Fresh Picks
Page: 4
June is finally hitting its stride, and with Juneteenth (June 19) and the BET Awards (June 30) on the horizon, the worlds of R&B and hip-hop are buzzing with excitement.
The past week in R&B/hip-hop has brought us major updates on highly anticipated new albums, as well as business moves that have left fans puzzled, amused, and angry. On Saturday (June 8), Megan Thee Stallion debuted the alternate artwork for her upcoming self-titled LP, which is slated to drop on June 28. The announcement came the same day the H-Town Hottie broke down in tears while performing “Cobra” on her Hot Girl Summer Tour in Tampa, FL; earlier that day, nefarious social media users circulated explicit AI-generated videos to resemble Megan’s likeness.
On the flip side, Rihanna wore an “I’m Retired” shirt, sending her fans into a tailspin as they debated whether or not the “Diamonds” singer would ever drop another album.
Trending on Billboard
For one of the week’s more amusing business deals, Nick Cannon insured his much-discussed “family jewels” for $10 million. It was a necessary reprieve from the debate Jay-Z spurred when Roc Nation announced their participation in a campaign to secure $300 million in scholarships for underprivileged kids to private and religious institutions, leaving hundreds of hurting public schools in the dust.
With Fresh Picks, Billboard aims to highlight some of the best and most interesting new sounds across R&B and hip-hop — from BIA and JID‘s new late-’00s-esque banger to summery new singles from Amanda Reifer and Cash Cobain. Be sure to check out this week’s Fresh Picks in our Spotify playlist below.
J.P., “Bring ‘Em Here”
[embedded content]
After bringing Milwaukee lowend to the national stage with his hit single “Bad Bitty,” J.P. has kept his foot firmly on the gas, offering up his new album, Coming Out Party. The new record primarily consists of more bite-sized “Bad Bitty”-esque bangers that combine J.P.’s soulful vocals and the rattling bass of Milwaukee lowend, but it’s “Bring ‘Em Here” that immediately stands out among the new joints.
“S–t, I remember being broke/ Had to ration all my s–t, n—as thought it was a joke/ But now they see me living/ And now they wanna ask me for my digits,” he muses in the intro, employing a rap-sung cadence that becomes the perfect framework for his later proclamations of being a “freak” who’s “tryna f–k you and a plus one.” Produced by Ibn Farmacia & Tombo, there’s a delicate guitar buried far in the background of the mix that picks up the markedly morose tone J.P. sings with across the sultry midtempo jam — and it’s that sonic quirk that makes the track one of the most interesting ones on the rising rapper’s new project.
BIA & JID, “Lights Out”
[embedded content]
It’s already been a highly memorable June for BIA, and we’re only 10 days into the month. Sandwiched between dissing Cardi B and performing in her hometown at Game Two of the NBA Finals, BIA collaborated with JID for the first time on “Lights Out.” The StarGate-produced song landed on the Bad Boys: Ride or Die soundtrack, but packs more of a punch than typical digestible soundtrack music that can feel monotonous at times. The “Whole Lotta Money” rapper delivers a catchy hook and JID gets tagged in late for an assist, which finds him recalling T.I.’s “Top Back” anthem. “I got my top way back and my beat down low/ We put so much in the grind ’cause we was on the ground floor,” the Dreamville resident proclaims.
Amanda Reifer, “Colonize”
[embedded content]
After picking up a pair of Grammy nominations thanks to her work on Kendrick Lamar’s Mr. Morale & the Big Steppers, Bajan singer-songwriter Amanda Reifer is stepping into her own spotlight. Built around a lift from fellow Bajan artist Rupee’s timeless “Tempted to Touch,” “Colonize” arrives as an evocative, sensual ode to remaining steadfast in your own existence and rejecting the imposition of outside ideals or expectations. “Aw, bless you, I ain’t saying I ain’t glad that I met you/ I ain’t saying what I’m saying just to vex you/ But you would mark territory if I let you,” she warns over Dahi’s shimmering dancehall-inflected beat. Fans who were immediately captivated by Reifer’s warm, alluring tone on “Die Hard,” will absolutely love the way her voice takes center stage on “Colonize.”
Doechii, “MPH”
[embedded content]
The tension between the conscious and the commercial — which is much more complex than that binary suggests — is one of the longest-standing debates in hip-hop. With “MPH,” a high-octane continuation of the raucous dance and house-rooted hip-hop of her JT-assisted “Alter Ego,” Doechii offers a simple answer: “Yeah, I could give you the conscious s–t, but I’m too busy giving you c–t.” It’s really that simple. “MPH” finds Doechii combining camp, humor, and an irresistible just-short-of-bratty timbre to make a song that heralds her own greatness and, in turn, spurs listeners to revel in their own. She smartly anchors the song’s more quippy moments with a first verse that recalls her come-up story; “I tell you what it took to get me here, but I don’t think you really understand it/ Went from bitches trying to call me out my name, to calling my name in the stands,” she spits over the Deameanor-helmed beat.
Cash Cobain, “Rump Punch”
[embedded content]
From “Fisherrr” to “Attitude” — “Grippy” not included — Cash Cobain has been taking his slizzy summer vibes from NYC to the world. “Rump Punch,” his latest addition to the “sexy drill” lexicon, finds the Bronx rapper-producer comparing his lady’s taste to the always-satisfying drink that is rum punch. “Hеnny got you bent, but I’ma bend you too/ If you got a man, we could bеnd the rules/ If I was your man, I’d be tender too/ If you really wanna bring a friend or two,” he spits in a fast-paced flow that matches the slightly sleazy vibe of his lyrics. Cash is aware that he’s a bit of a dog, and that’s why he’s flying through lyrics that acknowledge his indifference to pre-existing relationships. Then again, why would that be of any concern to someone who’s truly partaking in a slizzy summer?
Isaia Huron, “Circle”
[embedded content]
When you aim for perfection, you discover that it’s a moving target. In a showcase of creative transparency, Isaia Huron’s “Circle” was left intentionally unfinished. The burgeoning R&B singer narrates the trials and tribulations of a certain woman in his life while showing off his vocal versatility which climbs to a falsetto. Icy piano keys kick off the 90-second sprint before a stark halftime switch to brooding drums with a pulsating bass reaching a crescendo along with an outro that feels like something out of the Frank Ocean playbook. “Circle” is the South Carolina singer-songwriter’s first single of 2024, and Huron has a project slated to arrive this summer.
Ski Mask the Slump God & Future, “Monsters Inc.”
[embedded content]
Ski Mask the Slump God returned with his first project in three years, as the dark 11th Dimension hit streaming services. An early standout from his sophomore LP finds Ski facing off with Future on “Monsters Inc.” Just don’t expect any references to Mike Wazowski, Sully or any ties to the Pixar classic for that matter. Future does the early heavy-lifting and floats over the menacing ATL Jacob production, while the sniper admits he’s still got Jennifer Lopez on his wish list. “Real spill, I’m still goin’ after J. Lo, uh-huh/ Can’t go back on my word,” he raps. Pluto’s syrupy ad-libs serve as an interlude of sorts with Ski Mask taking the baton and his skittering rhymes bringing “Monsters Inc.” across the finish line. “Y’all n—-s just the benchwarmers, I can’t take you serious,” Ski spews.
Slowly but surely, summer is starting to make its presence felt. With warmer temperatures and sun that hangs in the sky just tad bit longer with each passing day, the world around us is finally starting to resemble the sun-soaked sonics of Caribbean music — at least in NYC.
Explore
See latest videos, charts and news
See latest videos, charts and news
The big news in the worlds of dancehall, reggae, soca and their cousin genres came at the very end of the month with the announcement of the 2024 Caribbean Music Awards nominations. Dexta Daps leads the pack with a whopping eight nominations, including performer of the year (dancehall) and the people’s choice award. Vincentian singer-songwriter Skinny Fabulous follows with six nods, while Masicka, Yung Bredda, Bounty Killer and Machel Montano boast five nominations each. Other notable nominees include 2023 breakout star Byron Messia, Billboard cover star Teejay and international powerhouses Drake and Burna Boy.
In non-awards news, Buju Banton announced his first American show in 13 years, Nicki Minaj brought out Beenie Man at her Pink Friday 2 World Tour show in London, and Shenseea and Sean Paul were announced as featured artists on the forthcoming Bad Boys: Ride or Die soundtrack.
