Fresh Picks
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Although June ended with Hurricane Beryl pummeling the Caribbean — St. Vincent and the Grenadines and Grenada, in particular — it was still a glowing month for music and culture from the region.
Skillibeng performed at the BET Awards for the second time in as many years, joining Gunna and Tyla — who took home two awards at the ceremony, including best new artist — for a performance of the latter’s latest global hit “Jump,” which combines dancehall, hip-hop and Afrobeats. The Marley Family also made their presence known at the telecast, with YG Marley, Lauryn Hill and Wyclef Jean closing out the show with a bombastic medley of “Lost Ones,” “Survival,” “Praise Jah in the Moonlight” and “Fu-Gee-La.” Meanwhile, Bob Marley: One Love took home best movie, the first musician biopic to do so since Straight Outta Compton in 2016.
Just one week after the BET Awards, Caribbean Elite Group announced the recipients of the highest honors at the upcoming Caribbean Music Awards on Aug. 29. A trio of powerful West Indian women are set to be honored: Jamaica’s Marcia Griffiths (lifetime achievement award), Barbados’ Alison Hinds (elite icon award) and JA’s Cedella Marley (legacy award).
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Naturally, Billboard’s monthly Reggae/Dancehall Fresh Picks column will not cover every last track, but our Spotify playlist — which is linked below — will expand on the 10 highlighted songs. So, without any further ado:
Freshest Find: Govana & Popcaan, “Saved by a Psalm”
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Govana brought June to a close with his Legacy album, and his reflection and vulnerability across the LP helped make it one of the year’s best releases so far. One of the crown jewels of Legacy is “Saved by a Psalm,” a tear-jerking collaboration with Popcaan. “Ghetto youth haffi rich and wealthy/ Haffi make it, beg you please, Jah, help me/ Beg you guide me from the greed and envy/ Rev me ‘matic ’til it breeze and empty,” Govana spits over the pensive, understated dancehall production. Across the track, he and Popcaan reflect on the merits of faith, calling on Psalm 71 to emphasize how vital their respective relationships with God are — particularly when it comes to navigating life’s most consequential pitfalls.
Spice & Busta Rhymes, “Round Round”
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The reigning Queen of Dancehall is gearing up for the release of her upcoming third studio album, and she’s introducing it was a fiery new banger. “Round Round,” a collaboration with Busta Rhymes — who Skillibeng helped pay tribute to at the 2023 BET Awards — finds the two artists forging a common ground between their dancehall and hip-hop styles with a sparse soundscape crafted by YowLevite. “Busta, mi waan give yuh di hanky pollie/ Mek mi whine pon yuh buddy fast den slowly,” Spice spits as she flirtatiously trades bars with the hip-hop icon. The drum-heavy beat helps emphasize the percussiveness of both of their voices, but it’s their nimble flow switches that truly reveal the depths of their artistic chemistry.
Dean Fraser, “Belafonte Ghost”
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With his new Sax in Dub album, Musgrave Medal recipient Dean Fraser exalts the artform — a electronic subgenre of reggae that has grown into its own beast over the past few decades. “Belafonte Ghost” is the instant standout on the LP, with the saxophonist riffing on the melody of Harry Belafonte‘s timeless “Day-O (The Banana Boat Song)” in tribute of the legendary artist and activist, who passed away last year. The only discernible vocals on the track are a collection of voices buried just under the mix’s surfaces, allowing for Fraser’s saxophone to take center stage across the calypso-inflected arrangement.
Bayka feat. Najeeriii, “1086”
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On this salsa-nodding jam from his new Mob Ties mixtape, Bayka joins forces with fellow Jamaican star Najeeriii to craft a song that offers some effervescent energy to the often brooding nature of trap dancehall. Between the dancehall drums accenting the funky piano line and Bayka and Najeeriii effortlessly playing off each other’s suave, laid-back energies, “1086” stands as one of the best representations of Bayka’s specific pocket of new age dancehall.
Pablo YG & Lanae, “Birds & Bees”
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With Lanae’s seductive tone paired with a sultry saxophone riff in the background, “Birds & Bee” immediately establishes itself as the latest candidate for your slow wine soundtrack. Given the title, it isn’t difficult to decode what Pablo and Lanae are singing about, especially since it’s one of the dominant themes in the dancehall genre. Nonetheless, their take on the subject is framed by their vocal chemistry; Pablo’s Auto-Tuned warbles cradle Lanae’s sensual purrs, resulting in one steamer of a not-so-slow jam.
