Fresh Picks
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Compton, it’s a sweep! At last night’s 67th Annual Grammy Awards (Feb. 2), Kendrick Lamar went home the most-awarded artist of the night, taking home all five categories “Not Like Us” was nominated in. With his victories for best rap song, best rap performance, best music video, song of the year and record of the year, Lamar brought his career total to 22 wins. What’s more? In one night, “Not Like Us” won as many Grammys as Drake has in his entire career.
In non-Lamar Grammy news, Doechii shut down the stage twice. First, she delivered an emotional acceptance speech after winning best rap album for Alligator Bites Never Healed, and she returned to the stage a few hours later for an explosive medley of “Catfish” and “Denial Is a River.” The R&B field wisely avoided a sweep and spread the wealth between Muni Long (best R&B performance for “Made for Me”), Chris Brown (best R&B album for 11:11), SZA (best R&B song for “Saturn”), Lucky Daye (best traditional R&B performance for “That’s You”) and Avery*Sunshine (So Glad to Know You) and NxWorries (Why Lawd?), who tied for best progressive R&B album.
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And, at long last, Beyoncé finally won album of the year, joining Natalie Cole, Whitney Houston and Lauryn Hill as the only Black women ever to receive the honor as lead artists. Cowboy Carter also took home best country album and best country duo/group performance for the Miley Cyrus-assisted “II Most Wanted.”
Drake let Kendrick (and The Weeknd!) enjoy their Grammy moments last night, but he wasted no time making his own moves the following morning. On Monday (Feb. 3), Drizzy confirmed that $ome $exy $ongs 4 U, his long-awaited joint album with Partynextdoor, will arrive on Valentine’s Day (Feb. 14) — less than a week after K.Dot is slated to perform at the Super Bowl LIX Halftime Show.
With Fresh Picks, Billboard aims to highlight some of the best and most interesting new sounds across R&B and hip-hop — from Doechii’s Grammy victory lap anthem to action to Jessie Reyez’s slinky new jam. Be sure to check out this week’s Fresh Picks in our Spotify playlist below.
Freshest Find: Doechii, “Nosebleeds”
Hours after joining Cardi B as just the second female rapper to win the best rap album Grammy as a soloist, Doechii dropped the soundtrack to her victory lap. Calling on Ye’s 2005 Grammy acceptance speech, the Swamp Princess kicked off her surprise new Jonas Jeberg-helmed track saying, “I don’t know, is she gonna go crazy? Is she gonna go crazy?/ Everybody wanted to know what Doechii would do if she didn’t win/ I guess we’ll never—.” Prancing down the path of Slick Rick, Doechii spends “Nosebleeds” weaving in and out of new flows, each more arresting than the last, and different vocal intonation and affectation to highlight the kaleidoscopic feel of Jeberg’s frenetic production. Reminiscent of 2022’s “Crazy” with an ethereal beat switch tucked at the very end, “Nosebleeds” is a loosie that bodes well for the rest of Doechii’s 2025. — KYLE DENIS
Lord Sko & Curren$y, “Understand”
The prince of Uptown NYC. A throwback to the Golden Era lyricism that once emanated from the pavement of the Big Apple, Lord Sko floats above the skyscrapers on the jazzy “Understand.” He delves into his escapades betting on Italian horses and how he’s spent so much on drugs that his plug became a fan. “It’s just something you can’t understand/ Word is in my palm, my blunt is in the other hand,” he raps. Curren$y feels right at home over the soulful production while flexing about his marble tiles and fountain sitting in his front yard. Look for Sko’s Piff album arriving on March 28. — MICHAEL SAPONARA
Jessie Reyez, “Goliath”
“GOLIATH,” the latest taste of Jessie Reyez’s forthcoming new album, serves as a powerful reflection on selfless love. Reyez showers her partner with appreciation, expressing just how much their love means to her and her deep desire to hold on to it. “GOLIATH” centers on unwavering devotion, portraying a love so strong that she’s willing to fight any battle to protect it. The title is a biblical reference to the giant warrior defeated by David, symbolizing immense challenges or obstacles. When Reyez sings, “I would square up with any Goliath,” she declares her readiness to take on anything for love. Lines like “moonwalk it through any fire” further drive home her commitment — she’s not just facing difficulties, she’s moving through them with ease and confidence. With “GOLIATH,” Jessie Reyez delivers yet another emotionally charged anthem. — CHRISTOPHER CLAXTON
Durand Bernarr, “Impact”
Fresh off his first career Grammy nomination (best progressive R&B album for En Route), acclaimed indie R&B singer-songwriter Durand Bernarr launched “Impact,” the lead single from his forthcoming third studio album, Dur&. Over pulsating synths, Bernarr employs a range-traversing approach to vocal performance that allows his bright falsetto and robust lower register to highlight the darkest and warmest elements of the soundscape Stanley Randolph, Poe Leos and nftnty94 co-created. A funky ode to remembering the link between intention and impact, Bernarr’s latest single keeps his hot streak going. — K.D.
EST Gee feat. Travis Scott & Lil Baby, “Houstatlantaville”
Geeski season has returned. Taking inspiration from Drake’s “Houstatlantavegas,” EST Gee flips a street anthem of his own connecting H-Town, Atlanta and Louisville alongside Lil Baby and Travis Scott for “Houstatlantaville.” Originally just Gee and Baby, a strip club encounter with La Flame in Houston brought him into the fold. Scott bats third after a pair of gritty verses and takes the chance to boast about his lucrative touring. “Every time I touch the stage, that’s two million in the case/ 30-plus shows in the states, I come back with twice my age,” he boasts. The song’s full parent album, Gee’s I Ain’t Feeling You, is also worth the price of admission. — M.S.
Coco Jones & Leon Thomas, “Here We Go (Uh Oh) [Remix]”
“Here We Go” again! Coco Jones is back with a fresh take on her Grammy-nominated hit “Here We Go (Uh Oh),” this time teaming up with Leon Thomas. As she readies for the release of her highly anticipated debut album under High Standardz/Def Jam Recordings, Jones continues to build on the momentum of her 2022 EP What I Didn’t Tell You, which featured the Grammy-winning track “ICU.” On the remix, Leon Thomas steps into the role of the ex, offering a raw and emotional response that adds another layer to the song’s narrative. “Here We Go (Uh Oh) (Remix)” vividly portrays the tumultuous cycle of a toxic, on-again, off-again relationship where neither partner can truly let go. Coco Jones channels frustration as she attempts to break free, but subtle actions — like her ex liking her posts — keep drawing her back in. Leon Thomas, on the other hand, views their tumultuous love as just part of the experience, questioning why she would move on while subtly implying that she’s not completely over him either. — C.C.
Dee Gatti, “Control”
Like Ms. Jackson, everyone has a story about control, including rising Texas R&B singer Dee Gatti. “Too selfish for your own good/ Baby, you change on your own time/ ‘Cause I gave it the best I could/ Ain’t no saving you, I tried/ If I could care any less, I would,” he croons in the pre-chorus over percussive, early ’00s Timbaland-evoking production courtesy of Kofo, Jay Gogna & Arniticus Anderson. With sweeping, histrionic strings perfectly communicating the harrowing stakes of navigating a relationship with a controlling — and maybe even manipulative — partner, “Control” is an excellent addition to Gatti’s 2025 offerings. — K.D.
AzSwaye, “LOTTA”
AzChike represented for the AzCult with his guest appearance on Kendrick Lamar’s GNX album, and AzSwaye takes the baton for the crew into 2025. Swaye’s never been shy about rolling the dice in life and his overindulgences. “You know I talk a lot of s–t/ I’m off drank, I’m off pills/ I’m on a lot of s–t,” he raps over trunk-rattling drums for the menacing “LOTTA.” Raised around West Coast rap royalty – Kendrick Lamar once helped save him following a treadmill accident – Swaye looks to etch his own chapter in the history books. — M.S.
Mahalia feat. Lila Iké, “Pressure Points”
British singer Mahalia teams up with Jamaican artist Lila Iké for the reggae-influenced “Pressure Points,” exploring the complexities of a passionate yet tumultuous relationship. The song blends intense love, longing, frustration, and emotional strain. The opening establishes a desire for balance, with Mahalia’s chorus using “pressure points” to describe the emotional and physical areas where her partner can reach her, urging them to act on their deep connection. Lila Iké’s verse shifts the tone, expressing frustration with the inconsistency of the relationship and calling for more honesty and commitment. Mahalia’s second verse highlights the emotional push and pull, feeling desired when together but cold and uncertain when apart. The bridge, where both artists unite, demands that actions match words, emphasizing that promises are empty without tangible effort. “Pressure Points” captures the emotional complexity of a love that’s both passionate and challenged by mixed signals, emotional distance, and the need for deeper commitment. — C.C.
