Fresh Picks
Page: 7
And, we’re back! As the industry recalibrates itself from the holiday rush, the hip-hop and R&B worlds are slowly getting back to their weekly tidal waves of new music. The options are a bit sparse this week, as January is typically a slow month for new releases, but there are still some standouts. Even as Nicki Minaj’s Pink Friday 2, Jack Harlow’s “Lovin on Me” and Drake’s For All the Dogs continue to rule the charts, there are few new remixes and singles that could very well grow into the first smash hits of 2024.
Explore
See latest videos, charts and news
See latest videos, charts and news
With Fresh Picks, Billboard aims to highlight some of the best and most interesting new sounds across R&B and hip-hop — from Fivio Foreign’s fiery new drill anthem to Megan Thee Stallion’s swing at hip-hop musical theatre. Be sure to check out this week’s Fresh Picks in our Spotify playlist below.
Freshest Find: Erick the Architect & George Clinton, “Ezekiel’s Wheel”
[embedded content]
Erick the Architect of Flatbush Zombie has a solo album on the way, and if “Ezekiel’s Wheel” is anything to go by, we’re in for a stunner of an album. Alongside the legendary George Clinton, Erick blends notes of ’90s East Coast hip-hop, reggae, funk and soul for a song that recounts his experiences growing up in Brooklyn, New York and growing into the rapper he is today. Lyrically, the track is anchored by an allusion to the Biblical story of Ezekiel’s wheel; “Everyone’s keepin’ secrets for oilin’ / Have Ezekiel’s wheels gone squeaky?” Clinton asks in trademark scraggly voice. There’s a gentleness in Clinton’s delivery that nicely offsets the chugging nature of Matt Zara’s production, a wonderful study in sonic contrast.
ScarLip feat. NLE Choppa, “Blick (Remix)”
[embedded content]
For the remix to her latest hit, rising Bronx rapper ScarLip tapped “Slut Me Out” hitmaker NLE Choppa. “Blick” has already been gaining traction on TikTok thanks to a viral dance, and this new remix is sure to give the track an extra boost. Most of the original “Blick” track remains unchanged, ScarLip’s gruff tone anchors high-energy verses and a danceable hook alike, so NLE Choppa smartly adapts his style to her formula. “Shake a n—a down like booty and cheeks/ I’ma Summer Walk s–t down, shout out Lil MeechCall it abuse how we beatin’ the streets/ Jumped off the porch, you was beatin’ your meat,” he raps in his signature blend of sexed-up humor.
Westside Gunn, Conway the Machine & The Alchemist, “F–k & Get High”
[embedded content]
Over a luxurious, drum-heavy instrumental courtesy of The Alchemist, Westside Gunn & Conway the Machine trade verses that prioritize a certain kind of lustful braggadocio. In between their relatively heady proclamations of wealth and success, they use the hook (a notably sparse “All I wanna do is f–k and get high/ That’s all I wanna do”) for some breathing room. It’s a lightweight track, but the depth of Alchemist’s production provides a sturdy foundation for their ruminations on some of the finer things in life.
Sdot Go, SweepersENT, Jay Hound, Sha Gz & Jay5ive, “I Like to Party”
[embedded content]
This song has been going viral on TikTok for months as a snippet, and now it’s finally here in all of its glory. Sdot’s opening lines — “I like to party, but I need b–tches/ Clap-clap to the beat/ Up, I’m tryna see if she wit’ it” — are something of a manifesto. His gruff semi-growl immediately signals the track as a drill anthem (as does the pounding production, courtesy of Ajellz, Nxxre, Bullo Producer and YoJelly) — but, more importantly, his tone is the track’s entire center of gravity. There are a slew of artists on “I Like to Party,” but no one’s voice is as commanding or as charismatic as Sdot’s. And that’s why he can score hits whether he’s behind bars or not.
Ama Louise, “Send Your Loving”
[embedded content]
Rising R&B Singer Ama Louise delivers a slinking, sultry ode to the security of true love with “Send Your Loving.” A quiet storm of twinkling synths and keys soundtrack her pleas for a lover to send their “loving” so she can create some sense of safety for herself. “So send your loving to me tonight/ ‘Cause only you can save me from my mind,” she croons in her honeyed timbre. From the production to Ama’s vocal performance, “Send Your Loving” is an incredibly intimate affair; it’s warm and inviting, but the ache and longing that course through her background vocals are what truly pull the song together.
UMI & V of BTS, “Wherever U R”
[embedded content]
As the BTS boys continue to fulfill their respective military duties and await their long-anticipated comeback, fans have found solace in each group member’s solo endeavors. Last year, Layover, V’s debut solo studio album, reached No. 2 on the Billboard 200 thanks to its tight blend of pop and R&B. Now, the BTS star is kicking off 2024 by throwing an assist to UMI on the tender, guitar-backed “Wherever U R.” “Even on the days, I ain’t right by your side/ I’m keeping my promise that/ I will be wherever you are,” he sings. The duet is incredibly lush in the way UMI’s and V’s voices marry across the tasteful instrumental arrangement. Likely V’s last musical release until he completes his military service, “Wherever U R” is a heartfelt “see you later” to his fans that doubles as a heart-melting anthem of commitment for lovers.
We finally made it, folks! 2024 is here. To kick off the new year, Billboard’s monthly Reggae/Dancehall Fresh Picks column is back with the best selections from December 2023.
As the world celebrated the various December holidays, the biggest names in reggae and dancehall convened in Portmore, Jamaica, for the 40th edition of Sting — the iconic music festival that served as both a debut stage for future reggae superstars and a host site for legendary clashes. The 2023 edition of the festival featured headliners such as Bounty Killer and Capleton, although severe delays prevented several headliners from performing, drawing heated responses from musicians such as Tanya Stephens.
Elsewhere in the reggae and dancehall worlds, Masicka notched a second consecutive No. 2 peak on the Reggae Albums ranking thanks to his new 17-track Generation of Kings album. Teejay, Shenseea, Bunji Garlin, Rupee and Ding Dong all lit up the Hot 97 Winter Jam stage on Dec. 30.
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: Lila Iké, “Good & Great”
[embedded content]
Jamaican reggae star Lila Iké has been performing “Good & Great” in live settings for most of last year, but she finally gifted fans with an official streaming release at the tail end of 2023. Equal parts reggae and gospel, “Good & Great” finds Iké singing her praises to Jah and thanking him for keeping her and blessing her. The lyrics read as confessionals, dripping with vulnerability that’s accentuated by the string arrangements in the background. “Sometimes I fail, oh gosh/ Sometimes I falter/ And feel as though you’ve left me in a corner/ But here you are the light upon my tunnel,” she croons with her irresistably buttery tone.
DEV & Millbeatz, “Rum Hit Meh”
[embedded content]
It is truly a testament to how strong the “Jouvert Jam” riddim is that every song on the five-track compilation is a banger. For his take on the riddim, Trinidadian soca artist DEV shifts his focus to the intricacies of his vocal performance. “Di rum hit meh bahhhhd,” he chants and the chorus, doubling down on the airy qualities of the vowel in the word “bad,” and delivering a level of animation that embodies the balls-to-the-wall energy of J’ouvert festivities.