Nuttea feat. Kabaka Pyramid, “Egaux”
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French ragga artist Nuttea has been instrumental in ushering in the country’s own take on reggae music, and his new collaboration with Grammy winners Kabaka Pyramid is the latest step of that journey. Titled “Égaux” — which translates to “Equals” — the new track finds the two acts reflecting on their respective artistic and emotional journeys, highlighting humanity’s sameness when all is said and done. It’s a multilingual affair, with Nuttea delivering his lines entirely in French, underscoring the global impact of reggae. The instrumentation is fairly traditional, but it’s their respective hip-hop-infused deliveries that keeps things exciting.
Minister Marion Hall, “Step”
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From her Lady Saw days to her current moniker of Minister Marion Hall, the Jamaican artist has been an icon for decades. For her new single and first musical release of the year, Ms. Hall steps in the energy of spiritual warfare, opting for a militant gospel-tinged anthem of standing steadfast in your faith. “It’s a spiritual war/ Put on ya war clothes,” she snarls over histrionic drums and guitar. Minister Hall’s vocal is the star of the show here, she’s gasping for air and delivering her lines with equal parts reverence, desperation and grit. Considering her journey from dancehall queen to a unfiltered Christian who regularly speaks about her struggles with her faith, “Step” is appropriately aggressive. Somewhere between Richie Spice’s “Gideon Boot” and Kirk Franklin’s “Stomp,” “Step” is a stellar, if not unexpected, addition to the catalog of wartime gospel anthems.
$teevoo, “Slow Wine”
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With “Slow Wine,” Rising Trinbagonian artist $teevoo previews a potentially minimalist future for dancehall. His voice barely rises above whisper, and the synths and drums that are normally quite pronounced in a traditional dancehall track feel notably muted. Ultimately, “Slow Wine” offers a chilly, electronic version of a dancehall riddim, courtesy of Brooklyn Decent. Following the path he laid out with Eros EP earlier this year, $teevoo strips soca, dancehall and calypso down to its most elementary parts and builds something distinctly fresh out of those components. Everything — from his cadence to the drum patterns — feels strikingly familiar, but his unfussy vocal delivery immediately sets his sound apart from previous decades of West Indian music.
Jah Lil, “Weak Men”
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Jah Lil’s Can A Man Cry is a true gem of an album. Released at the tail end of last month (June 26), the LP is a tender-yet-unflinching look at the intersection of faith, masculinity and morality — all set to some of the most evocative, multi-layered reggae arrangements of the year. “Weak Men,” in which Jah Lil posits that true male weakness is the inability to properly express your emotions and defy temptation, is relentlessly engaging, folding in funky horns, steady guitars and earth percussion to craft a soundscape for his alluring voice to coast across.
Alison Hinds, “Slow It Down”
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Alison Hinds’ sweet timbre has soundtracked soca music for over two decades and “Slow It Down” proves the Queen of Soca has no plans to, well, slow down. She paints across Elmo Norville’s breezy Sweet Water Project riddim with that trademark honeyed tone, crooning, “Baby I wan ya slow it down/ Take your time now darling, we really don’t need to rush it.” In a genre that has its fair share of high-octane moments by way of power soca, “Slow It Down” offers road marchers a chance to catch their breath — and catch the meanest slow wine.
Click here to donate to the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency’s special bank account in aid of its Participating States impacted by Hurricane Beryl.
Now that 4th of July festivities are in the rearview mirror, we’re officially smack in the middle of summer. Despite arriving in the springtime (May 4), Kendrick Lamar‘s “Not Like Us” continues to dominate the cultural conversation, with the track’s excellent new music video hitting YouTube on Independence Day, subsequently sending countless cookouts into a Kung Fu Kenny frenzy.
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Naturally, only an event like Essence Fest could cut through the mountains of additional discourse sparked by the “Not Like Us” music video. Featuring eye-popping sets from Usher, Janet Jackson, Victoria Monét, SWV, Lil Wayne, Charlie Wilson and more, Essence Fest rocked New Orleans with a sprawling collection of performances that bridged several generations of R&B and hip-hop. Of course, rising hits from recent major album releases — like Megan Thee Stallion & Yuki Chiba’s “Mamushi” and Camila Cabello & Drake‘s “Hot Uptown” — continue to make waves across the Internet as the summer heat continues to intensify.
With Fresh Picks, Billboard aims to highlight some of the best and most interesting new sounds across R&B and hip-hop — from 42 Dugg’s and Lil Baby’s new link-up to Ken Carson’s ode to Emmy-nominated actress Sydney Sweeney. Be sure to check out this week’s Fresh Picks in our Spotify playlist below.
