Fresh Picks
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Drake’s For All the Dogs album — and his subsequent back-and-forth with Joe Budden — took up a lot of airtime this weekend, but the rest of the music world was just as active. As usual, New Music Friday (Oct. 6) unleashed a fresh batch of new R&B and hip-hop tracks to sort through as we count down to the BET Hip-Hop Awards on Tuesday (Oct. 10).
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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 Fivio Foreign’s fiery new drill anthem to Megan Thee Stallion’s swing at hip-hop musical theatre. Be sure to check out this week’s Fresh Picks in our Spotify playlist below.
Freshest Find: Fivio Foreign, “Why Would I?”
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For his first unaccompanied release in several months, Fivio delivers a biting piece of authentic New York drill. With pop-drill — a subgenre that Fivio helped pioneer — topping Top 40 radio and soundtracking the Barbie movie, the skittering snares and staccato flows of New York drill have reached the apex of pop culture. With “Why Would I,” Fivio goes back to basics, as he flexes his real-life successes and achievements in the face of Internet haters, over a menacing drill beat crafted by LS Da Producer and FritzThaProducer.
Megan Thee Stallion, “Out Alpha the Alpha”
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After making a return to the rap scene alongside Cardi B with “Bongos,” Megan Thee Stallion commemorates her foray into film acting with a new song for D—ks: The Musical, a musical comedy based on Josh Sharp and Aaron Jackson’s off-Broadway musical of the same name. More Hamilton than Traumazine, “Out Alpha the Alpha” finds the Hot Girl Coach delivering familiar rhymes serenading women’s independence and power — but this time she adds an extra dose of comedy in her delivery to play on the arrangement’s jaunty piano and horns.
Connie Diiamond & Jenn Carter, “Ghetto & Ratchet (Remix)”
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As two of the buzziest names coming out of the New York rap scene, it’s no surprise that Connie and Jenn have found their way on a track together. On the remix to Connie’s fast-rising “Ghetto & Ratchet,” Jenn delivers a characteristically rambunctious verse full of bars flexing both his street cred and his status as one of his city’s hottest rappers. His high-octane delivery offers a smart complement to the smoothness of Connie’s tone.
Digga D, “TLC”
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On this tender G-funk-inflected track — which incorporates a well-known guitar lick from Soul Mann & The Brothers’ “Bumpy’s Lament,” by way of Dr. Dre’s “Xxplosive” — British rapper Digga D offers an introspective number in which he waxes poetic about needing something a bit more real and human in the face of his fast-moving career. “I know it’s insane / I’m grateful, but I’m kinda tired of fame / I need some TLC, I’m drained,” he spits.
Majid Jordan, “Hands Tied”
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For the latest taste of their forthcoming Good People album, Majid Jordan delivers a vibe in the spirit of Sade. Steady percussion and twinkling keys soundtrack a love story concerned with two loves, for whom risk is the reward itself. “Suspicious, suspicious, dismissive, dismissive, dismiss us, dismiss us/ Love is the answer, love is the message, you know it,” they croon. On this smooth, quiet storm-evoking track, the duo makes the smart choice to prioritize singing straight, instead of over-embellishing the song with runaway riffs.
Mannywellz, “Serious”
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On “Serious,” ManNywellz continues his soulful blend of Afrobeats and R&B. Here, Manny extends the spirit of “no weapon formed against me shall prosper” for a war-ready anthem of resilience steeped in faith. He waltzes across the peppy, percussive beat with swagger and confidence, sourced from his knowledge of God’s protection over his life. “I identify as God’s n—a / No weapon can dance with us / Can’t compete, I got stamina,” he proclaims.
The myriad sounds of the West Indies have captivated the world for decades, from Bob Marley’s all-conquering reggae classics to more contemporary offerings from the likes of Shenseea and Masicka.
In recent years, following a relatively quiet period bereft of proper crossover hits from the region, a number of hit records drawing on contemporary renderings of dancehall and reggae — Byron Messia’s “Talibans,” Ireland Boss & Malie Donn’s “V6” and Teejay’s “Drift,” among them — have made major waves around the globe. That’s not to mention the recent global dominance of reggaetón, a widlly successful offshoot of dancehall’s wide-ranging legacy.
Just as the ’90s and ’00s were pivotal decades of record-breaking crossover success for Caribbean artists, the ’20s are starting to show signs of a mainstream resurgence in that direction. This new generation of Caribbean artists aren’t just building on the foundation of West Indian greats, they’re also subverting traditions by blending elements of dancehall, reggae, soca, calypso, Afrobeats, R&B, hip-hop, gospel, and pretty much every other musical style, into an exciting new frontier for Caribbean music. Along with artists actually living in the Caribbean, a new generation of the children of Caribbean immigrants in cities like New York, Toronto, Miami and London, are also making their presence known with a number of attention-grabbing genre-fusing tracks like Capella Grey’s “Gyalis” and Cochise’s “Buff.”
To help celebrate and honor the storied influence and and ever-increasing diversity of contemporary Caribbean music, Billboard is launching a new, monthly column to highlight 10 of the best new reggae and dancehall (and their cousin genres) songs each month. Of course, as is the case across genres in today’s age, there’s an overwhelming amount of new music released every day, let alone every month. Naturally, this column will not cover every last track, but our Spotify playlist — which is linked below — will expand on the 10 highlighted songs.
