings Theatre on Aug. 28. Fans had until May 1 to cast their ballots for over 40 categories featuring leading nominees Shenseea and Masicka, who snagged seven nods each. Soca superstars Patrice Roberts and Kes followed with six nominations, while King of Dancehall Vybz Kartel, genre-fusing soca star Nailah Blackman, and Jamaican dancehall stars Chronic Law and Kranium each earned five nods.
In addition to buzzy awards news, April also featured several blockbuster dancehall arena shows. On April 11 and 12, Vybz Kartel made his highly anticipated return to Brooklyn for his first U.S. live shows in 20 years. Worl’ Boss sold out two nights at Barclays Center just a few weeks before Aidonia headlined UBS Arena (May 3) for a 20th anniversary concert featuring Mavado, Sizzla, Govana, Jada Kingdom, Spragga Benz and more. Last week (May 1), Bounty Killer announced his first U.S. show in 15 years, The Return of the War Lord, which will grace Barclays Center on July 5. Later this month (May 24), Beenie Man will bring his headlining King of the Dancehall tour to UBS Arena, underscoring an impressive arena run for Caribbean artists this year.
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Naturally, Billboard’s monthly Reggae/Dancehall Fresh Picks column will not cover every last track, but our Spotify playlist — which is linked below — will expand on the 10 highlighted songs. So, without any further ado:
Freshest Find: KA$E & Green Lion Crew, “What’s the Word?”
Rising Jamaican recording artist Ka$e teamed up with production duo Green Lion Crew for an upbeat new reggae tune titled “What’s the Word?” Across easy-rocking guitars, Ka$e rattles off his observations of JA’s latest happenings, and carries the legacy of roots reggae artists before him by taking those in power to task and demanding they do more for the island’s orginary people. “Face it! Land we love is govern by some wastemen/ Who feed their need for greed and nepotize them favorite/ Quick fi blame artists when dem portfolio failing/ If a we dem wah fi run it then say less,” he declares in the second verse.
Tifa, “We Got It”
Late ’00s and early ’10s Jamaican dancehall star Tifa has slowly been making her way back into the public eye, and “We Got It” is the latest in a string of standalone singles helping her recalibrate her positioning in today’s dancehall landscape. Over DJ Bunpun’s “Deep Fake” riddim, Tifa delivers an empowering anthem centering women and all their flavor and flair they bring to the dancehall.
Jah Vinci, “Cover Me”
Back with another powerful message that bridges the sanctificed nature of gospel reggae with the street-adjacent feel of trap 808s and Auto-Tuned crooning, Jah Vinci has another winner in “Cover Me.” Aided by a backing choir, Jah Vinci pleads for Jah to “cover [him] with His love and make him whole again” — a moment of musical humility that finds him submitting to the Most High and spreading his message to the rest of the world.
Patrice Roberts, “Ungrateful”
Trinbagonian superstar Patrice Roberts is best known for her soca smashes, but she veered into the Afro-pop lane for new “Ungrateful” single. Produced, mixed and mastered by Yannick Plate and featuring Kyle Ernest on guitar and Esther Tommy on backing vocals, “Ungrateful” finds Roberts kissing a no-good old flame goobye. With a promise to focus on herself, she proclaims, “Boy bye/ Take you s–t to somebody else.” Melodically, this is much more subdued than her previous power soca entries, but the relaxed soundscape allows for her voice’s character to shine through — and for her emoting skills to get some shine.
RajahWild, “Show Me a Sign”
Originally debuted as an “On the Radar” freestyle earlier this year (March 25), RajahWild’s “Show Me a Sign” finally arrived on April 11. Marked by its notable omission of foul language, “Show Me a Sign” effortlessly positions Rajah as one of dancehall’s brightest new stars,” his come-hither lyrics pairing perfectly with trap-forward Zimi Records production. “Mi hope yuh know mi nuh nice/ Hope yuh know you a star/ Hope yuh know you a baddie/ Mi hope yuh know you a shine,” he croons in the second half of the chorus, presenting something of a shift in dancehall lyricism where the man is, even if just for a moment, centering the feels and self-image of the woman he’s pursuing.
DJ Big Skipp, Yung Bredda & Hey Choppi feat. Pndrn & BYFar Mega, “Cho Cha!”
There’s essentially half a soccer team on this song, but it truly is a “the more, the merrier” situation. With the help of Yung Bredda, a triple nominee at this year’s Caribbean Music Awards, Hey Choppi, Pndrn and BYFar Mega pull from New York drill to inform they cadences they employ across the skittering snares of DJ Big Skipp’s production. While the union of dancehall and drill isn’t anything new, it’s very cool to hear Bredda bar up after dominating the first half of the year with “The Greatest Bend Over” and other soca and calypso hits.
Kaka Highflames, “Jackie Chan”
Just a few weeks after assisting Ding Dong on “Street Jump,” the lead single from the “Badman Forward Badman Pull Up” singer’s debut album, rising dancehall star and renowned dancer Kaka Highflames has unleashes his own new single: “Jackie Chan.” Accompanied by a new dance challenge, “Jackie Chan” find Kaka rapping across an old-school, early ’90s hip-hop-evoking beat with the constant refrain of “Don’t let my Jackie Chan kick ya.” Clearly engineered for dancers as opposed to average listeners, Kaka’s new single will certainly help keep the art of dancing at the forefront of dancehall culture.
