Fresh Picks
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Another Monday, another round-up of the freshest picks of the week. From smooth, late-night R&B to upbeat, 808-filled rap anthems, this list is bound to have a track suitable for every moment of the next seven days.
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This week, listen to the sounds of Lola Brooke, Navy Blue, Venna, Deb Fan and more. And of course, don’t forget to share the wealth with our Spotify playlist, linked below.
Freshest Find: Khamari, “On My Way”
On “On My Way,” Boston singer Khamari details his journey to new beginnings. The tender new song is dedicated to the musician’s cross country move to Los Angeles, which he made during the pandemic. “I packed everything I owned into my car and drove across the country,” he says in a press statement. “‘On My Way’ is a song about my move, my confidence in knowing I was making the right decision starting fresh so I could build something from the ground up.”
Navy Blue, “Chosen”
“Chosen” is Navy Blue’s poetic major label debut. The L.A. rapper raps about being “overseas with Mr. Dave Chappelle and brother Yasiin [Bey] in Paris” and his journey on the way to turning 30. The Def Jam signee delivers the boom-bap track ahead of his forthcoming project due out later this year.
Lola Brooke, “So Disrespectful”
Brooklyn’s own Lola Brooke is no one to play with. The fast-rising rapper delivered a grim new track called “So Disrespectful” where she brings her signature big gator energy. Once again, Brooke shows off her booming voice over bass-knocking production for her first release since signing to Arista Records.
Neru Thee Fourth Fugee feat. BbyMutha, “End Daze”
Baltimore meets Atlanta as Neru Thee Fourth Fugee and bbymutha link for their new single “End Daze.” The track sees two women rap powerhouses tag-teaming as they share confident bars and infectious wordplay. “The song was inspired by MF Doom and Vince Staples, while the title itself is a double entendre on ‘end days,’ referencing a catastrophic end-of-the-world event, and ‘in daze’ connecting those moments when you find yourself lost inside your thoughts,” explains Neru in a press release. “End Daze” is a glimpse into her upcoming sophomore album Greater Than, set to be released this summer.
Connie Diiamond, “Move”
Connie Diiamond is a force to be reckoned with. With “Move,” the rapper added a Bronx spin to Ludacris’s 2002 hit “Move B–ch.” She originally performed the song on BlockWorktv a few months ago, though “Move” got its official release last week via Def Jam.
Hudi, “Top B–ch!“
It’s got a little bounce to it, and sometimes, that’s all you need. By way of Washington Heights, rapper Hudi revived this self-produced cut from four years ago with a new hook and verses, starting off strong with the smirk-inducing line, “I would really drop my weight to fight a bad b–ch battles.” And really, what more could you want?
Halima, “VEHICLE”
Halima’s latest offering, “VEHICLE,” is one of those cuts that gives listeners exactly what they want, when they want it. Starting off with a groovy Hush Forte-produced guitar loop, trap drum pattern and rap cadence, the Brooklyn-based artist flows seamlessly into a falsetto hook and alto second verse, transfixing listeners from the jump.
B. Cool-Aid feat. Liv.e, Jimetta Rose & V.C.R, “soundgood”
Ahead of their upcoming album Leather Blvd., B. Cool-Aid dropped single, “soundgood” and it sounds, well, you know. Perfectly composed for a slow Saturday driving up the PCH, the cut embodies laid back elevation, an indication of the utopian March 31 project to come from the dynamic Long Beach duo.
Deb Fan, “Run My Mind”
A perfect union of hard and soft, Deb Fan’s “Run My Mind” features the Hong Kong-made songstress’ silky vocals coupled with staticky drums and deep synths. On her first single of the year, Deb Fan ruminates over unrequited love, baring it all for the one who runs her mind.
Venna feat. JADA, “Tam Tam”
Venna has been on a roll. For the third single from his upcoming project EQUINOX, he enlisted singer JADA who delivers tantalizing vocals overtop the soulful instrumental. “My love don’t depend on/ If you ain’t hands on/ I would prefer you were straight up/ Turning friends into strangers,” she repeats amidst a waterfall of piano melodies.
Spring is upon us and the emerging and underground class of R&B and hip-hop acts have all the tunes you need to get ready for the fast-approaching equinox. From the moody sounds of Jordan Ward and 6lack to bouncy rap cuts from Pap Chanel and Young Nudy, our round-up is sure to have something for every music lover.
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Feel free to share the wealth with a friend, using our Spotify playlist linked below.
Freshest Find: Jordan Ward, “Pricetag/Beverlywood”
Jordan Ward’s Lido-assisted song “Pricetag/Beverlywood” earns this week’s Freshest Find spot. The song is a standout track from his new album, Forward. Overtaken by moody chords, the first half of the song transports listeners as Ward sings, “That’s my currency, when you break down you often turn to me/ I been a–ed out in emergencies/ And never got the same from you or urgency.” The track then transitions into “Beverlywood,” an acoustic tale of hardship and growth referencing the time Ward was temporarily uprooted due to an emergency.
slowthai, “YUM”
On his latest project, UGLY, slowthai reveals to listeners the grueling life lessons he has come to learn with unapologetic vulnerability. The U.K. master storyteller is known to wield his power through gripping visuals and raw lyricism, with “YUM” proving to be no exception to the rule.
Elli Ingram feat. Mahalia, “Fool’s Gold”
Singer-songwriter Elli Ingram bares it all on her latest offering, “Fool’s Gold.” Assisted by fellow U.K. artist Mahalia, the Amy Winehouse-inspired vocalist tells her lover she’s fed up over a slow groove singing, “It don’t mean s–t/ If you don’t kiss my lips.”