Trending on Billboard
To help sort through all the new Caribbean music released in May, Billboard’s monthly Reggae/Dancehall Fresh Picks columns returns with a host of new selections for your listening and wining pleasure. Of course, as is the case across genres in today’s age, there’s an overwhelming amount of new music released every day, let alone every month. Naturally, this column will not cover every last track, but our Spotify playlist — which is linked below — will expand on the 10 highlighted songs.
Without any further ado, here are 10 tracks across reggae, dancehall and their cousin genres that are heating up both our personal playlists and late-night functions from Kingston to Queens:
Freshest Find: Lexxicon, “Batty Man Party”
[embedded content]
Dancehall has been criticized for years for how inhospitable it can be for queer listeners and creators. With his infectious and rambunctious “Batty Man Party,” Lexxicon says “fiyah fi dat.” “We coming out and we pretty like a Barbie/ Short shorts, crop top, we go all in/ Bruk out, bruk out, like you a yardie/ Ready, ready fi di batty man party,” he chants over sparse drum-heavy beat. It’s not easy to make a party track and grand political statement, but Lexxicon pulls it off by balancing his nimble flow and catchy rhymes with a reclamation of homophobic terms like “battyman” and name-checking songs with similarly hurtful legacies like Banton’s “Boom Bye Bye” and T.O.K.’s “Chi Chi Man.” “No more hiding, not any longer/ Have a problem, just kiss mi bumpa/ No more hiding, not any longer/ Have a problem, guh suck yuh mada,” Lexxicon snarls.
Richie Spice, “Cool It”
[embedded content]
Over laid-back reggae guitars and breezy percussion, Richie Spice calls for peace in a world desperately in need of it. “War in the east and war in the west/ War up north and war down south/ Tell me what is this all about,” he croons. His repeated chants of “cool it, cool it, cool it down” conjure up a sense of serenity that has shades of urgency on the edges. Richie isn’t just vocalizing empty musings of peace, his vocal performance is explicitly informed by how embattled the world around us is — from several ongoing genocides and environmental decay to how hostile we’ve become with each other as fellow global citizens.
Jimmy October, “Sweet Love”
[embedded content]
Trinidadian singer-songwriter Jimmy October offers up a sultry summer vibe with his new single “Sweet Love.” Produced by Brooklyn Decent, “Sweet Love” recounts the age-old story that it will likely end up soundtracking many of by the end of August — a regular night turns into one filled with passion when a special lady catches Jimmy’s eyes. With a mix that skews towards the more synthetic feel of modern dancehall and a smoky vocal performance that encapsulates the sweet talk of a flirty evening, “Sweet Love” is tailor-made for heated summer nights.
Mykal Rose, Subatomic Sound System & Hollie Cook, “Put Down the Gun”
[embedded content]
Calls for peace and unity are commonplace in reggae, but there will always be a new and fresh take on those concepts. With “Put Down the Gun,” the latest single from Subatomic Sound System, Mykal Rose and Hollie Cook’s forthcoming joint album, the three acts turn a local plea for nonviolence into something decidedly universal. “With everything going on, people need to understand that they can come together. Forget the gun. We tell them to put it down, but they think they can’t live without the gun,” Rose says in a press release. With Rose on lead vocals and Cook providing gorgeous background harmonies, the two singers paint beautifully over Subatomic Sound System’s urgent, passionate amalgamation of horns, drums and guitar.
Capleton & Derrick Sound, “Tired of the Drama”
[embedded content]
In case it wasn’t clear by the end of the hook, Capleton is tired of the murder and very tired of the drama. Opting for a more aggressive approach to his calls for an end to various violent conflicts, Capleton’s iconic voice rings across Derrick Sound’s brooding brass-accented instrumentation. “Bun the war and the tribal/ And if you talk about the wave you have to talk about the tidal/ Bun the graven image, them and the idol/ Nuff go trend some a them wan go viral,” he proclaims. Despite the song’s heavy subject matter, Capleton simply can’t help but craft an infectious melody that, in turn, lodges the song’s message deep in the listener’s brain — it’s a songwriting masterclass.
Projexx, “Sweat”
[embedded content]
Jamaican-born, Miami-based singer Projexx mixes dancehall and falsetto on his seductive new single “Sweat.” Featuring his sweet falsetto paired with steady Afropop kick drums and rimshots, “Sweat” is tailor-made for a slow wine in the corner of party, or for the duskier hours of a summer beach trip. Co-produced by Cadenza and Afrobeats powerhouse PDJ, the track cradles Projexx’s slinky melody with delicate background strings and guitar, touching on major sonic hallmarks of the Black diaspora. Born from a steamy text session that eventually spilled over into real life, “Sweat” is a knockout.
JussBussCamp feat. Ghaza, Sluwwy, Double R Muziq, Lowkey, Killy Muziq & Shorbeats, “Shake Down”
[embedded content]
Vincentian record label JussBussCamp provided several hits for last year’s Carnvial season, and they’re looking to contine that momentum with this year’s “Shake Down.” The high-octane electro-soca track features Ghaza, Sluwwy, Double R Muziq, Lowkey, Killy Musiq — each of whom effortlessly owns their space across Shorbeats’ pounding power soca. “When JussBuss reach/ Shake down anybody you know/ Break down every party we go,” they sing in the hook, crafting an indelible hook that doubles as anthem for the dominant record label. Although there’s a football team’s worth of contributors on the track, “Shake Down” never feels crowded, the synergy between these artists simply doesn’t allow for that. Then again, in an innately communal genre like soca, there’s no room for individualistic ego anyways.
Voice, “Pray”
[embedded content]
Voice’s “Pray” is one of this month’s more mellow selections, but his evocative vocal performance rightfully earns the track a spot on the column. Although Mega Mick’s synth-laden production moves the song away from any kind of analog feel, Voice’s heartbroken tone and reflective self-penned lyrics help ground the track. “It’s just me and I/ I can’t sleep at night/ Cause I bleed and cry/ I’s human too, I ask people to/ Pray for me,” he croons. For all of the prayers for world peace and nonviolence that dominate reggae tracks, Voice’s “Pray” is a welcome reprieve that, in turn, covers a much darker and more personal emotional space. He lays his heart bare on this track, essentially giving himself over to the mercy of other people’s prayers because, presumably, his alone aren’t enough. A heavy situation, for sure, but his vocal performance carries the full heft of that load with remarkable grace.
Jab King, “Jab Did”
[embedded content]
For years, DJ Khaled has been one of the strongest links between contemporary dancehall and hip-hop. With “Jab Did,” Jab King pays tribute to the Billboard 200 chart-topper’s iconic “God Did!” exaltation while also delivering an irresistible soca-anthem. “Tell em believe in us/ Jab did, like DJ Khaled/ We going up from here,” he chants over Wetty Beatz’s fast-paced amalgamation of triumphant horns and militant drums. A road anthem with limitless crossover potential, “Jab Did” is yet another win for Grenadian soca.
Dat-C DQ & Skinny Fabulous, “Start”
[embedded content]
Fresh off six 2024 Caribbean Music Awards nominations, Skinny Fabulous joins forces with Dat-C DQ for the official season-starter for Vincy Mas. “Start,” which features Suhrawh on production duties, is a rollicking soca anthem poised to take over the road this summer. With both Skinny and Dat-C DQ seamlessly switching up their flows to play with the different pockets of the power soca beat, the two artists showcase not just their individual virtuosity but also their palpable chemistry. “We does mash up tings” might as well be the party slogan of the year!
Tina (fka Hoodcelebrity), “Been Pretty”
[embedded content]
“B–ch, I been pretty, you just became a bad b–ch/ Never sucked d–k, never f–ked for this s–t/ Hold my head high, when you see me I got the grip/ And I wish a b–ch would try some shit,” Tina (fka Hoodcelebrityy) opens her newest single, “Been Pretty.” Arriving just a few weeks after her sophomore full-length project, Tina vs. Hoodcelebrityy, the fiery new single finds Tina blending dancehall flows with New York rap cadences as she fires off warning shots to all of her haters and detractors. She floats over the Troyton Rami-produced beat with ease, placing herself at the musically rich intersection of hip-hop and dancehall — all cast under the shadow of a towering NYC attitude.
At long last, the summertime is here! Now that we’ve finally made it to June, the R&B and hip-hop worlds are gearing up for what many hope will be the summer that we truly return to the energy of a pre-COVID time.