Ky-Mani Marley, “All This Love”
For the third single from his forthcoming Love & Energy album, Ky-Mani Marley pairs his slightly raspy voice with sweet reggae guitars, ebulliant horns and a whistling background flutes. “So let’s shine our lights together/ So that we can heal/ So the world can feel/ All of this love/ Jah give me all this love,” he sings over Grammy-winner Llamar “Riff Raff” Brown’s lush production. From Ky-Mani to YG (who appeard on Coco Jones‘ recently-released debut album Why Not More?), the Marley legacy continues.
Yaksta, “Haffi Bun”
Yaksta is always full of surprises; a new single from his could be a three-minute look into virtually any genre in the world. With “Haffi Bun,” which he dropped two days before 4/20, Yaksta dipped into his ska bag and added smalls nods to doo-wop along the way. Produced by Partillo Productions, “Haffi Bun” is Yaksta’s aptly titled ganja tribute; he sings in the first, raps in the second and ties it all together with a jaunty hook that maintains the levity of the whole affair. “It was foolish of me to abstaining from the tree!” he sings, delivering the line with a slight decrescendo to add more verve to his vocal performance.
Armanii, “XOXO”
One of the buzziest names in dancehall right now, Armanii has just added another banger to his string of homeruns. Kicking things off in a delightfully nasty and classicaly dancehall way, Armanii attacks the trap beat with, “Open yuh mouth fi mi mek me see yuh throat back/ Dah bumpa deh gwan throw it back/ Cocky a buss inna yuh face, tell yuh hold dat/ She seh di f–k strong like Hulk Hogan.” With a strikingly melodic flow reminsicnent of Kartel himself, Armanii is quickly establishing himself as a dancehall force to be reckoned with.
Hip-hop’s biggest story of the week is technically a year old.
From May 3-5, 2024, Drake (“Family Matters” and “The Heart Part 6”) and Kendrick Lamar (“6:16 in LA,” “Meet the Grahams” and “Not Like Us”) traded the last five songs of a battle that changed the course of hip-hop history and popular music forever. In the year since, Lamar won five Grammys for “Not Like Us,” dropped his monster GNX LP, spun out two additional Billboard Hot 100 chart-toppers (“Squabble Up” and “Luther,” launched a massive stadium tour alongside SZA, and scored the most-watch Super Bowl halftime show of all time. For his part, Drizzy added another Billboard 200 No. 1 album (the Partynextdoor-assisted $ome $exy $ongs 4 U) to his arsenal and a No. 2 hit in “Nokia.”
In 2025 news, Doechii teamed up with Westside Gunn to remix the latter’s “Egypt.” The new collaboration arrived as the Swamp Princess’ “Anxiety” returned to the Hot 100’s top 10 — and just a few days before her stint on this year’s Met Gala hosting committee. With a rich theme of “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style,” Monday night’s Met Gala steps (May 5) featured eye-popping looks from several of hip-hop’s biggest fashionistas, including Teyana Taylor, Pharrell Williams, Tyla, Doja Cat and more.
With Fresh Picks, Billboard aims to highlight some of the best and most interesting new sounds across R&B and hip-hop — from Jorja Smith’s new banger to Benny the Butcher and Styles P’s latest link-up. Be sure to check out this week’s Fresh Picks in our Spotify playlist below.
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Freshest Find: Jorja Smith, “The Way I Love You”
U.K. garage and Jorja Smith are a match made in music heaven. J Money gets back in her bag to get the party started just in time for the summer, as “The Way I Love You” should be part of every DJ’s set list, looking to fill the dance floor. The 27-year-old does just that as she throws a rave at Club Nice in the single’s blue-tinted visual. It feels like you could draw a line from “The Way I Love You” to her breakout “On My Mind” anthem that introduced J Money to droves of fans back when she was an emerging star in 2017. At this point, we need a UKG-grime album from Smith in the future. — MICHAEL SAPONARA
Tiana Major9, “Money”
Tiana Major9’s “Money” is a soulful, witty, and emotionally layered meditation on her complicated relationship with wealth. Framed as a love song to money — personified as a flirtatious, fickle, and sometimes cruel partner — Tiana’s new joint explores how financial security, desire, and personal history collide. Tiana highlights how money can feel loving when it’s present, but also how quickly it disappears, reinforcing that “money knows who needs who more.” “Money” is about more than just wealth — it’s about survival, self-worth, and learning how to have a healthy relationship with abundance without letting it define your identity. Tiana brings humor, heart, and honesty to a topic that affects everyone, making the song both relatable and deeply personal. — CHRISTOPHER CLAXTON
Benny the Butcher feat. Styles P, “Toxic”
Produced by BSF, Buffalo rapper and Griselda stalwart Benny the Butcher taps the Ghost in Styles P to give us some of that good old-fashioned hard s–t. The beat sounds like concrete and has an infectious hook that’ll make you nod your head into oblivion and give you the ugly face. — ANGEL DIAZ
Yeat, “Feel No Wayz (Yeat Mix)”
Yeat shocked fans at his Coachella set last month when he performed a cover of Drake’s fan-favorite “Feel No Ways.” Instead of the melodic rapping mixed with Drizzy’s R&B sonic, the Oregon native leans heavily into the AutoTune for an electronic spin on the classic VIEWS deep cut. The official track that landed on DSPs sounds much cleaner than the edition Yeat initially previewed on social media. Drake even lent his stamp of approval with a text to Yeat, which he fittingly turned into the cover art for the single. It might be time for another a Twizzy x The Boy link-up. — M.S.