6LACK, “Since I Have a Lover”
“This took longer than I promised,” opens 6lack on his latest release — a spoken word titled “A Letter to My Fans”– adding, “but some promises are meant to be broken.” After a five-year hiatus, the Atlanta hometown hero announced his upcoming album alongside the recited letter and title track single, “Since I Have a Lover.” The song is reflective of a new chapter for the critically acclaimed singer-rapper, as he free-falls through a gray and rainy sky into a dilapidated home. “Since I have a lover, no more lonely nights/ The type of love that you supply, can’t televise,” he declares overtop a breezy pop beat.
Shann Aberdeen, “Prayers 4 You”
Canadian singer Shann Aberdeen’s latest offering envelops listeners in warmth and care, the singer dedicating “Prayers 4 You” to “everyone who’s ever shared their love with me, and for those I’ve ever felt compelled to share mine with.” Aberdeen, who formerly sang back-up for artists including Daniel Caesar and Don Amero, shows undeniable vocal prowess on the irresistible and timeless R&B cut.
Pap Chanel, “Left, Right”
If you want to be pretty and paid, take a page out of Pap Chanel’s book. Luckily, the budding Atlanta rapper is handing out free game on her latest offering, “Left, Right.” The track carries a militant theme, as Pap Chanel lets it be known that she’s keeping everyone in line.
THEY. feat. Yung Bleu, “In the Mood”
Dante and Drew are a dynamic duo. The two paid homage to ‘aughts’00s-era R&B in the video for their new Yung Bleu-assisted single “In the Mood.” “We wanted to make something smooth that still had that knock to it, kinda like the uptempo joints that Donell Jones was known for back in the day,” the duo says in a press release. THEY. also announced the upcoming album Nü Moon is slated for release on April 7.
Avenoir, “Moral”
“Moral” is the latest addition to Canadian singer Avenoir’s catalog of druggy, tell-all ballads. The song is the new artist’s first release of the year, and he’s preparing to release his debut project in the near future.
Kenny Mason, “Avatar”
On his new EP 3, Kenny Mason gives us a glimpse into the new sounds he’s approaching. “Each song has an intentionally distinct sound to highlight a different concept,” he says in a press statement. “These are essentially my three favorite songs made after RUFFS. Enjoy :)” “Avatar” is the glitchy, hi-hat and bassline-driven rap offering from the EP’s trio of tracks.
Young Nudy, “Brussel Sprout”
“Brussel Sprout” is the bold new intro to Young Nudy’s new album Gumbo. The East Atlanta rapper has a knack for amusing song titles, and here he raps about — what else — making money.
It’s Monday and we’re back with the latest and greatest in emerging R&B and hip-hop. This week, we highlight heat by newcomers like Ayelle, Wes Denzel and rum•gold, as well as from more established names like Don Toliver and Meriba. And of course, don’t forget to share the wealth with our Spotify playlist, linked below.
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Freshest Find: Don Toliver, “Honeymoon”
The collab we never knew we needed? Don Toliver and Kaytranada. The duo — both savants in their own right — joined forces on Toliver’s latest album Love Sick, delivering an out-of-the-box deep cut that seeps with replay value. The pairing brings out under-explored sides of both artists, leaving fans begging for Toliver and Kaytra to book a few more studio sessions together.
Ayelle, “Sweet Spot”
Ayelle’s soft new single “Sweet Spot” is “on behalf of every woman who’s sexuality has been and/or continues to be suppressed.” The Swedish-Iranian singer celebrates female pleasure on the song, as she’s also using it to heal from her own traumas. “As a woman, I’ve had to work through a lot of trauma to reclaim my sexuality and my right to receive pleasure from sex,” she writes in a press release. “My hope is that more and more of us will heal and find joy and power in receiving pleasure.”
Uncommon People, “Had Enough”
Alt-R&B band Uncommon People is sick of routine. On their new single “Had Enough,” the group declares that they’re done with their monotonous lifestyle and are “ready to live the lives of true artists,” as they explain in a press release. The dance-R&B mix will appear on their upcoming project, Peace, I’m Out, which is due out April 6 and will be their final EP as a group.
Wes Denzel, “Some Know”
“Some Know” is Wes Denzel’s bouncy ode to Houston. The new song showcases the San Antonio-based rapper’s charismatic flow and witty rhymes and acts as the first glimpse into his upcoming EP Last Night in Houston. Denzel was inspired to create the project while driving around the Texas city. He also tested each version of the album in the car before landing on the perfect one. “A lot of writing in cars and experimenting on records with the format. A lot of it was just feeling and keeping that feeling,” he says about the process.
Jnr Choi, “Hate Me as You Love Me”
Jnr Choi seems to be no stranger to making hits. On his new drill-injected song “Hate Me As You Love Me,” the Gambian artist merges his smooth, melodic vocals with lyrics outlining the realities of an unconventional love story.
Enchanting feat. Layton Greene, “Tell Me Why”
1017’s Enchanting pairs up with Layton Greene for the extended version of “Tell Me Why.” Crippled by their beaus’ infidelities, the ladies are restive when spilling out their grievances. “Tell me why, oh why? Tell me why do n—as lie/ More than once or twice/ They can’t compromise,” sings Enchanting on the hook. “Tell Me Why” resides on Enchanting’s Luv Scarred / No Luv (Deluxe), including features by Jacquees, Seddy Hendrinx and more.
Jozzy, “Alone”
The Diddy signee and songwriter extraordinaire has dropped her debut EP, Songs for Women, Free Game for N—as on Love Records, featuring standout track, “Alone.” Co-directed by Mike Oberlies and Diddy himself, the visual shows Jozzy galavanting through Paris on her own, as a faraway lover questions her interest. “I don’t wanna be in this world alone/ I really need someone to call my own,” she croons overtop the R&B beat.
LAVI$H, “World in My Hands”
Exuding emotion through his poignant tone, Toronto singer LAVI$H reflects on love and life’s pressures on “World in My Hands.” The OVO signee doesn’t hold back, reaching for sky-high falsettos and showing off his vocal chops overtop a modern day D’Angelo-esque beat.
rum•gold feat. Mereba, “Water My Heart”
Emerging R&B is having quite the week. Atop an outpouring of tranquil piano melodies, Brooklyn-based rum•gold delivers “Water My Heart,” a single sure to cast away the Sunday scaries. The track is pure bliss, a Mereba feature tying together the perfectly transportive offering.