Now, to finally kick things off, here are 10 reggae and dancehall tracks that are heating up both our personal playlists and late-night functions from Kingston to Queens:
Millbeatz & Lyrikal, “Blessed Day”
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A standout track from Millbeatz’s new Real Live Riddim project, “Blessed Day” finds Trinidadian artist Lyrikal leaning into the celebratory energy of soca music. With an anthemic hook that rejects the negative energy of doubters and naysayers, Lyrikal rides Millbeatz’ horn-laden riddim with equal parts gratitude and glee. There’s a genuine appreciation for the gift of life coursing through each phrase Lyrikal delivers. Despite the catchy percussion and horns, it is his voice that is the song’s driving force. “So tell them don’t worry, don’t worry about me/ I already prove di people who doubt me,” he proclaims.
Skippa, Najeeriii & Sulfa Ge, “Like Bob”
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Leaning more into the grittier trenches of trap dancehall than the sunny sounds of soca, “Like Bob” — a new collaboration between Skippa, Najeeriii & Sulfa Ge — finds the the three artists expanding on the DNA that connects hip-hop, specifically gansta rap, and dancehall. Their gruff tones pair nicely with the soft piano and twinkling background synths, a contrast that creates ample tension for their high-stakes, shot-calling rhymes.
Nailah Blackman & KANIS, “Follow Follow”
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On this sultry upbeat duet, Nailah and Kanis trade come-hither verses with a whispery, restrained hook that really drives home the slow-burning flirtatiousness of the track. Their alluring vocal tones are natural fits for the production’s intersection of Afrobeats and soca — and Trinidad and Haiti, by way of their respective backgrounds — further showcasing the diversity of sounds present in contemporary Caribbean music.
Bounty Killer & Cham feat. Dexta Daps, “Slow Motion”
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Technically “Slow Motion” was released in May, but it found a home on Bounty Killer & Cham’s Time Bomb album, which hit streaming platforms on Sept. 22, so we’ll bend the rules here a little bit. The name of the game here is texture. Bounty Killer’s rugged tone is worlds away from Dexta’s fluttery falsetto, but when the two are juxtaposed against each other by way of the song’s verse-chorus structure, it makes for a truly dynamic song that breathes even more life into the sexy riddim — especially once the percussion drops out in the last 40 seconds.
Capleton, “Say Them Love You”
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Probably the closest thing to traditional reggae in this week’s column, “Say Them Love You” finds reggae legend Capleton addressing hidden haters who pretend be friends with you while they’re actively praying on your downfall. Ever the animated vocalist, he plays up both the roughest and most tender pockets of his voice, bringing a sense of grounding to his cutting analysis of illegitimate friends and supporters. The new track appears on the Precious Time Riddim (Vol. 2) three-pack.
System32 & Lyrikal, “Stick On”
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It’s fair to say that Lyrikal is on something of a hot streak right now. “Stick On” is the immediate standout of System32’s Sine Wave Riddim three-pack. With its hearty use of snare and tom drums setting the foundation for an ode to a woman who has completely taken over Lyrikal’s mind and heart, “Stick On” is a proper soca song that packs in jaunty chants, an infectious melody and a dynamic structure that moves through various refrains and hooks with reckless abandon.
Popcaan, “Nyqui” (with Anju Blaxx)
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Squarely sat in the heart of modern dancehall, Popcaan’s new collaboration with Anju Blaxx isn’t particularly innovative, but it’s definitely enjoyable. An uninhibited ode to “freaky” women, “Nyqui” uses a simple hook, a reliably smooth melody and an eye-popping music video as a three-story Trojan Horse to respond to a recent spat with Denyque, in which the dancehall artist promoted her hew single by posting a picture of her wearing a t-shirt showing Popcaan (tagged as “somebody’s son”) eating watermelon (tagged as “me”). In the “Nyqui” music video, Popcaan features a plethora of beautiful women seductively chowing down on some watermelon.
Mr. Vegas, “God Out (Enuh)”
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Although a solid chunk of mainstream dancehall prioritizes songs about sex and partying, the genre has myriad foundational topics — including God. On his new single “God Out (Enuh),” dancehall icon Mr. Vegas delivers a heartwarming hybrid of dancehall and gospel as he proclaims that he is “God pickney.” The song is characteristically confident and self-assured, but not from a place of arrogance. “God Out” champions God’s power over Mr. Vegas’ every turn and against all things that attempt to take him off of his destined life path.
Skeng feat. Valiant & Jiggy D, “Loyal Gyal”
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It’s always a beautiful thing when collaborations between massive artists live up to the hype. On “Loyal Gyal,” Skeng and Valiant — alongside Jiggy D — lay down their requirements for “loyal” women. In actuality, these requirements are just the two men trading verses that paint some of their raunchiest and most explicit fantasies. Given that Skeng tends to operate in the gun chune lane, the pivot to this sound and theme is welcome. In addition to the smooth production, both men’s vocal performances — which feature a combination of Auto-Tune and slurring — make for a sonic environment that truly feels drunk on lust.
Nadia Batson, “Market”
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To bring it back to soca, Trinidadian recording artist Nadia Batson delivers a pitch-perfect party anthem with “Market.” Seamlessly combining elements of traditional soca, a mood that carefully balances comedy and seduction and an extended “market” metaphor, the new song harnesses all of the joyous energy that makes soca music so infectious. She commands the track with a powerful vocal performance, assuming a position of control and agency throughout the entire song. “And if you lookin’ for sexy to throw inside a basket/ I am de whole, de whole, de whole blinkin’ market,” she sings winkingly.
Even in the midst of the announcement of Beyoncé’s imminent Renaissance World Tour documentary concert film, there was still an onslaught of new music unleashed upon the world over the weekend. From marquee mainstream rappers to British crossovers, there’s a whole lot of material to sort through.
With Fresh Picks, Billboard aims to highlight some of the best and most exciting new sounds across R&B and hip-hop — including Cleo Sol’s gospel-informed affirmations and Paul Wall’s sleek synthesis of Southern and East Coast hip-hop.
Make sure to check out this week’s Fresh Picks in our Spotify playlist below.