Last weekend (June 1-2), the Roots Picnic took over Philadelphia, PA, with two days of stellar performances, including memorable sets from R&B icons like Babyface, Jill Scott and Fantasia, as well as ascendant hip-hop stars such as Sexyy Red and Smino (and even rising country hitmaker Shaboozey). Headlined by Scott, Nas and Lil Wayne (with The Roots, Trombone Shorty and PJ Morton), Roots Picnic nailed the tricky balancing act that is catering to three different generations of R&B/hip-hop performers and consumers.
It’s a balance that Hot 97’s 2024 Summer Jam (June 2) struggled to achieve, with Method Man and Redman — both of whom performed at Roots Picnic the day prior — feeling the burn of the generational gap onstage.
Trending on Billboard
“Not our crowd at all,” Method Man wrote in a comment under Hot 97’s Instagram post highlighting his and Redman’s set. “Thanks again, New York and the whole tri-state (that showed up to the event) plus Pete and Ebro. I got love for you guys. But never again… at this point the generation gap is just too wide for me. #nevercomingback.”
Outside of the festival circuit, Rihanna made history as the female artist with the most RIAA Diamond-certified singles, Ye was sued by a former assistant for sexual harassment, breach of contract and wrongful termination, and Eminem dropped “Houdini” — which featured a poorly received jab at Megan Thee Stallion.
With Fresh Picks, Billboard aims to highlight some of the best and most interesting new sounds across R&B and hip-hop — from Ray Emmanuel’s impressive “Baybayyy” to selections from Tanerélle’s gorgeous new EP. Be sure to check out this week’s Fresh Picks in our Spotify playlist below.
Freshest Find: Tanerélle, “Blink”
[embedded content]
What better way to announce your signing to Republic Records than with a gorgeous new EP? Atlanta multi-hyphenate Tanerélle’s Electric Honey EP is a strong collection of songs that builds on the atmospheric foundation of 2021’s “Nothing Without You,” which earned a highly coveted synch on Issa Rae’s acclaimed HBO show Insecure. With its heavy bass, neo-soul flourishes and electro-R&B breakdowns, “Blink” is both an easy standout on the project, and a timeless story of getting lost in a lovelorn dreamworld while the world around you keeps moving. “Dreams I cannot explain/ As the walls are closing/ Dreams I cannot explain/ As my cerebellum sinks/ As the world around me blinks,” she croons in the chorus.
Maeta, “DJ Got Me”
[embedded content]
After topping Adult R&B Airplay with “Through the Night,” singer-songwriter Maeta has returned with a new Kaytranda-produced bop. Gone are the lush, ethereal orchestrations of her When I Hear Your Name LP. On this new joint, the Roc Nation singer’s soulful vocals float over Kaytranda’s slinky synths, creating a sultry, infectious world in which she flips Indeep’s post-disco classic “Last Night a DJ Saved My Life.” “Who’s in charge of me?/ Can’t control my body/ But keep that on repeat/ And everybody’s watchin’/ But that’s okay wit’ me/ I didn’t even get a warnin’/ I be up until the mornin,’” she croons. After giving us a cuffing season anthem, Maeta is clearly ready to turn up the heat this summer.
Josh Levi, “Something More”
[embedded content]
After snagging a buzzy hit with “Birthday Dance,” Josh Levi returns with his first piece of original music in a year. “When I don’t have the lines/ But you’re in my mind/ Could you hear me talking to you, baby/ From the inside/ Baby, tell me how deep/ Are you willing to dive,” he croons over the synthy Louie Lastic-helmed beat. If “Birthday Dance” exalted the more sensual moments of romantic encounters, “Something More” finds Levi literally yearning for something more. Sure, that sensuality is still there — “Say it with your body, baby/ You don’t gotta tell me twice,” he croons — but it’s tempered with unabashed vulnerability. He only wants one special person, even if that means just laying there with them in the silence.
Byron Juane & Daisha McBride, “I Want You Now”
[embedded content]
Hailing from North Carolina, emerging R&B crooner Byron Juane has been steadily making a name for himself in R&B circles. For his sexy new single, “I Want You Now,” Juane tapped Knoxville, TN singer-rapper Daisha McBride to turn the joint into a steamy duet. Juane kicks off the affair as hot and as heavy as he can: “Invite me to your oasis/ I’m tryna swim in it/ I got some plans for you tonight/ You bout to beg for it,” he coos over a melody reminiscent of The-Dream‘s mid-late-2000s solo material. McBride’s raspy rap-sung cadence is a solid complement to Juane’s riff-laden vocals, but it’s the shades of queerness that contour her verse that elevate the track into an anthem of desire for all.
Ray Emmanuel, “Baybayyy”
[embedded content]
Ray Emmanuel gained recognition as an early teen boasting lyrical brilliance beyond his years. Still only 19, the North Carolina native is finding his voice and coming into his own. The J. Cole-inspired MC delivered his first single of 2024 with the triumphant “Baybayyy.” Sampling a sped-up version of the late Billy Butler and Infinity’s soulful “Hung Up on You,” Ray shrewdly lets the backing “baby”s finish off his bars. While girls are chasing him down these days, he’s still got his eye on the prize: “One of the greats, that’s true/ The No. 1 spot, I’ma take that too,” he proclaims. After ruffling hip-hop’s feathers 2023’s “F*CK RAPPERS,” Emmanuel shows off his dexterity when it comes to putting records together — and he’s got plenty of more heat in the stash down the line.
Kanii, “MIA”
[embedded content]
The emerging DMV-bred singer-songwriter looks to heat up the dancefloor just in time for the summer. “MIA” continues Kanii’s winning ways while making a name for himself in the R&B landscape. The 18-year-old’s airy vocals float over electro-pop synths that sound like they could’ve been a canvas for The Weeknd on Starboy. Kanii also released an eerie visual to stand alongside the addictive single, which finds him abducted and dropped off with a romantic interest at an abandoned hotel that mirrors something in Stranger Things’ Upside Down world. After unleashing a pair of EPs last year, the “I Know” artist is well-equipped for his rising stardom heading into an anticipated major-label debut album.
Ayra Starr started a new chapter of her life with her sophomore album The Year I Turned 21, which was released Friday (May 31) via Mavin Records and Republic Records. In a recent Billboard interview, she explained that after Giveon turned in his verse for “Last Heartbreak Song,” “I was like, ‘OK, I’m just going to trust my intuition with who I want on each song” — and one of the artists she reached out to for a feature was Seyi Vibez, for the single “Bad Vibes.”
And three years after Tiwa Savage released her Water & Garri EP, she starred in and executive produced her first film by the same name and released a 10-song soundtrack to go along with it. Those are just two of the artists who feature on this month’s roundup, which also includes new singles from Ghanaian legend Sarkodie, a teamup from two of Nigeria’s finest in Victony and Asake, a new groove from Fireboy DML and plenty more.
Trending on Billboard
We’ve highlighted 10 of our favorite new Afrobeats (and related) songs that have come out roughly within the last month. Check out our latest Fresh Picks, and catch a vibe with our latest Spotify playlist below.
Azanti & PsychoYP, “Naija Funk”
[embedded content]
Abuja’s finest, Azanti and PsychoYP, are back at it again on “Naija Funk” from their new joint album, YP & Azanti, Vol. 2. Producer Aykbeats puts the “Funk” in “Naija Funk” with his nostalgic, folk-inspired drums and gliding synth melody, while Azanti takes blame for a failed relationship with the bold opening line “I should’ve done you better” — and PsychoYP puffs his chest and brags about why a girl would never want to fumble him. The Apex Village members’ musical chemistry has been apparent since their 2020 project YP & Azanti, Vol. 1, with Azanti’s transcendent blend of R&B and Afropop and PsychoYP’s exhilarating fusion of alté and drill creating an even more dynamic mix here.
Darkoo feat. Dess Dior, “Favourite Girl”
[embedded content]
British-Nigerian rapper/singer Darkoo and American rapper Dess Dior will have the girls whining on somebody’s son or daughter all summer long to “Favourite Girl.” The booming horns in the beginning and Diwali Riddim will have booties bouncing instantly — and Darkoo wants in on the action when she asks, “Would you come do it slowly?/ Girl, dutty whine/ Would you bend it for me?” Meanwhile, featured guest Dess Dior makes an irresistible case for why a starboy should “make me your star girl.” It’s safe to say “Favourite Girl” will be in rotation — just like our hips — all season.