To kick off 2023, Billboard launched a new, monthly Afrobeats column to keep you up to speed with the fast-rising stars coming out of the African continent and soaring across the globe. Burna Boy, Tems and Rema performing at the 2023 NBA All-Star Game halftime show in Salt Lake City, Utah this past weekend is proof that African artists will only continue to expand beyond their borders and push beyond Afrobeats’ traditional boundaries — incorporating hip-hop, amapiano, R&B, jazz, soul and just about everything else into a melting pot that, for lack of a better overarching term, we’ll still refer to as Afrobeats.
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We’ve highlighted 10 of our favorite new Afrobeats (and related) songs that’ve come out within the last month. Love’s certainly in the air this season, from Pheelz’s feel-good, romantic jam “Pheelz Like Summer” to Khaid’s sweet ode “Jolie,” and decisions on what to include or not have been particularly tough — Rema, for example, just dropped two new tracks, though neither made the list here. Check out our Fresh Picks, and don’t forget to tap into our Spotify playlist below so you can catch a vibe with us.
Tyla, “Been Thinking”
Epic’s latest signee Tyla clearly has love on the brain, as evidenced by her latest single “Been Thinking.” The 21-year-old singer’s otherworldly pop and R&B sensibilities blend with her native South African amapiano in this slinky earworm that’ll have you wishing you were grinding on the love of your life in the middle of the dance floor before going home with them. “I’m just praying that [African music] keeps going the way it’s going. I feel like all eyes are on us right now,” Tyla told Billboard earlier at the Recording Academy Honors Black Music Collective event. “It’s a huge opportunity for us to now take it and run with it. We’ve been wanting this for a long time, so it’s about time.”
Pheelz, “Pheelz Like Summer”
Fresh off the success of his single “Finesse,” Pheelz delivers his Warner Records debut EP Pheelz Good, which is precisely how it makes you pheel. On the highlight track “Pheelz Like Summer,” the award-winning Nigerian producer-turned-singer gushes over a girl whose radiant smile makes him feel so warm inside that it reminds him of summer – even if it’s still only February. The sensual sax intro and buoyant beats evoke the warmer season, while Pheelz ushers in a season of love every time he coos, “Ooh-ooh-ooh/ Ooh-ooh-ooh, ooh-ooh.”
Stonebwoy, “More Of You”
Def Jam’s latest signee Stonebwoy begs his girl to give him “More of You” in his sultry latest single. The Ghanaian Afropop/reggae artist clearly can’t get enough of her, pleading with her to dance with him to a spellbinding rhythm – courtesy of Grammy-nominated producer Supa Dups – that we can’t get enough of. Ultimately, Stonebwoy becomes so mesmerized by her beauty in the animated visual that he succumbs to her like the Biblical forbidden fruit and ends up naked in a garden like Eden.
Tayc, “Success”
The Cameroonian-French crooner makes listeners swoon with dreamy scenarios and explicit rendezvous details that just roll off the tip of his French mother tongue with his latest album, ROOM 96. On the highlight “Success,” Tayc reflects on a woman who can’t handle his success and its side effects (like extra eyes on her), continuing to assuage her with sweet nothings that’ll make anyone’s ears tingle. Yet the ultra-sexy production of “Success” glosses over Tayc’s biting outro: “You’re just not ready for this, you should let me know/ ‘Cause, um, basically my life ain’t gonna change for you/ I, I love my life/ I love my place and I’m not gonna move anything for anybody.”
Michaël Brun feat. Oxlade, “Clueless”
Haitian DJ/producer Michaël Brun teams up with the “KU LO SA” Nigerian singer on the infectious Carribbean-Afro-fusion collaboration “Clueless.” Oxlade delivers a chant-worthy chorus with his enunciation of the track’s title, while he toys with the idea of loving a girl who’s equally his “antidote and poison” over Brun’s laidback beats. “Working with Oxlade was such an honor,” Brun says in a press release. “The operatic elements of his voice and the ways in which he uses harmonies and layers are what make Oxlade who he is — a true legend.”
Asake, “Yoga”
Asake has been on a heater for almost a year now, peaking with his debut album Mr. Money With the Vibe last September — and he hasn’t slowed down his output since, with “Yoga” his latest single to make waves. There’s a comfortable, soothing vibe to the track that comes across in his vocals and belies the lyrics, which stress the need to protect against things that will disrupt your peace — and the hook is a balm to alleviate such stresses. “Yoga” is the calm in the midst of a firestorm, a perfect song for imperfect times.
Khaid, “Jolie”
More than a simple love song, “Jolie” has melodies that pile on top of each other to get stuck in the mind and get stronger as the track goes on. Relatively new to the game — his first project of any kind was a six-song EP from last year, titled DIVERSITY — Khaid is still a teenager, and still developing as an artist, but “Jolie” shows there’s a lot of promise and talent that’s already there, with a world of possibility ahead of him.
Spinall feat. BNXN & Stefflon Don, “Oshey”
First things first — this DJ Spinall album has been spinning out phenomenal singles for about a year now, including his collaborations with Adekunle Gold (“Cloud 9”) and Asake (“Palazzo”), both of which initially came out last year. Now that the full project, titled Top Boy, was released Feb. 17, there’s more to dig into, with this collaboration with BNXN and Stefflon Don a particular highlight, showcasing all the different styles that weld together this diverse and compelling project. (But seriously, listen to “Cloud 9” and thank us later.)