Girlfriend, “Come Thru”
Mississippi-born singer, songwriter, and rapper Girlfriend (Kenya Edwards) returns with her new EP It’s Complicated, led by the standout track “Come Thru” — a sultry, emotionally raw anthem exploring intimacy, secrecy, and the longing for genuine connection in a situationship. The line “middle of the summer, it’s cold” captures the emotional disconnect between seasons and feelings — even when life should feel warm and full, something is still missing. That “cold” feeling symbolizes loneliness or emotional distance, hinting that both people involved are longing for closeness but are hesitant to fully open up. At its core, “Come Thru” is about vulnerability masked by sensuality, navigating desire in a relationship that lives in the grey area between love and lust, cold and warm, commitment and secrecy. — C.C.
A$AP Nast, “No Hammer”
Nast is back, and he dropped a movie. No, seriously: He and director Dexter Navy gave fans a crime drama set in London, as the Harlem rapper does his thing over Drumatik production. Maybe this means we’ll be getting that song he has with Playboi Carti that was apparently produced by The Alchemist. — A.D.
Mariah the Scientist, “Burning Blue”
Mariah the Scientist ignites her next era with the intoxicating “Burning Blue.” The Atlanta native puts a soulful spin on her unique perspective on the trials and tribulations of romance. Even with the chaos around her, Mariah feels at ease with her man by her side. But her submissive lust will only remain if he holds up his end of the relationship bargain. The 27-year-old’s vocals remain as soothing as ever, with “Burning Blue” reaching a crescendo in its closing moments. Keep fanning the flame, Thugger. — M.S.
GRiMM Doza, “Bullet Train”
Influenced by the Jersey producer’s trip to Tokyo, Grimm Doza paints a soundscape with a beat tape — a format that has become something of a lost art these days. I wanted to highlight this after a conversation I had with Conductor Williams, where he mentioned Dilla’s classic instrumental album Donuts felt like a jazz record. You can check out Tokyo Transit on streaming services. Here’s the YouTube playlist. — A.D.
Samara Cyn, “Bad Brain”
Samara Cyn is a breath of fresh air in rap. The burgeoning rhymer delivered her introspective “Bad Brain” single last week, which finds Cyn battling the voices in her head while combing through the mental gymnastics she has to hurdle to get by. Enclosed by a Thee Sacred Souls sample, Cyn’s wispy flow weaves around the dreamy production as she gives listeners a peek into the warfare she’s dealing with on a day-to-day basis as a rising star. “All these little voices in my voice gon’ drive a b—h insane/ As I’m talking, feel exhausted, think a b—h gon’ pop a vein,” she raps. — M.S.
Roc Marciano, “Period Blood”
To celebrate the 15th anniversary of his seminal work Marcberg, Roc Marciano dropped a special edition of the album that included a brand new song in this insanely titled track. Produced by the man himself, “Period Blood” is standard-issue Marci with a soulful loop and sharp lyrics that have helped make him one of the more influential artists of the last decade and a half. When it comes to underground East Coast rap music, we’re living in his era. Don’t let anybody else tell you different. — A.D.
What a month April has been, with plenty of albums dropping from the sky to help soundtrack the upcoming summer.
Davido‘s new fifth album 5ive is another testament of his unshakable Afrobeats icon status, while he blends the beloved genre with R&B, amapiano, dancehall and more for a rich, global listening experience. And Rema performed his new Afro-R&B track “Bout U” live for the first time during his Coachella debut earlier this month, and it debuted at No. 5 on the U.S. Afrobeats Songs chart last week (chart dated April 26), sliding in right above his last single “Baby (Is it a Crime)” at No. 6.
We’ve highlighted 10 of our favorite new songs by African acts that have come out roughly within the last month. Check out our latest Fresh Picks, and enjoy some springtime tunes with our Spotify playlist below.
Rema, “Bout U”
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On the heels of Rema’s Sade-sampling “Baby (Is It a Crime)” hit, he cranks out another smooth banger with “Bout U.” Rema acts as a hopeless romantic who doesn’t want to come down from the high of his dreamy love affair. And just like his fascination with his favorite girl, Rema and the track’s co-producer Thisizlondon keep us hooked with the hypnotic electric guitar that’s occasionally shredding throughout the song.
Tay Iwar, “Non-stop”
Tay Iwar works his charm on the ultra-smooth “Non-stop” cut from his latest EP Reflection Station. His expertly layered harmonies and the track’s sweet-sounding groove, which Iwar produced himself, will make you want to listen to this nonstop.
Lojay feat. Odeal, “Mwah!”
Lojay and Odeal deliver sweet nothings from their lips to our ears in their latest collaboration “Mwah!” Lyrics like “Swing my way with your cinnamon fragrance” heighten the sexual attraction conveyed in the Afro-R&B heater. But the artists’ instant chemistry, as Lojay put it in a press release, is also palpable. “I had listened to Odeal’s music before meeting him, but I really didn’t know what to expect from the session. I think that was part of what made it so magical,” he explained further.
Davido, “Don’t Know”
Davido finds himself at the mercy of his lover on the tantalizing “Don’t Know” cut from his latest studio album 5ive. The springiness of the log drums underneath the hook, “You don’t, you don’t, you don’t even know what you do to me,” scratches an itch in your brain, leaving listeners just as satisfied as he is with her.
Black Sherif, “Body”
Despite the tough title of Black Sherif’s sophomore album IRON BOY, the highlight track “Body” shows off his soft, yet sexy edge. Lyrics like “My soul is drifting away” and “You know my body wants you” present the song’s central tension of nourishing yourself on a deeper level or caving into your corporeal desires over Dystinkt Beats’ introspective drill production.