Freshest Find: Cleo Sol, “There Will Be No Crying”
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On this gospel-steeped opener to Gold — her second new album in as many weeks — British singer-songwriter Cleo Sol blends gospel, soul, jazz and ambient music for a transformative rumination on the vitality of emotional resilience. Obviously a nod to Revelations 21:1-4, the song’s lyrics are a practice in affirmation, a paean for freedom and release in a world desperately in need of it. “There will be no fighting/ In a river full of dreams/ Make it better, one thing that I need, is to be free/ Life’s a battle that don’t scare me,” she coos in one of the song’s verses. The Inflo-produced track — which completely eschews typical song structures — delicately balances plaintive piano, bass, guitar, and drums for a serene yet intentional reclamation of inner strength.
Paul Wall & Termanology feat. Bun B & Deandre Nico, “No Apologies”
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Southern hip-hop icon Paul Wall is currently readying his forthcoming collaborative album with Billboard-charting rapper and producer Termanology — due Oct. 13 — and this latest taste from the record promises a set that celebrates Southern hip-hop traditions while pushing the scene in a few new directions. “No Apologies,” which features Grammy-nominee Bun B and Texan musician Deandre Nico, finds Paul and Termanology blending elements of drum-heavy East Coast-nodding production with the slower, more languid vibe of Hoston rap production. The result is a lush ode to the power of ambition, set against of backdrop of Static Selektah’s soulful keys and DeAndre Nico’s commanding chorus.
No Guidnce, “Spicy”
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Something of an all-male counterpart to FLO — the British girl group who broke through in 2022 and currently prepping their debut studio album — No Guidnce is seeking to solidify themselves in a similar manner with their new Spicy EP. Three of the tracks on the EP have already been out for months, but their new single — the groovy, bed squeak-touting “Spicy” — is their strongest attempt at a proper radio single. On the new song, the quartet not only showcases their impressive blend, but they also sell a level of camraderie that’s necessary to sell the idea of a boy band. Moreover, the song’s production keeps them in line with most of the contemporary pop&B landscape without threatening to be a sound that casts an insurmountable shadow of their future releases.
Kenyon Dixon feat. RL, “2000s R&B”
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Grammy nominee Kenyon Dixon released his new The R&B You Love album last Friday (Sept. 29), and the record is a nuanced, heartfelt tribute to an era of R&B that prioritized soul music above all else. Tucked away in the back half of the album is a duet with RL of Next titled “2000s R&B,” a prime encapsulation of all the histrionic no-holds-barred journey through the throes of a romance rollercoaster. “Since you left, ain’t been the same/ Got me singin’ 2000s R&B, all in this f–kin’ rain like/ I wish I never met her, no/ D–n, I wish I never met her,” he croons in the chorus.
Sha EK, “Last One Left”
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This standalone EMRLD & Wizical Beats-produced track finds Bronx rapper Sha EK turning down the bombast and opting for a more introspective vibe. Over an instrumental that’s closer to G-Unit’s luxurious street anthems than his usual dynamic take on New York drill, the “New Opps” rapper reflects on his rise to prominence and pledges to put longevity before cheap thrills. “I be going through s—t, but I’m never gonna fold/ N—a, my momma happy cause she see me growin’ ol,” he spits.
Sexyy Red, “No Panties”
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After making the round-up last week, Sexyy Red returns with a fiery new track for the forthcoming second season of Issa Rae’s acclaimed Max series Rap Sh!t. “I ain’t got no panties on, gotta let this coochie breathe/ Bend that shit over, touch them toes, grab your knees,” the “SkeeYee” rapper spits over YA & Snacks-produced banger that leans more Southern rap than her Midwestern comfort zone. From a booming bassline to steady handclaps, Sexyy delivers a bevy of memorable NSFW one-liners throughout this ode to going commando.
Philly Goats, PGS Spence & Armani White, “Buckle Up (Remix)”
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Before its official release to streaming services, Philly Goats’ “Buckle Up” garnered over one million posts on TikTok. Now, the runaway Jersey club snippet hit has grown into a full-fledged smash, complete with a new remix featuring “Billie Eilish” rapper Armani White. Sometimes, songs that gain their popularity through TikTok snippets can become beholden to those thirty seconds — but luckily, this new remix allows “Buckle Up” to feel like a solid standalone song, instead of a track that you’d only encounter while watching TikToks explicitly participating in the accompanying dance trend. “Man, now cuz all on his lawn and I can’t say I’m not in the car / It’s fully, damn / Now I’m in a jawn with a jar and my jawn don’t know I be drawin’ / You feel me? Damn,” Armani raps over the danceable beat.
Fall is here, and so is a fresh crop of African music releases that’ll help you get into the swing of the new season.
Juls, one of the most sought-after modern Afrobeats producers, tries his hand at palmwine music — which incorporates Portuguese guitars brought from sailors, local West African melodies and Trinidadian calypso rhythms and is named after the traditional homebrew made from the sap of special palm trees — with his latest EP Palmwine Diaries Vol. 1. Rising Nigerian rapper ODUMODUBLVCK also introduces more listeners around the globe to his “okporoko rhythms,” his self-defined genre that blends hip-hop, grime, Afrobeat and progressive R&B.
Meanwhile, young singer Khaid drops another melodic banger, budding superstar Ayra Starr gets more personal than ever (without dropping the energy), BNXN releases another slow-burning single and the fusion of Afrobeats and Latin music continues with another potential hit from Feid and Rema.
We’ve highlighted 10 of our favorite new Afrobeats (and related) songs that have come out roughly within the last month. Check out our latest Fresh Picks, and kick off the new fall season with our latest Spotify playlist below.