Between Vybz Kartel‘s blockbuster Freedom Street homecoming concert, Machel Montano‘s historic NPR Tiny Desk set and the slow-burning crossover of new soca anthems like Kes‘ “Cocoa Tea” and Yung Bredda’s “The Greatest Bend Over,” Caribbean music has gotten off to an excellent start in 2025.
On Sunday (Feb. 2), music’s biggest stars will convene in Los Angeles for the 67th Annual Grammy Awards, which will be turned into a fundraiser for relief efforts in the wake of several devastating fires in the greater Los Angeles area. At this year’s ceremony, Kartel (Party With Me), Shenseea (Never Gets Late Here), The Wailers (Evolution), the Bob Marley: One Love soundtrack, and Collie Buddz (Take It Easy) are the nominees for best reggae album. Kehlani‘s “After Hours,” which samples Codell “Skatta” Burrell’s Coolie Dance riddim, is nominated for best R&B song. Just three weeks later, Popcaan, Shenseea, Skillibeng, Spice, Valiant and YG Marley will duke it out for best Caribbean music act at the MOBO Awards (Feb. 18), while the Bob Marley: One Love film will compete in six categories at the NAACP Image Awards (Feb. 22).
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As these ceremonies celebrate the best of 2024, the new year is already heating up with new earworms to soundtrack the forthcoming Carnival season. Naturally, Billboard’s monthly Reggae/Dancehall Fresh Picks column will not cover every last track, but our Spotify playlist — which is linked below — will expand on the 10 highlighted songs. So, without any further ado:
Freshest Find: Kranium & Masicka, “Cut the Link”
“You give dem everything dem ask for/ And dem end up turn dem back yeah/ Now I know/ Mankind, you can’t tame them/ Dem wah you die, mi realize/ Dem wah fi own di place where you reside/ Mi cut the link, I know the deal,” Kranium croons in the opening verse of “Cut the Link,” a somber rumination on overcoming leeches and detractors. Produced by TJ Records and featuring an assist from Masicka, “Cut the Link” delivers a dancehall track that deals with raw emotion and real-life struggles, topics that are always welcome and cherished in a sea of gun and gyal chunes. “Cut The Link” marks the third collaboration between Kranium and Masicka, following 2016’s “Beach House” and 2017’s “Fire in the Rain.”
Shenseea, “Puni Police”
In a few days, Shenseea could become a first-time Grammy winner, but her current focus is lambasting the “Puni Police.” “Hot gyal a nuh fi everybody, my yute/ Comment pon mi picture dem, a that a mad you/ You too insecure, so you lose/ That’s why I’mma need you to/ Gimme some room to breathe,” she spits over Di Genius’ siren-evoking riddim. Her self-assured lyrics of self-respect in the face of an overly possessive partner add beautiful color to the ever-evolving portrait of woman-helmed dancehall songwriting. Shenyeng and Di Genius last linked up for two Never Gets Late Here tracks: “Neva Neva” and the Masicka-assisted global hit “Hit & Run.” Clearly, the two artists have A1 chemistry.
Lu City & Didi B, “Petit Bonon”
St. Lucia’s Lu City and the Dominican Republic’s Didi B are a match made in heaven on their sultry “Petit Bonbon” single. A slinky mélange of Afrobeats-inflected dancehall and slight notes of soca drums, “Petit Bonbon” finds the cross-Caribbean collaborators joining forces to tribute an eye-catching young lady who’s reigning over the club on a given night. With a greater emphasis on melody and feeling over rapid-fire wordplay, “Petit Bonbon” is a nice conduit to bring the evening into a slower, more seductive place.
Hector Roots Lewis featuring Johnny Cosmic, “Celebration”
After spending last year basking in the success of the box office-topping Bob Marley: One Love soundtrack, Hector Roots Lewis is back with a brand new single. A modern roots reggae tune produced by Johnny Classic, “Celebration” serves as the fifth single from Lewis’ forth-coming project. “To my brothers in the streets/ To my sisters in the streets/ Leave the guns and leave the knives/ We don’t want no fuss or fight,” he implores over the easy-rocking reggae guitars and breezy percussion, maintaining the peaceful proclamations that decorated Marley’s catalog. Lewis’ voice is incredibly charismatic on “Celebration,” seamlessly switching from warm sustained notes in the verses to more staccato delivery in the outro.
Machel Montano, “Pardy”
After making history by bringing soca music to NPR’s Tiny Desk concert series for the first time ever, Machel Montano hopped on a few more riddims in anticipation of Carnival season. Among his new drops is “Pardy,” a reminder that we all work hard, so we all deserve to party. “All work and no play/ Mi seh, ‘No way’/ We don’t want no part of that/ I need a stress reliever, two drinks in mi hand a gyal in the middle,” he sings in the opening verse, expertly setting the scene for an explosive release in the chorus soundtracked by Badjohn Republic and XplicitMevon’s high-octane drums. Packaged with a music video suitable for all ages and generations, “Pardy” is primed to take over the season in due time.
Lyrikal, “Road Anthem”
At this point, is it really a surprise when Lyrikal drops off another road march anthem? With some help from KesKeyz, the Trinidadian artist debuted “Road Anthem,” a song that accomplishes exactly what its title suggests. “Like the government, we go on di road/ Dem go talk about we for centuries/ There’s no other place that is on this Earth/ There’s no other place, there’s no other place/ I never want to miss this feeling again!” he sings, effortlessly invoking the inimitable energy and rejoiceful spirit of the road during Carnival. Like any great soca artist, Lyrikal is a master at pacing, always allowing the verses enough breathing room to stretch out the song’s ascent into a bombastic chorus.
Foreign Dan, Yung Bredda & Venumm, “Cocoa She Want”
After topping Trinidad & Tobaga’s Apple Music chart with his runaway hit “The Greatest Bend Over” late last year (Dec. 30, 2024), Yung Bredda found some time to link with Foreign Dan and Venumm for “Cocoa She Want.” “She don’t want no Lipton, she don’t want no Milo/ All she askin for is the pure cocoa,” Venumm croons over Foreign Dan’s jaunty production. When the soundscape opts for a sparser percussion line halfway, Yung Bredda flaunts his versatility, weaving in and out of harmony with Venumm as he delivers his own promises to share his “cocoa.”
Jahshii & Pop Style, “E.G.Y.G. (Every Ghetto Yout Great)”
With his new Pop Style-helmed single, Jahshii uses the gritty template of trap dancehall to craft an uplifting anthem for Jamaica’s ghetto yutes. When his impassioned, Auto-Tuned voice creeps into its upper register to proclaim that “every ghetto yout great,” Jahshii reaches an emotional apex rarely visited by his trap dancehall contemporaries. On this track, perhaps more than any of his previous efforts, Jahshii intricately understands how to find the emotion and humanity in an expressly digitized landscape, and he fills those pockets with the kind of gut-wrenching wails that demand not just attention, but close listening too.
Adam O & ARK Productions, “Ms. Masquerader”
With “Ms. Masquerader,” a tribute to the countless beauties on the road, Adam O makes himself at home in the role of ultimate ladies’ man. The St. Vincent and the Grenadines-born artist incorporates more Haitian and Dominican musical influences than your typical soca anthem, but between his raspy vocal performance and live instrumentation by Chryston Floyd (guitar), Konata (percussion) and Geremi Webb (bass), “Ms. Masquerader” stands as a smashing success. It’s a Carnival jam to keep your waistline moving and facilitate a steamy dance or two on the road.
Nailah Blackman & Skinny Fabulous, “Forever”
Both Nailah Blackman and Skinny Fabulous are likely to have yet another dominant year in 2025, and their new “Forever” collaboration is a reminder of why that’s the case. “Carnival, it is my time/ I wanna catch the spirit, it is high time/ Twice is not enough, I need it five times/ For a lifetime,” they plead in unison on the pre-chorus, personifying Carnival as a being that holds the key to a very special kind of unfettered joy and celebration. With CMungal Music, Keiron “Ogoshhoyte” Hoyte, Anson Pro, David “Millbeatz” Millien, Evolution the Band and Johnny Q all contributing to production, “Forever” has notes of all the different traditional and innovative elements that made 2016 such a beloved soca year.
More African artists are coming for the global spotlight in 2025.