BNXN, Kizz Daniel & Seyi Vibez, “GWAGWALADA”
A reference to an area of Nigeria, “GWAGWALADA” brings together three of the most intriguing Afrobeats artists from the country in BNXN, Kizz Daniel and Seyi Vibez, each bringing their distinctive vocals and styles to mesh seamlessly over the laid back, feel-good production by Sarz. BNXN has thrived in the last few years via collaborations with the likes of Wizkid, Burna Boy and Pheelz, and “GWAGWALADA” adds another flawless team-up to his growing discography.
Young Jonn feat. Olamide, “Currency”
Young Jonn has stepped beyond his producer title and has been dropping a series of infectious singles of late; “Xtra Cool,” released last October, probably should have been in this column last month, but “Currency” is another worthy entry. Longtime collaborator Olamide comes through to switch up the vibe, but it’s all additive, making this another insistent earworm of a record.
It’s Monday so you know what that means: new Fresh Picks! This week we’ve handpicked the sweetest releases from emerging R&B/hip-hop acts to fulfill your every need during this Valentine’s week.
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Whether you’re in love, scorned, or unbothered, tap into the best of this week’s releases, featuring artists like Rini, Baby Rose, Daniel Caesar, Kash Doll and more — and don’t forget to share the wealth with the Spotify playlist of this month’s picks below.
Freshest Find: Daniel Caesar, “Let Me Go”
Daniel Caesar is on a roll(out schedule). After releasing the pleading “Do You Like Me?” the Canadian alt-R&B crooner is back with another win, “Let Me Go,” presumably setting up an upcoming album. The track centers Caesar’s signature thick-layered harmonies and ever-present organs, reflective of his church upbringing. “Let Me Go” is an acceptance of defeat when it comes to love, a hard pill to swallow for everyone. Luckily for listeners, Caesar conveys the depleting pain of heartbreak with the utmost care, beauty and replay value.
Rini feat. Bibi Bourelly, “My Luv”
Rini drops off a sexy single in time for Valentine’s Day. “My Luv” is rooted in traditional R&B, built around a bluesy guitar and a warm bassline that sets the tone for an after-hours escapade. The song is the Filipino-Australian’s singer first song of the year.
Nnena, “Dayedreaming”
On “Dayedreaming,” Nnena has to go. The rising neo-soul singer samples Aretha Franklin’s 1972 song of the same name (styled “Day Dreaming”), singing about the cycles of love and ultimately concluding that self-love is the best type there is.
Baby Rose feat. Smino, “I Won’t Tell”
On “I Won’t Tell,” Baby Rose sounds like we’ve never heard her before. The singer-songwriter is playful and bold on the funky new track, an intentional move as she ushers in a new sonic era and celebrates her newfound sense of self. Rose tapped Smino for the song and also announced Through and Through will be released on Apr. 28. “‘I Won’t Tell’ is a fun record that came out of a sleepless night in L.A. jamming with friends,” she says in a press release. “When I began to write it out, I wanted to embrace my own chaos, my shadows. Then Smino slid into it effortlessly and that’s just what this song is, effortless.”
Central Cee, “Me and You”
Central Cee is no stranger to sampling past hits. The U.K. drill rapper surprise-dropped a new single called “Me and You” where he samples Donell Jones’s “Shorty (Got Her Eyes On Me).” Cench taps into his romantic side, rapping “your love is a contagious feeling” and “what’s mine is yours/ it’s not me, it’s us.”
Jordan Ward, “Cherimoya”
Jordan Ward likens his crush to a rare fruit on “Cherimoya.” A bonus track from his upcoming debut album FORWARD (out March 3), the acoustic song is a sweet ballad like its title suggests.
Babyface Ray feat. 42 Dugg, “Ron Artest”
“Live in the flesh, Ron Artest/ Counted me out, came back, I’m a champ,” raps Babyface Ray, paying homage to the basketball icon. The laid-back single is performed in true nonchalant Detroit fashion, but where the delivery is quiet, Ray and 42 Dugg’s confidence is loud. “4 Pockets Full and they ain’t CMG/ Put the music to the side, b—h, I’m signed to the streets,” declares Dugg atop the bouncy synth loop.
Saint Harison feat. Tiana Major9, “homies”
Shining a spotlight on U.K. artist Saint Harison’s rich tone, “homies” captures hearts both sonically and lyrically, as the singer-songwriter uncovers the story of a friendship that went too far. “I think we should’ve stayed homies/ Shoulda never let you in/ Now I’m in my feelings/ I really wanna go back to being just friends,” Harison belts. Joined by Tiana Major6, the pair captivatingly deliver the heartfelt regret of crossing a romantic line that leads to losing a friend.
Kash Doll feat. Peezy, “HEAVY”
At long last, she’s back. Detroit’s leading lady of rap, Kash Doll, delivers a heavy punch with the release of her latest album, BACK ON DEXTER: A GANGSTA GRILLZ MIXTAPE, following a four-year-long hiatus. While tracks like “OH BOY,” featuring a plethora of the city’s finest stand out, “HEAVY” takes a less-is-more approach, the new mom enlisting rising rapper Peezy. Sonically, the track is perfectly Detroit, as Kash taps into heavy braggadocio, rapping, “I just made a hundred chillin’ in the crib restin’/ If you can’t walk on water, you can’t do s–t to impress me.”
Lance Skiiiwalker, “Where to With You”
After seven years, avant-garde multi-hyphenate Lance Skiiiwalker returns with his latest album, Audiodidactic. The project is tailor-made to soundtrack a variety of experiences, drawing on environmental sounds and ambient elements that define the Chicago native’s eccentric sound. “Where to With You” combines elements of jazz, hip-hop and R&B, a perfect addition to any music lover’s playlist.
Happy Monday! Before we get lost in the whirlwind of Grammy Week, we’re here to highlight some of the best new music by emerging R&B/Hip-Hop artists from the past couple of weeks. Rap girlies like Gloss Up, Kari Faux and Flo Milli caught our ears this week along with smooth cuts by JGrrey and Maesu. Don’t forget to spread the wealth with our Spotify playlist, linked below.