Dan Evans & Nessa Preppy, “By Mehself”
[embedded content]
Wining is synonymous with much of dancehall and soca, but contemporary cultural conversations concerning consent have sparked some reevaluations of the social cues that are integral to the dance style. For her take on Dan Evans’ “90 Degree” riddim, Nessa Preppy delivers an ode to wining for yourself, not for a man or any other dance partner. The brightness of her tone pairs well with the fairly sparse instrumentation in the beginning of the song, but it’s the giddy glee in her vocal performance that truly conveys the feeling of liberation that comes from dancing for, with and by yourself.
Bunji Garlin, “Forward”
[embedded content]
Three days before he graced the Hot 97 Winter Jam stage, Bunji Garlin provided the opening track to his collaborative “Smoke Riddim” double single with Shurwayne Winchester. On “Forward,” Garlin rides on high-octane soca percussion to deliver a track that doubles as both an anthem of West Indian pride and a party track that is sure to rule the coming year. “Rags in the air is the forward!” he proclaims.
Nicki Minaj, Skeng and Skillibeng, “Forward From Trini”
[embedded content]
Tucked away in the middle of her sprawling, Billboard 200-topping Pink Friday 2 album, “Forward From Trini” stands as the latest in a string of Nicki Minaj’s musical odes to her home country of Trinidad & Tobago. Minaj has collaborated with both Skeng (“Likkle Miss”) and Skillibeng (“Crocodile Teeth”) in the past, but this is the first time all three artists have appeared on the same track. A loving mixture of hip-hop, dancehall and soca (with notes of calypso), “Forward from Trini” serves as a reminder of both the interconnected lineage of those styles and Minaj’s boundless versatility.
Tech Sounds & Millbeatz, “Doh Run”
[embedded content]
As the opening track on Millbeatz’s Jouvert Jam Riddim compilation, “Doh Run” needed to feel massive. With his booming “Doh run!” chants juxtaposed against ever-so-slightly hollow percussion, Tech Sounds delivers a worthy kick-off to the J’ouvert tape. The funky riddim isn’t just infectious, it almost demands listeners to get up and wine their waists.
Fay-Ann Lyons, “Miss B-tch”
[embedded content]
There’s already a litany of songs reclaiming the word “b-tch,” and Fay-Ann Lyons is seeking to add to that legacy with “Miss B-tch.” For her contribution to DJ Avalanche’s “Do You” riddim, Lyons coasts over the electro-soca beat with a tone that can only be described as “gangsta.” There’s a certain bite and assertiveness in her tone that balances out the inherent humor in the drawn-out “This biiiiiitch” chant that punctuates the chorus. While, lyrically, she doesn’t offer any new spins on the word “b-tch,” Lyons’ conviction is far more than enough.
Nailah Blackman & Pumpa, “Born to Fly”
[embedded content]
Just as the Jouvert Jam Riddim compilation captured the rambunctious celebratory energy of J’ouvert festivities, so does “Born to Fly” for the Carnival season in general. Blackman’s piercing, saccharin upper harmony pairs well with Pumpa’s gruff tone as the two recount the feeling of freedom and catharsis that characterize partying during Carnival. The duality of their respective voices — a siren-esque timbre and a rousing roar of rasp — cover the wide expanse of Carnival energies. As they croon in the song and display through their collaboration, the true essence of the season is coming together as one to celebrate.
Masicka & Spice, “WOW”
[embedded content]
At the top of last December, Masicka dropped off his Generation of Kings album, which featured collaborations with a wide range of artists, including the likes of Dexta Daps, Fridayy and Chronic Law. On “WOW,” Masicka teams up with dancehall queen Spice for a no-holds-barred ode to tantalizing sexual chemistry. In a typical fashion, Spice is just as brash and forward as Masicka with her demands for sexual gratification, and the pair’s rhythmic flows recall dancehall’s influence on hip-hop.
Popcaan, “Life Is Real”
[embedded content]
On Christmas (Dec. 25, 2023), Popcaan gifted fans a surprise mixtape titled Best Mood. The project’s closing track, “Life Is Real,” is both an easy standout and a clear continuation of the crossover star’s penchant for somber evaluations of life, with all of the violence and riches that complicate it. “People you show your love and give your things often/ Same one will pop your neck just like a guitar string,” he warns, before proclaiming that no one can ever take his life from him — either literally or metaphorically. There’s a current of hope that courses from the song’s opening notes to those closing piano keys, but it’s Popcaan’s interpolations of family lessons and conversation that truly show just how much he has matured and grown over the past decade.
It’s been a year of incredible growth in the world of African music.
Music from every corner of the African continent, from West Africa’s contemporary, vibrant Afrobeats supergenre to South Africa’s groovy, bubbling amapiano scene, has continued expanding its reach across the globe, while further embedding itself in the U.S. pop market. Rema & Selena Gomez‘s “Calm Down” and Tyla‘s “Water” both became top 10 hits on the Billboard Hot 100. The Grammys, MTV Video Music Awards and American Music Awards added new categories honoring African music. And Uncle Waffles became the first amapiano act to perform at Coachella, while Burna Boy became the first Nigerian act to headline a U.S. stadium during his stint at NYC’s Citi Field.
And we wanted to honor the breadth of work by the continent’s established and emerging stars this year by sharing our individual favorite African songs (with an accompanying Spotify playlist) and albums of 2023, which can be found below.
Explore
See latest videos, charts and news
See latest videos, charts and news
Heran’s Favorite African Songs of 2023
Tyla, “Water”
Davido feat. Musa Keys, “Unavailable”
Libianca, “People”
Amaarae, “Princess Going Digital”
Teni, “No Days Off”
Adekunle Gold with Zinoleesky, “Party No Dey Stop”
Crayon & Ayra Starr, “Ngozi”
Victor Thompson & Ehis “D” Greatest, “THIS YEAR (Blessings)”
Ruger, “Tour”
Muzi, “eMtunzini”
Dan’s Favorite African Songs of 2023
Davido feat. Morravey, “In The Garden”
Teni feat. ODUMODUBLVCK, “Devil Dance”
Olamide, “Problem”
Asake, “2:30”
BNXN, Kizz Daniel & Seyi Vibez, “GWAGWALADA”
Khaid, “Jolie”
King Promise, “Terminator”
Tiwa Savage, Ayra Starr & Young Jonn, “Stamina”
Lil Kesh, “Bus Stop”
Libianca, “People”
Heran’s Favorite African Albums of 2023
Amaarae, Fountain Baby
June Freedom, 7 Seas
Bloody Civilian, Anger Management
Tay Iwar, Summer Breeze
Teni, TEARS OF THE SUN
Davido, Timeless
Asake, Work of Art
Burna Boy, I Told Them…
Spinall, Top Boy
Bnxn, Sincerely, Benson
Dan’s Favorite African Albums of 2023
Davido, Timeless
Teni, TEARS OF THE SUN
Olamide, Unruly
Asake, Work of Art
Kizz Daniel, Maverick
Spinall, Top Boy
Lil Kesh, Rhythm & Tunes EP
Joeboy, Body & Soul
Amaarae, Fountain Baby
Burna Boy, I Told Them…
And check out our last Fresh Picks of 2023, while keeping up with the hottest new Afrobeats releases before the year is over with our Spotify playlist below.
Tyla, “Truth or Dare”
[embedded content]
Ahead of her self-titled debut album, Tyla invites an old flame, who wants to reignite what they once had now that he sees how hot she’s become, to play a tantalizing game of “Truth or Dare.” “So let’s play truth or dare, dare you to forget/ That you used to treat me just like anyone/ Truth or dare? Is it true you care? Now that you can see the love from everyone,” she sings in the tongue-in-cheek chorus. But the shuffling beat from the scorching amapiano-infused R&B record feels like Tyla is inviting her past lover onto the dancefloor to win her back. Regardless, it’s Tyla who emerges victorious.