Qing Madi, who was featured on Billboard‘s 21 Under 21 list last year and has been featured on Spotify and Genius‘ 2025 Artists to Watch lists, readied fans for her debut album I Am the Blueprint, which dropped Friday (Jan. 31) with her romantic single “Akanchawa” arriving right in time for Valentine’s Day. Darkoo pays homage to P-Square and late 2000s Afrobeats on her new club jam “Focus on Me (All the Sexy Girls in the Club).” And Teni and Black Sherif get in their introspective bag with their new singles “Money” and “Lord I’m Amazed,” respectively.
We’ve also changed the name of our column from “Afrobeats Fresh Picks” to “African Fresh Picks,” to be more inclusive of artists coming out of the continent whose music exists beyond the borders of “Afrobeats.” While we’ve always featured African artists who’ve made alté, amapiano, highlife and more styles of music, we want that to be reflected in the title, too.
We’ve highlighted 10 of our favorite new songs by African acts that have come out roughly within the last month. Check out our latest Fresh Picks, and get the new year started with our Spotify playlist below.
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Darkoo, “Focus on Me (All the Sexy Girls in the Club)”
Following her frothy summer banger “Favourite Girl” — which is nominated for song of the year at the 2025 MOBO Awards — British-Nigerian singer Darkoo gets the new year and all the parties started with “Focus on Me (All the Sexy Girls in the Club.)” The infectious waist-whining anthem samples P-Square’s 2009 hit “Gimmie Dat” for a nostalgic Afrobeats vibe, while the accompanying music video pays homage to the iconic Nigerian duo’s 2007 “Do Me” visual.
Qing Madi, “Akanchawa”
Qing Madi is giving all her love to someone special on “Akanchawa,” which arrived before she released her debut album I Am the Blueprint today via JTON Music. “Akanchawa” is an Igbo word meaning “good hands” or “hands that bring good things,” and she’s beyond grateful to have this love come into her life. And Marvey’s mellifluous production enhances the sweetness of the song.
Nasty C, “For Certain”
Nasty C gave his fans “a little gift” at the end of 2024: the sizzling single “For Certain.” The South African rapper touts his cool factor while reflecting on the importance of legacy when he asks, “What is your reason for breathin’?” and “What you go leave when you leavin’?” in the first verse.
Mabel & King Promise, “All Over You”
After collaborating with Afroswing king Kojo Funds and Ghanaian rapper Black Sherif last year, Mabel teams up with Ghanian singer-songwriter King Promise on the tantalizing record “All Over You.” The duo craves an intimate exploration of one another, as Mabel sings, “That pillow talk is talking, please tell me some more/ Hands on mine, skin to skin, eye to eye.” As a fan of Asake’s right-hand producer Magicsticks, Mabel traveled to Lagos to make the song with him, according to a press release, and he makes his signature log drum-infused percussion and compelling crowd vocals loud and clear on “All Over You.”
DeJ Loaf, Runtown & Libianca, “Up Or Down”
Def Loaf recruits Nigerian singer-songwriter Runtown and Cameroonian-American artist Libianca for “Up Or Down.” Producer Cheekychizzy’s pulsating rhythm sets the tone for the topsy-turvy tune, as the Detroit rapper sings about loyally waiting for someone to come back around. Meanwhile, Runtown wants a girl for a good time but not a long time, and Libianca croons about loving someone with commitment issues.
Teni, “Money”
“They say money don’t buy you happiness/ Money can’t buy you love/ Money don’t fill this emptiness/ But I want all the money in the world,” Teni croons on her latest single, a piano ballad that’s a departure from the bops on her fantastic last album, Tears of the Sun. But the stripped-down song instead serves as a showcase for her vocals and songwriting, a simple yet deeply affecting entry into her growing catalog.
Black Sherif, “Lord I’m Amazed”
The Ghanaian MC continues sketching the story of his life through his latest string of fantastic singles — many of which have appeared in this column — and “Lord I’m Amazed” is the latest in that lineage. This is more contemplative than some of his higher-energy cuts, but it’s exactly that that sets it apart, as Sherif takes a moment to step back and reflect on the blessings in his life and how far he’s come. Even when he departs from his usual flow, no one sounds like him right now, which is the highest praise for an artist of his caliber.
Andy S feat. Sarahmée, “Dracula”
The sheer ferocity that storms through from Côte d’Ivorian rapper Andy S. on this track spans languages — she raps primarily in French — and cultures, as she and Senegalese-Canadian MC Sarahmée rip through this track, bringing high drill energy over an understated beat. The song appears on Andy S.’s brand new EP Born Ready, which is six explosive tracks of all different vibes, and is a fascinating introduction to a bright and promising artist.
Krizbeatz & Tekno feat. taves & Adewale Ayuba, “The Roof”
Veteran producer Krizbeatz took a turn as artist with his new album Daddy Daycare, and he tapped longtime collaborator Tekno to helm this track alongside saves and Adewale Ayuba. The simple hook dominates, but, perhaps unsurprisingly, it’s the production that really takes center stage, pulling from traditional Afrobeats drums, R&B stylings, amapiano log drum accents and electro undertones to craft a constantly-mutating beat that provides the perfect platform for the vocalists to groove over.
Carter Efe & Khaid, “PRAY”
Carter Eye may be best known as a comedian — certainly that’s where much of his social media energy lies — but his forays into music have borne fruit, too, first with the Berri Tiga-assisted “Machala” a few years ago and now most recently with this new cut with Khaid, one of the best young vocalists and hitmakers to emerge in the past two years. There’s not much that Khaid touches that doesn’t become an immediate earworm, and “PRAY” is no different — the rising singer is destined for greatness sooner rather than later, as his catalog keeps growing with hit after hit.
With the back-to-back frenzy of Grammy Week and Super Bowl LIX officially at our doorsteps, all eyes are on Kendrick Lamar as he uses the two marquee events to segue into his forthcoming North American stadium tour. Last week (Jan. 23), the Compton rapper and Apple Music released a new teaser for his upcoming halftime performance; the clip found SZA, his Grand National tourmate, playfully dumping a container of blue Gatorade on Lamar, confirming her guest appearance during his Super Bowl set.
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Lamar, of course, KO’d Drake in last year’s seismic rap battle — and 2025 already has some sparring of its own. On Can’t Rush Greatness (Jan. 24), his long-awaited debut album, UK rapper Central Cee threw some shots at fellow British MC Aitch, spitting, “I felt like a p—k when I went to the BRITs and they gave the award to a guy called Aitch/ I had my acceptance speech prepared like, ‘Long live F’s,’ I’m goin’ insane.” Mere hours later, Aitch responded with a tract titled “A Guy Called?”; “Little boy is just there to be spun, gettin’ mad at the BRITs, there’s bare to be won,” the Manchester-based rapper snarled. Time will tell if the Cench-Aitch battle can hold a candle to the Kendrick-Drake one.
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In heavier news, the hip-hop community also spent the weekend mourning the losses of journalist and screenwriter Barry Michael Cooper and DJ Unk, the iconic voice behind Billboard Hot 100 hits like “Walk It Out” (No. 10).
With Fresh Picks, Billboard aims to highlight some of the best and most interesting new sounds across R&B and hip-hop — from Youssoupha’s rousing call to action to BigXThaPlug and Jessie Murph’s new cross-genre duet. Be sure to check out this week’s Fresh Picks in our Spotify playlist below.