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Freshest Find: SAHXL & Kaash Paige, “Negligent (Remix)”
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Hailing from Sydney, Australia, R&B/hip-hop artist SAHXL has been making major waves in R&B circles, and the new Kaash Paige-assisted remix of his moody “Negligent” track is sure to continue that momentum. On the Sid Mallick & CRATER-helmed track, Kaash Paige sings from the perspective of the “pretty but messy” woman SAHXL waxes poetic about on the original song. “You be calling me like 4 in the morning/ I don’t see why your ass be so annoyed/ I don’t answer, your ass be paranoid/ And that’s just so not cool,” she croons menacingly, expertly playing up the emotional immaturity and overall toxicity that grounds the aptly titled song. Though the two singers don’t actually end up harmonizing together, that stands as a smart artistic choice that underscores their refusal to move as a unit in a romance with a flimsy foundation.
42 Dugg feat. Lil Baby, “No Love“
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The ominous 42 Dugg whistle has returned. The Detroit native reunites with his “We Paid” collaborator Lil Baby, as the duo looks to make another standout entry into their joint catalog. Baby sets the tone by comparing himself to prime ‘06 Gucci Mane and lets the rap game know he’s ready to get active, even with an alleged nine-figure net worth. That number might need to be fact-checked; either way, it sounds good. Then the 4PF boss passes the baton to Dugg, who is surprised to find out it’s the women – allegedly – snitching with loose lips since he’s been getting reacclimated to the free world.
Khalil, “Cancer”
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In a past life, Khalil was a close associate to then-labelmate Justin Bieber. Now, with his atmospheric new “Cancer” single, the Sacramento singer emerges as a fully-realized artist in his own right. “Can’t look into your eyes, ’cause I’m blind, girl,” he gently croons over desolate acoustic guitar strums. Less of a full-bodied song and more of a snapshot of the feeling of being drawn to someone who ultimately harms you, “Cancer” uses its moody guitars to mask the bite of lyrics like, “I still want you to stay tonight/ Don’t care if you’re no longer mine.” Khalil isn’t relishing this situation at all, but it’s his ability to showcase truly anguished vulnerability that makes “Cancer” such a captivating listen, if only for just over two and a half minutes.
Ken Carson, “SS”
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Ken Carson decided it was time for more disorder when he returned to tack on seven more tracks to his A Great Chaos album, turning it into A Greater Chaos. “SS” serves as an ode to film and TV star Sydney Sweeney, and he somehow compares her voluptuous breasts to the drum mags attached to his gun. X Man even hopped into her IG comments, appearing to shoot his shot with the actress. The Opium rapper then moves on to detail his Paris Fashion Week romantic escapades, and ends the journey by dissing Rolex and anyone rocking with the luxe Swiss brand. “I can buy 15 Richard Milles, why would I cop a Rolex?” he scoffs.
Ovi Wood, “Problems”
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Across a murky soundscape built around skittering hi-hats and brooding synths, Ovi Wood attempts to explain the mental torment that prevents him from showing up as the lover that he would like to be. “When my anxiety goes through the roof/ I’ve been hurting bad and I feel so consumed,” he sings, squeezing each word out as if he’s trying to fit them into the gasps of air that punctuates a good crying session. On one hand “Problems” is a song about working through anxiety as it relates to romantic relationships, on the other, it’s a disarmingly honest ode to the solace that music provides. “Music the only thing to get me through/ Music the only thing to heal my wounds,” Ovi sings in the final chorus, perhaps the only time he sounds certain about anything in his life on the track.
Shordie Shordie feat. 03 Greedo, “Ride With You”
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Shordie and Greedo’s “Ride With You” passes the car test and the breezy Cali bounce provides the perfect soundtrack to a summer sunset cruise in the Baltimore rapper’s baby blue Corvette. “Come over you can slide too/ I just need something I can ride to,” the Warner signee melodically raps with a raspiness washing over his flow. If only the ride from Shordie’s Baltimore to Greedo’s Watts, California was as smooth as their freshest team-up. The Captain Hook rapper delivered a pair of projects in 2023, and he should have more heat in store for 2024’s second half.
The 2024 BET Awards — hosted by Academy Award-nominated actress Taraji P. Henson — provided the big news of the weekend, with some of the biggest names across R&B, hip-hop, gospel and Afrobeats descending upon Los Angeles for the ceremony.
Amid parodies of Kendrick Lamar‘s “Not Like Us” and countless reminders to vote in the upcoming presidential election, Tyla (best new artist and best international act) and Victoria Monét (video of the year and the BET Her Award) took home two trophies each, Megan Thee Stallion opened the show with fiery medley of tracks from her new Megan LP, and Black country stars Shaboozey and Tanner Adell made their respective BET Awards debuts.
Of course, there was also that star-studded Usher tribute — featuring Monét, Teyana Taylor, Chlöe, Tinashe, Keke Palmer, Childish Gambino, Marsha Ambrosius, Summer Walker, Latto and Coco Jones — which had the entire crowd on its feet, as did Usher’s 15-minute acceptance speech for the lifetime achievement honor.