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Freshest Find: Cordae feat. Anderson .Paak, “Two Tens”
Overtop a nostalgic hip-hop beat produced by none other than J. Cole and Grammy-winning producer Dem Jointz, Anderson .Paak opens “Two Tens” vivaciously, declaring, “Two friends and they both tens, lookin’ nice/ Too bent, I should call it quits but I’m not.” Both .Paak and Cordae toss the mic back and forth perfectly, displaying enviable synergy that leaves fans craving more collabs from the lively pair.
Gloss Up, “Head, Shoulders, Knees, Toes”
Gloss Up is on your head, shoulders, knees and toes. The nursery rhyme-inspired standout track appears on the rising Memphis rapper’s debut mixtape Before the Gloss Up — which also houses her single “Bestfrenn,” featuring real-life best friend GloRilla. The Quality Control signee is carving a lane for herself in the rap game, and is already proving to be a mainstay with her bars and wordplay, highlighted here.
JGrrey, “Theirs13”
With “Theirs13”, rising U.K. singer JGrrey touches on her various complexities through vocals similar to that of Macy Gray. The intoxicating single is a hazy meditation on love, identity, adoption and the transitional periods she’s faced as an artist and person, as she ponders the same question throughout: “Who am I?”
Taylor Hill, “i want you to know.”
After earning credits with big names like Justin Bieber, BTS, Summer Walker, producer/songwriter Taylor Hill is honing in on his own artistry. His funk-inspired new single “i want you to know.” explores the dichotomy of his personal point-of-view and God’s, sprouting from an argument he had with his now-wife at church.
Jordan Ward feat. Ryan Trey, “White Crocs”
“White Crocs” is the second single off of Jordan Ward’s upcoming debut album FORWARD. The rising singer tapped fellow St. Louis native Ryan Trey for the Lido-produced track, which sees the two trade thoughts on balancing a relationship while satisfying a partner’s expensive tastes. FORWARD, which will be released March 3, holds layers of significance for the artist both artistically and personally. “FORWARD, not only pushing our sound and creativity, but pushing to evolve and break cycles,” Ward says of the album title. “FOR WARD, a dedication to my family and our future. FOUR-WARD, my fourth project, but also a FOREWORD in my story being the debut album!”
Kari Faux, “Me First”
Kari Faux is putting herself first … as she should. “Me First” sees the Arkansas native expressing über-confidence as she delivers a self-love bop to set the tone for all the girls this year. Faux is one of many rap girls running laps around their male counterparts right now, with “Me First” being the latest addition to her arsenal.
TRAETWOTHREE, “Outside Like This”
On the precipice of Grammy Weekend, Cali upstart TRAETWOTHREE scripts a gripping tale set at a Grammy party, which could double as a Tyler Perry flick. “Outside Like This” is a cautionary tale about TRAE running into his ex-girlfriend at the awards-week festivities. The biggest blow? Seeing her chat it up with another dude right in front of his eyes.
Flo Milli feat. Lola Brooke & Maiya the Don, “Conceited”
As if the original wasn’t epic enough, Flo Milli’s “Conceited” is back, with a few new it-girls. Enlisting buzzing Brooklyn newcomers Lola Brooke and Maiya the Don, Milli breathes new life into her viral summer 2022 anthem. All three distinct voices shine through, from Milli’s theatrical tone to Brooke’s husk and Maiya the Don’s laid back approach.
Maesu, “Sex on GPS”
“Sex with me on location please/ I’ve been away for weeks,” croons L.A.-based singer, songwriter, and producer Maesu, providing a simple enough plea to catch the attention of listeners. The afro-fusion number is smooth and sensual with tons of replay value thanks to Maesu’s addictive flows and Tejiri Akpoghene’s silky production.
midwxst & Denzel Curry, “Tally”
Indiana rapper midwxst channels his inner Old Hollywood crime boss in the visual for his latest single, “Tally.” Produced by Charlie Heat and Kennedy Sabin and centering latin guitar and horn melodies, the track’s emphatic production adds to the visual’s theatrics, perfectly underscoring midwxst and Denzel Curry’s loaded verses.
Last May, Billboard launched its U.S. Afrobeats Songs chart, highlighting some of the best music coming out of the African music scene and impacting listeners in the States. But we’d been paying increasing attention to what’s been going on there for several years now, and the heightened attention has only helped shine a light on a growing generation of performers and songwriters. These rising artists are not only pushing the genre forward, but expanding it beyond its traditional boundaries — incorporating hip-hop, amapiano, R&B, jazz, soul and just about everything else into a melting pot that, for lack of a better overarching term, we’ll still refer to as Afrobeats.
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To help celebrate the growing influence and diversity of the music that’s coming out with increasing frequency, Billboard is launching a new, monthly column to highlight 10 of the best new Afrobeats (and its relatives) songs in a given month. That doesn’t mean there aren’t plenty more where these came from — and, for this first column, we’ve pulled some of the best songs from the last few months of 2022 to help kick things off in 2023 — but here is the first collection of some of our recent favorites, with a Spotify playlist at the end to help you get into the vibe. So without further ado, here are 10 Afrobeats tracks that are catching our ears already this year.
Libianca, “People”
Libianca’s breakout single “People” is a stirring cry for help that has been echoing throughout TikTok and reached No. 2 on U.S. Afrobeats Songs. She offers listeners raw insight into her mood disorder Cyclothymia by constantly questioning “Did you check on me? Now, did you notice me?” with soothing, supple vocals and tinkering bells that buoy Libianca from feeling low. From competing on season 22 of NBC’s The Voice to signing with RCA Records and producer Jae5’s 5K Records, the Cameroonian American singer-songwriter is giving Afro-soul music a global platform.