Freshest Find: Youssoupha, “Prose Combat”
As anxiety sweeps the U.S. — and as protests sweep the rest of the world — in the wake of a new American presidential administration, artists are continuing to use their music to speak truth to power. Across “Prose Combat,” a stunning lyrical exercise taken from Amour Supreme, his eighth studio LP, French rapper Youssoupha calls for liberation for oppressed people across the world, from Rwanda to Mali. “Besoin d’une vraie solution ou d’une révolution pour renverser le royaume de Macron/ Besoin de voir l’Afrique jamais résignée, qu’elle arrête de croire que Poutine est plus stylé,” he spits over Akatché & A2B’s gritty production, demanding the dissolution of invisible colonial empires before voicing his support for the Palestinian people at the end of the first verse. “Besoin de grandes gueules quand personne ne dit rien, besoin d’une terre pour l’État Palestinien/ Besoin d’éviter de gros scandales, toute ma vie, j’suis fatigué du prose combat, mais voilà.” — KYLE DENIS
Central Cee & Lil Durk, “Truth in the Lies”
Central Cee’s Can’t Rush Greatness album already gives the U.K. rhymer an early rap album of the year candidate. Cench and Durk connecting has been years in the making and the intercontinental duo didn’t disappoint. “Truth in the Lies” finds Cench and Smurk getting honest about their hesitancies about love in the spotlight over Ne-Yo’s “So Sick.” Central Cee details women switching up on him unless he’s supporting them financially while Durk lives by the famous “what happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas” adage. — MICHAEL SAPONARA
BigXthaPlug feat. Jessie Murph, “Holy Ground”
Dallas rapper BigXthaPlug just dropped the deluxe edition of Take Care featuring several new tracks, including the Jessie Murph-assisted “Holy Ground.” An anthem of resilience and self-empowerment, “Holy Ground” finds the two stars acknowledging life’s struggles while maintaining their pride and strength. Murph’s emotive chorus conveys how hardships become a part of us, with the “smoking gun” symbolizing the unavoidable challenges that shape our lives. BigXthaPlug’s verse reflects on the harsh realities of success — from betrayal to unmet expectations — while reinforcing that loyalty and hard work are the true measures of success. — CHRISTOPHER CLAXTON
Aqyila, “Focus”
Rising Canadian R&B artist Aqyila has been making steady waves for years with tracks like 2023’s JUNO Award-winning “Hello,” and she’s looking to maintain that momentum in 2025. Co-written with Sam Hook and produced by Monro, “Focus” finds Aqyila seductively cooing over a sultry uptempo R&B track that employs dancehall-adjacent synths and Afrobeats-nodding drum patterns. “I need you to focus, give me all your attention/ The slippery slope is when I get your attention,” she croons in the hook, sightly dipping into a bit of a staccato delivery that contrasts nicely with her airy, languid riffs in the pre-chorus. It’s the modulation in the final chorus, however, that really highlights how precise Aqyila’s vocal acrobatics are in the uppermost reaches of her voice. — K.D.
Jordan Adetunji & Bryson Tiller, “305”
“Kehlani” was just the tip of the iceberg for Jordan Adetunji, who showcases his range of flows and a blend of Jersey club, R&B and rap sounds throughout his A Jaguar’s Dream debut project. From Belfast to Miami, Adetunji and Bryson Tiller indulge in everything Vice City has to offer. “305” meshes moody R&B that The Weeknd would lend his croon to with an uptempo electronic twist that would make anyone floor the gas pedal cruising along Ocean Drive. — M.S.
Kacy Hill & 6LACK, “Time’s Up”
Kacy Hill joined forces with 6LACK on “Time’s Up”, a track she initially penned in 2019 and later brought to life by sliding into his DMs. Co-written with Ryan Beatty and produced by Jim-E Stack, the song explores the beauty of taking time in a relationship, valuing the moments spent together. The chorus, with its repeated theme of “takin’ my time,” emphasizes the intention to savor the connection and let things unfold naturally. 6LACK’s verse contrasts the natural high of love with the chaos in his life, touching on the complexities and vulnerabilities of intimacy. Kacy Hill’s verses highlight the clarity and joy the relationship brings, with everything else fading away in their shared moments. “Time’s Up” captures a peaceful contentment, reminding us of the importance of being present and truly appreciating those we care about. — C.C.
1900Rugrat & Kodak Black, “One Take Freestyle (Remix)”
1900Rugrat made some noise in Florida with his “U.O.E.N.O.”-sampling “One Take Freestyle” last year, and the burgeoning rapper is carrying his winning streak into 2025. Kodak Black took notice of Rugrat’s movement and hopped on the official remix for his fellow Sunshine State native. Yak tackles growing from his past, “I admit, I said a lot of dumbass shit when I was a youngin” and pushes back against colorist allegations. “I’m the one, lil’ b—h said I’m a colorist, how the f–k, b—h? I love my mother,” he snarls. — M.S.
Naïka, “Layers”
Naïka refuses to be boxed in. The French-Haitian singer grapples with her identity issues and the labels society continued to throw at her growing up on the soothing “Layers.” She cathartically flips the angst into a gentle guitar ballad while encouraging listeners to celebrate the beauty naturally within themselves. “I hate the boxes, they suffocate me,” she sings. “Baby, all these layers keep me warm and make me me.” — M.S.
Charlie Bereal, “Some People”
Charlie Bereal opens “Some People” with this ethereal chant: “Communicate/ Make a friend/ Teach someone/ Share with them/ Get together/ Start your own/ Build together/ Make it better.” More than a hook that perfectly complements his and Josef Liemberg’s lush, sweeping and soulful soundscape, it’s a much-needed reminder of what we can do on an interpersonal level to make the world an easier place to exist within. With a buttery falsetto that exudes the same warmth his lyrics exalt, Charlie Bereal emerges from his latest LP, Walk With the Father, as one of contemporary soul’s most exciting new artists. — K.D.
Abir, “Butterflies”
The hiatus is over, Abir returns with her first single in four years with the intoxicating “Butterflies” — and she’s back in her R&B bag. The L.A.-based Moroccan singer makes her sweet escape as a fluttery Abir serenades a certain lover who completes her existence. “You’re supplying me with what I need to push the clouds away/ Even a knife is like a sunny day,” she admits while showcasing her mellifluous vocal range. — M.S.
Speaking about anything related to album releases and awards season feels frivolous as a series of destructive fires continue hounding Los Angeles. As people begin to assess the damage and find their bearings, the City of Angels has exemplified the kind of community that shined at Kendrick Lamar‘s Pop Out concert last summer, with the city’s beautifully diverse collection of people banding together to share support and resources amid such a paralyzing crisis. On Monday (Jan. 11), music stars like DJ Premier and Flying Lotus amplified a fundraiser for Madlib, a Cali native and acclaimed hip-hop producer who lost his home, decades of music and studio equipment in the fires.
Tragedy extended beyond the fires last week, with the music world losing Sam Moore, one half of the Grammy-winning, Billboard chart-topping R&B duo Sam & Dave. Known for classics such as “Hold On, I’m Coming” and “Soul Man,” the seminal ’60s act was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1992.
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In more contemporary news, Lil Baby debuted atop the Billboard 200 this week with Wham (No. 1), marking his fourth consecutive No. 1 album, and Ye (formerly Kanye West) began teasing an AI-assisted Vultures film.
With Fresh Picks, Billboard aims to highlight some of the best and most interesting new sounds across R&B and hip-hop — from Otis Kane’s lovestruck new single to BabyDrill’s shot-firing banger. Be sure to check out this week’s Fresh Picks in our Spotify playlist below.
Otis Kane, “Breathe”
Last Friday (Jan. 10), Los Angeles-based R&B singer-songwriter Otis Kane colored the world Violet with the release of his sophomore studio album. The album diligently explores the different stages of falling in love, and “Breathe” is a decadent, soulful ode to loving someone so much that you can’t live without them. “I would give up/ Everything babe/ Just to call you my home,” he raspily yearns in the song’s opening, immediately settling into a seductive, funky pocket of D Mills’ bass-heavy production. If the self-proclaimed “real lovers” are looking for some new additions to their playlists, Otis Kane is ready to serve. — KYLE DENIS
Qing Madi, “Akanchawa”
Nigerian singer Qing Madi is starting the year strong with “Akanchawa.” The track is one of three singles from Qing Madi’s upcoming debut album, I Am the Blueprint — which she describes as “a statement of fact for all the struggles, pain, and rejection [she] went through as far back as 8 years” — set to release on Jan. 31. “Akanchawa” is a love-filled expression, blending heartfelt emotions with playful language. The song is a love letter filled with passion and humor, celebrating the joy of finding someone who captures your heart so completely that you’re willing to embrace vulnerability and offer unwavering commitment. Themes of devotion and vulnerability shine through lines like “for you I ready drop my ego” and the repeated “giving you all my love,” emphasizing the track’s message of unconditional love. — CHRISTOPHER CLAXTON
BabyDrill, “Scared of the P—y”
The abundance of feuds and competitive energy displayed last year has carried over into rap’s 2025. BabyDrill sets the tone by embarrassing an opp – who he calls “Mr. Vaseline man” and their alleged sex toy boutique shopping preferences with a fake newscast. There’s even alleged social media posts and fighting videos to further drive his humiliating “Scared of the P*ssy” diss track home. “F–k I look like beefing with a booty bandit,” the Atlanta native raps over the hard-hitting trap production. — MICHAEL SAPONARA
Jordan Adetunji feat. KWN, “Too Many Women”
After scoring a global breakthrough hit in “Kehlani” — and getting the actual Kehlani on the remix and scoring a Grammy nod for it — Jordan Adetunji has now set his sights on rolling out his forthcoming A Jaguar’s Dream mixtape. To officially announce the set, the U.K. artist dropped “Too Many Women,” an Afrobeats-inflected R&B-melodic rap hybrid that features experiment U.K. artist KWN. “Don’t mean to get in your way/ Took another shot, girl I’m waved/ Shawty I know that you think we’re the same,” Jordan opens the track, setting the scene at a club where he’s the ultimate bachelor. Built around a slick flip of Too $hort’s “Broke B—h,” “Too Many Women” is a catchy track that helps prove “Kehlani” was no fluke. — K.D.