Qing Madi & Chlöe, “Vision” (Remix)
[embedded content]
Nigerian singer-songwriter Qing Madi adds Chlöe for a sultry remix of “Vision,” originally from her eponymous debut EP last year. Qing describes the paralyzing feeling of unexpectedly falling hard for someone, while Chlöe loses even more control over her body when she sings, “Got my temperature comin’ high, oh.” But even if their vision’s in a blur, no man could ever impair their honeyed harmonies over the track’s scintillating percussion.
Tiwa Savage, “Lost Time”
[embedded content]
Tiwa Savage prepared an official soundtrack to accompany her debut Prime Video film Water & Garri — which follows fashion designer Aisha, who returns to her native Nigeria after spending the last 10 years away in the U.S. and reconnects with family, friends and an old flame. On the standout single “Lost Time,” Savage recalls what life was like before she met her love, singing, “Feels like I missed you before we met/ Not meeting you sooner, I regret,” and yearns to spend forever and ever with that person. Produced by Needlz and Poo Bear, “Lost Time” evokes the heart’s pitter-patter feeling when someone’s with their other half with the subtle plucking of a guitar in this romantic ode.
TitoM, Yuppe & Burna Boy feat. S.N.E, “Tshwala Bam (Remix)”
[embedded content]
Burna Boy adds more fuel to the fire created by the viral TikTok-driven success of TitoM, Yuppe and S.N.E’s amapiano smash “Tshwala Bam.” After hopping on the remixes of Master KG and Nomcebo Zikode’s “Jerusalema” and Asake’s “Sungba,” the African Giant continues sharpening his ear for the continent’s next biggest hit so he can make his mark on it – and he further touts his greatness when he sings, “Better recognize/ Greatest of all time/ No other name, them go call mine.”
“To surpass the success of the original, we sought a collaborator with both global appeal and a commitment to enhancing the song’s original vibe. Burna Boy was the perfect fit,” TitoM says in a press release; Burna Boy adds, “Jumping on the ‘Tshwala Bam’ remix was a no-brainer for me. It’s a track that resonates with everyone, and I’m thrilled to bring my energy to it and connect with fans in a whole new way.”
Ayra Starr feat. Seyi Vibez, “Bad Vibes”
[embedded content]
For a song called “Bad Vibes,” there’s something extremely smooth and calming about this track, a single off the Beninese-Nigerian “Commas” hitmaker Starr’s debut album, The Year I Turned 21, which dropped today. And Seyi Vibez, known much more for his scrappy street cuts that vividly bring the underground of Lagos to life, shows off a gentler side of himself, too, as the duo croon about deflecting the negativity life throws a person’s way.
Fireboy DML, “Everyday”
[embedded content]
Over a fantastic laid-back groove set by producer Blaisebeatz, Fireboy shows off his melodic flow in this ode to a woman he wants by his side. The young Nigerian star, who broke out in a major way over the past few years with crossover hit “Peru” and a string of high-profile singles and guest spots, puts his own twist on this R&B-inflected cut, one perfect for late nights and low lights.
Sarkodie feat. Beeztrap Kotm, “Amen”
[embedded content]
Ghanaian rapper Sarkodie is one of the most celebrated artists in his home country, and his skills are still at the highest level on this latest track. He flips through languages and flows, while Beeztrap Kotm comes through as the perfect complement, putting his stamp over this soulful production that comes straight from the church.
Victony & Asake, “Stubborn”
[embedded content]
Victony has established himself as one of the most soulful singers in Nigeria over the past few years, and this link-up with amapiano-inflected sensation Asake adds to the canon of each. The two weave a tale of coming up to success by staying true to their own respective vision, even before success and fame eventually found them.
Shenseea feat. Wizkid, “Work Me Out”
[embedded content]
A standout track on the new Shenseea album, this cut sees the Jamaican singer tap one of Nigeria’s resident superstars to craft a song that combines the standout vocal abilities of both to meet somewhere in the cultural middle, with a sultry jam that sets the right tone. It’s another reminder of Wizkid’s chameleonic ability to fit into any style, and Shenseea’s multi-genre approach to her music.
As the R&B and hip-hop worlds prepare to descend on Philadelphia, PA, for Roots Picnic 2024 (June 1-2), a bevy of the scenes’ hottest stars kept the headlines jumping.
Between Sean Kingston‘s arrest for fraud and theft last Thursday (May 23) and Nicki Minaj‘s live-streamed Amsterdam arrest for allegedly “carrying drugs,” legal woes continued to plague hip-hop in a year that’s included watershed cases — including several levied against Sean “Diddy” Combs, whose transgressions were painstakingly detailed in a harrowing Rolling Stone exposé on Tuesday (May 28).
In lighter news, Drake took a stab at the viral “BBL Drizzy” beat, Sexyy Red made her WWE debut and Kehlani gave an impassioned plea for her peers to speak up against the atrocities in Gaza. “[I don’t care] about the roll out the formula the strategy the algorithm at this point i’m begging U TO BE PEOPLE. BE A F–KIN HUMAN BEING,” she wrote on Instagram (May 28).
Trending on Billboard
With Fresh Picks, Billboard aims to highlight some of the best and most interesting new sounds across R&B and hip-hop — from Sugarhill Ddot’s Ginuwine-sampling banger to ASTN’s introspective take on navigating troubled waters in relationships. Be sure to check out this week’s Fresh Picks in our Spotify playlist below.
Freshest Find: Sugarhill Ddot, “Like This”
[embedded content]
The sexy drill movement has taken over the NYC rap scene, and its momentum is only going to grow with the block parties and outside antics in store for the summer. The 15-year-old Sugarhill Ddot is a burgeoning star helping push the sub-genre to the mainstream, and he’s not even old enough to drive just yet. Luckily, since he hails from Harlem’s Sugar Hill neighborhood, he doesn’t need a car to maneuver around the Big Apple. Ddot returned on Friday (May 23) with a love story putting his drill spin on Ginuwine’s classic “Differences,” which arrived nearly a decade before the Dominican rhymer was even born. An accompanying music video was also released depicting an all-too-familiar date night scene for teens at the local bowling alley. With co-signs from Drake and Lil Durk, the future is bright for the Priority Records signee.
FLO, “Caught Up”
[embedded content]
For their second release of 2024, U.K. pop&B trio FLO pivot away from the lovestruck tone of March’s “Walk Like This” and return to the head-over-heart sensibilities of fan favorites like “3 of Us” and “Cardboard Box.” “I found some receipts last night/ That didn’t quite match up with your time/ You say that you’re with your boys on vacation/ And you just post a picture with the girl you say you ain’t hit,” Renée Downer [sings] over a mélange of sexy, skittering guitar licks and bouncy drums. The trio’s harmonies are as tight as ever, lifting into a slight modulation in a bridge that elevates the entire affair while helping the group zero in on a sound that evokes ’00s pop&B without falling into the pitfalls of pastiche. With names like Sevyn Streeter, Pop Wansel and Jay Versace in the credits, “Caught Up” earns its rightful spot in the lexicon of well-crafted warnings to doggish men.
Vince Staples, “Justin”
[embedded content]
Vince Staples put a bow on his decade-long odyssey with Def Jam last week. Some of the Long Beach rapper’s most vivid storytelling comes on Dark Times standout “Justin,” where Staples recounts nearly falling for a love interest from Qatar. The ecstasy of a euphoric date night in Venice quickly becomes a nightmare when he’s stonewalled with an introduction to her actual boyfriend. She saves face by referring to Vince as her “little cousin Justin,” and Staples is left with DJ Khaled shouting in his head, “Congratulations, you played yourself.” While a story like this would surely spark intense debate with arrows shot across “relationship Twitter,” Staples says his piece on the outro, “Women lie a lot, put that on the dead homies/ Women lie a lot, on God.”
ASTN, “The Makeup Song”
[embedded content]
Perhaps best known for his viral R&B-tinged reimagining of Billie Eilish’s “Happier Than Ever,” emerging R&B/pop singer-songwriter ASTN has unleashed the latest single from his forthcoming What a Night to Be in Love EP. The new self-penned, Jake Melvin-helmed track finds him perusing the rough patches of a relationship over sparse, forlorn guitars, airy synths, plucky 808s and a catchy staccato flow. “If you look my way, I’m in front of you/ Make that angry face, it made me fall for you/ I got time today, and you got nothin’ to lose/ So don’t stress all the little things,” he croons. Side-stepping flowery metaphors and opting for a more direct and upfront approach to lyricism, “The Makeup Song” is yet another winner from ASTN.