Victor Thompson, “Stallion”
[embedded content]
After blessing listeners with his and Ehis ‘D’ Greatest’s viral, inspirational anthem “THIS YEAR (Blessings),” the Nigerian gospel singer gives thanks to the One who’s given him the strength to conquer this year with his debut album Blessed. On its opening track “Stallion,” Thompson delivers a message of resilience over a buoyant beat that can inspire listeners to bounce back from any hardships they might be enduring. “I’m a stallion/ And I ride on like a champion/ ‘Cause my Father, He has won it all/ And I no fit fall,” he croons with grace.
PsychoYP feat. ECEE, Rhoma BTW & Zaylevelten, “LEAN!”
[embedded content]
From the deluxe version of his Osapa London album, the Nigerian alternative rapper talks his shit on the electrifying cut “LEAN!” Over menacing horns and a punchy bassline that could start mosh pits all over the continent and beyond, PsychoYP flexes that he has “forty mil in four different accounts” and other luxuries that make him untouchable, while up-and-comers ECEE, Rhoma BTW and Zaylevelten show off their distinctive flows that all seamlessly blend into the stimulating sonics of “LEAN!”
Libianca, Oxlade & Chlöe, “Mistaken”
[embedded content]
Following the success of her breakout hit “People,” Libianca continues using her stirring, soul-baring vocals to unload the “baggage that I’ve been carrying for my whole life,” she said in a press statement, with her debut EP Walk Away. On the highlight track “Mistaken,” the Cameroonian American singer-songwriter is pondering whether the man she’s preoccupied with is truly worth her time, with Oxlade playing the man in question, taunting her for being so obsessed with him. But Chlöe reforms from her old ways of being desperate for love from a man who never deserved her, ending “Mistaken” on a high note of resilience.
Wizkid feat. Wande Coal, “Ololufe”
[embedded content]
Wizkid surprise-dropped his first project of 2023 at the tail-end of the year with the four-track EP S2. On the opening track “Ololufe,” the Grammy-winning superstar links back up with renowned hitmaker Wande Coal (following Wiz’s feature on “Ebelebe” from Coal’s Legend Or No Legend album earlier this year) for an amapiano banger, filled with energetic shakers and audacious percussion that can get every party started this Detty December. But Wizzy’s tender-hearted profession of his love for his darling, paired with Coal’s featherlight melodies, remind listeners that “Ololufe” is also a love song — and that feeling in and of itself is exhilarating.
Zinoleesky, “Sakara”
[embedded content]
Zinoleesky’s lyrics have always tended towards the raw, and this year-end single is as introspective as they come, as he sings about struggling to keep his head above water in a world of constant judgment and comparison. But it’s the emotion in his voice that stands out — rarely has he dipped so deeply to convey his feelings beyond just his words, and it makes this song stand out amid his catalog.
Seyi Vibez, “Different Pattern”
[embedded content]
Seyi Vibes has proven to be a chameleon when it comes to his sound, yet his particular flow and vocals always make his songs distinctly his own. “Different Pattern” is a perfect example, combining Highlife instrumentation with his multi-layered vocal delivery to make something that seems odd on paper function seamlessly in practice. It’s a fitting way to bookend a banner year for the young street artist, who held things down from beginning to end with a string of worthy projects in 2023.
Chike & Mohbad, “Egwu”
[embedded content]
From the single artwork, to the production, to the lyrics and the melodies, everything about “Egwu” serves as a tribute to the late Mohbad, who died suddenly and tragically in September at the age of 27. Over an almost orchestral backdrop and with a gorgeous hook, the song turns on a line from Mohbad that serves as a thesis statement: “Music no need permission to enter your spirit.”
Sarz, Asake & Gunna, “Happiness”
[embedded content]
The second single off Nigerian super-producer Sarz’s forthcoming album sees him tap into the talents of two bonafide stars of 2023 in Asake and Gunna over a major-keyed guitar-based beat. Asake carries the track with his infectious delivery reminiscent of some of the themes on his Work of Art album from the summer, while Gunna comes through with a breezy verse that nods to the good life.
Kizz Daniel, “Too Busy to Be Bae”
[embedded content]
Kizz Daniel caps a big year, bookended by the release of his single “Rich Til I Die” and highlighted by his latest album, Maverick, with a new single about the downsides of a suffocating relationship. But despite the subject matter, he can’t help but craft a catchy hook for the earworm single.
As per usual, it’s been a busy week in the world of hip-hop and R&B. With exactly one week to go before Christmas, the worlds of hip-hop and R&B extended their stay in Gag City. Nicki Minaj — who recently clinched her historic third Billboard 200 chart-topper — dropped off another version of Pink Friday 2, this time featuring collaborations with 50 Cent (“Beep Beep”) and Monica and Keyshia Cole (“Love Me Enough”).
The “Super Freaky Girl” rapper also dominated the news cycle with a pair of iHeartRadio Jingle Ball performances, a record-breaking stream with Kai Cenat, and her decision to brush off Kanye West‘s request to clear her beloved “New Body” verse for his and Ty Dolla $ign’s imminent Vultures album. Speaking of Vultures, that album never arrived. Nonetheless, we were treated to new LPs from Bas and YTB Fatt, as well as the highly-anticipated Color Purple soundtrack, which features new original songs by Halle Bailey, Fantasia, Jennifer Hudson, Mary J. Blige, Usher, Coco Jones, H.E.R., Megan Thee Stallion, Missy Elliott, Shenseea and more.
With Fresh Picks, Billboard aims to highlight some of the best and most interesting new sounds across R&B and hip-hop. From A$AP Twelvyy’s heart-warming A$AP Mob reunion to Madison Ryann Ward’s gorgeous amalgamation of gospel and acoustic R&B, get into these six new picks and be sure to check out the rest of our recs in the Spotify playlist below.
Freshest Find: Fantasia, “Superpower (I)”
[embedded content]
There was simply no way to bring The Color Purple from Broadway to the silver screen without a show-stopping new end-credits song. Leave it to Fantasia and The-Dream to deliver that and then some with their rousing “Superpower (I).” Anchored by ethereal strings and the driving melodies of Negro spirituals, Fantasia croons lyrics that beautifully capture the arc and triumph of both Celie and herself. “I pray you see past my scars/ And assumе all the joy inside/ We all got our own mountains to climb/ Wе’ll take our time goin’ down the sweeter side,” she sings. Known and beloved for her powerhouse vocals, Fantasia plays with her dynamics here, carefully oscillating between soft coos and levee-breaking belts that add new layers of intention and storytelling to The-Dream’s lyrics.
A$AP Twelvyy feat. A$AP ANT, A$AP Rocky & A$AP Ferg, “Yams Day”
[embedded content]
For this loving tribute to A$AP Yams — the late New York rapper who formed A$AP Mob — four of the collective’s brightest stars team up for three minutes of tender nostalgia. Built around a sample of DJ Zirk’s “Ana 4 Ya Hoez,” “Yams Day” draws from the same Southern hip-hop influences that inform Rocky’s sound. The track is the first of five new tracks on the deluxe version of Twelvyy’s Kid$ Gotta Eat and it aptly functions as both a memorial and a victory lap. Between Rocky’s refrain and Ferg’s hook — not to mention the strong verses from Ant and Twelvyy — “Yams Day” captures the beautiful synergy of A$AP Mob, one that feels renewed after some time to heal from Yams’ passing.