Rod Wave, “Westside Connection”
A deeply heartfelt track, “Westside Connection” delves into the emotional complexities of love, loss, and longing. With lyrics like, “I needed someone desperately, and you was right there for me” and “Give you the moon, the stars, the clouds, whatever to make you smile,” Rod captures both the intensity of devotion and the yearning to heal a fractured bond. He juxtaposes raw confessions of pain — “I was in a dark place when you had found me, my pain, and my problems had me surrounded” — with a desire for reconciliation, reflected in the refrain, “I left my heart on the West End, can’t wait to get home to you.” Through introspective verses and melodic hooks, Rod continues to deliver bluesy, soul-baring hip-hop ballads. — C.C.
WolfaceeJoey, “3STAR”
2025 should be WolfaceeJoey’s breakout as the next star from the burgeoning sexy drill scene. The Staten Island native kicks off the new year playing “love doctor” with his 13-track Cupid album. He’s not a one-trick pony either, with a versatile repertoire of flows so there’s something for everyone. “3STAR” is an early standout and like a Michelin restaurant, this is rap’s culinary excellence. — M.S.
Ransom, “Tears From a Third Eye”
Ransom originally dropped his Carini Green LP last fall (Oct. 30, 2024), but the seven-song set finally arrived on DSPs last week (Jan. 8). Even if the project is a few months old, the Jersey City emcee has already delivered some of the best rapping if 2025 so far. Album opener “Tears From a Third Eye” — a heart-pounding, single stream-of-consciousness verse — is something of a breakthrough; Ransom uses CinemaTaGraffiti’s ethereal, electric guitar-anchored soundscape to ground his ruminations on maturation and spirituality and how those elements of his life have evolved post-fatherhood. — K.D.
Abby Jasmine, “Believe in Me”
With just 32 days until Abby Jasmine’s highly anticipated project Closure, the New York native continues to deliver for her fans. Her latest single, “Believe Me,” is a bold declaration of resilience and self-confidence, tackling themes of doubt, perseverance, and self-belief. “I can’t share my thoughts with them, they won’t ever get it,” she spits, later rapping, “They don’t wanna see me win, baby, you gonna have to just go blind,” underscoring her determination and conviction in her own potential. With its bold, defiant lyrics and an unforgettable hook, “Believe in Me” is more than just a song — it’s a 2025 anthem for anyone in need of motivation. — C.C.
LeoStayTrill, “Selena”
UK drill has something to say in 2025. Eyes are on Central Cee’s upcoming project, but LeoStayTrill is a college student making waves in his own right climbing the rap ladder. The South London resident follows the Clean Bandit “Rather Be”-sampling “2’s 3s” with “Selena.” After garnering momentum on TikTok following an NYE teaser, “Selena” finds Leo dodging commitment from the various women he’s involved with. “The girl got pissed I don’t my show location/ I ain’t gettin home until 9:00 most likely,” he raps about his sly elusiveness. — M.S.
And we’re back! After a very Cowboy Carter Christmas courtesy of Beyoncé — and a New Year’s Day that quickly gave into allegedly LeBron James-subbing Drake freestyle by way of Conductor Williams — it’s time to start 2025 off on the right foot when it comes to running down the latest in new hip-hop and R&B music.
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Lil Baby (WHAM) and Bad Bunny (Debí Tirar Más Fotos) kicked off the new year with two major full-length releases that are sure to battle for the top of the Billboard 200, while Ice Spice (Y2K: I’m Just A Girl) and SZA (SOS Deluxe: LANA) offered expanded editions of their own hit records. The holiday period also saw the arrival of Young Thug‘s first two Slime Season mixtapes on streaming, as well as a star-studded “Denial Is A River” music video from Doechii.
Things will pick up in February between the Grammys and the Super Bowl, both of which will surely be major moments for Kendrick Lamar ahead of his forthcoming North American Grand National stadium tour.
With Fresh Picks, Billboard aims to highlight some of the best and most interesting new sounds across R&B and hip-hop — from GloRilla’s reboot of a years-old OMB Peezy banger to G3’s instantly viral new track. Be sure to check out this week’s Fresh Picks in our Spotify playlist below.
G3 (LiAngelo Ball), “Tweaker”
If “Tweaker,” is anything to go by, 2025 is shaping up to be another Y2K-obsessed year. After a snippet of the early ’00s hip-hop-informed track went viral, G3 (aka LiAngelo Ball, the second of the three Ball Brothers) uploaded the full joint on WorldStarHipHop’s YouTube channel — a move that’s poignantly reminiscent of the pre-streaming days, just like the song itself. “I might swerve, bend that corner, woah-woah/ B—h, hold on tight ’cause I tweak and this b—h, start lettin’ s—t go/ And I heard that she wanna show-ow/ Me who she be, I’m kinda f—kin’ with it, show me some mo’,” he spits over production that recalls ’00s NOLA rap and begs for a remix by an artist of that era. It may be too early to tell if “Tweaker” is the start of a fruitful rap career for Ball, but he undoubtedly has scored the first viral hip-hop hit of 2025. — KYLE DENIS
SahBabii, “Show Off”
It’s beautiful to see SahBabii getting his flowers. NFL star Jahmyr Gibbs even hit Sah’s “Viking” dance in the endzone after scoring a touchdown. King Squad delivered his Saaheem (A Lu Bit More) deluxe, and he shocked the music community when teaming up with an uncredited Clairo for the unlikeliest of collaborations on “Show Off.” The alt-pop singer-songwriter’s soothing background vocals blend with SahBabii’s croon, as the ethereal single feels like a branch off Young Thug’s pioneering Beautiful Thugger Girls tree. — MICHAEL SAPONARA
OMB Peezy & GloRilla, “Lay Down” (Remix)
Late last year, OMB Peezy’s seven-year-old breakout song, “Lay Down” experienced a streaming resurgence thanks to a viral TikTok dance trend. That momentum turned into a genuine revival of the song, culminating in a new Glorilla-assisted remix, which arrived on Dec. 27, 2024. “All of that cheatin’, lyin’, connivin’ s—t, had to drop that b—h/ He must’ve thought I was gon’ stay ’round,” Big Glo spits in the intro to her brief, but effective, verse. Her Memphis accent sounds right at home next to Peezy’s Mobile, Ala. drawl over Drum Dummie’s synth-laden beat. — K.D.
Mozzy & Kalan.FrFr, “Where I Come From”
Sacramento meets Los Angeles here, as Mozzy’s grimy street tales mesh with Kalan.FrFr’s melodic croon for the 10 tracks making up Lucky Her. The sentimental “Where I Come From” finds the duo putting their West Coast ties on the table and thanking the harsh times in the Golden State for molding them into the successes they are today – in a way that doesn’t border on being corny, either. “I left the hood in my 30s/ Feel like I’ve seen enough,” Mozzy admits about turning a new leaf in life. He could’ve spun the block for a second poignant verse too. — M.S.
Little Simz, “Hello, Hi”
After landing on Billboard’s Best Rap Albums of 2024 with her genre-expansive Drop 7 mixtape (No. 12), Little Simz kissed 2024 goodbye with a new straightforward rap tune called “Hello, Hi.” “I ain’t gotta be what they on or be in the latest drop/ I just want my ends, and I want Miu Miu with the same damn bop/ Tell me, why they all dress the same? Carbon copy thesis/ I cut you with a Japanese silhouette, I know you ain’t never seen these pieces,” she rhymes over SHYY and Rigas’ guitar-inflected, London hip-hop production. Drill snares ricochet in the background as Simz draws parallels between her ascendance in music and high fashion, setting the stage for even more career milestones in 2025. — K.D.
Joey Bada$$, “The Ruler’s Back”
Joey Bada$$’s poetry in motion mixed with Conductor’s grainy yet gleaming production is like a match made in heaven. Hopefully, there’s an EP in the stash of the bodega basement. Joey set the tone with “The Ruler’s Back” putting the rap game on notice as the West Coast’s ears collectively perked up. “Too much West Coast d–k-licking, I’m hearin’ n—as throwin’ rocks, really ain’t s–t sticking,” he raps in an homage to fellow Brooklyn legend Jay-Z’s 1996 track “22 Two’s.” Last year brought the competitive spirit back to hip-hop, and that has spilled into 2025. — M.S.