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While the BET Awards swallowed up most of the weekend’s discourse, there were still scores of new releases across R&B and hip-hop to sift through. With Fresh Picks, Billboard aims to highlight some of the best and most interesting new sounds across R&B and hip-hop — from Lucky Daye & RAYE‘s emotional new duet to Flau’jae and Lil Wayne‘s new collaboration. Be sure to check out this week’s Fresh Picks in our Spotify playlist below.
Freshest Find: Lucky Daye feat. RAYE, “Paralyzed”
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Lucky Daye and Raye are two of the most gifted singer-songwriters across contemporary pop and R&B, so their union was always going to be a winner. “Paralyzed,” a standout track from Lucky’s new Algorithm LP, is an exquisite acoustic ballad that allows both artist’s voices to take center stage. Lucky’s luscious layers of background vocals during his opening verse and chrous are an absolutley haunting color to lyrics that grapple with the anxiety that comes with living and leaving this life without your other half. By the time RAYE comes in with her swaggering rap-sung cadence, the sparse production remains mostly unchanged, with her and Lucky’s smoldering, evocative vocal chemistry becoming the song’s life force. “I’m not leaving, paralyzed/ Say love’s easy, a pair of lies/ Know you see me, terrified/ Pair with mine, come pair with mine,” Lucky croons in the final chorus.
Flau’jae & Lil Wayne, “Came Out a Beast”
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The LSU college hoops star checks a dream collaboration off her bucket list when connecting with Lil Wayne for the thunderous “Came Out a Beast.” Flau’jae’s hard-hitting bars go toe-to-toe with Weezy for a competitive sparring session with one of the best to ever pick up a pen. “I’m a millionaire and I don’t got a degree,” she flexes. Wayne takes the baton and floats with ease, proving the rap alien he really is. “Screaming ‘f–k the world’ like a virgin,” Weezy spits in vintage fashion, with a simile that we’ve come accustomed to hearing for over two decades now. Flau’jae should be proud of her performance, but there’s a reason Wayne is a true one-of-one in this game.
Tinashe, “Getting No Sleep”
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Just after scoring her biggest solo hit in a decade with the deliciously salacious “Nasty,” Tinashe has unveiled the next single from her forthcoming Quantum Baby LP. Less in the slinky hip-hop-inflected lane of “Nasty” and more in a drum-and-bass PinkPantheress-esque space, “Getting No Sleep” finds Tinashe continuing her quest to find someone who can “match her freak.” “All week long, keep pressure high/ Got you whipped, all quick replies,” she coos, slyly playing up the tension of time apart that ultimately gives way to passionate sleepless nights. The urgency of the D’n’B beat is the perfect complement to the “we ain’t getting no sleep” hook; lyrically and musically, Tinahse is utterly relentless, and “Getting No Sleep” triumphs because of it.
Wolfacejoeyy, “Finsta (sexy liar)”
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The Staten Island native isn’t slowing down following the release of his Valentino project via Alamo Records in May. Wolfacejoeyy feels like he’s on the precipice of a breakthrough. Joey returns with “Finsta (Sexy Liar)” as part of a two-pack, which finds him meshing the worlds of sexy drill, pop-rap and infectious R&B into a woozy cocktail. There are layers to his simple-yet-complex songwriting, with “Finsta” serving as a prime example of his talents. Someone’s “fake Instagram” is actually a glimpse into their real personality when they’re not performing for society, and only those closest to them have access to it. “I wanna know the real you, can I get your Finsta,” he cheekily asks. Our grandparents would be so proud.
Eric Benét & Tamar Braxton, “Something We Can Make Love To”
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Ahead of his first album since 2016’s self-titled LP, four-time Grammy nominee Eric Benét has returned with the Tamar Braxton-assisted duet “Something We Can Make Love To.” He opens the slow jam crooning, “I don’t know if he knows what to do when you finally decide to get loose/ Those moments they come far and few/ In between/ I don’t mind If I gotta be the guy that comes to the front of your mind,” painting over Laney Stewart’s production with his heated, soulful tone. Tamar effortlessly matches Benét’s breathy delivery with a vocal performance that helps steer the song’s steady pacing, ultimately ending with cathartic vocables and riffs that pay tribute to the best slow jams of R&B days past.
Jahkoy, “Someday”
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Love can be a hell of a drug. Jahkoy’s “Someday” recalls a classic ‘90s R&B vibe that many from that era wish they could bottle up and implement in today’s music landscape. The Toronto-bred singer is writing checks he might not be able to cash down the line, but knows he needs to do what he can to woo a lover. Jahkoy will do whatever it takes to keep her around even if he can’t live up to her expectations at the moment – a relatable topic for many out there. “Someday I’m gonna love you the right way/ Get you high on satisfaction/ Girl I’m really bout that action,” he croons while painting the picture of a fantasy life. Even if he doesn’t, at least it sounds good. F–k it, we ball!