Ruger, “Tour”
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The Afro-dancehall star reassures his mother that he’s doing well for himself and he’s only concerned about his money on “Tour,” the trap-tinged opener to his latest album RU the World. Ruger recorded “Tour” while shortly after wrapping up his tours in the U.S., Europe and Canada, and he revealed that his righthand producer Kukbeatz “made this beat in the toilet.” But regardless of where the song was made, Ruger’s here to remind everyone that he’s made it.
Patoranking feat. Zion Foster, “Woman of the Year”
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Following his and Wande Coal’s 2014 Afropop hit “My Woman, My Everything,” Patoranking delivers yet another sweet ode to women who deserve to be celebrated for their everyday contributions to others’ lives. With a sultry verse from British-Nigerian singer Zion Foster, and Dhannyjazz’s sumptuous saxophone leading the production, the Nigerian star serenades the only lady in his life as a way of thanking her for everything she does for him.
ODUMODUBLVCK, “MC OLUOMO”
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The Nigerian rapper gives us a taste of his upcoming EZIOKWU mixtape, due Oct. 6 via NATIVE Records/Def Jam, with his invigorating new single. “MC OLUOMO” first samples a video of a fan jokingly taunting the MC by yelling “Odumodu, on your feet, run!” after the fleeing MC during an event at Lagos State University (LASU). But his hustle, even in the literal sense, comes from his hard work, and he wouldn’t be able to get to the bag without it. ODUMODUBLVCK delivers this message over a flamenco-esque drill beat, a taste of his unique “okporoko rhythms.”
Juls, “Palmwine Riddim”
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British-Ghanaian producer Juls set out on a mission to bring his Ghanaian motherland back into the conversation about African popular music with his six-song set, Palmwine Diaries Vol. 1. The first single, “Palmwine Riddim,” is a lilting, laid-back instrumental that pays homage to highlife’s jazzy horns, and even though it incorporates Juls’ harmonies, he lets the music do most of the talking and solidifies its timelessness.
June Freedom, “Say Salud”
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The Cape Verdean American artist’s newest single deserves a toast. “Say Salud” is as refreshing as the Dom Pérignon, DeLeón or whatever drink you should be sipping on while getting lost in its irresistible rhythm. “Go-golo, go-golo, go-golo, ah/ You cool my temperature/ Making me sweat like you drippin’ agua/ Hamduli-hamdulilah,” Freedom sings, mesmerized by the way a woman moves (because who could stay still to this song?).
Khaid, “No Time”
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Khaid is not reinventing the wheel, but the teenager’s output this year is full of earworm melodies that are irresistible, and his voice has an emotional maturity beyond his years. “No Time” continues his hot streak, which dates back to 2022, and it’s a worthy addition to a catalog that is growing with one formidable banger after another. It should be exciting to see where he goes from here.
BNXN, “Sweet Tea”
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BNXN’s work this year has included a series of slow burners, and this one fits the bill as well, with an understated, almost wistful vocal propelled by contemplative production. But his songs often have the ability to fly under the radar until you wonder what, exactly, you’ve spent all day humming, only to revisit them and realize you’ve connected with them on an almost subconscious level. His songs demand repeat listens, and the rewards more than not reveal themselves.
Feid & Rema, “Bubalu”
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The fusion of Afrobeats and Latin music, in the broader senses of each, has been steadily gaining in popularity for months now, and this collaboration between two young yet established hitmakers from each sector was always likely to spark interest. But the result is something special, a danceable backbeat with vibes that are through the roof, which should find a home on plenty of dance floors even as the weather gets colder. This heralds a strong future for collaborations like these.
NSG, “NELLA ROSE”
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The latest single from the London-based six-piece group has plenty of energy and a fusion vibe, bringing in some amapiano drums to a distinctly British flair, and combining a wordless singalong hook with rapped verses in this cut named for the famous Belgian YouTuber. With a debut album out next month, the group has plenty more where that came from.
Ayra Starr, “Rhythm & Blues”
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After a breakout year-plus, the young singer decided to show off a more vulnerable side on her latest single. But don’t look at it as a simple R&B love song — there’s plenty of spark and even an urgent vibe to this one, as she sings about the type of relationship that provides energy and creativity rather than stress or anxiety. Perhaps the best thing about Starr’s growing catalog is that there are no limits to her sound — she’s succeeding on her own terms. This one reinforces that notion.
Between Megan Thee Stallion and Beyoncé’s first live performance of “Savage,” a new LP from Doja Cat, and friction between Drake and Charlamagne tha God, it’s been a characteristically hectic week for hip-hop — but there’s also been some excellent music released over the past seven days. With Fresh Picks, Billboard aims to highlight some of the boldest and most exciting new sounds across R&B and hip-hop — from Sexyy Red’s ode to dreads to moody R&B midtempos from TA Thomas and Jean Dawson & SZA.
Be sure to check out this week’s Fresh Picks in our Spotify playlist below.
Sexyy Red, “Shake Yo Dreads”
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The Hood Hottest Princess continues her year-long streak of grimy bangers with this delightfully rowdy ode to dreads. Stuffed with hooks at every turn, Sexyy effortlessly embodies the spirit of Waka Flocka Flame with her seemingly endless arsenal of party rap bangers. “F—k the opps, f—k the opps, f—k the opps/ You the cops, you the cops, you the cops/ Gimme top, gimme top, gimme top/ “B—h, I’m hot, b—h, I’m hot, b—h, I’m hot,” she chants over the Kat Lightning & AyoCBass-produced beat. Words to live by.