Fivio Foreign & 41, “Get Deady”
[embedded content]
Brooklyn rap trio 41 has enjoyed a breakout year in 2023, and they’ve capped off their run with a new Fivio Foriegn collaboration. Steeped in both acts’ Brooklyn drill sound, each rapper delivers a high-octane, punchline-ridden verse over a skittering beat courtesy of AyoAA, Lawyered Beats & Verbxse. “Like, okay, who tryna cyph’?/ Who tryna smoke on a body tonight?” Kyle Richh quips. The chemistry among 41’s members remains palpable (just check out the gusto that namedropping TaTa brings to the end of Jenn’s verse), but their ability to showcase their idiosyncrasies while holding space for Fivio’s dynamism is what really makes this track such a winner.
X4, “Call My Bluff”
[embedded content]
For his latest release of the year, LA rapper X4 opts for ominous synths and laid-back finger snaps to provide the foundation for “X4,” a brooding invitation for his opps to, well, call his bluff. The texture of X4’s voice is what elevates the track, equal parts whispery and hoarse, his tone is a stark contrast to gruff growling that’s currently dominating hip-hop on the other side of the country. He sounds unfazed on “Call My Bluff,” almost purposely monotone. In a way, his delivery underscores the mundanity of the scenes he raps about, and who are we to call his bluff?
Madison Ryann Ward, “Calling My Name”
[embedded content]
With a delicate timbre that recalls Yebba’s, Madison Ryann Ward unleashes an unbelievably tender amalgam of acoustic R&B, gospel, and pop. Her saccharine melodies immediately lodge themselves in your ear, but it’s her fluttery harmonies — ones that find her warping her malleable head voice — that add some intricacies to the melody’s broad strokes. Of course, there are also the lyrics: heartfelt couplets that exalt God and thank Him for being a constant presence in her life. The chorus interpolates portions of “Amazing Grace,” which pairs nicely with the apprehension and self-doubt that courses through her verses: “Help me with my unbelief/ This gonna preach, say I’m forgiven and free/ This is another degree, who, me?/ You really talkin’ to me?” she croons.
Bas feat. Blxckie & A$AP Ferg, “U-Turn”
[embedded content]
The late-night driving crowd is a silent but mighty segment of music listeners, and Bas may have just gifted them their newest anthem. Assisted by South African rapper Blxckie and A$AP Ferg in his second appearance in this week’s column, Bas coasts over mOma+Guy’s luscious production with inimitable sensual swagger. The smooth Afrobeats-inflected beat soundtracks his ode to spinning the block on a lover that you just can’t get out of your head and heart. While he’s present throughout the track, Bas doesn’t have a verse of his own, making “U-Turn” not just an enjoyable song, but also a deft showcase of his curatorial abilities.
As per usual, it’s been a busy week in the world of hip-hop and R&B. In the first full week of December, myriad artists got their announcements and releases out to avoid the Christmas lockdown in the coming weeks. On Sunday (Dec. 10), SZA celebrated the one-year anniversary of her blockbuster SOS album with the announcement of LANA, the forthcoming deluxe version of her nine-time Grammy-nominated sophomore studio album. Of course, the weekend’s most high-profile release was from none other than Nicki Minaj, who unleashed her long-awaited Pink Friday 2 — her fifth studio album and sequel to her 2010 Billboard 200-topping debut LP — on her birthday, Dec. 8.
Elsewhere in the hip-hop and R&B worlds, Cardi B confirmed that she is no longer with Offset, 2 Chainz is thankfully in stable condition after landing in an unfortunate car accident, and Will Smith rocked the house at the star-studded A Grammy Salute to 50 Years of Hip-Hop telecast.
With Fresh Picks, Billboard aims to highlight some of the best and most interesting new sounds across R&B and hip-hop. From Tokischa and Sexyy Red’s cross-genre collaboration to Usher and H.E.R.’s stunning Color Purple duet, get into these seven new picks and be sure to check out the rest of our recs in the Spotify playlist below.
Freshest Find: Usher & H.E.R., “Risk It All”
[embedded content]
As the highly anticipated Color Purple movie musical draws nearer, the promotion for the flick’s two related soundtracks is kicking into high gear. Usher and H.E.R. started off the weekend — which ended in a pair of Golden Globe nods for lead actress Fantasia Barrino and supporting actress Danielle Brooks — with the release of “Risk It All,” their gorgeous new duet for The Color Purple (Music From and Inspired By), due Dec. 15. Co-written by Oscar winners H.E.R. and Jimmy Napes, Usher and the “Damage” singer harmonize beautifully across the ethereal piano-backed arrangement. “People are cryin’ for it, people are dyin’ for it/ Always the reason we still believe it/ Somethin’ that leaves us hurtin’ is worth it,” the pair croon.
Tokischa feat. Sexyy Red, “Daddy”
[embedded content]
How do you cap off a breakout year that found you opening up for Drake and collaborating with Nicki Minaj? With an infectious cross-genre collaboration, of course! For the latest release in her string of fiery collaborations, Sexyy Red links up with Latin Grammy-nominated Dominican rapper Toksicha, for a sultry, sex-positive reggaeton-meets-house number that plays around with gender in the realm of kink. Across the thumping Yeti Beats- and El Guincho-helmed beat, Tokischa assumes the role of Sexyy’s sugar daddy as they trade hilarious verses, including some tongue-in-cheek bilingual lines from the “Pound Town” rapper herself.
Nicki Minaj, “Fallin 4 U”
[embedded content]
Of course, the Queen scores herself a slot on this week’s round-up. Her gargantuan Pink Friday 2 LP — 22 tracks and counting — features several tracks for every side of her musical personality, but most pale in comparison to “Fallin 4 U.” Placed several songs deep into the album, “Fallin 4 U” is, in many ways, the defining synthesis of Minaj’s creative hallmark. There are her impassioned, high-octane, wordplay-laden bars, emotional Auto-Tuned ad-libs and hooks, a penchant for both the introspective and the braggadocious (often at the same time), and a healthy dose of melodrama via those background strings. If there’s any track on Pink Friday 2 that truly makes the album feel like a descendant of its predecessor, it’s this one.
SXMPRA feat. Juicy J, “Business Man”
[embedded content]
New Zealand rapper SXMPRA combines his ominous underground phonk sound with that of ’90s Memphis rap pioneer Juicy J on the hard-hitting “Business Man.” The pair trade punchline-packed verses asserting their dominance at break-neck speed. “Stand and fight/ Folding chairs and/ Throwing them hands/ Would’ve been the best time of my life,” quips Juicy. The collaboration features production from Juicy J and HitKidd, who put out his own Renegade album this week.
James Fauntleroy, “Sleigh”
[embedded content]
Holiday music seems to be a genre that knows no bounds given how its consumption only increases with each passing year. Four-time Grammy-winning singer-songwriter James Fauntleroy took a daring stab at holiday originals by making his debut studio LP a Christmas album. A compilation of two previous holiday EPs featuring ten tracks, The Warmest Winter Ever is chock-full of steamy between-the-sheets anthems for the Christmas season. “Sleigh,” is one of the album’s instant standouts, with its waterfall of layered harmonies and cheeky Beyoncé shoutout: “She gon’ sleigh like Beyoncé.”