Hurricane Wisdom & Polo G, “Giannis Remix”
Nothing was promised for Hurricane Wisdom hailing from North Florida. The Havana native broke down the regional barriers of Tallahassee with the twitchy “Giannis” in August, which picked up momentum like the Milwaukee Bucks superstar on a fast break to close out 2024. Hurricane narrates his gritty come-up but also delivers witty one-liners making light of his situation. He compares guns to the size of Giannis Antentokounmpo and jokes about not being good at math, but keeping problem-solvers around – if you catch his drift. Wisdom caught the ear of Polo G, who connects Chicago to Florida with a glossy assist to power the “Giannis Remix,” and ensure Hurricane gusts into the new year. — M.S.
King George & Snoop Dogg, “Unbelievable”
It’s not the star-studded menacing cast from Death Row’s 90s golden era, but Snoop Dogg has assembled a strong roster of versatile artists for the revamped label, with the West Coast icon at the helm. The Death Row Revue compilation project arrived last week and Snoop makes an appearance on the groovy “Unbelievable” alongside South Carolina’s King Geroge, which finds the Doggfather harping on the importance of loyalty. “Loyalty is rare/ So when you find that special someone, makes sure you stay locked and loaded/ Because it’s unbelievable what could happen,” he says. — M.S.
As we come to the end of 2024, it’s a good time to look back at all the great music that has come out this year, with December rounding out the past 12 months on another high.
And 2025 is already looking promising, with Afrobeats heavyweights Burna Boy and Davido announcing their new albums No Sign of Weakness and 5ive, respectively, and entering rollout mode with their prosperous singles “Bundle By Bundle” and “Funds,” featuring Odumodublvck and Chike. It’s no surprise that Chloe Bailey, who’s been cuddling up with Burna in Lagos, is featured in the “Bundle By Bundle” music video. Meanwhile, there has been a ton of great music releases, including by highlife icons The Cavemen., Afrobeats legend Wande Coal, superproducers Sarz and Kel-P and a gorgeous reinterpretation of “Jerusalema” by the incomparable Angélique Kidjo.
We’ve highlighted 10 of our favorite new songs by African acts that have come out roughly within the last month. Check out our latest Fresh Picks, and get in the spirit of Detty December with our Spotify playlist below.
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SuperSmashBroz & Fave, “Shut It Down”
On the heels of her sophomore EP Dutty Love, Fave links up with Nigerian American sibling DJ duo SuperSmashBroz (Muyi Fre$co and Noma Nomz) on the slinky club single “Shut It Down.” “Lesson of the day: Don’t trust DJs, ‘cause all they do is play me,” she sings while continuing to tell off someone who lost her trust. But the irresistible Afrobeats production will send us straight to SuperSmashBroz’s booth to have them run it back.
Boj & Minz, “Sara Jay”
The alté pioneer cooks up a heater with Minz on “Sara Jay,” one of four new tracks featured on the Summerfornication deluxe edition of his 12 Summers album. Boj and Minz love their lavish bachelor lifestyle, and whichever girl understands they’re here for a good time and not a long time gets to enjoy their flashy whips and other pleasures. From Genio Bambino’s skittering beat to the catchy “Put your ass in a Murciélago” refrain, “Sara Jay” will have you coming back for more.
The Cavemen., “Medicine”
Nigerian highlife sibling duo The Cavemen, featuring bassist Kingsley Okorie and drummer Benjamin James, take your troubles away in less than four minutes with “Medicine.” The sweet antidote is composed of faded, dizzying horns, twinkling keys and jazzy percussion, making it livelier than its temperate B-side “Opportunity.” “In a world where all has been said, we have decided to end the year with a call to groove and reflect,” The Cavemen. said in a press release. “‘Medicine’ and ‘Opportunity’ explore the possibility of therapy in modern highlife. Both songs are a mix of two worlds heading in the same direction to uplift listeners.”
Tayc & Davido, “PrAy”
The Cameroonian-French crooner connects with Davido on the touching standout track “PrAy” from the former’s latest album TESTIMONY. Tayc wonders who’ll pray for him long after he’s gone, while Davido bodies his verse about maintaining his peace amidst life’s mystery. And their smooth R&B-tinged melodies have us in our feelings just like them.
Burna Boy, “Bundle By Bundle”
When Burna throws money in the club, he’s throwing it “Bundle By Bundle,” as evidenced by his new single that will be featured on his upcoming eighth studio album No Sign of Weakness. It’s an anthem of abundance, with Burna stacking his W’s and relishing in the lifestyle they’ve earned him. Produced by Telz, who worked on much of Burna’s 2020 Grammy-winning album Twice as Tall, the pulsing bass line and intoxicating rhythms will surely be blasting at every Detty December party, while its swelling orchestral flourishes make the African Giant sound truly larger than life.
Davido feat. ODUMODUBLVCK & Chike, “Funds”
Davido’s melodic and effortlessly creative hot streak of the past decade continues with this new track, which brings in both ODUMODUBLVCK and Chike to celebrate the high life, and what they plan on doing with the money they’ve accumulated — namely, “mismanage my funds on you,” as the hook states. The production is bright and airy, and matches the vibe effortlessly.
Sarz feat. Asake, “C’mon, Look!”
Super-producer Sarz returns with this propulsive, insistent beat that powers Asake’s flow perfectly — almost a spiritual successor to their collaboration on Asake’s latest album, with the Travis Scott-assisted “Active.” If Asake has proven anything this year, it’s that he’s one of the most versatile vocalists out there, and Sarz continues to provide him with production that allows him to stretch his horizons — with this being another great example.
King Promise & Tom Walker, “Eyes Dried Over”
King Promise has been on a great run of late, with his vocals standing out among his peers. This collaboration with the Scottish singer/songwriter Tom Walker represents him stepping out of the lane he carved so well on his album True To Self, and seems in line with the Ed Sheeran-assisted remix of Fireboy DML’s “Peru” that made such a big splash a few years ago. This song is an emotional ode to the healing powers of liquor to mask the pain of relationship drama — in other words, a timeless feel.
Wande Coal & Kel-P, “Old Soldier”
Another collaboration between Afrobeats icon Wande Coal and innovative producer Kel-P — the first since “Kpe Paso” nearly two years ago — produced, unsurprisingly, a serious gem of a song, with Kel-P bringing the vibes with a danceable groove augmented by staccato guitars, steadying keys and a horn section that pushes things forward, while Wande Coal floats over top MC’ing the party. A great feel for the end of the year.
Angélique Kidjo, “Jerusalema”
Kidjo is truly a legend, and her take on this track brings beauty and emotion to a song that positively overflows with it. The original, by Master C and Nomcebo, became a sensation when it was released several years ago, and Kidjo’s rendition — released as a single following her performance of the track at the reopening of Notre Dame cathedral — replaces the underlying pulse of the original with ethereal strings, slowing it down and bringing the deep feeling of it out in full force — particularly towards the end, when she digs deep and lets her voice truly shine.
With just over a week to go before Beyoncé turns the Netflix-NFL Christmas Day halftime show into her very own Cowboy Carter rodeo, there’s still tons of new music racing to get heard before the calendar flips over to January 2025.
Between Bossman Dlow (Dlow Curry), Snoop Dogg & Dr. Dre (Missionary) and Roc Marciano & The Alchemist (The Skeleton Key), hip-hop heavyweights kept the new projects rolling in. In addition, R&B sent a sterling representative in Mario, who dropped Glad You Came, his first studio album in six years.
Speaking of Beyoncé, the Billboard staff’s Greatest Pop Star of the 21st Century (So Far), also became the woman with the most RIAA-certified titles in history (103). The impressive news comes the day after husband Jay-Z‘s attorney Alex Spiro spoke out Roc Nation’s New York headquarters, reiterating that the minor rape allegations levied against the rap mogul are “provably, demonstrably false” and “never happened.”
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Jay wasn’t the only rap icon in the news this week; Lil Wayne cleared the air on his friction with Kendrick Lamar after the latter secured the 2025 Super Bowl halftime show and name-dropped Tunechi in his “Wacced Out Murals” verse. In addition, Future — who headlined Rolling Loud Miami’s victorious tenth anniversary alongside Travis Scott and Playboi Carti — sent “Too Fast” to the top of three different airplay surveys (Mainstream R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay, Rhythmic Airplay and Rap Airplay) in the same week (dated Dec. 21). Finally, SZA officially announced that the deluxe edition of her blockbuster SOS LP will arrive on Friday (Dec. 20).
With Fresh Picks, Billboard aims to highlight some of the best and most interesting new sounds across R&B and hip-hop — from Sleepy Hallow and Babyface Ray’s new team-up to Tank and the Bangas’ ode to Black womanhood. Be sure to check out this week’s Fresh Picks in our Spotify playlist below.