Groovy feat. Kanii, “Mariah”
[embedded content]
Meshing the worlds of Jersey club and intoxicating R&B (which he’s coined as luv club), Groovy makes good on his name, all while hailing from the Garden State himself. His latest luv club offering comes in the form of his Crying in the Club EP filled with atmospheric tunes including an infectious collaboration with DMV singer Kanii titled “Mariah.” Over warm pulsating synths, Groovy comes to grips that the woman he adores is actually a liar (fittingly named Mariah), and the lust hypnotizes him into trying to look past the dishonesty. “You drive me crazy,” he comes clean. With Groovy’s father making waves as a Jersey club DJ, the apple didn’t fall far from the tree.
Kehlani, “After Hours (Cater 2 U Mix)”
[embedded content]
Kehlani is living her best 2004 life. After sampling the coolie riddim used in Nina Sky’s iconic “Move Your Body” for the hip-rocking dance tune “After Hours,” the Grammy-nominated R&B star turned to another 2004 hit to reimagine her latest single. Borrowing the sparkly synths of Destiny’s Child’s beloved “Cater 2 U,” Kehlani ups the breathless sexual tension of “After Hours” with an instrumental that focuses on dancing the night away in the bedroom instead of on the dancefloor. There are no new lyrics in this version of “After Hours,” and that’s probably for the better; the change in production does enough heavy lifting to highlight the duality of the song’s tone and concept.
With Kendrick Lamar‘s “Not Like Us” enjoying a Billboard Hot 100 No. 1 debut — alongside an ever-extending stint at the top of the zeitgeist thanks to Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott — the Compton rapper’s musical scuffle with Drake continues to cast an unmistakable shadow over R&B/hip-hop and pop culture discourse.
Explore
See latest videos, charts and news
See latest videos, charts and news
Nonetheless, the past week has seen the industry collectively begin to pick its jaws up from the ground and return to regularly scheduled non-Kendrick/Drake-centric programming. Both Vince Staples and Lupe Fiasco announced new albums — Dark Times and Samurai, respectively — while Lil Wayne headlined Travis Kelce‘s Kelce Jam 2024, which also featured performances from 2 Chainz and Diplo. Of course, a harrowing 2016 surveillance video appearing to show Sean “Diddy” Combs assaulting his then-girlfriend Cassie Ventura in a hotel surfaced via CNN, effectively corroborating Ventura’s account of the 2016 assault in her now-settled lawsuit against the Bad Boy mogul.
Trending on Billboard
With Fresh Picks, Billboard aims to highlight some of the best and most interesting new sounds across R&B and hip-hop — from Lila Iké & H.E.R.’s sultry “Boy Is Mine”-esque duet to Elijah Blake’s nostalgic reflection on two lovers who just can’t seem to make things work. Be sure to check out this week’s Fresh Picks in our Spotify playlist below.
Freshest Find: Lila Iké & H.E.R., “He Loves Us Both”
[embedded content]
The legacy of Brandy & Monica‘s seminal “The Boy Is Mine” is well-documented, and this seductive new duet from reggae star Lila Iké and R&B dynamo H.E.R. showcases just how far that ’90s Grammy-winning tune has traveled. “I know you probably judgin’ what I did/ I know you probably hopin’ I forgive/ He don’t make it easy to walk away/ I know because he make me feel the same,” they croon back and forth, effortlessly emulating the tug-of-war that anchors Brandy & Monica’s original. Iké’s soulful, intentional phrasing plays well against H.E.R.’s riff-laden performance. Both of their voices wrap around the plaintive guitars and steady percussion, prioritizing selective restraint over bombastic belts which drives home the tension between the position of each vocalist. This is how crossover collaborations should sound.
2Rare feat. Skilla Baby & Rob49, “C4”
[embedded content]
Nearly four decades later, Eazy-E’s classic single “Boyz N the Hood” is once again being revitalized in rap’s mainstream — but here, 2Rare flips the hardcore West Coast anthem into a raunchy club banger, with help from Skilla Baby and Rob49 looking to heat up just in time for the summer. Instead of Eazy’s ‘64 Impala, Rare plays off of the explosive C4: “She the type to blow just like C4/ Fiending for the D like I was giving her dope,” he raps on the chorus while mimicking Eazy-E’s flow. This year is slated to be another busy campaign for the Warner Records signee, and the Philly native has plenty of more energetic tunes on the way with a project also on the horizon.
Elijah Blake, “Sugarwater & Lime”
[embedded content]
Elijah Blake has spent the better part of the last decade writing on hits for R&B heavyweights — including Usher (“Climax”) and Rihanna (“No Love Allowed”) — but, recently, he’s shifted his focus to his own output. With “Sugarwater & Lime,” the latest single from his forthcoming eponymous LP, Blake explores the frustration of trying to make something work without having all of the right ingredients. “Baby, we can’t make lemonade/ From sugarwater and lime/ But we tried/ We couldn’t make lemonade/ But maybe we can heal from heartbreak/ In due time,” he sings over a brassy arrangement accented by warbling bass, symphonic strings and ’70s-esque drum licks. Blake’s voice ranges from tender falsetto to nimble rap-sung cadences and dizzying riffs, tracing the inevitably convoluted route of an almost-there love.
Your Old Droog, “Mercury Thermometers”
[embedded content]
Classic boom-bap rap might have taken a backseat compared to the force it was decades ago in the culture, but Your Old Droog is still doing the sub-genre justice. The New York rapper connected with Conductor Williams for “Mercury Thermometers” and Droog’s shrewd wordplay over the dusty production and cymbal drums doesn’t disappoint. “This is Bob Dylan without the harmonica/ This some iconic bars and a hard moniker,” he raps. Y.O.D. boasts about taking the hard route to fame with no handouts or stimulus packages, but still being able to persevere. Look for Droog to work with plenty of acclaimed hip-hop producers on his upcoming album, Movie, which arrives on June 21.
Deb Fan, “Lady”
[embedded content]
With “Lady,” the first single from R&B artist-producer Deb Fan’s forthcoming sophomore EP, the Hong Kong-raised, L.A.-based singer challenges restrictive stereotypes and outdated portrayals of womanhood in Asian culture. “There’s some beauty in made-up rules/ King of my world with none to lose,” she coos in an ethereal tone over sparse, atmospheric production reminiscent of contemporary R&B stars like Kali Uchis, while still finding room for the slinky bass of ’90s R&B. With a vocal performance that simultaneously mourns the constricting nature of expectations placed on women and rings with the hope of a concerted rebirth, Deb Fan makes some real magic on “Lady.”
BIG30, “Come Save Me”
[embedded content]
BIG30 paints his hood love story with the first verse of “Come Save Me.” This isn’t exactly Romeo and Juliet, but the Memphis native admits he’s been “looking for love in all the wrong places” recently. He realizes how toxic this love is, but he’s not trying to hide it anymore and even wants her to have his baby. “Ain’t talkin’ ’bout with no picture, baby, pop out with my child,” he raps. Adding another layer to the chaos, the wind instrument loop hilariously sounds like it recalls the Austin Powers theme song. Learn more about BIG30 as his Still King album is filled with gripping street tales from the NLess rapper.
Now that we’re solidly in May, it looks like the Great Rap War of 2024 finally has a victor. If TDE founder Anthony “Top Dawg” Tiffith’s X post is anything to go by, the battle is indeed over — even though Drake‘s “The Heart Part 6” effectively shifted public opinion to Kendrick Lamar’s side.
Outside of that beef — which is still unfurling outside of the music — the worlds of R&B and hip-hop have had much to ponder over the past week. On Monday (May 13) Childish Gambino released a polished version of 2020’s 3.15.20 titled Atavista and both Shaquille O’Neal and King Combs released diss tracks — against Shannon Sharpe and 50 Cent, respectively — further solidifying 2024 as the year of the hater and the year of beef. Thanks again, Katt Williams!
With Fresh Picks, Billboard aims to highlight some of the best and most interesting new sounds across R&B and hip-hop — from Rosehardt’s dirty-macking midtempo to RaealRichIzzo’s latest addition to the contemporary Midwest rap lexicon. Be sure to check out this week’s Fresh Picks in our Spotify playlist below.