Tems, “Not An Angel”
[embedded content]
For her latest release, Tems subverts the gospel-bent of her preceding “Me & U” single and opts for a rhythmic take on Biblical imagery, rejecting the role of being an “angel” or “savior” for someone who isn’t quite yet ready to be saved. “‘Cause I’m not an angel/ I’m just a girl that knows the truth/ And I couldn’t save you/ You couldn’t see what I’ve been through,” she croons sorrowfully over the Sarz co-produced Afrosoul beat.
Q Da Fool feat. Ot7 Quanny, “Rich Droppaz”
[embedded content]
It’s a bit ironic that a link-up between a DMV rapper and a Philly rapper sounds so far removed from the dominant contemporary sound of either region, but it undoubtedly makes for a banger of a record. A slinking street anthem that coasts on both the duo’s chemistry and their individual charisma, “Rich Droppaz” finds the pairs trading hilarious bars like, “Yeah, I love the money, go me boo’d up/ I can’t do no Ella Mai, I ain’t ‘Boo’d Up.’” Unassuming but still urgent, “Rich Droppaz” is a promising lead into Q Da Fool’s forthcoming Art of Ambition album.
Did anything else happen in the past week besides the premiere of Beyoncé‘s Renaissance: A Film by Beyoncé? The music icon’s latest concert documentary vogued to the top of the weekend box office with $21 million — the biggest opening for a film on this historically sleepy first weekend in December in 20 years. With a pair of star-studded (Taylor Swift! Lupita Nyong’o!) premieres in Los Angeles and London, Queen Bey dominated all things music last week.
Nonetheless, the hip-hop and R&B worlds had plenty happening outside of the Renaissance rush. Debates around who belongs on the “mixtape Mount Rushmore” dominated social media, while other conversations continue to deal with the barrage of high-profile lawsuits filed under New York State’s recently-expired Adult Survivors Act.
On the music side, Sexyy Red repackaged her breakout Hood Hottest Princess tape with a tracklist that doubled the size of the original, Lil Wayne joined forces with Shabba Ranks and Buju Banton for the lead single for the forthcoming Book of Clarence soundtrack and Usher commemorated the close of his Las Vegas residency with his appearance on the remix of Jung Kook‘s “Standing Next to You.”
With Fresh Picks, Billboard aims to highlight some of the best and most interesting new sounds across R&B and hip-hop. Get into these seven new picks and be sure to check out the rest of our recs in the Spotify playlist below.
Freshest Find: Antha Pantha feat. A$AP Ferg, “Catwalk”
[embedded content]
Harlem native Antha Pantha unleashed her debut album, Feline Season, last week, with guest appearances from A$AP Ferg (twice!) and HuntDawgg. Ferg lent his talents to the album’s second track, “Catwalk,” an electric tribute to the late ’90s New York hip-hop. He interpolates DMX‘s iconic “meet me outside” chant from “Party Up,” and uses it to evoke the brash energy of the late rapper and his era of high-octane party-rocking crossover hip-hop hits. Antha Pantha skates across the track with the flirtatious charisma of classic-era Lil Kim, always tempered by her own comedic idiosyncrasies in her lyricism and tone. New York’s female rappers just keep on winning.
Beyoncé, “My House”
[embedded content]
Would it be a Beyoncé film event if we didn’t get a new song? Just like the Queen’s winning cover of Frankie Beverly & Maze’s “Before I Let Go” accompanied her Homecoming documentary, “My House” arrives as Beyoncé’s bonus treat for the Renaissance doc. Equal parts marching band-infused dirty South trap and ballroom-ready house, “My House” is Beyoncé’s signature (and somewhat literal) take on house music. Between her animated vocal delivery and those ridiculously lush vocal stacks, the track is unmistakably Beyoncé despite featuring the singer at arguably her most experimental.
BigXthaPlug, “Back on My BS”
[embedded content]
On Friday (Dec. 1), BigXthaPlug capped off his banner year with the release of a new EP titled The Biggest. “Back On My BS” opens the project with a swaggering combination of jazz brass and skittering bass. “The one who put all this together/ They gave me somethin’ good and I made that s–t better/ Turnt up the notch, my watch changed up the weather/ I’m bigger and better, shit bigger than ever,” he spits on the single-verse track. Between his charismatic cadence and Tony Coles’ smooth beat, “Back on My BS” is a knockout opening track.
Dee-1, “Lines Drawn”
[embedded content]
Hip Hop 50 has been wracked with conversation regarding the current scope of the genre’s messaging, the state of hip-hop culture at large and the alleged precariousness of its current position in the music industry. Dee-1, a NOLA rapper, has been vocal about his opposition to the redundancy of mainstream contemporary rap and its glorification of violence. On his new track “Lines Drawn,” which will is presently exclusively available on Audiomack, Dee-1 demands more from both consumers and creators in hip-hop: “I said that glorifying murder in our music is bad/ Now people saying ‘Stop speaking up, we like to hear that!’/ If that’s your preference, that’s cool, but when you get on the defense/ That lemme know my spirit irritatin’ your demons,” he spits over a chugging trap-infused instrumental.
Flo Milli, “Never Lose Me”
[embedded content]
The Alabmama rapper’s long-gestating “Never Lose Me” is finally here — and it was, in fact, worth the wait. A snippet of this song went viral on TikTok, amassing over 100,000 posts in just under two months. The new track, and latest taste of her forthcoming Fine Ho, Stay album, finds Flo delivering smooth, sultry bars over a sample of Babyface Ray & 42 Dugg‘s “Ron Artest.” “Yeah, he my man, he was never your type/ If you try me, ho, it’s on sight/ He totin’ the Uzi, but he actin’ real bougie/ I like to fight over d–k, ho, don’t get hit with the two-piece,” she spits over the synthy instrumental, using her sweet tone as a Trojan horse for hard-hitting barbs.
Tyla, “Truth or Dare”
[embedded content]
As the newly Grammy-nominated South African breakout star continues to rides the waves of “Water” to new commercial heights around the world, she’s already racing to her forthcoming eponymous debut studio album. She released three strong new tracks last week (Dec. 1), including the sensual standout “Truth or Dare.” On the mellow new Afropop-infused track, Tyla employs a staccato delivery in the verses to glean the truth from a lover who got away, ultimately delivering subtle riffs and ear-candy harmonies in the chorus. “Truth or dare? Is it true you care?/ Now that you can see the love from everyone,” she croons.
Hillari, “Blind Then”
[embedded content]
Backed by mournful acoustic guitar, rising Filipina-Norwegian artist Hillari spends “Blind Then” parsing the difficulties of prioritizing music over certain relationships in her life. “Wish I would’ve noticed I was/ Blind then, silenced/ But I never noticed you was/ Right there, beside me,” she sings. It’s a simple arrangement — mostly reliant on a soulful collage of guitar and drums — but it’s Hillari’s weighty voice that illuminates that simplicity. Each quiver of her vibrato rings with the doubt, frustration and yearning she describes in her lyrics.
As the penultimate month of the year comes to a close, it’s time to start reflecting on the past year in music and culture. This month, Billboard unveiled the 2023 Year-End charts across genres, including five rankings celebrating the year in reggae. Greatest hits sets from Bob Marley, Shaggy and Sean Paul ranked as the first, second and third biggest reggae albums of the year, respectively, while 2023 breakout star Byron Messia made an appearance in the top 10 with his No Love album (No. 8). Messia also made an appearance on the 2023 Year-End Billboard U.S. Afrobeats Songs chart thanks to his Burna Boy-assisted “Talibans II” (No. 26).