Tank and the Bangas, “This Black Girl”
This year, Tank and the Bangas picked up its third career Grammy nod, as “Todo Colores,” its team-up with Ibrahim Maalouf and Cimafunk, is nominated for best global music performance. To close out the year, the funky musical group has unleashed a loving ode to “This Black Girl.” Lead singer Tarriona “Tank” Ball begins things in media res by employing a spoken word-esque cadence in her delivery of, “This Black girl got a attitude/ This Black girl has a defense mechanism too, I feel played at least once a day/ I need the treatment that you give the white girls/ I know my worth,” over Kaidi Tatham’s lush, warm, slighlty ominous soundscape.
Less of a traditional song, this is Tank seizing the soap box for all Black girlhood and womanhood — particularly those whose Blackness can never be confused or obfuscated. Tank’s voice is filled with the conviction of a priest, the tongue-in-cheek diction sourced from intracommunal conversations and the endless hope and indecipherable exhaustion of generations of Black women. “And I’m only gon’ cut that shit once,” she proclaims in the song’s outro. “I ain’t doing it again/ Ooh, that felt powerful y’all/ Ooh, that felt powerful.” — KYLE DENIS
Sleepy Hallow & Babyface Ray, “Top Tier”
The Brooklyn native returned last week with his Read This When You Wake Up album, and Sleepy Hallow reasserted that he isn’t one to be slept on in the drill scene. The woozy “Top Tier” finds SH connecting with Detroit’s own Babyface Ray, as Sleepy ruminates about his near-death experiences — but he’s still here to tell the tales. “They say you toxic, bae, you top tier/ I keep a Glock, ’cause I got shot and life is not fair,” he raps. Ray invades the scene with a shout-out to NY’s Dyckman neighborhood and admits he’s kicked a prescription drugs habit as he’s put the bottle down. — MICHAEL SAPONARA
Mario, “Love Ain’t Perfect”
This year marks the 20-year anniversary of one of the most beloved R&B songs of the ’00s: Mario’s “Let Me Love You.” To celebrate, Mario kept pushing forward and treated fans to his first studio LP in six years, Glad You Came, via his New Citizen imprint through Epic Records. Though the three singles that preceded the album are all strong, “Love Ain’t Perfect” is the set’s hidden gem. “Baby, baby, baby, you turn me on/ Even you play me all day like a radio/ When it feels this good, you can’t let it go,” he croons, succinctly outlining the masochistic allure of an imperfect, but undeniably electric, connection. With BNYX behind the boards and James Fauntleroy helping out on the songwriting side, “Love Ain’t Perfect” is a solid synthesis of classic Mario and where he’s headed next. — K.D.
BossMan Dlow feat. Ice Spice, “Pillsbury Dlow”
BossMan Dlow is everyone’s cup of espresso to get up and be motivated to chase a bag. He caps off his rookie of the year campaign with his Dlow Curry album – an homage to the Golden State Warriors sniper Steph Curry. Nobody expected an Ice Spice appearance on the track, but her feature ended up being a slam dunk, as she slowed down her flow into cruise control mode. “Up and down his algorithm, every pic I post is pain/ I put that on that shit for real, broke hoes don’t even know the name,” she rhymes, while tormenting exes that fumbled her. — M.S.
Kalan.Frfr, “Dice Game”
With GNX keeping the upper reaches of the Billboard 200 and Hot 100 locked up, the West Coast is finishing out its seismic 2024 on top. Though he wasn’t one of the L.A. rappers featured on GNX, Kalan.FrFr is keeping up his Pop Out-assisted momentum with a new bass-heavy banger called “Dice Game.” “I done took the Wock’ a lot of places, never been to Poland/ Man, these niggas got lil’ money, Gary Coleman/ Yeah, either way it go, Rick James, Rick Owens/ Yeah, either way it go, bein’ tough ain’t no motion,” he spits over DTB’s gritty, synth-inflected beat, smartly combing cross-generational and cross-medium reference into one punchline-anchored verse. — K.D.
Sugarhill Ddot & Star Bandz, “Energy”
Two of the best teenage rappers out reconnect for another sexy drill anthem with “Energy,” which feels like a track Dej Loaf and Lil Durk would’ve ripped during their days of collaborating. Sugarhill Ddot and Star Bandz’s chemistry feels palpable and authentic. The duo should probably just lock in for a joint project, as speculation rages on that they could be rap’s junior prom power couple. Ddot and Star pass the mic back and forth living as young, wild and free teens figuring out life on the fly: “Yeah I like yo energy/ You bring out the best in me/ This s–t feel like destiny,” Bandz raps on the previously teased tune. — M.S.
Another week, brings another shocking new legal filing. Following bombshells legal actions involving fellow hip-hop moguls Sean “Diddy” Combs and Aubrey “Drake” Graham, Shawn “Jay-Z” Carter has found himself in the center of a harrowing new suit. In a Dec. 8 refiling of an earlier civil lawsuit against Combs, Carter has been accused of raping a 13-year-old girl in 2000 after that years MTV Video Music Awards. The 24-time Grammy-winner, who was recently named Billboard’s 16th Greatest Pop Star of the 21st Century (So Far), immediately took to social media to vehemently deny the accusations, and the following day (Dec. 9), he filed a motion calling the case “extortionate” and arguing that the accuser should not be allowed to litigate such “heinous allegations” anonymously.
This case is still in the early phases, so there isn’t much to analyze beyond the new filing, Carter’s responses and general reactions to the stunning news. Though the news broke late Sunday night, it quickly became the weekend’s defining hip-hop moment, surpassing both the buzz of Doechii‘s new NPR Tiny Desk performance and Smino‘s new Maybe In Nirvana LP.
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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 Khalid and Normani spinning the block to A$AP Rocky’s fiery new remix. Be sure to check out this week’s Fresh Picks in our Spotify playlist below.
THEY., “Straight Up”
If you have a new album dropping on Valentine’s Day next year with a title inspired by one of the most beloved Black romantic comedy-dramas of the ’90s (1997’s Love Jones), you know your singles have to be home runs. With “Straight Up,” the latest taste of the forthcoming Love.Jones, smooth R&B duo THEY. deliver a ’90s-evoking cut built around sultry vocals, pitched-up vocal loops and come-hither lyricism. “Let’s make plans, let’s link up, let’s be ’bout it/ Got you wet, got me drunk, now we drownin’/ Crashing out, pussy good, I’m surrounded/ We on round number four, but who’s countin’?” Drew Love croons in the first verse. Infused with the forward, hip-hop sensibilities of contemporary R&B but steeped in the sensual tension of the genre’s ’90s iterations, “Straight Up” is another hit for THEY. — KYLE DENIS
Hanumankind, Kalmi & A$AP Rocky, “Big Dawgs (Remix)”
This isn’t your average remix in 2024 looking to game the streaming system as Hanumankind recruited A$AP Rocky to take his thrilling ride of “Big Dawgs” to another level. The Mob leader flosses to kick off the track and takes it back to his humble beginnings running around Harlem. “Crackheads by the corner store, bakin’ soda by the stove, mattress on the floor/ Mice and the roaches, my room ain’t have a door, but I had some dope,” he reminisces over the revved-up production. The Indian rapper even slaps a reworked verse into his top 40 Hot 100 hit as he gives a shout-out to Flacko – his first American rap collaboration – and sets the stage for his official debut album in 2025. — MICHAEL SAPONARA
Khalid & Normani, “Personal”
After making history with “Love Lies” back in 2018 — the Love, Simon track was the first duet by two African-American singers to reach No. 1 on Pop Airplay in over 20 years — Khalid and Normani are back with another sultry team-up. This time, the two stars have joined forces for a deluxe cut for Patience, Khalid’s third studio album. Across a hiccuping, Afrobeats-nodding beat courtesy of Digi and Simon Says, they coo in carnal whispers: “Don’t know how I got it, but I’m next to you/ So what you gonna do?/ Put your body on my body, get personal/ So sensual.” Normani continues to show off her personal innovations on Brandy’s vocal playbook, while Khalid displays his growth as a duet partner, offering up a rich, husky complement to Mani’s airier timbre. — K.D.
AzChike, “Love Yo Weapons”
Fresh off his appearance on Kendrick Lamar’s GNX album, AzChike keeps fans’ attention with the menacing “Love Yo Weapons.” “Welcome to the show/ I don’t think we got no seats left,” he greets the newcomers over the haunting production. But it was the slick wordplay flipping Drake’s So Far Gone into a bar that had us hitting replay: “Up this Drake, now he gone/ Hit him from so far,” Az spews. The burgeoning West Coast rhymer certainly didn’t fumble the spotlight with “Love Yo Weapons.” — M.S.