Lil Kesh feat. Reekado Banks, “Dan Dan”
Lil Kesh’s Forever Getting It (FGI) EP is full of intricate drum work, complex rhythms and creative melodies, and “Dan Dan” is a perfect representation of the project — endlessly compelling, constantly innovative and yet still an insistent earworm that is bound to get stuck in fans’ heads. As with any Kesh project, the only issue is that it’s too short.
Davido feat. Victoria Monét, “Offa Me”
Off Davido’s first full-length since the iconic 2023 album Timeless, “Offa Me” is a standout, with Victoria Monét’s vocals kicking things off and carrying the hook, before David comes through and delivers his distinctive melodic voice, with a steamy KLVDR-directed video to go with it.
ODUMODUBLVCK, “Legolas”
Kicking off the month with the surprise mixtape THE MACHINE IS COMING, ODUMODUBLVCK delivered his first extended release in 18 months, and after a series of turned up, high-energy bangers, “Legolas” shows off another side to him — more introspective, a bit calmer, with a song comparing himself to the Lord of the Rings elf who came through tribulations to make himself (and his mama) proud. It’s another sign that ODUMODUBLVCK has many sides to his artistry, in addition to his trademark hyped-up verses.
Zinoleesky feat. Toosii, “Suit & Tie”
Zino is another artist who dropped off a full-length album this month — what a blessed month April has been, after a relatively low-key year so far — and his signature vocal styling is on full display on “Suit & Tie,” one of Gen Z’s standout cuts. But it’s Toosii who steals the show, sliding through with an extended verse that manages to be both emotional and bombastic at once. The entire project is great, but this is the one.
Tiwa Savage, “You4Me”
The Afrobeats titan is readying her next album, and with latest single “You4Me” she starts off with an interpolation of Tamia’s “So Into You,” before dropping a tough drum pattern and her crooning vocals over top. The lift returns as the basis for the hook, which gives the song a nostalgic edge, one of the signifiers of her R&B stylings of late, while she trades lines with Tamia in the chorus.
Sinners and saints dominated the news last week, following the passing of the late Pope Francis and the continued box office domination of Ryan Coogler’s acclaimed, Michael B. Jordan-led vampire-musical-period drama Sinners.
Sinners once again topped the box office, earning the smallest second-week decline for a R-rated horror title in history. Accompanied by a soundtrack featuring the cast, contemporary hip-hop stars Rod Wave and Don Toliver and blues legend Buddy Guy, Sinners stands as the first true cultural phenomenon of the year.
Coogler’s blues-informed film also gave way to a weekend of formal debuts from the latest generation of rhythm and blues artists. Coco Jones (Why Not More?) and Destin Conrad (Love On Digital), two of Gen Z’s preeminent R&B stars both unleashed their debut studio albums over the weekend, while seasoned R&B greats like Ledisi (The Crown) and Smokey Robinson (What the World Needs Now) dropped their own new sets.
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Over on the hip-hop side, Young Thug reiterated his allegiance to Drake and dropped his first single since his release from jail in October 2024; Flo Milli welcomed her first child; and Kendrick Lamar scored 10 nominations at the 2025 American Music Awards, more than any other artist.
With Fresh Picks, Billboard aims to highlight some of the best and most interesting new sounds across R&B and hip-hop — from Jade Novah’s ode to the ’90s to Aaron Page’s new Domani-assisted joint. Be sure to check out this week’s Fresh Picks in our Spotify playlist below.
Durand Jones & The Indications & Aaron Frazer, “Flower Moon”
After opening for select dates on Lenny Kravitz’s Blue Electric Light Tour, Durand Jones & The Indications have shared the latest single from their forthcoming Flowers LP. Built on sugary three-part harmonies, mellow guitar, and overall framework ripped from the early ’70s soul playbook, “Flower Moon” is the perfect wind-down tune.
Aaron Frazer handles lead vocals on this cut, his buttery tone adding some beautiful color to picturesque lyrics like, “Well you see, lovers livin’ light like a feather/ Keep it hot in warm summer weather nights/ And the music pours like drinks from the corner/ You can post up too if you want some fun.” The ’70s have had a small moment in popular music ever since the turn of the decade, and “Flower Moon” is one of the rare offerings that rises above the pitfalls of pastiche. — KYLE DENIS
Ray Vaughn feat. Jay Rock, “Klown Dance”
Leading TDE’s next generation alongside Doechii, Ray Vaughn looks to leave an indelible mark on the rap game in 2025 with his The Good The Bad The Dollar Menu mixtape, which he’s compared to his version of Kendrick Lamar’s Good kid, m.A.A.d city. “Klown Dance” finds Vaughn clashing with labelmate Jay Rock, as the pair of shrewd wordsmiths go bar-for-bar over a smooth VanJess sample. The Long Beach native narrates his gritty come-up. “The hood never had a place for doubts/ Look at me wearin’ s–t that I can’t pronounce/ Remember Shaq’s was out/ Couldn’t afford the Jordans/ They roasted a n—a in a Carmelitos,” he raps. — MICHAEL SAPONARA
BunnaB, “Bunna Summa”
Produced by Kristof, BunnaB’s “Bunna Summa” should be played a lot as the weather starts to get warmer. The track, and her Ice Cream Summer EP that she dropped earlier this month, have a throwback sound, as the Atlanta rapper tries to recapture that mid-2000s Southern rap energy. Her music sounds like crisp white tees on a summer day. — ANGEL DIAZ
Flo Milli feat. T-Pain, “Gripper”
After welcoming her new baby boy a few days ago, Flo Milli is back with her new single “Gripper,” which samples T-Pain’s 2005 hit “I’m N Luv (Wit A Stripper).” Flo reimagines the track from the female POV and creates a high-energy anthem that celebrates sexual confidence and not settling for anything less than luxury. She’s in control, calling out a lover who’s hooked on her but reminding him she’s not easily impressed: “Better go buy me a AP.” She balances humor and empowerment, talking about wealth (“I had money before you came”) and independence, while playfully threatening anyone who steps out of line. There’s a lot of flexing, but it’s layered with clever wordplay and a refusal to be undervalued. “Gripper” is a sexy, self-assured banger about knowing your worth, setting the pace in relationships, and embracing your allure. — CHRISTOPHER CLAXTON
Sahsa Keable, “Act Right”
Beyoncé-approved British-Colombian singer-songwriter Sasha Keable is back with her first solo single of the year. Produced by Etienne, “Act Right” finds Keable taking a disappointment of an ex-lover to task over wistful piano chords and plaintive percussion. Perusing both her robust chest voice, raspy falsetto and the full strength of her vibrato, Keable delivers some classic R&B vocal showboating, which the subtle background horns complement perfectly. “‘Cause if you loved me/ You would never hurt me/ That’s to put it simply,” she proclaims in the pre-chorus, as she simultaneously internalizes the truth and holds her torturers accountable. After teasing this track for almost two months, Keable’s full joint meets the lofty expectations. — K.D.