Explore
See latest videos, charts and news
See latest videos, charts and news
Although our general focus has shifted to previewing the new year and reflecting on the current one, 2023 is far from over. To close out the year, Messia, Teejay, Shenseea, Jada Kingdom, Ding Dong and Nadg will perform at Hot 97’s Winter Jam on Dec. 30. There’s still one month to go before that concert, so let’s take some time to sort through the best November releases across reggae, dancehall, soca and their cousin genres and scenes.
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: Duane Stephenson, “Golden Nights (in December)”
[embedded content]
On the day after Thanksgiving, VP records dropped a holiday covers album titled Reggae Christmas Classics. Among the selections — which include a cover of “This Christmas” bv Christopher Martin and a Thriller U rendition of “Feliz Navidad” — is Duane Stephenson’s original track “Golden Nights (In December).” Built around a jazzy intro that launches into a blissful rocksteady groove, Stephenson’s honeyed voice croons about the irreplaceability of his lover on the coldest December nights. “If you’re not here with me in December/ There are no golden nights to remember/ If you’re not here with me in December/ Such a lonely, it’s a lonely time of year,” he coos.
Farmer Nappy, “How ah Livin”
[embedded content]
Relentless optimism and hope in the face of a world that seems hellbent on snuffing the light out of nearly every part of life is not just welcome, it’s vital. That’s part of why soca continues to resonate after so many decades, and it’s also the driving force behind Farmer Nappy’s “How ah Livin.” With joyous percussion sourcing accents from the ebullient background horns, “How ah Livin” is a purposeful reclamation of joy. “How ah livin’?/ Better than them!/ How I lookin’?/ Better than them!” Nappy sing-chants.
Chronic Law & Ireland Boss, “Still Dark”
[embedded content]
Alongside “Talibans” and “Drift,” Ireland Boss and Malie Donn’s “V6” was another summer dancehall hit that dominated the year. After letting that track enjoy months of success, Ireland Boss has unveiled the latest take on his V6 riddim with some help from Chronic Law. “We nah love talk, yeah we popular fi dark/ Them ya gun ah go fi blood like Dracula mi dawg/ When we ah go ah school, have mi ratchet and mi dark/ Know mi and mi matic affi charge,” Chronic spits over the slinky, laid-back instrumental, opting for an approach that brings the riddim closer to the gun chune lane than the sexually charged braggadocio of the original.
Gbmnutron & Jus Jay King, “When Last”
Let’s face it: life has been different since the pandemic no matter how hard a “return to normal” is pushed. With “When Last,” Gbmnutron and Jus Jay King hold space for the feeling of longing for the fetes and parties of years past, infusing both the instrumental and lead vocal with an unmistakable dash of wistful nostalgia. “When last you been to a party?/ Plenty women looking so nice, we must be in paradise/ When last you had a time to remember?/ It’s only bumper to fender, and the drinks cyah done. big up di bartender,” he sings.
Protoje & Zion I Kings, “Jah Deliver Me”
[embedded content]
A delectable slice of more traditional reggae stylings, “Jah Deliver Me” is housed on In Search of Zion a remix album based by Zion I Kings based on Protoje’s 2020 release In Search of Lost Time. In the verses, the two-time Grammy nominee employs a hip-hop-influenced cadence, while the chorus finds him opting for a more legato, melodic approach in his singing. A solemn, introspective track, “Jah Deliver Me” is the perfect soundtrack for the darker moments of the winter months; “I hold my order, give my praises/ Oh, Jah, deliver me through these days/ Sometimes really hard to go and face this/ Oh, this life can truly be amazing,” he sings over hopeful brass.
DSL, “I’m High”
[embedded content]
A dancehall and reggae artist hailing from Ghana, DSL balances atmospheric guitar-tinged arrangements with a languid vocal delivery to embody the greened-out energy of the aptly titled “I’m High.” “Who are these people doing much good to we/ Why do you want to spoil my melody/ So what do you want from me/ The herb is my remedy,” he explains. It’s a simple song, but DSL creates an incredibly immersive sonic space through the attention he pays to the relationship between his rasp-accented vocal and the saccharine female voice in the background.
Darryl Gervais & Fryktion, “Over & Over (Cyah Stop It)”
[embedded content]
On this gospel-indebted selection from Fryktion’s The Rub-a-Dub Project EP, Darryl Gervais sings praises to the Most High over an instrumental pulls equally from modern reggae and soca. “It ain’t nothing that you can do to stop my blessings come through/ Yuh cyah stop it, no, yuh cyah block it,” Gervais proclaims. He delivers his lyrics with the gravity of a person who is unshaken in their face, completely wrapped in their trust in the Lord. Between a catchy melody and that irresistible hook, “Over & Over” achieves the perfect balance of being both a universal anthem of praise and a personal moment of thanks.
Ding Dong, “Rebel”
[embedded content]
Dance is, of course, one of the key cornerstones on dancehall, so it’s no surprise that Ding Dong’s new single celebrates Christina Nelson, also known as Dancing Rebel, one of the most popular Jamaican dancers and choreographers in the world. Already complete with a dance combination courtesy of Nelson, “Rebel” rests on Ding Dong’s commanding voice and engaging ad-libs to morph into what could very well be the next viral dance track from the dancehall scene.
Lyrikal, XplicitMevon & N.M.G. Music, “Fetin’ Mayor”
[embedded content]
XplicitMevon and N.M.G. Music’s resurgence riddim is one of the best riddims of the year, and everyone from Ricardo Drue to Preedy delivered electrifying takes on the accompanying Resurgence Riddim EP. Lyrikal’s version, however, reigns supreme: His magnetic voice booms across the track as proclaims himself mayor of “the nation/ the fetin’ congregation/ the party population.” He cheekily expresses his selflessness in making sure that everyone, not just himself, is having the time of their lives at whatever function they’re at. While the rest of the world is slowing down as winter takes over, Lyrikal is square in the middle of the dancefloor, beckoning us to join.
Viking Ding Dong, “Harder”
[embedded content]
In addition to the Resurgence Riddim EP, November also gifted us the Saying Something Riddim EP. With “Harder,” Viking Ding Dong delivers an anthem of resilience and gratitude. “Life hard but we harder!/ Life hard, but we harder!/ But we haffi give thanks to di Father,” he declares over the thumping percussion and cheerful guitar strums. Obviously we’re in a season of thanks, and Viking Ding Dong doesn’t take that lightly as he skates across the track with sanctimonious reverence.
Bonus Pick: Samory I feat. Lila Iké, “Outside”
[embedded content]
Over thumping, militant drums and a thumping bassline, Samory I and Lila Iké flex their vocal chemistry across “Outside,” an ode humility, perseverance, and faith. Lila’s dulcet timbre rings throughout her voice, providing a gorgeous contrast to Samory I’s soulful tone. When those rock-tinged guitars kick in, however, “Outside” evolves into something different: a genre-smattering love letter to the different sounds styles of the Black diaspora that find a common thread in their musical displays of Black tenacity. “Jah Jah we call upon your name/ Pray you lantern all our days/ When it gets dark, we know you’ll always make a way,” Lila croons. Existing while Black is a task that demands a certain level indefatigability, and the community that can be sourced through that is the backbone of “Outside.”
As the year winds down to a close, the hits keep coming, as big singles from Victony, Oxlade and P Prime, Minz and Young Jonn have kept the worlds of Afrobeats, Afropop, Afrofusion and genres beyond moving through November. And that’s before even mentioning the new album from Teni, Tears of the Sun, which might just be one of the best albums of the entire year, from any genre.