Jean Dawson & SZA, “NO SZNS”
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Fresh off a pair of collaborations with Drake (“Slime You Out”) and Justin Bieber (an acoustic “Snooze” remix) last week, SZA returns with a featured turn on Jean Dawson’s “NO SZNS.” Built around a dry acoustic guitar and shimmering reverb-drowned background synths, Jean and SZA deliver a wistful, plaintive ballad about the ever-present warmth of California. Somewhere between Frank Ocean’s “Biking” and the guitar-centric soundscape of Steve Lacy’s Gemini Rights, “NO SZNS” is perfectly engineered for a late-night drive.
Byron Messia, “Mad Dawgs“
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Still riding high off the global success of his breakout summer hit “Talibans,” Byron Messia keeps the momentum going with the new single “Mad Dawgs.” Released alongside the announcement for his forthcoming Sad & Famous album, “Mad Dawgs” finds Byron relaying snapshots of life in his native St. Kitts over his now-signature blend of soulful ad-libs, a nimble dancehall flow, and a percussive beat that combines elements of Afrobeats and traditional dancehall drum patterns with a touch of piano.
Chris Patrick, “Slide On Me”
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Over an unassuming arrangement, anchored by acoustic guitar and accented by lush strings and 808s, Chris Patrick coasts across “Slide On Me” with an air of effortlessness that’s truly captivating. The laidback production and his prickly high-speed flow shouldn’t work together as well as they do. “And she wanna slide on me/ Take the night off and ride with me/ Is you down? Take a dive with me/ 21 questions, I’d ask you right now/ Is you down to die for me?” he sing-raps — a pitch-perfect lead into cuffing season.
JELEEL!, “GFU!”
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JELEEL! has basically become synonymous with zany, rambunctious bite-sized bangers, and that formula remains intact on “GFU!” Across what is essentially an interlude, JELEEL! squeals, whines, shouts and raps over this rage rap-meets-Jersey club banger about, well, getting f–ked up. He’s somehow able to teeter on the very edge of absolute mania for the entirety of the track, never slipping too far in either direction. From the way he plays with different pockets of his voice to the way he warps his intonation to match whatever studio filters are put over his vocals, JELEEL! harnesses a special balls-to-the-wall energy that holds the song together.
Karri, “Lemonade”
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So far in 2023, Karri has kept fans enthralled with his slow-burning heaters, including “Only U” and “3 AM in Oakland.” Fresh off a newly-inked deal with Interscope, he drops off his sweet-sounding record “Lemonade.” Scripting sugary lines like, “She’s a tall glass of lemonade/ She’s exactly what I need,” Karri looks to mesmerize his female listeners with his dulcet delivery on this latest release.
TA Thomas, “Bad for Me”
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After releasing a fistful of songs, including “June 15,” “W.I.A.(Where I’m At),” and “Pros and Cons,” singer TA Thomas goes on a full-fledged exploration of love, self-discovery, and healing on his debut EP Caught Between 2 Worlds. From dealing with an internal tug-of-war on “Bad for Me” to combating trust issues on “Truth Is,” TA Thomas carves out a soul-stirring effort for his rookie project.
New month, new week, new Fresh Picks. We’re starting September off with a range of sounds by vets like JID, Lil Yachty, Jorja Smith and Baby Tate as well as newcomers Chase Shakur, Ama Lou, Tisakorean and midwxst. A good mix of rap and R&B to help you lock in and power through this short work week.
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Don’t forget to share the wealth and check out our September Fresh Picks (so far) in the Spotify playlist, linked below.
Freshest Find: BlakkBoyz, JID & Lil Yachty, “Van Gogh”
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This week’s freshest find goes to new duo BlakkBoyz, aka J.I.D. and Lil Yachty, who just dropped a heater of a two-pack called BlakkBoyz present Half Doin Dope/Van Gogh. “It’s Lil Boat and JID, as far as your eye can see/ You know what I’m sayin’, it’s water on me/ You feel me, you get that?/ You got that? Is that understood?” Yachty asks in the beginning.
The Atlanta rappers join forces here for “Half Doin Dope” (feat. BabyTron) and “Van Gogh,” where JID does what he does best — flexing his cadence and crisp delivery — while Yachty continues to delve deeper in his rap bag. The latter has been on a hot streak all year, releasing his acclaimed psych-rock album Let’s Start Here. in January and his TESLA EP last week. JID has also been working this year, touring with Smino and securing synchs in a Coca-Cola commercial and in Creed III.
Jorja Smith, “Falling or flying”
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Jorja Smith is continuing the rollout of her upcoming album falling or flying (out Sept. 29) by releasing its stripped-back title track. “I don’t really have an in between. I’m either happy or sad, obsessed or completely unfocused, up or down,” she told Billboard last month. “I feel like I’m flying in my career, and then other times, I feel like I’m falling because the pressure can feel [like] too much.” The new record sees her trying to find balance as she embraces womanhood and all that comes with it.
Tisakorean, “Rando”
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Tisakorean keeps a bando and doesn’t talk to randos. Sonically and visually, the Houston rapper has made a name for himself online for being silly and putting an equally amusing spin on the early 2000s southern rap aesthetic via big and tall tees, oversized jeans/shorts and doing classic dances that defined that time period. On “Rando,” he leans into the early ’00s ringtone sounds, rapping over basic production embedded with cell phone beeps and claps
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Baby Tate is in the middle of New Jersey, crying in the club. The rapper-singer is the latest artist to capitalize on the Jersey Club sound, and she is doing so with her family in tow. Her mother, grandmother, aunt and cousins make an appearance in the song’s video, which was partly shot at the Lower Trenton Bridge. “You left me feeling busted/ I had to call my cousins/ They flew me out and got me drunk,” she sings, with them in cheering in the background.