Trending on Billboard
Rosehardt, “Headass”
[embedded content]
One of the classic elements of male R&B is dirty macking — and Rosehardt kicks off “Headass” with a whole lot of it. “What does he have? What does he do?/ He must be bad, he must be cool too/ I’m just the past, he’s something new/ But I bet he don’t love you, like I do,” his distorted vocals croon in the intro. Betweent he chugging production, sultry yet understated bass, and a vocal performance that balances tender hoensty (“I’m just a man who believes in love”) with a sinister undertone of trying to convince a love interest who has already clocked his shortcomings as a partner. Taken from his new The World Gets Smaller Each Day It Seems to Shrink LP, “Headass” finds Rosehardt (aka Drama League Award-nominated actor Caleb Eberhardt) fully immersing himself in the role of imperfect bachelor without necessarily relishing that position.
Snow tha Product, “So What”
[embedded content]
With this bouncy, snap-laden ode to the comforts of ambivalence, Snow tha Product embraces the unknown. Although she sings of using the classic “so what?” question to keep her “feelings detached,” she, in fact, cycles through the myriad emotions of a tumultuous relationship, in which she’s always one step away from walking out. “So what / If you tell me its over/ Guess Imma have to chill to your back,” she sing-raps with a smug wink and smirk. She’s in control here, making for an intricate mind-game that finds a sly, unassuming soundtrack in the buoyant beat.
Chief Keef feat. Tierra Whack, “Banded Up”
[embedded content]
Sosa finally delivered his highly-anticipated Almighty So 2 project on Friday (May 10). One of the early standouts from the drill pioneer’s LP came courtesy of Tierra Whack’s explosive assist on “Banded Up,” which gives the Philly MC an immediate guest verse of the year candidate. Whack posted voice messages from Chief Keef in disbelief asking her, “Why would you do me like that on my song?” T-Whack blacks out over Sosa’s thumping production with a mini-uzi flow that sounds as if she was recorded in 5x speed. “These rappers are food and that’s why I be cooking/ You can’t pull no strings and I just keep it pushin’/ B-I-G, but I was not born in Brooklyn,” she snarls. The 28-year-old turned Sosa’s playground into Whack World.
4Fargo & Honey Bxby, “Ex for a Reason”
[embedded content]
4Fargo and his tender croon are looking to leave their mark on the current landscape of R&B. The Georgia-bred singer unleashed his major label debut project Express&B last week via Republic Records. Heartbreak has long been the engine behind the genre and 4Fargo is no different in flipping his pain and anguish into cathartic art. The infectious “Ex for a Reason” is pretty self-explanatory with the father of two listing off why a toxic love has moved to his rear-view mirror. Misery loves company and Honey Bxby joins the party while showing off her vocal range. “Leavin’ you sounds like a lullaby/ Blockin’ all your numbers, don’t ask why/ Poppin’ all that shit know it’s a lie/ I’ma show you why you’re mine,” she powerfully sings. Give the charismatic 4Fargo a follow on Instagram for a look into his endearing personality, you won’t regret it.
RealRichIzzo, “Free Key”
[embedded content]
Kicking off with an iPhone FaceTime call that immediately situates “Free Key” in media res, “Free Key” is one of the more potent storytelling moments of his new Welcome to Inkster album. In his ode to his guys, RealRichIzzo offers a peek into his high-octane life that brings him from place to place with just a moment’s notice. “Yeah, drop the lo’/ Ain’t no spots inside the rental, we gon’ stash ’em in the floor/B—h, the striker on the way, mask up, we finna go/ Lil’ bro just called back, blow the light, it’s fo’ sure,” he rap-chants in the magnetic chorus, which simultaneously reads as play-by-play of him and his boys hitting a lick and functions as an irresistible hook. With Inkster, Michigan on his back, RealRichIzzo is staking a claim for himself at the forefront of the current Midwestern rap boom.
Andra Day, “Bottom of the Bottle”
[embedded content]
On this bluesy reflection on the swirling depths of memory only accessed by surrendering to the throes of alcohol, acclaimed multi-hyphenate Andra Day focuses on restraints over the room-shaking belts that shot her to fame. “I only see you when it’s last call/ I only see you when the house lights come on/ And you’re not only to blame, no/ Dazed and consumed by the wild flames/ Though we know it’s combustible,” she muses over plucky piano and steady percussion courtesy of an all-star team of producers, including Nando Raio, Shay Godwin, Dave Wood, Charles Jones, Caleb Morris and Spencer Guerra. With a deliciously nasal drawl in the spirit of Amy Winehouse, Day delivers an introspective midtempo that allows her to show off how effortlessly she freewheels between the different parts of her voice.
It might be May now, but the Great Rap War of 2024 feels like it’s finally really getting going. It’s been an acrimonious week for two hip-hop’s biggest titans, with Drake and Kendrick Lamar committing to the mudslinging over the course of an EP’s worth of new music.
Explore
See latest videos, charts and news
See latest videos, charts and news
From K. Dot’s blistering “Euphoria” to his immediately anthemic “Not Like Us” — and who can forget the bone-chillingly incisive “Meet the Grahams” and “6:16 in LA” — the Compton MC has been bringing the heat with each new song. Drake, to his credit, has also been throwing some major punches, from the explosive “Family Matters” to the searing, yet defensive, “The Heart Part 6.”
Of course, the other big story to rock the R&B and hip-hop worlds this weekend was the shocking last-minute cancellation of Lovers & Friends. On Friday night (May 3), the festival’s organizers announced that the jam-packed one-day-only show would be called off due to high wind warnings from the National Weather Service.
Trending on Billboard
With Fresh Picks, Billboard aims to highlight some of the best and most interesting new sounds across R&B and hip-hop — from Skylar Simone’s radio-ready debut single to Hunxho‘s latest ATL anthem. Be sure to check out this week’s Fresh Picks in our Spotify playlist below.
Freshest Find: Ravyn Lenae, “Love Me Not”
[embedded content]
In 2022, Ravyn Lenae enraptured music heads with Hypnos, her impressive debut LP. With the first tastes of her forthcoming sophomore studio album, Lenae is laying the groundwork for her mainstream commercial breakthrough. “Love Is Blind” serves up more of the ethereal R&B that grounded Hypnos, but “Love Me Not” signals a slick pivot into a rollicking guitar-packed pop-facing sound that evokes longtime collaborator Steve Lacy and his runaway Billboard Hot 100 smash, “Bad Habit.” “Soon as you leave me, we always lose connection/ It’s gettin’ messy, I think that your affection/ Don’t loosen your grip, got a hold on me/ Now, forever, let’s get back together,” she sweetly croons, cycling through a relationship that clearly relishes its built-in road bumps.
Baby Money, “Shinin”
[embedded content]
Baby Money is a breath of fresh air and another shooting star out of Detroit’s bubbling rap scene. “Shinin” arrives just a week ahead of the rapper’s H.I.M. (Hustle In Me) project as Baby looks to make right on his promise to Quality Control as the famed label’s first signee out of the D. The 26-year-old flexes the badge of honor and pressure that comes with ending generational curses as his family’s first millionaire. He then recalls a street tale preaching what goes around comes around as one can never fully detach from street life. “He got a body as a kid and tried to leave the streets/ They caught his ass years later like Keefe D,” Money candidly raps while referencing Keefe D’s arrest for murdering 2Pac well over two decades later. We don’t recommend boiling your icy diamond chains on the stove like he does in the “Shinin” music video though.
Coco Jones, “Here We Go (Uh Oh)”
[embedded content]
2023 marked a landmark year for Coco Jones. From her first Grammy win to a chart-topping hit in “ICU,” Jones has quickly ascended to some of contemporary R&B’s most towering heights. For the first offering from her new forthcoming LP, the Disney alumna opts to double down on her smoky tone, delivering a track that’s rooted in the raspy storytelling of Jazmine Sullivan. “I was rollin’ in his bed, you was rent free in my head/ I thought I was done with that, please, please/ I wanna love another person/ Can I please love another person?” she pleads over slinky, soulful production courtesy of Cardiak and WU10. Between the Lenny Williams “‘Cause I Love You” sample and Coco’s alluring voice — that slight vocal fry hits all the right notes — “Here We Go” is a winner.