In short, the month of November has produced some of the best songs yet. (And yes, we know, it’s the first of December — but hey, things get busy at the end of the year.) Here, 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.
Teni feat. ODUMODUBLVCK, “Devil Dance”
[embedded content]
Teni’s sophomore album Tears of the Sun is stuffed full of great songs, and as a whole is a confident statement from a performer, artist and person who knows exactly who she is and isn’t going to apologize for it. On “Devil Dance” she delivers one of the best tracks on the project, with a catchy guitar line, sassy melody and confident, swaggering hook, complete with a trademark ODUMODUBLVCK verse, which demands repeat plays, and is a thesis statement that stands out on an album that’s overflowing with them. A landmark song for the year for sure.
Teni, “Jalingo”
[embedded content]
Following reports that she had been kidnapped during a performance gone wrong last year, the Nigerian singer-songwriter set the record straight and recorded “Jalingo” from her sophomore album, Tears of the Sun. “I was actually at a show where a fight broke out. A lot was happening and everybody was fighting,” she told Apple Music. “It was deep inside one place in Port Harcourt and, for us to leave there, our security officers were shooting. It was chaos in the middle of the night….” Teni touches on a heavy subject but gets right back on her feet (and gets everyone on theirs, too) for a lighthearted club banger.
Boj & Ajebutter22, “42”
[embedded content]
The feel-good duo dropped the third installment of their Make E No Cause Fight EP series – off Boj’s own label Action Boyz under Moves Recordings – and the sumptuous blend of jazz, R&B, highlife, palm wine and alté is filled with tropical vibes and laid-back flows. The first track, “42,” isn’t a typical party anthem about getting f–ked up on Don Julio, but a reflective, toast-worthy ode to how far the two have come (and how much money they now have), which instantly draws in listeners with its cascading guitar licks.
Oxlade & P.Priime, “PIANO”
[embedded content]
The “KU LO SA” star teams up with fellow Nigerian hitmaker P.Priime on the scintillating “PIANO” track from Oxlade’s KATIGORI/PIANO two-pack, which he said in a statement is meant to show off his two sides: “the cautious Oxlade and the party Oxlade.” The pitter-patter of the log drums mimics his heartbeat when he’s with that special someone, but his falsettos scattered throughout the love song could woo just about anyone. “‘PIANO’ is the strongest song I’ve dropped this year MUSICALLY,” Oxlade added.
Minz, “BLESSING$”
[embedded content]
The “WO WO” artist soulfully reflects on his “BLESSING$” and encourages others to count theirs in his latest uplifting track. The soothing piano melodies and introspective percussion strike a chord with listeners, but his “I’m out of your league so you can’t touch, MC Hammer” lyric adds a nice sprinkle of braggadocio.
Ratii Rsa, Tyler ICU & Catzico feat. Katarina, “Mnandini”
[embedded content]
At 17 years old, Ratii Rsa is demanding the world’s attention with her ultra-bubbly amapiano single “Mnandini.” She taps fellow South African DJ/producers Tyler ICU and Catzico to transport listeners on a tranquil eight-minute journey, where they can easily lose themselves in the sweet-sounding arpeggios, while Katarina’s breathy vocals build tension for the song’s most exhilarating moments.
Victony feat. Crayon & Bella Shmurda, “Ohema”
[embedded content]
The song may be credited to these three artists, but more than a dozen appear on the track — OkayAfrica called the all-star cast “The Avengers of Afrobeats” — including Rema, Ayra Starr, ODUMODUBLVCK, Blaqbonez, Lojay, Oxlade, YKB, Bloody Civilian and more. All together the crew create a layered tapestry that pulses with energy, an anthem for this generation of established and budding stars of the genre.
Young Jonn, “Disconnect”
[embedded content]
Young Jonn hasn’t missed this year with a string of excellent singles, from “Currency” with Olamide, “Stamina” with Tiwa Savage and Ayra Starr, to “Aquafina” and “Sharpally.” “Disconnect” is the next entry into that lineage, as the superproducer continues to establish himself as one of the best hitmaking artists out there right now. And, as he promises on this track, this string of singles portends plenty of “better days ahead.”
YKB & King Promise, “This Must Be Love”
[embedded content]
Both YKB and King Promise have enjoyed breakout years in 2023, with the former’s “komplete riddim” a standout hit and the latter’s “Terminator” making waves around the world. So their collaboration on this sweetly catchy single is a welcome joining of forces, as the two go back and forth in both English and Yoruba opining about a girl changing their minds about love and affection, with production that absolutely pops.
Qing Madi, “Vision”
[embedded content]
Young Alté singer Qing Madi may be relatively new to the scene, but she’s burst out with a string of singles that clearly articulate her artistry and showcase her arresting, effortless vocals. “Vision” is just the latest, with an understated R&B groove over which she sings about the distraction of someone she can’t get out of her mind. Still just 17, her range is impressive.
Thanksgiving week is historically a pretty slow week for new music, but that didn’t stop the hip-hop and R&B worlds from chugging through the rest of the calendar year. On Sunday night (Nov. 26), Keke Palmer hosted an intimate edition of the Soul Train Music Awards featuring performances by Muni Long, Dante Bowe, legend award winner T-Pain, Spirit of Soul award winner Janelle Monáe, SWV and Keke herself. SZA was the night’s biggest victor with four wins, including album of the year for her nine-time Grammy-nominated SOS, and fellow 2023 Grammy nominees Victoria Monét (two) and Coco Jones (one) also took home some hardware.
Explore
See latest videos, charts and news
See latest videos, charts and news
Even as the Thanksgiving weekend forced everyone to prioritize leisure, a bevy of artists seized the opportunity to unleash some new music upon the world. With Fresh Picks, Billboard aims to highlight some of the best and most interesting new sounds across R&B and hip-hop — from Coco Jones’ aptly-tiled new Christmas anthem to Senth’s shape-shifting amalgam of Afrobeats and R&B.
Be sure to check out this week’s Fresh Picks in our Spotify playlist below.
Freshest Find: Senth, “Bend It”
[embedded content]
Placed directly in the middle of Senth’s Wayyy Saucy EP — his first body of work this year — “Bend It” achieves peak sensuality with a tantalizing mixture of booming brass, pounding drums, and a lead vocal that morphs from whispery mumble to impassioned exclamations of sexual tension. Between notes of house, soul, hip-hop, and a rhythm that pulls from both Afrobeats and dancehall, “Bend It” traverses the musical multitudes of the Black diaspora with startling ease.
Otis Kane, “Closer”
[embedded content]
Steeped in the same reverence for the warmth of soulful old-school R&B that permeated 2023 records from the likes of October London and Lucky Daye, Otis Kane’s “Closer” channels the steady grooves of Marvin Gaye for a tender ode to the never-ending process of growing closer to your lover. There’s a levity to “Closer” that immediately separates it from the murkier contemporary R&B scenes; Kane’s slight rasp adds some dimension to his vocal performance, but it’s the way he floats over the instrumental that truly encapsulates the track’s dynamism.
Luh Tyler, “Change My Wayz”
[embedded content]
A year removed from the viral success of “Law & Order,” Florida rapper Luh Tyler takes a moment to reflect on his whirlwind rise with the introspective “Change My Wayz” — from his growth in relationship to his transition to real chains and jewelry. Unlike some of his most popular tracks, “Change My Wayz” does not rely on a quirky sample or a familiar hook-reliant song structure. Instead, Luh Tyler delivers a singular stream-of-consciousness verse over a mellow CashCache-produced beat. “Know I got to stay on ten, I got to keep my head on/ She mad cause I done fucked her friend, she like, ‘You know you dеad wrong’/ Damn, I gotta change my ways,” he spits.