Tiwa Savage and Asake, “Loaded”
Tiwa Savage and Asake take shots at their haters on “Loaded,” one of the highlights from Empire’s first-ever African compilation album Where We Come From, Vol. 1. The self-praising track blends theatrical string arrangements, amapiano’s syncopated breakbeats, gospel choral melodies and rap’s braggadocio, signature sonic ingredients from Asake’s successful debut album Mr. Money With the Vibe. The African Bad Gyal complements his swagger and addresses a leaked sex tape from last year by deflecting her defamers and teasing, “Na who never f–k, hands in the air!”
Burna Boy, “Alone”
The African Giant feels powerless and begs God not to abandon him in “Alone,” his standout contribution to the Black Panther: Wakanda Forever soundtrack. Burna Boy kicks off the track with his siren-like humming before sorrowful strings and his desolate vocals take over the verses. And while the chorus translates to a cry for help, empowering harmonies and triumphant percussion back Burna up and make him sound less alone.
Aya Nakamura, “Baby”
Malian-French singer Aya Nakamura prides herself on being the apple of someone else’s eye on her new single “Baby,” which was released ahead of her fourth album DNK. “Because I’m his baby, wants to be my daddy,” she flaunts in her robust, native French vocals. Nakamura also flaunts her prowess, coordinated gal pals and Y2K-inspired fashion in the accompanying music video.
Ruger, “Asiwaju”
Afrobeats newcomer Ruger boldly crowns himself “asiwaju,” or champion in Yoruba, in this guitar-driven, melodic offering. The 23-year-old Jonzing World signee rejects his Gen-Z label and promises to “bring hell to anybody wey try test me” in his sharp-tongued bars, deceptively coated with his syrupy vocals. Ruger also looks effortlessly cool while parading around the city with his namesake flag-waving crew and schoolkids in the accompanying visual.
Kizz Daniel, “RTID (Rich Till I Die)”
A breezy, infectious melody; a confident, carefree hook; a major key pop feel: What’s not to like? Kizz Daniel has been growing in popularity for a few years now, with his latest a perfect mood for a summertime afternoon — “I live the life that I love/ I love the life that I live” — that has the type of staying power to last into those months. With the release of its music video two weeks ago, it makes its debut on U.S. Afrobeats Songs at No. 29 on the chart dated Jan. 21, with the promise of warmer days ahead.
Teni, Mayorkun & Costa Titch feat. Ch’cco, “MAITAMA”
Teni had one of the best albums of the year in 2021 in her debut Wondaland, a lush collection of songs that established her as one of the brightest voices to emerge in the past few years. “MAITAMA” picks up right where that album left off, with an earworm of a melody and a propulsive beat that provides a platform for guests Mayorkun, Costa Titch and Ch’cco to leave their stamp. If this is a precursor to a sophomore album, there may already be an early contender for the best of the year.
Zinoleesky, “Personal”
Zinoleesky first caught our attention with his show-stopping verse on Lil Kesh’s 2022 hit “Don’t Call Me,” and his latest EP Grit & Lust, released just ahead of Christmas, is a welcome introduction to a new rising talent out of Nigeria. The whole project is worth checking out — a particular shout out to “Yan Yan Yan” — but “Personal” is another standout from the project, with a clean production leaving the singer/rapper to establish a thesis statement of sorts, and a promising future of what’s to come.
Seyi Vibez, “Alaska”
Seyi Vibez broke out last year with his Billion Dollar Baby album, introducing a fresh voice to the scene. But his five-song Memory Card EP is something else entirely: less produced, more insistent, with a raw feeling as if it simply spilled over from the street onto the record. “Alaska” is as good a representative of the project as any; its stripped-down instrumentation relies more on layered vocals and a stray flute than it does on anything traditional, as it bores its way into the memory almost involuntarily. An absolutely original voice.
Victony & Tempoe, “Soweto”
This song has been around for a minute now, but the song’s smooth, danceable beat, produced by Tempoe, is too infectious not to include here. The track peaked at No. 15 on U.S. Afrobeats Songs towards the end of last year, but its vibe has it leading playlists into 2023, while its playful lyrics and catchy melody have seen it stick around for months on the charts, with no signs of it going anywhere.
As 2023 unfolds, the new music continues to pour in. We’ve sifted through what’s new this week in R&B and hip-hop so you don’t have to, and rounded up the very freshest releases that are sure to last in your playlist for years to come. From the drill rhythms of Bizzy Banks to French language afro-fusion from Aya Nakamura, we’ve got every sound you need to power through the good, the bad and the ugly this week.
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Don’t forget to share the wealth with your friends through our Spotify playlist below.
Freshest Find: Wesley Joseph, “Hiatus”
Wesley Joseph is pushing through growing pains on his first offering of 2023, “Hiatus.” The rising U.K. musician and filmmaker artfully combines downcast chords with somber lyricism and a chilling falsetto for a climactic song about “a teenager talking to his future self and his future self talking back,” he says in a press statement. “The [first verse] perspective is from my angrier and darker teenage self, caught in a small town and needing an escape,” he continues. “It felt like a time capsule moment, and gave me the context to write the second verse as I feel in the present – clearer and more empowered.”
Eem Triplin, “Walked In”
Eem Triplin cuts through the haze of “Walked In” with his signature rasp and infectious lyrics. The self-produced new single mixes submarine radar-like bells with undertones of distorted 808s, as he raps about being rich and strapped.
03 Greedo, “Hype”
Upon his recent release from prison, 03 Greedo wasted no time feeding his fans. Last week, the LA rapper surprise-dropped a 14-track mixtape called Free 03. Entirely produced by Mike Free, standout track “Hype” sees the newly freed rapper delivering a quick freestyle over the phone from jail.
Aya Nakamura, “Baby”
On her new single “Baby,” Malian-French artist Aya Nakamura knows she’s the prize. The singer pairs the new release with a Y2K-esque video, donning colorful makeup and matching cropped sets. The French-language R&B-Afrobeats fusion single about her being the object of a man’s desire is the second single off Nakamura’s upcoming album DNK.