This year will surely go down as one of the best for full-length albums from some of the best emerging and established talents in African music. Already this year we’ve got projects from Tyla, Tems, Ayra Starr, Ruger x BNXN, Young Jonn, Victony and King Promise, with several of those coming just this past month alone. It’s a lot of great music — and presents some good problems for this column, with so many great options of songs to choose from.
Tems burns bright with soulful reflections about discovering her true destiny while navigating newfound fame, ridding relationships that no longer serve her and more on her debut album Born in the Wild. Meanwhile, Victony expands Afropop‘s borders by bringing an international assortment of artists like American rap-rock sensation Teezo Touchdown and Guyanese American rapper SAINt JHN on his first full-length project Stubborn. “It represents overcoming adversity and transforming life’s ‘lemons’ into powerful art,” Victony recently told Billboard. “I hope that when people listen to the album, they feel a sense of shared experience and inspiration to find strength and hope in their own journeys.”
And Tyler ICU and DJ Maphorisa’s scorching new single “Manzi Nte” — which is currently No. 10 onthe South Africa Songs chart (dated June 29) — is inescapable in the artists’ native South Africa. (Billboard‘s senior R&B/Hip-Hop/Afrobeats reporter Heran Mamo can attest to that given her recent travels to Johannesburg.) Meanwhile, Shallipopi turned in a slew of great guest appearances this month, and his features alongside King Promise and Rema both made the list this month, as did the latest loosie from Lil Kesh and a beautiful collaboration between L.A.X and Magicsticks, among others.
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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.
Ayra Starr feat. Asake, “Goodbye (Warm Up)”
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Ayra Starr bids adieu to a manipulative ex on the glimmering kiss-off “Goodbye (Warm Up),” the Asake-assisted highlight from her resilient sophomore album The Year I Turned 21. P2J’s jazzy street pop production puts extra pep in Starr’s step, as lyrics like “I do not accept your apology” and “Gave you the cold shoulder, I really hope you freeze” deftly kick her ex to the curb. Meanwhile, Asake brushes off any woman with bad energy on his swaggering verse.
Azanti & PsychoYP, “I Know”
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Azanti & PsychoYP create the ultimate laid-back vibe on “I Know,” from their joint album YP & Azanti, Vol. 2. Malik Bawa’s funky, guitar-driven production assuages both artists during their fight for peace of mind, with PsychoYP also recognizing his phone’s focus mode as an essential weapon, as Azanti croons, “I’m trying to focus on me this time, I’m trying to save myself.” The track’s repetitive groove and chorus that just rolls off the tongue make “I Know” the perfect soundtrack for your next summer roadtrip when you’re getting away to find your own peace of mind.
Tems, “Wickedest”
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Tems didn’t come to play on “Wickedest” from her bold debut album Born in the Wild. The introductory sample of Ivorian zouglou group Magic System’s 1999 Pan-African smash “1er Gaou” evokes a nostalgic party vibe for her own dancefloor number that’s been bringing out Tems’ wickedest whine all around the world in her ongoing tour. But from the moment she launches into the first verse, Tems asserts her dominance and stays in the lane she’s set forth for herself, brushing past those who want to try her (a reference to her 2019 single “Try Me”) and sticking to the ones who bring her up and get down with her.
Tyler ICU & DJ Maphorisa feat. Masterpiece YVK, Ceeka RSA, M.J, Silas Africa & Al Xapo, “Manzi Nte”
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After scoring a nomination for best new international act at the 2024 BET Awards and helming one of Rihanna’s favorite songs of 2023, “Mnike” – which recently got a remix featuring Shallipopi and Lojay – Tyler ICU has been on fire. And what better way to keep the heat up this summer than to drop another fire song with “Manzi Nte,” alongside DJ Maphorisa featuring Masterpiece YVK, Ceeka RSA, M.J, Silas Africa and Al Xapo. The music video makes “Manzi Nte” out to be a wet-and-wild anthem – which is fitting given the song’s title translates to water it in Zulu, according to a press release. And the amapiano smash’s rattling production has been powering up participants of the accompanying dance challenge, which Maphorisa demonstrated on TikTok.