Belly Gang Kushington, “Sorry Mama”
Whether it’s selling $100 white tees or stopping traffic for his From The Streets Performance, Belly Gang Kushington hasn’t wasted any time in 2025 making his presence felt as one of Atlanta’s newcomers, as BGK released his The Streets Is Yours project on Friday (April 25) to capitalize on his momentum. With a penchant for 2000s rap, Kushington calls back to Eminem’s “Cleanin’ Out My Closet” for his cathartic open letter coming clean to his mother on “Sorry Mama,” whom he’s only met a couple of times after she left him as a baby. — M.S.
Bruiser Wolf & Nicholas Craven, “Beat the Charge”
Detroit’s Bruiser Wolf sounds like if Suga Free did spoken-word music about selling drugs instead of the trials and tribulations of a pimp. When you mix that approach with Montreal producer Nicholas Craven’s soulful loops, you get something totally unique. Big Wolf is always good for a great quotable, and there’s really nothing like this out right now, making for a fun, fascinating listen. — A.D.
Aaron Page feat. Domani, “Sympathy”
Houston and Atlanta linked up, and the result is one of the best tracks to drop this week. “Sympathy” finds Aaron Page and Domani opening up about vulnerability, regret and longing for emotional connection. The duo admits they’ve been caught up in the streets — a place that’s offered them no real comfort — and that they’ve been outside for too long, disconnected from love and stability. The “streets” here symbolize the harshness of the world they’re stuck in, making them crave something more nurturing. Produced by B100, Musik Major X and Squat Beats, “Sympathy” is about a man wrestling with his lifestyle and emotions, admitting that he misses the love and peace he once had with someone special. — C.C.
Jade Novah, “90’s Fine”
Modern R&B’s fixation on the ’90s can veer on exhausting, but Jade Novah manages to make that obsession feel fresh with her new “’90s Fine” single. Produced by husband Devin Johnson, “’90s Fine” finds Novah floating over a soulful, percussive mid-tempo landscape accented by subtle synths and delicate strings. It’s a meticulous ode to the song’s namesake era, but the contemporary sheen of Novah’s lyricism brings the track into the 2020s. “Give me your love with no filter / Tell me the truth with no filler / Give me a love that won’t change up,” she croons in the chorus. — K.D.
The Bonfyre, “No Sleep”
The Bonfyre has made her highly anticipated return with her cathartic single, “No Sleep.” The Massachusetts native poignantly opens up about her trials and tribulations along the way, dealing with numbing heartbreak and being the victim of domestic abuse. “My heart is mine to control, l and you don’t know what you’re looking for,” she sings. Putting the pain of her journey into music has reinvigorated Bonfyre creatively, and she’s got plenty more in store for the rest of 2025. — M.S.
Tiwa Savage, “You4Me”
On her new single, Tiwa Savage samples Tamia’s 1998 classic “So Into You” to craft a smooth, heartfelt love song about deep emotional and physical connection. She expresses complete devotion to a partner who stands out from everyone else, celebrating the security, stability and undeniable chemistry between them. “You4Me” is about feeling seen, and swept up in a love that’s equal parts passion and partnership. Tiwa’s smooth vocals and playful lyrics balance flirtation with sincerity, making this track feel sweet, sexy and real. — C.C.
It may have been Easter Weekend, but Kendrick Lamar didn’t wait until the third day for his return. After rocking the Super Bowl LIX halftime show with a visually striking set built around his Billboard 200-topping GNX LP, the Pulitzer Prize-winning Compton MC mounted the first show of his sprawling, SZA-assisted Grand National stadium tour. Kicking off the trek in Minneapolis, Minn., K.Dot and SZA treated fans to a nearly three-hour show packed with hit collaborations like their Billboard Hot 100-topping “Luther” and fan favorites from their respective catalogs.
As if launching a stadium tour wasn’t impressive enough, Lamar began the weekend as the first musician featured in a Gatorade commercial (April 18). He ended it as Chanel’s new brand ambassador (April 21). Talk about a victory lap!
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Outside of Kung Fu Kenny, the hip-hop and R&B worlds enjoyed winning returns to form from Wiz Khalifa and Keri Hilson, and Ryan Coogler’s Michael B. Jordan-led Sinners — which includes a new original song from Rod Wave — packed theaters across the country.