Chase Shakur, “exit 65”
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Expanding on his 2022 EP It’ll Be Fine — which explored the ups and downs of a tumultuous romance — Chase Shakur is now sifting through the relationship’s aftermath on it’s not you, it’s me…it’s love. The EP is the deluxe edition of his it’s not you, it’s me project that he released earlier this summer and includes three new tracks: “nite,” “exit 65,” and “you’re so lovely.” With “exit 65,” the Def Jam newcomer is on the way to his ex-lover to save face.
midwxst, “ready for you”
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midwxst wants to “see my name on Billboard before the year ends.” The 20-year-old is making a second appearance in Fresh Picks this week for his new “ready for you,” the outro track on his new album E3. The 12-song record tells the story of a character named E3, narrated by midwxst, who provides listeners a path forward through relationships, identity formation and the internet.
Ama Lou, “Played Me”
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Ama Lou’s new album I Came Home Late is the project she knew she needed to make. “It’s definitely the most personal music I’ve ever released,” she says in a press statement. “I dove deep into my songwriting origins for parts of the album. ‘Bad Weather’ was written at the age of 12, but I wrote most of these songs on the fly. It’s a good reflection of my range as a songwriter and my life over the past few years.” Standout track “Played Me” sees the London-raised singer accepting the fact that she’s been played, though she won’t go down without a fight as she promises that the “investigation will continue.”
The summer may be winding down, but the Afrobeats release schedule has barely let up — and August has proven to be another big month, with major albums from superstars like Burna Boy and Olamide, plus EPs from Uncle Waffles and Kelvyn Boy, among others.
And that hectic schedule of great new music is unlikely to end soon, with forthcoming albums from the likes of Teni and Muzi — both of whom also have new tracks out this month — on the way, among many others. Before the Headie Awards this weekend — airing Sept. 3, with Burna Boy, Asake and Rema leading the nominations — there’s plenty of new music to check out.
We’ve highlighted 10 of our favorite new Afrobeats (and related) songs that have come out roughly within the last month. Check out our latest Fresh Picks, and find your new end-of-summer soundtrack with our Spotify playlist below.
Uncle Waffles feat. Tony Duardo, Manana & Lusanda, “Echoes”
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The “princess of amapiano” returns with her second EP Solace, a tranquil, ethereal experience compared to her “very upbeat and explosive” debut EP Asylum, she described in a press release. Its lead single and first track, “Echoes,” envelops listeners in an array of mesmerizing harmonies from eSwatini-born singer Manana and South African singer Lusanda about wishing to patch up an old relationship (“Echoes/ ‘Cause this heart is hollow/ Empty from the hole you left,” Manana croons), and scintillating production from Waffles and frequent collaborator Tony Duardo.
Muzi, “eMtunzini”
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South African artist and producer Muzi plans on traveling down memory lane (in his family’s Toyota Cressida) for his upcoming album uMuzi, due Oct. 13 via Fool’s Gold Records. But for his first stop, the sun-soaked lead single “eMtunzini,” Muzi retells his parents’ love story, and his own origin story, while weaving in between his native Zulu and English. The impassioned, exhilarating house production and deep vocals repeating “Feel like we’re a vibe/ Feel like we should spend more time” make “eMtunzini” a prime addition to anyone’s roadtrip playlist.
Lord Afrixana feat. Firefly, “Pillow”
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After writing for Beyoncé, Davido and more, rising Ghanaian singer-songwriter Lord Afrixana is making a name for himself on his Protect the Culture/Warner Records debut Ghana Must Go. On highlight track “Pillow,” he comforts his love interest by promising to be the kind of man her ex never was while Firefly challenges whether he’s ready to provide the kind of loving she requires in her arousing retort.
Black Sherif, “YAYA”
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From the Ghanaian rapper’s introspective two-pack Take Care of Yourself Blacko, the single “YAYA” tells the story of strife, staying true to oneself despite the fame and success and searching for peace through the lens of Black Sherif’s alter ego, “a rebel who gave fate a chance and is in search of healing,” according to a press release.
Burna Boy, “City Boys”
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Move over City Girls, because Burna has something for the “City Boys” on his latest album I Told Them…. He starts the Jeremih-sampling track with audio from British rapper J Hus’ Instagram story, where he dismantles his “ugly” perception of himself and rather praises himself as “sexy.” The monologue sets the tone for the braggadocious anthem, where Burna blends his signature Afro-fusion with U.S. hip-hop (that’s amplified throughout the album as well as in his “City Boys” TikTok challenge). He even acknowledges fans’ misinterpretation (“I need a boat and shy hoes”) of his chant-worthy chorus from last summer’s smash “Last Last” (“I need Igbo and shyo”), proving that the Nigerian hitmaker’s fingers remain on the pulse of what’s hot in the culture.
Burna Boy feat. Seyi Vibez, “Giza”
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On an album in which he reaches across the Atlantic more than ever, it’s the song where he links up with Nigerian street king Seyi Vibez that stands out the most. There’s something about the distinct style that Seyi has been delivering over the past 18 months that is both raw and engaging, and Burna taps into his soundscape to deliver one of the best tracks on I Told Them… It may not have the U.S.-leaning pop appeal of other records on the project, but it’s arguably the most captivating.
Olamide, “Problem”
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If Unruly, as he’s threatened, is Olamide’s last album, it’s both a triumphant finale and a shame that he won’t continue to deliver tracks like the single “Problem” — one of the best distillations of his strengths that he’s put out across his illustrious career. Produced by Magicsticks, the beat itself is infectious, and Olamide’s delivery, particularly on the hook, is carefree and effortless. It’s easily the best track off the album.
Olamide, “Life Goes On”
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Unruly can be broken down into three parts — two five-song solo sections from the YBNL boss that bookend a slew of top-shelf collaborations. And the back end of the album has a number of tracks that stand out and tie the whole project together — “Supplier” and “Street Jam” could easily be included here, too — but “Life Goes On” is another of the best tracks of his career, combining his melodic flows and rapped verses, and serving as a farewell of sorts if this is, indeed, his final project. Let’s hope that’s not actually the case.