Leather Park, Odunsi (The Engine) & Cruel Santino, “CHANEL”
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Odunsi (The Engine) and Cruel Santino’s numerous collaborations have already proven that they’re the funkiest duo, and “CHANEL” from the former’s Leather Park (Vol. 1) album is a sparkling addition to their collection. In the same vein of Bryson Tiller’s “Whatever She Wants,” fulfilling a woman’s designer dreams is the key to unlocking her heart – and Odunsi and Santi flex how well-equipped they are to buy her Chanel, Bottega and anything else she desires. Odunsi also sharpens his alté production skills on “CHANEL” with kaleidoscopic synth patterns, crisp shakers and rollicking percussion that create the track’s irresistible bounce.
King Promise feat. Shallipopi, “Continental”
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In a month brimming with great albums from high-profile talents — Ayra Starr, Tems and Victony among them — King Promise may have delivered the best of all of them. The album’s two big prior singles, “Terminator” and “Paris,” previously appeared in this column, but “Continental,” with its assist from one of the of-the-moment street talents in Shallipopi, sits alongside them as one of the best songs of the past 18 months, combining Promise’s natural melodic feel with his memorable hooks to land a breezy summer hit.
Rema & Shallipopi, “BENIN BOYS”
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Rema is coming off one of the biggest years of any African artist ever, with the mind-blowing success of “Calm Down” — and while this link up with the inescapable Shallipopi is unlikely to replicate that crossover smash’s No. 3 peak on the Billboard Hot 100, it’s another song that showcases the many sides of Rema’s artistry, which goes much deeper than the ear worm that was “Calm Down.” “BENIN BOYS” is much harder, with a driving log drum production that propels both artists forward, and is a formidable entry into each of their catalogs.
Lil Kesh, “Lifestyle”
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Lil Kesh has one of the more distinctive styles among his contemporaries in the Nigerian pop scene, and “Lifestyle” fits perfectly into his oeuvre. With a soulful, soaring hook and an almost contemplative melody over an amapiano-esque production, Kesh lays out a carefree look at life in a track that’s perfect for the summertime. Kesh can pump out these types of tracks seemingly effortlessly, and the vibe is always right on point.
L.A.X & Magicsticks, “Loke”
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Linking with one of the most in-demand producers on the continent, L.A.X delivers a contemplative vocal performance, riding high on carefully crafted melodies while Magicsticks deploys his trademark log drums and a reassuring organ chords. The effect is comforting, in a way, with L.A.X switching back and forth between English and Yoruba to spin his lyrics.
Victony, “Anita”
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Victony’s album showcased his distinctive vocal talents; no one sounds like him, and his instantly-recognizable style is one of his best qualities as an artist. Another is his beat selection — and “Anita,” crafted by P2J, provides the perfect platform for an earworm of a track, which is just as catchy as his breakout hit “Soweto,” if not even moreso. It’s a standout on Stubborn, and one of the best songs of his career.
The summer of “Not Like Us” is in full swing. It’s been less than a week since Kendrick Lamar broke the internet with his Pop Out concert — featuring Mustard, YG, 310babbii, Ab-Soul, ScHoolboy Q, Jay Rock, DeMar DeRozan, Russell Westbrook and more — where he turned his victory lap into an historic moment of West Coast unification. After opening the show with his blistering “Euphoria” diss, the superstar tore through a set list of hits like “DNA,” “King’s Dead” and “Alright.” To close out the show, Kendrick — alongside friends from every corner of the West Coast — performed his Billboard Hot 100-topping “Not Like Us” a whopping five times in a row.
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With major albums from Megan Thee Stallion, James Blake & Lil Yachty and Lucky Daye due later this week (June 28) and the BET Awards on Sunday (June 30), the hip-hop and R&B worlds have much to look forward to. In the meantime, there’s still the weekly onslaught of new music to sort through — from GloRilla’s highly anticipated “TGIF” to Brandy and Monica’s gorgeous remix of Ariana Grande’s “The Boy Is Mine.”
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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 IDK and Gunna’s new team-up to The 80s’ new collaboration with Snoh Aalegra. Be sure to check out this week’s Fresh Picks in our Spotify playlist below.
IDK & Gunna, “TIFFANY”
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A viral snippet that goes on to live up to the hype is a rarity nowadays, but IDK and Gunna defied the odds with “TIFFANY,” their first-ever team-up. Gunna is a guest on the DMV native’s single but feels right at home with his close friend Turbo helming the twitchy production. The chemistry is apparent, as they join forces for a silky chorus name-dropping the designer brands filling their wardrobes. With a luxe visual shot in Paris, it’s fitting the track dropped in the midst of Paris Fashion Week. IDK lets it be known he’s been grinding for a decade to get to this point, and refers to himself as reliable children’s cartoon character Bob the Builder. “TIFFANY” follows IDK’s Joey Bada$$-assisted “Denim,” and he’s drummed up some momentum heading into his album later this year.