Rhyan Douglas feat. Lekan, “Magic Gurl”
Rhyan Douglas and Lekan have both made incredible strive in 2024, and they’re capping off their formidable runs with an ode to a special “magic gurl.” A slow-burning duet that unfurls across a sparse soundscape comprised off ricocheting background synths, serne percussion and ethereal harmonies, “Magic Gurl” plays with quietness and loudness in a really refreshing way. Rhyan and Lekan both understand the innate dynamism of holding back and they effortlessly demonstrate that across this languid, swirling tune. — K.D.
Chocc, “Did You Mean It”
Cori Broadus, who sings under the alias Chocc, is stepping out from under her father, Snoop Dogg’s, shadow – or smoke cloud. Revealing her vulnerabilities through a reinvented sound mixing moody R&B with glitzy pop, Chocc shines on Journals to Johnny EP standout “Did You Mean It.” The 25-year-old pleads with her fiancee Wayne Duece while grappling if his “I love you’s” were for nothing. “Did you mean it when you say you love me,” Chocc sings while demanding an answer. The couple further peels back the layers of their relationship in a new E! docuseries Snoop’s Fatherhood: Cori and Wayne’s Story, which arrived alongside the project. — M.S.
Decemeber has arrived, and that means we’ll be getting more than a few tastes of the soca anthems seeking to dominate Carnival season next year. But December also means the return of Sting — a notoriously length reggae and dancehall showcase that has been held annually in Jamaica on Dec. 26 since 198. Home to countless iconic moments in the worlds of reggae and dancehall, Sting will return this month with a genreation-bridging lineup, including Tommy Lee Sparta, Turbulence, Teflon, Gyptian, Jamal, Quada, Jahmiel, Bushman, Dwayne Stephenson, Shane O, Macka Diamond, Laden, Skippa, Kant10t, Ace Gawd and more.
“We’re trying to slide away from all the things that may hamper us in the future,” said CEO of Supreme Promotions Tahheer Lain said at the press launch. “So, I’m trying to give the show a softer feel. As much as it’s a rough cut show, I’m trying to soften it because we realise that a lot of our younger artists they may not have the capability, or pattern of thinking as the older artists… one time it was just Sting, now it’s Sting Live.”
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There’s one other major performance set to take Jamaica by storm this month, and that’s Vybz Kartel‘s Freedom Street New Year’s Eve homecoming concert — his first live show since being released from prison after serving a 13-year sentence.
Naturally, Billboard’s monthly Reggae/Dancehall Fresh Picks column will not cover every last track, but our Spotify playlist — which is linked below — will expand on the 10 highlighted songs. So, without any further ado:
Freshest Find: Bunji Garlin, “Carry It”
Bunji Garlin is one of the most dependable soca artists that we have, and he already has is eyes set on the 2025 road soundtrack. Self-written and produced by Stemz Productions alongside some live guitar from Kyle Peters, “Carry It” finds Bunji uses the frenetic energy of power soca drums to sing a triumphant story in remembrance of his roots and the unique dynamism that comes the resilience of soca music. “Where can I find that energy, the raw raw magic that comes down from the grass-roots/ Yes ah from a place where soca the resounding power/ Yuh could feel anytime any hour, sunshine or shower,” he proclaims in the opening verse.
Hey Choppi, “Titanic”
With production from Spine and Sucre and writing credits from soca legend Machel Montana, “Titanic” was always destined to be a homerun. Nonetheless, it takes a remarkably committed vocal performance — like that of Hey Choppi — to make sure every last piece falls into place. For his take on the “Kompa Fever” riddim, Choppi builds on Rose and Jack’s iconic Titanic love story with a tender, melodic vocal that plays well against the kompa guitars weaved throughout the soundscape.
Nessa Preppy, “Go Bestie”
To close out November, Badjohn Republic and NMG Music teamed up for the “Yes Please” riddim, which Trinidadian soca star Nessa Preppy absolutely slid across. “Go bestie, go twin/ Go bestie, go twin/ Yuh badder den alla dem/ Yuh hotter den alla dem,” she decalres at the song’s outset, seamlessly switching from a flirty flasetto to a comparatively more commanding chest voice as she sings her support for her bestie as they both enjoy themselves at a given function. “Yes Please” also appears on Nessa’s new Little Miss Arima album, which arrived on Nov. 11 featuring collaborations with Yung Bredda, Lady Lava, Freetown Collective and V’ghn.
Konshens, Silent Addy & 1Mind, “Slow Motion”
For the past decade, Konshens has been a formidable force across dancehall music and this new collaboration with Silent Addy and 1Mind’s Mac Sutphin only reiterates that fact. “Slow Motion” finds the Kingston MC relishing his time spent caught up in the hypnosis of the night’s reigning bad gyal. “How yuh full a style suh? How yuh full a vibes suh?/ What is it about you? How mi jus’ a smile suh?/ Tek di money, tek di money, baby hold a coil nuh/ Cool and deadly, dah love yah nuffi wild up,” he sing-raps over the slow-burninng, synth-laden production. A master when it comes to gyal tunes, Konshens adds another banger to his arsenal with “Slow Motion.”
Malie Donn & Byron Messia, “Alive”
This summer, Malie Donn quickly followed-up last year’s “V6” breakthrough with “Whats Popping,” and now he’s finally unleashed his debut studio album. One of the standout tracks on the album is “Alive,” a collaboration with Byron Messia that trades in a particularly grim brand of gratitiude. The two dancehall stars are, of course, happy with their success and riches, but even the twinkling piano can’t conjure up the warmth that’s noticeably missing from the simmering track.
Shuga, “Love Doctor”
Lovesickness is an emotion that thousands of songs across genres have explored — and Shuga has dropped off one of her own. Set as the lead single from her forthcoming Girl from Montego Bay album, the Donovan Germain-produced “Love Doctor” is inspired by Shuga’s then-boyfriend (now husband). “I’m calling for the love doctor/ ‘Cause tonight, I need some healing/ I’ve got to see the love doctor/ ‘Cause right now I’m in my feelings,” she earnestly sings over gentle reggae guitars in the hook. Grown and tasteful, “Love Doctor” is the kind of intergenerational banger that makes reggae so special.
Jaz Elise, “Unforgettable”
From an opening that recalls the synthesized harp of “The Boy Is Mine” to that whimisical swell of the final chorus, “Unforgettable” is yet another gorgeous release from Jaz Elise. “I won’t take this thing we have for granted/ Feels so good, so natural/ Nuh odda one compare to you, you have it/ A kiss from you, so magical,” she proclaims over a J.L.L. and IzyBeats-helmed soundscape that uses an ebullient horn section to contour its traditional reggae production. Following “Gunman” earlier this year, Jaz Elise is two for two when it comes to 2024 solo releases.
A-Suh Boss, “Chappa Cry”
Beyoncé gifted us her Renaissance album in 2022, and now it’s A-Suh Boss’ turn. For “Chappa Cry,” the opening track of his debut album — also titled Renaissance, to be clear — A-Suh Boss provides a gritty, reflective soundtrack for all the ghetto youths who dream far bigger than their present circumstances. “The house used to leak when rain fall/ Used to dress, guh school inna same shorts/ Life never sweet, dem days hard/ Life change from mi mek di sweepstakes call,” he sing-raps over the Monk Music-helmed production.
Kes, “Cocoa Tea”
Few can hold a candle to Kes when it comes to groovy soca, and “Cocoa Tea” is just further proof why. After dropping off Man With No Door earlier this year — the award-winning soca band’s first studio LP in a decade — Kes has returned with “Cocoa Tea,” an endlessly sweet ode to a love that warms you up like a mug of the chocolate-y beverage. “Darling, heat me up/ Only you alone could put fire back in me soul/ Heat me up/ And they telling me ah should leave that fire alone/ Well, the more they tell me is the more I holding you close,” lead singer Kees Dieffenthaller croons in the pre-chorus before the song explodes into a groovy soca fantasia in the chorus.
Lady Lava & Jordan English, “Baddd B”
For his “Bad B” remix, Jordan English staged a collaboration between Barbados and Trinidad, tapping Lady Lava, who recently received her flowers from Cardi B, for a sizzling guest verse. “Bad B” is English’s take on DJ Vibes, Hit It Records and Supa Nytro’s “Pressure” riddim — a sparse, percusssive number with ample room for MCs to flow over. An easy-rocking, tongue-in-cheek tune sure to set the dance floors ablaze as we enter the new year, look for “Bad B” to have some legs going into the spring.