Kelvyn Boy feat. Babyboy AV, “Roma”
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Ghanaian singer Kelvyn Boy has a history of slipping effortlessly through various genres, and “Roma” sees him dipping into highlife styles for a breezy track that could be the perfect send off to the summertime. The major key instrumentation gives it an irresistible quality, and it’s an easy highlight off his great new EP For the Kulture.
Teni, “Lanke”
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Sometimes it feels like Teni can do everything; all three singles she’s released this year are wildly different from each other, and each are great in their own way. The latest, “Lanke,” is the most carefree and outwardly joyous, as expressed in its hook and its gleeful new music video, out today. “Feel good, regardless of what life throws at you,” she said about the track. “Omo Lanke is someone that owns a wheelbarrow. You never see a person that owns a wheel barrow drive straight. Good or bad, we stay pushing, we don’t stop, we keep going. We appreciate the good, we learn from the bad.”
Temperatures are dropping but the R&B/hip-hop heat still persists. This week we’ve got a collection of songs by genre-benders (Omar Apollo and Tai Verdes), emerging rap stars (Luh Tyler, Audrey Nuna and Big Bratt) and an R&B staple (Kyle Dion) to help you power through this last week of August.
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Don’t forget to share the wealth and check out our August picks in the Spotify playlist, linked below. Stay tuned for September!
Freshest Find: Omar Apollo, “Ice Slippin”
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This week’s freshest find goes to Omar Apollo for “Ice Slippin,” his emotional ballad about the time he came out to his family. “‘Ice Slippin’ is about reliving the thoughts I had passing through my mind the winter I came out to my family,” Apollo shared in a press statement. “Receiving cold judgment as opposed to the acceptance I felt I deserved. This song is a reflection and reaction of all the emotions I had to face before and after I decided to leave the icy streets of Indiana.” “Ice Slippin” will appear on Apollo’s upcoming EP Live for Me (out October 6).
Luh Tyler, “Rapper of the Year”
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“I ain’t never wrote a song, no, I don’t need no pad or pen,” is the boastful intro line to Luh Tyler’s new track “Rapper of the Year.” The Florida teen rapper has been making a name for himself in rap with his witty bars and quivering flow. “Rapper of the Year” is the intro track on his new three-song EP ROTY.
Tai Verdes, “All White”
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Tai Verdes’ “All White” is a bass-forward track inspired in part by what he describes as the “second-generation Black mindset of putting culture on your shoulders and moving forward.” The California artist has mastered making light and airy pop songs, though “All White” arguably slightly crosses into R&B territory with its groovy bass line.
Kyle Dion, “Boyfriend Jeans”
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Leaning fully into R&B is Kyle Dion, whose new single “Boyfriend Jeans” seamlessly infuses his creamy falsetto with funky 2000s R&B elements. After taking a full year off following the release of his 2022 deluxe album SASSY, the L.A.-based crooner is back with a song “about a fling with a girl and getting caught in an ever-endless cycle of toxicity between her and her boyfriend,” he shares in a press release. “Every time they fight and break up, she’d come running back to me.”
AUDREY NUNA, “locket”
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Audrey Nuna samples the late rapper Huey’s 2006 hit “Pop, Lock and Drop It” for her new single “locket.” The New Jersey rapper also pays homage to late French filmmaker Valentin Petit, who passed earlier this year and directed the song’s video. “When it came time to build out the visual universe for my new project, I came across Valentin’s name through my friend and reached out online. After two months of preparing over the phone, we shot ‘locket’ in Paris in April of 2023… it was a surreal week,” she shares in a statement. “Even though I only knew Valentin for a sum of three months, I found in this short time that everything that drew me to his videos clearly stemmed from the blueprint of his soul and who he was at his core.”
Fridayy, “Stand by Me”
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On his self-titled new album Fridayy, the baritone Philly singer is telling his story as well as the story of those around him. “It’s a project for us, by me,” he says. “I want people to connect to their experiences as they hear mine. I’m talking about hope and inspiration as much as I’m talking about trials and tribulations. You can’t talk about the dream without talking about the pain. Those life aspects are universal, so I’m hoping it touches as many people as possible as they see themselves in me.” Standout track “Stand By Me” hears him backed by a choir, crooning about righting his wrongs and wishing for his people to sticky by him through thick and thin.
Big Bratt, “Real Stand Up Bxtch”
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Big Bratt had to “cut them hatin’ b–ches off ’cause they had different visions” — rightfully so. The Chattanooga, Tennessee rapper proved that she’s a “Real Stand Up Bxtch” on her new single which was released under Slaughter Gang Entertainment (21 Savage) and Boominati Worldwide (Metro Boomin).
Happy Monday! As we inch towards the end of summer, you can count on this week’s Fresh Picks to keep things hot. From the R&B sounds of Jessie Reyez (with Miguel), Samaria and Dylan Sinclair, to rap bops from 4TUNAT, Larry June and Lil Darius (with Nardo Wick) — we’ve got something for every moment of your week.
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And of course, don’t forget to check out this month’s Fresh Picks (so far) in our Spotify playlist, linked below.
Freshest Find: Jessie Reyez feat. Miguel, “Jeans”
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Jessie Reyez and Miguel “fit better than a pair of jeans.” The two join forces here for a sexy, stripped-back collab about a couple being each others’ better halves. “You fit, like your mama made you just for me, baby/ Stroking making me forget to breathe, baby,” Reyez sings. “Jeans” is the singer-songwriter’s first offering since her sophomore album, 2022’s Yessie. She is gearing up to release her first poetry book, Words of a Goat Princess, in the fall. Meanwhile, Miguel has been rolling out music of his own ahead of his new album, also due this fall.