Adrian Marcel, “Lovin Me”
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Rising R&B singer Adrian Marcel offers up a delectable slice of warm, inviting R&B vibes on his new single, “Lovin Me.” With his soulful falsetto and pristine layering coloring the drum-heavy jazz-inflected soundscape of Bay Area R&B, Marcel crafts a track that grapples with the lingering feelings of apprehension that remain in even the longest of relationships. “Through all your sacrifice, you stood by my side/ But still, I can’t help wondering/ If you’re still in love with me,” he ponders over the Sonny B-produced track, co-written with Ryn Nicole. Playing on the doe-eyed balminess of classic soul and R&B, “Lovin Me” is a sweet addition to the soundtrack for a hazy summer evening.
2Rare, “Congratulationz”
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2Rare has a lot to be thankful about these days. He’s sharing the love and the timing is perfect for his “Congratulationz” single, which serves as a celebratory anthem for every graduating class across the country. The triumphant tune is a refreshing change of pace compared to previous releases for the Philly native, as he toasts to leveling up in life and thanks his parents and God for being there every step of the way. “Give it up for us one time,” he urges listeners, with help from a children’s choir to further drive home the familial aspect. It’s not going to reach the heights of Quavo and Post Malone’s diamond single of the same name, but 2Rare’s positivity is a welcome sound.
THEY., “Diamonds And Pearls”
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“Be my addiction, material girl/ Wrapped ’round my finger like diamonds and pearls/ Hit all your buttons with no strings attached/ Make you wanna run it back,” Drew Love sings at the beginning of “Diamond And Pearls,” a Prince-nodding, City High name-checking ode to the sensuous heat of the chase. After previewing the song last year, the acclaimed R&B duo presents a full song that leans into its hip hop-soul and neo-soul influences, while employing a sing-rap cadence in the verses that feels decidedly contemporary. Embracing all aspects of the chase — sex, liquor, material wealth — “Diamonds And Pearls” is the kind of infectious R&B jam that makes even the slimiest concepts feel alluring.
Bay Swag, “Worldwide Sniper”
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It’s a Slizzy Summer in NYC, and Bay Swag, alongside his “Fisherrr” collaborator Cash Cobain, are the driving forces behind the sexy drill movement sweeping the Big Apple rap scene. The Queens native gives his rendition of DMX’s “What These B—–s Want” anthem, as Bay runs through various women in his lineup, like an H-Town fling who used to date NBA star James Harden or a nurse from Brooklyn that he passed to Fivio Foreign. With Cash helming the ominous production, the 24-year-old is crossing state lines to live up to his “Worldwide Sniper” reputation. If you let Bay Swag tell it, he says the track is “a shout-out to all the baddies worldwide who bring that energy wherever they go.”
The 80s & Snoh Aalegra, “Blue”
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Last Friday (June 21), The 80s — comprised of James Fauntleroy & No I.D. and formerly known as Cocaine 80s — released the 2024 remaster of their Pursuit EP, the first in a series of defining Blog Era projects. With three-time Grammy nominee Snoh Aalegra offering her first musical release of 2024 via a new verse on “Blue,” the moody album closer emerges as one of the set’s most rewarding listens. Her ethereal tone blends beautifully with Fauntleroy’s tender falsetto — grounded by endless layers of backing harmonies — making for the perfect vocal complement to the dramatic piano line that anchors No I.D.’s sparse production. “And all I ever wanted was your love/ Damn, I would pull the sun down/ Just because you’re all I wanted,” they coo.
With just two days to go before Kendrick Lamar‘s highly anticipated The Pop Out: Ken & Friends concert (June 19), all eyes are on the West Coast for what’s expected to be a victory lap for the Pulitzer Prize-winning rapper, following his heated beef with Drake this spring.
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As usual, the South also has something to say, with Megan Thee Stallion‘s Hot Girl Summer Tour still going strong. In the past week, the “Hiss” rapper has brought out scores of fellow Southern rap stars — including Paul Wall, Z-Ro, Bun B, Slim Thug, Lil Keke and Monaleo. Never a region to be left out, New York took a sweet trip down memory lane at Sunday night’s Tony Awards (June 16), with Alicia Keys and Jay-Z performing “Empire State of Mind” in celebration of both Keys’ new Tony-winning Hell’s Kitchen musical and the song crossing the one billion streams threshold.
With Fresh Picks, Billboard aims to highlight some of the best and most interesting new sounds across R&B and hip-hop — from Normani’s ’00s Southern fantasia to Chow Lee’s latest addition to the “sexy drill” lexicon. Be sure to check out this week’s Fresh Picks in our Spotify playlist below.