Tink, “40x”
[embedded content]
Tink has helped shape the sound of R&B for close to a decade now, and her new single “40x” offers yet another dose of morose, guitar-inflected balladry. “Real bitches can’t be bought/ So tired of being strong/ Someone come keep me soft,” she croons. By the time she reaches the chorus, Tink has attached the “40” quantifier to everything from the number of nights since she’s cried to the amount of lies her ex-lover told her. Here, Tink balances her lyrical focus on the “blues” part of R&B with a melodic cadence that brings her closer to contemporary hip-hop while still showcasing the different shades and capabilities of her voice.
Adam Blackstone & Boyz II Men, “Greatest Gift”
[embedded content]
Mere weeks after adding two more Grammy nominations to his belt, Emmy-winning music director Adam Blackstone has gifted fans A Legacy Christmas, his first holiday album and second solo LP. Of the project’s 11 tracks, Blackstone’s collaboration with iconic R&B vocal group Boyz II Men was the instant standout. In characteristically pitch-perfect fashion, the trio delivers their trademark ear-melting harmonies with all of the wide-eyed earnestness that holiday music requires. Blackstone’s twinkling jazz-rooted arrangement offers the group a playground of pockets to play around with, making for a winning original Christmas collaboration in a year filled with them.
Coco Jones, “A Timeless Christmas”
[embedded content]
Coco Jones’ recent momentum is borderline unstoppable. As if securing five Grammy nominations and a Soul Train Music Award victory for best new artist wasn’t enough, the “ICU” singer also dropped off a terrific new original Christmas song, aptly titled “A Timeless Christmas.” Co-written with Tiyon “TC” Mack, the new holiday tune smartly employs Jones’ rich voice over lyrics that paint a gorgeous winter pastoral. “There’s laughter in our hearts, a special kind/ Sharing love and kindness in every rhyme/ Every rhyme/ We gather ’round with friends by our side/ And feel all the magic in the sky/ In the sky,” she coos. Complete with chugging percussion that offers a sleek sonic contrast to the background strings and jingle bells, “A Timeless Christmas” is yet another home run for Coco Jones.
We are officially in awards season, folks! On Sunday night (Nov. 19), Billboard announced the winners of the 2023 Billboard Music Awards, with Beyoncé, Drake, The Weeknd, SZA, 21 Savage, Nicki Minaj and Metro Boomin reigning victorious in the rap and R&B categories. The 2023 Soul Train Music Awards were also taped last night; Keke Palmer will host the R&B-centric awards ceremony, which is set to air on Sunday, Nov. 26, at 8 p.m. ET/PT on BET and BET Her. SZA, Summer Walker and Usher lead the nominations with nine nods each.
Explore
See latest videos, charts and news
See latest videos, charts and news
In the midst of all of the celebratory extravaganzas, New Music Friday (Nov. 17) proceeded with business as usual, dumping a plethora of new tracks to listen to over the holiday break. With Fresh Picks, Billboard aims to highlight some of the best and most interesting new sounds across R&B and hip-hop — from ScarLip’s fast-rising new hit to Inayah’s tender, Fantasia-nodding R&B jam.
Be sure to check out this week’s Fresh Picks in our Spotify playlist below.
Freshest Find: Inayah, “For The Streets”
[embedded content]
Since its release back in 2007, Fantasia’s “When I See U” has become a certified R&B classic — the kind of song everyone covers for fun but no one would dare try to truly make their own. Enter Inayah, a rising R&B star who flips an interpolation of the song’s lyrics and instrumental into a no-holds-barred takedown of ain’t s–t men. “I had your picture on my mirror/ I took that s–t down/ Finally see that you been a clown/ Been holding us down while you f–king ’round,” she opens the song. Inayah smartly delivers each line with a sneaky wink, nodding to the sublime amalgam of the unmistakably iconic aura of Fantasia’s original and the tongue-in-cheek gems of truths sprinkled throughout her own track.
41 & Jenn Carter, “Problems”
[embedded content]
One of the new tracks from 41’s “11-track EP” 41 World: Not the Album, “Problems” is a Jenn Carter solo cut that is yet another reminder that she’s one of the most captivating voices coming out of the Brooklyn drill scene right now. The Touchamill-produced tracks find her getting a bit introspective as she waxes poetic about a relationship in turmoil. Sonically in a lane most similar to the most lovelorn snap-laden ballads of A Boogie wit da Hoodie and Lil Tjay, “Problems” proves just how versatile Jenn is. “Takin’ all my еnergy, tryna’ keep you next to me / Wе been through the worst, but I know you want the best for me/ Why you keep on testing me?/ Like, you know these bitches texting me?” she spits.
Jay Rock feat. Bongo ByTheWay, “Still That Way”
[embedded content]
It’s been five years since Redemption, but Jay Rock has been making up for the lengthy wait between studio albums with a steady stream of new music this year. His latest offering is the Bongo ByTheWay-helmed “Still That Way,” a booming anthem that treads the familiar ground of celebrating success while still maintaining the grounding and authenticity of your roots. Triumphant brass and skittering hi-hats provide most of the instrumental’s background while Jay Rock’s commanding voice supplies the momentum.
ScarLip, “Blick”
[embedded content]
Since becoming one of this year’s biggest new stars with her rousing late-summer anthem “This Is New York.” ScarLip has maintained a consistent musical and online presence. Last week (Nov. 15), the Bronx rapper unleashed “Blick,” her catchy new single that combines the raw intensity of her DMX-nodding breakout hit with the dance-facing rhythmic qualities of Jersey club-inflected drill. Already soundtracking a TikTok dance challenge, “Blick” is looking to become a sizable hit — one that smartly reveals the different shades of her artistic ethos.
Mannywellz, “Be Alright”
[embedded content]
Appearing on his new Mr. Oúlala EP, Mannywellz’s “Be Alright” is a no-frills guitar ballad heralding peace and security in the knowledge that everything will eventually work out as it needs to. With a sweeping melody to add some weight to the simple lyrics in the chorus (“It’s gonna be alright”), Manny relies on the warmth of his tone and the idiosyncrasies of his enunciation and phrasing to add some dynamics to the song.
Terrace Martin & Gallant, “Tandem”
[embedded content]
In this subtly funky slow jam, Terrace and Gallant use an extended metaphor of a tandem bike to croon about how they and their respective lovers fit perfectly together. “We’re in tandem like bikes, why don’t you take a seat?/ You’ll be riding all night, I’ll be rocking in sync/ We might fuss, we may fight, never lose chemistry/ We’re in tandem like bikes, why don’t you take a seat?” Gallant sings. Terrace’s lush production, which features notes of funk and doo-wop, provides a sensual backdrop for Gallant’s come-hither coos, but it’s the restraint in his vocal performance that’s most impressive.
No Guidnce, “Long Walk”
[embedded content]
Rising British R&B boy group No Guidnce continues their ascension with a reflective new cut titled “Long Walk.” Sitting on the opposite end of the hip-hop-inflected R&B spectrum from “Spicy,” the quarter opts for a soulful drum-heavy beat courtesy of Ben Billions and Terrence Rolle. It’s a simple story about meeting someone new for the first time, but the contrast of the chugging drums with their yearning harmonies makes for a particularly immersive listening experience.