Hunxho feat. Mike Will Made-It & 2 Chainz, “Come Over”
[embedded content]
It’s an ATL affair with Hunxho, 2 Chainz and Mike Will Made-It running the three-man weave through Georgia’s capital city. Instead of drowning their sorrows throwing bands at Magic City, Hunxho and the Drench God pass the baton back and forth while spewing about how they’re showering their woman with luxury gifts and the best life has to offer. “I done got her every bag, I’m talkin’ ’bout every purse,” the 24-year-old boasts as Chainz offers to go the extra mile while cracking the lobster of a surf-and-turf meal or fixing her ponytail and shooting a Zelle transfer to bolster her bank account. The only complaint about “Come Over” would be the last minute being strictly instrumental, leaving room for another verse from either of the Atlanta natives or another special guest that is never properly taken advantage of.
Skylar Simone, “Shiver”
[embedded content]
To celebrate her recent signing to Def Jam, Skylar Simone has recruited renowned Grammy-winning producer D’Mile for her debut single under the label. Effortlessly flipping between full-bodied belts and fluttery falsetto-housed ad-libs, “Shiver” captures both the sweetness and the sensuality that comes with leaning into the power of sexual and romantic tension. “Make it melt like ice when I shiver/ River open wide when I shiver,” she coos. By the time those whistle notes come in at the tail end of the song, “Shiver” has established itself as a well-crafted ode to the sweetest pop&B confections of the late ’90s and early ’00s.
4batz, “act v: there goes another vase”
[embedded content]
The Dallas native delivered his first project in the form of his u made me a st4r last week. The final single recalls a ’90s R&B aesthetic as 4batz croons about the pain of a toxic lover. (He revealed to Complex that the EP was inspired by his ex Jada). “Thought we was good, why you blocked me/ You tell your friends why you love me/ They won’t understand ’cause you’re perfect for me,” he sings with his heart on ice. 4batz continues his ascension with the EP in another stepping stone toward stardom – even if it means picking at the scar tissue left from a fractured relationship, which inherently helps others – along with himself – cathartically heal.
We’re whipping through the Carnival calendar, and the music just keeps on coming.
April was a characteristically busy month for the world of Caribbean music, with noteworthy performance, album announcements and historic achievements cutting through the noise. Sean Paul, who recently sat down with Billboard for a wide-ranging interview ahead of his Greatest Tour, won his very first Latin American Music Award, triumphing in the crossover collaboration of the year category for his Feid collab “Niña Bonita.”
“I always learn from my collabs, man,” the “Temperature” singer told Billboard. “There’s no time that I don’t learn… I learn something every time and I take that with me, so it helps my songwriting.”
Shenseea, who collaborated with Paul on her 2022 debut LP, announced her forthcoming sophomore studio album on Tuesday (April 30). Titled Never Gets Late Here, the album is due May 24 and features collaborations with Coi Leray, Anitta and Wizkid. “Hit & Run” (with Masicka & Di Genius) serves as the set’s lead single.
Trending on Billboard
In addition, a pair of performances made major waves. Jamaican dancehall artist Pamputtae opened for Nicki Minaj‘s Pink Friday 2 World Tour in Toronto, CA, on Tuesday. “First and foremost I want to give thanks to the most high God,” she wrote in an Instagram post commemorating her performance (May 1). “Big up [Nicki Minaj] for allowing me to open her second show in Toronto.”
Across the globe, Skeng returned to Guyana to headline the Real All Black concert, marking his first live performance in the country in two years. In 2022, Minister of Home Affairs Robeson Benn proclaimed that Skeng and a bevy of dancehall artists were banned from the country due to their behavior and violence-promoting lyrical content. The emcee delivered a high-octane set that included “Likkle Miss,” which Minaj remixed in 2022 for her Queen Radio: Volume 1 greatest hits compilation.
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: Jaz Elise, “Gunman”
[embedded content]
On this deliciously dramatic mixture of R&B and reggae, Jaz Elise pleads for her rude boy lover to leave his life of reckless abandon behind and settle down with her. It’s a story that’s been told countless times before, but Jaz’s emotive abilities inject “Gunman” with nuance and verve. When she sings, “Me nuh wah fi bury you early/ Nuh wah yuh fi live a life a crime/ So, baby, if yuh love me/ Me beg yuh fi leave it all behind,” you can hear every last bit of desperation dripping from each syllable. Of course, the drama truly intensifies in the song’s final minute, with a swirling orchestra of backing vocals, impassioned ad-libs and grandiose strings driving the song home.
Etana, “Thankful”
[embedded content]
For her take on the Engraph Riddim, Jamaican reggae singer-songwriter Etana flexes the full expanse of her vocal range over swaggering guitars that employ just the slightest bit of swing. “I lift my hands to the man from whence my health comes, yes/ And every day I give thanks for the rising sun, yes,” she croons as she somersaults through dizzying riffs as easily as she dips into the depths of her sultry lower register. A laid-back praise and worship song that doubles as a vocal showcase, “Thankful” is a winner.
Lu City, “Sexy Love”
[embedded content]
St. Lucian duo Lu City has a catalog that stretches across the scenes of dancehall, reggae and electronic music, and their latest LP — I Miss You, the official follow-up to 2022’s Lucidity — offers more of that intoxicating amalgam. On “Sexy Love,” which feels like a dancehall-bred cousin on the Ne-Yo song of the same name name, the duo marry their respective AutoTune-tinged voices over a relatively sparse soundscape that relies on moody synths and a healthy dose of Afrobeats percussion. “Sexy Love,” like all of I Miss You, is a true testament to how the African diaspora’s myriad genres all lead back to each other.
Anika Berry feat. Lil Jelo, “Safe”
[embedded content]
Soca always gets the body moving, and “Safe,” a new collaboration from Anika Berry and Lil Jelo, is no different. Here, their joy isn’t sourced from the Road March or the general Carnival mood. They find their joy in one another and their monogamous love. Their vocal chemistry is strong, with Anika’s vibrato anchoring her “You safe with me / Youn in good hands, you in proper hands” refrain. Their call-and-response structure also helps play up their complementary tones while remaining true to the anthemic nature of power soca.
Subatomic Sound System, Mykal Rose & Hollie Cook, “Get High”
[embedded content]
For the first taste of their forthcoming collaborative album, Subatomic Sound System, Mykal Rose and Hollie Cook have teamed up to deliver a new 4/20 anthem. Although the brooding bass signals a more forward-looking sound, classic reggae production — including ominous conga percussion courtesy of Larry McDonald and sultry brass from Troy Simms — is ultimately the name of game in “Get High.” Most impressive is the track’s mixing, the way Hollie’s upper harmonies are layered evoke the ever-unfurling clouds of marijuana smoke. Mary Jane enthusiasts, your time is now.
Mr. Vegas, “Dancing Grung”
[embedded content]
On this sweet ode to the eternal life of dancehall, Mr. Vegas pays tribute to both the physical and creative spaces that comprise the sound and culture. His flow is catchy and the breakdown at the end is fun, if not a bit on-the-nose. Nonetheless, what’s interesting about “Dancing Grung” isn’t how easy it is to start bussing a wine to — Mr. Vegas has plenty of those — it’s the way he subtly flips the notion of “exerting dominance.” Instead of crowning himself king, he casts himself as Lord of the Vibes on “Dancing Grung.” “Dancehall will never die,” he proclaims at the song’s start, and with a deejay as infectious as him on the helm, he’s absolutley right.
Marcia Griffiths, “Looking Up”
[embedded content]
Reggae legend Marcia Griffiths has still got it. With “Looking Up,” the former I-Threes member offers a slice of sanctified reggae. At 74 years old, not only does her voice still sound like it’s in pristine condition, she also remains a gifted and intelligent vocal performer. Between her pitch-perfect diction and her introspective delivery, her storied life clearly informs every last phrase that she sings. Her conviction is the song’s ultimate anchor. When she sings, “It’s the only life that’s worth living” with that slight tinge of darkness before the light comes in by way of her exclamatory “Looking up!” quip — that’s magic.
Shenseea, “Neva Neva”
[embedded content]
After delighting dancehall fans with Di Genius and Masicka-assisted “Hit & Run” earlier this year, Shenseea introduces a more pop-forward sound with “Neva Neva,” the new single from her forthcoming Never Gets Late Here LP. The song oscillates between straightforward pop and dancehall with more finesse than anything on Alpha, Shensea’s debut album. She remains deep in her dancehall cadence and attitude during the verses, but the hooky chorus pushes her into a space that essential U.S. top 40 radio — and she sounds great. Moreover, “Neva Neva” — with its rumination on the endlessness of a good relationship — offers a smart contrast to the hit-it-and-quit-it energy of “Hit & Run.”