Samaria, “Tight Rope”
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Samaria’s “Tight Rope” was created from a place of uncertainty for the Bay Area singer-songwriter, who brings listeners on a journey of losing herself, then discovering her self-worth on her own terms. “‘Tight Rope’ was a final plea to make something work at the time that was showing me exactly why it absolutely would never work,” she shares in a press release.
4TUNAT feat. Destroy Lonely, “LOOK AT IT GO”
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4TUNAT proves his synergy with Destroy Lonely on their new track, “LOOK AT IT GO.” “ The Geffen Records newcomer is carving a lane in Atlanta rap’s scene with his glitchy, high-energy SEE YOU SOON EP, on which this collaboration appears.
Dylan Sinclair, “Fly Girl”
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Dylan Sinclair only likes fly girls. While he makes his preferences known, the song marks a sonic expansion for the JUNO-winning artist, who first gave listeners a glimpse into his sound with his 2022 EP, No Longer in the Suburbs. “Keeping this girl ‘round me, I like the way that she talk/ Sending me playlists straight to my phone, she putting me on,” he sings in a soft falsetto.
Lyfe Harris, “Sunkiss”
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“When you’re alone, does the sun kiss you just like me?” asks Lyfe Harris. The Atlanta singer likens his love to the sun’s warmth, delivering an infectious hook and lingering chorus. With “Sunkiss,” Harris captures the essence of intimacy with a bit of a nostalgic touch, as he uses a talk box effect for his vocals.
Larry June & Cardo, “The Good Kind”
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Catch Larry June “looking at the ocean, eating smoothie bowls.” The Bay Area rapper links with Cardo Got Wings for “The Good Kind” — a typical West Coast-feeling track where June raps about riding his bike while maintaining his “street n—a” attitude.
Lil Darius feat. Nardo Wick, “Lamborghini Boys”
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Known for crafting hits for Drake and Travis Scott, Memphis producer Tay Keith connects with Georgia upstart Lil Darius for his new song “Lamborghini Boys,” featuring Nardo Wick. The two rumble through Keith’s trunk-rattling production seamlessly, racing to the finish line with their unmatched wit. “Fine, she lookin’ like GloRilla, eat it like Tianna Trump,” spits Darius. The rapper and producer duo’s forthcoming mixtape, Young & Turnt, drops later this month.
Hip-hop officially turned 50 years old late last week, but it’s never too late to celebrate the genre that has soundtracked Black life in America over the past five decades. With Fresh Picks, we intend to highlight those next up in R&B and hip-hop, and this week we have a range of sounds to do so — from R&B rhythms by frex, UMI and Elmiene to rap anthems by DavidTheTragic (with Kenny Mason), Devin Malik and Headie One.
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Don’t forget to check out our August picks so far in the Spotify playlist, linked below.
Freshest Find: frex, “Hoodie Back”
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frex wants her hoodie back ASAP. The Pennsylvania native details a situation that’s all too familiar — the classic story of someone keeping a memento following the end of a relationship. “When the love dries up, I want my s–t back,” she shared on the inspiration for the new single. “I made ‘Hoodie Back’ with [artist/producer duo] Mulherin and [producer/songwriting duo] Trackside. I wanted something with open instrumentation, and they were in the mood for early 2000s drums, so we meshed it together.”
UMI, “happy im”
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“I wrote this song to remind myself to stop running from love — that life is meant to be sweet. Think less, love more,” wrote UMI. On “happy im,” gentle acoustic guitar glides over a stripped-back drumbeat while the Seattle native’s emotionally charged delivery enchants as her lyrics seamlessly flow between Japanese and English. “Happy I’m falling for you. Happy I love myself too,” she sings, serenading her partner and herself.
Äyanna, “Say You Love Me”
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“Say You Love Me” is an anthem for love. The R&B/pop fusion relishes in Äyanna’s knack for combining those sounds along with soul and beyond. “‘Say You Love Me’ is my favorite song in the project. To me, it feels like the perfect stadium love song to sing,” she shares. “I wanted to know what an R&B ballad would sound like if it was inspired by ‘Sunflower’ by Post Malone, which was one of my favorite songs at the time. Every time I hear or sing this song, it takes me back to where I was when I wrote it — experiencing love for the first time.” “Say You Love Me” will appear on her upcoming EP.
Elmiene “Mama”
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Elmiene returns with a new confessional track, “Mama.” Co-written and produced with Sampha the track sees the Oxford-based singer baring his soul as he reckons with his imperfect existence, asking: “Would you mourn a sinner mama? Could you love my demons mama?”
DavidTheTragic feat. Kenny Mason, “Let’s Play”
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DavidTheTragic and Kenny Mason are a dynamic duo. The two linked again for their new single “Let’s Play” where the former raps about playing the game when it comes to modern hookup culture. Mason slides in around the 35 second mark, rapping about being on a mission to go out with the money.
Devin Malik, “LINK DUCKER”
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Devin Malik is a link ducker, or one who ducks links. On the self-produced hi-hat and clap heavy new track, the California rapper/producer sounds off for two and half minutes about not taking s–t from anybody and getting money. “Barely touch my phone because it always be something/ Unless it’s ’bout some bread, then like Miss Tubman, I’m running,” he raps.
Headie One, “More Money More Problems”
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Produced by long-time collaborator M1OnTheBeat and Deggzy, “More Money More Problems” is the embodiment of Headie One’s street-smart lyrics. On the drill track, he recounts his journey from the streets of Tottenham to rap superstardom, while paying homage to The Notorious B.I.G. and Nipsey Hussle.