With Fresh Picks, Billboard aims to highlight some of the best and most interesting new sounds across R&B and hip-hop — from Leon Thomas and Halle’s heart-wrenching new duet to Sault’s latest inspirational offering. Be sure to check out this week’s Fresh Picks in our Spotify playlist below.
Freshest Find: Leon Thomas & Halle, “Rather Be Alone”
With “Mutt” continuing to scale the Hot 100, Leon Thomas’s foot remains squarely planted on the gas pedal. For his latest single, the Grammy-winning multihyphenate tapped Grammy-nominated singer and actress Halle, whose bright, ethereal tone provides the perfect complement to his bluesy timbre. “I’d rather be alone, rather be alone/ Than in a broken home/ I’d rather be alone/ Tryin’ to do this for the both of us on my own,” they harmoniously croon in the song’s chorus. Deepening Leon’s bag of sultry, soulful, rock-infused R&B, “Rather Be Alone” trades specifically on psychedelic influences; the hazy mix accentuates the emotional turmoil both vocalists embody in their retelling of the monumental choice of personal peace over past traumas. — KYLE DENIS
Naomi Sharon, “The Only Love We Know”
Naomi Sharon is coming to grips that true self-love comes from within. “The Only Love We Know” finds the First Lady of OVO exploring that journey with an ethereal island-tinged tune, which serves as the title track of her upcoming EP. Sharon’s seductive vocals are amplified by a powerful choir. “All I got is pride, do it better/ But this love is a lie/ We can’t hold together,” she sings with clarity. When things don’t work out, the 30-year-old says it’s okay to let go and see the other side. A soothing outro feels like water washing over listeners, getting a new lease on life. — MICHAEL SAPONARA
Estee Nack & al.divino feat. ???, “American Graffiti”
Repping Lawrence and Lynn, Massachusetts, respectively, Estee Nack and al.divino let off their first single from their collab tape Coldest Combo Ever with producer Grubby Pawz, and they brought along ??? (aka The Hidden Character) along for the ride. All three of them of go crazy over Grubby’s production as they spit stream-of-consciousness street raps. — ANGEL DIAZ
Davido feat. Victoria Monét, “Offa Me”
Davido and Victoria Monét link up on “Offa Me” to deliver a sultry, hypnotic Afro-fusion track that blends romantic tension, desire, and emotional openness. It’s a flirtatious conversation between two lovers who want to explore each other on a deeper level, both physically and emotionally. Victoria leads with vulnerability and seduction, singing, “Come and show me what it is that you’ve got to offer me.” She’s asking for more than just surface-level energy, she wants her lover to be fully present. The repeated line “take this off of me” is a metaphor for emotional layers and a literal request for intimacy. The chemistry between Davido and Victoria Monét is heavy, the beat is breezy, and the vibes are all about mutual love, respect, and attraction—a perfect track for the impending warm weather. — CHRISTOPHER CLAXTON
Statik Selektah feat. Westside Gunn, Joey Bada$$, Stove God Cooks, & Rome Streetz, “The Louvre”
Westside Gunn and his Griselda imprint have made posse cuts a thing again, so we can thank him for this Statik Selektah cut, essentially featuring three of the Buffalo label’s artists and Brooklyn’s Joey Bada$$, who has been getting back to rapping more consistently as his acting career has taken off. And shout out Lawrence, Massachusetts, once again, because they’re getting a lot of love on Fresh Picks today with Statik hailing from there as well. This cut is expected to be on the producer’s upcoming project Expensive Taste, due out later this year. — A.D.
Jae Stephens, “SMH”
Ahead of her stint as an opener for FLO’s Access All Areas Tour next month, rising R&B-pop star Jae Stephens has finally shared her highly anticipated “SMH” single. Building on the funky, percussive, Neptunes-evoking sonic template she opted for on 2024’s “Body Favors,” Stephens delivers an anthem for everyone juggling a roster as the summer approaches. “I got Chris, I met online/ Sean ain’t s–t but he so fine/ I might be theirs, but they ain’t mine/ I got so so so so, so many/ Hoes” she sings, nimbly moving from falsetto to conversational talk-singing cadence. Accompanied by a video featuring fellow R&B darlings Maeta and TA Thomas, Jae Stephens is ready for her takeover. — K.D.
Mozzy & Polo G, “Who Want War”
After Mozzy’s “Sleep Walkin” played a role in Black Panther, it’s fitting that the Sacramento native’s Intrusive Thoughts album arrived the same weekend Ryan Coogler released his Sinners blockbuster. A standout from Mozzy’s set narrating his street tales came in the form of a collaboration with Polo G titled “Who Want War,” which found the Chicago resident turning back to the clock with his cinematic assist. Polo gets candid about how even with his lucrative career changing his surroundings, he still can’t escape loss. “Thirty M’s in, still paying for these funerals,” he raps. — M.S.
Planta Industrial, “Oi”
This blew my mind the first time I heard it. Hailing from the Bronx, Planta Industrial is a couple of Dominicans mixing rap with punk rock, and it sounds different and refreshing. The one thing that stands out to me about their music is how Saso and AKA the Dark Knight go from rapping in English to Spanish, so effortlessly. They’re definitely carving out a lane all to themselves. Check out their other bangers “That’s My B—ch” and “Anormales.” — A.D.
Sleepy Hallow, “Girls Like Girls”
Sleepy Hallow’s “Girls Like Girls” dives into the emotional confusion, trust issues, and miscommunication that often come with modern relationships. In the pre-chorus, he admits he bottles up his feelings: “I might tell her I’m not okay but never tell her what’s wrong.” It’s a relatable moment of emotional distancing, fearful that if he opens up, he’ll be judged or misunderstood. Meanwhile, the girl finds her escape by partying with friends, using music and sisterhood as her coping mechanism. “Girls Like Girls” is a moody reflection on how people cope with emotional pain — some through withdrawal, others through escape. It’s a commentary on love in a time where trust is fragile, communication breaks down easily, and the healing process is often messy and personal. — C.C.