ALLBLACK feat. Curren$y, “Pelicans”
“New Orleans to the Bay, love, it always been that way,” spits veteran rapper Curren$y on Oakland MC ALLBLACK’s new single “Pelicans.” The P-Lo-produced track is extremely bass-heavy, with claps littered throughout, making for a laid-back Bay Area bop.
Malik Baptiste feat. Snoh Aalegra, “All You Need to Know”
With his latest single featuring Swedish-Iranian R&B crooner Snoh Aalegra, Malik Baptiste delivers a touching ode to home with uplifting lyricism atop meticulous, eclectic production. “When I left home, I did so quietly and without many updates on why or what I’ve been up to,” Baptiste shares in a press release. “Relaying this message of love through Snoh, I’ve set out to reconnect with my loved ones and propel myself forward into goals I’ve set for myself.”
Chiiild feat. Lucky Daye, “Good For Now”
Alt-pop/R&B fusion looks great on Chiiild and Lucky Daye. After the Montreal indie act hopped on Daye’s Candydrip deep cut “Compassion,” the singer and group join forces again on “Good for Now.” “Good For Now” strikes a hard-to-achieve balance between conflicting romance and lightness, a song you can vibe out to on a long drive and maybe shed a pensive tear. (Or not.) The track serves as a single in advance of Chiiild’s upcoming album, Better Luck in the Next Life, and it leaves listeners hopeful for the March project.
Bizzy Banks, “Ok Ok Ok”
New York drill artist Bizzy Banks delivers a nonchalant anthem with “Ok Ok Ok.” It’s the 24-year-old Brooklynite’s first single of 2023, which could prove to be a promising year, despite impending charges following his 2022 arrest. Later this month, Bizzy will be joined by Shawny BinLaden for a Gramercy Theatre set, where we’re sure the thumping beat and catchy verses of “Ok Ok Ok” will reverberate through the crowd.
Armani White feat. Denzel Curry, “GOATED”
Armani White is here to prove he’s no one-hit wonder. Following the massive success of his viral single “BILLIE EILISH” and subsequent release “DIAMOND DALLAS,” he’s back with reinforcement on “GOATED.” The Denzel Curry-assisted track is energetic and addictive, with White seen training with none other than ultimate GOAT, Floyd Mayweather Jr., in the single’s video. “GOATED” is a bouncy trap offering, thickly coated in braggadocio and the playful energy we can expect without fail from White.
Jane Handcock, “Layin Next to Me”
It’s hot, it’s sweaty, it’s summer in January. Jane Handcock’s “Layin Next to Me” seeps sunshine, a funky R&B offering from the rapping, singing phenomenon. The hook delivers a simple, relatable refrain: “You should be here laying next to me/ Phone off, do not disturb.” The Oakland native gently serenades listeners with this soon-to-be Sunday morning classic.
New year, new picks. After all the unforgettable drops of 2022, we’re starting off strong in 2023 with the best cuts from this year’s emerging acts. From burgeoning talents like Ice Spice and redveil to longer-standing favorites like Kamaiyah and Trash Panda, we have an array of sounds help you achieve all of your New Year’s resolutions.
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And of course, don’t forget to share the wealth with our Spotify playlist, linked below.
Freshest Find: Trash Panda, “Doin’ Fine Today”
Thanks to Trash Panda’s latest single, we’re doing fine today, too. The band has dipped into a number of different genres over the course of their catalog, and this feel-good cut draws influence from ’70s funk and soul sounds — making for a perfect soundtrack to the week, and to the start of 2023.
Fresco Trey feat. Brezay, “Pull Up”
There’s something in the water in Memphis, and newcomers Fresco Trey and Brezay are adding to the city’s rich swagger with their new single “Pull Up.” Produced by Jeff Williams, the song is built on heavy bass with choir undertones, as the two bounce off of each other’s boastful bars with adrenaline-powered flows. “My inspiration for ‘Pull Up’ really came from the vibe of Memphis,” Trey explains in a press release. “We invited some local artists to come to the studio and vibe out. When I heard the beat, I jumped in the booth. Then my homegirl Brezay hopped on and killed it!”
Kamaiyah, “Thru the Week”
Kamaiyah is one of one. On her bouncy new single “Thru the Week,” the Oakland mainstay asserts that everyday she’s hustling and getting money. As she should. “Thru the Week” follows the rapper’s recent project Keep It Lit, which was released back in December.
CJ Fly, “Have Knots”
On “Have Knots,” Brooklyn rapper CJ Fly reflects on his life and ascent as a musician. “We all that we got/ Used to dream about the day I see us all at the top/ I got goals of being rich because I was a have not/ My life’s a movie and my story, it’s all part of the plot,” he raps over a NasteeLuvzYou-produced beat. The Pro Era/Beast Coast member also teased a new project to come in April, tweeting, “if you not a fan by February, you will be by April #FLY23.”
Dende, “Sensually”
The intro track to his new EP Before We Crash, “Sensually” finds Texas-born newcomer Dende totally in love. The rising singer stretches his vocals in old-school R&B fashion, crooning that his lover is the centerpiece of his dreams.
redveil, “2daside”
Where redveil is from, they do it “2daside.” The PG County, Maryland native channeled his inner child for this self-produced new single, which finds him racing tricycles with his friends, playing with sidewalk chalk and cosplaying as Bob Ross to paint the Maryland state flag.
Young DrA feat. NLE Choppa, “Don’t Understand”
With the arrival of a new year, Young DrA is setting a few things straight. The Chicago newcomer joins forces with Memphis mainstay NLE Choppa on “Don’t Understand,” as the pair deliver rumbling verses overtop a dark trap beat. “Don’t talk my language they don’t understand/ Don’t know my pain so you don’t understand,” Young DrA raps on the chorus.
BabyTron, “Mr. Hanky”
If there’s one thing BabyTron can guarantee, it’s smirk-inducing bars. Sampling Peter from Family Guy within the first seconds of “Mr. Hanky,” the Ypsilanti, Mich. native rattles off one witty rap after another, a distinctly Detroit beat sounding off behind him.