Chippa Don, “Clubscout”
[embedded content]
From the tinny background synths to the breakneck flow switches, Chippa Don flexes his chops as both an emcee and a sonic world-builder on “Clubscout.” Firmly entrenched in the modern dancehall take on gun chunes, “Clubscout” is inherently sinister; “Gwan f–k around around/ Whole place haffi move/ Di glock, di clip long / But di K me a use,” he spits. It’s Chippa’s delivery, however, that makes this song stick. He’s playful, but there’s some bite and snarl to his voice that subtly reiterates that he’s calling his opps out because he knows he can handle them.
Masicka, “Forever”
[embedded content]
Kicking off with contemplative country-adjacent guitar strums, “Forever” is a stunning ballad from Masicka, who released his latest album, Generation of Kings, last year (Dec. 1, 2023). “Forever brave, forever strong / Forever me, that’s who I am,” he croons, making for a ballad that makes the evergreen question of authenticity an introspective one while also showcasing yet another side of Masicka’s sprawling artistic profile. There’s a reason Sean Paul named him dancehall’s current leader.
This month has produced the biggest bounty of great releases from African artists in 2024 so far, with some of the most exciting, innovative and fastest-rising artists and veterans releasing not just big singles, but long-awaited albums — and with much more promised for the coming months as summer approaches.
Tems released her reimagining of Nigerian singer-songwriter Seyi Sodimu’s 1997 smash “Love Me Jeje” following her debut performance of the single at Coachella. It’s the first single from her upcoming debut album Born in the Wild, which will be released in May. Meanwhile, Joeboy linked with teenage sensation Qing Madi, ODUMODUBLVCK and Blaqbonez lined up a distinctive collaboration and Black Sherif turned up the aggression with a new banger.
Nigerian Afropop singer Minz talks a big game on his new single “shadow” with German trio 255, who also produced 1da Banton and Bella Shmurda’s “Evidence” collaboration, which has been featured in this column. Speaking of collabs, Ruger and Bnxn put their past troubles behind them and celebrate their harmonious relationship on their joint album RnB. And Young Jonn helped Jamaican dancehall hitmaker Sean Paul earn his career-first entry on Billboard‘s U.S. Afrobeats Songs chart this month with “Hold On,” from the latter’s long-awaited debut album Jiggy Forever.
Trending on Billboard
“I’m an artist and I go to Africa, and they are so appreciative of what we brought to the table. It’s been a symbiotic relationship back and forth over the years,” he told Billboard in an interview last week about the dynamic between Afrobeats and dancehall music. “We’re using drums from the sound that’s been Afro music, people like Fela Kuti and all of these great musicians, and we’re producing it the way we hear it [and] feel it. In Afrobeats [now], they have taken the hint from how we produce and done their own thing with it.”
We’ve highlighted 10 of our favorite new Afrobeats (and related) songs that have come out roughly within the last month. Check out our latest Fresh Picks, and catch a vibe with our latest Spotify playlist below.
Minz & 255, “shadow”
[embedded content]
Minz dials up 255 for his bouncy new single “shadow.” “It’s certain, you know I’m killing it,” he flexes in the first verse, while assuring his haters won’t go far in the chorus. His self-assured flow fits perfectly with his and 255’s spirited production.
Bloody Civilian, “Head Start”
[embedded content]
On the heels of her electrifying debut EP Anger Management, Bloody Civilian remains a force to be reckoned with on her first single of 2024, “Head Start.” She leaves her opps quaking, so much so “you go think say they be dancers. Congratulations, you’re the best dancers,” she jeers in the chorus. But the track’s stirring Afropop production, with its alarming sirens, ominous synths and intoxicating percussion, will leave listeners dancing right alongside her opps. “This track is quite raw. Basically, I made a vengeance track that’s Afrobeats but is also low-key Travis Scott coded,” Bloody says in a press release.
1da Banton & Bella Shmurda, “Evidence”
[embedded content]
Nigerian singer-songwriters 1da Banton and Bella Shmurda join forces for the first time on their summery two-track pack, Evidence / Holy Man. The first single, “Evidence,” is a vibrant, mid-tempo celebration of their success, with its hook “And the evidence choke/ Evidence choke, and the boys dem know/ Boys dem know, and the everywhere I go” proving its up for the boys. Produced by 255, the track’s acoustic guitar drives its laidback production, while the atmospheric pitched-up melodies interspersed throughout “Evidence” adds an extra touch of levity.
Ruger & Bnxn, “Not Done”
[embedded content]
Ruger and Bnxn make it clear that they’re “Not Done” with their past relationship (even if their ex feels otherwise) on the midtempo closing track of the Afropop stars’ remarkable joint album RnB. Produced by Blaisebeatz, “Not Done” tells the toxic tale of a man who won’t accept the end of a relationship, with Ruger questioning why she would ever want to leave him and Bnxn reminding her who treats her better in the bedroom. “When two artists like us come together, it’s sending a message to everyone around the industry,” Ruger said in a recent Billboard News interview. “For Afrobeats right now, many of us don’t really work together. People don’t drop joint projects like that. But this project actually is taking us to another level.”
Young Jonn feat. Sean Paul, “Hold On”
[embedded content]
Young Jonn links up with reggae legend Sean Paul on the sensual highlight “Hold On” from his debut album Jiggy Forever. With its stirring string arrangement, melodic vibes, Jonn’s come-hither vocals and Paul’s lustful lyrics, “Hold On” is the kind of record you sing while whining up on your significant other or even a stranger on the dance floor on a warm summer’s night. “I recorded this song in Madrid and was actually in the studio with Memphis Depay. He was actually gonna take the beat, but before you know it, I’d recorded the chorus!” he told Apple Music about the song. “I sent the song to my manager — she’s a very imaginative person and was like, ‘We should get Sean Paul on it.’ Earlier this year she sent me a message saying we got Sean Paul; it was crazy!”
Young Jonn, “Bahamas”
[embedded content]
The super-producer has been stringing us along with top-shelf single after top-shelf single for more than a year now, but his Jiggy Forever album is finally here, and it’s no surprise that there are a slew of absolutely beautiful songs sprinkled throughout. His songs have always had a touch of nostalgia, or yearning, to them, both lyrically and musically, and “Bahamas” fits into that lineage perfectly the latest in what is becoming a formidable catalog of big, aspirational hits.
Tems, “Love Me JeJe”
[embedded content]
As she gears up for the release of her debut album Born In the Wild in May, Tems comes with a new single that’s perfectly in her pocket, showcasing her voice and her laid-back style, on a track that takes its name from Seyi Sodimu’s 1997 hit. The hook “I’m on your wave right now/ I’m on your vibe now” — finds Tems right where she’s always been best: feeling her way through the music as effortlessly and coolly as any of us could ever hope to.
Black Sherif, “Shut Up”
[embedded content]
The Ghanaian street MC has been on a roll lately, with his latest single a fiery, in-your-face cut that takes a derisive swipe at the competition, both inviting attacks from others while chronicling his no-doubt rise to the point he’s at now. It’s more aggressive than the “January 9th” single he dropped earlier this year, which took a more introspective approach, but it’s a status he’s earned by this point.
Joeboy feat. Qing Madi, “Adenuga”
[embedded content]
Reliable hitmaker Joeboy recruits the young Nigerian singer Qing Madi to assist him on his latest, a platform for their two voices to dovetail in unexpectedly gorgeous ways as the song winds its way towards its finish. Before that, Joeboy himself tells the story of melting an icy tough exterior as he falls in love, displaying the melodic chops that helped him rise to the top of the Nigerian pop scene. It’s a duet that simply works fantastically.
ODUMODUBLVCK & Blaqbonez feat. Lekaa Beats, “Technician”
[embedded content]
There may not be a more distinctive voice in African music in the past two years than ODUMODUBLVCK, whose flow and style are instantly recognizable and add an element to his music that others could wish to have. But if anyone could rival him for originality it might be Blaqbonez, and this collaboration is two fighters sparring at the highest level, with Lekaa Beats’ vocals the perfect icing.