Sault, “K.T.Y.W.S.”
Four months after Mercury Prize winner Little Simz sued Grammy-nominated producer and longtime studio collaborator Dean “Inflo” Cover — which she opened up about in a recent Billboard profile — Sault (led by Cover and his wife, Cleo Sol) unleashed their 12th studio album, 10. Released just in time for Easter, the 10-track set is a sumptuous fusion of soul and Christian music, delivering heartfelt affirmations and words of inspiration at every turn. With a blend of disco, gospel and R&B on “K.T.Y.W.S” (a backronym for “Known That You Will Survive”) that recalls Kirk Franklin and the Clark Sisters’ most dancefloor-leaning offerings, 10 certainly isn’t lacking in the bop department. — K.D.
Wiz Khalifa & RMR, “Just to See You Smile”
It’s rare Wiz Khalifa gets vulnerable on melodic tracks, and he wears his heart on his sleeve with the poignant “Just to See You Smile.” Wiz dedicates the first verse to his mother as he opens up about her working two jobs to provide and the times he had to hide dealing weed from her. They’ve come a long way from the days of her driving him to his first shows. Pieced together by a sparkling chorus from RMR, Khalifa then moves into a tribute to his late older sister, who passed away in 2017. “You always showed me love, plus made me tougher/ And now that you gone, I realize I won’t get another,” Khalifa raps. While it won’t gain the mainstream acclaim of Ye’s “Hey Mama” or 2Pac’s “Dear Mama,” it’s one of the most powerful songs in Wiz’s Hall-of-Fame career, and speaks to his maturity and perspective as an artist who’s stood the test of time. — M.S.
Ovrkst. feat Samara Cyn, “Small Talk”
Two of rap’s youngest shining stars, Ovrkast. and Samara Cyn come through with a banger produced by the Bay Area MC himself. “Small Talk” puts their talents on full display as they both bring their unique flows and perspective to Ovrkast.’s laid back production in anticipation of the rapper slash producer’s upcoming project, which some are speculating is entitled While the Iron Is Hot. — A.D.
bLAck pARty, “Distant Lover”
On “Distant Lover,” bLAck pARty delivers a dreamy, nostalgic ode to a long-distance romance that’s heavy on longing and light on drama. The track floats with smooth vocals, as he tries to bridge the gap between himself and someone who’s physically far but emotionally close. In the first verse, pARty paints the picture of an ideal connection — white wine, slow moments, and affection. “Distant lover” is both a term of endearment and a signal that this connection hasn’t fully blossomed because of the space. “Distant Lover” is about that almost-love, that “what if” connection you can’t quite shake. The track wraps that feeling of wanting someone who feels just out of reach into something beautiful and soothing. — C.C.
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.
From the final Dreamville Fest to a beautiful, memory lane-traversing headlining set from J. Cole, this weekend belonged to North Carolina. And after Duke’s devastating loss on Saturday (April 5), that’s the least the universe could do.
In addition to Cole, Dreamville Fest 2025 headliners included Lil Wayne (with Hot Boys and Big Tymers), 21 Savage and Erykah Badu. Tems, Coco Jones, Wale, and GloRilla all delivered stellar sets, while Dreamville stars Ari Lennox, JID, Earthgang, Omen, Cozz, Lute and Bas paid tribute to the label’s history and legacy with each of their performances. Although Cole did not drop new music from his highly anticipated The Fall Off album, two other stars confirmed forthcoming LPs. DJ Swamp Izzo revealed that Playboi Carti’s Baby Boi album is finished, and Ab-Soul spoke to Billboard about Soul Burger: The Odyssey, a separate project from his 2022 LP that continues his tribute to the late Doaeburger.
On the charts, Drake is up to No. 3 on the Hot 100 with “Nokia” following the release of its official IMAX music video. On the Billboard 200, Ariana Grande’s Eternal Sunshine: Brighter Days Ahead deluxe album returned to No. 1, besting Carti’s Music (No. 2) and Lil Durk’s newly released Deep Thoughts (No. 3).
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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 a poignant gospel-infused duet to Jai’Len Josey’s bouncy new single. Be sure to check out this week’s Fresh Picks in our Spotify playlist below.