Daisy Veacock, “the things that you tell her”
Baring sonic similarity to U.K. favorite Lily Allen and infusing jazz influence à la Amy Winehouse, singer-songwriter Daisy Veacock delivers a potent-yet-laid-back single with “the things you tell her.” Daughter to professional saxophonist Phil Veacock, the South London vocalist hails from a musical background and is sure to capture listeners with the track’s clever melodies and relatable lyrics.
Ice Spice, “In Ha Mood”
Whether or not you think she’s our modern-day Princess Diana, one thing we can all agree on is that Ice Spice IS the moment. “In Ha Mood” is the Bronx rapper’s second release since breakthrough hit “Munch (Feelin’ U),” and is proving to be a quick success in social media, thanks to her simple approach to lyrics that the internet has come to love. Drawing sonic inspiration from the Jersey club scene and enlisting producer RIOTUSA (who is also responsible for both “Munch” and follow-up single “Bikini Bottom”), Ice Spice is clearly in the mood to take 2023 by storm.
It’s the season of giving, and this week we’re here to give you gift of new Fresh Picks. If you need to figuratively escape the cold, press play on the warm sounds of West Coast heads Blxst and Larry June or 27Delly’s island-inspired new single. Or if you’re in the mood to get cozy with your loved one, we got you covered with R&B rhythms by Rini, Khi Infinite and Che Ecru. Or if you’re feeling festive, check out ATL Jacob’s new single and accompanying album.
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We’ve got songs for all the winter moods this week, and of course, don’t forget to spread the joy with our Spotify playlist, linked below.
Freshest Find: Blxst feat. Larry June, “Keep Calling”
Blxst and Larry June earned this week’s Freshest Find with their soon-to-be-legendary West Coast link-up. L.A. meets the Bay as the two do numbers and keep balling. Billboard‘s 2022 R&B/Hip-Hop Rookie of the Year did what he does best, delivering his signature rhythmic hook while June spits organic bars about thumbing through 10,000 blues and pulling off in his Porsche playing Confessions.
Che Ecru, “Fell Asleep”
Appearing on his new album Cold Toronto, Che Ecru samples his own song (“Baggage”) for standout track “Fell Asleep.” The Boston artist has a knack for making druggy, moody tracks laced with sexual lyrics, and has been sampled by artists like Baby Keem and Chris Brown.
ATL Jacob, “Every Christmas”
ATL Jacob is introducing a holiday tradition of his own with his new single, “Every Christmas.” Getting into the spirit of the season, the song’s 808s gallop like reindeer underneath a gift of a chorus as he declares, “I feel like I’m Santa every Christmas/ Rappers add me to their list, I get to saving their careers.” The multiplatinum producer is leaning into his artist side, as he teams up with his Wicked Money Family for their debut holiday album, Wicked Money Family Christmas. The project serves as an introduction to the artists on Jacob’s independent label of the same name which, along with Jacob, recently signed a partnership with Republic Records.
Khi Infinite & Reggie Becton, “Pineapple Rum”
DMV natives Khi Infinite and Reggie Becton team up this week for the new slow jam, “Pineapple Rum.” Reminiscent of a summer day with your lover, the imaginative song features flirtatious lyricism and undeniable melodies. “It’s the song you send to ‘the one.’ It sets the mood for a good night out with your person,” Infinite says in a press release. “Think sitting on a warm tropical beach with your romantic other, drinking rum, and having fun with no worries in the world.”
Casper Sage, “Is This Real Life?”
On “Is This Real Life?,” Casper Sage eloquently expresses the euphoric feelings that true love brings. The captivating new song sounds like its cover art — it will have any listener floating with the idea of romance. Featuring soft vocals and minimal production reminiscent of Frank Ocean, the 21-year-old sings with a sense of maturity and emotion that indicates he is wise beyond his years.
Cruza, “Fantasy”
Alt-R&B trio Cruza exists in their own world, and is trying to create a new wave. Mixing heavy bass lines and melodic guitar loops, the band released a new single called “Fantasy” ahead of their forthcoming first album via Def Jam. Cruza is comprised of vocalist Adam Kain, guitarist Charity Joy Brown and bassist and producer AJRoth. “Fantasy” sounds like a loopy dream, and somewhere between alternative indie music and traditional R&B, the band draws on the past and present to create an atmospheric lane of their own.
Ryan Destiny, “How Many”
Following a two year hiatus, actress-singer Ryan Destiny is marking her return to music with her new R&B single, “How Many.” In the video, the Detroit-born triple threat can be seen dancing in a glass box, as she sports a baby blue set to match the lights. “I like telling my experiences through a lens of coming out of a situation better than I came into it,” she said. “Hopefully smarter, wiser. This song is a piece of a puzzle to me for the music following. Including the visual. The next song will be completely different but still, help tell the story.”
Rini, “Pressure”
Rini is on a roll. “Pressure,” which appears on the singer’s newly released sophomore EP Ultraviolet, is the ultimate ode to women. “’Pressure’ is just the perfect vibe out, cruisin’ song to me and I know this can easily be everyone’s favorite,” he says. “The whole video kinda feels like what me and the homies would do back home, you know, just go for drives and kick it.”
TOBi, “Hoodwinked”
On “Hoodwinked,” TOBi explores childhood trauma. “The character in the song is a child that upon witnessing issues in the home, it affects how he sees the world,” he says of the single. “He has a general distrust for systems and adults. What happens when the veil is lifted? As he gets older, he starts to see things for what they really are. He’s on a quest for truth. A very challenging quest. Process these complex emotions with big energy and set yourself free.”
27Delly, “Gimme That”
27Delly is ushering in cuffing season with his island-themed track, “Gimme That.” Serving as a change of pace for the Harlem rapper, the song is the first offering from his upcoming EP, Wake Up.