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Freshest Find: Marsha Ambrosius, “Greedy”
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Nine-time Grammy nominee Marsha Ambrosius offers the latest taste of her forthcoming Casablanco album with “Greedy.” A gorgeous amalgamation of neo-soul and hip-hop, “Greedy” combines samples of Leon Russell’s “This Masquerade” and OutKast’s “SpottieOttieDopaliscious” with lush orchestration (the cellos are particularly gorgeous here) for a rumination on a partner who takes more than then give. “How much do I owe you? It’s like I don’t know you/ Go ‘head, I don’t own you, now you on your own now/ I’m remembering that you’re so hard to trust/ Just tell me, baby/ When is enough, enough?/ ‘Cause it’s never enough,” she croons in the second verse. Produced by Dr. Dre, “Greedy” previews what is sure to be a record full of smart arrangements and evocative vocal performances.
Donte Thomas, “Sayonara”
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Drake has compared the last verse on his albums to performing surgery. Fortunately for Donte Thomas, the Portland-bred rapper keeps the doctor away thanks to An Apple a Day. Thomas puts a bow on his introspective album, which arrived on Friday via Skyzoo’s First Generation Rich imprint, with the starry project closer “Sayonara,” featuring Shelby Swims. Thomas candidly comes to terms with his journey and knows it’s going to be a laborious brick-by-brick grind to get to the top, but at least the ship’s back in motion. “This is my life ain’t no part of no image/ Out of control it’s only beginning/ Out on the road you know that we winning,” he raps.
Chow Lee feat. Cash Cobain & Bay Swag, “Act Bad Twin!”
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As the Slizzy Summer of 2024 begins to hit its stride, New York rapper Chow Lee recruits fellow “sexy drill” flagbearers Cash Cobain and Bay Swag for his new single, “Act Bad Twin!” “She think she know me/ Well she kind of do ’cause I f–ked her/ She still the homie, we keep it P/ When I see her that’s the sis, I’m the brodie,” he spits, seamlessly adding new punchlines and one-liners to the sleazy casual sex that grounds the “sexy drill” subgenre. Cash and Bay Swag deliver characteristically strong verses that play up the different pockets on the spacious hi-hat-accented mix. If the year’s earlier “sexy drill” hits presented a stark male perspective, then Chow Lee’s new joint gives the ladies some time in the driver’s seat of these semi-grimy pursuits.
Forest Claudette, “Moonlight”
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Moonlight won best picture at the 2017 Academy Awards – with a botched presentation nobody will ever forget – and inspired millions of viewers across the globe. One of those acolytes was Forest Claudette, who picked up their guitar after the life-changing experience and grappled with their gender identity, which turned into a poignant alt-R&B track inspired by Barry Jenkins’ film. “I been thinking ‘bout moonlight, I been thinking ‘bout the boys in my life again/ It’s not like me to be keeping quiet, no silence,” the Warner Records artist croons with angelic vocals floating over soothing strings. Next up, the Australian-American singer heads home to the Land Down Under where they’ll open up for Omar Apollo on the Australian leg of his tour.
Normani, “Still”
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Last week (June 14), Normani finally dropped her long-awaited debut solo studio album, Dopamine. Alongside collaborations with James Blake, Starrah and Gunna lies “Still,” perhaps the album’s best stab at combining the ’00s Southern hip-hop of ‘Mani’s childhood with the Brandy and Michael Jackson-influenced vocal layering that’s become a cornerstone of her sound. “Still goin’ up in the section/ Standin’ on the couch, gettin’ reckless/ I be saucin’ nigga like dressin’/ In Christian Dior, I’m a blessin’” she croons across the Tommy Brown- and Leather Jackettt-produced banger. Featuring an interpolation of Mike Jones’ classic “Still Tippin,” Normani’s new track achieves the increasingly rare feat of mining the past and truly innovating on what is found.
Rexx Life Raj, “Blame the Bad B—h”
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Rexx Life Raj puts his own twist on Layton Greene’s “Leave Em Alone” with his gentle croon on the woozy chorus. The California native wrestles with settling down with a “good girl” or running through a plethora of “bad b—hes.” He keeps it real when admitting people are only as faithful as their options, and Raj boasts that he’s got plenty of applications at his desk these days. “I tried that good girl s–t, but the bad b—h turning me on,” the former college football player sings. “Got a solid one, but this sea of h–s making me question it.” The contemplative single is the final tune-up for Rexx Life Raj before the 34-year-old gets into album rollout mode later this year.
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.
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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”
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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”
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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”
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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”
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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”
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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”
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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.”
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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.
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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.
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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”
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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”
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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”
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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”
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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”
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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”
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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”
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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”
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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”
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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”
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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”
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“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.
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“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”
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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”
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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”
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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”
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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”
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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”
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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.
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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”
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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”
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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)
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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”
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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)”
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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”
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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”
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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”
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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”
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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”
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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.