Freshest Find: Eric Roberson feat. BJ the Chicago Kid, “Where You Gonna Go”
Grammy-nominated crooners Eric Roberson and BJ the Chicago Kid for a gorgeous, soulful new single. Produced by Rodney Jones, the Detroit hip-hop-inflected and gospel-infused track explores moving with life when you’re supposed to instead of forcing harmony where there is only dissonance. “Sometimes you gotta go where love will find you/ I’m not saying leave what you love behind you/ But listen to life and move when it’s time to/ ‘Cause you don’t know nothing of who you were yesterday, but everything of who you are today,” he preaches in the first verse. Marking his first musical release of 2025, “Where You Gonna Go” is a promising start to Roberson’s year. — KYLE DENIS
Ray Vaughn, “DOLLAR Menu”
Ray Vaughn has boldly compared his upcoming album to being his version of good kid, m.A.A.d city, and Kendrick Lamar’s influence can be felt on gripping singles like “DOLLAR Menu.” The TDE rapper recalls the days of starving because “last night I had sleep for dinner.” Vaughn narrates his come-up and reflects on navigating the stresses of his relationships with his parents. He even uses a threatening voice note from his mom to close out the track as she urges her son to pay back some cash he owes. Look for the Long Beach native to paint a picture of his life’s story with The Good The Bad The Dollar Menu when it arrives on April 18. — MICHAEL SAPONARA
Ab-Soul, “Untitled”
Produced by none other than Roc Marciano, Soulo couldn’t wait to share this song dedicated to his late friend Armon “Doeburger” Stringer that will more than likely be appearing on his upcoming project Soulburger: The Odyssey. It’s not available on streaming yet, so the only way to listen to it is on his Instagram account and YouTube for now. Soul’s fans like the track so much, they’re in the comments clamoring for an entire tape from the Carson wordsmith and the Long Island producer on some West meets East sh—t. RIP Doe Burger. — ANGEL DIAZ
Destin Conrad & Teezo Touchdown, “The Last Time”
Destin Conrad & Teezo Touchdown was an unexpected collaboration but based on this new track this won’t be “the last time” they link up. The duo lay their emotions bare with their slow-burning reflection on love that just won’t let go. Over a moody beat, they trace the highs and lows of a relationship stuck on repeat, where every ending feels like déjà vu. The chorus’ aching “D–n, d–n, d–n” says it all —frustration, regret and the weight of knowing things won’t change. Even as they acknowledge the cycle, the pull remains too strong to resist. Their voices glide effortlessly, blending pain with melody in a way that lingers long after the song fades — a sad effect of a relationship gone sour. — CHRISTOPHER CLAXTON
Jai’Len Josey, “New Girl”
To introduce her Tricky Stewart-helmed debut studio album, Serial Romantic, rising R&B star Jai’Len Josey has unleashed its lead single, “New Girl.” Produced by Josey, Herothaproducer, Madness & Michael Barney, “New Girl” blends the bouncy piano chords of ballroom and house with flashes of U.K. garage to decorate the track’s R&B foundation. “Don’t be afraid of my loving, boy/ Giving all of my might / You’re liking what you’re seeing/ So come on, baby, put the fire deep in,” she sings, expertly curating a vibe for the thrill of a new connection this summer. — K.D.
PinkPantheress, “Tonight”
PinkPantheress launches into her next era with an addictive bop. The singer’s first attempt at using a U.K. bassline is a successful one. She even takes a more mature approach while talking about her carnal desires and exploring more explicit themes surrounding romance. “Tonight” boasts a sly Panic at the Disco sample and PinkPantheress takes it back to Bridgerton for a royal party in the visual, which features everything from sweaty makeouts to pillow fights and more. Her upcoming Fancy That mixtape drops on May 9. — M.S.
Sauce Walka & That Mexican OT, “Samsung Screenz”
Produced by Big Duke, Sauce Walka and That Mexican OT deliver another great song that makes me wonder what a collab project from them would sound like. “Samsung Screenz” features that signature smooth Texas sound along with a catchy hook with Sauce and OT in rare form as they continue to show off their chemistry like they did on songs like “Now & Later” and “Check Please.” — A.D.
SAILORR, “Down Bad”
SAILORR dives deep into emotional uncertainty on “Down Bad,” a raw and intimate take on unreciprocated love. She paints a picture of late-night calls, fleeting intimacy, and the lingering ache of being someone’s second choice. The verses mix frustration with longing, capturing the push-and-pull of a relationship that never quite feels secure. All SAILORR wants is matching tattoos, stolen moments, and rides with no destination. Her list of “something that can last” adds weight to the heartbreak, making each lyric hit even harder. “Down Bad” is a bittersweet anthem for anyone caught between holding on and letting go. — C.C.
Joe Kay, Arin Ray & Blackway, “Frontin & Crushin”
Joe Kay, DJ and founder of Soulection, unveiled his debut EP — If Not Now, Then When? — last week (April 4), and it’s stacked with collaborations with several ascendant voices in R&B. Cincinnati singer Arin Ray and Ghanian-American rapper Blackway team up with Kay for “Frontin & Crushin,” a sonic encapsulation of the beginning stages of a crush. Not quite infatuation or obsession, the feeling these three artists sing of is something a bit more innocent, surprising and fleeting. “I saw you comin’/ She got an aura ’bout her something I respect/ We was frontin’, then crushin’ bad/ It was a feeling that I never would forget,” they sing in the intro over Kenzo Slice, Koko and UNKWN’s Afrobeats-indebted production. — K.D.
BigXthaPlug & Bailey Zimmerman, “All the Way”
In a time of division, BigXthaPlug wants to bring us all together. The Dallas native gives fans a taste of country trap with the arrival of his Bailey Zimmerman-assisted “All the Way” single. BigX and Zimmerman might seem like an unlikely duo, but it’s a clean mesh as they ruminate about fractured relationships over guitar strings and kicking drums. BigX has long teased his foray into country and the upcoming EP is set to feature some of his superstar friends, like Morgan Wallen, Post Malone, Shaboozey and Luke Combs. — M.S.
SiR & Maeta, “Out of My Hands”
SiR and Maeta explore love, regret, and the weight of fate on “Out of My Hands,” a soulful duet about a relationship slipping through their fingers. SiR is wrestling with emotional uncertainty, admitting, “maybe one day or someday, [he] won’t wanna run.” Maeta’s perspective adds to the heartbreak, reflecting on love that once felt limitless but now feels out of reach. With dreamy production and emotionally rich vocals, “Out of My Hands” is a stirring ballad about the struggle to hold on when the relationship becomes just a series of chances, and love alone isn’t enough. — C.C.